Thursday, October 29, 2020

 

Fall back: Don't forget to change your clocks this Saturday night as we return to standard time.
Message from Bishop Susan and the St. John's Vestry
 
Bishop Susan Brown Snook:  On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 
the Standing Committee of the diocese consented to my request that St. John's be restored to full and regular parish status.  I sincerely appreciated and am inspired by the concerted work that has gone into bringing St. John's to financial stability over the last few years, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in Christ's mission in the future.
One provision of our canons (3.13.04(ii)) requires that, upon being restored to parish status, your Priest-in-Charge shall immediately resign, and the Vestry shall call a Rector.  I have therefore requested that The Rev. Roger Haenke submit his resignation at the vestry meeting on October 28, 2020.  The vestry should immediately take a vote to call a new rector.

David Dennehy, Sr. Warden:  On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, in accordance with the canons and bishop's request, the Vestry of St. John's accepted the resignation of Rev. Roger Haenke.  Then, immediately, the vestry unanimously voted to call The Rev. Roger Haenke as the new Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church.

Rev. Roger has humbly accepted our call.  It is with great joy that St. John's welcomes Rev. Roger to his new position as our Rector.


 

Prayer for Stewardship

 

Generous and loving God, we come to you in thanksgiving,
knowing that all we are and all that we have is a gift from you.
In faith and love, help us to do your will. We are listening.
Speak your words into the depth of our souls,
that we may hear you clearly.
 
We offer to you this day all the facets of our lives,
whether it be at home, at work, or at school.
We seek to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy.
Give us the wisdom and insight to understand your will for us
and the fervor to carry out our good intentions.
We offer our gifts of time, talent and possessions to you
as a true act of faith, to reflect our love for you and our neighbors.
Help us to reach out to others as you have reached out to us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

2020 Stewardship Campaign
 
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God,
serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.- 1 Peter 4:10
 
The theme for our Stewardship Campaign is Time, Talent, Treasure. While St. John's needs your monetary pledge, we hope that you will also participate in parish activities using your time and talents, your own spiritual gifts. Our stewardship campaign this year is focused on all the gifts that God has given us and our call to serve one another.
 
Each week of the campaign, we will have the opportunity to hear from members of the 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. 
 
God has given each of us one or more spiritual gifts. If you would like to discern your spiritual gifts using the Spiritual Gifts Tool, please contact Diane Gustafson (diangus15@aol.com) 
  
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 bring forth the mission of the Church - serving one another in love. 
 
Pledge Cards have been mailed out.  If you did not get one, please reply to this E-News with your address and Maria will add you to the list.  
How to pledge:
1. Mail your pledge card back to the parish office
2. Bring your pledge card to church and place in the offertory plate
3. Give electronically through our website www.saint-johns.org, using our "Give Now" button; scroll down to the "Pledge" option.   

You will notice that the Pledge Card has an opportunity for you to indicate ways that you can offer your gift of time and talent.  If you are pledging electronically through our "Give Now" button, you may reply to this E-News to offer your time and talent in the ministries listed below.

 

