In St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we are called as Christians to set an example and to contribute to the community where we live. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (4:14-16) This year during our stewardship campaign,
Shining Our Light
, we have heard personal reflections from members of Holy Cross sharing what called them to Holy Cross and examples of moments of grace where Christ’s light has been a beacon to them. We have also heard from ministry leaders on how we, at Holy Cross, have supported one another and the community around us as we live into our baptismal vows and mission to worship, share, and exercise the servant ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through these shared stories, the love of God and our response to His call to share His love has clearly been visible. How each of us has responded to God’s call is different – for God has given us each different talents and gifts. Corporately, this has been reflected through our time, talent and financial support of: our fellowship and welcoming of each other and visitor/newcomer alike; Godly Play and our adult formation programs; the many beautiful evangelism and outreach ministries and activities throughout the year; how we support one another pastorally, through visits to shut-ins, eucharistic visits and the many cards we send with well wishes; and of course, our weekly gatherings together to worship. While we all may not be able to take part in all of the ministry opportunities that we would like to, we can be a part by supporting them and Holy Cross financially. While our focus is always on what God has called us to do – love God and our neighbors - resources are necessary to make our mission and ministries a reality.
As of today, we have received 33 pledges for a total of $127,720 - of these, 5 are brand new pledges (people who have never pledged before) and 8 individuals/families have increased their pledge - what a wonderful testament to the Holy Spirit working through Holy Cross. We thank all who have returned their pledge cards.
As we plan for Holy Cross to live into what God is seeking to do in and through us next year - including our search for our new vicar, consideration of becoming a parish rather than remaining a mission, and support for our many amazing ministries -
we need your help
:
we are well short of the necessary pledges needed to support the mission and ministries of Holy Cross in the coming year. At a
minimum
, we would hope to be at a pledge level that is no less than this year (2019 pledges) – 58 pledges totaling $189,770.
Everyone who believes in what God is doing through this blessed community of faith is asked to make a pledge. Because EVERYONE matters, no pledge is too small. This is your congregation and as you count your blessings, we hope just as you can count on your Holy Cross family, your Holy Cross family can count on you.
Next Sunday, November 24
th
, during our liturgy, we will bless all pledges received.
If you have not yet pledged, we ask that you place your completed pledge card in the offering plate this Sunday or drop it off at the office by no later than next Thursday, November 21
st
. You may also complete an online pledge by clicking
here
(secure, only Karen and Tom, members of the Stewardship Committee will see) or click
here
for a PDF version of a pledge card to print and bring to church.
We hope you will use one of these options to complete a pledge and let us know that you want to be a part of God’s work at Holy Cross by sharing the blessings in your life. Your gift will help to ensure that God’s blessings will continue to multiply and flow consistently throughout next year.
Your pledge is deeply personal and between you and God. Please know that, as your situation changes throughout the year, you can adjust your pledge to reflect those changes.
Your Stewardship Committee: Tom Mauro, Karen Sanchez, Rev Roger Haenke
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Convention Recap and Thoughts from
Delegates and Attendees
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The Diocesan Convention was held at St Margaret's, Palm Desert last Friday and Saturday, November 8 & 9. The convention is both a business meeting and learning opportunity.
During the business meeting portions, delegates (laity and clergy) approved the 2020 diocesan budget; passed two resolutions - Amend Title II, Canon 3.13 – Mission Action Parishes and the Resolution Regarding the Celebration and Participation Annually in Camp Stevens Sunday; and
elected individuals to Executive Council, Standing Committee, Disciplinary Board, General Convention Delegates, Historiographer and Secretary of Convention. To see election results, the Convention Book with the 2020 budget and other information covering the business meeting and workshops, a link to Bishop Susan's sermon from the convention eucharist and a video of Bishop Susan's convention address click
here.
Congratulations to the Rev Roger Haenke, who was elected to the Executive Council and to Karen Sanchez who was awarded a Bishop's Servant Ministry Award.
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Thoughts from Delegates and Attendees
Bob Meloon (delegate)
: I found the most important take-away of the convention was NOT in the business portion – that was
pro forma
. The importance lay in the practical sessions. I attended seminars on
When "Fine'' isn’t Good Enough
,
Evangelism: Beyond the Red Doors
, and
Communication Café
. From each of them, plus the Bishop’s keynote speech, there was a common theme: we each need to be able to tell our story. Your story, my story, and our common story, are all compelling testimonials to God’s kingdom.
