DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING: Join us on February 21 at 7:00 p.m. after the pancake supper in SCC. Anyone who is interested in going on the trip to help in the Dominican Republic is welcome to come. Bill Kunble will be answering questions.

 ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES; February 22 – Imposition of Ashes & Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. (SCC) and Imposition of Ashes & Eucharist at 7:00 p.m. (Ruskin).

YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES: Confirmation classes are being held from 6-8 p.m. at the Ruskin campus from January 4^th through March 21^st. Due to this class, we will NOT be having regular youth group activities on Wednesday nights. Youth group will resume on 4/11/12. If you have any questions, please contact Mikki Muench at (418-2277) or Karin Risley at (633-1917).

RUMMAGE SALE WRAP-UP: February 23, 12:00 p.m. There will be a wrap-up meeting for this year’s Rummage Sale at the SCC campus If you have any questions, please call Annie Hunter at 645-8366 or Carol Drummond at 645-9457.

BOOK CLUB: The Book Discussion Groups will be reading “Sarah’s Key” at the SCC campus. for the meeting on February 26 AT 6:30 p.m. We hope you will be able to join us. Please request your own book from the library. For information, call all Linder Jeker at 633-6501 or lindajeker@hotmail.com.

REBIRTH OF THE BLUES: Coming March 2, Friday evening at 7:00 PM at Sun City Center campus. Rebirth of the Blues III and the Big Band Jazz Era. Enjoy an evening of traditional sounds of classic Dixie and Jazz as it was played in the 1920′s, 1930′s and 1940′s. Come and relive those memories. Presented by Jack Edison.

SAFE GUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN CLASS: This class will be given on Saturday, March 3^rd from 1-4:00 p.m.at the Sun City Center campus. It is strongly recommended for all members who have keys to the church and those who work with children. However, it is open to everyone.

Sign-up sheets are available in each parish hall. Please sign up by February 26^th. Certification is good for 5 years. Recertification is now available on-line. If you have questions, or need to be recertified, please call Judy Weiffenbach at 938-5078.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER: fEB. 21, 5;00 to 7:00pm. SCC Campus. Tickets: $5.00. Our Men’s Group and Youth Group are co-sponsoring this traditional English pancake supper, always held the night before Ash Wednesday.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING: Feb. 21, 700pm, SCC after the pancake supper. Anyone interested in going on the trip to help in the Dominican Republic is invited to attend.

BOOK CLUB: The Book Discussion Groups will be reading “Sarah’s Key” at the SCC Campus for the Feb. 26 meeting.  You’re invited to join in. For information, call Linda Jeker at 813-633-6501.

MARCH

REBIRTH OF THE BLUES: Fri. Mar. 2, 7:00pm, SCC campus. It’s Rebirth of the Blues III and the Big Band Jazz era. Live music by a combo led by Jack Edison.

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN CLASS: Sat. Mar. 3 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, SCC campus.  Strongly recommended for all members who have keys to the church and those who work with children.  However, it is open to everyone. Sign-up sheets in each parish hall. Deadline for signup is Feb. 26.

 You are about to hear some of the things about church finances you didn’t want to know, and were afraid somebody might actually ask to hear.  But the topic can be covered in a very brief Q and A I’ll hold with myself, beginning with the question . . .

 How much did we spend in 2011?

–The answer is, all we took in, and then some.

 Did 2011 end with a deficit?

–Yes, about $38,000 worth.

 Weren’t pledges enough?

–Pledges and contributions last year were lower than the year before, the first time that’s happened in eight years. Contributions to the mortgage fund were about $23,000 less than actual payments, and contributions to the operating fund fell short of actual costs by about $14,000.  Next year, we’d like to go to a unified budget. That means no separate fund drives, no competing priorities; a dollar is a dollar, a church need is a church need.

How come contributions were lower last year?

-Mainly, we think, because of that speed bump called the Great Recession.

Do other churches have this revenue problem?

–Most do, from coast to coast.  But the economy is growing again and so are expectations.  

Are there any surprises in the new budget?

–No, unless you think $50,000 to help cover the cost of a second full-time priest is a surprise.

Do we need a second full time clergy?

–We have had that need for several years. The Dioceses says a parish this large needs 2 and a half priests, in a manner of speaking.

Will we be asked to contribute more this year?

–In case you hadn’t noticed, that’s what’s happening at this very moment.

How much more?.

–Well, we figure – in order to cover fixed and regular expenses, to continue and improve parish services through pledges and contributions alone, a few dollars more every week per person, should do it.  Of course, special events, which helped a lot last year, and unexpected contributions like the $5-thousand received last month from the Interfaith Council can make a difference this year, too.

Last question. Could be have cut costs?

–We did. Quite a bit. All church Expenses were in line or under budget. Church organizations came in at or below budget and they also raised funds. We are current on all bills.  But economies and special events could not make up for reduced income. Programs may suffer cutbacks this year, which would be unfortunate because the need for them is no less than before. 

Consider needs we worked to meet last year, with cash and labor.

• We helped build a school and church in the Dominican Republic.

• We bought disease-fighting mosquito nets for use wherever they’re needed.

• A drinking water well was drilled in Haiti.

• We went behind bars through the Kairos volunteers bringing spiritual help, and other assistance to inmates. And Girl Scout cookies, too.

• Through the Lord’s Lighthouse, we helped feed 200 needy families every week.  Under the roof we provided, people who are in need of their daily bread and spiritual counseling find help. . .a woman unable to buy her medicine. . .a man with no place to sleep. No one in trouble is turned away.  And every Sunday, at the Mission’s 11:15 service, the church is filled. 

