Every year, we print poinsettia and music dedications in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. This is a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased.

Please submit your dedications online or look for envelopes in the pews and place your donations in the offering basket. To allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Sunday, December 14.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received.

Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

The post 2025 Christmas Music & Flower Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Every year, we print poinsettia and music dedications in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. This is a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased.

Please submit your dedications online or look for envelopes in the pews and place your donations in the offering basket. To allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Sunday, December 15.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received.

Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

The post 2024 Christmas Music & Flower Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

— Ezekiel 36:26

The Stewardship Committee is holding the entire parish in prayer as we begin the Stewardship Season for the upcoming calendar year 2024. Pledge packets are being mailed out during the month of October. If you do not receive one by October 31, please email Kristi Leger or call (850) 222-2636 ext. 17. Your Stewardship Committee members include: Ben & Sarah Bowersox (Chairs), Lynn Bannister, Graham Demont, Kyle Griffis, Chuck Hinson (Vestry Chair), Jen (Jennifer) Hinson, Kelly Kirby, Jenni Morris, Katie Proctor, Manny (Enmanuel) Stewart-Meza, and Andrew Wiggins.

St. John’s is continuing our new tradition of a shortened pledge season, now happening during the months of October through mid-November. Please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment and let us know by November 15.

You can return your pledge card in the mail, place in the offering plate (in the envelope provided for confidentiality) or try your hand at making your pledge online by logging in to your Realm account!

We know that many people have questions about Stewardship and what it means. How do we engage with Stewardship at St. John’s and in our own lives? Join us during the month October at one of our Gratitude Gatherings to enjoy each other’s company and to visit with Father Lonnie to learn more about Stewardship and the impact it makes in our lives and our community.

These gatherings will take place from 5:30-7:00 PM and will begin with fellowship and light hors d’oeuvres followed by a conversation with Father Lonnie. Conversation will touch on new beginnings in our church, the renewal of our spirit of giving, and the role stewardship plays in the vision of our church.

We hope to see you there. All are invited, but we ask that you kindly RSVP to help our hosts plan accordingly. Choose the gathering that is most convenient for you, simply click on one of the links below.

October 16, 5:30-7 PM at the home of Jim & Laurye Messer

October 23, 5:30-7 PM at St. John’s – join us for Chorister Evensong!

October 30, 5:30 – 7 PM at the home of Chuck & Jen Hinson

The St. John’s Stewardship Committee is looking forward to a joyful and generous stewardship season with you!

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WHO IT IMPACTS: Through the GPL program, Youth are entrusted with church funds to make micro-loans (through kiva.org) and positively impact people in the US and around the world.

WHAT YOU LEARN: Using scripture and group discussion, we consider “who is our neighbor?” and how can we share God’s abundance by investing in others. Additionally, Youth learn about risk, diversification, barriers to capital, and debt. They acquire a basic understanding of loans, what life is like for the poorest of the poor, and what kinds of programs do and don’t help. They also learn the difference between spending one’s own money and being entrusted with the responsibility of being good stewards of church funds. Youth involved in GPL take on leadership roles, deepen their faith, and work together to create a final presentation for the parish.

PROGRAM LEADERS: GPL is led by Stephanie Amidon (lay leader) and Youth Ministry leaders, along with parishioners and professionals from the Tallahassee community in the fields of education, finance, government, economics, biology, and technology: Ben Bowersox, Austin Carroll, Jeff Couch, JR Saginario, and Bo Shippen.

COURSES OFFERED: All new students must first attend the “Year 1” session. Returning students will have the option of continuing with our “Year 2” curriculum or advancing to our “Year 3” offering.

• Year 1: global philanthropy, micro-loans, personal finance, global poverty, and hunger
• Year 2: economic impact of racism in America
• Year 3: creation care – investing in a sustainable future

TIME COMMITMENT: We ask that Youth commit to attending ALL sessions on the following dates. Gatherings will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on Sundays, unless otherwise indicated:

• September 22, 2024
• October 3, 2024 (Thursday at 6 PM) – Dinner & Movie
• October 27, 2024
• November 17, 2024
• December 15, 2024
• January 26, 2025
• February 23, 2025
• March 30, 2025
• April 27, 2025 – Parish Presentation during Coffee & Connection Hour

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION: Upon acceptance into GPL, we request that all first-year students contribute $25 at the first Sunday session, preferably from their own savings/earnings to combine with funds provided by St. John’s to make loans. This by no means should be a barrier for anyone, need-based scholarships will be available upon request. Returning students will invest with accumulated loan repayments.

Use the form below to apply for the 2024-25 Global Philanthropy Leaders program. Applications will be accepted through 7/31/24. Please contact Stephanie Amidon with questions regarding GPL or the application process.

The post GPL Enters 5th Year! appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Every year, we print poinsettia and music dedications in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. This is a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased.

Please submit your dedications online or look for envelopes in the pews and place your donations in the offering basket. To allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Tuesday, December 12 (EXTENDED THROUGH 12/15!!)

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received.

Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

The post 2023 Christmas Music & Flower Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

St. John’s Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) will begin its fourth season of classes in fall 2023. This initiative, which was started by staff and lay leaders, gathers high school students in a small group setting for lunch and a monthly discussion about sharing in God’s abundance through investment. Due to the response from our young people, St. John’s expanded its GPL offerings last fall. There are now three classes that meet on Sundays (September through April) during the program year!

