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Kick-Off Sunday
September 8, 2019
Summer is over and it is time to KICK-OFF a new program year at St. John's. There are several
activities scheduled for today after both services:
- ECS Head Start classrooms are open for tours. Take a look.
- Bonita Valley Garden Club will be on campus to talk about their efforts here at St. John's. Visit the Memorial Garden or the Rose Garden or both.
- Spiritual Gifts Assessments (short version) will be available in the courtyard.
- Chair Yoga session led by our own Joanna Ward in the Library
- Book Sale: Reach for More by David M. Szumowski
ALSO:
- Welcome back the choir at the 10:00am service
- Sunday School class will focus on preparing for Holy Communion Sunday, October 27
- New members of the Daughters of the King will be installed at the
10:00 am service
COMING SOON:
- The Lunch Bunch will regather on Friday, September 20
- Small Group Meetings to explore further your responses to the CAT survey. Dates and times to be determined
- Diocesan Novena, September 14-22, openness to discipleship, evangelism, service, 9:00 am each day in the chapel
- Diocesan Listening Sessions, September 23-20, strategic planning for diocese. Visit EDSD.org for more information.
82%
of people are likely to attend church if invited by a friend or relative
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Classroom Volunteers Wanted
Interested in becoming a regular St. John's Head Start classroom volunteer?
ECS is looking for volunteers from our church community to be part of the
St. John's Head Start program located right here on campus.
What does this entail?
To sign up to learn more, please contact
Rev. Cathey.
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Volunteers Live
Longer
(or why you should know about your Spiritual Gifts)
Numerous studies have shown that volunteers live longer. At the recent Stewardship workshop, the facilitator said that volunteers live, on average, nine years longer! Also a study of 64,000 subjects age 60 and older from 1998 to 2010 found that volunteering slows cognitive decline associated with aging.
Each of us has been given spiritual gifts to use for the glory of God and for service to others. Wouldn't you like to know what your spiritual gifts are and which ministries can use those gifts? Wouldn't you like to choose your volunteer service based on what God has empowered you to do?
The gifts are: Administration, Apostle, Caregiver, Craftsmanship, Discernment, Evangelist, Exhortation, Faith, Giving, Healing, Hospitality, Intercession, Knowledge, Mercy, Missionary, Musician, Pastor, Deeds of Power, Prophet, Serving, Teacher, Tongues, and Wisdom.
This Sunday, September 8, Diane Gustafson will be at a table in the courtyard area with copies of the new, shorter Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you haven't taken it before, please consider doing so at that time. You can contact Diane (619-253-7298; diangus15@aol.com) with questions or to arrange to get the Assessment at another time.
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Bonita Valley Garden Club
The Bonita Valley Garden Club will meet this Wednesday, September 11, 9:30 in Nale Hall. The Club will meet the second Wednesday of each month for the next year. We are very grateful to St. John for the use of Nale Hall. The Club has met for the last 47 years in the Bonita Library; for the next year the Library is under construction. The object of the BVGC is to keep the area beautiful, protect native plants and wildlife, to stimulate good gardening, landscaping and flower arrangement.
The Club is open to the public; if you care to join the dues are $35 for one year.
The Club has taken on the care of St. John's rose garden and meditation garden as a special thank you for the use of Nale Hall.
Please join us for fellowship and garden education speakers.
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Holy Communion Classes
During the months of September and October, catechism classes will focus on the importance of Holy Communion and the Mass/Lord's Supper/Holy Eucharist for we Christians. This time will help prepare some of our children to receive communion for the first time. There will be a Holy Communion Sunday celebration for all on October 27.
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Season of Prayer Novena
You are invited to join Rev. Cathey at 9:00 each morning from September 14-22 to pray the Novena at St. John's in the chapel.
