ST. JOHN S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1709 N. John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34741 www.stjohns-ec.com
2 Welcoming all of God s family to grace, hope and healing in the love of Christ. Sharing His love with our neighbors through the power of the Holy Spirit. MISSION STATEMENT
3 Contents 3 WELCOME 4 HISTORY 6 BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 8 WORSHIP TIMES 9 COMMUNITY 10 MINISTRIES 12 HISPANIC COMMUNITY OUTREACH 14 OUR VISION 16 JOIN US 17 NOTES Welcome to St. John s Episcopal Church, Kissimmee, Florida Welcome to St. John s Episcopal Church of Kissimmee, Florida! Osceola County s oldest Episcopal church, St. John s had its first recorded service in 1884. WHO WE ARE: Our church membership consists of a dynamic, culturally diverse, primarily retired congregation, with longstanding service to St. John s. Over the past years, the Hispanic population in Osceola County has continued to grow, and St. John s has grown as a result. Within this Parish Profile, we will give you a first-hand overview of the heart and soul of St. John s, viewed through the worship, ministry, outreach and activities that were created to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. First, let s look at our average Parishioner, who is over 60 years of age, is retired, resides within a twelve mile radius (or a twentyminute drive), and has been baptized and confirmed. Almost 40% have attended St. John s for 10 or more years. Our average attendance varies depending on the season, with a small percentage of snowbirds attending during the winter months. During the spring and summer months, average attendance is approximately 200 for the 8:00am and 10:30am services combined, which increases to approximately 250 during the winter months. Our Hispanic service, held at 12:30pm, averages approximately 95 in attendance each week. WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE? St. John s is a loving and diverse mix of God s children from all over the world! Our demographic profile shows parishioners with roots from the Caribbean islands, the United States and Europe, and a growing population with Hispanic origin. St. John s has a positive reputation for being the caring church and we welcome all with open arms! We celebrate our differences, while working in union, to serve God through worship and ministry. Welcome
4 WORSHIP WITH US! St. John s Sunday Services 8:00am Rite I Traditional Service 10:30am Rite II Contemporary Service 12:30pm Hispanic Service
5 A LITTLE HISTORY WE ARE OSCEOLA COUNTY S 2ND OLDEST CHURCH, WITH OUR FIRST RECORDED SERVICE DATING BACK TO 1884. St. John s recorded its first service with a wedding in 1884, and regular services date back to 1866, when Bishop Weed of the Diocese of Florida paid his first visit here. The church edifice, today known as our historic Chapel, was built in 1889, and dedicated in 1890. The Chapel was originally erected on the northwest corner of Mitchell and Sproule Streets, and in 1902 was moved two blocks away. In 1961 the structure was moved a second time to its current location at the corner of John Young Parkway and Columbia Avenue. The Chapel exterior was refreshed in 2014, adding a new metal roof, paint and upgraded landscaping on the Chapel grounds. In 1962, the Rectory was constructed, and later in 1978, the Parish Office and Nursery building was built. The Sanctuary was erected in 1982. Today, the Chapel is utilized for Sunday services at 8:00am, and 12:30pm, and the Sanctuary service is held at 10:30am.
6 OUR FACILITIES, BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Our Chapel is situated at the northwest corner of the property surrounded by many old, large oak trees and was the model for the construction of the historic church building at the Osceola County Pioneer Village along Shingle Creek. It is used for our 8 AM Rite I Traditional Service, 12:30 PM Hispanic Service, Healing Services, Prayer Meetings as well as other events. There are two television monitors and a sound system in place as well as an organ and drum area, a Sacristy and Bell Tower. The Nave seats about 100 people and is surrounded by stained glass windows. It was built in 1889 and is the second oldest church building still in use in Osceola County. It is the oldest Episcopal church in Osceola County. The Sanctuary sits at the southwest corner of the property and dates to 1982. Currently it is used primarily for our 10:30AM Rite II Contemporary Service as well as occasional special events. The Sanctuary is equipped with four television monitors, a projector and screen, a praise team well and steel band area. There is a Narthex located at the entrance with restrooms, a crying/prayer room and Sacristy. The seating capacity is 300. The Parish Hall lies in between the Chapel and the Sanctuary along John Young Parkway. Children s Church, coffee hours, socials, parish meetings and meals are mostly held here. There is a recently remodeled kitchen, restrooms, elevated stage and a storage Area. The Parish Hall is available for special events to parishioners and the community. There are audio visual connections available for presentations and live music events. Our church office building is across the courtyard from the Parish Hall. It contains a conference room, nursery, office and small storage areas. Just east of the office is our Memorial Garden. There is an Interment area for members and their families with an engraved wall, a pet cemetery complete with rainbow bridge, a covered area with a stage, a concession booth for outdoor events, as well as a paved labyrinth. St. John s recently added a community service center in our former Rectory at the southeast corner of the property. This building is now known as the Trinity House and will be operated by the Hispanic Commission of the Diocese of Central Florida. It will house our Outreach Program and be staffed full time to provide community resources to our growing Hispanic population as well as the homeless and those seeking employment assistance. It will be the only local full care service operation in Osceola County. We are very excited about this new venture! The remainder of the property is open space that is being used for a local soccer league. We also host large-scale festival events there.
