November 25, 2022
It might not surprise you that the Gospel reading appointed for Thanksgiving Day in the lectionary is John 6:25-35 – Jesus’ well-known “I am the bread of life” discourse (and of course, the title of one of our favorite hymns as well!) It’s a fitting passage because Jesus is speaking to a crowd that has just finished enjoying a miraculous feast of loaves and fishes, and has come to the other side of the sea of Galilee looking for him. Presumably, the crowd wants to express some gratitude – some thanksgiving – for the abundant meal that they just received. Just like many of us probably feel today, they are in a gracious and grateful mood after being blessed enough to stuff themselves with delicious food! It’s easy to feel thankful when things are right in our lives, when we have the comforts of family and friends and feasts to remind us of the many ways that we are blessed.

The question for us today is this: can we hold onto this “attitude of gratitude” even when the blessings of life aren’t so apparent? I think that this is the same sort of challenge that Jesus gives to the crowd as he encourages them to work not just for a meal that will satisfy temporarily, but will alleviate all hunger: the true bread that comes down from heaven. And this bread is, of course, his very body given for all. It’s a bread that brings fullness of life not just in times of abundance, but also in times of scarcity and struggle.

When we share this bread together as a community gathered around the table in Jesus’ name, we are also working together to give thanks in all circumstances. To make Eucharist literally means to give thanks – and to do this together means that we lift each other up to be grateful in good times and in tough times. It’s not always easy, but we don’t have to do it alone. That is the gift and blessing of being the ecclesia, the called-together people of God. So as we reflect on our many blessings this week, let us give thanks for the gift of community that we share at Holy Cross, a gift that enables us to weather whatever may come our way in faithfulness to God’s calling for us.

In Christ,
Brian+
Stars that Light our Path
2023 Pledge Campaign
ends THIS Sunday

Good people of Holy Cross,

This Sunday marks the end of the pledge campaign for 2023. Of the 53 pledge
cards mailed, 18 have been returned. And just shy of $114,000 has been pledged, Holy Cross needs your help to achieve our goal of $122,000. If you are among the 35 folks who has not returned their pledge card, please do so by Sunday. We are close to the goal, every pledge counts.

Respectfully,
Mike


For those who have not yet pledged, you may return your pledge card by bringing it to church this Sunday or use the button below. Please join the folks/households who have already pledged in supporting next year’s mission and ministry of our parish family. Every pledge, every amount matters!
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Operation Secret Santa
Advent Outreach Project
 
Operation Secret Santa benefits the children of the Wounded Warrior Battalion - West, based at Camp Pendleton for their annual Santa Surprise event on Christmas Day at the homes of over 260 children in the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton.
 
You are invited to participate by bringing a new unwrapped gift(s) to church on Sundays November 27, December 4, and 11 and place it at the altar. We will bless the gifts each Sunday. The gifts will be taken to Tom Mauro's home where they will be delivered to Camp Pendleton on December 13th in preparation for wrapping by parents of the children on December 19, 20 and 21. The gifts will be distributed by Wounded Warrior families in the children's homes on Christmas Day.
 
Secret Santa Gift Needs - infant through teens**:
  • toys
  • books
  • diapers
  • clothes

For a PDF version to save or print click here.
 
** New & unwrapped please
 
If you wish to donate cash, please know Holy Cross will not purchase gifts on your behalf - however, we will transmit your donation to the Wounded Warrior Battalion, and they will use your donation to backfill needs as they deem appropriate once they have received all donated gifts from sponsoring organizations on December 13th. All cash donations should be made out to Holy Cross with the notation WW Secret Santa on the Memo line (check, Zelle or Faithstreet) and we MUST receive your cash donation by no later than Wednesday, December 8th. Thank you for your understanding.
Advent Wreath Making
THIS Sunday, November 27
 
Please join us for Advent Wreath making November 27th after worship. There is a sign up sheet at the church entrance. Please mark your preference for purple, blue or battery candles. Suggested donation $15 for supplies (the church is able to help if you need assistance, please speak with Rev. Brian).
Advent Devotions
 
This Sunday we begin the season of Advent. As the rest of the world around us speeds up, the church reminds us to slow down - it isn't easy, especially when much of the world has jumped straight from Thanksgiving to Christmas. We slow down so that we have time to meditate on a season marked by preparation, hope and expectation: for the light of Christ, the coming celebration of our Lord's nativity, and for the final coming of Christ on the last day.

You may find one or more of the following resources helpful in adding prayer and meditation to your life during the busy Advent Season:

#AdventWord: an inspirational online Advent calendar. Two ways to participate: read and pray over the daily emailed meditation during Advent or connect and discuss the day's word with other disciples on the social media pages for #AdventWord. This is an offering of Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church. Sign-up/more information here.

