Lenten Prayer Partners is back this Lenten season, and we would love for you to be a part of this powerful experience! When you join as a Prayer Partner, you’re embracing the incredible strength that comes from lifting up others in prayer, specifically someone from our St. John’s family. Through an anonymous “match,” you will be connected with a fellow parishioner, offering them your heartfelt prayers throughout the season.

During the 40 days of Lent, we ask that you:

1. Pray for your Lenten Prayer Partner daily.
2. Drop off a card at the church OR mail them a card or letter each week – signed “Your Lenten Prayer Partner.” Use St. John’s address as the return address, not your own. You will have the option to select drop off or mail your weekly card in the sign up below.
3. You’ll reveal yourself to your Prayer Partner by leaving a card for them at the Easter Vigil (April 4) or on Easter Sunday (April 5). These gift tables will be set up in Alfriend Hall at each Easter service (6:30 PM – Easter Vigil, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:15 AM – Easter Sunday). If you’re unable to attend either service, you’re welcome to leave your gift in the front office the week prior. 

If you are interested in being a secret Prayer Partner for someone at St. John’s, please fill out the form below (or fill out a hard copy of the form in the church office) by Sunday, February 1. You’ll know your form was successfully submitted when you see a confirmation message. We will be in touch with details about your Lenten Prayer Partner!

SIGN-UPS HAVE CLOSED

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St. John’s is here and we come with prayers, emotional support, meals, or whatever is needed. Pastoral Care Teams assist clergy in many ways. Some by visiting and supporting those in our parish who need pastoral attention through an illness, loss of a loved one, or other pastoral needs. However, there are times when a priest is most appropriate.

When to contact a priest…

Only a priest can offer sacraments. Births, marriage, death and dying, funeral planning, baptism, and reconciliation of a penitent are all times when we need a priest by our side. In these cases, please call the front office (850) 222-2636.

Pastoral Care Ministries at St. John’s

St. John’s is here for you. In times of illness, loss, or life’s challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out—to a fellow member, the church office, or our clergy—and let the care of this community surround you.

From prayer and conversation to casseroles, prayer beads, and hand-knit shawls, the Pastoral Care Ministry is ready to offer comfort and support. Whether you need a listening ear or communion brought to your home or hospital room, St. John’s is a place of grace, healing, and love.

We are one body in Christ, and we are here for each other.

Contact us: pastoralcare@saint-john.org or call (850) 222-2636 ext. 33

Here are ways St. John’s can support you!

Community of Hope (COHI) – Pastoral Care Person of the Day

In 2024, several St. John’s parishioners have trained with Community of Hope International (COHI) to support our pastoral care ministry. COHI equips lay people to offer compassionate, faith-based care through a ministry of presence—listening with empathy and offering non-controlling, spiritually grounded support.

Every Sunday, a Pastoral Care Person of the Day, identified by a Pastoral Care ribbon on their name badge, will be available after each Sunday service for 30 minutes in the Chapel for support and prayer as well as connection to other pastoral care resources.

Angel Food Meal Delivery

Are you or another parishioner in need of meal delivery? When recovering from illness, loss of a loved one, or difficult times, sometimes all you need is a home-cooked meal delivered to your home. Contact Emily Garretson and be added to the Angel Meal Delivery list.

Eucharistic Visitors

Jesus is always reminding us to go out into the world taking what we have received to those we meet along the way. A Eucharistic Visitor takes the bread and the wine from services at St. John’s and shares them with those who cannot physically come to church. With training and clergy direction this special ministry connects all of our members together as the body of Christ. If this is a form of support you or a loved one needs, contact Steve Bryan to learn more.

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Cuba Mission Team – November 2025 Trip

St. John’s will again send a mission team to visit our companion church, Iglesia Episcopal San Pedro Apostol, in Zorrilla, Cuba, Nov. 13-18. They will worship and share fellowship with the parish and community and deliver much-needed donations from St. John’s.

Missionaries are: Francine Walker and Chris Schoonover, co-leaders; Fr. Lonnie Lacy, Alison Dillehay, Joe Dillehay, Paula Kiger, Jan Porter, and JR Saginario. Each will take donated supplies for San Pedro Apostol, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins for children and adults, altar supplies, and women’s items, and other support for the church.

Please help the November team collect the medicines, vitamins, and other needed health-related items. Purchase any time before Nov. 1 and drop-off to the Cuba Mission bin in the St. John’s office, or order for delivery to the church via Amazon: Click here for the list. As you scroll down to the bottom of each page, be sure to click on See More Items. Prices for most of the donated items range from $2-25.

We will also again hold another ministry Cuba Mission Fundraiser on the Patio at Cafe de Martin, Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5:30-7:30. For more information and to register ($25 per attendee) and/or to donate funds for mission work, CLICK HERE.

We will also be joined on the November mission trip by two members of Episcopal Church of the Advent, Tallahassee. Their companion is Iglesia Episcopal La Trinidad in Los Arabos, also a church led by Fr. Juan Carlos. The entire team will also visit the Episcopal Cathedral, in Havana and Seminario Evangelico de Teologia de Matanzas.

A Call to Mission: Crossing Borders with Love

At St. John’s Episcopal Church, we believe that mission is not just about traveling across the world—it’s about crossing any significant border with the love of Christ. Whether that border is an ocean, a street, or simply the pew behind you, we are all called to be missionaries through our baptism. The mission of the Church, as our Prayer Book reminds us, is to restore all people to unity with God and one another in Christ. And as Paul teaches, this mission is one of reconciliation—not through conquest or argument, but through love.