WHO IT IMPACTS: Through the GPL program, Youth are entrusted with church funds to make micro-loans (through kiva.org) and positively impact people in the US and around the world.

WHAT YOU LEARN: Using scripture and group discussion, we consider “who is our neighbor?” and how can we share God’s abundance by investing in others. Additionally, Youth learn about risk, diversification, barriers to capital, and debt. They acquire a basic understanding of loans, what life is like for the poorest of the poor, and what kinds of programs do and don’t help. They also learn the difference between spending one’s own money and being entrusted with the responsibility of being good stewards of church funds. Youth involved in GPL take on leadership roles, deepen their faith, and work together to create a final presentation for the parish.

PROGRAM LEADERS: GPL is led by Kate Kile (Director of Finance & Faith Formation) and Youth Ministry leaders, along with parishioners and professionals from the Tallahassee community in the fields of education, finance, government, economics, biology, and technology: Stephanie Amidon, Ben Bowersox, Austin Carroll, Jeff Couch, Allison Dillehay, JR Saginario, and Bo Shippen.

COURSES OFFERED: All new students must first attend the “Year 1” session. Returning students will have the option of continuing with our “Year 2” curriculum or advancing to our “Year 3” offering.

• Year 1: global philanthropy, micro-loans, personal finance, global poverty, and hunger
• Year 2: economic impact of racism in America
• Year 3: creation care – investing in a sustainable future

TIME COMMITMENT: We ask that Youth commit to attending ALL sessions on the following dates. Gatherings will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on Sundays, unless otherwise indicated:

• September 10, 2023
• October 5, 2023 (Thursday at 6 PM) – Dinner & Movie
• October 29, 2023
• November 12, 2023
• December 10, 2023
• January 28, 2024
• February 25, 2024
• March 24, 2024
• April 7, 2024 (Sunday at 11:15 AM) – Parish Presentation during Coffee & Connection Hour

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION: Upon acceptance into GPL, we request that all first-year students contribute $25 at the first Sunday session, preferably from their own savings/earnings to combine with funds provided by St. John’s to make loans. This by no means should be a barrier for anyone, need-based scholarships will be available upon request. Returning students will invest with accumulated loan repayments.

Use the form below to apply for the 2023-24 Global Philanthropy Leaders program. Applications will be accepted through 6/30/2023. Please contact Kate Kile with questions regarding GPL or the application process.

**The application window for the 2023-24 year has closed.**

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St. John’s hands-on relationship with Tallahassee’s Homeless Shelter began in 2014, supporting the Shelter’s existing food program, a major outreach initiative made possible by a team of community volunteers, churches, and civic groups that regularly prepared meals. At that time, the facility was only able to provide individuals with overnight shelter and three meals per day. St. John’s parishioners Mary Lee Robertson and Susan Jones helped bring St. John’s into the picture, recruiting parishioners to serve meals during the Shelter’s final months in its overflowing Tennessee Street location.

In 2015, as The Kearney Center’s new location was opening, the very first dinner meal was prepared in the St. John’s church kitchen and served by our clergy and volunteers. And now, nearly 10 years later, The Kearney Center is able to offer daily meals, shelter, and comprehensive emergency services out of their Pensacola Street location, thanks to partnerships with community organizations like St. John’s. Read on for how YOU can get involved…

Meal Service: St. John’s has grown from providing volunteers to prepare and serve periodic meals to coordinating meal service three or four times monthly (pre-pandemic) and on holidays like Thanksgiving. The St. John’s crew was fortunate to be volunteering when The Kearney Center’s millionth meal was served in July 2019. And, for 10 years, St. John’s has sent groups of middle and high schoolers to The Kearney Center to assist during Youth B.E.A.T. Week.

Baked Good Donations: There’s also an auxiliary team of drivers that delivers donated baked goods from local businesses to The Kearney Center. We lovingly call these our once or twice weekly “Bun Runs,” shuttling leftovers from Tasty Pastry Bakery and Au Péché Mignon Bakery to The Kearney Center. According to Dennis Howard, one of nearly a dozen parishioners who regularly handle these deliveries, “we have diverted tons and tons of quality baked goods from the landfill and made it available to appreciative guests at the Kearney Center.”

Pandemic PB&J Effort: During the pandemic, St. John’s partnered with The Kearney Center to bridge an unavoidable gap in meal service. Thanks to John Allen – who coordinated a team of dedicated St. John’s parishioners and friends – more than 8,000 prepared PB&J sandwiches were distributed to Kearney Center residents in temporary housing during the first year of the pandemic.

Parishioner Nancy Brand has been volunteering at The Kearney Center since she saw a plea for volunteers in the Chimes about six years ago. She first served with older, retired parishioners, but some of our loyal volunteers were unable to return following the pandemic. Nancy has recruited new volunteers over the year, including many former teaching colleagues. One woman, and her teenage son, came on board four years ago and continue to volunteer with St. John’s to this day.