Click here for more information from Bishop Susan:
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Small Group Meetings 2019
The purpose of these gatherings is for parishioners to explore further some of the responses to the CAT survey. The reasons why folks rated some questions differently from others are not necessarily clear. The Meetings will encourage conversation around identified priorities so that the Vestry can gain a better sense of "the mind of the parish." The information gained from these meetings will be used to create an action plan for Saint John's to become a more vital healthy, and energized congregation. The information will also be important to the Calling Committee as they prepare to interview candidates. Finally, this information will also help the new permanent priest to gain some insights into the parish
.
The gatherings will last no more that 90 minutes. People will be asked to sign up for a specific date/time. Two Vestry members will be present at each gathering: one to facilitate the conversation and one to take notes. Potential meetings groups could be: choir, Daughters of the King, bible study groups, Men of St. John, residents of Fredericka Manor, etc. Meetings can be scheduled during the day for folks who don't like to drive at night. Other meetings can be scheduled in the early evening to accommodate those who work during the day. Saturdays or Sundays are also possible meeting dates. Some meetings could be held at St. John's. Other meetings could be held in private homes.
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Author Presentation and Book Sale
David Szumowski, author of Reach for More, will speak at Fredericka Manor on Monday, September 16 at 3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.
If you would like to purchase a copy of his book, Didi Moore will have them available after church on September 8th and 15th.
About the author:
David Szumowski was born in Gloversville, NY, on August 24, 1945, and grew up in that town. After high school, he enrolled in the University of Richmond (VA) and joined the Army ROTC program. Upon graduation from the University in 1968, David entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant and served as an instructor in the Army Armored Division in Ft. Knox, KY, for one year.
In February, 1969, Szumouski was sent to Vietnam to serve with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a tank platoon commander. On March 20, 1969, having been in Vietnam for only 40 days, he permanently lost his sight when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his tank, sending shrapnel into his eyes. In September 1969, he was medically discharged from the military. For his bravery in combat, Szumowski was awarded the Silver Star--the nation's third highest award for valor; the Bronze Star with "V" device and oak leaf cluster; the Purple Heart; and the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars.
Upon David's medical discharge from the Army and after examining his career options, he decided to enter the field of law. He graduated from Denver University School of Law in 1973. During his years in Denver, he met his future wife, Janice. They moved to San Diego in 1976 where David spent several years working as a counselor for the VA and then Executive Director for Vietnam Veteran Leadership Program.
Upon passing the California bar exam, he worked for 12 years as a prosecutor in the office of the Deputy District Attorney. In March 1998, he was appointed to the Municipal Court by Gov. Pete Wilson and later that year became a Superior Court Judge of California, County of San Diego, serving in that position until his retirement in 2016.
David and Janice, his wife of 33 years, currently reside in Coronado.
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Calendar of Events:
Office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday-Thursday.
The office is closed on Fridays.
Kick Off Sunday &
Daughters of the King Service of Admission
Sunday, September 8
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Tuesday Night Bible Study
Tuesday, September 10, 6:00 pm
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Bonita Valley Garden Club Meeting
Wednesday, September 11, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
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Morning Prayer and Bible Study
Wednesday, September 11, 9:30-11:00 am
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Choir Practice
Wednesday, September 11, 5:30-7:00 pm
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Parish Council Meeting
Saturday, September 14, 9:00 am
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Season of Prayer Novena led by Rev. Cathey
Saturday, September 14-Sunday, September 22 in the chapel
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Lunch Bunch
Friday, September 20, 11:30 am, location to be announced
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Prayers
We Are Available in Your Time of Need
If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed,
Prayer List
Today and every day include some time for prayer, for yourself,
for your church family, and for those in need.
For our Military
Matt, Drew, Cody,
Cameron,
Chariti,
Mark,
Sean, Jonathan,
TK,
Christopher,
Timothy,
Jeremy,
David,
Jonathan,
Nick,
Jamal,
Matt, Daniel,
Jocelyn, Devon,
Taylor, Jorge, Katherine, Sebastian and Richie.
For Strength in Time of Need
Scott, Betty,
Rob,
Fr. Jack, Florence,
Deb, Bill, Regina, Patricia, Ron,
Rosie,
Clair, Eva, Becky, Norm and Cookie
.