• If you’ve not been to the Ruskin campus in a while, there are now rocking chairs in the rear of the sanctuary, and baskets of little kid stuff, so parents attending the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services can comfort and be comfortable with their wiggly children

• The church offices, you’ll recall, were moved here from Ruskin during the summer, reducing some overhead, freeing up space for a nursery, Sunday School, and a Youth Meeting Center.  And be proud of those middle school and high school kids; during the year, they visited parishioners in assisted living facilities, delivered food to people in need, and took care of younger kids on outings. Some of the teens are involved in the Diocese’ New Beginnings program. And three of them asked for confirmation classes to prepare for the Bishop’s visit in March.

• In the Ruskin Parish Hall, about a hundred kids attended Vacation Bible school last August.  They are better for the experience. And so are we. But it’s a program in jeopardy without adequate funding.

• On this campus, just beyond these windows, a new memorial garden is taking form, not only as a final resting place but as a restful place for meditation.

• Something most remarkable happens here at every Wednesday’s morning prayer and healing service.  It’s respectful and quiet, of course, but there are smiling faces and laughter, because, as we’ve all heard  said, “laughter doeth good like a medicine;”  much “good,” like a hand on the shoulder causing a shadow to lift.  Try it sometime.

• In the Parish Hall, Father Tracy’s annual Inquirer’s classes are again under way. The Bethel Bible series has begun so that some among us may gain greater understanding of scripture and then share it with the rest of us.

• Every day, unnoticed, some among us visit the sick in hospitals and in their homes, and remember them with regular phone calls and greeting cards. Also largely unseen are the people who give of themselves by making prayer quilts or who are links in a prayer chain, or who deliver Meals on Wheels.

• Lay Eucharistic visitors bring communion to shut-ins, as well as news about church life, and conversation that’s welcomed during what can be long and lonely days.  Why do they do it, day after day?  To which they might answer, how can we not do it?

• When death comes to parish families, the Compassionate Friends are there, as always, to help at memorial services.

• It is in care-giving, that we remember and miss Fr. Harry.  It’s notable, how many people have said that after coming through some hospital procedure, the first person they saw when they awoke was Fr. Harry.  In every way he was more than “half a priest.” In a manner of speaking.

• As it is with Father Tracy whose every day as Rector is unending, filled with events planned and unexpected, and whose every day as Pastor is devoted to shepherding this large community of faith given to his care, and caring for every individual within it as though each one of us was the only one within it.

• Then, there are the Women of St. John – The Rummage sale and Christmas Bazzaar — The Daughters of the King – When Christmas Hurts –The Altar Guild and Flower Ministry – Coffee Angels and Kitchen Crews –Acolytes and lectors – Ushers — Welcoming Committee — Fellowship — all the committees, all the groups and individual volunteers who find a need and fill it, find a problem and solve it, have a purpose and pursue it.  Every day it goes on.  Every day.

• Within the walls of our church, east and west, we hear songs and hymns of praise, and sometimes the Hallelujahs are followed by the blues of Basin Street or a Broadway belter.  The Christmas Oratorio, Sunday recitals, The Florida Boy Choir, The South Shore Symphony Orchestra,  They’ve  brought pleasure and joy to our church, and income, and opened our doors to the community. 

• Every day it goes on.  Every day.  The worship, teaching and giving that happen on Sunday, are like a booster shot to help us work more, pray more, give more, help more  -  Monday through Saturday.  The mission of our church is not a once-a-week event. It’s an every day job.

This list of things that we are about, this brief and incomplete accounting of what we have done, is prologue to what we plan to do; to enlarge our church population and bring more families to the altar.  Some obstacles are chiefly a matter of time, such as opening our parking lot to 301–or spreading the word to nearby communities east and west, populated by many people who are un-churched, and have negative opinions about Christianity as they see it practiced, but at the same time tell the pollsters that they are spiritual.  It would be good if we could recommend ourselves to such people, and give them reason to consider being part of what goes on here. 

Whatever the discouragements, including economic struggles, we remain innately creative creatures. Against all odds, against even the knowledge of our own mortality, we insist upon writing symphonies, building cathedrals, growing families, planning for far off events, and planting trees whose shade we’ll never see; a capacity born of stubborn resolve and faith, especially faith, even unreasonable faith, that points us in the only direction we can go—straight ahead.  After budgets are debated, and priorities argued, it helps to remember that whenever we drop something into the collection plate, it isn’t just for paying  a bill to keep the lights on, but for the people of this church to be a source of light.

                                                -o-

 THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH

HELD ON FEBRUARY 5, 2011

AT

1015 E. DEL WEBB

SUN CITY CENTER, FL

 10:00 AM

MEMBERS OF THE PARISH WHO ENTERED

INTO THE NEARER PRESENCE OF OUR LORD

IN THE YEAR 2011

 Applegarth, Shawn

Bernhardt, Norman

Bozza, Connie

Butte, Robert

Clarke, Cornell

Clarke, Marjorie

Fairchild, Sandra

Hodges, Winnifred

Holtam, Nancy

Jones, Ruth

McArthur, Louise

Price, Helen

Stone, Mary

Wagner, Helen

Willis, Isabel

Windsor, Robert

Wright, Olive

 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA

Grace and Opening prayers                                                                            Fr. Tracy Wilder

Report on the Nominating committee                                                                        Fr. Tracy Wilder

