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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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Our Shepherding God
O Lord, our Shepherding God,  come close to us now
Come near us in our time of need. Shepherding God,
we need you in our time of anxiety.
We need you in our time of economic uncertainty.
We need you in a time of a globe-trotting disease.
We need you to bind our wounds,
and pour your healing ointment on our heads .
We need the briars, and brambles, and burrs
pulled out of our fleece and skin. Shepherding God.
you guide us with your voice,
Help us to listen and follow no matter where your voice leads.
Help us to trust you. Shepherding God,
protect us from the hired hands
that do not really care for us
and have neglected or abused us in the past. Shepherding God,
thank you for your son
who lay down his life for those who follow him
and for those who are not in the fold yet.. Lord we pray for those who don't know the shepherd,
whose life circumstances kept them from knowing the good shepherd.
We pray that by our actions, our behavior,
and our reaching out into the community,
they may come to know you. Shepherding God,
renew us, guide us with your love
and renew us with your peace. Amen
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The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Readings for Sunday, April 25, 2021
1 John 3:16-24
Psalm 23
John 10:11-18
Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people:
Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him
who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads;
who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns,
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
- Face mask
- 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 are given by Bill and Diane Gustafson
in celebration of their son Brian's 44th birthday.
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
If you would like to take an Easter lily home with you after church on Sunday, they will be available on a first come, first served basis.
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Centennial Celebration
2022 will be our Centennial Year, and it's not too 
early to plan a year-long celebration!
In 1922, we were founded as a mission of St. James Episcopal Church and two years later chose the name St. John's.
In planning our celebration, we will need the following committees:
- Communications and Publicity
- Gala and Fundraiser
- Liturgy
- History and Archives
- Others as may be identified
Initially, we have a need for a History Committee to collect information about the early years. John Will, the Historian/Archivist for the Diocese (husband of our interim priest Fr. Tom Wilson) will work with the committee in gathering and preserving the information and items for the archives. Perhaps you know some of our history: identify "founding families" along with names of descendants baptized at St. John's; locate artifacts for an exhibit; and create short oral/video interviews of long-time parishioners.
Would you be interested in helping with any of these committees, especially the History Committee? Do you have any ideas about how we can celebrate this important milestone? Please contact Maria Love in the parish office by calling
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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, Kevin, Muriel, Kirby,
Colby, Reshmie and Kiran Oliver, Ethan, Gloria, Andrew,
and for all first responders, medical professionals,
essential workers and their families.
For the repose of the soul of Florence Cooper. May light perpetual shine on her.
Cycle of Prayers for the Church
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of
St. James by-the-Sea in La Jolla, and for those preparing for ordination.
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Nippon Sei Ko Kai.
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for all active duty military families living in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
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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.
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OUTREACH & EVANGELIZATION
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40 Days, 40 Items Update
Last Friday, Linda and David Dennehy and Jeff Bates took their vehicles filled with about 20 bags of the collected clothing to Uptown Community Services at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. They met with Alisan, the Executive Director, and Carlos, the Clothing Donation Manager.
They were so overjoyed at the overwhelming generosity of St. John's Community! It turns out they are working on a space to store the remainder of the clothes at a nearby church with space to house the clothes. They are working out where on the property that will be, so it may take a week or more before we can begin taking the remainder up to them.
Alisan was visibly moved by what you and the greater community at St John's have done, and said she feels it was such a meaningful expression during Lent!
Clothing totals were 100 bags; 4,037 items.
In addition, the family of Dr. Ed Wilson donated his clothing. Because of the quality and professional nature of his clothing, St. John's is planning to donate these clothes where they will be most useful for men who need it for job interviews. Ed's family donated nearly 200 articles of clothing.
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Outreach Collections
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
- 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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We Are Here For You!
As the pandemic restrictions loosen and  we carefully gather in person at St. John's, we would like to remind you that 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, Marriage, Renewal of Vows, or QuinceaƱera.
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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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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STEWARDSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
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Who are we as the parish of St. John's?
What is our parish vision for the future?
The Vestry of the parish will spend a day in retreat and planning on Saturday, May 15th. Part of our discussion will be who we are as a parish and who will we be in the future.