Stewardship Reflection
David Dennehy

I know my strongest spiritual gift is the gift of leadership 
which I've really been struggling with lately. I find myself getting overwhelmed with all that's going on, all that's happened. This horrible pandemic, so many lives affected, some many lives lost, the economy put in a terrible state, so many jobs lost, businesses gone. There doesn't seem to be an end to it, numbers once again climbing and still no vaccine in sight. 
If all that isn't enough, we find our whole country dealing with the fight for racial equality which has turned to violence bringing it's own kind of horror. We find ourselves waiting the outcome of a Presidential Election with two political parties that virtually hate each other. We see the horrible devastation from out of control wildfires burning across our state along with the gulf coast and east coast states suffering from one hurricane after another. 
As I look at our precious St. John's family, I think of far too many wonderful souls we've lost in so short a period of time. As I tried to come to grips with all this, get my focus back where it needs to be, I found myself once again drawn to "Footprints In The Sand" only this time my conversation with our Lord was a little different. 
He reminded me that again during this dark time in my life He had been carrying me but now He was putting me down with instructions; first, remember you are where your Heavenly Father wants you to be and He will lead you out of all this in His time, you need to be aware of all the evil that is around you but keep your focus on Me. I, as always, will be with you as you go forward. Know that the dear friends you still grieve for are just fine they are with Me and their message to you is to remember their legacy's their dedicated service to others, their unfailing faith in Me and the abounding love they gave to all around them, let that be your example as you focus on your mission to help lead St. John's family into the future. 
As WE, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, lead you out of this pandemic be ready to accomplish that mission, the mission of growing your church. To do that you must be a teacher as well as a leader. You will teach the concept of how to design and develop and strategically plan the Task, Condition and Standard that makes up the objective that will accomplish that mission. That comes with answering 3 questions; 1. Where are we going (the Task), 2. How will we get there (the Condition), 3. How will we know we've arrived (the Standard). Answering these questions is where we come together as a united team.
  1. Where are we going; To grow our church.
  2. How will we get there; By reaching out and becoming really involved in the community around us, getting involved in community events, joining the Chamber of Commerce, using social media to become really visible and welcoming, reaching out to other churches, and synagogues to develop coalitions that will bring a message to all that Faith in God is truly alive and well.
  3. How will we know we've arrived; God will answer that question for us.
In conclusion, as you pray about your Time, Talent and Treasure know that you all have a part in that mission, are you ready?
 
God has truly blessed Linda and I with each other, with our wonderful kids and grandkids and also with all of you, thank you for all you do and give.
With God's blessings
Your Senior Warden David

Stewardship Reflection
Flo Looney, written by Diane Gustafson
 
Flo Looney passed away on February 5 this year.     
I miss her very much, as I am sure many others do. Her primary Spiritual Gift was Service, described in the booklet Finding Your Spiritual Gifts as "the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled."
 
Not everyone knows that for a long time Flo arrived very early on Sunday mornings to make the coffee and that she took it upon herself to go into the Nale Hall kitchen every week to clean out the refrigerator and freezer - wiping down the shelves and checking every item to see what needed to be discarded. She was one of the team that took turns counting the Sunday offerings. She and I led the pilot project "Calling All Seniors" (which was discontinued after a year because nearby Norman Park Senior Center offered more than we could). Every week she arrived early to make coffee and tea and set up for the day's activities. She visited shut-ins and took others to doctors' appointments. I asked her once why she had never been on the Vestry, and she replied that she preferred to help "behind the scenes".
 
Flo attended the meetings of the Women of St. John's and helped with all of their activities. At one point no one was willing to serve as Secretary, but Flo volunteered, saying that it wasn't one of her strengths and she couldn't type the minutes, but if I'd create a fill-in-the-blanks template, she'd record the minutes.
 
Is Service one of your gifts? Does it appeal to you to work behind the scenes, maybe at tasks that are one-time things or only occasionally? Please get in touch with me or Rev. Roger and we can find something that needs to be done. Remember Anne Lambrecht's Reflection from two weeks ago where she talked about laundering altar linens and delivering food donations to South Bay Community Services. And I want to mention the extraordinary job Linda Dennehy did taking inventory, arranging, and labeling items in the large closet in Nale Hall.
 
Once you know what your Spiritual Gifts are (and I can help you to discover them), I am confident that you will be inspired to find the place at St. John's where you can use them.
 
Scripture Readings For the Week

Readings for Sunday, November 1, 2020

Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
 
Facebook Link for Sunday Service:  Saint John's Episcopal Church
St. John's website: saint-johns.org


Prayer for an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of a president and other officials and representatives; give us clarity in our electoral process in the weeks ahead; give us the gift of a peaceful election; and grant us clear understanding of our electoral results; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 adapted from BCP p. 822

Prayer Quilt Ministry
 
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). 

 
Wednesday Morning Prayer
 
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:
 
Prayers

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.

We Are Available in Your Time of Need

If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed, 
please call 619-301-0724 or email revroger@saint-johns.org

Prayer List
 
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, Betty, Dean, Norma, Sonja, Steve,
Sarah, Tom, Ann, the Cook family,
and for all first responders, medical professionals, 
essential workers and their families.

