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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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Easter Reflection
Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
My heart is filled with joy. This past week, we were able to gather physically and virtually for a wonderful celebration of Holy Week and Easter.
I found the movement through the Sacred Triduum (Three Days), to be a moving and spiritual time in which we celebrated the Passover -
Christ's passing over from death to life - and -
our passing over with him through the waters of Holy Baptism, anointing with fragrant chrism, being enlightened, and receiving Holy Communion.
Easter is not a one-day affair, after which, everything goes back to "normal," but rather seven weeks of being invited to enter the New Creation, of participating in Christ's mission in this world of promoting love and justice, forgiveness and peace. The Fifty Days of Easter holds the promise of new beginnings, of many second chances, and of life emerging where it is unexpected. Does not this time, our current time, desperately need such a promise?
This Easter season, may we remember all those who are in need, those who are suffering, those who are grieving, those who are afraid, those who are separated from family, and those who fear losing jobs or homes. May we act in bold faith to proclaim the good news of Christ, even through pandemic restrictions, to a world in need. May all experience the life and love of Christ through our words and actions.
As you cause the sun to rise, O God,
Bring the light of the risen Christ to dawn in our lives.
Give us grace to reflect Christ's light:
Let His love show in our deeds,
His peace shine in our words,
and His healing in our touch,
that all may give you praise, now and forever. Amen
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The Second Sunday of Easter
Readings for Sunday, April 11 , 2021
1 John 1:1-2:2
Psalm 133
John 20:19-31
Collect for the Second Sunday of Easter
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established
the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn
into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives
what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Health Guidelines for In-person Worship
San Diego has entered the Orange Tier, allowing some restrictions to be loosened.
As we gather back together in person, we must follow the health guidelines to provide safety and health for all:
- Temperature/symptom assessment
- Contact tracing (name and phone number of all in attendance)
- Hand hygiene
- Double masked
- Social distancing (6 feet): entering the church, seating, one communion line
- Communion will be bread only - No cup
- No physical touch at the sign of peace or passing of the collection plate
- No congregational singing (one or two vocalists 12 feet apart)
- One service at 9:00am - 45 minutes in length
- Attendance in the church allows for 50% of church capacity which is 129 people
- Services will be live-streamed for those who do not feel comfortable gathering
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Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers for Sunday, April 11th are donated
by Judy Butcher in thanksgiving for family birthdays.
Our Altar Flower donations chart for 2021 is available in the parish office. If you would like to donate altar flowers in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion without coming to the office, please contact Maria at 619-422-4141 or maria@saint-johns.org.
The suggested donation for altar flowers is $40.00.
The following dates are available:
July 4
August 1, 15 and 22
September 5
October 3, 10, 24 and 31
November 7 and 21
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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. Cathey (revcat@gmail.com)
to be included in the Zoom meeting, or to update your info, if she does not have your current email.
The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:
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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 get it in the Sunday liturgy. If you have a picture of you that we could post for your birthday and/or a wedding photo or current photo for those celebrating an anniversary, please email it to us - it would be great to allow everyone to see you.
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, Drew, Cody, Cameron, Chariti,
Mark, Sean, Jonathan, TK, Christopher,
Timothy, Jeremy, David, Jonathan, Nick,
Jamal, Matt, Daniel, Jocelyn, Devon, Taylor,
Jorge, Katherine, Sebastian, Richie and Roberto.
For Strength in Time of Need
Scott, Steve, Gary and Shirley, Ann and Jim,
Kevin, Muriel, Kirby, Florence, Colby, Reshmie and Kiran Oliver,
and for all first responders, medical professionals,
essential workers and their families.
Cycle of Prayers for the Church
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of
St. Hugh of Lincoln in Idyllwild.
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the church of the Province of the Indian Ocean.
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the marines and sailors stationed at Marine Corp Base, Yuma.
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Prayer Quilts
The leaders of the Prayer Quilt Ministry would like to remind  you that there are many quilts available for anyone in need of prayer and support. This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness. Please contact Diane Gustafson directly ( diangus15@aol.com) or through the office ( maria@saint-johns.org).
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OUTREACH & EVANGELIZATION
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Outreach
St. John's Outreach Committee meets monthly to discuss 
our parish Outreach activities.
