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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 Fifth Sunday of Lent
Readings for Sunday, March 21, 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:1-13
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order
the unruly wills and affections of sinners:
Grant your people grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise;
that, among the swift and varied changes of the world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Lenten Outreach
Forty Days-Forty Items
During this Lenten Season, our act of charity has been  to think about those less fortunate by removing one item from your closet or dresser that you no longer wear or need and put it into a collection bag.
St. John's will donate your clothing to the people in need who are served by Uptown Community Service Center, hosted at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, North Park.
As we near the end of our 40 Days, please drop it off your bag(s) of clothing at the church by Wednesday, March 31st. Include with the bag(s) a list of the type and number of each article of clothing.
90% of their clients are men but only 5% of the clothing donations are for men!
The following items are really needed:
- Warm hoodie sweatshirts (men / women)
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Jeans
- Pants
- Gently used socks
- Shoes (they are in great need of men's shoes!)
- Blankets
- Used towels (for the Showers Ministry)
- Ball caps
- Used backpacks
- Heavy duty plastic grocery bags (for dispensing clothing to clients)
Items they need but which must be new:
- Toiletries
- Men's and Women's underwear
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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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Diocesan-wide Lenten Book Study
Wednesdays, Feb. 24 - March 24, 7-8pm
More than ever before, people of faith are called to pray, 
learn, and act for Creation Care! The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego invites you to read Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change by Jim Antal along with others from across the Diocese and meet on Wednesday nights to discuss it - or watch the recorded discussions when you can. Together we will learn about our current reality, how our faith relates to stewardship of the environment, and what we can do to make a difference.
"Jim Antal shows how the church can engage in the urgent moral crisis of climate change. This book will inspire both the courage and conviction people of faith need to provide the leadership necessary to realise God's dream of a just world in which humanity is reconciled to all creation." -Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus
Each participant is asked to buy a book, and a free study guide will be provided. Sessions will be facilitated by clergy and leaders from St. Paul's Cathedral, Camp Stevens, St. Luke's, St. Timothy's, and St. Margaret's.
If you have questions, please contact Diane Lopez Hughes, Co-Leader of Simpler Living at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, at dianelopezhughes@me.com or Deann Rios, Co-Missioner of Peace & Justice for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, at drios@edsd.org
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Stations of the Cross
 For your private devotion, you are invited to walk the steps of Jesus on his journey to the cross.
Along with the prayers and reflections for each station, you will find artwork from former St. John's students.
Attached is the link to the prayer booklet:
Stations of the Cross
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Easter Flowers
Our church will be decorated with beautiful flowers for  Easter.
If you would like to honor your loved ones in our worship bulletin on Easter, please email or call the office (maria@saint-johns.org; 619-422-4141) with your requests:
In honor of ____
or
In memory of _____
or
In thanksgiving for _____
You may also mail your request and donation to:
St. John's Episcopal Church
760 First Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
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Sunday Worship Services
During Lent, we will continue to gather virtually for our worship service of the Word of God and Spiritual Communion. Our service will be livestreamed on the internet.
You may access the livestreamed service and the worship booklet through our St. John's website: www.saint-john's.org
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Gathering for In-person Worship
It is with great joy that, with consent of Bishop Susan and the Vestry of St. John, we are planning to gather in person for worship during Holy Week and Easter - Alleluia, Alleluia!! (I know it is still Lent, but it was deserving of an acclamation). We will gather in person for worship beginning on Passion/Palm Sunday.
We are in need of ushers/greeters for our Holy Week and Easter Liturgies. Please contact the office if you can volunteer.
Holy Week and Easter Worship Schedule
March 28, 2021 - Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
9:00am in the courtyard
April 1, 2021 - Maundy Thursday - in Hale Hall
7:00pm - An adapted Seder, Agape and Maundy Thursday Service
April 2, 2021 - Good Friday - in the courtyard
12:00noon - Noonday Prayer with Stations of the Cross
7:00pm - Liturgy of the Word and Solemn Prayers with
Veneration of the Cross
April 3, 2021 - The Great Vigil: Easter Eve
7:00pm in the courtyard and the church
The Lighting of the Fire and Paschal Candle with the telling of the stories of salvation from the Old Testament in the courtyard. We will process into the church for the Lessons from the New Testament, Renewal of Baptismal Vows and the Celebration of Easter Eucharist
April 4, 2021 - Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
9:00am in the church
The Liturgy of Easter Lessons, Renewal of Baptismal Vows,
Celebration of the Holy Baptism of Adaugo Opara
and our Easter Eucharist
Health Guidelines
In addition to encouraging vaccination - we will strictly adhere to our action plan and the following guidelines (until the restrictions are lifted):
- Temperature/symptom assessment
- Contact tracing (name and phone number of all in attendance)
- Hand hygiene
- Double masked
- 6 feet social distancing: entering the space, seating, one communion line (inside the church)
- Communion will be bread only - No cup
- No Touch: at sign of peace, no passing collection plate
- Disposable worship booklets
- No congregational singing (one or two vocalists 12 feet apart)
- Shorten worship service (indoor - 45 minutes)
- Attendance in the church allows for 25% of church capacity which is 65 people - we will implement a reservation list - Please call the parish office if you plan to attend any of our worship services
- Services will be live-streamed for those who do not feel comfortable gathering
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Palms for Palm Sunday
We plan to have palms available for those of you who are 
not able to attend our Palm Sunday service in person.
