Thursday, October 7, 2021 |
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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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The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 10, 2021
Please join us for our celebration of Holy Eucharist at 9:00 am in the church.
- Following the directive of our bishop, we will continue to wear masks and have low contact during our Sunday liturgies.
- There is a section in the chapel where those who want to be social distanced can safely do so and still be part of the service.
Come, pray, sing, receive Holy Communion,
and join us for fellowship following our liturgy.
Collect for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us,
that we may continually be given to good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings for Sunday
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
If you are not able to attend, please join our livestream service:
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Reflection on Mark 10:17-31
In this Gospel, we hear the story of the rich young man who
came to Jesus and asked him: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Instead of answering the man's question, Jesus asks him: "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone." Jesus then names several of the commandments. After Jesus had finished speaking, the young man told Jesus: "I have observed these commandments since I was young." Mark writes: "Jesus, looking at the man, loved him." Jesus then said to the man: "You are lacking one thing. Go, sell all you have and give the money to the poor. Then, come and follow me." When the young man realized what Jesus was asking of him, Mark writes: "At Jesus' statement, the man's face fell, and he went away sad for he had many possessions."
Now ask yourself: How would you (and I) respond if Jesus looked at us and asked us to sell everything we have, give our money to the poor and then leave home and follow him? Would we truly be willing to "give our all?" Or would we respond as the rich young man did? Would we also walk away from Jesus, sad and troubled? Possessions and wealth have a dangerous potential to possess us if we are not careful and mindful. Every ad we hear on TV and the radio encourages us to buy, buy, buy! For many people in the first world countries the slogan "more is better" is lived out every day!
Yet, Jesus clearly understands that our "need" for more possessions or upgraded possessions may begin to "possess" us! If you ever go to a mall the day after Christmas, you see people buying items that are a great bargain. However, do they truly need those bargains? Or do they buy the item simply because it is a bargain? However on these occasions do we buy only what we truly need?
If we are not mindful, our possessions may begin to "possess" us. Today Jesus warns his disciples (us) to be mindful and aware! Jesus wants us to be completely free to follow him. The question is: are we willing to give up all we have and follow Jesus? What is your (and my) answer?
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Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are given by Judy Butcher
in thanksgiving for family birthdays
and in memory of John.
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2021 Stewardship Campaign
This Sunday, we will kick off our
2021 Stewardship Campaign.
Our theme continues to be Time - Talent - Treasure with a focus on how love can transform our lives. While St. John's needs your monetary pledge, we hope that you will also participate in parish activities using your time, talent and spiritual gifts. Our stewardship campaign this year is focused on using the gifts that God has given us in order to transform the lives of all people.
Each week of the campaign, we will have the opportunity to hear from members of parish about their own gifts that they have been given by God and how they choose to share those gifts with St. John's and the broader community. A written reflection will appear in our
E-Newsletter and a spoken reflection will be heard at our Sunday liturgy.
God has given each of us one or more spiritual gifts. On Sunday, October 10th, Diane Gustafson will lead us in a workshop using the Spiritual Gift Inventory to discovery one's spiritual gifts and how your gifts may be used to tranform the lives of others. The workshop will be held Sunday, after our Eucharistic liturgy
and time for fellowship.
If you would like to participate in this discovery and discernment process, please contact Diane Gustafson (619-253-7298) or Maria Love (619-422-4141). The Spiritual Gifts Tool may be found on our St. John's website - www.saint-johns.org - click on "Grow"; then click on "Spiritual Gifts"; then scroll to the bottom to find the button (Spiritual Gifts Button) to the Spiritual Gifts Tool. A copy of the tool will be provided for you.
Stewardship is not only about treasure; it is also our time and talent. Yes, we do need your generous contributions to operate the parish, but we also need your time and talent to transform our lives and world by serving Christ in all people and loving our neighbor as ourselves. We will explore the way that our generosity will transform us personally and the lives of others in our parish and broader community.
God has given you a gift. Please don't leave it unopened.
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Spiritual Gifts Workshop
Each of us has been given spiritual gifts to use for the glory
of God and for service to others. Wouldn't you like to know what yours are and which ministries can use those gifts?
Just a few of the gifts are hospitality, leadership,
music - vocal, music - instruments, writing, and teaching.
