Thursday, March 16, 2023

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.

Labyrinth Walk

Saturday, March 18th,

10:00am-2pm in Nale Hall



The Labyrinth is a spiritual tool and can be walked as a pilgrimage for repentance: a shedding of worries and concerns; reaching a place of meditation and prayer; and finding union with God and the healing forces at work in the world.

Come to walk on your own; brochures of guidance will be provided.

Saturday, March 18th from 10am-2pm in Nale Hall.

Labyrinth Guide

St. John's will celebrate 

El dia de San José

(The Feast Day of Saint Joseph)

La Misa in English

March 21st at 6:00pm

Social – Music – Mass – Dinner

Pot Luck Dinner

(Please bring a dish to share)

All are welcome to attend  -  Please invite family and friends

New Sunday Liturgy Schedule

9:00am Organ and Choir

Service will be live-streamed

Coffee and Fellowship to follow

11:00am Sunday School and Nursery Available

Pot Luck Brunch following the service (please bring a dish to share).

All are welcome to attend!

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sunday, March 19, 2023

9:00am and 11:00am

Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven

to be the true bread which gives life to the world:

Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Ephesians 5:8-14

Psalm 23

John 9:1-41

Worship Booklet for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 19, 2023

If you are not able to attend, please join our 9:00 am livestream service:

St. John's website: saint-johns.org

St. John's YouTube Channel: St. John's Episcopal Church, Chula Vista

Easter Flower Dedications

Our church will be decorated with beautiful flowers for Easter.

If you would like to honor your loved ones in our worship booklet on Easter, please use the Easter Flower envelopes found in the church or email or call the office (maria@saint-johns.org or 619-422-4141) with your requests:

In honor of ____   

or 

In memory of _____ 

or

In thanksgiving for _____

Please submit your requests by Monday, April 3rd.

Holy Week and Easter

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday - Sunday, April 2nd

    10:00am beginning with Blessing and Procession of Palms in Nale Hall

Maundy Thursday - Thursday, April 6th 

    7:00pm celebration of Eucharist with the Foot Washing Ritual

Good Friday - Friday, April 7th 

    12:00noon Everyone’s Way of the Cross

    7:00pm Liturgy of the Word with Veneration of the Cross

Easter Eve: The Great Vigil of Easter - Saturday, April 8th

   7:00pm beginning with blessing of the new fire, readings from the Old Testament,

                   Renewal of Baptismal Vows and celebration of the Easter Eucharist

Easter Day: Sunday of the Resurrection - Sunday, April 9th

    10:00am  Liturgy of the Word, Remembrance of Baptism, and celebration of Eucharist

On Wednesday, February 22nd, we began the season of Lent. The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion (Good Friday) and resurrection (Easter), and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for these holy days by a season of penitence and fasting.

You are invited, therefore, to an observance of a holy Lent.

The season of Lent is traditionally marked by acts of special devotion: prayer, fasting, self-examination and repentance, spiritual reading, and alms giving.

We have the opportunity to intentionally practice who we are as people of faith.

We are providing optional acts of devotion to help you keep the season holy:

Prayer

• Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study 

Consider joining us on Wednesday mornings - 

you may request the Zoom link from Rev. Roger.

• Labyrinth Walk

The Labyrinth is a spiritual tool and can be walked as a pilgrimage for repentance: a shedding of worries and concerns; reaching a place of meditation and prayer; and finding union with God and the healing forces at work in the world.

Come to walk on your own; brochures of guidance will be provided.

Saturday, March 18th from 10am-2pm in Nale Hall.

Labyrinth Guide

• Stations of the Cross 

For your private devotion, you are invited to walk the steps of Jesus on his

journey to the cross; a link to the service booklet is located below.

Fasting 

• Self-Examination

Through self-examination, you may discern and consider fasting from those

things that are holding you back from being an example by word and deed

of God’s love.

Alms-Giving

• 40 Days – 40 Items

Please consider giving of your excess in order to clothe those who go without. 

See the table in the narthex or the article in our E-Newsletter for details. 

If you wish to have clothing collection bags sent to you, contact Maria in the

church office.

• United Thank Offering

United Thank Offering (UTO), a ministry of the Episcopal Church, encourages the habit of giving daily thanks to God for our many blessings. All offerings are used to support grants for ministries at home and overseas to fund projects such as kitchen equipment for homeless shelters, dental clinics for the poor, handicap access in church and service buildings, and many other projects. United Thank Offering donation boxes and envelopes can be found in the Narthex.

Stations of the Cross



Along with the prayers and reflections for each station, you will find artwork from former St. John's students.