Nancy would love to see our parish youth become more involved with The Kearney Center ministry. She says, “When they are serving, we notice a more positive attitude among the clients as they pass through the dining room. There is no special training required – just a servant’s heart!”

St. John’s parishioner Mary Lee Robertson has been volunteering monthly at The Kearney Center since the doors opened in 2015. She says this opportunity has allowed her to become friends with her fellow St. John’s volunteers, and her life has been enriched by serving and getting to know the clients as well as the staff.

“I have known clients who have gone back to school, gotten jobs, and received treatment for addiction. I have also mourned those who have died,” said Mary Lee. “Being a volunteer at The Kearney Center is more than dishing up food or handing out plates … each person has his or her own story.”

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To honor Mother Abi and celebrate her new position at Trinity Church Boston, St. John’s will be making a contribution to a scholarship fund at Sewanee: The University of the South, Mother Abi’s two-time alma mater. St. John’s will make a donation to the fund in Abi’s honor, in gratitude for all she has done for our parish over the past 11 years. Parishioners are invited to contribute as well.

Mother Abi’s time as a Sewanee undergraduate student and as a seminarian laid the groundwork for her years of dedicated ministry at St. John’s, and this fund will help another young priest receive the same wonderful start.

Gifts made to the scholarship fund are tax deductible and can be made online by June 30, 2022.

Thank you for your generosity!

St. John’s was able to made a wonderful donation to Sewanee in Mother Abi’s honor!

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Thank you, St. John’s, from the organizers of A FULL SUMMER. Because of you, this year’s program was a FULL success!

A FULL SUMMER raised nearly $41,000, and with these funds volunteers were able to pack 5,000 snacks for Second Harvest to distribute this summer to area agencies that provide services for at risk children. A FULL SUMMER is also underwriting the monitoring fee for the Hope 24/7 Food Locker at Sabal Palm Elementary and sponsoring eight Leon County School food pantries for the 2023-24 school year.

This year, St. John’s allocated funds for A FULL SUMMER in the annual parish budget and individual church members donated funds and worked on a St. John’s team at the snack pack event on June 4. The St. John’s Foundation has provided support as well! This community partnership is nearly a decade strong. Back in 2012, St. John’s approved A FULL SUMMER as a “Visioning the Vineyard” Strategic Plan initiative and in 2013, A FULL SUMMER held its first meal assembly in Alfriend Hall. Since then, our parish has supported A FULL SUMMER’s efforts to feed local children who struggle with hunger. Thank you, St. John’s, for loving your neighbor as yourselves!

Photography: Dennis Howard

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Invest in the spiritual future of St. John’s Youth—specifically parish Youth mission trips—by taking stock in our Youth program!

On Sunday, February 13, our 6th through 12th graders, will be available in Eve’s Garden to discuss our program to potential “investors” and how we are “incorporating” under the laws of heaven. Stock will be available for purchase in person at the event, and then through the St. John’s website for $25 a share, through February 20.

Upon making your investment, you will receive a stock certificate, and shareholders will be able to see the benefits of their investment, at a shareholders’ dinner when our mission team returns from Quito, Ecuador.

There is no limit on the number of shares you can purchase. We invite you to purchase as much stock as possible in our Youth program, as an investment in our faith community and mission trip fundraising efforts.

With your help, our young people are able to serve as Christ’s light in the world through annual mission work!

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At our most recent Coffee Talk, our Rector Search Committee Chairs shared a sneak peek of the St. John’s parish profile. The Parish Profile Subcommittee, headed by Corinna Strayer along with her fabulous team, created a publication that will allow potential candidates to see “Who We Are” and “Who We Seek” in a rector. It’s actually an interactive webpage, which means we are able to showcase the sights and sounds of our wonderful church within the web-based publication. Applicants can also apply directly from the site.

We’re providing this link to the parish profile so that you may take a closer look. We also hope you’ll share it with anyone and everyone whom you think might be called to St. John’s.

As we said at Coffee Talk, you have chosen a search committee, but discerning who God has chosen for our next rector is the entire congregation’s job. Sharing this link is one of the ways you can help. Another is to continue to pray for your search committee.

We are now embarking on the “Seeking Phase” of our rector search, and expect to start receiving applications soon. With your assistance and God’s guidance, we are one step closer to finding His choice for St. John’s.

Your Rector Search Committee thanks you for your support, prayers, and love!

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— I Corinthians 12:27

The Stewardship Committee is holding the entire parish in prayer as we begin the Stewardship Season for the upcoming calendar year 2022. Pledge packets should have arrived at your mailbox this week. If you have not received one, please email Kate Kile or call (850) 222-2636 ext. 17. Your Stewardship Committee members include: JR & Ken Saginario (Chairs), Carolyn & Bob Gosselin (Vice Chairs), Jeff & Lisa Askins (Immediate past Chairs), Jen Garretson, Katie Proctor, and Linda Scott.

St. John’s is continuing our new tradition of a shortened pledge season, now happening during the month of October. Please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment and let us know by October 31.

You can return your pledge card in the mail, place in the offering plate (in the envelope provided for confidentiality) or try your hand at making your pledge online by logging in to your Realm account!

If you still haven’t worked up the courage to do that, Claire and Kate are more than happy to walk you through that process. Simply call or email them to set up a time for tech support.