For your participation in the live-streamed service, you may pick up your palm from the Outreach collection table outside the church on Wednesday, March 24th between 9am and 3pm.
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Altar Flowers
 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:
April 25
July 4
August 1, 8, 15 and 22
September 5
October 3, 10, 24 and 31
November 7 and 21
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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
- 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
Our collection day will be Wednesdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm. (during this pandemic while we cannot gather)
Tables with labeled bins will be set up outside the church. You may drive up and drop off your items in the appropriate bins. If you do not feel comfortable driving, 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
I want to take a moment to reflect on the great work our new, hard-at-work, "St. John's Outreach Committee" is doing. As you've read in the Weekly Newsletter the committee has challenged us with a wonderful Lenten Challenge; "40 Days 40 Items", a wonderful ministry. The committee also re-established collecting needed items by placing the bins on tables out front every Wednesday: I stopped by last Wednesday to drop off some items and I was very touched by the positive support those ministries are receiving. My heart-felt thanks to all for the giving that never seems to stop.
I would like to reach out with another challenge that everyone can participate in. Your Outreach Committee now meets monthly, and we need your help. We are beginning to have lengthy discussions focused on what kinds of Outreach can we start planning for as restrictions start to lessen.
This is where all of you can be a huge help by adding to that discussion. 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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Need to Receive Your Vaccine?
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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Should I Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
As your Priest, and also a nursing instructor of Public Health, I encourage
everyone to get vaccinated. It is the right thing to do! Let's all demonstrate
love for our neighbor by protecting everyone in our community and setting
an example of caring for others.
Being vaccinated provides a person with immunity. Immunity gives
significant protection against contracting the COVID-19 virus, which also
reduces the possibility of spreading the virus to anyone else.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to minimize the spread
of the disease.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines
- Scientists agree that it is safe to receive a FDA approved vaccine rather than to risk becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus
- Allergic reactions are very rare and vaccine recipients are closely monitored for any reactions
- Vaccine technology (mRNA) is not new . . .under development for the last 10 years
- The Vaccine will not give you the COVID-19 disease; you may experience temporary side effects. Side effects are a good thing - it means your immune system is helping your body to create antibodies against the virus
- Immunity from the vaccine is more effective at lessening the chance of contracting the disease as compared to the immunity from being infected the virus
- Immunity from the vaccine lasts longer than natural (virus) immunity
- Immunity from the vaccine lessen the severity of illness - ie. hospitalization and death
- Immunity through being infected the COVID-19 virus may result in future long term health problems. Researchers are studying the long term affects of being infected with the disease - Heart and lung complications, blood clotting disorders, and neurological conditions
The long term benefits outweigh the temporary inconvenience or side effects.
If we all work together to prevent further spread of the disease,
here are some benefits to all of us:
- our community will return to normalcy
- we will be able to return to in person events such as worship and fellowship
- freedom from wearing masks
- our businesses and economy will be strengthened
- we will be able to socially gather with families, grandchildren, and friends
The County of San Diego's website has information about scheduling
appointments. www.sandiegocounty.gov |
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Pastoral Care
We Are Available in Your Time of Need
If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed,
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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, Don, Freddie and Andrea,
Ann and Jim, Kevin, Lois, Muriel,
and for all first responders, medical professionals,
essential workers and their families.
For the repose of the soul of Betty Robertson. 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
Trinity in Escondido.
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church of England
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the crews of Expeditionary Strike Group 3.
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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).
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STEWARDSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
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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
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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Sunday of the Passion:
Palm Sunday
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9:00 am
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Sunday, March 28
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Maundy Thursday |
7:00 pm |
Thursday, April 1 |
Good Friday |
12 noon
7:00 pm |
Friday, April 2 | |
The Great Vigil of Easter:
Easter Eve
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7:00 pm |
Saturday, April 3 | |
Sunday of the Resurrection:
Easter Day
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9:00 am
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Sunday, April 4
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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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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.
Peace & Justice Academy - Thursday, March 18, 6-7:30pm
Peace, Justice, and Local Church Ministries
Rev. Traci Blackmon, Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ
Breakout 1: Rev. Rebecca Dinovo
Pursuing Peace & Justice in EDSD
Breakout 2: Deann Rios
Pursuing Peace & Justice in EDSD
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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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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