Attached is the link to the prayer booklet:

Stations of the Cross

Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent 

The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption.

Throughout Lent, come along with us as we explore Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent, produced by Hillary Raining and Jenifer Gamber. You can find resources mentioned below at iam.ec/lifetransformed or by scanning the QR code to the right.

Week 4

Sunday, March 19

Today’s Practice: Watch the Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining’s video at iam.ec/lifetransformed for Week 4. The topic is based on the practice “Bless” and is titled, “A New Heart and a New Spirit”.

Read: Ezekiel 36:24-28

Monday, March 20

Today’s Prompt: What challenges are you facing today?

Read: “And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.” – Job 11:18

Tuesday, March 21

Today’s Prompt: Where do you find joy and passion?

Read: “They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” – Luke 24:32

Wednesday, March 22

Today’s Prompt: What can you say “no” to so you can say “yes” to prayer, rest and joy?

Read: “Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work: it is a sabbath to the Lord throughout your settlements.” – Lev. 23:3

Thursday, March 23

Today’s Prompt: Practice lectio divina with this scripture.

Read: Luke 15:17-24

Friday, March 24

Today’s Prompt: Create a prayer representing how you seek to serve God and follow Jesus.

Read: “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.” – Matt. 5:15

Saturday, March 25

Today’s Prompt: How do others experience the love of Christ through you?

Read: “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” – Gal. 5:22-23

Reflections from “Living the Way of Love” by Mary Bea Sullivan (Church Publishing, 2019). Used with permission. Quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

40 Days 40 Items

Each day of Lent, you are encouraged to think of someone less fortunate as you look in your closets and drawers. Remove one item from your closet that you no longer wear or need and put it into the appropriate bag.

Men’s items will go in a black bag, Women’s items in a white bag, Children’s items in a separate bag labeled “Children’s”.

At the end of the forty days, donate these items to St. John’s so that we may share them with clients of ECS Head Start.

The following are suggested items that are really needed:

• Warm hoodie sweatshirts (men / women)
• Sweatshirts
• Sweatpants
• Jeans
• Pants
• Shoes
• Blankets
• Ball caps
• Used backpacks
• Socks (new)
• Men’s / Women’s Underwear (new)

Outreach Collections

We will continue our ongoing collections for:

• New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
• Eyeglasses
• Greeting Cards - ECS HeadStart (Judy McKay)
• Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change
• Emergency Food Pantry - South Bay Community Services (Maria and Joe Love)
• Blessings in a Bag - For our neighbors who are living outside. Click here for a list of items you can donate to fill the bags.
• 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

ECS Gala Silent Auction Basket

ECS has asked all parish-partners in the Diocese to consider providing a Gift Basket for the silent auction at the ECS Gala on May 13.

St. John's will make a luxury bath/shower basket. We already have two battery-operated exfoliating brushes (with net sponges) and a couple of bars of luxurious soap. 

Please consider donating something to round out the basket. Some ideas are:

• a bath pillow that adheres to the head of the tub
• two new fluffy bath towels
• shower gel
• exfoliating "file" for the feet
• candle 
• shampoo and conditioner
• bath salts

We need to collect these things by the middle of April. You can leave donations with Maria. If you have questions, call Diane Gustafson 619 253 7298  diangus15@aol.com

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

St. John's is pleased to partner with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency to offer Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3pm

in Nale Hall.

Informational Flyer: Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study



Join us for Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study

on Wednesdays at 9:30 am as a Zoom meeting.

Please contact Rev. Roger ( revroger@saint-johns.org)

to be included in the Zoom meeting.

The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:

Morning Prayer, March 22nd

Calling All Quilters: We Need your Help

Our supply of prayer quilts is very low and need to have new prayer quilts made.

If you are interested in sewing new prayer quilts, please contact Diane Gustafson.

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,

Matt Hernandez, Daniel Getreu, Devon Strunk, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Sebastian Morales, Roberto Chavez, Ryan Lothspeich, Andrew C. Dugger, Dan and Chelsey Nyaradi, and Gen. G.J. Heinrich.

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, Barb Oliveira, Heather Wallace, Linda Longoria-Neff, Josey Felts, Celia Vasquez, Ann Rogers, Alec Hauer, John Thomas and Zakia.

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 St. John's in Fallbrook.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Sailors serving on USS John Finn (DDG-113), USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001).

A Prayer for Peace Among the Nations (BCP 816)

Friday, February 24th, was the one-year anniversary of the war between the countries of Russia and the Ukraine.

Let us pray in this time of conflict:

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world

into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them

that peace which is the fruit of righteousness,

that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

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.