We will continue our ongoing collections for:
- Blankets - Coordinated by Denise Czer and Sarah Tolley
There is a great need for blankets - Pill Bottles - Coordinated by Sally Elliot
- Eyeglasses - Norma Dunn
- Magazines - Bob Dunn
- Greeting Cards - Norma Dunn
- Emergency Food Pantry - Coordinated by Maria and Joe Love
Items may be brought to Nale Hall on Sundays when we gather for worship. You may also bring your items to church during our weekday office hours, Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm. Ring the doorbell, and you will be buzzed in to leave your items outside Nale Hall.
If you do not feel comfortable driving, please contact the parish office, and we will find a volunteer to pick up the items from your home.
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Please click on the following link or visit the St. John's website (www.saint-johns.org) for more information on our Outreach Ministries:
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A Request from your Outreach Committee
Your Outreach Committee meets monthly, and we need your help. We are beginning to have lengthy discussions focused on what kinds of Outreach activities we can start planning for as restrictions start to loosen.
We are looking for your ideas. Remember, Brainstorming is simply coming up with ideas, "wouldn't it be great or a good idea to do --?" Go to this link "Outreach Brainstorming", and let us know your ideas. At this point don't worry about the "how" to or "what" would it take, just enter the idea and send, let the Outreach committee research the details. If you want to get involved in the planning all the better, we will get back to you. Right now, we just want to hear from you and hear your ideas. This can be fun and a great way to communicate great ideas that might never get addressed otherwise, and really get God's working doing just that, "Working".
Very Respectfully,
David Dennehy on behalf of the Outreach Committee
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Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation
St. John's has registered with the Military Chaplains Association as a Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation. With this designation, military chaplains can direct military members and veterans to us for their spiritual needs.
Ministry to active military members, veterans, and their 
families is an important outreach ministry. This outreach ministry offers us a way to tell the Good News to our many neighbors in the military and to give the opportunities for us to use their spiritual gifts while they are with us.
Rachel and Roberto Johnson, with the support of our Outreach Committee, are helping to lead this ministry opportunity.
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Vietnam Veteran Recognition
The Vietnam Veterans' Recognition Act of 2017  designated March 29th as the day to commemorate the service and death of 58,000 Americans, nearly 500,000 Americans and 850,000 allies that served during the war in South Vietnam. Many of the men and women who served did not get any thanks when they returned home and were not welcomed warmly.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego designated Sunday, March 28th as a day to recognize the service and deaths of our veterans and their families. At St. John's, on Palm Sunday, we took a moment of prayer to recognize, honor and pray for Vietnam veterans and their families. In addition to our prayer, pins and letters from former presidents were available. If you were not able to join us that day, the pins and letters will be available in the narthex. You may pick one up when you come to church. If you are not yet comfortable attending church in person, please let us know and we will mail you a pin and letter.
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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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Need to Receive Your Vaccination?
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CV Fire Department: Operation Immunity
The Chula Vista Fire Department initiated Operation Immunity  on February 10, 2021, to reach out to our senior population who may have a difficult time accessing the COVID-19 vaccine. The goal is to help them overcome barriers like scheduling difficulties or lack of transportation that may hinder them from getting to a vaccination center. During the first week, CVFD provided vaccines to five Senior Citizens' communities and administered approximately 250 vaccinations. Additionally, they have visited 25 homebound Chula Vistans to administer their first COVID-19 vaccine.
Homebound Chula Vista residents can call (619) 476-2397 to be placed on a waiting list for the vaccine.
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St. Paul's PACE
St. Paul's Senior Service - PACE Center
invites members of St. John's who qualify for the COVID vaccine to schedule an appointment - call Maribel at:
St. Paul's PACE Akaloa Center
630 L Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911
619-271-7100
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Vaccination Superstation in Chula Vista
The Vaccination Superstation located at the former Sears building, 565 Broadway, is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for eligible residents; however, appointments are necessary. Plans are to provide 5,000 COVID-19 vaccinations daily at the site. More than 20 Firefighter/Paramedics from the Chula Vista Fire Department have received training and are helping Sharp Healthcare staff administer the vaccinations at the County site.
NOTE: entrance to the vaccine site is from the I Street side while testing is located on the H Street side of the building.
Do you need help to schedule a COVID-19 test or vaccination at the South Bay Superstation? City staff are available to assist in English and Spanish! Call (619) 476-2397 Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for help in scheduling your test or vaccination. This service is for Chula Vista residents only and is for testing or vaccines given only at the former Sears building.