Election of New Vestry Members and Diocesan Convention Delegates       Fr. Tracy Wilder

Reports Presented On Line (If you would like a printed copy, please sign name on signup sheet)

Appointment of 2012 Senior Warden                                                                        Fr. Tracy Wilder

Commissioning of Vestry Members                                                               Fr. Tracy Wilder

Closing Prayer and Adjournment                                                                   Fr. Tracy Wilder

 DIOCESAN CANON (VIII) REGARDING  WHO IS QUALIFIED

TO VOTE AND SERVE ON VESTRY

           Section 2         Only communicant members of a Congregation who are eighteen years of age and over, whose names are duly enrolled as such in the Register of said Congregation, and who are regular in their attendance upon its services and make stated contributions of record to its general support, shall be a qualified Elector entitled to vote at the annual election of the Vestry or Vestry Committee thereof, except that sixteen and seventeen year old persons shall have seat, voice and vote in annual Parish elections, provided they shall have satisfied the other requirements of an Elector, except as to age.  The vote of no person shall be questioned unless his or her right to vote shall be first challenged by a qualified Elector.  In the event of such challenge, the right of such person shall be passed upon by a committee of three previously nominated by the Rector or Vicar, or in the event there shall be no Rector or Vicar, then by the Senior Warden and confirmed by the Vestry or Vestry Committee, and the findings of such committee shall be final and binding.

            Section 3         No person shall be eligible as a Warden or Vestry Member of Vestry Committee Member who is not a qualified Elector in the Congregation.

MEET YOUR VESTRY CANDIDATES

                                           CHER CEREBE

Chér Cerebe joined the SJTD community in 2010 after relocating to Apollo Beach, Florida from Southern New Jersey in 2009. At SJTD, she is currently serving as Co-President of the WSJTD, as an Usher, is a member of the Welcoming Ministry and Altar Guild, coordinator of The Moving Forward Committee and VBS Director. Chér has also served on Youth Fellowship and Event Committees. Prior to being at SJTD, Chér served on the Altar Guild at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA.  She is actively involved in community service at Covington Gardens in Apollo Beach. Chér is a training and development professional and adjunct instructor at the Institute of Corporate and Continuing Education at Hillsborough Community College.  She resides with her husband, James, and their three cats, Taylor, Abbey and Remington.

 CONNIE KEISTER

Connie Keister was born inMobile,Alabama and is a lifelong Episcopalian. She received a B.A. degree in political science from the University of Alabama and soon afterward was hired by Pan American World Airways as a flight attendant. During her 18 year career with Pan Am, Connie was based in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and Miami. Connie, her husband, Jim, and their son, Jay, moved to theTampa area in 1981. Connie and Jim live in Apollo Beach and became members ofSt. Johnthe Divine in 2001.

 She is Sunday School coordinator, liaison to the Lord’s Lighthouse, chairperson of the Welcoming Ministry, past president of the Women of St. John the Divine, and a member of the Outreach Committee and Healing Ministry. Connie is a lay Eucharistic minister, Daughter of the King, Cursillista, and an associate of the Sisters of St. Mary.

 Connie previously served on the Vestry of St. John the Divine from 2004 – 2010. She would consider it a great honor and blessing to serve on the Vestry again.

MELVA KITTRELL

 Melva Adams Kittrell was baptized into the Episcopal Church as an infant.  Although she didn’t grow up in the Episcopal Church, she returned as an adult and has been a practicing Episcopalian for over 20 years.  Upon purchasing a home inSun CityCenter, she started attending the Church of St. John the Divine since 2006.  She is currently a member of the Newcomers Committee, has traveled to the Dominican Republic with the team from theChurch of St. John the Divine and the Tampa Deanery and is currently involved with Stewardship.

 While attending the Churchof St. Simon the Cyrenian, New Rochelle, New York, she served as a member of the Vestry for over 12 years, was Chair of the Stewardship Committee, was a member of the church choir and participated in the Cursillo Program which contributed to a deeper Christian walk.  Melva is currently seeking re-election to the Vestry and with God’s help, will do all in her power to promote the mission of the Church.

                               CARRIE VAN GELDER

Carrie has been  a life long Episcopalian.  IBM transferred her and her husband Don to Boca Raton, FL in 1981 from Rochester, Minnesota.  InBoca Raton,she worked for three accounting firms .

When her husband retired and they moved to Sun City Center.  She continued to do accounting work from her home and also volunteered with the AARP tax program for 10 years. 

 She have been on the Board of Samaritans Services for many years and have been their treasurer for 8 years.  Carrie & Don have been members of St John the Divine since 2004.  She was appointed assistant treasurer  in 2008 and has been the Treasurer for 2 years. She is also active in Altar Guild, Bible Study,  is a greeter at the 9 o’clock service and a member of the Finance  Committee.

  SHARON VAN LOAN

 Sharon and her husband Steve are residents of Apollo Beach and have been members since 1997, at which time Sharon was confirmed by the Bishop. Sharon was born in Ortonville, Michigan, degreed as a paralegal, and worked for over 35 years as a legal secretary and paralegal in Michigan, Florida, California and Georgia as her husband’s career moved them.   She is mother and step-mother to five grown children and grandparent to 12.   Presently Sharon is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty South Shore and Steve commutes to Michigan City, Indiana each week for his employment. Sharon has served previously on the vestry, as Senior Warden and on various committees.   She presently is team leader of the Wednesday morning healing service held in Sun CityCenter.