We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts and ideas in regards to these questions:
Where do you see St. John's in the near future?
Where do we need to be in 5 years?
What would be a good size of the parish?
What would be the appropriate demographics of the parish?
How would you like the parish be known in the city of Chula Vista?
How could we minister to the parish and the surrounding community?
Would you like to see an increase or decrease:
Outreach
general/social gatherings
small faith groups
children/youth/adult faith formation
outside speakers
connection to our elderly
relationship with ECS Head Start
involvement in the diocese
You may have other thoughts and ideas. Please let the vestry know by contacting your wardens: David Dennehy - 619-840-9994; masterfrog@att.netLynn Young - 208-695-7735; lynnyoung2786@gmail.com
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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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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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9:45am |
Sunday, May 9 |
Mother's Day |
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Sunday, May 9 |
Vestry Retreat |
8:00am-4:00pm |
Saturday, May 15 |
Pentecost |
9:00am |
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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A Message from Bishop Susan Brown Snook
Dear Friends in Christ, 
Nearly a year ago, George Floyd died in Minneapolis, during a prolonged confrontation with a police officer - a death that sparked protest movements across the country. Today, the police officer was found guilty of his murder. It is a verdict that has been awaited with both dread and anticipation, as the events of the past year have recalled the long history of racial injustice and inequality in this country.
We Christians take a baptismal vow to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." While a verdict may be thought of as one way justice is done, ultimately the work of justice requires all of us working together to ensure that we can build a peaceful and just society. We hope for a world in which people of color do not fear that interactions with police or others will lead to their deaths. We work toward a world in which all people can work, live, and socialize in a world that appreciates their diversity rather than holding certain groups back because their diversity is not appreciated or understood. We pray for a world in which people of all skin tones and ethnic backgrounds can live in justice and peace.
True justice will come as all of us live into our baptismal vow to work toward a peaceful and just society. Such a society will require systemic change, when those of us with historic power and privilege take an honest look at the systems that have held so many back in our country, and take active steps to transform those systems. In our diocese, many of us have started the process that leads toward transformation through programs such as Sacred Ground. The work continues with the Racial Justice Task Force that our Co-Missioners for Peace and Justice, The Rev. Rebecca Dinovo and Deann Rios are helping to create.
This verdict does not bring George Floyd back to life. I invite you to pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort for his family. And I hope you will join me in committing to the work of racial reconciliation, one of the three mission priorities of The Episcopal Church (along with evangelism and care of creation). As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said in a statement earlier today, "May we not be paralyzed by our pain, our fear, and our anger. May we learn, as the Bible teaches, to 'love not in word and speech but in truth and in action,' truth and action that leads to justice and healing."
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook
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Donation Items for Unaccompanied Minors
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego has been asked 
to coordinate a pastoral and spiritual care response for the 1400+ unaccompanied migrant children who are being housed in the San Diego Convention Center. We are working with our ecumenical and interfaith partners to bring together a coordinated program of caring for the young people's spiritual needs, working in partnership with South Bay Community Services, which is coordinating all programming for the migrants. There will be many opportunities to 
volunteer and support the young people - stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, here are some ways that we can support the girls with items they need.
Donation Items
- New clothing, especially small/medium-sized jackets, sweatshirts or long-sleeved tops, pants, and shoes/slippers
- New blankets
- Toiletries - soap/body wash, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrush, new hair brushes
- Clear containers with lids to store items under their beds - approx. 29"x 17"x 6"h
Donations Drop Off Information
South Bay Community Services (SBCS)
192 Landis Ave.
Chula Vista 91910
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm
This is the SBCS administrative building; the entrance is through the downstairs door next to the stairs.
SBCS contact for questions:
Carolyn Mitrovich
office: 619-420-3620
direct: 619-271-5036
cell: 619-902-1468
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Called to the Wall
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego continues to be 
called to the wall. Join us on May 15 from 4-6:30pm for Called to the Wall: Building Bridges of Healing and Reconciliation. This year's event will be held online--giving us the opportunity to learn and worship with even more people.
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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.
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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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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