Karen Sanchez (delegate)
: This was my first time attending the convention in this diocese. I was struck with the beauty of St. Margaret's church and campus and the awe-inspiring view of the mountains through the windows behind the altar - God's majesty was on full display! While the business portion of convention is the reason we lay and clergy delegates were there, it was the learning opportunities offered that were the highlight. I attended
What is a Prayer Walk and How Do We Do It?
,
When “Fine” Isn’t Enough
,
Evangelism: Beyond the Red Doors
, and
Café on the Margins: Serving the Poor and Marginalized
. Each was excellent. One take-away that resonated with me was through the sharing that occurred at each session it was clear that while we all have challenges, there are also amazing ministries, worship programs and ideas happening throughout the diocese that we all can learn from. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to represent Holy Cross.
Tom Mauro (attendee, alternate delegate)
: I attended
Immigration, the Episcopal Church and God’s Prophetic Voice: What has Been Done and What is Yet Left Undone,
and
Evangelism: Beyond the Red Doors.
A highlight for me was the opportunity to sit with 3 others and tell our stories about how Jesus showed up in our lives. Story telling, witnessing, sharing our stories is evangelism and I was particularly moved by the sharing of our stories of how Christ has entered our lives. It made me realize that Christ is with us, all the time, in every situation, in every challenge, in every victory and every defeat. He is there to pick us up and keep us “rowing the boat”. I was also encouraged during the Evangelism work shop to hear this message: “Speak the gospel, and sometimes use words.”
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Photos:
Susan L. Forsburg. To see more photo's from convention click
here.
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Service Times
Sunday
9 am
Holy Eucharist* Rite II
Godly Play and Nursery
Wednesday
Noon
Holy Eucharist* Rite II
* Eucharist comes from the Greek and means thanksgiving. It is central to our worship. It is also called Communion, Mass, the Lord's Supper and the Divine Liturgy.
This Weeks Readings
Isaiah 65:17-25
Canticle 9
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
Listen to Services
(audio)
Weekly Gospel Reflection
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Godly Play is grounded in the Montessori tradition and uses special materials and storytelling that invite the children into scripture and church tradition.
This Sunday:
3 - 9 years:
The Exile and Return -
Based on 2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles 36:13-23, the Book of Ezra and the Book of Nehemiah, the lesson tells the story of God’s people exiled and those who returned to their home. It focuses on God’s presence with the people while in exile.
9 - 12 years:
Isaiah -
This presentation on Isaiah enriches the presentations on the Exile and Return and the Prophets. The meditation of the 8th-century prophet Isiah on the destiny of Jerusalem left a tradition of prophecy in his name. Chapters 1-29 of the book of Isaiah are now often called First Isaiah. This is a meditation on the crisis of pre-exilic Jerusalem in the years 742-701 B.C.E Second Isiah is in chapters 40-55. This takes place about 540 B.C.E. It tells of the hope for a return to Jerusalem from exile. Chapters 56-66 are called Third Isaiah. Its apparent context is after the return to and restoration of Jerusalem that was anticipated in Second Isaiah.
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Each year on the Sunday before Advent, members of the parish join together to ready our sanctuary in preparation for Advent.
“Greening the church” refers to the placement of evergreens during Advent, and not to Christmas decorations. Greens are appropriate with dark blue ribbon (the blue is replaced with red and white Christmas decorations at the conclusion of Advent).
A large evergreen tree will be displayed, but is not lighted.
This is a wonderful way to be of service to Holy Cross and spend an hour or so with friends (new and old!).
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Advent Study
Birth narratives of Jesus
in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Sundays December 1st, 8th, & 15th
10:45 am - 11:30 am
Well, it should not come as a shock: Christmas is just around the corner. We’ve already been bombarded by commercial in-your-face displays and ads – since before Holloween!
So, for the church, Advent begins on December 1st. It’s appropriate that on that Sunday we should begin a three-session discussion on the Birth of Jesus, the LIGHT of the world. For Christians, the Christmas story contains angels – many angels, a lot of
LIGHTS, and two very different accounts. Why? Let’s explore.
Session 1 (December 1
st) - we will look at other birth narratives of the first century. There are similar stories in many cultures – political and religious. How do we fit the Christian story with these others?
Session 2 (December 8
th
) - in Matthew the
LIGHT of the star leads the Wise Men to Bethlehem. Jesus’ birth from Joseph’s point of view. It’s a man’s world.
Session 3 (December 15
th
) - in Luke the bright
LIGHT of the angels and their message compels the lowly shepherds to the cradle. It’s Mary’s story of Jesus’ birth.