PARISH STATISTICS FOR 2011

1.  Total Number of Active Member Households                                                                365

2.  Total Number of Baptized Persons                                                                                  355

3.  Total Number of Other Individuals who worship atSt. Johnthe Divine                    196

(Winter residents & newly arrived year-round residents)                                                  

4.  Holy Eucharist Services

a.  Sunday Holy Communion                                                                                           156

b.  Weekday Holy Communion                                                                                          49

c.  Private Communion to Sick & Shut-In                                                                       221

    (may include anointing of the sick)                                                                                   

5.  Other Sacraments & Services

a.  Holy Baptism                                                                                                                       9

b.  Marriage                                                                                                                               4

c.  Burials                                                                                                                                15

6.  Total Attendance for 2011 at All Services (Wed. & Sun)                                          14332

      (Including Funerals & Weddings)                                                                               15591

7.  Average Sunday Attendance for 52 Sundays                                                                255

8.  Attendance on Key Sundays

a.  First Sunday in Lent                                                                                                      265

b.  Easter Day                                                                                                                      370

c.  Pentecost Sunday                                                                                                         239

d.  First Sunday in Advent                                                                                                 264

e.  Christmas Eve & Christmas Day                                                                                453

f.  Celebration Sunday January 30, 2011                                                                            

9.  Average Sunday Attendance by Service                                                                              

a.   8:00                                                                                                                                    77

b.   9:00                                                                                                                                    89

c.  11:00                                                                                                                                111

10.  Average amount pledges per unit atSt. Johnthe Divine (2011)   $1548.35

     Average amount pledges per unit atSt. Johnthe Divine (2012)   $1508.09

FINANCIAL REPORTS

                 Our  2011 Ministry Program in Terms of $$$$$$$

Deficit for 2011                                                                                        (14,621)

1. 1.       Rector’s salary, housing, pension, health dental and life insurance, social security, auto                                      expense, professional expenses. Assisting Clergy salary and housing. Pastoral Care, Fellowship, Newcomers, Compassionate Friends.
2. 2.      Diocesan apportionment; Rector’s discretionary fund; Outreach.
3. 3.      Housekeeping expenses; casual labor; expenses to maintain, repair, and improve our parish properties.
4. 4.      Administrative Assistant’s salary, social security, pension; Receptionist’s salary; property insurance; utilities; office expenses; administrative expenses.
5. 5.      Organist/Choir Director’s salary, health and life insurance; professional expenses; supply organist; music and worship materials, including altar supplies.
6. 6.      Christian education expenses, including  materials for adult and children’s education programs.

NOTE:    *   Certificate of Deposit  was redeemed in October 2011 and deposited in checking account.   

ALTAR GUILD

BEGINNING BALANCE –                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              $2,811.14

 INCOME 

Altar Flowers                                                                                                    $4,446.22

Easter Flowers                                                                                                 $1,509.00

Christmas Flowers                                                                                          $1,71700

TOTAL                                                                                                                             $7,672.22

EXPENSES

Altar Flowers                                                                                                    $5,053.40

Easter Flowers                                                                                                     $416.00

Christmas Flowers                                                                                              $430.80

Communion Sets for Lay Ministers                                                               $355.95

CM Almy  – Black Stole                                                                                    $193.30

M&M Printing – Flower Envelopes                                                               $$99.47

Wreaths, votives & fabric                                                                                $148.08

Hot Water Heater for Sacristy                                                                        $252.30

Misc. Altar Guild Supplies                                                                                  $80.76

TOTAL                                                                                                                                  7030.06

ENDING BALANCE                                                                                                                                                        $3453.30

WOMEN OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE

Beginning Balance – January 1, 2011                                                         $1,489.15

Income

Bazaar                                                                        $ 5514.35

Rummage Sale                                                              6873.29

United Thank Offering                                                 641.50

CPC                                                                                   49.00

Meeting Expense                                                            235.00

Used Books                                                                         7.00

            Subtotal Income                                            $13,320.14

Expenses

Bazaar                                                                        $1309.24

Rummage Sale                                                             1133.01

United Thank Offering                                                631.50

Gifts                                                                                300.00

Outreach                                                                      9018.55

Meeting Expense                                                           491.62

            Subtotal Expenses                                         $12,883.92

Ending Balance, December 2011                                                                 $1,925.37

         REPORTS

ALTAR GUILD

Another very busy year for the Altar Guild.  We’ve lost quite a few members who were needing to retire, but, thankfully, we gained four new members in 2011.  Serving the two churches continues to be a challenge, especially when our Snow bird members leave for the summer.  Also in a retirement community, many people travel throughout the year and we have four members who are unable to do Saturday duties (which is our “set-up” day).  Many of our members are doing double duty frequently, so we are always hoping and praying for more new members to join us!  Please speak to Fr. Tracy or me if you would be willing to serve.

Respectfully submitted

Joy Sparkman, Altar Guild Director

PASTORAL CARE

The Ministy of the Pastoral Care Committee has basically stayed the same. We assist Fr. Tracy in caring for our church family members who are in the Hospital, Nursing Home, recovering from an illness and those who are home-bound by visits , LEV, cards, calls and prayers. It is an on-going process that a pastor or any one person would be busy keeping up with, especially in a retirement community. Fr. Tracy not only has Pastoral Care but is part of many other ministries and he appreciates the help of the committee.

We miss Fr. Harry, as he was a big part of Pastoral Care, and many people loved him coming and the “Gift” he shared. We thank him, we miss him but we are happy that he will be able to enjoy retirement.