Those unable to come to services, but thankful
for their continuing connection with Saint John's,
especially Lois, Roland
and
Juanita.
For Churches in Transition in our Diocese
All Saints', San Diego
St. Thomas, Temecula
Christ Church, Coronado
St. Paul, Palm Springs
St. Margaret's, Palm Desert
St. John's, Chula Vista
St. David's, San Diego
All Saints', Vista
St. Paul's, Yuma
Holy Cross, Carlsbad
From Bishops United Against Gun Violence August 4, 2019
Following the murder of thirteen precious children of God in Thousand Oaks, California in November 2018, Bishops United Against Gun Violence offered a litany in the wake of a mass shooting to commemorate the dead, to comfort their loved ones, and to honor survivors and first responders. Today, the litany has been updated to include two more mass shootings that took the lives of 31 precious children of God in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio within a single 24-hour period
We offer this litany, once again, with the reminder that one does not pray in lieu of summoning political courage, but in preparation for doing so. Bishops United Against Gun Violence invite you to join in this litany and our commitment to take action so that our country can be freed from the epidemic of gun violence.
Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting
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Opportunities For Service
Pill Bottle Ministry
Did you know that in developing countries, the pill bottle and cap is often more expensive than the medication inside. You can donate your empty prescription bottles! Just drop off your empty prescription bottles in our collection bucket located in the foyer- no need to peel the information off. Our volunteers will take care of that for you! We will wash them and ship them to Matthew 25: Ministries. Matthew 25: Ministries accepts donations of empty plastic pill bottles for inclusion in shipments of medical supplies and for shredding and recycling. Our pill bottle program fulfills the dual needs of improving medical care in developing countries and caring for our environment.
Please note that we can currently only collect the clear orange prescription bottles. We have found that the others do not benefit the program.
Thank you for your support!
Emergency Food Pantry:
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." John 21:17
The South Bay Community Services
"Emergency Food Pantry" needs donations every month. It's easy to donate! We will focus on a different food category each month. Pick up a flyer from the narthex, carry in your car until your next trip to the market, purchase the food, and place it on the table in Nale Hall before the end of the month.
During the month of September, our featured items will be peanut butter and jelly.
Thank you for your support!
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Scripture Readings For This Week
Readings for Sunday, September 8, 2019
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17
Luke 14:25-33
Readings for Wednesday Morning Prayer
Psalm 49
Philippians 2:1-11
Matthew 2:1-12
Celebrant's Schedule
Here is our upcoming celebrant's schedule:
September 8
Presider: Fr. Tom
Gospel: Rev. Cathey, 8:00
Fr. Jack, 10:00
Sermon: Fr. Tom
Sunday, September 15
Presider: Rev. Cathey
Gospel: Rev. Cathey, 8:00
Fr. Jack, 10:00
Sermon: Rev. Cathey
Sunday, September 22
Presider: Rev. Cathey
Gospel: Rev. Cathey, 8:00
Fr. Jack, 10:00
Sermon: Rev. Cathey
Weekly Bible Study
and Morning Prayer
Tuesday night Bible Study meets on
Tuesdays from 6-7:30 pm
in the youth room.
For information, please contact Mike Gollihur
Every Wednesday, Saint John's will have Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Bible Study from 10 am to 11.
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From the Prayer Journal of Fr. Jack Tolley
Friends, here are some quotations I placed my Prayer Journals over the years.
I thought you
might find them as helpful as I have.
Blessings, love, and hugs, Fr. Jack.
"Deliver us from evil." Evil lies in despair and bitterness, in a lack of gratitude,
and in a posture of arrogance. (Kenneth J. Dale)
"If the only prayer you say in your entire life
is, Thank you!
that would suffice." (Meister Eckhart)
Colossians 3:12 - As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
"Who's in and who's out doesn't concern you...
all you need to think about is God has mercy for all." (Lindsey Melden)
"What is done in love is done well." (Vincent Van Gogh)
"Anytime we come clean with God, Church is in session." (Rev. Patrick Gannon)
"Let us never forget that authentic power is service." (RC Pope)
"We all face times of consolation and loneliness and desolation.