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40 Days, 40 Items Update
Dear St John's Community,
We are so excited and overwhelmed to see the response to the recently concluded Lenten Project! For any of you who attended (live or virtually) the Maundy Thursday service, you saw that Nale Hall is literally filled with bags of donations. We received men's and women's clothing, shoes, hoodies and sweatshirts, backpacks and duffels, new socks, new underwear, toiletries, disposable bags for the clients to put their newfound items in, and even 2 baby outfits!
As of the writing of this letter, we had collected 99 bags of goods for a total of 3,997 articles of clothing! This is an outstanding response for a Parish of this size.
We spoke with the Executive Director of Uptown Community Services at St Luke's Church in North Park and she was noticeably excited and overwhelmed by the response as well. So much so, that we have to determine the best way to store the items, given they don't have enough space for what we've contributed! Colin Mathewson, the Rector of St Luke's, was also very excited about our support!
The outreach committee plans to report your outpouring of generosity to the Diocese of San Diego, as an example of how much you have done to impact the lives of the homeless in the County. We are grateful to be a part of such a generous community.
Thank you!
Scott Bricknell and Jeff Bates
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STEWARDSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
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Special Parish Meeting
Special Meeting of St. John's Parish Sunday, May 9, 2021 9:45am (approximately 10 minutes following our service) The vestry has unanimously approved and is calling a special meeting of the parish to discuss and vote on a proposed amendment to our Articles of Incorporation: Current Articles state: ARTICLE 1. CORPORATION PART OF EPISCOPAL CHURCH The name of this ecclesiastical entity is "The Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of St. John's Parish in Chula Vista, California" Proposed Amendment to the Articles: ARTICLE 1. CORPORATION PART OF EPISCOPAL CHURCH The name of this ecclesiastical entity is "St. John's Episcopal Parish in Chula Vista, California" Many parishes in the diocese have changed their "corporate" name to be more inclusive and current. This decision would bring us in line with current practices of the church.
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Reflection on Stewardship
Bill Cheney
I recently took the position of Treasurer at Saint John's,  a position I have held in the past and have some experience with. I made the decision to accept this post after prayerful consideration and discerning that I would devote the time and attention to detail I know this position requires. The faithful congregation of Saint John's deserves a thoughtful and thorough monthly examination of the Church Financial statements that they can rely on. I count myself blessed as first among equals with a team of wonderful people, the Finance Committee, who take the time to meet and review the reports monthly.
Matthew 6:19-21 reads: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". This was the theme from Cursillo#136 in April 2015, a ministry I am connected with. The San Diego Episcopal Cursillo community engages laity to transform our part of the world for Christ. We do this through prayer, study, and action in our environment. I would be happy to discuss Cursillo with anyone who is interested. We have brochures available, and there is also a YouTube channel with monthly Ultreyas available for viewing (Ultreya is what we call Cursillo meetings - it means "Forward"!). Every Church in San Diego has a Cursillo representative, and I am Saint Johns'.
Our gatherings always start with the Prayer to the Holy Spirit:
"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen."
Peace and Blessings!
And Ultreya!
Bill
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The Vestry
David Dennehy,
Senior Warden
Lynn Young, Junior Warden
208-695-7735
Bill Cheney, Treasurer
Terry Farrelly, Assistant Treasurer
Diane Gustafson, Clerk
Pamela Brittain
Tom Brzeczek
Ray Contreras
Jane Ferguson
Muriel Kulikowski
Alejandra Valdez-Beer
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Beware of Scam Emails & Phishing Attempts
If you receive a suspicious email from an address that seems to be Rev. Roger or another parishioner asking for a favor, it may be a phishing attempt. Scam emails mimic addresses we are familiar with and are very often full of grammatical errors.
Rev. Roger will never email you asking for funds or financial support by way of gift cards. If you receive an email that seems suspicious, do not open it or respond to it. Delete it immediately.
Phishing is a cyber attack that uses disguised email as a weapon. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need - a request from their bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company - and to click a link or download an attachment.
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Parish Office Hours and Contacts
Updated Diocesan COVID Guidelines -Church Offices:
- Ensure that to the extent possible, church staff are working remotely rather than coming together in person.
- If staff and/or volunteers must come into the office for necessary activities, they should remain masked and distanced, with outdoor windows open and doors shut between people, to minimize exposure.
The Parish Office will be open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Please call before coming into the office, as our hours of availability may change.