The Committee consists mostly of Lay Eucharistic Visitors that is coordinated by Katherine Lanoue. We meet the 2^ndWednesday of the month at 3:00 pm inSun CityCenter. We have recently lost of few people due to various reasons and welcome anyone to come to a meeting to see if they would like to be part of this ministry.

Other committees or groups, although they are separate from ours, are a big part of Pastoral Care in caring for our members who are going through a difficult time: Prayer Quilts, Compassionate Friends, delivering flowers from the altar, the Prayer Chain, Daughter’s of the King, Healing Service, When Christmas Hurts and others and also the many caring people in our Church who reach out on their own.

We are very fortunate atSt.John the Divine to have many people who use their gifts and give their time and talent. I remain grateful to be a part of this ministry.

Jean Brown, Trisha Saalbach and Jo Arendt co-chairs

Respectfully submitted

Jo Arendt

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

The Lay Eucharistic visitors help assist Fr. Tracy and bring not only communion but God’s love, care, prayers, and encouragement to those who cannot come to church. They are dedicated and really care for the people they visit in Nursing, or Assisted Living Homes; those who are homebound and in the hospital and is a bound to the church.

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine Lanoue

WELCOMING MINISTRY

The purpose of the New Members Committee is to make guests feel welcome and become active members of our church, to attract people to our church, and to bring the gospel message to the unchurched. We have had a busy year, successfully implementing the many tasks of this committee.

At each service, greeters welcome newcomers and give them a Welcome Packet and a “Divine Duckie”. Newcomers have a “sponsor” to help them feel at home and make friends at the church.

The committee hosts luncheons to officially welcome and orient our newcomers. We also organize New Member Recognition days to celebrate the commitment made by those who formally join our church. In 2011,St.John the Divine received 22 new members.

We participate in local Chambers of Commerce events and host a table at the Annual Sun City Center FunFest.

Members of the committee assist Fr. Tracy in an adult Inquirers’ Class; this six-session class, usually beginning in January, is designed for persons new to the Episcopal Church, new to this parish, long-time Episcopalians, or just interested in the Christian faith.

The Welcome Centers at both campuses contain information about the Episcopal Church andSt. Johnthe Divine, a guest book, sign-up sheet for name badges, and other appropriate items.

The New Members Committee meets at 2:00 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month (Sun City Center Campus). We welcome you to become a part of this rewarding ministry. I thank the enthusiastic and dedicated members of this committee for their faithful work.

Connie Keister, Chairperson

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS

Compassionate Friends is a group of church members who arrange a reception at either parrish following a memorial service.  In 2011 there were six services.  Five atSun CityCenterand one in Ruskin.

We hope we have helped a fellow parishioner through a difficult time and we are always interested in having additional help.  Please call me or Father Tracy if you can help.

Respectifully submitted,

Carol Sponsler

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

Officers for the chapter include President – Barbara Gingrich, Vice President – Judy Weiffenbach, Treasurer – Barbara Marafiotte and Secretary – Sally Sutton.

The Daughters usually meet the first Sunday of the month at the SCC campus.

We begin the meeting with the Prayer of the Order followed by the Motto of the Order.  Next we have a program, business of our chapter and close with intercessory prayer.  The minutes and the treasurer’s reports are sent to the members via e-mail.

Many Daughters attended both the Spring Retreat and the Fall Assembly which were held at DaySpring.

Judy Wieffenbach led “When Christmas Hurts” for the SCC community and surrounding areas.  The Daughters were available for prayer and they also served refreshments.

At the monthly meetings we told our “stories”.  Each Daughter shared some of the events in their personal and spiritual life.  In 2012, we will begin the study, CONTINUING THE JOURNEY..

We filled Christmas Bags with treats for the shut-ins in our parish.  And at Easter we stuffed  baskets with loving prayers and gifts.  We discovered that those who receive the gift bags are blessed by the visits more than the gifts.

Helping Hands Ministry has been a project we began in 2010.  The Daughters visit the sick, drive parishioners to appointments, grocery shop and even provide meals for those who require these needs.

We admitted three new Daughters this year:  Linda Barnum, Nancy Lillie and Betsy Pagnini.

As Daughters, we have vowed to pray daily, especially for our church family, to serve our parish when our priests have a need for us and to evangelize by living a life dedicated to our Lord.  We do this For His Sake.

Barbara Gingrich

PUBLICITY/COMMUNICATIONS

E-Bulletin, Weekly – The e-bulletin that is derived from the Sunday church bulletin is still being sent out and hopefully informs the “shut-ins” what is going on in the church.  The parishioners in number have expressed their enjoyment of receiving this bulletin, especially from the “snow angels.”  I am sending it in PDF format and that was well received.

Newsletter (Revelations) – The newsletter remains an effective tool of communication from the Rector, and committee chairs to the parishioners.

Also includes updated budget information, vestry highlights, upcoming events and success on past events and occasional pictures.

Publicity -  Articles of upcoming events, pictures and articles of past events, are submitted to The Sun, The Observer News, The South Shore News, The Brandon Section of the Tribune, The Tampa Times, The Osprey News, SCCfreeads, Community News, KPNews, andSt. John’s official website weekly throughout the year.    We have been fortunate to receive good publicity in the media and hopefully have been successful in bringing positive exposure and attention to our two church campuses and its activities.

E-Mail – An updated e-mail list is done by office personnel periodically.  Important or pertinent information that hopes to reach parishioners in a speedy manner are sent via e-mail.  This, of course, does not reach all of the people but is successful in reaching a notable percentage.

St. John’s Website – The website has a new webmaster and is being maintained very well.