Recently, a team from St. John’s traveled to Zorrilla, Cuba, to visit our companion church, San Apóstol. Life in Cuba is challenging. Many buildings are in ruins, jobs pay very little, and resources like food, electricity, and medicine are scarce. As one of our translators put it, “We do not live in Cuba. We survive in Cuba.” Yet in the midst of hardship, the Church thrives, offering both spiritual and physical sustenance. Our partnership supports clean water systems, essential medical supplies, and a growing faith community. These efforts are not just acts of charity—they are faith in action, tangible expressions of Christ’s love.

But mission is never one-sided. Our friends in Cuba don’t just receive; they share their faith, generosity, and resilience with us. True reconciliation happens when we meet each other as equals, when we cross borders—not just geographical ones, but those that separate survival from joy, isolation from belonging. As followers of Christ, we all have something to give. Whether it’s financial support, supplies, advocacy, or prayer, each of us plays a part in this Gospel work.

Jesus himself crossed the greatest border of all to dwell among us. Now, in Him, strangers become companions, divides become meeting places, and despair gives way to hope. Every relationship in our lives is a mission field, and each of us is called to be an ambassador of grace. Because, whether we realize it or not, we are all missionaries of Jesus—the living, loving Christ of God.

We invite you to watch Sunday, March 31’s Sunday sermon with Fr. Lonnie and featuring, Beth Sylvester, Cuba Mission Team Member. And mark your calendars for April 28! We’ll hear the full Cuba Mission Team’s presentation.

New Way to Help

Here’s a great new way to help our sisters and brothers of San Pedro Apostol year-round when shopping at Costco, Sam’s, or a pharmacy and see a BOGO or a great sale price on any of these items. Or if you have extra funds in your FSA or HSA account, spend them any time and drop off your donations in the Cuba Mission basket in the church office.

Children: 
Tylenol
Antihistamines
Multivitamins
Cough Syrup

Adults: 
Multivitamins
Vitamins B, B6, B12, C, E
Probiotics
Aspirin
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Cough Drops
Throat Lozenges
Antacids
Anti-Diarrhea
Anti-Nausea
Zinc
Hydrocortisone & Triple Antibiotic Creams
Antihistamines
Vicks VapoRub
Calamine Lotion
Bengay
Bandages
First Aid Supplies

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Are you seeking a deeper connection with God through prayer and service? The Daughters of the King® is a community of Christian women—both lay and ordained—who support one another in a shared commitment to a life of prayer, service, and evangelism. Whether you are just beginning your faith journey or have walked with Christ for many years, you will find strength and encouragement among sisters who share your desire to know Jesus and make Him known. United by our Rule of Life, we seek to reflect God’s love in our daily lives and in the world around us.

As a spiritual order rather than just an organization, the Daughters of the King offers a sacred and lifelong commitment to growing in faith. After a period of study and discernment, each member takes vows to uphold the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service, deepening her relationship with God and her fellow sisters. With members ranging from age seven to one hundred and seven, we are a multigenerational sisterhood where wisdom is shared, faith is nurtured, and lives are transformed. If you find joy and purpose in prayer and long for a supportive community of faith-filled women, we invite you to join us in this sacred calling.

If you are interested in learning more about the Daughters of the King, we encourage you to reach out to Winifred Williams or Regina Lewis, our chapter’s co-presidents.

If the Daughters of the King feels right to you, then we invite you to join! We are holding training sessions this summer on Sunday, June 1, 11:30 AM-1 PM and will run for 10-12 weeks. Registration ends on May 1! Click the link to register for training below.

To learn more about the order, visit the national order’s website by clicking here. Join other women of deep faith as they continue the time-honored tradition of praying for others in our parish and our community.

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During the 40 days of Lent, we ask that you:

1. Pray for your Lenten Prayer Partner daily.
2. Mail them a card or letter each week – signed “Your Lenten Prayer Partner.” Use St. John’s address as the return address, not your own.
3. You’ll reveal yourself to your Prayer Partner by leaving a small gift or card for them at the Easter Vigil (4/19) or on Easter Sunday (4/20). These gift tables will be set up in Alfriend Hall at each Easter service (6:30 PM – Easter Vigil, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:15 AM – Easter Sunday). If you’re unable to attend either service, you’re welcome to leave your gift in the front office the week prior. Gifts should cost no more than $10.

This is more than just a practice—it’s a chance to share comfort and support within our community while deepening our own prayer lives. Whether you’re 3 or 103, we invite you to join us in creating a prayerful network of love and care. Together, let’s make this Lent a season of powerful connection and prayer for one another.

If you are interested in being a secret Prayer Partner for someone at St. John’s, please fill out the form below (or fill out a hard copy of the form in the church office) by Sunday, February 23. You’ll know your form was successfully submitted when you see a confirmation message. We will be in touch with details about your Lenten Prayer Partner!

SIGN-UPS ARE NOW CLOSED.

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Based upon requests from many of our parishioners, this February, your St. John’s Pastoral Care Team will begin offering four support groups. These Phoenix Groups are here to provide support and community during some of the tougher times in our lives. These small groups will meet at St. John’s gathered to support and encourage one another.

Here are the groups to be offered at this time:

Caregivers for Loved Ones with Dementia

Divorce Recovery

Caregivers for Aging Parents

Those Experiencing Recent or Fresh Grief

Please take this quick survey to tell us what days of the week and times of day work best for you. The survey also gives you an opportunity to let us know of other areas of support you’re seeking. While we can’t promise to be able to address those areas this spring, we’d love to incorporate your needs in the future.

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