Good morning. My name is Jeff Bates. And I'm NOT really a member of St John's Church! Actually, my husband, Scott Bricknell, and I are new here after being long-time members of St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral. So why are we here? I'll get to that in a minute. First let me introduce ourselves. Scott and I have been married for 4 years. I joined the Episcopal church officially in 2008, though I had been attending since the early 90's. I work as a sales manager in the pharmaceutical industry, a career I've had for 30 years!! I have had to travel for work and have taken assignments on the East Coast and in Seattle, where I lived for 8 years. But I always returned to San Diego.

 

I met Roger in Seattle back in 2006. He learned I was from San Diego, which is coincidentally where he planned to move. Later, we both spent several years serving at St Paul's Cathedral as Acolytes and Vergers. When Roger was first called to St John's, Scott and I came for moral support; to see him on his first Sunday as the then, Priest-in-charge. We were initially struck by the beauty of the campus itself. The lovely spire, the breezeways and garden, the magnificent courtyard, and of course, the beautiful sanctuary. But, more importantly, we were touched by the warm welcome we received by you parishioners here. It seemed a friendly, family place, and that feeling has been borne out over time.

 

We visited a few times and suddenly the pandemic hit! There was a scramble to see how you could adjust to serve the needs of the parish while keeping everyone safe. I have some familiarity with audio visual things, so Roger asked that I help with the selection, purchase, and set up of the temporary sound system used for the outdoor services. Oh, and by the way, would I be willing to come each Sunday and work the system during the services?! As Pamela Brittain said some weeks ago in her stewardship reflection, "I was asked, and I said yes!"

 

I have a deep love of music and have played musical instruments and sung since childhood. So, again, when I was asked to help with singing, I said yes. It's been very rewarding to get the chance to work with Cheryl and Jane - St John's is very lucky to have the both of them here.

 

You have a wonderful congregation here. More importantly, you have the opportunity to grow within the local community. I love community outreach. You have a wonderful hall and kitchen which can be used for many things. And you have a local community in need of Good News. This is exciting, and attractive to people like Scott and I, and will be attractive to others in the community who have yet to walk through the doors.

 

As Scott and I consider planting roots here at St John's, we know this includes our pledge for 2021. You have so much here already, and so many more possibilities. Please pledge to St. John's; it's needed now more than ever. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The leaders of the Prayer Quilt Ministry would like to remind 

you that there are many quilts available for anyone in need of prayer and support.  This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness. Please contact Diane Gustafson directly (diangus15@aol.com) or through the office (maria@saint-johns.org). 

 

 

Current office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.

 

Rev. Roger will be in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and all day Wednesday and Friday.  He will be available by appointment.  Please call the office (619-422-4141) to schedule an appointment.

In case of a pastoral emergency, Rev. Roger may be reached on his cell phone at 619-301-0724.

 

 

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.