Respectfully submitted,

Carole Del Castillo

Communication Chair

YOUTH GROUP

The Youth Group has consisted of mainly 4 -5 youth this year and led by Katie Arp, with support from Karin Risley, Debbie Carlisle, Ella Blades and Juanita Butte. Art projects were presented by Anne Walker and Joanna Boley-Lee.

The Youth met their goals which included:

1. Visiting an assisted living facility twice where SJD parishioners are living. This December they visited 2 facilities, sang Christmas carols and delivered handmade Christmas cards.
2. Delivering  meals and toiletries to people in need with Dora Cruz.
3. Participating in creating Advent wreaths with Katie, decorating  backpacks and Christmas cards with Anne and learning about and creating symbols with Joanna.
4. Helping the Lord’s Lighthouse give out the Christmas toys to their children.
5. Having a bowling party and asking  2 younger Sunday School  members to join them.
6. Fundraising  money by serving coffee , donuts and popcorn at the Divine Marketplace during the first six months of the year.
7. Baking and holding  a Bake Sale as a fundraiser to attend diocesan  retreat weekends for Youth.
8. Participating  in New Beginnings and Happenings, Diocesan weekend programs for youth  in middle school and high school.
9. Participating  inYouthVacationBibleSchool  week this past summer.
10. Having  fun at the recreational Trampoline center inBrandon.
11.  Visiting the Southeastern Guide Dog facility

There are three youth who are requesting Confirmation classes in 2012 in preparation for the Bishops visit in March.  Mikki Muench and Linda Jeker are currently holding weekly classes to prepare the youth for Confirmation.

Respectfully submitted,

Karin Risley

CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

For many years,St.John the Divine has been blessed with the opportunity to teach children about Jesus. Our mission is to provide excellent Christian education for children.

Children attend the 9:00 service with their parents. The children read the Scripture lesson, lead the prayers, and serve as acolytes. They hear a Children’s Sermon using puppets, drama, and object lessons to bring Bible stories to life. After receiving communion or a blessing, children four years and older go with their leaders to the classroom for Sunday School. We offer a unique Sunday School curriculum called LIVE B.I.G. “Believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1) where children hear, see, and live their belief in God. The children enjoy videos, music, a Bible lesson, crafts, and snacks.

The children participate in a Christmas pageant or play at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) meets for one week during the summer. Children from five to ten years old enjoy this multi-sensory Bible-learning experience; older youth and adults serve on the staff. In 2011, 96 elementary-age children discovered God’s presence, power, and love at PANDAMANIA.

A separate Vacation Bible School for Youth met at the Sun City Center campus at the same time as the children’s VBS.

We atSt.John the Divine are here to help children learn about God and know His love.

Submitted by Connie Keister

OUTREACH  COMMITTEE 

The Outreach currently consists of  Fr Tracy, co- chairs Karin Risley and Nancy Sheridan, Connie Keister, Charlene Wirick, Carole Elliott, Katherine Lanoue, Trisha Saalbach and Anne Walker.

 In October of this year, we changed the meeting schedule to meet three times a year- in January to plan for the year in general, May to plan for the summer months and October to plan for the end of year activities. So far, this has proved to meet the needs of the members and to allow us to do some things differently. We continue to have a focus of the month which supports our mission to provide assistance locally to the Lord’s Lighthouse, to the community through Kairos, and nationally/internationally through ERD.

Carole and Ed Elliott faithfully pick up food and other donated supplies from the Ruskin and SCC churches and deliver it all to the Lord’s Lighthouse.

Katherine Lanoue artistically  creates slides to promote each month’s focus and they are shown on the projection screens before each Sunday’s service to remind the congregation what is happening each month.

Nancy Sheridan has led our ERD campaign each year. This year the congregation  and Outreach budget allowed us to donate money to build a well inHaiti, help ERD with flood relief inMississippiand buy malaria nets to prevent  the spread of that deadly disease.

Anne Walker became “Mother Hubbard” to remind us that” the cupboards are bare” and in need of food. The money donated was used to buy bulk food from “Feeding America” which the Lord’s Lighthouse will distribute to all in need in this area.

Karin Risley organized the Meals on Wheels team that delivered meals to the community in the month of November.

Trisha Saalback  has a supply of   food in SCC for anyone in need that is unable to get to the Lord’s Lighthouse.

Connie Keister keeps the parishioners aware of  the Outreach Committee’s needs through notices in the Sunday Bulletins and  Revelations.

Charlene Wirick is a Jill-of-all-trades, always there when we need help to achieve our monthly goals.

November and December donations allowed the Lord’s Lighthouse to distribute Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas toys to their families in need.

Respectfully submitted,

Karin Risley

WOMEN OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE

The Women of St. John the Divine continue to follow our mission which is “to

serve the church with outreach and community service, sharing faith-filled fellow-

ship with all women”.

We hold four meetings between October and April, usually on the second Thursday of

the month.  We call all new women in the church before each meeting, inviting them to

Join us since all women attending the church are considered members of the Women of

St.John the Divine.

The meeting format includes a devotional, opening prayer, business meeting, closing

prayer, program and luncheon.  The men of the church are always welcome to join us

For the program and lunch.

In 2011 the programs offered were :

     *Father Harry Benter talked to us about his vocation as a Priest.

