Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | |
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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 (BCP 816)
Let us pray in this time of conflict for the countries of Russia and the Ukraine,
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.
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Almighty and gracious Father,
we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season
and for the labors of those who harvest them.
Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty,
for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need,
to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Advent 2022
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 Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of our Lord’s first coming at his birth on Christmas.
From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36).
Therefore, 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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First Sunday of Advent – We light the first blue candle of HOPE. This candle reminds us that God foretold the coming of Jesus through the prophets. It represents the world’s hopefulness in waiting for Jesus, the salvation of the world. Pray together:
Jesus, you are Light, even in the darkest places.
Help us to trust in you when we are lost or lonely.
As we await your coming,
bring HOPE to our hearts, we pray. Amen.
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Advent Calendar: Journeying the Way of Love
Bishop Michael Curry has invited us to be a community of people whose lives are centered on Jesus Christ and committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial, and redemptive love. The deep roots of our Christian tradition may offer just such a path. By entering into reflection, discernment and commitment around the practices of Turn – Learn – Pray – Worship – Bless – Go – Rest, I (Bishop Curry) pray that we will grow as communities following the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus. His way has the power to change each of our lives and to change this world.
As Advent begins, we invite you to orient yourself to the coming of Jesus at Christmas through the practices of Journeying the Way of Love. This journey begins by saying “yes” to God’s call to birth new life into the world—a call that is both powerful and gentle, a call that will, if fully embraced, grow beyond our imaginations, spilling out of ourselves and into our family, friends, community, and the whole world. Over the course of this holy season, we invite you to respond to that call using these daily practices, and encourage you to offer them to your friends, family, and neighbors.
Sunday, November 27
WORSHIP
Read Luke 21:25-36. How do the symbols of the Advent season help you understand the story of Jesus? Where do you see them in your worship today?
Monday, November 28
GO
Go out of your way to have a conversation with someone you might not normally visit with today. Ask God to open your heart to hear this person as God does.
Tuesday, November 29
LEARN
Read Matthew 4:18-22. How do these verses from Matthew inspire you to read Scripture with new eyes? Try reading several different translations of this passage. See how the language might change your reading of it.
Wednesday, November 30
PRAY
Pray along with the Collect for Advent 1, found on page 211 of The Book of Common Prayer. Set a timer for three minutes to sit in silence and hear what God might be saying back to you.
Thursday, December 1
BLESS
We know that angels are God’s special messengers to us, and that Gabriel spent intentional time with Mary, helping her to understand her part in God’s story. Who has shared an important lesson or their presence with you this week? Thank them today with a call or note.
Friday, December 2
TURN
Read Isaiah 58. How does this reading challenge you to think about feasts and festivals differently? How might this lesson change the way you celebrate or recognize this holy season?
Saturday, December 3
REST
Put your phone on airplane mode and leave it in a dresser drawer for an hour or two. Whatever happens in that time, you can handle later. Give this time to yourself and Jesus, to rest and recharge for the week ahead.
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The First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 27, 2022
9:00 am
Collect for the First Sunday of Advent
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness,
and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility;
that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings for the First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Worship Booklet for the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022
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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As we continue celebrating our Centennial Year, here are some upcoming events:
December 8th - La Misa in English celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe
We will celebrate the Latino/Hispanic faith and culture with music, Mass and dinner
on Thursday, December 8th at 6:00pm in Nale Hall.
December 17 - An Afternoon of Favorite Christmas Melodies
Cheryl and Wayne Seppala and friends will provide an afternoon of Christmas music
on Saturday, December 17th at 2:30 pm; followed by a complimentary appetizer and dessert reception. Admission is free; reservations are requested: info@saint-johns.org
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OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION | |
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Toys for Tots
As a Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation, St. John's will once again be a site for the Marine's Toys for Tots community collection program. Toys for Tots collects toys for less fortunate children who would not otherwise receive gifts at Christmas.
A Toys for Tots collection box will be available inside the gates at the entrance of the church on Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
The collection will take place through Thursday, December 15th.
Please donate a toy:
- ages 1-14
- new
- in it's original packaging
- unwrapped
To give a monetary donation, visit toysfortots.org or write a check payable to Toys for Tots San Diego and place it in the offering plate.
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Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance
Tai Chi classes will be on vacation for the week of Thanksgiving.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, November 29th.
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.
DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE BALANCE AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLING?
TRY TAI CHI!
Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance has been shown to improve balance and mobility, and reduce the risk of falls. People of all ability levels are welcome. This class can be conducted from a seated or standing position. Classes are in English.
St. John's Episcopal Church
760 1st Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Every Tuesday and Thursday | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Questions? Call 858-495-5500 or email HealthierLiving.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov
Informational Flyer: Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance
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Blessings in a Bag - Items Needed
There are still a few Blessings in a Bag available for distribution. You can pick them up on the counter in the narthex. We were challenged to to take a bag or two or three and give them to people in need. What was your experience? Please let Rev. Roger know.
The following items are needed to fill more bags to distribute:
- Protein items - small cans of Vienna Sausages or Tuna packs that can be stored at room temperature
- Small bottles of water or PowerAde drinks
- Hand sanitizer wipes
- Hard candies, individually wrapped
- Small travel sized tubes of toothpaste
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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)
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Eyeglasses - (Norma Dunn)
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Greeting Cards - ECS HeadStart (Judy McKay)
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Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change (Norma Dunn)
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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 are living outside. 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
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Pill Bottles - We are no longer collecting pill bottles
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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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN FOR 2023 | |
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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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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, November 30
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Parish Prayer Lists
Birthday and Anniversary Prayers
We would like to acknowledge and pray for anyone celebrating a birthday and/or anniversary in the coming week. Please let us know by Thursday of the prior week so that we can pray for you during the Sunday liturgy.
