Thursday, August 3, 2023

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.

The Transfiguration

August 6, 2023

Collect For the Transfiguration

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses

your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world,

may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father,

and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings for the Transfiguration

Exodus 34:29-35

Psalm 99

2 Peter 1:13-21

Luke 9:28-36

Worship Booklet for the Transfiguration

On Sunday, August 6th, during the 9:00am worship service,

we will bless the backpacks and ECS Head Start students and teachers.

Sunday Liturgy Schedule

9:00am with Organ Music

Coffee and Fellowship to follow

11:00am with Sunday School and Nursery

All are welcome to attend!

Altar Flowers for 2023

The altar flowers for Sunday, August 6, 2023

are given by Barbara Duncan in celebration of her 84th birthday.

Our 2023 Altar Flower sign-up is available in the Narthex. If you are not able to sign up in person, please contact the office to see if your desired date is available. If you donate online, please contact Maria with your dedication: maria@saint-johns.org

Suggested donation is $40.00.

Transportation to Church

Do you need a ride to church on Sundays?

Would you be willing to pick up a parishioner who lives in your proximity?

If "Yes" to either question, please contact the parish office at 619-422-4141 or

info@saint-johns.org.

Over the past couple of weeks, we've been listening to the parables found in the gospel of Matthew. If we listen well, these stories change us. They teach us about God's kingdom and identify us as children of that kingdom, showing us how to live into that identity.

It is important to remember as we hear these parables, that they are stories of the present Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. These are some new parables as spoken by the people of St. John's.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like the elderly church gardener living on Social Security, who secretly pays tuition for two children of a single mother, so that they can attend the parish day school.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like hearing the words of friend who you have hurt say, “I forgive you”.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like those who livestream Sunday service for those not able to attend in person.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who selflessly greets visitors in church and takes the time to visit them and write handwritten cards to those who are in need.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man with extreme health issues receiving a prayer quilt from the congregation of St. Johns. The quilt brings him comfort as he struggles to live but ultimately has a miraculous recovery. Some time later he brings the quilt back to the church to be passed on to another in need of prayer with an extra added blessing of healing. 

The Kingdom of Heaven is in a woman who sees a need to make prayer quilts, so she buys the materials and cuts them out, and even better, she gathers a group of people at church to cut and sew and iron these quilts, led by her, with prayer each week, and producing a number of quilts so that they can be shared with people who need them.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a group of friends who contribute what they can and pool their resources to put together 120 backpacks with school supplies so many lower income students will have a good start to their new year.

The Kingdom of Heaven is a deed done in secret. It is a woman, now deceased, who served St. John’s without fanfare or recognition by coming early on Sunday mornings to make coffee, cleaning out the refrigerator every week, and taking shut-ins to doctors’ appointments.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like the two ladies who made a follow up visit to my home to encourage me to come back after the first time my kids and I attended Saint John.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like the voice of many people singing notes to form a glorious hymn in praise of God inspiring faith in those who hear.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a brilliant composer who's got a wonderful thing in his head and once he puts it on paper and brings it forth, it is absolutely wonderful.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like game of life where one hits the jackpot - another 24 hours of life to live to the fullest.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a classroom full of sixth-graders who shave their heads in support of your son when he starts losing his hair due to his chemotherapy.

Christian Initiation

Do you desire to make a commitment of faith in the Episcopal Church?

You are invited to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation

or the rites of Reception or Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation into Christ’s Body, the church. Baptism creates a bond which is indissoluble and unrepeatable.

Our church recognizes all baptism performed with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We do not repeat a baptism that was validly celebrated.

Those who are baptized are thereby admitted to Holy Communion. Baptized infants should receive Holy Communion regularly.

Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

Confirmation is the renewal of baptismal vows for those baptized at an early age who desire to make their first adult affirmation of faith. It is a sacrament of mature adulthood.

Reception is a renewal of baptismal vows for those who have made a mature affirmation of faith in any other Christian church and who now wish to join the Episcopal Church.

Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows is a renewal of baptismal vows

• for those who were baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop,
• for those who have made a mature affirmation of faith but have returned from a lapse of Christian practice,
• for those concluding a period of personal or pastoral crisis, and
• for those who are experiencing a new call from God to grow in faith or to begin a new ministry

If you have any questions about these sacraments and/or rites or have a desire to deepen you commitment of faith in the Episcopal Church, please contact Rev. Roger Haenke.