BustedHalo Advent Calender: a digital twist on the traditional Advent calendar brings a sense of surprise by showing you the whole calendar, but not letting you “open” each day and find out what’s behind the picture until that day comes along. Each day, the link will lead you to a special Advent-themed Daily Jolt and MicroChallenge. Busted Halo is a ministry of The Paulist Fathers a religious order of Roman Catholic priests. The calendar is here - bookmark the page to access it day during advent.

Journeying the Way of Love: Advent Calendar which offers daily suggestions for engaging in the seven practices that encompass the Way of Love: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. The calendar is here - you may want to add to the practices by keeping a journal or otherwide writing reflections about your practices.

Living Compass - Living Well Through Advent 2022, Practicing Simplicity With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind, download the free PDF Advent Devotional Booklet here. You may also sign-up for their daily email devotional here (scroll down towards the bottom of the page). You will receive twenty-three daily emails, one for each day of Advent, plus Christmas.
Congratulations Michael!
 
Michael has been accepted in the Fire Explorer Program with the Carlsbad Fire Department. Fire Explorer is a national program for teens and young adults, ages 15 - 20. The program emphasizes character building, leadership, community service and physical fitness. As an Explorer, Michael will go through a three month academy which meets every other Saturday as well as during his Spring break week. He will be trained in fire department policies and procedures, the proper use of fire equipment and engage in firefighting training scenarios as well as be a part of a functioning member of a crew for the duration of a 12-hour shift. The Carlsbad Fire Explorer Program provides participants with the opportunity to go behind the scenes to discover career options in fire and EMS. Congratulations Michael.
Our brothers and sisters next door at Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) will be hosting their annual Living Nativity on Sunday, December 4th from 5 - 7pm. This is a walk-through experience of the Christmas story, featuring Emperor Augustus, Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem, the innkeeper, shepherds and angels in the field, wise men in search of the child, and a baby in a manger. It will conclude in their sanctuary with hot chocolate, refreshments and a Christmas craft for kids. Save the date, plan on attending and invite family and friends!
#GivingTuesday: November 29

#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. #GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice. Need some ideas? click here - how to participate.

Be sure to share how you're giving with the hashtag #GivingTuesday and inspire others!
Is your email cutting off the full newsletter? - If you see a message at the end of your email that says something like "[Message clipped] View entire message" click on the "view entire message" link and the full newsletter will open - you may also click on the "View Entire Newsletter" link at the top of the newsletter (it's safe) and it will open the full newsletter in a new browser.
Worship at Holy Cross
First Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2022 - 9:30AM
IN-PERSON* & LIVESTREAMED
via
YouTube & Online.Church 
*Masks required for unvaccinated.
We use a screen to project the service bulletin - please download the worship booklet (use the button below) if you prefer a copy or need a copy for watching the livestream. Thank you for helping us to be better stewards of God's creation (reducing paper waste).
Video on Demand (VOD): Miss any of the past Sunday services?
You may find them on our YouTube channel here.

Rooted in ancient monastic tradition, this is a perfect way to end the day. Watch for our mid-week check-in newsletter with the service links.

Christian Formation
Adult Formation

Zoom Bible Study Group
Thursdays 5 - 6pm

Our new Zoom Formation Group, led by Rev. Brian, meets Thursdays from 5 - 6pm on Zoom - see below for the link, you will also find the link in our mid-week check-in newsletter. All are welcome to join. We discuss the Lectionary readings for the week digging deeper into the Scripture. Book and topical studies might be added later as the group continues. Feel free to join us any time – you don’t need to commit to being there every week in order to attend. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Brian at pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org, and we look forward to seeing you there! Here is the Bible Study blog link with lectionary reading and more information: https://holycrossbiblestudy.blogspot.com/.


Meeting ID: 886 3351 9215
Calling All Godly Play Kids!

Godly Play is grounded in the Montessori tradition and uses special materials and storytelling that invite the children into scripture and church tradition.

