Annual Meeting, Nominations for BC and News from your Holy Cross Faith Family

View as Webpage

January 17, 2020

“God has not called us to be successful.

He has called us to be faithful”.

- St. Theresa of Calcutta

The words above by Mother Theresa certainly reflect the Holy Cross congregation. Watching the faithfulness of how the members of this congregation love and care for each other, welcome the newcomer, and reach out to those in need continues to inspire us in our own walk of faith. This Sunday, following our service of Holy Eucharist, we will hold our Annual Meeting. We will talk about the ways in which God's mission for our church continues to unfold. We will have a celebration of our mission and ministry, of the many talents and gifts of the spirit that contribute to making Holy Cross a welcoming place of worship and hospitality, and that lead us in our outreach to the wider community. We hope you will make time to attend.

Tom Mauro, outgoing Sr Warden, and Karen Sanchez, incoming Sr Warden

Annual Meeting

THIS Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Annual Report is available for review by clicking here . We hope you will be greatly heartened by what you read.

We will not be reading the report at the meeting. We will have a VERY limited number of them printed and available. Please help us be better stewards of the environment by downloading the Annual Report to your handheld device, iPad/Tablet, or laptop and bringing it with you on Sunday. We ask that you also take time to read it before you come to church on Sunday.

As we just had a potluck brunch two Sundays ago, we will not have a potluck lunch following the meeting this year. At the conclusion of worship, we will take a short break to allow folks to use the restroom and grab a cup of coffee and snack and then we will convene the meeting.

Election of Bishop's Committee Candidates

At the annual meeting we will vote for people willing to serve in the ministry positions of Bishop's Committee.

We have three individuals who have stepped forward to be nominated for Bishop's Committee. We will be asking for nominations from the floor as we have four vacancies to fill - please prayerfully consider serving.

Candidates for Bishop's Committee:

Dennis Baggett

1. Your experience in participating in the mission* of Holy Cross, within the congregational needs and outside in the larger community.

While new to both Holy Cross and to the Episcopal Church, I participated in various positions of stewardship throughout our 18+ years as members of the faith community at St. Tomas More Catholic Church. I taught and led young adult ministries for both middle-school and high-school ages, served as a sponsor for candidates and catechumens going through the confirmation and RCIA process, and participated on planning and fundraising committees for our annual Gala and Golf Tournament. In other areas of the community I have volunteered for many years as a coach for youth sports, in preparing and serving meals for Bread of Life and La Posada, and managed golf tournaments to raise funds for Wounded Warriors.

2. Your interpretation of what the Holy Cross brand “Open Minds - Open Arms” means.

T o me, the “Open Minds – Open Arms” idea allows me to “live” my faith. I believe that God loves unconditionally, and that all children of God – regardless of their race, gender, sexual preference, personal beliefs or experiences – should have the same opportunities to participate in all areas of their faith and share in the promise of inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven. In my brief experience to date at Holy Cross, this faith community shares that belief.

3. What particular characteristic do you possess that will enhance the effectiveness of Holy Cross leadership.

I’m not sure if there is a specific characteristic that I have which would be of benefit, as I’m really not sure what is “needed”. That being said, I do have the desire to serve. I also bring a new (inexperienced at HC/Episcopal Church) perspective that may be of benefit.

From a business perspective, I have run my own consulting business, and in my current role I am responsible for P&L’s for events with annual budgets from $4M-$40M.

4. What changes would you like to see at Holy Cross.

Again, I feel like I’m too “new” to have any idea on changes to be made. In general, I would like to see the faith community continue to grow, to bring in families, etc.

5. Other: A bit about yourself

I have been married to my love, Trina, for 24+ years and we have two amazing daughters – Molly (21) and Gracie (19). We have lived in Carlsbad/Oceanside/Vista for all of our married life.

I am a Vice-President and Executive Director with the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), where I have been for 10 years. I run our golf tournaments around the country and the world and I spend 150+ days/year traveling for work. Prior to the LPGA, I owned a consulting business and, before that spent 15 years in different positions in sporting goods manufacturing (golf & hockey).

I enjoy spending time traveling with my family (which sounds crazy since I almost travel for a living – but we have lots of airline miles to burn), riding bikes, playing golf and tennis, and drinking a good whiskey or IPA with our friends.

I was brought up in the Baptist Church (my grandfather was a Southern Baptist minister). I joined the Catholic faith prior to Trina and I being married, and we agreed that it was important to raise our children in a strong faith community. Trina was born & raised Catholic so that’s what we chose, and we have been Blessed by our faithful family and friends for many years. Our “journey” has now brought us to the Episcopal Church and we are happy to have been led to Holy Cross.

