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I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas this week! With many of our Holy Cross family members are traveling during this time, I want to be sure to let you all know that our prayers and blessings go with you as we all celebrate the miraculous gift of God in Jesus Christ. May this be a time of joy, peace, and rest for all of you, and may God’s grace bring you safely back into our midst in the New Year.
While Christmas Day might be behind us, the true work of Christmas for us is just beginning. Each year, we tell the story of Christ’s humble birth to invite him to be born again in our own hearts, so that we might be bearers of that same love in our words and deeds. At this time of year, as the festivities fade and we turn our minds to the journey ahead, I am always reminded of Howard Thurman’s poem The Work of Christmas:
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the Kings and Princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins.
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry
To release the prisoner,
To teach the nations,
To bring Christ to all,
To make music in the heart.
May the joy of Christmas lead us into love that overflows, embodied in service to one another as we share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us who need it most.
In Christ,
Brian+
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Save the Date - Annual Meeting | |
Please save the date for Holy Cross' 2025 Annual Meeting, which will take place immediately following our service on Sunday, January 12th.
A Zoom link will be available for those who are unable to join us in person.
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DEAR HOLY CROSS CONGREGATION | |
As we look back on 2024, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity and unwavering support you have shown throughout the year. Your commitment to serving others has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are deeply thankful for the ways you have lived out Christ’s call to love and serve.
In particular, we want to recognize your exceptional support for Wounded Warriors and RefugeeNet. Through your prayers, time, and resources, you have made a profound impact on the lives of so many.
- For Wounded Warriors, your efforts have brought hope, healing, and tangible assistance to those who have sacrificed so much. Your care and compassion have reminded these heroes that they are not forgotten and that their struggles are met with love and respect.
- For RefugeeNet, your generosity has provided a lifeline to families navigating the challenges of resettlement. From offering essential resources to creating a sense of community and belonging, you have extended the hands and heart of Christ to those seeking a new beginning.
Your faith in action has truly been a testament to God’s love and grace. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer work, or simply offering words of encouragement, you have made a difference that will ripple far beyond what we can see.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus in 2024. We are excited to see how God will continue to work through this incredible congregation in the year ahead. May you be blessed abundantly for the blessings you so generously share with others.
The annual meeting on January 12th. Let your voice be heard, you are encouraged to attend.
Most respectfully,
Mike Collier
Senior Warden
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CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS' | |
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Join us for a special Evensong service inspired by the theme of New Beginnings. In the peaceful glow of candlelight, we’ll reflect on the hope and promise of fresh starts through scripture, poetry, and contemplative music. This is a time to pause, renew, and embrace the opportunities that come with new chapters. All are welcome.
The service takes place on Thursday, January 2 at 6:30pm at All Saints' Episcopal Church located at 651 Eucalyptus Ave in Vista 92084. We hope to see you there! Contact office@allsaintsvista.org with any questions.
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Sunday
9:30am Holy Eucharist*
In-Person & Livestream
Hear the Word of God, sing and pray together, bless those who are celebrating birthdays or wedding anniversaries, and share the Eucharist*.
| *Eucharist comes from the Greek and means thanksgiving. It is central to our worship. It is also called Communion, Mass, the Lord's Supper and the Divine Liturgy. | |
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Tuesday
12:30pm Contemplative Prayer - In-Person
Join us for a time of quiet reflections, prayer, and meditations using practices from a variety of spiritual traditions.
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Sunday Livestream
and Service Bulletin Links
| We use a screen to project the service bulletin - please download the worship booklet (use the button above) if you prefer a copy for watching the livestream. Thank you for helping us to be better stewards of God's creation in reducing paper waste. | |
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First Thursday of Month
10:00 am Episcopal Service
at La Costa Glen
(for residents only)
Next service, January 3rd
All residents of La Costa Glen are welcome to join us - 10:00am at the Parkside Building in the Palomar Room. Clergy from Holy Cross and St. Andrews Encinitas are sharing duties presiding at these services. Help spread the word!
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Audio only channel: Mixlr. (also available when we have livestream issues).
Video on Demand (VOD): Miss any of the past services?
Find them on our YouTube channel here.
