St. John’s Parish Church
A Light for the Sea Islands since 1734
DECLARING our love for God through Anglican worship
PREPARING our love for God through Anglican worship
SHARING our love for God through Anglican worship
CARING for our community
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Sunday Video Announcements from Jun 19, 2022
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A Letter from our Sr. Warden
Regarding the New Rector
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Brothers and Sisters of St John’s Parish Church,
On May 3, 2022, Father Greg Snyder announced to the Wardens of St John’s that he would be leaving his position as Rector, that God had called him to a new ministry, a ministry which God has been preparing him for nearly 5 years. A ministry in the academy to young scientists and their professors. As Senior Warden, it was my responsibility to consult with the Bishop to determine what our options were going forward. Bishop Edgar explained the search process to me, that the Vestry should form a nominating committee that would prepare a parish profile, identify and screen candidates, interview them and present their recommendation to the Vestry for vote. Bishop Edgar also informed me that, given all else going on, if the Vestry chose to, we could vote to accept our associate Rector as our next Rector, and the process would be completed. After considerable thought and prayer, I chose not to pursue this option, as I felt we needed to be sure of who we are as a parish, and who we wanted as our next Rector. I instructed the Vestry to appoint a nominating committee, one that the Vestry voted should be comprised of members of the Vestry, as was recommended by Fr Greg and confirmed by Bp Edgar. The appointed nominating committee was made up of five members: Lindy Reynolds, Ann Edenfield, Todd Young, Jane Vaughan, and Jay Withington. As Senior Warden, I served as an ex-officio
member of the nominating committee.
The Nominating Committee identified five potential candidates to interview as the next Rector of St John’s. After much prayer and consideration, the committee voted unanimously to interview only one. Using input from several members of the parish, some of whom were not members of the Vestry, the nominating committee provided the interviewee with the parish profile, as well as the position description for Rector of St John’s Parish Church and spent the next two weeks in prayer and consideration over the process. The nominating committee conducted its final interview on Tuesday, June 14th, and presented their recommendation to me.
On Thursday, June 16th I brought the recommendation to the entire Vestry for a vote. The vote was unanimous, in favor of the recommended candidate. I then contacted Bp Edgar and informed him that the Vestry had made the decision for the next Rector of St John’s Parish Church. We discussed the decision, and he concurred with our decision. Bp Edgar also instructed me to make this announcement as soon as practical, that continuity of leadership was crucial in these days.
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the Wardens and Vestry of St John’s Parish Church has voted unanimously to call Father Jeremy Shelton as our next Rector, and that after discussion on Friday, June 17, Father Jeremy has accepted the call. Fr Jeremy will be conducting his first service as Rector of St John’s Parish Church on Sunday, July 17 at Haut Gap Middle School, and I invite all of you to join us in worship as we move forward into this next chapter of the life of this Parish.
In Christ,
Ben Dixon
Senior Warden, St John’s Parish Church
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A Letter from Fr. Jeremy+
June 20th, 2022
Dear Saints of St. John’s Parish Church,
Four years ago, in June of 2018, I was called to serve as your Associate Rector. Though I had been a communicate in the diocese for several years I didn’t really know much about St. John’s, or even Johns Island. Very quickly into my calling to be Associate Rector, I found this place to be home. Even more importantly, I fell in love with all of you — the people — the Body of Christ here at St. John’s Parish Church. Time and time again the Lord has reaffirmed the calling for me to be here with you.
Over the last few weeks I have been in deep prayer, discernment, and discussion with the Wardens and Vestry regarding future leadership in the church. With Fr. Greg’s announcement that he and Beth would be leaving for Knoxville, the position of Rector became open. The Lord continued to call me (and our family) to stay here — to the same people He called us to four years ago. On the evening of Friday, June 17, our Senior Warden, Ben Dixon, called with the news that the Vestry and Wardens of St. John’s Parish Church unanimously voted to call me to be the next Rector. I have accepted that call. My first Sunday as Rector will be July 17, 2022. This will also be the date of our first worship service at Haut Gap Middle School.
