Thursday, December 7, 2023 | |
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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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A Prayer for Peace Among the Nations
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit
may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed,
all people may live in justice and peace.
We pray now for peace among the nations,
and especially for the people of Ukraine, Israel and Palestine.
Guide us all into the way of justice and truth,
and establish among us that peace, which is the fruit of righteousness,
that all people may live and flourish in the world you have created.
All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Advent 2023
Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”.
During the liturgical season of Advent, the church prepares spiritually, directing our hearts and minds to the anniversary of our Lord’s first coming at his birth on Christmas and to Christ’s second coming at the end of time.
Advent is not a season of passive waiting and watching. Rather, Advent is a season of opening up our lives and souls with active anticipation and renewed hope.
We light the candles of the Advent Wreath to mark our passage through the four weeks.
The evergreen circle, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternal, living God:
so we call to mind how our lives, here and now, participate in the eternity of God’s plan of salvation and how we hope to share eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
The light represents Christ, who entered this world to scatter the darkness of evil and show us the way of righteousness. The progression of lighting candles shows our increasing readiness to meet our Lord.
Advent devotions, including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of this season. You are encouraged to keep this tradition in your homes, light candles and pray. Also, the following of an Advent calendar can help you enter spiritually into the Advent season with daily activity and prayer.
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Second Sunday of Advent – We light two candles, the first candle and another blue candle of PEACE. Some call it the Bethlehem candle. Pray together:
Jesus, you are the Peace of God in all the world.
You are calm amidst storms of our lives. Help us to forgive like you when we are hurt or wounded.
As we await your coming, give PEACE to our hearts, we pray. Amen.
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Advent Preparedness
The Gospel for this 2nd Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the Gospel of Mark. Mark begins this Gospel by quoting a prophecy from the Book of Isaiah. This prophesy speaks of the coming of a messenger, a prophet. This messenger would herald the coming of the Savior, Jesus. This messenger was John the Baptist.
John goes out into the wilderness, a deserted place, to announce: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”. He proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People from all walks of life had heard about him and they wanted to see John for themselves. Seekers from all the areas of Judea as well as the citizens of Jerusalem followed him into the wilderness to listen to John preach and received a baptism of repentance. The wilderness, a place that offers the presence of God and the forgiveness of sins.
John was a prophet, a holy man, whose lifestyle was one of extreme humility. He lived in the desert, wore camel hair and ate locusts and wild honey. John did not desire any acclaim for himself. His call was to proclaim the coming of the Messiah. John told his listeners that “one mightier than I” would come after him. John also said that this man would also baptize but He would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Ask yourself: How do I humble myself before God?
How do I prepare for the “one mightier than I” who is coming?
Yes, one day Christ will come again! However, Christ comes to us every day of our lives! Are we aware of His coming? Do we notice His presence as we go about our day?
There are those days that we “miss” Christ’s coming. Perhaps we are too busy or our mind or heart are closed. Or I have been sleepwalking through my day, going through the motions but not truly present.
Today is a good day to consciously look for Christ! Christ is among us!
However, our eyes, minds and hearts must be awake and alert if we are to see and experience His coming.
Today Jesus is coming!
Will we be too busy or too preoccupied to notice Him?
Or will we be awake and alert?
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Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets
to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
Worship Booklet for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2023
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Sunday Liturgy Schedule
9:00am with Organ/Choir and Sunday School
Coffee and Fellowship to follow
11:00am with Contemporary Music
All are welcome to attend!
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Altar Flowers for Christmas
We are accepting dedications to honor your loved ones while helping us to decorate the altar with Christmas Poinsettias.
Flower envelopes are available in the Narthex, or you may email Maria (maria@saint-johns.org) with your dedications:
In honor of ________________
In memory of ______________
In celebration of ____________
or
In thanksgiving for ___________
Payment may be made by mailing a check to St. John's, or by placing your check in the offering plate. Please submit your dedications by December 17.
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2024 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CAMPAIGN | |
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We are intertwined by faith and Rooted in the Abundance of God’s blessings.
2024 Stewardship Pledge Campaign
2024 Budgeted (preliminary) Expenses $352,478
2024 Budgeted Net Income from ECS - $177,736
2024 Stewardship Pledge Income Goal: $174,742
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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
After our In Gathering and Blessing of Stewardship Pledges last Sunday, our pledge amount has significantly increased! Thank you so much!
