Christian Formation
Responding in faith to God is a lifelong process. At St. John’s we
supplement our foundation of worshipping with opportunities to enable each of us
to reach a mature understanding of our faith.
Adult
Bible Study - Meets on Wednesdays 10 a.m. Oct. - May. Discusses
selected books of the Bible.
Cursillo - A short course in Christian living; Weekend retreat with follow-up
reinforcement.
Education for Ministry - Meets Sundays 11:30-2:15 Sept.-May; a 4-year program of
Bible, church history, ethical and philosophical study.
Order of Julian of Norwich – a contemplative monastic order in the Episcopal
Church; its purpose and goal is the practice and teaching of silent and
intercessory prayer.
Adult formation - Multifaceted with study of the scriptures, Christian heritage
and timely issues; 9 a.m.
Women’s Spirituality - Meets in the Parish Hall at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month for
potluck supper, fellowship, book study and sharing.
Children/Youth
Children's Chapel - begins at 10 a.m. in the Chapel - September
through May; children rejoin their
parents during the Peace; for preschool and older.
Nursery - Nursery care for infants and preschoolers is provided during the
9 a.m. Christian Formation time and the 10 a.m.
service. The nursery is located on the first floor of the 2-story Christian
Education/Office Building. It is stocked with toys appropriate to infants and
toddlers. Barbara Taylor is the nursery attendant. Barbara is a licensed
childcare professional who has worked as a nanny for many years and is certified
in the risk management classes required by the Episcopal Church.
Children's Ministries - 9 a.m., Marketplace 29 A.D. interactive program
for children pre-school through 5th grade
Vacation Bible Camp - 5-day camp; the people of St. John’s touch the lives of
campers in a positive way so that both are spiritually enlightened.
Youth Group - Sunday, 9 a.m. and other times during the month; A time for study, service, worship, fellowship
and service
Finance
Accounting - Keeping chart of accounts; accounts payable; payroll and all
aspects of bookkeeping.
Audit Committee - team of 3-5 people who conduct a general audit of church’s
financial processes; reports to Vestry and Diocese.
Counters - Teams of 2 who count the Sunday offerings and deposit in bank.
Endowment Fund - Affords opportunities to give to the Church through wills,
bequests, insurance policies, grants and gifts.
Finance Committee - Oversees all aspects of financial matters.
Stewardship - Makes known the financial needs of the Parish to the congregation
and conducts such campaigns as are necessary to maintain the work of the Church.
Membership
Fellowship - provides weekly Coffee Hour, breakfasts and monthly social programs for the
parish that encourage the family life of St. John’s.
Greeters - Greet each visitor and help newcomers
integrate into the life of the parish.
Member Follow-up - Contacts members who haven’t attended services recently.
Publicity/Advertising - Increases St. John’s visibility
in the community.
Quickstart - Basics of the Episcopal Church in one session geared to people
studying for membership.
Ushers - insure the orderliness of the church and people in proper
atmosphere of worship
Visitor Follow-up - Send postcards and make calls to Sunday visitors.
Pastoral Care
Daughters of the King - a prayer and service oriented group.
Eucharistic Visitors - trained and licensed lay people who take the
Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins.
Prayer Chain - Group who pray daily for members of the parish and
their families who are in immediate need of prayer.
Prayer Chapel - Prayer partners pray with people in the Chapel immediately
following Communion.
Samaritan Ministry - ministers to parishioners who are sick and/or homebound.
Stephen Ministry - ministers to parishioners with spiritual and/or emotional
needs caused by a crisis in their life.
Reach Out
Blood Drives - periodically through Florida Blood Services Bloodmobile
Companion Diocese - St. John’s parishioners have been part of teams traveling to
the Dominican Republic to help with building projects and Vacation Bible School;
parishioners have contributed generously to this ministry.
Dorcas Ministry - makes needed items as requested by nursing homes (lap robes,
bibs, dignity bags, etc.)
Epiphany - teams go into correctional institutions for youth for a weekend
planned program that shares Christ’s love.
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) - aids in the spiritual growth of women and fosters fellowship;
Every churchwoman is a member; meets at 10 a.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of the
month.
Episcopal Peace Fellowship - Episcopalians committed to be advocates for peace.
Episcopal Relief and Development - Collective response of Episcopalians to help
people in need throughout the U.S. and the world.
F.A.S.T (Faith in Action for Strength Together) - St. John's is part of
an interfaith social justice network of 40 congregations in Pinellas County.
FAST
looks for ways that faith communities can promote justice, health and wholeness
in this county.
Highpont - Partnership with families in local neighborhood
Kairos Prison Ministry - teams go into prisons for a weekend planned program
that shares Christ’s love.
RCS Food Drives - monthly collection of non-perishable food for the Religious
Community Services Food Pantry.
Retirees - meet monthly for fun and fellowship.
SHARE - a monthly community food distribution for everyone.
Thrift Shop - operated by the ECW; proceeds are used for outreach and for the
needs of the parish. The Thrift Shop closes for the months of July and August
Worship
Acolytes - serve as crucifers, torch-bearers and altar servers; children are
required to attend meetings for instruction and serve when scheduled.
Altar Guild - sets up for all services, maintains the altar and the appointments
used in worship Choirs.
Altar Flowers and plants - given as memorials or in thanksgiving
Parish
Choir - open to all musically interested; the choir sings weekly for the
10 a.m. Eucharist and for other special services.
The Canterbury Ringers - Handbell Choir; open to all music-reading men
and women. Provides music for services about once a month and plays for other
special services.
Eucharistic Ministers - licensed by the Bishop to read the Lessons, serve
the Altar and administer the chalice.
Music Committee - Oversees music program; serves as counsel to music personnel.
Oblation Bearers - bring forward the offerings of bread and wine at the
Offertory.
Taping Ministry - tapes the 10 a.m. service and other special services; tapes are
sent to the sick and shut-ins of the parish.
Other/Administrative
Buildings and Grounds Committee - Provides on-going planning for campus
Eager Beavers - meet regularly on Wednesday mornings to work on the church
buildings and grounds.
Office Volunteer - greet parishioners, answer phones, copy, fold,
collate, stuffing envelopes, labeling newsletter and other mailings during
weekdays
“Give as freely as you have received.”
- Jesus
(Matthew 10:8 NIV)
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