We are in a time of transition, and many things remain uncertain, but one thing is certain: we serve God and He has a plan for us. We will continue to worship the Lord reverently, hold Bible studies, meet in fellowship, and live life together as the Body of Christ. I didn’t know much about Johns Island four years ago, but it is home now, and I love home. I didn’t know many of you four years ago, but now we are family. We have all been called to reach the people of this island in mighty ways for the Lord. He is leading the way — we will continue to participate in the building of His kingdom.
Jessica, Will, Ben, and Hayes are thrilled to be here. I am thrilled to be here. May we all deepen our roots together, share the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ together, and walk in-step with the Holy Spirit together.
In Christ Alone,
Fr. Jeremy Shelton
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A Letter from our Sr. Warden
June 15, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters of St John's Parish Church,
You have heard the news that Fr Greg will be leaving St John's in July. This present call on his life has been in the works for five years, and it is time for him to move to the next phase of his ministry, as he phrases it, "...a ministry in the academy to young scientists and their professors." Fr. Greg began at St. John's in July of 2002 as Associate Rector to Fr. Charlie Walton and became the 40th Rector of St John's in 2005. Since that time, Fr Greg has devoted his time to ministering to the people of the Sea Islands, and he and Beth have certainly made their mark on the Lowcountry - and it has made its mark on them - just last November, Fr Greg became a Certified SC Barbecue Judge!
I won't go through the entire story of how Fr Greg and Beth arrived at St John's, nor will I repeat the story of how they have arrived at this convergent point. What I will say is that Greg Snyder has made a difference in my life while I have been at St John's, and I know countless others share that sentiment.
We have the opportunity on July 10, 2022, to bid Fr Greg and Beth farewell at a combined service in Walton Hall at 10:30am, followed by a parish meal to celebrate our time together at St John's. The meal will be provided, all you need to do is come and enjoy the food and fellowship!
A few notes about cards and gifts:
- The parish will be presenting gifts to Fr Greg and Beth. If you would like to contribute to these gifts, please feel free to do so! If you choose to contribute, please indicate this desire on your check or online gift using the memo section.
- If you would like to send a card or write something for Fr Greg and Beth, please send these to Jeremy Shelton, PO Box 125, Johns Island, SC 29457, and indicate "for Fr Greg" on the envelope – please do not address them to Fr Greg. You can also give these to a Vestry member at any service or leave them in Sally's box in the foyer of Guerry Hall. Or you can bring them to the lunch on July 10.
This past Sunday we read, in our lesson from Isaiah, that God was preparing Isaiah for his calling into service. The next verse, which I have shared below, is apropos, for once we have been prepared for service, we must go out and serve.
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8
There is so much more to say, but for now, please join me in thanksgiving for their service to God and to the community, and prayers for their preparation, and going out from here, in faithful service to God.
In Christ,
Ben Dixon
Senior Warden, St John's Parish Church
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The Parish Transition
June 13, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters of St John’s Parish,
On April 20, 2022, the SC Supreme Court ruled that 14 parishes in the Anglican Diocese of SC would have to turn their property over to the Episcopal Church. St John’s Parish Church was one of these. As such, we have been making preparations to leave our buildings and move to a temporary worship space. On June 9, we agreed to a transition date: July 10. Our last Church service will be on July 3rd and our last service on this property in Walton Hall will be on July 10th.
On July 10, we will have a combined service at 10:30am in Walton Hall, with a parish lunch following. We will also use this time to say farewell to Fr. Greg Snyder who has been our Rector for the past 17 years.
St John’s Parish will begin worshipping at Haut Gap Middle School at 10:00am on July 17. The address is 1861 Bohicket Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455. I invite you, the Family of St John’s, to join together at Haut Gap on this Sunday as we begin our new journey.
The Vestry has formed a Transition Team to assist the staff with moving and preparations, and to prepare our worship space for when we meet together at Haut Gap. There is a lot to do, and I am asking everyone in the parish to “be involved” – volunteer your time and talents toward this move. There will be boxes to carry and windows to clean, chairs to set up and all sorts of other things. If you want to be involved in the transition, please contact Jeff Lamberson at jefflamberson85@gmail.com. You can also contact the church office. We want and need your help as we go through this process.