St. John's Prayer Quilt Ministry

St. John's is a member of a national organization called "Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry".

Starting July 11th through August 29th, we will meet every Tuesday in Nale Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to sew. Participants will be shown how to make simple quilts for our Prayer Quilt Ministry. Please bring your own sewing machine and brown bag lunch.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Lothspeich.

If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt for anyone in need of prayer and support, please contact Diane Gustafson (diangus15@aol.com) or Maria (maria@saint-johns.org).

This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness.

If you were unable to attend the first meetings, you can still attend future meetings. If you don't sew, but would like to be a part of this ministry, there are many other quilt-making steps you can help with.

Save Lives - Donate Blood on 8/23/2023

Every two seconds someone needs blood. Bryan was someone who needed blood. On national bike to work day, Bryan was hit by a dump truck while riding his bike. He underwent 2 surgeries for his injuries and required several blood transfusions. He is now a regular blood donor. 

Please schedule your donation today at www.mysdbb.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/78448 

and ensure there is blood on the shelf for those who need it.

St. John's Episcopal Church

760 1st Avenue

Chula Vista, CA 91910

Parking Lot

08/23/2023

8:00 AM to 1:30 PM 

Thank you for saving lives with us!

Celebrate Pride

Show your care and support:

South Bay Pride Festival - Booths / Music / Food

Saturday, August 26th starting at 11:00am at the Chula Vista Harbor.

St. John's will have a booth at the festival - All are welcome to attend!

Outreach Collections

We will continue our ongoing collections for:

• New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
• Eyeglasses
• Greeting Cards - ECS HeadStart (Judy McKay)
• Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change
• Emergency Food Pantry - South Bay Community Services (Maria and Joe Love)
• Blessings in a Bag - For our neighbors who live in need. Click here for a list of items you can donate to fill the bags.
• Gently Used Clothing - Men's, women's and children's 

Items may be brought to Nale Hall on Sundays when we gather for worship.

You may also bring your items to the church during our weekday office hours,

Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm.

If you are not able to bring them, please contact the parish office, and we will pick up the items from your home.

St. John's Outreach Committee meets monthly to discuss our parish Outreach activities.

Please click on the following link for more information on our Outreach collection activities:

Outreach Ministries of St. John's

Hospitality Hosts Needed!

Please join us for hospitality after the 9:00 am 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



Current Available Dates:

August 6th

August 13th

August 20th

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. Roger ( revroger@saint-johns.org)

to be included in the Zoom meeting.

The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:

Morning Prayer, August 9th

Parish Prayer Lists

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, Devon Strunk, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Sebastian Morales, Roberto Chavez, Ryan Lothspeich, Andrew C. Dugger, Dan and Chelsey Nyaradi, Gen. G.J. Heinrich and Pedro Bonilla.

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 and Shirley McCarren, Ann Lindshield, the McClure family,

Josey Felts, Barbara Oliveira, Linda Longoria-Neff, Celia Vasquez, Ann and Bill Rogers,

Alec Hauer, Barbara Duncan, Helena Livingston, David Cowan,

Bernie Autenrieth, Jackie Lewis, Cynthia Watten, Karen Polk, and the Harlan family.

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.

For the Deceased

Pray for the repose of the soul of Bernie Duignan.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Cycle of Prayers for the Church

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of Good Samaritan in San Diego.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Province de L'Eglise Anglicane du Congo.

In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the crews of Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1.

A Prayer for Peace Among the Nations (BCP 816)

Friday, February 24, 2023 marked the one-year anniversary of the war between the countries of Russia and the Ukraine.

As the conflict and tension continues, let us pray:

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world

into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them

that peace which is the fruit of righteousness,

that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

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, 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.

Upcoming Events at St. John's

• August 5th: Backpack Stuffing, 9:00am, Nale Hall
• August 6th: Blessing of Backpacks at 9:00am Service
• August 7th: Head Start First Day of School
• August 8th: Prayer Quilt Ministry, 9:30-2:30, Nale Hall
• August 23rd: Blood Drive, 8:00am-1:30pm, parking lot
• September 17th: Bishop's Visitation, one service at 9:00am
• September 17th: Celebration of Cheryl Seppala's 50th Anniversary, 4:00pm



3rd Quarter Calendar of Events

Parish Office Hours and Contacts

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) or email info@saint-johns.org.

Rev. Roger will be in the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons; and all day on Wednesday and Friday. He is available by appointment. Please call the office to schedule an appointment.

