KINDNESS IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

Dear Friends, this next week will draw our "kindness" theme to a close. For the summer we have encouraged intentional acts of kindness by one and all. Our main activity has been the One Grace reading of the book, Theo of Golden. If you have a copy of the book and have finished it, please return it. It's not too late for someone else to pick it up to read. Please leave it by the library in the Coach House.

On Sunday the 30^th we will have a special table in the Coach House during fellowship for enthusiasts who wish to share their enjoyment of the book. I also invite anyone, everyone, to share any special acts of Kindness that you experienced yourself or gave to someone. Names may be kept confidential. Please share them with me by telephone or email or in person. I'd love to share just the substance—again, no names—with others. I have a few of my own to share! I will include these in a future Grace Notes message.

And yes, kindness is always in season. This is a theme for life. Here at Grace kindness is rampant. I don't expect it to disappear by any means. For all of us, there are times when we need a little reminder. We all have our grouchy days, out-of-sorts days, and back-ache days in which kindness may seem like too much effort. Those are the days we need kindness from someone to remind us we are still loveable, still useful, still a beloved child of God.

Soon we will be launching a new theme for the remainder of our Ordinary Time, 2026. This will be through Fall to Advent. The general theme will be humility. Remember we are applying the scripture from Micah 6:8, "And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." This my friends, is a powerful application of God's Word toward the health and wellness of our Christian lives. Thank you for your participation thus far. We still have a way to go on the road of justice, kindness, and humility.

In Christ’s Love,

Nancy+

Upcoming Services

August 23, 2026

9:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist with music
(The 9:30 a.m. service is live-streamed on YouTube)

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Healing Service

10:00 a.m. — no Eucharist during the summer

Bible Study

10:45 — 11:30 a.m.

We will be studying Sunday's lessons

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Contemplative Prayer Group

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

In the Sanctuary.

All are welcome to join our new contemplative prayer group — no special training needed, just a willingness to sit in meditation and silent prayer for 15-20 minutes. This is contemplative prayer, though those familiar with Centering Prayer are welcome to practice that instead. Mtr. Nancy will offer brief opening guidance to use as you're comfortable, and you're free to leave early if needed. This time of quiet strengthens us as a community that is in but not of the world, helping us hold steady amid the world's discord and share that strength with others. Attend when you're able, or pray at home — where two or three are gathered, Christ promises to be present. Questions welcome.

(Service information can also be found on our website.)

Weekly readings can be found on the Lectionary Calendar website. During the Season after Pentecost (Ordinary Times), we read from Track Two.

Meal Train

If anyone needs meals or you need help with the Meal Train sign-up, email Shoshana Aguilar at shoshana.aguilar@gmail.com.

Flowers for Sunday are provided by the Altar Guild

Altar flower sign-up sheets are available on the Nursery bulletin board in the Coach House and can be dedicated in honor of or in memory of a special person or occasion. Recommended donation is $40.

There are still empty spots available.

We Pray For...

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, we pray especially for Linda F., William E, Mark & family, Bennett R., David, Tammy L., Cheryl, Adan, Jack, Dick L., Abby, Carole, Gretchen, Mike, Sharon, Jenny, Megan, Keith and Michael S.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church of the Province of West Africa. In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of St. Dunstan’s, San Diego and for Agape House, its ministries, and the students of SDSU and UCSD. In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the United States Marine Corps Reserves on its 109th birthday.

Prayer List & Ministry

Please contact Pam Wheatland to add a name to the prayer list. Names will be on the list for four weeks and/or ongoing by request. If you are interested in being a part of the Prayer Ministry, please contact Pam Wheatland to be added.

Visit the Children of Vida Joven, September 19

Spend a joyful day with the children at Buena Vida, one of the Vida Joven Foundation family of orphanages. Transportation across the border is provided.

Trip Details

Once you register for a trip, you’ll get an email confirmation. Registration for a trip is required in advance. Go here to register.
The week before the trip, you’ll get another email with details about transportation and a reminder to bring your passport or Global Entry/Sentri card.
A valid passport or Sentri/Global Entry card is required.
Spanish is NOT required!
The day of your trip, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church (760 1st Ave, Chula Vista CA 91910) parking lot in Chula Vista. We’ll do some introductions and a brief orientation before heading to Mexico.
Depending on traffic, we’ll arrive at the orphanage around 10:00 am.
We’ll depart from the orphanage around 1:00 p.m.
The border wait time to re-enter the U.S. is always unpredictable. Thanks in advance for your patience and flexibility.
You may bring a snack. Regarding meats, fruits, and vegetables: bring only what you will eat. We cannot take these items back into the U.S.

Hospitality Next Sunday

Next Sunday is a 5th Sunday, so no hospitality team is scheduled. Please bring a snack for the coffee hour and help clean up if possible.

Back to Normal Soon!

We will be returning to our regular 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. service hours on Sunday, September 6. Godly Play and Spiritual Fishers will also resume that Sunday. Choir practice resumes Thursday, September 10.

Godly Play and Spiritual Fishers Starting Soon!

It's time to sign your children up for Sunday School. We have two age groups: Godly Play (ages 3-9) and Spiritual Fishers (ages 9-12). Classes begin on Sunday, September 6 at 9:30 a.m. More information on each can be found on our website. Go here for the sign-up form.

Emergency Contact Information on Realm

We now have the ability to add an emergency contact person and phone number to your profile on Realm. Go here for instructions.

Invite a Friend to Church

From August 9 to September 13, EDSD is encouraging every congregation to participate in the “Invite a Friend to Church” initiative. Inviting a friend to church may seem like a small gesture, but it can make an incredible impact on someone’s life. It is an act of love, care, and faithfulness that reflects our commitment to the mission of the church. As we reach out to our friends, neighbors, and colleagues, we are offering them a chance to experience a community of faith, hear the message of hope, and encounter God’s grace in new ways. Read More

Faithful Response to Homelessness
& Virtual Book Study

Homelessness is, unfortunately, a part of the landscape of our communities. We pass people sleeping in cars, beneath freeway overpasses, and on sidewalks every day. Encampments have become so common that it is possible to stop noticing them altogether. Yet behind every tent, every shopping cart, and every person asking for help is a beloved child of God. Read the rest of the article here.

Beginning September 1, you can find new ways to help by joining a five-week virtual book study of Grace Can Lead Us Home by Kevin Nye. Register today and explore the realities of homelessness, challenge common misconceptions, and discover faithful ways congregations can respond.

St. Dunstan’s Huge Rummage Sale Aug. 28–29

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church (6556 Park Ridge Blvd., San Diego) is set to hold a two-day rummage sale this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are tons of bargains – collectibles, home decor, toys, board games, seasonal and holiday items, clothes for all ages, shoes, dishware, cookware, glassware, books, linens, artwork, jewelry, and so much more. Invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family.

Nominations Open for Elected Positions

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is now accepting nominations for elected leadership positions to be filled at Diocesan Convention this November. Serving in diocesan leadership is an opportunity to share your gifts, help shape the future of our common life, and support the mission of the Church beyond your local congregation. Lay and clergy members are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether they—or someone they know—may be called to serve. Nominations are open, and position descriptions and nomination forms are available on the convention website. We invite you to discern where God may be calling you next. More.

There are more announcements in the weekly EDSD Newsletter. If you don't already get the newsletter, sign up here or click on the link below to see the latest news.

Diocesan News