     *Chuck Wirick presented us with a special Christmas musical program

     *The Rev. Mary Anne Dorner lead our Retreat/Quiet Day “Women Mystical Saints”

     *Nancy Sheridan speaking on our local outreach ministries

     *Installation of Officers : including an explanation of their duties

Our Bazaar and Rummage Sale were extremely successful again, as in the past.  We are

blessed with many workers that give an abundance of their time and efforts to making

these events a success.  Again this year, we are able to give over $9,000 toSt. Johnthe

DivineChurch, local, national, and international projects

We were also able to help to donate requested items and time to designated charitable

Organizations as part of our outreach program which include :

     *Kairos Prison Ministry

     *Episcopal Relief and Development

     *Cornerstone Kids

     *Lord‘s Lighthouse

     *Lord‘s Lighthouse Toy Drive

     *St. John the Divine‘s Emergency Food Shelf

     *Dominican Development Group.

     *Thanksgiving Baskets for the Lord’s Lighthouse

Our paperback book exchange continues to be popular and brings in a small but

steady source of income.

The Craft Group meets and work regularly making items for the bazaar.  As do the

Quilters, making Bazaar items and quilts for the Quilt Ministry (Prayers and Squares).

The cookbooks, “Feeding the Flock” are still selling and all money from these goes to

the  Mortgage Relief Fund.

Officers for 2011 are :

            Co-Presidents:  Chere Cerebe and Judi Stacey

            Vice President:  Charlene Wirick

*          Secretary:  Katherine Lanoue

            Treasurer:  Millie Walsh

Respectfully submitted,

CherCerebe & Judy Stacey

Co-Presidents

FISH FRY THIS FRIDAY:  February 10^th –5:00-6:30 p.m., SCC.   Tickets are $8:00 adults, $5.00 Children 6-12; 5 and under are free.  It will be $2.00 more at the door.

 BETH ISRAEL SHABBAT SERVICE:  is on Friday, February 17^th at7:00 p.m. atBethIsraelTemple.   Sign up sheets are at each campus if you would like to come.

 MORNING PRAYER   HEALING SERVICE:  at SCC at10:00 a.m. each Wednesday. Morning Prayer lasts approximately 30 minutes.   The healing service starts after with laying of hands & prayers by a prayer team with a message of healing.

 CURSILLO WEEKEND:    Weekend #123 is scheduled to start on February 9-12. This is the first weekend in quite some time that we are without a Pilgrim representing St. John the Divine.

We are however, blessed to have two members serving on “Team”. Barbara Gingrich serves as Family Worker also giving the Rollo “Study and Evangelism of Environments”. She is joined by one of our newest Cursillista’s Linda Jeker who is also serving as a Family Worker.

 PHOTO DIRECTORY:  Olan Mills will be back in town in February 15 and 16 to shoot the remaining photos for our new photo directory.  After church services on Sunday, Kirk Faryniasz will be signing up parishioners for scheduled appointments.  We’ve heard many favorable comments about the product that was received by many parishioners during our first effort in November, and we expect the same this time around.  If you have questions you can call Kirk at 813-677-2606

 WONDERFUL HEALING SEMINAR:  Father Nigel Mumford, nationally know healing prayer minister will be at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bonita Springs, Saturday, February 18^th.  Attendees will be car pooled.  The cost is $15.00 including lunch.  Registrations are in Parish Hall or callSharon Van Loan 813-645-1045.

 RUMMAGE SALE WRAP-UP:  There will be a wrap-up meeting for this year’s Rummage Sale on Thursday, February 23 starting at12:00.  If you have any questions, please call Annie Hunter at 645-8366 or Carol Drummond at 645-9457.

 SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN CLASS:  This class will be given on Saturday, March 3^rd from 1-4:00 p.m. at the Sun City Center campus.  It is strongly recommended for all members who have keys to the church and those who work with children.   However, it is open to everyone.

Sigh-up sheets are available in each parish hall.  Please sign up by February 26^th.   Certification is good for 5 years.  Recertification is now available on-line.  If you have questions, or need to be recertified, Please call Judy Weiffenbach at 938-5078.

 YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES:  Confirmation classes are being held from 6-8 p.m. at the Ruskin campus from January 4^th through March 21^st.  Due to this class, we will NOT be having regular youth group activities on Wednesday nights.  Youth group will resume on4/11/12.  If you have any questions, please contact Mikki Muench at (418-2277) or Karin Risley at (633-1917).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

OUTREACH FOCUS FOR FEBRUARY: blankets, flannel shirts, sweat shirts and sweaters, all sizes. And food (see “Food Pantry Needs).” You can also write a check payable toSt. John the Divine and mark for “SJTD Outreach-clothing.”

 Food Pantry Needs: Peanut Butter & Jelly. You can also write a check payable toSt. John the Divine and mark for “SJTD Outreach-food

 BUDGET SHORTFALL –Please consider upping you pledges to make up our budget shortage, combined both mortgage and operating expenses.  We ended this year with a $15, 00 deficit, plus falling short in the mortgage.  If 300 people give $2.70 more per week, we will have a balanced budget.   If we all pull together, we can meet the challenge and continue our vital ministry.  Thank you! The Vestry.                                

 GREETERS NEEDED FOR EACH SERVICE – Due to illnesses etc., we have had several people drop out of greeting for all services8:00 – 9:00 – 11:00.  We would like some people who attend each of these services to volunteer to greet.  We will be having a training session in the near future.  Call Terry Edison – 634-4795.   WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP!

DONATE ALTAR FLOWERS: – If you would like to donate altar flowers in remembrance of birthdays, anniversaries and loved ones, please sign the flower chart on the wall by the door in the parish hall of each campus.  There are many open dates available.  The altar flowers are $80.00 for 2 vases or $40.00 if you are splitting flowers at the SCC campus and $50.00 for vases or $25.00 if you are splitting flowers with someone at the Ruskin Campus.                 

