2012 Epiphany
Concert Series

All concerts begin

at 6:00 p.m.
_________________________

Organ concerts are held
in the church.
All other performances are in the parish hall.

Parking is available on
Dargan Street and in the lot behind the church.

Parking at The Drive-in
is prohibited.

Light refreshments
will be served.
There is no charge for the concert, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Click here to download a copy of the series brochure.
_________________________

January 8
Pre-series Concert
William Douglas,
organ

January 15
Dr. Cliff Leaman, saxophone
Dr. Joseph Rackers,
piano

January 22
Fire Pink Trio
harp, viola, flute


January 29
Dr. Julia Harlow, organ

February 12
Dr. Paolo Gualdi, piano
Dr. Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi,
violin

February 19
Carolina Brass

 

Bishop Lawrence Writes to the Diocese about Disciplinary Board Decision

Click here to read this important letter issued by Bishop Lawrence on November 29, 2011.

 

 
 

St. John's Welcomes
Music Ministry Intern

 

William Douglas at Organ 1_Intern_St. John's Florence

St. John's welcomed William Douglas to the staff on October 1, 2011.  William, a senior at Wilson High School, will serve as our Music Ministry intern.

Feeling a call to music ministry, William is on track to pursue a degree in organ performance.  This internship will provide him a wonderful opportunity to explore his call to ministry.   William will be directly involved in a variety of aspects of the Music Ministry at St. John’s.  These will include, but not be limited to, playing the organ and piano for worship, singing in our choir, and helping with the children’s choir.  This internship will also afford William the opportunity to participate in the day to day workings of all aspects of music ministry in a liturgical church setting.

We are delighted that William will be part of our ministry team for the coming year, and look forward to seeing how God will use this internship to challenge and encourage William personally and spiritually, as well as to bless our parish family. 

Newsletter Available Online!

The parish newsletter is now at your fingertips.  Go to the Newsletter page to find the latest edition.

 

Youth Newsletter Online

Click here to view the latest edition of St. John's Youth Newsletter.

Youth Group Meets on Sundays in the youth building.

4:00-5:30 ... Middle School

5:30-6:30 ... Dinner & Worship (all)

6:30-8:00 ... High School

See the Youth Newsletter for more news, calendar, and meeting schedule changes.

Organist Vacancy

St. John's has an opening for a parish organist.  The position is 10 hours/week and is available immediately.

The Music Ministry of this traditional Episcopal parish includes an annual concert series, annual regional choir workshop, summer choir camp for area choir members, and a 28-voice adult choir.

Duties include accompanying weekly choir practice and playing for Sunday services and all special seasonal liturgies, funerals, weddings. 

We are seeking a competent musician with solid keyboard skills and a background in traditional/classical repertoire. A bachelor degree in music is preferred. 

Dedication to his/her ministry, a strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential to the continuing development of a rapidly growing, vibrant music ministry.

The organ is a two-manual 9-rank Moller. Built in 1939, it underwent extensive renovation in 2000. 

Applicants are asked to send a resume, references, and audition tape/CD to Tammy Williams, Minister of Music, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 252 S. Dargan Street, Florence, SC 29506 or twilliams@stjohnsflorence.org.

 

 
Welcome to St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John's Web Pic

This is the homepage for St. John's Parish, a traditional Episcopal church in the Diocese of South Carolina, located in Florence, SC.

Here you will find the latest news and information about our parish. Scroll down this page to find the weekly worship and study schedule.  Then please take a moment to browse our history page and other information.  We hope you enjoy your virtual visit and invite you to visit us in person if you are ever in the Florence, SC area.


WE WELCOME ALL WHO WORSHIP HERE

Mission Statement:  To Know Christ and To Make Him Known

Click here to read an important letter from the rector regarding the recent events affecting our bishop and diocese. Read More

 

Ground is Broken for
St. John's Memorial Garden

 

Memorial Garden Groundbreaking 3_St. John's Florence

Bishop Lawrence was on hand for the Memorial Garden groundbreaking ceremony, held on October 30, 2011 following the 10:30 service.  Pictured l-r: Bishop Lawrence, Fr. Ken Weldon (rector), Weston Pattterson (Memorial Garden Committee Chair), Pierce Campbell (senior warden)

MG Walls Wk of 12.26

Progress continues on the Memorial Garden walls.  This picture was taken the week of December 26.  When finished, the walls will be covered in stucco to match the rest of our buildings.