After the service on Sunday, October 10 there will be a workshop of less than one hour led by Rev. Roger and Diane Gustafson during which you can find out what your spiritual gifts are and which ministries/activities can use them.
Much of the workshop time will be spent individually answering a questionnaire of sixty statements. For example, one statement is "I enjoy meeting new people and becoming acquainted with them." You will decide whether this is always true, often true, occasionally true, infrequently true, or never true. Most people who have taken the questionnaire have found it insightful and enjoyable.
If you plan to attend on October 10 after the service, please notify Maria in the Church Office so we can have enough of the questionnaires available. If you are unable to attend and would like to take the assessment on your own, notify Maria, and Diane Gustafson can consult with you by phone if you need assistance.
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OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION |
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Blessings in a Bag for ECS HeadStart
Thanksgiving Food Collection for Episcopal Community Service's HeadStart Families
Sunday, October 17th through November 14th, St. John's will be collecting bags of groceries and money for our annual Blessings in a Bag collection.
Grocery bags with a list of food items will be available at church. Take a bag (or two), fill it with grocery items and return the bag when you come to church. Every Sunday, the bags will be brought to the altar during the offertory anthem. All the bags will be blessed at our celebration of Holy Eucharist on November 14th and given to ECS HeadStart.
If you wish to make a monetary donation, envelopes will be available in the narthex.
You may place your donation in the offering plate or you may use the "Give Now" button on our website.
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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 December 15th.
Please donate a toy:
- ages 1-14
- new
- in it's original packaging
- unwrapped
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Remembering our Saints in Light
Dee Parmley passed away on Valentine's Day, 2020, more
than a year and a half ago. She had been a member of St. John's for more than twenty years.
Among her sterling qualities were a broad smile and infectious laugh, genuine kindness, and willingness to serve.
She always volunteered for the Women's Fall Bazaar and bake sales, in fact, whenever help was needed. One of her pet projects was Little Dresses for Africa. She made, and taught others to make, dresses from pillowcases that were then distributed through schools and orphanages so that little girls would know that they were worthy.
And her service extended to other organizations, such as the Chula Vista Woman's Club, the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary of South Bay, and Miss Softball of America.
Hardly anyone can think of Dee without remembering the Opportunity Drawings to benefit the church (and the Chula Vista Woman's Club). Yes, her beloved spouse Barb Oliveira was out there selling tickets at a furious pace, but it was Dee who kept those tickets coming in strips of six and who handled the money. What a team!
Dee, you are greatly missed and we honor your memory.
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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
Refreshments should be individually portioned or wrapped, or served by a server who is the only one touching the serving implements.
Current Available Dates:
October 10
October 17
October 24
October 31
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Welcome to the Library
The Rev. Jack Tolley Memorial Library is open!
Please feel free to come in relax and read or borrow a book to take home.
Book topics include Christianity, Episcopal Studies, ethics and justice, lives of the saints, history, fiction, cookbooks, children's books.
All are welcome to come visit with each other, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the St. John's campus.
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Centennial Celebration
2022 will be our Centennial Year!
Our Centennial Liturgy will be on September 18, 2022.
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 for our celebration, we will need your help on the following committees:
- Communications and Publicity
- Gala and Fundraiser
- Liturgy
- History and Archives
Lynn Young, Diane Gustafson and John Will have been sorting through many documents and photos on the history of St. John's. If you know some of our history please let them know.
Would you be interested in helping with any of these committees?
Do you have ideas of how we can celebrate this important milestone?
Please contact Maria Love in the parish office by calling 1-619-422-4141 or emailing maria@saint-johns.org
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Sunday School
Sunday School is now available. Children ages 4 and up are welcome to come and learn about the Word of God with Heather Wallace.
Children must be masked in order to attend Sunday School. They will gather in the Sunday School Room before our service begins and return at the Sign of Peace.
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Child Care
Child Care is available during our Sunday Services. Ana, the daughter of Alex Valdez-Beer, will be staffing our child care room.
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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.
to be included in the Zoom meeting.
The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:
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Daughters of the King Prayers
All the women of the parish are invited to discern becoming a member of the Daughters of the King. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Young (208-695-7735) or Linda Dennehy (619-429-4747).
If you have a special prayer request for Daughters of the King, you are invited to fill out a prayer card, found in the narthex. Drop your prayer request in the church-shaped box or in the offering plate. These requests are confidential and are separate from our printed parish prayer lists.