For Churches in Transition in our Diocese

St. Paul, Palm Springs
All Saints', Vista

Thanksgiving Blessings
 
This year, in lieu of our usual "Blessings in a Bag," we are   
asking you to make monetary donations or donations of grocery store gift cards, which we will deliver to South Bay Community Services. 
If you send a check, please make your check out to "St. John's Episcopal Church" and put "SBCS Thanksgiving" in the memo line. 
You may also use the "Give Now" button on our website (www.saint-johns.org); choose the South Bay Community Services-Thanksgiving Drive option.

Thank you for your generosity!
 
Thank You, St. John's Episcopal Church
 
The family of the late Edward Wilson gratefully acknowledges your prayers, messages of condolence and phone calls.  All of these helped sustain us and increased our faith during the illness and transition of our beloved Edward.
A special thanks goes to Father Rogers and the Saint John's Episcopal Church family, the dialysis unit of UCSD Hospital, the physicians who worked so closely with us, the Elizabeth Hospice staff and very importantly Rahmo Bihi, Edward's wonderful caregiver. May God continue to richly bless each of you.
Sincerely,
The Family of Edward Wilson
Thank You, Prayer Quilt Ministry
 
To the members of the Prayer Quilt Ministry,
Words can't express my sincere appreciation in receiving the beautiful prayer quilt.  It was so comforting to know I was being thought of and prayed for during my time of loss.  I will always remember your kindness.

God bless, 

Sonja Reid,
Ed Wilson's friend
 
In-Person Worship Services 
 
The parish of St. John's had been given permission by Bishop Susan to gather outdoors for our in-person worship.  In accordance with the health guidelines established by the governor and bishop, we will follow our Re-gathering Action Plan.  

As we gather:
  • we will perform temperature checks and symptom assessment, 
  • we will all wear a face mask 
  • we will use hand sanitizer
  • we will maintain 6 feet social distance
  • we will greet one another verbally, regretfully no physical touch.  
  • our music will be done as solos, (except for those of you at home who can sing as loud as you would like).  
  • we will distribute Holy Communion, the Body of Christ under the form of bread.  
For those of you who are not able to attend because of the guidelines or do not feel comfortable, both of the above worship services will be streamed live on our website at www.saint-johns.org and our Facebook page:
Saint John's Episcopal Church

We will try to make shaded seating available, but it is recommended to wear a hat and sunscreen.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must manage the size of the gathering to ensure the health and safety of all who gather. 

If you plan to attend on Sunday, please contact Maria Love at the the Parish Office (619-422-4141) or by email (maria@saint-johns.org) with your name and the number of people in your party that will be attending.


Upcoming Events at St. John's

November 1

Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 1
 9:00 am
Sunday Eucharist for All Saints' Day 
November 11

Veteran's Day; Office Holiday
November 25
7:00 pm
Thanksgiving Eve Service
   (details to follow)

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.

 
Camp Stevens Online Auction
 
Camp Stevens will post on social media on Thursday when each week's items are ready for bidding. 

How to Make a Bid:
Log on to the auction website Camp Stevens Acorns to Oak 2020 and register as a bidder.

Each item has a starting bid and increments as well as a "buy now" option.
The system will notify you if one of your items receives new bids.

Bidding closes on October 31 and winners will be notified right away.


Current office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
If you need assistance, please email Maria Love: 

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.

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.
 
The Vestry

David Dennehy, Senior Warden
619-840-9994 
Terry Farrelly, Treasurer
Diane Gustafson, Clerk
Pamela Brittain
Ray Contreras
Muriel Kulikowski
Jim McDevitt
Judy McKay
Lynn Young


To our Saint John's Family:
Here is your weekly newsletter highlighting 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 and Sunday bulletin.

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
 
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May God's face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May God give you the grace never to sell yourself short;
Grace to risk something big for something good;
Grace to remember that the world is too dangerous for anything but truth 
And too small for anything but love.
So, may God take your minds and think through them;
May God take your lips and speak through them;
May God take your hearts and set them on fire.
-William Sloane Coffin

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phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/301-0724
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