The St. John’s Stewardship Committee is looking forward to a joyful and generous stewardship season with you!

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Desmond Tutu once wisely said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” What he meant is that everything in life that seems daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible can be accomplished gradually by taking on just a little at a time. The same principle applies to learning new technology tools like Realm, St. John’s upgraded membership and financial software. Since there is much to see and do with Realm, we will start off simply – a bite at a time!

On Friday, July 30, all church members should be on the lookout for an important email from Realm with an invitation to start using the upgraded version of our very secure membership and financial software. Once logged in, you’ll be able to easily manage your personal information and privacy settings! Below are samples of what that email invitation may look like.

Simply follow the link in your email and create a password. Then, join us this Sunday, August 1, at 11:15 AM, at Coffee Talk, when the St. John’s staff shares how our parish will use this upgraded software. Our number one priority is connection to God, self, and other, so come learn how Realm will help us all stay informed and connected. We’ll also provide beginning instructions on how to download and use Realm on a mobile device. If you’re ready to take that next step now, read on. Otherwise, we’ll see you at Coffee Talk!

REALM ON MOBILE DEVICES:

Realm replaces St. John’s previous member and financial software, ACS, and the “Realm Connect” mobile app takes the place of the Church Life app. When logged in to either the desktop or mobile interface, members will be able to access and edit their personal contact information, privacy settings, and view their giving history. Below is a quick “getting started” tutorial for mobile devices. Our staff will walk you through Realm on desktop computers during Coffee Talk.

If you have outstanding questions following Coffee Talk, please contact Claire Dodd or Deborah Dugger in the church office. If one-on-one assistance would be helpful, Membership Director Claire Dodd will be available at lunchtime from Tuesday, August 3 through Friday, August 6. Just B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) and we’ll get you squared away!

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When St. John’s began its capital campaign in 2017, church leaders sought a tangible way to express appreciation for the many individuals who generously contributed to the restoration, renovation and preservation. The donor recognition committee was eventually led and captivated by the work of Ron Yrabedra, a highly regarded artist who had extensive knowledge of the Bible. In 2021, Ron shared his vision for this project as a triptych, “From Eden to Gethsemane,” a stunning piece of artwork that is now hanging in St. John’s parish hall, home to the Lively Café.

In this conversation with the artist, the Rev. David C. Killeen, long-time St. John’s rector, discusses the process involved in creating the painting, and the symbolism and stories depicted in each panel.

The vibrant painting offers a reminder that the Bible begins and ends in a garden and that we are called to be in harmony with God, each other, and all creation. Our abundant life is reflected in the symbols displayed in this painting.

Additionally, the gold used throughout the painting symbolizes the presence of God and the light of knowledge. “From Eden to Gethsemane” is a gift to St. John’s Episcopal Church from Raymond & Katherine Bye. In turn, the painting is a message of peace from St. John’s to all who visit Alfriend Hall. For decades to come, parishioners and community members will enjoy learning about the symbolism contained in this beautiful piece of artwork.

About the Artist: Ron Yrabedra (1944-2022) was professor emeritus of art education from Florida A&M University, where he taught for 34 years. Ron’s career in education spanned four decades, beginning with his work with children during the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama. Eventually, this work led Yrabedra to his doctoral studies at Florida State University and a specialty of instructing teachers about children’s art. Teaching led him to become a lecturer on discipline-based art education for the Florida Institute of Art Education, sponsored by the J. Paul Getty Institute of California. Ron was the director for LeMoyne Center for the Arts from 1982–86. Since 1981. For years, he had a painting studio in Railroad Square Art District, where hundreds of his paintings, drawings, and ceramics were exhibited.

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If you walk through Eve’s Garden, from Calhoun Street towards the church, you’ll pass Cobb Nursery, a brand-new space that was part of the “For All the Saints” renovation and restoration project. What had been a gathering place for adults is now a beautiful, more centralized haven for our youngest parishioners. However, the nursery’s move to this spot off the courtyard meant relocating Cobb Library, a space that had housed books and hosted small groups for ministry gatherings for nearly five decades.

The library was initially dedicated in 1975, in memory of Elizabeth “Bessie” Cobb, a longtime parishioner who devoted the majority of her 96 years to education in the Tallahassee community and to supporting children and youth programs at St. John’s. When campus renovations began in 2018, and items from Cobb Library were moved upstairs, the new nursery assumed the Cobb name, an appropriate honor as Bessie was known for her dedication to Tallahassee’s young people. This made it even more important to create a joyful space for our little ones.

The Building Committee brought in local artist and St. John’s parishioner Honey Hilliard to liven up the space with indigenous wildlife murals, a project that was funded by a donation from parishioners Charley and Leslie Redding. The continued growth of the St. John’s Children’s Ministry, coupled with their status as new grandparents, inspired the Reddings to help with the murals in the nursery – a space where Charley spent many hours overseeing renovations as our Building Committee co-chair.

Honey Hilliard’s deep connection to nature was the inspiration for the nursery murals. After receiving an art degree from Florida State University, Honey was hired as the wildlife artist for the State of Florida, where she designed conservation materials and painted wildlife. Honey’s bird paintings adorn the state bird identification poster that has been in circulation for more than 20 years in Florida classrooms, state parks and hotels. So it comes as no surprise that she felt “an instant spark” when Fr. Dave suggested wildlife paintings. That inspiration was compounded by Honey’s love for St. John’s and the nursery her daughter, Stella, has enjoyed over the years!