* Our Mission, vision and values: The mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church is to worship, share, and exercise the servant ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ in the rich tradition of the Anglican Communion. We focus our servanthood ministry on the less fortunate and disenfranchised within the local and greater community. We place special emphasis on children, the elderly, the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families, and the incarcerated. Our vision is to be known as an open and welcoming church serving the spiritual and secular needs of the community. Our values are grounded in our love of Jesus Christ as expressed in servanthood, stewardship, diversity, community, and courageous compassion.

Katie Ho

1. Your experience in participating in the mission* of Holy Cross, within the congregational needs and outside in the larger community.

At Holy Cross, I am active in the volunteer work we do at All Saints Cemetery twice a month. I have participated in the Thanksgiving Feast at the LGBTQ center for several years. My kids and I enjoy helping with decorating for advent and Christmas (and de-decorating!). And I am just newly a reader during the service.

2. Your interpretation of what the Holy Cross brand “Open Minds - Open Arms” means.

Open Minds Open Arms means everyone is welcome. It means we thoughtfully accept anyone. It means we will work hard to find alternatives to accommodate folks and continue to change with our community’s needs. It means we welcome those who are turned away elsewhere.

3. What particular characteristic do you possess that will enhance the effectiveness of Holy Cross leadership.

I’m not sure what I will bring to the leadership of Holy Cross, as I’m not sure what are the biggest needs. I have some technical skills, a willingness to learn and thoughtfully participate, and the belief that committing to serve is vital. That said, I also have physical limitations and a family with young children. I will do my best within those limitations.

4. What changes would you like to see at Holy Cross.

I would like to see Holy Cross grow, especially more families with children. Beyond that I am very proud of all the many ways we contribute to our community and I would love to see those ministries thrive as well as new opportunities to be explored.

5. Other: A bit about yourself

My husband, Ed, and I have been married 13 years. I am mother to Maggie, Corbin, and Wren. We have two cats and a beared dragon. I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a M.S. in Biological Sciences, specializing in the study of birds. I spent many years in marching band (high school and college), play several instruments mediocrely, and generally enjoy music. My pastimes are gardening, reading, camping, crafting, and being outside with my family.

Bob Meloon

1. Your experience in participating in the mission* of Holy Cross, within the congregational needs and outside in the larger community.

As the Apostle Paul teaches us, the body of Christ (the church) is made up of many body-parts, and that none is more important than any other. So, too, Holy Cross members are all and each necessary in order to perform and perfect the mission. We need everybody putting their strengths to work – some worship, some teach, some pray, and some act: all and each are necessary (1 Cor. 12:12-31, and others).

2. Your interpretation of what the Holy Cross brand “Open Minds - Open Arms” means.

It was that mantra that drew me to Holy Cross. Our community members are able to examine all sides of issues and agree to disagree in love: conservative and liberal, old and young, traditional and progressive, gay and straight, etc . It also means that there is a “radical” welcome for everyone that enters our doors. As Jesus taught, we accept and listen to all.

3. What particular characteristic do you possess that will enhance the effectiveness of Holy Cross’ leadership.

I believe both my education and experiences fit me for service. I have two undergraduate degrees: one in Biblical Arts and the other in History. And I earned two Master’s degrees: History and Theology. My experiences include ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church, teaching in a private girl’s prep school, and fund raising for not-for-profit organizations.

I perceive my strength to be teaching. Marcus Borg, one of my theological heroes and models, well stated the importance of adult Christian education:

“From my Christian and intellectual journey has come my vocational passion: introducing Christians and seekers to a way of seeing Christianity – including the Bible, the gospels, and Jesus – that makes persuasive and compelling sense. In particular, my passion is adult theological re-education [emphasis added]. Such re-education needs to happen at the congregational level. It is a crucial task.” [1]

4. What changes would you like to see at Holy Cross?

I don’t see any changes that need to be made. But there are two areas that I see need beefing up: music, and spiritual formation – especially for adults.

5. Other: A bit about yourself

I was raised in a family that was very involved in their church and took their religion seriously. That trait stuck with me. Even though I went through times of doubt – haven’t we all – I value their commitment. Also, the biblical education I received as a child in Sunday school and church services has served me well. These are the bases which have been invaluable and from which I have grown making my faith stronger. My creed is simple: Jesus is Lord.

[1] Borg, Marcus J., Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Mark , Morehouse Publishing, 2009, p. xiv

Election of Diocesan Convention Delegates

At the annual meeting we will vote for people willing to serve in the ministry position of Delegate to Diocesan Convention.

We will be asking for nominations from the floor as we would like to have additional candidates to allow for alternate candidates should an elected Delegate be unable to attend convention. Please prayerfully consider serving.

Candidates for Delegate to Diocesan Convention:

Stacy Craft

I would like to serve in this ministry so that I may be a voice for the people of Holy Cross. I value the input of each member in our congregation and want to honor that with decisions made at the Diocesan Convention.

Emily Craft

I would like to serve as a voice at Convention so that I may be a representative of Holy Cross’ congregation, and use my knowledge of our needs and concerns to best represent our church body.