For more information please contact Sue Baas.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Ministries, Important Dates, Gatherings & Events
November 6 - 27 - 3 weeks Sunday to Sunday
Stars that Light our Path
2023 Pledge Campaign
Help us meet our goal - $122,000
We are the stars that light our path to the future
November 27 - Sunday
First Sunday of Advent
Advent Wreath Making after worship
Sign-up sheet in church
$15 suggested donation
November 29 - Tuesday
#Giving Tuesday
Through GivingTuesday, we have an opportunity to imagine a better world– a world where neighbors help neighbors, a world where everyone has what they need. Let's help build the world we all imagine to be possible.
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December 4 - Sunday
Holy Cross 36th Anniversary (Birthday) transferred
>>>>from November 30
December 4 - Sunday
The Living Nativity at Christ Presbyterian Church
5 - 7pm
Walk-through experience of the Christmas story on the CPC campus. Hot chocolate, refreshment and Christmas craft for kids in their sanctuary at the conclusion of the walk-through
December 10 - Saturday
Good News Festival
All day and evening at the Town and Country Resort Information here
December 24 - Saturday
Christmas Eve Service
4:00pm
In-Person and Livestreamed
December 25 - Sunday
Christmas Day
Service - 9:30am
In-Person and livestreamed
Ancient Abbey Clock strikes midnight at New Year
January 1, 2023 - Sunday
Happy New Year
Worship 9:30am
In-Person Only and livestreamed
January 22 - Sunday
Bishop's Visit
Events TBD
An attractive illustration design for epiphany day
January 6 - Friday
The Epiphany
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." Matthew 2:1-2
Ongoing Ministry and Outreach activities:
All Saints Cemetery Clean-Up
on hiatus
9:30 am - 10:30
200 Peyri Road in Oceanside,
next to Heritage Park

Our All Saints clean up is on hiatus while this ministry transitions over to Kelly Petersen. Stay tuned for when cleanup visits to the cemetery will resume and help us maintain this lovely historic Episcopal property!
Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton

We deliver healthy snacks to the Wounded Warrior Battalion staff and the Marines and sailors recovering from wounds, injury and illness twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday's.

Contact Tom Mauro at 847.989.0305 for more information about this ongoing ministry or for how you might participate.
Picture (right) from Wednesday October 26: First Sargent Luevano enjoying a healthy snack provided by Holy Cross to the Wounded Warriors. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Stewardship
Giving and Tithing
Thank you to all for your continued pledges and donations. These are integral to our ability to continue our mission, ministries, as well as to stay current on all of our financial obligations.

You may find information about how your pledges and donations support Holy Cross in the Controllers Report published each month in the Bishop's Committee (BC) section of this newsletter. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Warden's, Karen Sanchez and Katie Ho, or any member of the BC if you have questions or would like additional information on our finances or any aspect of Holy Cross.
MAILING ADDRESS: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, Ca. 92009
Bishop's Committee

Bishop's Committee (BC) meetings are the third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. The next regular BC meeting is Tuesday, November 22 - our meeting is hybrid, in-person at the church and via Zoom for those unable to join in-person .

Meetings are open and anyone may attend. Please reach out to Karen Sanchez for the Zoom link if you wish to attend remotely.

If there is something for which you wish to bring to the BC's attention, you may reach out to our Priest-in-Charge, Brian Petersen, our Wardens, Karen Sanchez and Katie Ho, or any BC member. Their contact information is at the bottom of the newsletter, in the church roster, or you may reach them at the church office: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org.

Reports from the November meeting held on November 22: You may read the approved October Minutes here; Controllers Report for October here; Priest-in-Charge Report here; and Sr. Warden's Report here.
Pastoral Care
If you have a pastoral emergency and are unable to reach anyone at the church office, 760.930.1270, then always call our Priest-in-Charge, Brian Petersen, at 442.320.0548. If you are unable to reach Brian+ please call our Sr Warden, Karen Sanchez, at 808.494.0558.
Please hold all on our prayer list in your prayers:
If you would like to be added to the Prayers for Comfort, or would like to add someone else (please get their permission first) or add a family member to the Prayers for the Departed, please contact the church office at: email holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org or 760.930.1270. Please mention 'Prayer List' in the Subject line and include whether the prayer request is for "Comfort" or for the "Departed".

Individuals will remain on the prayer list for 4 weeks. Please contact the office if you wish to have someone added for another 4 weeks.
Prayer for our Clergy-in-Charge:
For Rev Brian Petersen, protect, nourish and sustain him through the work of the Holy Spirit. May he find rest and encouragement in the loving care of God and this congregation.

Prayers for Thanksgiving
For our hosts JCo and for this community of Holy Cross

Prayers for Comfort:
Randy Echito, Art Wahl, Tom Andreas, Arlene Cull, Ann Mauro, Paul Vanderpool, Barb Ross, Mia, Sandra Rindge, George Fern, Bob Laskey, Larry Sebastian, Irene Ramey, Michaelson family, Julie Zygutis, Jesse Owens, Jim Backoff, Mary Riberio, Karin, Luis, & Manny Duarte, Liz Daley, Jen Sebastian, Marlene Samocha

Prayers for the Departed
We commend to God all who have died, especially Ella Deville, Steve Bovee, Mike Davidson, and those who have lost their lives to gun violence.