COFFEE HOUR ANGELS NEEDED & PEOPLE TO SIGN-UP FOR BAKED GOODS-We need volunteers to help with coffee hour after each hour after each service.  We also need Baked Goods for our Coffee Hour.   There are sign-up sheets on the kitchen counter at SCC, and on the cupboard at Ruskin.  Thank you!

 DIVINE DOLLARS – Now is the time to be thinking about Birthday Gifts and Wedding Gifts.  DIVINE DOLLARS is a convenient way to solve gift giving problems and help our Building Fund in the process!  Any questions please call Elizabeth Frercks, 633-6675.                       

 DINNER GROUPS: It’s time to set up the Spring Dinner Club Groups.  The purpose of the Dinner Club is to have food, fun and fellowship and most importantly to make new friends and get to know old ones better.  Please sign up in the Parish Hall.  Please call me for further information, Jennifer Canham Johnson 634-8891.

ANNUAL MEETING:  One Service and Potluck Lunch, Sunday, February 5 at the Sun City Center campus.  As we have done the past few years, we will have one service at 10:00 a.m. (which means we will not have the services ateight o’clock,nine o’clock at Ruskin, or at11 o’clock).  After the service, we will have elections for Vestry, hear a few reports on the state of the church, and to have some good fellowship.

(SUPER BOWL SUNDAY), the youth and children of the Sunday School will collect money for the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. The Souper Bowl of Caring is the nation’s largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving. The donations will be given to a charity of the children’s choice.

LOOK – SEE!   A first great step in ourGraceMemorialGarden has been taken. Memorial /Commemorative Bricks will be available soon.   A general information meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 4 p.m. at the SCC east campus.

MORNING PRAYER   HEALING SERVICE:  at SCC at10:00 a.m. each Wednesday. Morning Prayer lasts approximately 30 minutes.   The healing service starts after with laying of hands & prayers by a prayer team with a message of healing. 

 WONDERFUL HEALING SEMINAR:  Father Nigel Mumford, nationally know healing prayer minister will be at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bonita Springs, Saturday, February 18^th.  Attendees will be car pooled.  The cost is $15.00 including lunch.  Registrations are in Parish Hall or callSharon Van Loan 813-645-1045.

 CURSILLO WEEKEND FEBRUARY  9-12: -Are you looking for an opportunity to grow in faith and spirituality? An opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve him? Then attending a Cursillo weekend is just what you’re looking for. The next Cursillo weekend is scheduled for Feb 9-12.  Currently, there are several openings available and the attendance fee is only $175.00. This includes lodging, food, laughter, tears, and a lot of singing?  If we can answer any

 YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES:  Confirmation classes are being held from 6-8 p.m. at the Ruskin campus from January 4^th through March 21^st.  Due to this class, we will NOT be having regular youth group activities on Wednesday nights.  Youth group will resume on4/11/12.  If you have any questions, please contact Mikki Muench at (418-2277) or Karin Risley at (633-1917).

CURSILLO GROUPING - Cursillistas of St. John the Divine invites you to come and join us every Monday from6 to7:30 p.m. at Sun City Center Campus for Open Grouping!  Share the experience.  If you have any questions, please call your Parish representatives Mark and Annie Hunter at 645-8366. Ultreya!

DINNER GROUPS: It’s time to set up the Spring Dinner Club Groups.  The purpose of the Dinner Club is to have food, fun and fellowship and most importantly to make new friends and get to know old ones better.  Please sign up in the Parish Hall.  Please call me for further information, Jennifer Canham Johnson 634-8891.

FISH FRY – Fri. Jan. 20 -5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5.00 for children 6-12.  Children under 12 are free.  Tickets are $2.00 more at the door.

USHER NEEDED for third Sunday of the month for the 9:00 a.m. service. Please contact Armand Villemaire at 645-7226

A/V TECHNICIANS NEEDED for  the 8:00 a.m. service to operate audio/video system. Training provided.  Call Ed Brown: 813-633-1116,

PIANIST OR ORGANIST NEEDED for the 8:00 a.m. service to play the recessional hymn, since Chuck Wirick must leave the service early to travel to Ruskin to play at the 9:00 a.m. service.  See Fr. Tracy or Chuck Wirick or contact the church office at 813-633-3970.

Donate Altar Flowers  If you would like to donate altar flowers in remembrance of birthdays, anniversaries and loved ones, sign the flower chart on the wall by the doors in the parish hall of each campus.  Altar Flowers are $80 for two vases (or $40 dollars if you are splitting flowers) and $50 for a single vase (or $25 dollars if you are splitting flowers.)

Cursillo Weekend

If you were unable to sign up for the October Cursillo weekend, the next one to be held at Day Spring is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 to Sunday, February 12.  If you are interested in attending, please talk to Fr. Tracy, Annie  Hunter or Mark Hunter (645-8366) anniemal1@verizon.net

Food Needed

The Lord’s Lighthouse has a severe shortage of food and has had to turn away hungry people.  There is an urgent need for cooking oil, Maseca corn flour, rice and pinto beans.  Please place your donations in the designated areas on or near the Outreach Table in the Parish Halls.  Checks may be made payable to St. John The Divine, with the notation, “Lord’s .”

To join the Community Service and Outreach Committee, contact Karen Risley (633-1917) or Nancy Sheridan (634-7965)