St. John’s gives back to the Pine Island community
Relying solely on the support of the Pine Island community for funding, the recent after-school tutorial program at the Beacon of HOPE received a helping hand from an island church. Contributing to the program, the members of St. John’s Episcopal Church presented the volunteers of the tutorial program with 12 Compaq, laptop computers loaded with educational software valued at more than $12,000. In addition, the church also provided several tables and chairs now being used in the classroom.
“If it had not been for the generosity of the people from St. John’s this program would not exist. They have literally helped us every step of the way,” said Students Achieving Success committee member, Betsy Haesemeyer. “They have not only helped us financially, but emotionally and physically as well. They are incredibly dedicated people and many of them serve as volunteers for the SAS program.”
In addition to the aide provided to the after-school tutorial program, St. John’s has served as host for the annual Blessing of the Animals for many years. This event is open to all islanders and their pets free of charge. St. John’s members invite clergy from several other island churches to participate and each is on hand throughout the event to participate in prayer and the passing of blessings to pets in the name of St. Francis of Assisi.
“Our parishioners are very dedicated to the Pine Island community and welcome everyone to attend our events and to share in our celebrations,” said Fr. Ryan Wright, pastor at St. John’s Episcopal Church. “Our church has historically done things together with other places of worship on the island, and I would like to encourage anyone to come and join their neighbors here at St. John’s.”
The Blessing of the Animals, which takes place each fall, attracts more than 50 pets and their owners who enjoy the fellowship, blessing and guests speakers and can stay after the event for a lunch of hot dogs, chips and soft drinks provided by church members at a minimal cost. The blessings and prayers are shared by clergy from St. John’s as well as the Pine Island United Methodist Church, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church.
Those who suffered losses at the hand of Hurricane Charley in 2004 also will recall that St. John’s was the first to open its doors to offer shelter and food to hurricane victims.
Much of the island was without drinking water from taps for several days and without electrical power for nearly two weeks. In the mean time, all islanders were invited to St. John’s for free hot meals and shower facilities to help those in need though a difficult time.
St. John’s continues to be an active member and supporter of the Pine Island Long Term Recovery Organization and many of its members have been CERT qualified and are prepared to assist with recovery efforts in the event of a disaster or emergency situation on the island.
Dedicated to the children of Pine Island, St. John’s also maintains a strong focus on the youth of the community.
“Currently we are working on restarting our Christ education program for the youth and hope that the young people on the island will come and share the fellowship our church has to offer,” said Fr. Ryan. “Our parishioners continue to dedicate themselves to the island youth. Many are retired educators and feel that by serving as mentors, it is their way to give something back. It is encouraging to see these people who are helping to raise the leaders of tomorrow.”
Services are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 7771 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Following the Wednesday evening service, pot luck dinners are held and everyone is welcome to attend free of charge.
For more information, call St. John’s at 283-1820.