Prayers for those celebrating Birthdays
Tom Andreas

Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
none this week

Prayers for those Traveling
All those returning from Thanksgiving travels

Anglican Cycle of Prayer
We pray for The Nippon Sei Ko Kai.

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
We pray for the clergy and people of Christ the King, Alpine and for the growth of discipleship in the diocese.

Other
We pray for peace and the end of war; for those who are affected by gun violence
Notes of Care
Thinking of you. Humming bird watercolor card illustration
If you would like to be added, or suggest someone to be added (please get their permission first) to Notes of Care please contact the church office at: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org or 760.930.1270

Note: If you have lost a member of your family and would like us to include you and your family in "Notes of Care" please provide the name and relationship of your loved one, the date they entered into glory, and the address of where you would like notes of care sent.
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers those who are unable to be with us in worship and reach out to them to let them know they are missed.

Arlene Cull
4714 Athos Way
Oceanside, Ca 92056

Fr. Walter Edelman
17427 Gibraltar Court
San Diego, CA 92128-2332




In the Diocese and Beyond
There's more information on programs and training available in this weeks diocesan newsletter here
On Saturday, December 10, come to the Town and Country Resort for the Good News Festival (thegoodnewsfestival.com), and take in the Holiday Marketplace at the same time--open for sales from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Find fair trade chocolate, coffee, tea, cocoa, nuts, dates, and olive oil. Buy Guatemalan, Haitian, and Mexican apparel, accessories, and crafts; African and Asian bags, jewelry, and accessories; candles and home décor made by local artisans; and books, including titles by some of our Festival speakers. With live music adding to the festive atmosphere of the marketplace, this is the place to enjoy time with friends or family while waiting for the Festival’s main attraction to begin. Read more about the market here.
GOOD NEWS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022

The Good News Workshops
The Good News Workshops
There are a variety of workshop and panel discussion opportunities with world-class presenters (no charge) offered throughout the day on December 10:
  • Borders, Migration & Jesus;
  • Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights
  • Evangelism in the 21st Century
  • Starting New Faith Communities in San Diego
  • Food Security and Faith Communities
  • Creation Crisis and Care
  • Affordable Housing and Faith Communities
  • How to Try

Space will be limited. More information about the workshops and registration is here - they're free!.

6:30 – 8:45 pm – The Good News Festival (Revival Service)
An energetic evening with friends, families, and neighbors. With messages from the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Rev. Dr. William Barber, this is a night you won’t forget.
Book Your Room
Want to enjoy the Festival and not worry about driving home after the evening is done? Book your room for the Good News Festival and capitalize on this exclusive room rate at the Town and Country Resort: here.
Good News Festival Questions?

Have questions about the Good News Festival on Saturday, December 10? We've got answers! Join Canon Jason Evans for one of two 1-hour sessions to learn how to prepare for the festival, what will happen at the festival, and what we will do to follow up with our visitors.

Nov 30 or Dec 7, 2022 – 6-7 p.m. via Zoom here.
Staff and Leadership
Our Clergy
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook ***
Clergy-in-Charge: The Rev. Brian Petersen, Priest-in-Charge - pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org; 442.320.0548
Brian+ is available to meet at our church space on Tuesdays, and at our office at St. Andrew's, Encinitas on Thursdays by appointment and at the church on Sundays. Please schedule at time using this link: https://calendly.com/rev-brian/. If you have a pastoral emergency please email or text him (442.320.0548). If you are unable to reach him please contact Karen Sanchez, our Sr. Warden.

Staff
Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl
Controller: Erin Sacco Pineda, CPA - ESP Accounting
AV Tech Guru: Jack Cater
AV Tech Asst: Michael Basista
Admin/Communications Coord: Ryan Cagle

Leadership - Bishop's Committee ("BC")
Sr. Warden: Karen Sanchez - seniorwarden@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Jr. Warden: Katie Ho
Members at large: Mike Collier, Allen Zych
Treasurer: Grant Ford
Clerk: Robyn Hill

Contact information:
Church office: 760.930.1270
Mailing address: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, CA. 92009
To contact any of our staff or BC members that do not have an email address listed above please use the church email address, your message will be forwarded to the individual. If you wish to contact them in confidence please indicate that in your message and we will ask the individual to contact you.

As a reminder, our staff work remotely. The office email and voice mail is monitored regularly. In the event of a pastoral emergency please contact Rev Brian. If you are unable to reach him then please contact Karen Sanchez, our Sr. Warden.

*** To contact the Bishop's office or another member of the diocesan staff ("EDSD"):
EDSD phone: 619-291-5947
EDSD staff directory: https://edsd.org/staff/

This communication provides you with information about Holy Cross and our Ministries. For comments or possible contributions, please email the editor at
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