Global Missions
COMPASS ROSE SOCIETY
The Compass Rose Society, created by the Archbishop of Canterbury, is a group of committed Episcopalians and Anglicans who seek opportunities for worldwide ministries within the Anglican Communion. Members of the Society contribute financially to the ministries and programs of the Communion, as well as accompany the Secretary General on mission trips. The Compass Rose Society gathers each fall for two days of business, worship and fellowship in London, England. For more information visit Compass Rose.
DIOCESE OF CUBA LIAISON
St. John's Cathedral enjoys a one-to-one companion relationship with the Episcopal Cathedral in Havana, Cuba. Over the years, "delegates" from both sides have visited each other. The United States government does, by virtue of a special license, permit such exchanges despite the significant diplomatic and economic estrangement between the two countries. In recent years, St. John's Cathedral has shared resources in the form of cash, which was used for refurbishment of physical needs of the Cathedral campus in Havana. St. John's has also recycled vestments and altar linens to support the worship services at the Cathedral in Havana. Plans are being considered for exchange trips in the future for lay participants and perhaps, youth.
EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT (ERD)
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) responds to human suffering around the world. ERD 
provides emergency assistance after disasters, whether natural or man-made, by immediately supplying food, water, and medicine. Help is also provided to rebuild communities after emergencies, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and other catastrophes. Opportunities are created for people who are living in poverty and cannot feed their families or provide them basic health care. People are provided the tools to earn an income for the well-being of their families. Offerings are received for the ERD mission in the fall of each year. For more information visit ERD.
GUATEMALA MISSIONS
St. John's Parishioners are committed to twice per year mission work in Guatemala. Teams provide a variety of service including medical clinics, education at Safe Passage (a program for children whose families work in Guatemala City garbage dump), and construction work at Iglesia Episcopal San Marcos, our church partner in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
LOS ANCIANOSOur newest outreach program is Los Ancianos, a joint elder care program between St. John's Cathedral and Iglesia San Marcos in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. San Marcos has opened their doors to the elderly in the surrounding region for daytime social, nutritional and spiritual enrichment. St. John's Cathedral is committed to assisting with upgrading the physical structure as well as monetary support in the form of "adopting" a senior (ancianos) for only $20.00 per month. Anyone can participate by becoming a padrino (godfather) or madrina (godmother) to an elder. Padrinos and madrinas communicate with their ancianos through interpreters periodically. If you would like to become a Guatemalan Godparent, or would like to contribute without adopting a particular senior, please contact Monica Mackenzie @ 904-632-9104 x24. CLICK HERE to see a slide show of our Los Ancianos. CLICK HERE for a registration form to participate in the program.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
Heifer's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. As people share their animals' offspring with others, along 
with their knowledge, resources, and skills, an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe. Every family who receives an animal signs an "animal contract" to pass on the first female offspring to another family in need and also, agrees to pass on to others the training and skills that they have acquired. This simple idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief has continued for over 60 years. Today, millions of families in 128 countries have been given the gifts of self-reliance and hope. Donations purchase animals and allow for the "passing of gifts." Look for us during the Advent Season! For more information visit Heifer International or call 800-422-0474. MISSIONS COMMITTEE
"To Seek and to Serve Christ in Our Neighbors, Locally, Nationally, and Globally". The Missions Committee of St. John's renews the mission of the church to seek and serve across the globe in the name of our Savior, Christ Jesus. We are currently forming task groups to explore several meritorious and exciting mission opportunities. Options include: local missions, projects close to home, service to help restore hope along the Gulf Coast, medical support in Guatemala, construction in Cuba, and education and construction support in Peru.