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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 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, Jocelyn Hernandez, Devon Strunk, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Katherine Milam, Sebastian Morales, Richie Lebron, Roberto Johnson and the crew of USS Essex.
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 & Shirley McCarren, Ann Lindshield, Lyne C., Kim B., the Mount family, Scott Hunter, Dean Nightingale, the McClure family, Adam Beneschan, Geraldine Adams, Helen McGrath, David Bricknell, Diane Gustafson, Sarah Tolley and Bernie Duignan.
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
Grace in San Marcos.
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church of the Province of West Africa.
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the staff and patients at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
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A Prayer for the People of Afghanistan
Eternal God, hear our prayer for the peoples of Afghanistan. There is a profound humanitarian crisis. Countless people, mostly women and children, are now fleeing and vulnerable. The lives of many are now endangered. The hopes of many are forgone. Send your Spirit, Lord, to rally the resolve of the nations of the earth to find pathways to save human lives, protect human rights, and to resolve the hardships of those seeking refuge, asylum, and safety. Hear our prayer for the peoples of Afghanistan. This we pray as followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
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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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We Are Here For You!
We carefully gather in person at St. John's, we would like to remind you that we are here for you!
If you are not able to join us for our celebration of Holy Eucharist, we will bring Holy Communion to you. You may call the parish office (619-422-4141) and request communion to be brought to you by one of our Euchatistic Visitors.
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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The Vestry
David Dennehy, Senior Warden
619-840-9994
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
Alejandra Valdez-Beer
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Upcoming Events at St. John's
Spiritual Gifts Workshop
Sunday, October 10
10:00 am in Nale Hall
Bonita Valley Garden Club
Wednesday, October 13
9:30 am in Nale Hall
Men of St. John's Meeting
Monday, October 18
6:00 pm
Daughters of the King Meeting
Thursday, October 21
10:00 am in Nale Hall
Vestry Meeting
Wednesday, October 27
6:00 pm on Zoom
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Parish Office Hours and Contacts
As our staff are now fully vaccinated, we are permitted to open our parish office.
Masking and social distance should be maintained when visitors are present.
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).
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Rev. Roger's Office Hours
Rev. Roger will be working half-days in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday; and all day Wednesday and Thursday. 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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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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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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Good News Festival Postponed to 2022
As you know, our diocese has been looking forward to
welcoming Presiding Bishop Michael Curry for a Revival here in the Diocese of San Diego this year. We have also been keeping a close eye on the COVID situation, as we want to make sure that our festival gathering is safe for all involved. After prayer and careful consultation, we have decided to reschedule the Good News Festival for Dec. 9-11, 2022. Presiding Bishop Curry is still coming, and the Town & Country has graciously agreed to honor our commitment, one year later. While it's disappointing to reschedule, we want to make sure that our event is held as safely as possible, with the opportunity for a large group to gather in person and celebrate. We thank co-chairs Susan Jester and Martin Hall, and the committee they are leading, for all the great work that has gone into planning so far!
The extra year will offer us an opportunity to reboot the Year of Evangelism. Originally scheduled for 2021, our ability to do some of the things we had hoped for in the Year of Evangelism has been limited by COVID restrictions. Stay tuned for more information about a Year of Evangelism in 2022 that will include revival opportunities in congregations, training and support in doing evangelism in your communities, and other ways to grow in faith and discipleship! We are praying for a true spirit of renewal to come into our diocese as we emerge from this COVID time. In 2022, more than ever, our communities will need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ!
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ERD Hurricane Relief Fund
On Sunday, August 29, sixteen years after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Hurricane Ida made landfall in the same region. This Category 4 storm brought flooding and damaging winds that caused a loss of water to hundreds of thousands and a loss of electricity to over 1 million people. Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with the Diocese of Louisiana and other regional partners in what will be a long-term response. Your generous gift will help alleviate suffering for the most vulnerable residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. Please visit episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-relief to make a gift today.
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Refugee Housing Needed
If you or someone you know has housing connections
or call 619-464-4211.
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Resources for Emotional Support
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us. You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in these circumstances.
You're not alone!
Find resources to connect with real people that can help, here.
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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, and foregoing the common cup.
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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.
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