In case of a pastoral emergency, Rev. Roger may be reached on his cell phone at

619-301-0724.

Cool Zones

Cool Zones provide people free, safe, and air-conditioned spaces for residents to escape extreme heat. The program, which assists older adults, people with disabilities, and those with health concerns that could be complicated by the effects of extreme heat, runs from June 1 through Oct. 31.

In addition to providing Cool Zone locations, the County, working with San Diego Gas & Electric, will provide free electric fans to older or disabled San Diegans living on limited incomes. To be eligible for the fan program, county residents must be 60 years old or older, or disabled, living on limited income, must not have access to an air-conditioned space at their home or apartment building and unable to travel to a Cool Zone site.

To learn more about the Cool Zone fan program or to request a fan, call 2-1-1 or visit www.coolzones.org to complete a fan eligibility survey.

South Bay Cool Zones:

Chula Vista Public Library/Civic Center: 365 F Street, Chula Vista

Chula Vista Public Library/Otay Ranch: 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista

Chula Vista Public Library/South Branch: 389 Orange Ave., Chula Vista

County of San Diego Library/Bonita-Sunnyside Branch: 4325 Bonita Road,

County of San Diego Library/Lincoln Acres Branch: 2725 Granger Ave., National City

Norman Park Senior Center: 270 F Street, Chula Vista

St. Brigid's Oceanside

By: Chris Tumilty, Director of Communications

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is excited to announce plans for a new Episcopal community have taken root in the City of Oceanside, California. Under the leadership of the Rev. Brian Petersen, St. Brigid's Episcopal Church will be a beacon of hope and transformation for the community of Oceanside.

One of the core principles at St. Brigid's is the idea of shared common life. The founding members envision a community where faith is not a Sunday obligation but a daily rhythm that permeates every aspect of life. Through shared meals, fellowship, and engaging activities, St. Brigid's encourages members to live life together, supporting and uplifting one another through thick and thin. Read More

Creation Care Round Table

Join the EDSD Creation Care Community to learn more about local advocacy, network, and share ideas for the upcoming Season of Creation on August 8 or August 10 at 6:30pm on Zoom. 

Click here to register

Season of Creation Book Study

In this short but deeply powerful book, Karen Armstrong, a historian of religion, re-sacralizes nature for modern times. Join the Creation Care Community in this four-week book study and draw on Karen Armstrong’s vast knowledge and her vivid description of nature's central place in spirituality across the centuries. The study will take place on Zoom on the following Tuesday evenings: September 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Click here to register

Faith to Go Podcast

This week, Greg Tuttle shares his experience of last month's triennial Episcopal Youth Event, a group of student leaders share their God Sightings from EYE, and then Charlette and David talk about Luke's take on Jesus' Transfiguration. Listen Here

You can read Greg’s recap of EYE in our diocesan news by clicking here.

EDSD's 50th Annual Diocesan Convention

Diocesan Convention will be held in person November 10-11

at St. Paul's Cathedral in San Diego. Below you will find a rough schedule. These times are subject to change.

Friday, November 10

Check-in 1:00-2:00 pm

Convention Business 2:00-5:00 pm

Dinner and Keynote 5:00-8:00 pm

Saturday, November 11

Check-in 7:00-8:30 am

Convention Business 8:30-4:00 pm with breaks

Nominations for Elected Positions are now open

Nominations for Servant Ministry Awards are open

Canonical Changes are due August 9

Resolutions to Convention are due October 10

Information about registration, schedule, and more will be provided soon. Learn More

• Church prepares to mark 49th anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood
• Labyrinth walking became popular during COVID-19, Episcopal priest says practice is common in time of crisis
• Register now to exhibit at The Episcopal Church's 81st General Convention

Your Gifts Grow the Church 

You are part of a wonderful tradition within the Christian faith where are all are welcome. We believe this is something more should know about! Our strategic plan sets goals to establish 30 new missional expressions, plant 3-5 new churches and increase average weekly attendance by 20% across the diocese before 2026. Help EDSD share the Episcopal tradition with those who are not yet part of our Church. Click here and give now!

Gifts to ERD Support those in Crisis



Episcopal Relief and Development helps people facing hardships all over the world. Consider making a donation to ERD to support families devastated by war in Ukraine, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, or those affected by climate change. Give

760 First Ave  Chula Vista, CA  91910

(619) 422-4141 |  info@saint-johns.org | www.saint-johns.org