But we never face these times alone. God is with us." (St. Ignatius of Loyola)
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A Season of Prayer and Listening
In late September I will hold a series of listening sessions around the diocese to hear the hopes, dreams, and visions of the people in our church for the next few years.
I encourage you to publicize the listening sessions coming up on five evenings in September. All sessions will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The locations and dates are:
- Monday, September 23: St. Bartholomew's, Poway
- Tuesday, September 24: All Saints', San Diego
- Wednesday, September 25: St. Andrew's, La Mesa
- Thursday, September 26: All Saints', Vista
- Friday, September 27: St. Paul, Palm Springs
I have also called the diocese to a nine-day Season of Prayer (a novena), lasting from
September 14 to September 22
, as we ask for God's guidance in discerning our vision and mission. We have provided a prayer guide with scriptures, prayers, and discussion questions for each day during the nine-day period, appropriate for individual or group devotions.
Please remind your congregants to participate in the prayer cycle as we anticipate the listening sessions
, and consider how you might be able to use it in your congregation
. I hope this will be a helpful tool in the season ahead. A Spanish translation is coming soon.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
Bishop
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News from Around the Diocese
Multicultural Children's Fall Festival
Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry in San Diego will be holding their 3rd diocesan Multicultural Children's Fall Festival this September 21 at 10 am. Bring your kids and grandkids and enjoy a Lion Dance, Aztec and Filipino dancers, the St. Luke's choir, and Japanese Taiko drumming. Participate in origami folding, Indian chalk-painting, crafts & games. Taste food from East Africa, Greece, the Philippines and Vietnam. Suggested donation: $10 per adult, $5 per child, or $25 per family. St. David's, 5050 Milton St., San Diego, 92110.
School for Ministry Fall Classes
The School for Ministry in Ocean Beach is a community of students, teachers and staff
who are dedicated to nurturing and preparing people for church service.
It is a place of formation that allows people to learn, grow and deepen their faith.
The School for Ministry welcomes any and all who would like to increase their knowledge
in faith formation.
Track your carbon footprint at home and at church
The Episcopal Church is providing a carbon tracker - Sustaining Earth, Our Island Home - for Episcopal households. This online carbon tracker lets Episcopal households take actions - some easy, some more difficult - to reduce their carbon footprints. Household actions are aggregated church wide. Yes, switching light bulbs for your household may seem insignificant, but if 10 households in your church or 100 households in your diocese switch, the impact becomes clear.
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The Passing of the Rev. Patricia Bush
We regret to inform you that the Rev. Patricia Bush, first woman to be ordained a priest in our diocese, has died.
A San Diego native, she was a graduate of San Diego State University and held a master of divinity degree from the School of Theology at Claremont. Prior to ordination she was a youth director at St. John's, Chula Vista and taught New Testament classes at The Bishop's School in La Jolla.
Under Bishop Wolterstorff she began the ordination process; Bishop Morton ordained her a priest in 1984. A group of 27 male clergy members protested her ordination; at the time, only nine women clergy members served our diocese out of 130 total clergy members. Her firm, calm sense of God's calling carried her through the climate of rejection and was credited to her as a personal strength.
The Rev. Bush served as a curate at St. Andrew's, Encinitas and as an associate at St. Bartholomew's, Poway. In 1990 Bishop Hughes appointed her vicar of St. Elizabeth's, a mission congregation in the Linda Vista area of San Diego. In that capacity, the Rev. Bush was the first woman to head an Episcopal church in our diocese. She also coordinated a diocesan school for lay ministry and served on the clericus steering committee in the 90s, among other activities.
She embodied a combination of intellectual acuity and spiritual enthusiasm and was known for her strong management, teaching and people skills. She was a gifted preacher and Bible study leader. Her pastoral care skills blessed many throughout her career in our diocese.
