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St. John's Episcopal Welcomes New Rector

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - St. John's Episcopal Church will focus on All Saints Sunday tomorrow, in keeping with a rich heritage of Christian liturgy, including scripture readings, biblical sermons, prayers and Holy Communion.

In addition to celebrating and welcoming a new rector, church members have much to appreciate and share, from music to facility amenities, the beautiful neighborhood and local history, the unique charity outreaches and the joyful fellowship events.

The Rev. Stuart A. Swann began his Brooksville ministry on Oct. 1. Raised in Pinellas County by his loving Episcopal family, he maintains "a deep conviction that the church will be most effective when all members realize their calling as followers of Jesus Christ and exercise His ministry of reconciliation in a broken world."

Swann draws from career experiences in social work, business development, communications, youth ministry and geriatric care. His bachelor's degree in social work is from Florida Sate University.

"Oh yes! I'm a Seminoles fan, ditto for Bucs and Rays," he said. His master's in social work is from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and he holds a master of divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary.

He has served churches in Virginia as both a lay person and ordained priest before returning to his Florida roots in 2001. Promoting a focus as a Christ-centered Episcopal minister and commitment to church growth, he said he appreciates the wisdom in Rick Warren's best-selling books, "The Purpose Driven Life" and "The Purpose Driven Church."

Married to his Largo High School sweetheart, the new pastor credits his wife, Michelle, for her patience and in being supportive of his new ministerial post. Michelle works in a government position in Pinellas Park, so she holds down the home front until they can sell their house and eventually relocate to Hernando County. Meanwhile the pastor has an apartment in Brooksville and commutes often. "Call me a Southerner. I have lived in the South except for 18 months in Pittsburgh, Pa. I even spent time in Spring Hill before it was Spring Hill, before development. My parents grew peaches here on a 10-acre plot that I helped clear as a kid. I still enjoy turning the good earth. I'd like to call it 'landscape design and gardening,' but I really just like getting dirty and moving plants around," the pastor said. "Michelle and I both appreciate the setting of Brooksville: the neighborhood's old brick paving, massive oaks, and historic homes and gardens surrounding St. John's, and restoration and renewal of downtown Brooksville!"

The couple have five daughters, a son and two grandchildren. The pastor added that he considers Harima - a young Ugandan woman he sponsors - as another daughter. Although they may never meet, they keep in frequent correspondence, so the pastor is learning about the plights Harima reports concerning disease and extreme poverty in her family and village. "Her faith in Jesus and family are all-important," the pastor said.

Previously, Swann helped develop software for nonprofit agencies, worked as a cottage counselor in a children's home, and has been case manager and administrator in several family service settings. He is available by appointment for prayer and private counseling and hopes to focus on youth and family development, elder care and local charity outreach, especially for the homeless.

Plans for various classes, concerts, activities and community outreach will come forth as Swann and St. John's meld vision with faith and church growth.

"You may wonder about my priorities," Swann wrote in the November church newsletter. Some points include "My primary goals in worship and congregational development are to:

•Promote a welcoming, kind-hearted parish family

•Reach people of all ages for Christ

•Learn from one another to live faithfully as His followers

•Respect the dignity of people having differing persuasions, both inside and outside the Episcopal Church.

"Thanksgiving is central to who we are as people of Faith," Swann said, "especially as we face more difficult times. I look forward to fellowship and shared missions within the parish family and with our neighbors. We can learn to grow together to foster faith, hope, and love."

When do they meet?

All Saints Sunday services: tomorrow

Sunday worship: 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday school/coffee/adult forum: 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday Eucharist and healing service: 10 a.m.

Bloodmobile drive: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9

St. John's Episcopal Church is located at 200 S. Brooksville Ave. (two blocks south of the courthouse), Brooksville. Phone: 796- 9112. Web site: www.saint-johns-brooksville.com.

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