I will do my best to communicate everything that is happening as we make this transition. We will use every communication mechanism possible, to ensure the news is available to everyone. I also encourage you to pray for one another, that St John’s Parish Church will be united in everything we do.
In Christ,
Ben Dixon
Senior Warden
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3rd Sunday after Pentecost June 26
In Person:
8 a.m. Traditional Quiet Service in the Church
9 a.m. Grace Chapel
9 a.m. Contemporary Service in Walton Hall
10:30 a.m. Traditional Service in the Church
Nursery is available at St. John's 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
11:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
(Children's Sunday School and all three youth groups closed for Summer).
Readings
1 Kings 19:15-21
Psalm 16
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Sermon Fr. Greg+
Live Services on Facebook
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CALENDAR
June
Sun Jun 12 - Mon Aug 29. Summer Table Fellowships. Contact Lori Moore
July
Sun Jul 3. Last Services in the Church building and at Grace Chapel.
Sun Jul 10. 10:30. a.m. Combined worship service in Walton Hall with lunch following to celebrate Fr. Greg+ and Beth
Sun Jul 17. Worship 10 a.m. at Haut Gap Middle School (Note the date may change)
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CHURCH GROUP MEETINGS
Monthly Groups
1st and 3rd Wednesday. 9:30 a.m. Island Quilters. Contact Susie Jenkins.
2nd Thursday-Saturday. Blessing Baskets
2nd Saturday 9 a.m. Postponed until further notice. St. John's Christian Fellowship breakfast - Men and Women.
2nd Saturday 9:30 a.m. Daughters of the Holy Cross. Contact Sally Dixon
3rd Tuesday. 6:30 p.m. Global Missions. Contact Bill Anderson
3rd Saturday 10 a.m. Word Weavers in Walton Hall. Contact Bonnie Anderson
Weekly Groups
Join a Small Study Group In-Person and Online
Mondays 9 a.m. Girl's Morning Out Bible study group in Youth Room. Contact Lynn Gervais
Tuesdays 10 a.m. Truth Seekers Bible Study in Peach Room. Contact Emily Leland
Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. AA in Walton Hall
Tuesdays 7 p.m. Al-Anon in the peach room Walton Hall
Wednesdays 7 a.m. Men's Bible Study
Wednesdays 10 a.m. The Journey group at 1510 Stanwick Dr. Johns Island. Contact Pete Tanner
Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Lunch at Stono Market. Contact Susie Jenkins.
Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Coeducational Bible basics with shared meal. Contact Walt Miller
Thursdays 7 a.m. Men’s group breakfast and Bible study in Walton Hall with Fr. Greg+
Thursdays 10 a.m. Bible Babes. Contact fr. Jeremy+
Thursdays 2 p.m. Closed for Summer. Women’s Bible group, led by Susie Jenkins
Fridays 6:30 p.m. AA in Walton Hall
Sundays 11 a.m. Adult Sunday School online.
Sundays 9 a.m. Closed for Summer. Children's Sunday School
Sundays 3-4 p.m. Closed for Summer. Kids Club for grades 3rd - 5th
Sundays 4-5 p.m. Closed for Summer. Middle School Youth Group for grades 6th - 8th
Sundays 5-6 p.m. Closed for Summer. High School Youth Group for grades 9th - 12th
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Summer Table Fellowships Mission through Meals
This summer we invite you to discover how 6 meals with Jesus in Luke, shared in homes throughout St. John's Parish, will help us experience God's grace, community, and mission.
Throughout his gospel, Luke highlights how often Jesus teaches about His Kingdom within the context of meals. While the purpose of His mission is to "seek and save the lost" and "to serve by giving His life as a ransom for many," he adopts the strategy of "eating and drinking" with others as a means of embodying the salvation he brings (Luke 19:10, Mark 10:45, Luke 7:34).
- Table Fellowships will meet for 6 meals at a home in your area from June 12 through August 29.
- To learn more and sign-up contact Lori Moore or follow this link: Sign up to join a table here.