Upcoming Ministries and Events

Service Times

Sunday 9 am

Holy Eucharist* Rite II

Godly Play and Nursery

Wednesday Noon

on hold until we call our new vicar

* 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 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

Psalm 40:1-12

Listen to Services

(audio)

Live Broadcast on Sundays 9 am

Past Sermons

Past Services

Weekly Gospel Reflection

Faith to Go Podcasts

This Weeks Salt and Light

Neighbors in Faith

Next Picnic in the Park TBD

5 pm - Magee Park in Carlsbad

Neighbors in Faith provides a simple meal to our homeless friends at Potluck in the Park in Magee Park, Carlsbad.

We have purchased a new rice cooker and electric roaster and are starting to prepare and cook some of the food we will be serving in addition to heat-and-serve items. Meal preparation will take place at the church in the afternoon before the meal - this is a great way to get involved with the ministry if you can't make it out to the park. Contact Brian Petersen if you are interested in volunteering, either at the church or at the park.

January Outreach Project

Used Greeting Cards for St. Jude's Ranch

We are again partnering with our brothers and sisters at St. Michael's by-the-Sea in Carlsbad to collect the fronts of used greeting cards for St. Jude's Ranch (They are unable to use cards from Hallmark, American Greetings or Disney due to copyright issues) . The kids at the ranch use these recycled cards to create new cards that are sold in their gift shop and online. This program helps teach business skills to the resident children at the ranch.

Please cut off the fronts of Christmas cards, traditional religious or other tasteful greeting cards for other occasions and place them in the box located in the Tiege Room.

Click here for more information on St. Jude's Ranch.

Ongoing Ministries and Services

All Saints Cemetery

Tuesdays, January 28

9:30 am - 10:30/11:00 approx

200 Peyri Road in Oceanside,

next to Heritage Park

Contact Katie Ho for more information

Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton

2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month

January 22

contact Tom Mauro to participate

Mass (Holy Eucharist)

Sundays 9 am (Godly Play)

Wednesdays Noon -

service on hold until we call our new vicar

Bishop's Committee Meeting

3rd Wednesday of the month

February 19th

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm in Multipurpose Room

Coffee Hour

Sundays following Worship

Monthly Birthday Celebration -2nd Sunday

of month

Sign-up sheet to bring light refreshments* is in

the Tietge Room.

*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.

Please hold all on our prayer list in your prayers:

Prayers for Comfort:

Fr. Atwood, Tom & Wayne, Nancy, Arlene, Peter, Mary, Kasey, Steve and Amber, Marilyn and Art, Mary and Ray, Pat, Sandy, Bella, Kaitlyn, Charlie, Karen, the Hire family, the Cornell, Flinner & Collier families, Tom and

Prayers for the Departed :

We commend to God all who have died, especially Jan Hire (parishioner), Diane Cornell (Linda Collier's sister-in-law), and those who have given their lives for freedom’s cause.

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".

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.

Note: If you have lost a member of your family and would like us to include your loss in "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.

Notes of Care

Thinking of you. Humming bird watercolor card illustration

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).

Please continue to hold the family of Jan Hire in prayer. Jan passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday evening in the company of her family. A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on Sunday, January 26th, at Holy Cross, at 1 PM. Fr. Walter Edelman will preside.

There will be no visitation. A catered reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to Outside the Bowl. Donations may be made, in memory of Jan, online at www.outsidethebowl.org/donate or you may mail a check to: Outside the Bowl, P.O. Box 6193, Oceanside, CA 92052. To read Jan's obituary click here.

Notes of condolence may be sent to:

Garth and Holly Hire and Family (Jan's son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren)

5 Lavenida Dr.

Orinda, CA 94563

Scott and Jenn Hire (Jan's son and daughter-in-law)

3464 FM 1237

Temple, TX 76504

May Jan's soul, and the soul's of all the departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace and rise to Glory.

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.

Eucharistic Visits

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. Muriel Wahl, 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.

Stewardship

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, February 19th. To read the approved December minutes click here.

*Ministry and Finance reports are posted on the bulletin board in the kitchen.

Support the Mission and Ministries of Holy Cross

Make a Pledge here

Donate/Pay Pledge

...................... Search Update

As announced last Sunday, the Search Committee has completed the video interview process and they have presented a list of one or more candidates to the BC, who will then decide, in consultation with the Bishop's Office, on calling our next vicar.

The BC is currently reviewing candidate materials.

Although the process is transparent, the names of ALL candidates and personal information, including sex, location and other items that might identify a candidate, will be kept in strictest confidence by the Search Committee and by the BC.

We thank the congregation for your prayers, support, and patience during this process.

We are deeply grateful and blessed that the following individuals accepted the call to serve in on the Search Committee: Art Wahl, Elizabeth Burr; Emily Craft; Grant Ford; Bob Meloon; Marcia Pierce, and, Marci Stafford.

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.