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Rev. Roger's Office Hours
Rev. Roger will be in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and all day Wednesday and Friday. He will be available by appointment. Please call the office (619-422-4141) 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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Upcoming Events at St. John's
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Special Parish Meeting
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9:45 am |
Sunday, May 9 |
Mother's Day |
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Sunday, May 9 |
Pentecost |
9:00 am |
Sunday, May 23 | |
Memorial Day
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Monday , May 31 |
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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 maria@saint-johns.org.
Please submit your announcements by Tuesday of each week for inclusion in the Enews.
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ECS 2021 Making Miracles Gala
We are excited to invite you to the first  Making Miracles HYBRID Gala!
Things will look a little different this year as we take specific precautions for the well-being of those interested in attending our Gala. Guests who do not feel comfortable being at a physical location or those too far to attend will have the option of choosing an
in-person event ticket or virtual event ticket!
Immerse yourself in the mission and vision of ECS. Ever-growing, ever-changing lives through programs that inspire children, empower adults, and transform our community.
We promise to create a night you will always remember!
Saturday, April 10, 2021 Join us in-person at - Coasterra - 880 Harbor Island Dr San Diego, CA 92101 5:30 pm
ATTIRE: Old Hollywood Glamour (Themed attire encouraged) And livestreaming across YouTube and Facebook Live! Livestreaming start time to be announced
All proceeds will benefit ECS: a nonprofit, charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, call Timothy Whipple, Annual Giving Manager,
at 619-609-1182 |
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Transformation Academy
All are invited to join the people of the diocese for an exciting, new virtual learning and enrichment series. Together, we'll dive deeper into four diocesan priority areas: Peace & Justice, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Leadership.
Transformation Academy is offered over four months and features national speakers and local leaders from our diocese discussing issues that transform the way we serve the Church's mission.
Get ready to "be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Rom 12:2) as we learn together at the Transformation Academy!
Transformation Academy is an exciting series of keynote presentations coupled with two different breakout groups to dive deeper into transformational ministry. Please register for both the keynote presentation and a breakout group.
Discipleship Academy - Thursday, April 15, 6-7:30pm
Formed for Relationship-Discipleship in the Episcopal Church
Rev. Canon Dawn Davis, Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology and Director of Leadership for Ministry Programs at Huron University College
Breakout 1: Dawn Davis
Let us Pray: Learning the formational practice of praying out loud
Breakout 2: Charlette Preslar -Youth Ministry
"What is Youth Group?" How to create and sustain a dynamic youth ministry
Leadership Academy - Thursday, May 20, 6-7:30pm
Pivoting to New Realities:
Adaptive Leadership for a Post-Pandemic Church
Donald Romanik, President of the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF)
Breakout 1: Davey Gerhard
Year-round Stewardship
Breakout 2: Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch
Vestry 101
Evangelism Academy - Thursday, June 17, 6-7:30pm
Joining God in Mission
Dwight Zscheile, vice president of innovation and associate professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary
Breakout 1: Rev. Frank Munoz
Military Missions: Welcoming our Military Neighbors
Breakout 2: Rev. Darin Johnson
Campus Missions: Welcoming our College Student Neighbors
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Cursillo April Forward
The Forward is an informational newsletter for Cursillistas in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. It is published every other month and on special occasions and contains useful information, dates and messages of encouragement as we live out our Fourth Day.
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EDSD Statement of Commitment
As part of the Jesus Movement and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, we pledge to love our neighbors and protect the most vulnerable among us, remembering our baptismal vows to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." We live these pledges out by actively engaging in dismantling racism. For many of us, this will mean learning more about our racial identity, listening to those who have experienced racial prejudice, speaking out against racism, and showing up alongside those in our community working to change unjust systems in our society. We also live out this pledge at worship during this pandemic, by wearing face-coverings, respecting distancing guidelines, foregoing the common cup and refraining from congregational singing.
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Episcopal Relief and Development
What Would Love Do: 1000 Days of Love
Love calls us to care for our neighbors and for our enemies. Love calls us to attend to those in prison, to those who are homeless, to those in poverty, to children, immigrants and refugees.
What would love do? To you, who so generously support the transformative work of Episcopal Relief & Development, love calls you to continue to sow seeds of lasting change
Visit Episcopal Relief and Development: One Thousand Days of Love to see how you can help.
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Reporting Misconduct
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact Mr. John Seitman, (jseitman@pacbell.net), 858-793-4555 or Ms. Equilla Luke, (aequilla@icloud.com), 760-583-0485.
Safeguarding God's People
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Contact Information
phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/301-0724 |
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