Thursday, December 21, 2023 | |
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St. John's Mission Statement
St. John's is a Christian community that intentionally gathers
to experience God's love through Episcopal worship, education,
fellowship, and ministry to the wider community.
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A Prayer for Peace Among the Nations
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit
may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed,
all people may live in justice and peace.
We pray now for peace among the nations,
and especially for the people of Ukraine, Israel and Palestine.
Guide us all into the way of justice and truth,
and establish among us that peace, which is the fruit of righteousness,
that all people may live and flourish in the world you have created.
All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Advent 2023
Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”.
During the liturgical season of Advent, the church prepares spiritually, directing our hearts and minds to the anniversary of our Lord’s first coming at his birth on Christmas and to Christ’s second coming at the end of time.
Advent is not a season of passive waiting and watching. Rather, Advent is a season of opening up our lives and souls with active anticipation and renewed hope.
We light the candles of the Advent Wreath to mark our passage through the four weeks.
The evergreen circle, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternal, living God:
so we call to mind how our lives, here and now, participate in the eternity of God’s plan of salvation and how we hope to share eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
The light represents Christ, who entered this world to scatter the darkness of evil and show us the way of righteousness. The progression of lighting candles shows our increasing readiness to meet our Lord.
Advent devotions, including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of this season. You are encouraged to keep this tradition in your homes, light candles and pray. Also, the following of an Advent calendar can help you enter spiritually into the Advent season with daily activity and prayer.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent – We light two blue candles, the rose candle, and the last blue candle of LOVE. This candle reminds us that God’s Love came into the world in a new way when Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph. Pray together:
Jesus, you are Love, even in this broken world.
You show us that love is stronger than hate.
Help us to love like you when we are angry or afraid.
As we await your coming,
send LOVE into our hearts, we pray. Amen.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 24, 2023
9:00 and 11:00
Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,
that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion
prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Canticle 15
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
Worship Booklet for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023
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CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE OF SERVICES | |
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Christmas Eve: December 24th at 8:00PM
Christmas Day: December 25th at 9:00AM
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Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24, 2023
8:00pm
Collect for Christmas Eve
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness
of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light
on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you
and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Readings for Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20
Worship Booklet for Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023
Christmas Day
Monday, December 25, 2023
9:00am
Collect for Christmas Day
Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son
to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin:
Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children
by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;
through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings for Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-12
John 1:1-14
Worship Booklet for Christmas Day, December 25, 2023
If you are not able to attend, please join our livestream service:
St. John's website: saint-johns.org
St. John's YouTube Channel: St. John's Episcopal Church, Chula Vista
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OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION | |
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Items Needed for Blessings in a Bag
Supplies are needed for those who go without food or shelter. Please Click Here for all the items needed.
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Outreach Collections
We will continue our ongoing collections for:
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New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
- Eyeglasses
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Greeting Cards - ECS Head Start (Judy McKay)
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Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change
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Emergency Food Pantry - South Bay Community Services (Maria and Joe Love)
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Blessings in a Bag - For our neighbors who live in need. Click here for a list of items you can donate to fill the bags.
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Gently Used Clothing - Men's, women's and children's
Items may be brought to Nale Hall on Sundays when we gather for worship.
You may also bring your items to the church during our weekday office hours,
Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm.
If you are not able to bring them, please contact the parish office, and we will pick up the items from your home.
St. John's Outreach Committee meets monthly to discuss our parish Outreach activities.
Please click on the following link for more information on our Outreach collection activities:
Outreach Ministries of St. John's
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Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry
St. John's is a member of a national organization called "Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry".
Prayers and Squares will meets on the second Tuesday of the month, in Nale Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to sew. Participants will be shown how to make simple quilts for our Prayer Quilt Ministry. If you don't sew but would like to be a part of this ministry, there are many other quilt-making steps you can help with.
Please bring your own sewing machine and brown bag lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Lothspeich.
If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt for anyone in need of prayer and support, please contact Diane Gustafson (diangus15@aol.com) or Maria (maria@saint-johns.org).
This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness.
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Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study
Morning Prayer will resume on Wednesday, January 17th.
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Parish Prayer Lists
For our Military
Matt Jensen, Drew Shorkey, Cody Crossland, Cameron Ronie, Chariti Paden, Mark Stanfield, Sean Robinson, Jonathan Martinez, TK Nguyen, Christopher Lindshield, Timothy Lindshield, Jeremy Colton, David Sanchez, Jonathan Baldera, Nick Wyatt, Jamal Warner, Devon Strunk,
Matt Hernandez, Daniel Getreu, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Sebastian Morales, Roberto Chavez, Ryan Lothspeich, Andrew C. Dugger, Dan and Chelsey Nyaradi, Gen. G.C. Heinrich and Pedro Bonilla.