The Celebration of Life of Lola Hunt

The Celebration of Life of Lola Hunt will be on

Thursday, March 23rd at 10:00am

at St. John's Episcopal Church, 760 First Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910

Please hold the Hunt family in your prayers during this difficult time.

The Celebration of Life of Ron and Cathy Williams

The Celebration of Life of Ron and Cathy Williams will be on

Friday, March 31st at 11:00am

at St. John's Episcopal Church, 760 First Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910

Please hold the Williams family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend you servants,

Lola, Ron and Cathy.

Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, sheep of your own fold,

lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming.

Receive them into the arms of your mercy,

into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,

and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon them.

May their soul and the souls of all the departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Hospitality Hosts Needed!

Please join us for hospitality after the Sunday morning worship service. If you would like to host a Sunday, you may sign up on the poster in Nale Hall or by calling or emailing Maria at 619-422-4141 or maria@saint-johns.org



Current Available Dates:

March 19th

March 26th

April 2nd

Vestry Meeting

March 22nd at 6:00pm

All St. John's parishioners are invited to attend Vestry meetings. Our next Vestry 

meeting is on Wednesday, March 22nd at 6:00 pm. Please contact Rev. Roger or Maria 

in the office and we will send you the Zoom link for the meeting.

Upcoming Events at St. John's

• March 18: Labyrinth, 10am-2pm in Nale Hall
• March 23: Lola Hunt Celebration of Life, 10:00am
• March 30: Last Tai Chi Class in Nale Hall
• March 31: Ron and Cathy Williams Celebration of Life, 11:00am
• April 2: Palm Sunday, one service at 10:00am

1st Quarter Calendar Events 2023

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, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons; and all day on Wednesday and Friday. 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.

Growing Trees in Community

By: Chris Tumilty, Director of Communications &

Rachel Ambasing, Multicultural Missioner & Growing Trees in Community Coordinator

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego has set out to provide more shade for its neighbors. In the last study, the urban canopy of San Diego was rated at 13%, with (98,204 acres) of the city’s land that could theoretically accommodate more tree canopy. Many underserved, under-greened, underfunded neighborhoods lack a significant tree canopy, and the people of EDSD and our partners are here to serve.  

On a beautiful Sunday, March 12, over 40 volunteers came to St. Philip’s in Lemon Grove throughout the afternoon to help plant trees, feed volunteers, and show their support. And these were not just the people of St. Philip’s that volunteered. Episcopalians from St. Mark’s in City Heights, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christ Church in Coronado, and St. Matthew’s in National City came out to help. The volunteers ranged from children to ‘older folk.’ Some had extensive experience, and others with hopeful intentions learned about gardening for the first time. Read More

Creation Care Month of Service

This April, as part of the Year of Service, partner with a community organization and engage in a service activity related to care for the environment. This is a great opportunity to be the church outside your church walls, to connect with your neighbors in service! Read More

Faith to Go: Sighted Yet Blind

Join the Faith To Go team and special guest Katherine Bom, as they explore St. Luke's and RefugeeNet's extensive programs that are designed to help people that came to the U.S. as refugees. Listen Here

Love Is...

By: Charlette Preslar, EDSD Director of Formation

My favorite T-shirt reads, “Love is an action word.” I connect to it because it reminds me that love is not just a feeling. Love is a call, a responsibility, to ensure that our words and our actions help everyone to be seen, loved, and valued as their true self. If I am honest, I am often drawn to things that strive to explain love. We have heard Bishop Curry preach that love is the way over and over and over again. But what does that mean, and how do we do it? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

In just a few weeks, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will roll out our first Vacation Bible School curriculum, “Love is…” This arts-based curriculum will open spaces for children to connect to God and each other as they create beautiful art pieces, write skits that reveal God’s work in themselves and the world and sing–sing songs that are filled with LOVE and JOY. Read More

Gifts to ERD Support those in Crisis



Episcopal Relief and Development helps people facing hardships all over the world. Consider making a donation to ERD to support families devastated by war in Ukraine, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, or those affected by climate change. Give

• Episcopal Relief and Development Lenten Meditations
• Healing Power of Art, Art Exhibition at St. James Gallery by-the-Sea, Friday March 17th, 5:30-7:30pm
• Diocesan Service and Justice Coalition, Saturday, March 18th, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
• RefugeeNet Gala, St. Paul's Cathedral, March 18th, 6pm
• San Diego Episcopal Cursillo: Ultreya, March 25th, 12pm
• ECS Moonlight Magic Gala, Saturday, May 13, 2023, 5:30pm

760 First Ave  Chula Vista, CA  91910

(619) 422-4141 |  info@saint-johns.org | www.saint-johns.org