For the past ten years she has lived with a disability that prevented her from participating in active ministry, but she maintained her connection to our diocese through St. Mark's, San Diego ~ City Heights. She was divorced and has two children.
Service details to follow as they become available.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let light perpetual shine upon her.
And may the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Meet Your Vestry
Terry Farrelly
was asked by former Bishop Jim Mathes to be part of the Mission Action Parish team (MAP) that was tasked to help the leaders of St. John's through the challenges associated with the school. Although many of these challenges are now behind us, Terry finds it a blessing to be among the parishioners at St. John's. She says, "My heart tells me to stick around." She has now been at St. John's for about three years. Serving as Treasurer, she has a voice but no vote on the Vestry.
Have you been on Vestry in the past?
(Terry) I have been on Vestry before, but not at St. John's.
What aspects of being on Vestry do you like best?
I am an analytical type, so I enjoy finance and budgets.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Sally Elliott, our bookkeeper (among other roles).
At Vestry meetings, I appreciate problem solving in a collaborative manner where everyone feels open to express ideas.
Is there
anything you'd like to change?
Not solely with Vestry, but I would like to see a more robust expression of stewardship beyond pledging season. St. John's is filled with loving, prayerful people who give so much of their time and talent. Let's recognize the year round stewardship in that -- sharing our bountiful gifts! Of course, as Treasurer, I greatly appreciate timely pledges, which help me and the finance committee prepare a realistic budget.
Has anything surprised you about being on Vestry?
Although I wouldn't say "surprised," I appreciate the diversity of talent on the Vestry and the willingness of members to step up and "grab an oar" whenever needed. The mutual respect is very evident and it is clear that the Holy Spirit is in the room.
How much time does Vestry take per month?
Generally, I look over the monthly financials that Sally emails to me. Then, I meet with Sally to review. After that, I chair the Finance Committee meeting where the reports are reviewed. Then, the Finance Committee submits the reports to Vestry for review. Additionally, I attend the weekly meetings with Fr. Tom and the wardens. I spend about 10-12 hours a month, perhaps a little more during budget or audit times.
Do you have any advice for someone considering Vestry?
I would suggest that people considering Vestry take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment to get a feel for what they may be able to prayerfully offer to the parish. When we can bring together each others' unique gifts and offer them in combination, the results can be glorious. Vestry needs everyone's gifts! And, it can be very rewarding in many aspects.
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The Vestry
Karen Duignan-Senior Warden
(619) 470-1647
David Dennehy-People's Warden
Terry Farrelly - Treasurer
Pamela Brittain
Ray Contreras
Diane Gustafson
Mark Jordan
Jim McDevitt
Judy McKay
Lynn Young
Calling Committee
Tim Attaway
Lynn Boster
Alice Burnham
Bob Dunn
Jane Ferguson
Helena Livingston
Lynn Young
Approved Minutes for the August 28th Vestry meeting can be found here:
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To our Saint John's Family:
Here is your weekly newsletter highlighting important events at St. John's Episcopal Church. You can also find news about St. John's at
www.saint-johns.org.
We welcome your feedback, photos, and news items. Contact Maria Love at 619-422-4141 or
maria@saint-johns.org
.
Please submit your announcements by Tuesday of each week for inclusion in the Enews and Sunday bulletin.
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Emergency Contact Information
If you had a medical emergency at church on Sunday morning, would the Wardens or church
staff know who to contact? If you would like to add someone to St. John's emergency contact
list in case of such an emergency, please contact Maria, our parish secretary (619-422-4141 or
maria@saint-johns.org). A sign-up sheet will also be available in the church lobby to collect this information. Please provide your name, the name of your emergency contact, their relationship to you, their phone number and/or their email address. This is one more way we can show how we love one another.
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Reporting Misconduct
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact Mr. John Seitman, (jseitman@pacbell.net), 858-793-4555 or Ms. Equilla Luke, (aequilla@icloud.com), 760-583-0485.
Safeguarding God's People
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Contact Information
phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/483-7883 |
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