 

Sunday Worship & Study

  8:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite I (nursery provided)

  9:00 a.m.

Adult Inquirers Class (begins Sept. 25)

  9:15 a.m.

"Waylaid by Light" adult class

  9:30 a.m.

Faith Formation classes for all ages (September-May); nursery provided

10:30 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Morning Prayer, 1st Sundays; Rite I in Advent & Lent); nursery provided


Adult Christian Faith Formation Classes

Lectionary-based Study & Discussion
This class focuses upon the Gospel lesson of the day with consideration of the text from a variety of perspectives. Class meets in the chapel at 9:30.

Waylaid By Light
This is a continuation of a class begun last year.  "Waylaid by Light," written by the Very Rev. John Barr, is a study of the Gospel of John.  The teachers for the class are Luke Lucas, Marshall Thompson, Mitch House, Ed McGee, and Kay Fryman.  Everyone is welcome, even if you did not attend last year.  If you are joining for the first time, please call the office so we can order extra books. Class meets in the Schofield Library promptly at 9:15. 

God's Word in Our Lives
This class will be guided by an eclectic mix of resources from video to book discussion, all focusing on God's Word and its value in our lives. Class meets at 9:30 in the Poynor Room. 

Inquirers of the Faith
This class is for adults who are considering Confirmation ior Reaffirmation, those who are new to the Episcopal Church and wish to learn about its teachings and beliefs, and for long-time Episcopalians who simply want to refresh their understanding of what it means to be an Episcopalian Christian.  The conclusion of the class is scheduled to coincide with Bishop Lawrence's visit on November 6, at which time we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.  If you wish to participate in the class, please contact the parish officeClass runs September 25-October 30, meeting at 9:00; location to be announced.

Faith Formation Classes for Children and Youth

Children’s classes (3K-5th grade) meet in the parish hall classrooms (upstairs) at 9:30.  Please note a significant change for this year: Assemblies will be held only on the first Sunday of the month.  On those Sundays, children will attend class at 9:30 and then go to the assmebly at 10:00.

Children's Chapel: During the 10:30 service, children ages 3-10 are invited to listen to and explore the day's Gospel lesson on their level.  Children begin in "big church" with their parents, and move to Children's Chapel after the Gloria and Collect of the Day.  They return after the sermon and remain with their parents through the remainder of the service.

Youth (6th-12th grade) meet together in the youth building at 9:30.

Youth Confirmation: Those students who are preparing for Confirmation are required to attend a series of classes.  These classes will be held before youth group on Sunday afternoons from September 25-October 30.  Participants will be expected to attend each class.  There will be a mandatory parent/student introductory meeting on Sunday, September 18 immediately following the 10:30 service.

Weekday Worship and Study Opportunities

Holy Eucharist & Healing Service
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. in the chapel.  The service is held at The Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee on the second Thursday of the month.  On these occasions, it begins at 10:15 and is held in the Mary Alice Ingram Chapel.

Group Study
Four opportunities for study are offered during the week.

1. A men's Bible study meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:00 in the Poynor Room.

2. A Christian women's book study group meets at 9:00 in the Poynor Room on Thursdays.  The group is open to all women; a nursery is available upon request. 

3. A lectionary-based Bible study is offered on Thursdays in the Poynor Room at 11:00.  (This study meets at The Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee on the second Thursday of the month, following the 10:15 service of Holy Eucharist.  This schedule changes from time to time, so be sure to check the Sunday bulletin and newsletter for such notices.)