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8 IN THE HEART OF THE ACTION St. John s sits at the well-travelled corner of John Young Parking and Columbia Avenue, on 10 tree filled acres, just one block north of U.S.Highway 192. The heavily trafficked 192 corridor leads to the area s internationally known theme parks as well as world class dining and entertainment. St. John s is also fortunate to be located within the heart of Osceola County, one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. This is due in large part to the migration of Hispanic families, many of which are leaving Puerto Rico to make Central Florida their home. Historic downtown Kissimmee is just one mile away, and is enjoying a revival of new shops and restaurants, catering to tourists and locals alike. Located in the heart of Florida, Historic Downtown Kissimmee offers locals and out-of-towners a variety of shopping, dining, services and things to see and do. COMMUNITY Downtown Business Association of Kissimmee, Inc.
9 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS Population Change In the 10 year future, how is this area expected to change? Significant Decline Moderate Decline Littled Change Moderate Growth Significant Growth School Age Change In the 10 year future, how is the population of school age children in this area expected to change? Families with Children Compared to the state, are families with children more or less likely to live in two parent households? Adult Educational Attainment For this area, what is the general level of education of the adults 25 and older? Significant Decline Significantly Less Moderate Decline Less Little Change About the Same Moderate Increase More Significant Increase Significantly More Very Low Low Mixed High Very High Community Diversity Index How diverse is the racial/ethnic mix of this area? Very Homogeneous Homogeneous Moderately Diverse Very Diverse Exteremly Diverse Median Family Income How does the median family income compare to the state for this area? Significantly Less Less About the Same Greater Significantly Greater Poverty Compared to the state, is the number of families in poverty above or below the state average? Significantly Below Below About the Same Above Significantly Above Blue to White Collar Occupations On a continuum between blue collar and white collar occupations, where does this area fall? Very Blue Collar Blue Closely Split White Very White Collar Largest Racial/Ethnic Group In this area, which racial/ethnic group is the largest percentage of the population? Asian (NH) Black/Afri American (NH) White (NH) Hispanic or Latino Paci Is/ Amer Ind/Other Religiosity What is the level of religiosity in this study area? Very Low Low Mixed High Very High Sources: US Census Bureau, Synergos Technologies Inc., Experian, DecisionInsite/ MissionInsite
10 MINISTRIES Altar Guild Altar Guild Men s Ministry Flower Guild LEM Sr. & Jr. Warden Greeters & Ushers Greeters & Ushers
11 Vestry Search Committee Praise Team Small Groups Outreach Steel Drum Orchestra Cursillo J.O.Y. Riders
12 HISPANIC COMMUNITY OUTREACH
13 The St. John s Hispanic Ministry was first established in 2009. In 2015, under the loving care of Father Luis de la Cruz, this ministry became well established at St. John s, and has now grown to an average Sunday attendance of 100. The 12:30pm Sunday Hispanic service includes a 10 person chorus, and a small band. This ministry shares lunch after Sunday service, and hosts activities throughout the year. Hispanic Outreach Ministry continues to grow, providing meals to those in need within the Osceola County community.
14 Foot washing at the homeless shelter is an annual labor of love for our Outreach Team. OUR VISION WHY ST. JOHN S? Besides having the most loving and caring Parishioners, St. John s is the place for OPPORTU- NITY! Our vision for our church family is one of tremendous growth potential, sharing our love with one another, and beyond our church doors to our nearby COMMUNITY. Our vision is also to enhance our YOUTH Ministry and provide much needed Christian programs for our children and young adults. Our vision is one of UNIFICATION, as we work together as children of God nurturing and supporting each other, despite differences in background, culture or religious upbringing. WHO DO WE SEE JOINING US? The traits identified as most important to the majority of parish research responses when choosing our new leader: A Pastor who lovingly cares for and nurtures us A Spiritual Guide who will lead, train, resolve conflict and encourage growth A Teacher who will help those of all ages understand and live Christian faith A Leader who supports activities that build unity An Inspirational Guide who helps us identify our talents, and use these for the glory of God.
15 WHERE DO WE SEE ST. JOHN S? Our hopes and desires for our Parish, working with our new leader: A Servant Church that prepares us for ministry to serve others A Caring and Nurturing Church that provides family support to all members and to our community A Worshipping Church that actively worships God and shares the sacraments A Growing Church that expands the body of Christ for God s glory WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO OUR MEMBERS? Holy Communion Our Youth Christian Education Fiscal Responsibility of all members 14
16 JOIN US! The St. John s Episcopal Church family, empowered by the Holy Spirit, welcomes all of God s children to grow with us to become mature fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We seek a leader who will allow God s Holy Spirit to work through him or her to lead, guide, and nurture us, and to facilitate our spiritual growth to the full and complete glory of God.
17 Notes
Address 1709 N. John Young Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34741 Social Facebook: Facebook.com/StJohnsEpiscopalChurchKissimmee http://www.cfdiocese.org/ Contact Us Phone: (407) 847-2009 Fax: (407) 847-3671 stjohnsec@embarqmail.com www.stjohns-ec.com