If you have not had an opportunity to decide on your pledge and/or complete a pledge card, you are still able to do so. We are short of last year's pledge amount and need more to reach our Stewardship Pledge Goal.
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OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION | |
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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 Tuesday, December 12th.
Please donate a toy:
- ages 1-14
- new
- in it's original packaging
- unwrapped
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Items Needed for Blessings in a Bag
Supplies are needed for those who go without food or shelter. Please Click Here for all the items needed.
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Outreach Collections
We will continue our ongoing collections for:
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New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
- Eyeglasses
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Greeting Cards - ECS Head Start (Judy McKay)
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Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change
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Emergency Food Pantry - South Bay Community Services (Maria and Joe Love)
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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.
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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
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Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry
St. John's is a member of a national organization called "Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry".
Prayers and Squares will meet on Tuesday, December 12th, 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. 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.
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.
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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. Roger (revroger@saint-johns.org)
to be included in the Zoom meeting.
The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:
Morning Prayer, December 13th
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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, Devon Strunk,
Matt Hernandez, Daniel Getreu, 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,
Alec Hauer, Barbara Oliveira, Linda Longoria-Neff, Ann and Bill Rogers, Karen Polk,
Penny and Bob Milam, James Kellogg Burnham III, David Bricknell, Sr., Deborah Pendleton, and Celia Vasquez.
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 Church of the Good Shepherd in Bonita
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Church of Pakistan (United)
In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Balboa Naval Medical Center, San Diego
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Celebration of Life for Josey Felts
The Celebration of Life for Josey Felts will be on
Saturday, December 16th at 11:00am
at St. John's Episcopal Church, 760 First Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend you servant, Josey.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive her into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon her.
May her soul and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Notes of care and sympathy may be sent to Josey's sister and brother-in-law:
Dolores "Lole" and Mike Brines
8712 N. Magnolia #60
Santee, CA 92071
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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.
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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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ADMINISTRATION AND VESTRY | |
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Upcoming Events at St. John's
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December 9th: St. John's Annual Christmas Party at 4:00pm in Nale Hall
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December 12th: Prayers and Squares Quilting Ministry, 9:30-2:30 in Nale Hall
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December 14th: Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a La Posada party and dinner, 6:00pm in the narthex and Nale Hall
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December 16th: Celebration of Life for Josey Felts, 11:00am at St. John's
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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 and Tuesday afternoons, and all day on Wednesday and Thursday. 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.
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Advent Message
By: Bishop Susan Brown Snook
As we approach the season of Advent, a time of reflection, anticipation, and hope, my heart is full of gratitude and a spirit filled with excitement. At our 50th Anniversary celebration, we reflected on the history of our diocese. One thing stood out to me as we reminisced on our past: Episcopalians have accomplished great things in the face of many challenges. From shipwrecks to fires, our predecessors in this diocese have overcome adversities, shared the Good News of Christ, and set the foundation for the Diocese of San Diego. Today, more than ever, we embody Courageous Love in this diocese. Despite pandemic challenges and changing societal trends, our faith remains vibrant. We are bold in discerning God’s vision for us and courageous in putting it into action. Read More
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Faith To Go Podcast
Ms. Rachel Ambasing & The Rev. Brian Petersen, two church planters in our diocese, discuss building community through authenticity and joy.
Who are we not listening to? How can we move toward the person we’re capable of being? Listen Here
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EDSD Support for Migrants
EDSD’s Migration Ministry office continues to work with migrants along our southern border, providing immediate aid and relief. Thank you for your support! For an updated list of donation needs, volunteer opportunities, and a list of our partners, please visit EDSD.org/migration-ministry. Have questions? Contact Migration Missioner Robert Vivar at rvivar@edsd.org.
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Support Episcopal Relief and Development
Your gift to the Middle East Fund will support the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital as they offer critical health services to those impacted by the current crisis in Gaza. Through your generosity, ERD is able to provide medicine and other supplies to help tend to the physical and psychosocial wounds of the current conflict.
Visit episcopalrelief.org today to make a contribution
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