Sessions will be held from 10:45 – 11:30 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Bring your coffee and join in the discussion.
If interested, please contact Bob Meloon following worship or via phone, 716.860.6739, or email rmeloon@aol.com, and he will provide you with some preparation material.
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November Outreach Project
Thanksgiving Dinner at LGBTQ Resource Center
This year marks the fourth year Holy Cross will provide Thanksgiving dinner, on Thursday, November 28th from 11 am to 2 pm, at the LGBTQ Resource Center in Oceanside.
Thanks to Tom Mauro and Vons we will be receiving 6 fully cooked, flash frozen turkey dinners including side dishes that feed 6-8 people each and we need help.
How you can help:
- We need volunteers who will be available on Thanksgiving morning to heat one of these meals in your home ovens (90min - 3 hours, depending whether fully thawed), and then take the hot food to the LGBTQ center in Oceanside at 11am. Please see Marci if you are able to help.
- Volunteer to serve and/or share in the meal, and/or clean up afterward.
Please see Marci or Karen for more information.
North County LGBTQ Resource Center: 3220 Mission Avenue, Suite 2 in Oceanside. Click
here for information about the Resource Center.
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Neighbors in Faith
Potluck in the Park
Our Neighbors in Faith ministry, in partnership with the "Potluck in the Park" group, provided the "potluck" meal this past Thursday, November 14th at Magee Park for anyone who was hungry. We fed 35 guests. We also had a short evening prayer service following the meal.
Our next date to provide the "potluck" meal is TBD.
Thanks to our volunteers this week: Kelly and Brian Petersen, Tom Mauro, Wendy Morray, Joyce Nehlsen, and Joyce Wayman and her son Jack.
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We give thanks for you all and especially for...
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... all who participated in celebrating the Petersen Baby shower this past Sunday.
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A letter from Bob Meloon - Greeters
As I have emphasized with all the greeters – they are the frontline, the first impression, that visitors have of Holy Cross. So, I want to thank them all for their ministry over the past few years.
It has mostly been a great joy to serve as the leader of the Holy Cross greeters. But the greatest joy is to have had a phenomenal corps of greeters. Carole Pappenfuss passed the baton on to me before they left for England – so I must first thank the Pappenfusses – all three, Maria, Carole, and Herb. (Herb and his mother, Maria, were the greeters on my first Sunday at Holy Cross.) Other greeters, in alphabetical order, included Sue Baas, Kate and Peter Buswell, Dave Dana, Daniel Bissler, Emily and Stacy Craft, Arlene Cull, Randy Echito, Grant Ford, Kylie and Glenn Jenkins, Betty and Larry Kucera, Lupe Ortega, Ron Neumann, Marcia and Aldon Pierce, Larry Sebastian, Marci Stafford, Muriel and Art Wahl, and John and Judy Wickman, and Kathy and Jim Zolner. I’ve probably forgotten someone, and for that I am truly sorry.
And thanks to Kathy and Jim Zolner for agreeing to carry on in my place.
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Please hold all on our prayer list in your prayers:
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Prayers for Comfort:
Fr. Atwood, Diane, Tom & Wayne, Nancy, Arlene, Peter, Mary,
Wendy and family, Rae,
Alejandra, Jan, Kasey, Sandy,
an
d all who have no one to pray for them.
Prayers for the Departed
:
We commend to God all who have died, especially, Doris Matthews (friend of Joyce Nehlsen); Micki Garneau (mother-in-law of Deacon Seth Longacre);
and those who have given their lives for freedom’s cause.
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If you would like to be added to the
Prayers for Comfort,
or would like to add someone else (please get their permission first) or add a family member to the
Prayers for the Departed
, please contact the church office at: email
holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org or
760.930.1270. Please mention 'Prayer List' in the Subject line and include whether the prayer request is for "Comfort" or for the "Departed".
Note:
If you have lost a member of your family and would like us to include your loss with "Notes of Care" please provide the name and relationship of your loved one, the date they entered into glory, and the address of where you would like notes of care sent.
Individuals will remain on the prayer list for 4 weeks. Please contact the office if you wish to have someone added for another 4 weeks.
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Please keep in your thoughts and prayers those who are unable to be with us in worship and reach out to them to let them know they are missed.
Fr Theodore Atwood Room 210B
c/o St Paul's Senior Services Nursing and Rehabilitation
235 Nutmeg Street
San Diego, CA 92103
Arlene Cull
4714 Athos Way
Oceanside, Ca 92056
Arlene welcomes cards and visits (please call first to schedule a time to visit)
Jan Hire - Room 139
c/o Life Care Center of Vista.