4. Women's Bible Study: Beth Moore Video Series:  "Experience a Fresh Explosion of Faith: A Taste of Believing God" will be offered in two sessions on Mondays, beginning September 12.  The first session meets at 10:00 a.m. and the second at 6:00 p.m.  Both classes will meet in the Poynor Room.  For details and to sign up, please contact Angelyn Bridges or the parish office.

Beth Moore is an author and teacher of best-selling Bible studies for women.  She is the founder of Living Proof Ministries and speaker at Livng Proof Live events across the country. Beth's mission is to guide women into a richer, more fulfilling relationship witht he Father. 


For more information about all offerings, please refer to the parish newsletter, now available on this Web site .

     

Here is a fun new feature - a photo gallery!  Click below to get started, then click on each picture for a larger view or choose to view the "slideshow." 

 

Spring Picnic 2011
Youth Sunday 2011
Organ Repair

The organ pipes and wind chests were removed on January 17 and 18, and taken to Midland Pipe Organ Company outside of Charlotte where organ builder Greg Nelms will replace all of the leather components and make other necessary repairs.  Leather is used to make the wind chests air tight and also are integral components in the valves that regulate airflow through the pipes.  For more information about the way an organ works and about the needed repairs for our organ, please see the November and December 2010 and January 2011 issues of the newsletter, accessible on the "Newsletter" page of this Web site.

When the main wind chest was removed from the pipe chamber, some of the leathers were visible.  Almost all had holes in them; the others cracked at the gentlest touch.  Leather nuts are part of the valve component; these, too, crumbled at the slightest touch.  This damage is due in part to the expected deterioration of natural materials over time, as well as to the work of rats and squirrels that have taken up residence in the church.  To combat the latter problem, Mr. Nelms will seal all of the holes in the pipe chamber and in the chancel floor underneath the organ console. 

Click on the link below to see photos of the pipes as they were being removed. The repair work is expected to be completed in time for Easter.

 

Daily Office for the
Week of 2 Epiphany

 

Monday, Jan. 16

Genesis 8:6-22

Psalm 25

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

John 2:23-3:15

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Genesis 9:1-17

Psalms 26 and 28

Hebrews 5:7-14

John 3:16-21

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Genesis 9:18-29

Psalm 38

Hebrews 6:1-12

John 3:22-36

Thursday, Jan. 19

Genesis 11:1-9

Psalm 37:1-18

Hebrews 6:13-20

John 4:1-15

Friday, Jan. 20

Genesis 11:27-12:8

Psalm 31

Hebrews 7:1-17

John 4:16-26

Saturday, Jan. 21

Genesis 12:9-13:1

Psalms 30 and 32

Hebrews 7:18-28

John 4:27-42

 

To receive the latest diocesan news, sign up for the diocesan e-newsletter or visit the diocesan Web site. Click here for the necessary links. Read More
St. John's parishioners are asked to reach out to those in need in our community by bringing non-perishable food items to church on the first Sunday of every month. Please place the items in the basket or barrel that you will find in the narthex of the church. Click here for a list of items that are especially needed. Read More
At their core, hymns are prayers. Hymns also are excellent study tools. In addition to reviewing the lessons and collects in preparation for Sunday worship, consider studying the hymns, too. Click here for a list of this month's hymns. Read More
Do you love to sing but get frustrated by the mysteries of music notation? St. John's offers a music-reading class on Tuesdays at 6:30. The class is geared toward church choir members, but anyone who wants to learn is welcome. This class is open to singers from any church in the Florence area. Call the parish office for details. Read More
Click here to read about the 2009 Kanuga Parish Weekend. Pictures included! Read More
Over the past year, newsletter articles have recalled the history of St. John's 140+ years of mission and ministry. This glimpse into the parish's past provided examples of the hard work and commitment given to the building-up of the Lord's work by St. John's congregants from the parish's earliest days. In an effort to ensure that we have adequate and sound facilities for present and future generations to continue that strong commitment to the work of the Lord, the Heritage Fund has been established. Following is the introductory letter from committee chairs Angelyn Bridges and Dan Ervin that was mailed to parishioners in March. Read More
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