Honey shared that a subtle palette was chosen for the murals, “to reflect the misty, humid, local wildlife habitats, and to provide a calm, muted background for the bright, colorful toys that will be in the nursery.” As you walk in, the welcome wall features a Blue Heron couple guarding their nest, a fitting image for the spot where parents drop their children off for care.  

Honey described the rest of her inspiration, and shared a fond family memory about White-tailed Deer. “It has always been a huge delight and thrill to see the deer families my parents fed near our home, and the horns displayed at our family hunting cabin,” says Honey. “They seem to me to be innately powerful and mysterious.”

Since the Scrub Jay is the only bird species that lives exclusively in Florida, Honey wanted to be sure to include them, as well as a family of Burrowing Owls. She calls them “funny little birds,” and says, “their bright yellow eyes are featured under the mantle where I envision children being drawn to ‘hide out’ in good company, perhaps on some cushions with books!”

To engage our toddlers, Honey painted a few animals right at their eye level. She hopes the younger children will find the Alligator mama carrying babies on her back, and the Florida Panther and kitten, both fun and fascinating. Finally, Honey painted a Manatee family, Dolphins, and a Sea Turtle in the Infant Room where she says “the underwater scenes are meant to have a gentle womb-like feeling.”

St. John’s is grateful for the endless creativity and talent that contributed to this beautiful design, and we are thankful for the many hours of work Honey Hilliard spent on this space. Special thanks also to Dennis Howard for capturing photos of Honey’s artwork so all can enjoy the details from home until we get to see the space it person. This bit of whimsy at St. John’s center is sure to delight the children of our parish for years to come!

More about Elizabeth Cobb:

Elizabeth Cobb, or “Miss Bessie,” as she came to be known at St. John’s, was a life-long resident of Tallahassee. She was one of Leon County’s most valuable teachers and she served as the first principal of Caroline Brevard Elementary School. Her work was so vital that the county named it’s new junior high school for her (now Elizabeth Cobb Middle School). Bessie’s teaching skills enriched St. John’s for many years as well. She taught confirmation classes, established two youth groups, and served as a summer camp counselor. Bessie was also president of the Women’s Auxiliary and resident House Mother at Ruge Hall at the FSCW. When it came time for Miss Bessie to move to a nursing home, she received communion in her room, a practice that soon extended to all who wished to attend. These days, communion is taken to many of our elder members on a regular basis! Elizabeth Cobb was a beloved parish institution, so it’s fitting that her name marks the spot where our youngest begin their journeys at St. John’s.

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Which member of our St. John’s clergy is YOUR money on this Shrove Tuesday? It’s the first annual St. John’s Pancake Race to kick off our 2021 Lenten Challenge! Together, we can relieve the medical debt of residents in some of our state’s most financially vulnerable communities.

Special thanks to St. John’s parishioner Charlie Belvin, of Charles Belvin Productions, for volunteering his time to produce this fun launch video. #covidcreativity

A Bit of Background: The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Shrove Tuesday, a time to indulge before the beginning of Lent. At St. John’s, Shrove Tuesday has often featured pancake suppers to raise outreach funds. In the UK, some communities hold pancake races on Shrove Tuesday, a tradition that dates back centuries. In recent years, these fun community races have raised money for charity, which is what prompted our clergy to race with pancakes to kick off a parish-wide outreach effort to relieve medical debt.

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Our 2021 Lenten Challenge has ended.

Imagine a scenario where you need medical attention but must choose between going to the doctor or feeding your family. Or, imagine a situation in which a single trip to the emergency room ruined your credit rating and sent you into a debilitating debt from which you may never recover. As a parish, we can prevent such scenarios. During the season of Lent, St. John’s Episcopal Church is partnering with the non-profit organization RIP Medical Debt to buy the medical debt of residents of some of Florida’s most financially vulnerable communities.

This debt reduction will give struggling families a fresh start, allowing them to receive critical medical attention and support on their journey toward financial stability. In partnership with RIP Medical Debt, every dollar donated forgives approximately $100 of medical debt. Your gifts of any amount will help us to reach our goal of $10,000 to purchase and forgive $1 million of medical debt for Florida families.

No matter how hard some families work to break the cycle of generational poverty, crushing medical debt can be virtually impossible to overcome. Your support of this unique campaign will help us reach households to help break this debilitating cycle.

• 43 million Americans now owe about $75 billion in past-due medical debt
• More than 1 in 3 Americans struggle to afford the cost of their medical care
• Medical debt contributes to more than 60 percent of all bankruptcies in the USA
• 75 percent of all individuals in medical bankruptcy had health insurance coverage

Now, imagine a scenario when a Florida resident opens an envelope telling them that St. John’s Episcopal Church has paid for and erased their medical debt with no strings attached – they owe nothing and have no tax penalty! Families can pay mortgages, utility bills, put food on their tables, and, most importantly, remain in the neighborhood. Every gift will make a difference. Please join us in fellowship with our parish family and our neighbors to make a significant difference in our state.