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping
all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.
Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace;
strengthen them in their trials and temptations;
give them courage to face the perils which beset them;
and grant them a sense of your abiding presence
wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Strength in Time of Need
Steve Magill, Gary and Shirley McCarren, Ann Lindshield, the McClure family,
Alec Hauer, Barbara Oliveira, Linda Longoria-Neff, Ann and Bill Rogers, Karen Polk,
Penny and Bob Milam, James Kellogg Burnham III, David Bricknell, Sr., Deborah Pendleton, Celia Vasquez and the family of Tom and Cindy Brosche.
O God of heavenly powers,
by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies
all sickness and all infirmity:
Be present in your goodness with your servants,
that their weakness may be banished and their strength restored;
and that, their health being renewed, they may bless your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Cycle of Prayers for the Church
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of Holy Cross, Carlsbad and for the growth of evangelism in the diocese
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Episcopal Church in the
Philippines
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10)
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We Are Here For You!
If you, a family member, neighbor or a friend are interested in celebrating a significant event in your spiritual life, please know that you are welcome.
We would be honored to be a part of your Baptism, Holy Communion, Quinceañera, Marriage, Renewal of Vows or Anointing of the Sick.
At St. John's, no matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey - you are welcome here.
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We Are Available in Your Time of Need
If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed,
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ADMINISTRATION AND VESTRY | |
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2024 Vestry Membership
We have three vacant Vestry positions for 2024.
If you are interested in running for election to the Vestry, please let Rev. Roger know.
Currently, there are three members of the parish who have expressed interest.
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Parish Office Holiday Closures
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December 25th: Christmas Day, Office Closed
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December 28th: Office Closed
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January 1st: New Year's Day, Office Closed
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Parish Office Hours and Contacts
The Parish Office will be open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Please call the parish office if you have any questions or concerns
(619-422-4141) or email info@saint-johns.org.
Rev. Roger will be in the office on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, and all day on Wednesday and Thursday. He is available by appointment. Please call the office to schedule an appointment.
In case of a pastoral emergency, Rev. Roger may be reached on his cell phone at
619-301-0724.
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Las Posadas at the Border
By: Robert Vivar, Migration Missioner
In the heart of December, a cherished tradition unfolds across Latin America, captivating millions with its profound blend of holiness and family-centered joy. Las Posadas, celebrated from December 16th to Christmas Eve, spans nine days, symbolizing the expectant nine months of Mary's pregnancy leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Translated as "the inn" in English, La Posada encapsulates the poignant search for shelter by the Holy Family in Bethlehem. This tradition, rich with symbolism, is uniquely mobile, mirroring Mary and Joseph's journey in search of refuge. It's a spiritual pilgrimage embraced by families who visit one another's homes, sharing in the anticipation of the arrival of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Read More
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Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe
By: Rachel Ambasing, Missioner for Community Vitality & Diversity
Last week, many of our congregations held celebrations honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day is traditionally observed across the globe every December 12. The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe may sound familiar to many of us, particularly those of us who have grown up or lived for many years in Southern California and in proximity to Mexico and Mexican culture.
The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe takes place in 1531, a decade after the Spanish conquest of Mexico. A man originally named Cuauhtlatoatizin, later baptized as Juan Diego, was Indigenous to the Chichimeca people and a devout converted Christian. The Nican Mopohua (the earliest known recording of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego) describes him as being “poor but worthy of respect.” Read More
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Faith To Go Podcast
Bishop Susan discusses the joy and responsibility of evangelism while living into the ideals of Jesus' vision of The Kingdom of God.
Listen Here
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A Case for Love - January 23rd
A Case for Love will be shown in select theaters on January 23rd. This feature-length documentary examines the question of whether or not love, specifically unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world.
Click here for more information
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EDSD Support for Migrants
EDSD’s Migration Ministry office continues to work with migrants along our southern border, providing immediate aid and relief. Thank you for your support! For an updated list of donation needs, volunteer opportunities, and a list of our partners, please visit EDSD.org/migration-ministry. Have questions? Contact Migration Missioner Robert Vivar at rvivar@edsd.org.
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Support Episcopal Relief and Development
Your gift to the Middle East Fund will support the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital as they offer critical health services to those impacted by the current crisis in Gaza. Through your generosity, ERD is able to provide medicine and other supplies to help tend to the physical and psychosocial wounds of the current conflict.
Visit episcopalrelief.org today to make a contribution
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Reporting Misconduct
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego considers the reporting and investigation of misconduct to be of critical importance. Reporting enables the diocese to protect the complainant, the respondent, and the larger community. It also allows the diocese to assist with the spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of all concerned during and after the report of misconduct. If you have experienced misconduct in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, please visit edsd.org/safe-church-safe-communities/reporting-misconduct/
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