304 N. Melrose
Vista, CA. 92083
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If you would like to be added, or suggest someone to be added (please get their permission first) to
Notes of Care
please contact the church office at:
holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org or
760.930.1270.
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This ministry is an extension of our Celebration of the Eucharist each week - bread and wine that has been blessed on Sunday is reserved for our Lay Eucharist Visitors to take to those who are unable to join us.
To arrange for a Lay Eucharistic visit please contact the church office at 760.930.1270.
Marcia Pierce, our lay Pastoral Ministry leader, will be notified of your need and she, or a member of the team, will contact you to make arrangements for a visit. Please let the office know if you wish to have a visit on Sunday following worship or another day of the week.
Ministry Leader: Marcia Pierce
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Stewardship & Administration
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Search Update
We have received an application. Please continue to hold Holy Cross, the Search Committee, and all applicants in your prayers during this time of discernment and please hold Rev Roger in prayer as he discerns his next calling.
Our vicar search is live until November 22, 2019 (60 days from the date of posting).
Art Wahl, Chair, on behalf of the search committee.
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A prayer for our interim period and vicar search
Almighty God, giver of every gift we receive:
look graciously on your Church,
and guide those who shall discern
whom God is calling to be vicar of Holy Cross.
Grace us with patience, trust, and hope
through the interim times of doubt and uncertainty.
We pray that we may receive a faithful pastor,
who will care for your people and equip us
to continue, improve, expand, and reach out
with our ministries to all whom we can touch;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Bishop's Committee
Bishop's Committee meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. Any church member may ask any BC member to speak on their behalf or on behalf of a proposal they wish to forward. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month from 6 pm - 8:30 pm. The next BC meeting is Wednesday, November 20th.
*Ministry and Finance reports are posted on the bulletin board in the kitchen.
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Upcoming Ministries & Events
at a Glance
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All Saints Cemetery
Tuesdays, November 19th
9:30 am - 10:30/11:00 approx
200 Peyri Road in Oceanside,
next to Heritage Park
Contact Katie Ho for more information
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Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month
(no meeting on Nov. 27)
contact
Tom Mauro to participate
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Mass (Holy Eucharist)
Sundays 9 am
(Nursery & Godly Play)
Wednesdays Noon (new)
in the church
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Bishop's Committee Meeting
3rd Wednesday of the month
November 20th
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm in Multipurpose Room
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Coffee Hour
Sunday's following Worship
Monthly Birthday Celebration -2nd Sunday
of month
Sign-up sheet to bring
light
refreshments* is in
the Tietge Room.
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*Holy Cross provides coffee and juice we suggest items such as fruit, muffins, bagels, cookies, cheese and crackers. Please know this is not meant to be a full brunch but rather, a simple offering enabling us to sit and break bread together as we visit.
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Upcoming Ministry & Special Events, & Holy Days
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November Outreach Project
Holy Cross hosts Thanksgiving Dinner at
LGBTQ Resource Center, Oceanside
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Neighbors in Faith
"Potluck in the Park"
Next gathering TBD
help set up, serve & clean up - No cooking required
5 pm - 6:30 pm
Magee Park, 258 Beech Ave, Carlsbad
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Hanging the Greens
(aka Greening of the Church)
Sunday, November 24th
following Worship
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Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 28th
Holy Cross hosts at LGBTQ Resource Center, Oceanside
11 am - 2 pm
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Holy Cross' 33rd year Birthday -
November 30th
Sunday, December 1st - Celebration
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Advent Study
Birth narratives of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Sundays December 1st, 8th, & 15th
10:45 am - 11:30 am
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Christmas Eve Service
Tuesday, Dec 24th
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To see our full calendar please click
here
.
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In the Diocese & Wider Community
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Quick Links for the
Diocese
and Episcopal Church
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Maggie Ho is performing in the Nutcracker ballet again this year and is inviting her Holy Cross family. She’s very excited about her roles as Grandpa and a maid. (There are two different casts so if you see her as Grandpa you won’t see her as a maid and vice versa).
Tickets are $25 each if you preorder online (works best on a PC not from a phone). Or, tickets are available at the door, for $30. Tickets can be purchased (using a PC, not a phone) by clicking
here
.
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Cartoon from St. Swithin’s, by The Rev. Jay Sidebotham, copyright © 2002 The Church Pension Fund.
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Holy Cross Episcopal Church
2510 Gateway Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 930-1270
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