Our 2021 Lenten Challenge has ended.

For more detail on our partnering organization, we invite you to visit RIP Medical Debt’s Florida webpage to watch a great informational video about how these donations work.

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Lent is a season of transformation and self-examination, when we ask God for forgiveness and repentance while creating space to talk about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. These forty days lead us into closer unity with God. Read more below about how St. John’s will be observing the season and how you can prepare for Holy Week.

YOUR ROLE DURING LENT:

During Lent, we come together to participate in communal prayer and worship and walk through the season as a church community. Begin by worshipping on Ash Wednesday, then make a personal commitment to one or more of the spiritual practices listed below.

“SENSING” GOD’S PRESENCE:

THE HOLY WEEK JOURNEY:

The forty days of Lent are used to prepare adults for Holy Week. From Palm Sunday, to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, each Holy Week service allows us to journey with Jesus through the events leading to his death on the cross. Weekday services have a devotional characteristic and are special days for self-denial, intentional worship, and attending to needs of others.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR LENT:

Spiritual practices are part of Christian life year-round, but they enhance our Lenten spiritual journey. The key is ensuring the practices do not become rote activities. Here are some ways you can work on self-examination and repentance, individually or with your St. John’s family:

This year, Episcopal Relief and Development has made the annual Lenten Meditation Guide available online. That makes it easy to access the daily devotionals. Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence (or prayer).

Begin and/or end the day with Morning or Evening Prayer, found in the Book of Common Prayer. For easier access at home, at work, or during your commute use the online version (either written or audio format) of The Daily Office.

Virtually attend our Sung Compline service. It premieres at 8:00 p.m. Sundays, but watch any night of the week before bedtime! This ancient monastic service is recorded in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the Compline Choir.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus himself practiced. Hunger pains can be a helpful way to remember to pray for others and enter into self-reflection. If you have health concerns, please consult your doctor before beginning a fast.

Self-denial can be an alternative to fasting. Giving up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits forces you to be mindful of the hunger of others each time you crave that item or revert to a certain behavior – a simple act that can help us grow toward Christ.

You’ve given up chocolate or sodas or coffee for Lent, but how does that sacrifice bring you closer to God? Donate the money you would have spent to a cause, such as St. John’s effort to relieve the medical debt of Floridians in our most financially vulnerable communities. Every dollar donated forgives approximately $100 of medical debt.

The Stations of the Cross are a devotion that allows us to follow in the steps of Jesus from his condemnation by Pilate, through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary, to the Cross, and the tomb. Reflect while walking the stations in the chapel during Sunday’s Communion in the Garden time for a meaningful Lenten practice.

Consult with Fr. Dave, Mtr. Abi, or Fr. Wallace about a personal confession (or Reconciliation of a Penitent). The Episcopal Church has revitalized this practice as a way for Christians to seek Christ’s healing power through guided self-reflection, admission of sins, and reconciliation with God through forgiveness.

Attend our virtual Choral Evensong (March 14), one of the oldest services in the Anglican tradition. This special service is presented by St. John’s and the Church of the Nativity (Huntsville, AL). It will feature an extended organ prelude, as well as choral music of Howells, Byrd, Wesley, and Tallis.

Encounter God in scripture using Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that means divine or sacred reading. This unique approach to scripture, which features the ancient practice of slower and more reflective reading of the Scriptures, allows God to address us directly according to what He knows we need.

St. John’s offers enrichment for all ages. Christian education classes and Bible studies are held all year long, as are classes for Children (Saturday mornings) and Youth (Sunday evenings). There are several classes being offered specifically during Lent. See the list below and our calendar for more detail.

SPECIAL LENTEN CLASSES:

Praying the Gospel of St. John

Tuesdays at 7:30 PM; February 9 – April 6

St. John’s is joining the Brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) this Lent in an eight-week retreat that will provide an overview of the Gospel of John and introduce participants to its major themes.

Five Speeches that Changed America

Wednesdays at 7:30 PM; February 24 – March 24

A look at some of the most powerful, timeless speeches in American history (including speeches from MLK, Jr., Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama) with discussion about how these speeches address the challenges of the present day while pulling upon themes in the Christian tradition.

Practicing the Way: Sabbath as Resistance

Fridays at 12 PM; February 19 – April 2

Join Mother Abi in a Lenten book study. We will be reading and discussing Walter Bruggemann’s Sabbath as Resistance, a study of the history, practice, and statement making of taking Sabbath.

Growing in Grace: A Spiritual Renewal Course

Sundays at 11 AM; January 24 – April 11

God is leading St. John’s to new life and spiritual renewal with a special parish-wide edition of Growing in Grace, a course for adults on the basics of the Christian faith. Topics and presenters vary.

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We invite you to learn more about RenewalWorks and St. John’s plans for utilizing findings from the inventory below.

The window for taking our Spiritual Life Inventory has closed.

Please rest assured, your results will be anonymous and confidential. During the inventory, you will be invited to share additional thoughts with our parish using an anonymous form. That link can be found in the FAQ below. Thank you for helping us in this important process, so wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. John’s can help you grow!