- Please contact Lori Moore for more information at 843-513-7463 or email lori@stjohnsparish.net if you would like more information on hosting, co-hosting, and participating.
Helping Our Christian Brothers and Sisters in Ukraine
Critical help is needed now! The quickest and easiest way to make a contribution is to click on https://ardf.org/relief-ukraine-2022 and donate online. ARDF is a 501(c)3 and you’ll get a receipt. Or you can donate by check payable to “ARDF/Ukraine Relief” and mail to:
Anglican Relief and Development Fund, P.O. Box 645354 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5354
Tornado devastation
Anglican Relief and Development Fund® (ARDF)
ARDF has trusted partners willing and able to respond to the crisis. You can support them by donating to their Joseph Fund. This fund exists to get funds out quickly to churches and affiliated nonprofits to support the efforts of volunteers responding to the crisis.
If you would like to support this cause, you can either donate through St. John's Parish Church and write Anglican Relief Fund or ARDF on your gift or go to the Anglican Relief Donation Page https://ardf.org/joseph-fund.
New Wineskins Sep. 22-25
Follow the link to register here.
The Conference will take place at Ridgecrest Conference Center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, September 22-25, 2022. Programming for children, teens and young adults is integrated into our main conference programming in age-appropriate ways for a full intergenerational experience! There are over 18 plenary speakers and missionary testimonies, and 80 different presenters for our new Mission Awareness Presentations (MAP talks.) Engage with over 60 ministries in our exhibit hall, starting with an ice cream social on Thursday night!
"Held every three years, the New Wineskins Conference is an intergenerational gathering of missional Christians, seeking to join God in His work to reach every tribe, tongue and nation"
— Jenny Noyes, Executive Director |
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Altar Flowers Jun 19
Flowers were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Roy & Grace Turner
and Van & Ruth Richardson by Jay & Paulette Withington
The 2022 signup book is available in the narthex of the church. Sign up for the Sunday of your choice.
St. John’s Altar Flower Ministry designs new flower creations each week for Sunday services. Flowers are selected individually and prepared on Friday. The cost to dedicate flowers is $70 for two vases or $40 for one. Contact Sally Dixon ( sdixon@stjohnsparish.net, 843-709-4894) to sign up for the Sunday of your choice. |
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At St. John’s
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Collect
Jun 26
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth: Put away from us all hurtful things and give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Prayer for Ukraine
Heavenly Father, we pray for Christians to persevere through war; we ask you for peace, the presence of Almighty God, to be with all people in Ukraine. May the Spirit preside over your people. Through your only Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
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Anglican Diocesan of SC Cycle of Prayer
St. Luke's, Hilton Head
The Rev. Gregory J. Kronz
Deacon Kathleen Phillips
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Anglican Cycle of Prayer
Anglican Province of the Indian Ocean
The Most Rev. James Wong, Archbishop, and his wife, Doreen
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Contact
Church Office (843-559-9560)
Fr. Greg Snyder, Sr. Rector (843-367-3342, frgreg@stjohnsparish.net)
Fr. Jeremy Shelton, Assoc. Rector (843-364-9381, frjeremy@stjohnsparish.net)
Rob Schluter, Family Pastor (843-908-1853, rob@stjohnsparish.net)
Lori Moore, Community Connections Pastor (843-513-7463, lori@stjohnsparish.net)
Sally Dixon, Admin. (843-709-4894, sdixon@stjohnsparish.net)
E-News and updates for website, ( media@stjohnsparish.net)
Vestry Members 2022: Ben Dixon (Sr. Warden), Ann Edenfield, Barbara Johnson, Jon Grandin, Jeff Lamberson, Debbie Hawkins, Don Machiorlete, Becky Nisoff, Lindy Reynolds, Jane Vaughan, Jay Withington (Jr. Warden), Todd Young
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Watch Services Online
There are several ways to watch the online worship services.
- If you are comfortable with using Facebook, visit our Facebook page.
- Watch through our website.
- Watch though our mobile app You may click through the links to watch on Facebook (you may also leave comments and prayers) or watch on our website.
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