Our Parish Prayer Intentions
Today and every day include some time for prayer, for yourself,
for your church family, and for those in need.
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,
Norma Dunn, Celia Vasquez, Barb Oliveira, Heather Wallace, Linda Longoria-Neff,
Josey Felts, Remi Hall, Jeremy Moyes, and Jackie Padilla.
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 Christ the King in Alpine.
Prayer for Episcopal Diocese of San Diego's The Good News Festival:
Loving God, Author of life, in You we live and move and have our being.
We ask that you revive us again in your mighty Spirit
as we prepare our hearts for The Good News Festival.
Inspire us to reach out to those who do not know you, and welcome them
with open arms, without judgement, so that all may embrace your Good News, answer your call, and dance together with joy.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Nippon Sei Ko Kai.
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for peace and the end of war.
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ADMINISTRATION AND STEWARDSHIP | |
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Upcoming Events at St. John's
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November 24 & 25: Thanksgiving Holiday; Office Closed
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November 29 & December 1: Tai Chi Class, 2:00-3:00pm in Nale Hall
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November 30: Vestry Meeting, 6:00pm via Zoom
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December 8: La Misa in English in celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 6:00pm in Nale Hall
4th Quarter Calendar of Events
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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, Tuesday, 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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Your weekly newsletter highlights important events at St. John's Episcopal Church. You can also find news about St. John's at www.saint-johns.org.
We welcome your feedback, photos, and news items. Contact Maria Love at (619) 422-4141 or info@saint-johns.org
Please submit your announcements by Tuesday of each week for inclusion in the Enews.
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Handel's Messiah at Point Loma Nazarene University
St. John's choir member Alice Burnham invites you to a performance of Handel's Messiah
on Sunday, December 4th at 3 pm at Brown Chapel, Point Loma Nazarene University,
3900 Lomaland Dr., San Diego, CA 92106
Admission and parking are free.
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Carpool to the Good News Festival
If you plan to attend the Good News Festival on December 9th and would like to carpool with other members of St. John's, or if you plan to arrive separately, but would like to know the coordinated gathering spot, please contact Pamela Brittain at brittainpj@att.net. You may also sign up in the Narthex.
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The Good News Festival
December 9-10, 2022
“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…”
On December 9 - 10, 2022, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will welcome Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and social justice leader, the Rev. Dr. William Barber, to Southern California for a celebration of good news. With interactive outreach projects, workshops, live discussion panels, youth offerings, and an evening of celebration at the beautiful Town and Country Resort, this is the perfect time to get away and enjoy some good news. Read More
Good News Workshops
The Good News Festival Team is excited to announce these workshop opportunities offered throughout the day on December 10. These workshops and panel discussions are filled with industry-leading professionals, bishops, and more.
Workshop Registration
Good News Festival Questions?
Have questions about the Good News Festival on Saturday, December 10? We've got answers! Join Canon Jason Evans for one of two 1-hour sessions to learn how to prepare for the festival, what will happen at the festival, and what we will do to follow up with our visitors. Click here for more information.
Festival Volunteers Needed
The Good News Festival is expecting to welcome a lot of people that may not know our church. We need volunteers to help with welcoming visitors, ushering, and more. We especially need experienced ushers. Consider giving a portion of your evening to help make this event a success.
If you would like to volunteer at the Good News Festival, please register here.
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The Good News Festival Market
The Good News Festival Holiday Marketplace is Good News!
Good News for fair trade farmers, Good News for minority-owned businesses, Good News for social justice organizations, Good News for fair trade artisans, and Good News for YOU - shoppers looking for that very special Christmas gift that does good for the world!
On Saturday, December 10, come to the Town and Country Resort for the Good News Festival (thegoodnewsfestival.com), and take in the Holiday Marketplace at the same time--open for sales from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Find fair trade chocolate, coffee, tea, cocoa, nuts, dates, and olive oil. Buy Guatemalan, Haitian, and Mexican apparel, accessories, and crafts; African and Asian bags, jewelry, and accessories; candles and home décor made by local artisans; and books, including titles by some of our Festival speakers. With live music adding to the festive atmosphere of the marketplace, this is the place to enjoy time with friends or family while waiting for the Festival’s main attraction to begin. Read More
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#GivingTuesday: November 29
#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. #GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice. Help EDSD Here
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Ripples: Piety, Study, and Action
in 30 Minutes a Day
By: Susan Miller
Though the subtitle is tongue in cheek, one of the concepts we learn in Cursillo to help maintain our spiritual life in Christ is summed up in those three words: Piety, Study, and Action. The simple activity of reading the Bible daily to another person has strengthened me in those three disciplines. It has impacted the lives of others beyond my normal sphere of influence, like the widening ripples created when a stone is tossed in the water. But first, I want to introduce you to Dave. Read More
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Help Ukrainian Refugees
Episcopal Relief & Development continues to work with Anglican and ecumenical partners to provide aid to people displaced by the crisis in Ukraine.
Please click the button below to donate:
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