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This past year was one for the books! Below, see a recap of 2020 “by the numbers” and take a moment to download our 2020 Annual Report to read about the year in ministry.

This document includes updates from our Vestry commission chairs, an overview of financials, reports from our lay leaders, and more. Please contact Mandy Schnittker, Director of Communications with any questions. An archive of recent parish publications can be found HERE.

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Now is the earth a dreary place,
A troubled place, a weary place.
Peace has hidden her lovely face
And turned in tears away.
Yet the sun, through the war-cloud, sees
Babies asleep on their mother’s knees.
While there are love and home—and these—
There shall be Christmas Day.

Love and home: these are what Christmas is all about, especially when the earth is dreary, troubled and weary. We know that Advent and Christmas will be different this year. It is hard for me to imagine, for example, Christmas services without congregational singing. Yet, I am confident that we will experience the good news of Jesus’ birth in new and deeper ways this year. The coming of our Savior, to paraphrase another poet, is news that stays news.

As we prepare to celebrate this holy season together, with gratitude in my heart for your past faithfulness and generosity, I invite you to do two things:

1. Please meet or exceed your 2020 pledge or giving goal.
   • In the church’s budget, we depend on a strong December. Last December, we received $290,000 pledge and non-pledge income. This year, we’re counting on receiving $267,375. Please help us reach our goal by giving generously.
2. Please send in your 2021 pledge.
   • This will help us continue the positive momentum that we’ve experienced in recent years. Annual giving pledge cards are available in the church, parish office or by contacting Kate Kile, Director of Finance and Stewardship, at 222-2636 x17 or kate@saint-john.org. You may also pledge or give online right here on the website.

May this season be a time when you and your loved ones experience the joy of love, home, and the birth of Jesus.

Yours faithfully,

Dave

P.S. You may be interested in making a special gift of cash, stock or appreciated assets such as IRA account distributions. For more information, please contact Kate Kile at 222-2636 x17 or kate@saint-john.org.

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Alfriend Hall is more beautiful than ever! Almost three years ago a Donor Recognition Committee was established and challenged with finding a tangible way to express appreciation for the many people who contributed to the restoration, renovation and preservation of St. John’s through the “For All the Saints Capital Campaign.” After considering several possibilities, we were led and captivated by the work of Ron Yrabedra, a highly regarded and greatly appreciated local artist.

Several delightful conversations with Ron, and realizing his obvious in-depth historical knowledge of the Bible, he began to share his vision of this project as a triptych, “From Eden to Gethsemane.” This piece of artwork is now hanging in Alfriend Hall for you to see and appreciate.

Each panel is filled with symbolism you will enjoy discovering (The Fig tree, the Burning bush, the Olive tree, Doves, the Palm tree, Lilies of the Field, Wheat, the Grapevine, etc.) It is a magnificent masterpiece for St. John’s to cherish forever.

Graham Lounge has also been beautifully renovated and redecorated, and it’s west wall has another painting by Ron Yrabedra. The painting “ I am the Vine,” was inspired by our long-range plan “Visioning the Vineyard” and represents the St. John’s Foundation.

Both of the paintings have been generously donated by Dr. Raymond Bye and his wife, Kathy Bye in thanksgiving for St. John’s.

Until you can enjoy these works of art in person, we hope you will take a moment to learn more about the artist, Ron Yrabedra and what leads him to create artwork like our new piece in Alfriend Hall.

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Thank you for your faithful generosity to St. John’s. Despite unprecedented circumstances, we continue in our mission to love and serve Christ and our neighbors in Tallahassee and the world, because of YOU. Now in the fourth and final quarter of 2020, your financial support is more important than ever.

Currently, our pledge and non-pledge revenue is down 7% ($65K—see table below), while our expenses are under budget. Please continue to give generously to support St. John’s so that we may finish 2020 in a healthy financial position.

FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT – as of September 30, 2020

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The mission of the St. John’s Stewardship Committee is to help God’s people grow in their relationship with God and neighbor through the careful use of time, talents, and finances God has entrusted to them.

According to Rev. Charles Lane, there are six characteristics, or values, that define ‘biblical giving’ that are worthy of our further consideration:

First up, is intentionality.  Approaching our giving with intentionality means that we are deliberative and purposeful; we make up our mind, develop a plan, and act accordingly. Pledging is a great way to make this commitment and then live it out. When the time comes for considering a pledge for 2021, instead of asking yourself “What does St. John’s need me to give?” a better question might be “How am I called to respond to God’s presence in my life?”

The next value goes hand in hand with intentionality, and is, regularity. Paul prescribes a regular pattern for giving each week to the early Christians. We understand that times have changed, and while many workers in biblical times received income daily, our current systems of compensation are much different with some paid weekly, semi-monthly or even monthly.  To be intentional means you develop a plan for giving and to be regular means you follow that plan, according to your own specific way of receiving income.

The third characteristic of a biblical giver is generosity. This may seem the most basic or obvious value, but Jesus’ words in Luke 12:34 challenge us. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Where do we actually place our treasure? As we grow in faith, truly trusting in God and following His example of unbridled generosity, our hearts draw closer and closer to Jesus.

While first-fruits giving is easy to understand, it is harder to put into practice. It means giving to God first and foremost and living off the rest, instead of paying all our bills first, and only then giving what is leftover. If we are to truly give generously, we must examine our priorities and perhaps re-order the sequencing of our monthly financial commitments.

Moving along on our journey to generosity, we consider proportional giving. The language we see repeatedly in the bible encourages us to “give in proportion to the blessings we have received.” Think of the widow and her two small copper coins, out of her poverty, she gave all she had. With the abundance we have received, how are we giving?

Our final characteristic is my favorite….cheerful giving! II Corinthians 9:7 reads “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Maybe you aren’t there yet and don’t feel especially cheerful about giving. If so, you aren’t alone; maybe instead of cheerful, you feel guilty, resentful or apathetic.

The good thing about Journey to Generosity is that it is not just an annual stewardship campaign, but rather a lifetime habit to develop and nurture. We love and serve a faithful, patient and forgiving God. May we all encourage one another along the way. I will be walking alongside you.

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As we reach the halfway point of our month-long Stewardship Season, let’s reflect upon giving with a poem about stewardship.

If you’re a fan of acclaimed poet Mary Oliver and her brilliant work, you’re sure to see the connection between the text below and one of Oliver’s most famous poems, ‘Wild Geese.’ Mary Oliver’s poem expresses what one must do in order to lead a good life. She implores the reader to not worry, so much about being good, but rather be true to nature and the beauty around it. As we reflect upon giving and gratitude this season, let’s not worry so much about giving perfectly, but rather giving from a place of love.

Wild Gifts
By The Rev. Kaji Dousa

You do not have to give perfectly.
You do not have to wrack your mind
Your bank account
Your possibilities
And dry them up in the desert air.
You have your despair, as do I.
They are linked
They are reparable
If we tell from the love place
And give from them, too
Imperfectly
Imaginatively
Prayerfully
True.
Your gifts have a place
“In the family of things.”
Thank you, Mary, for magnifying this.

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An Update from the Ministry of Finance & Stewardship

Thank you to all who have sent in pledge cards for our annual Stewardship Season or pledged online through the My St. John’s portal. We are grateful for your faithful support of St. John’s.

Remember, we shortened the pledge period this year to just one month, so please respond by October 31. Take a moment to learn more about our month long journey of gratitude which moves us to generosity. And be sure to join us for church online the next three Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to hear from inspiring fellow St. John’s parishioners!

So, why do people give to their houses of worship? Below these photos of your church family from some recent St. John’s events are a few of the many reasons people give. One of the most frequent responses is that church is community and a form of connection.

WHY GIVE TO CHURCH? by Matt Laney

• It’s where I experience the transforming presence of God.
• It’s where I am reminded who God is and who God calls me to be.
• I just feel good as part of the church! I look around and think, “This is the way the world should be!”
• It’s the only community I know where different generations (or races, or income levels, or…) come together.
• Sure, I can be spiritual at home or on the beach, but I also need community. For me, Christianity is a we thing more than a me thing.
• I really need Jesus in my life and these people show me who he is and how to follow him.
• The church community makes me a better person, and together we are making the world a better place.
• We need more sacred beauty in the world, and these folks pump out beauty like nothing else I know.
• The music, the message, the people – it’s all about God’s justice and unconditional love!
• It’s fun! I love being a part of the church and seeing it thrive.

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The Stewardship Committee is holding the entire parish in prayer as we begin the Stewardship Season for the upcoming calendar year 2021. Pledge packets should have arrived at your mailbox this week. If you have not received one, please email Kate Kile or call (850) 222-2636 ext. 17.

There are a couple of changes for Stewardship this year, most notably, a shorter season! Please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment and let us know by October 31. You can return your pledge card in the mail, pledge online through the My St John’s Portal, or email Kate Kile.

Stay tuned for more information this month from the Ministry of Finance and Stewardship – opportunities to learn about all the ways we can show our gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Kate Kile and her team will also share more about what it means to give.

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

—Psalm 136:1

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^{With honest stories and heartrending examples from history and her own life, Bass reclaims gratitude as a path to greater connection with God, with others, with the world, and even with our own souls. It’s time to embrace a more radical practice of gratitude—the virtue that heals us and helps us thrive.}

During our stewardship season in the month of October, you are invited to join us in reading and discussing the book Grateful by Dr. Diana Butler Bass. Our campaign is rooted in scripture, O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. —Psalm 136:1

Our Stewardship Team has also planned several other opportunities for you to reflect about gratitude during the month of October:

Online Series:
In addition to reading the book, you can journey along with Dr. Bass by registering for an online series of videos and conversations. Because we purchased a congregational license, registration for this series is free for St. John’s parishioners.

Small Groups & Classes:
Our Small Groups Ministry will also discuss themes in Grateful during the month of October and there will be a Wednesday evening discussion, on October 14, about the transformative power of giving thanks, especially in difficult times. We encourage you to participate, regardless of whether you have purchased the book or joined a small group.

Guest Preacher & Teacher:
We are very excited that Dr. Bass will be our guest preacher during the Service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, October 4, and she will join our clergy for a panel discussion during Coffee Talk on Sunday, October 25, to talk about living a grateful life.

Please join us during the month of October and consider how you can begin to cultivate a practice of gratitude.

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