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Adult Forum Opportunity
From the Inside Out Class
Wednesdays 6:30pm - 7:30pm via Zoom
on hiatus for the holidays, will resume Jan 8th
All Saints' Vista next zoom course on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 is designed for individuals interested in deepening their understanding of contemplative practices and spiritual formation. The course consists of six sessions, featuring a 15-minute video exploring foundational themes such as the process of spiritual transformation, understanding one’s image of God and self, and the call to follow Jesus. They are inviting Holy Cross attendees to join.
You may join the class using the Zoom link here. Meeting ID: 814 1928 1703
Passcode: 722228
Questions? Facilitator Information:
Misty Brogan: Email - mistyabrogan@gmail.com; Phone: (760) 525-0351
Caroline Celia: Email - ccelia@cox.net; Phone:(760) 803-2256
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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.
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Doing God's Work with our Hand's
Looking Ahead:
Important Dates, Gatherings & Events
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Tuesdays
Contemplative and Meditation Prayer Service
12:30pm - A service of quiet reflection, contemplative and meditation prayer.
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First Thursday each Month - Next service January 2
Episcopal Service at La Costa Glen
10:00am at the Parkside Building in the Palomar Room. All residents of La Costa Glen are welcome! Clergy from Holy Cross and St. Andrew's Encinitas will be sharing duties for presiding at these services.
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2nd Tuesday of each Month - 1pm at the Church
Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care team shares Christ’s love with our community in the form of prayer, home visits, phone calls, cards, and bringing Communion to those unable to attend our Sunday services. If you are interested in joining the Pastoral Care team, or if you or anyone you know would like to schedule a pastoral and/or Communion visit, please contact Rev. Brian.
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2nd Tuesday of each Month - on hiatus
Holy Cross Bridge Group
The group is on hiatus currently. If you are interested or would like to know more please contact Mike Collier or Grant Ford.
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2nd and 4th Wednesday of the Month
Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton
Our volunteers deliver healthy snacks to, and visit with, service members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion staff and the Marines and sailors recovering from wounds, injury and illness. Contact Tom Mauro at 847.989.0305, for more information about this ongoing ministry or for how you might participate.
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Ongoing, no set days
Gardening Club
Our garden plot is in the Centella St Community Garden next door to our church space. If you are interested in participating please speak with Rev. Brian on Sunday or email him at pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org.
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We will practice continuous stewardship of all of God’s resources -
financial, human, and environmental.
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Whether you worship regularly or when you can, join us in-person or online, your Holy Cross faith family thanks you for your faithful support. Your continued pledges and donations are integral to our ability to continue our mission and ministries, as well as to stay current on all of our financial obligations.
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MAILING ADDRESS: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, Ca. 92009 | |
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Bishop's Committee (BC) meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. The next BC meeting is January 28, 2024 - 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 Rev. Brian 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, Mike Collier and Grant Ford, 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.
Read reports from the November 26 meetings: approved Minutes here; Controllers Report here; Priest-in-Charge Report here.
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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 971.263.7874. | |
Our Pastoral Care team shares Christ’s love with our community in the form of prayer, home visits, phone calls, cards, and bringing Communion to those unable to attend our Sunday services. If you are interested in joining the Pastoral Care team, or if you or anyone you know would like to schedule a pastoral and/or Communion visit, please contact Rev. Brian. | |
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.
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Prayer for our Clergy:
For the Revs. Martie Johnson and Brian Petersen, protect, nourish and sustain them through the work of the Holy Spirit. May they find rest and encouragement in the loving care of God and this congregation.
Prayers for Thanksgiving
For our hosts JCo, for this community of Holy Cross, and for all who so generously support our faith community with their time, abilities and treasures
Prayers for Comfort:
Arlene Cull, Paul Vanderpool, Barb Ross, Sandra Rindge, Larry Sebastian, Lon Gillette, Allen Sweet, Ray Vance, Grant Ford, Larry Kucera, Dave Wells, Mike Collier, Donna Heyvaert, Joey Aszterbaum, Chris Mallory, Steven Vanderpool, Charley Flinner, Marta, Hadsell/Barnum/Peter families, Kathleen Peter-Coolman, the Nehlsen family, the Jones family
Prayers for the Departed:
We commend to God all who have died, especially Bernice Hadsell, Joyce Nehlsen, and Zach Jones, our loved ones, and those who have lost their lives to gun violence.
Prayers for those celebrating Birthdays
Sue Boom
Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
Keisha Campbell & Joey Aszterbaum
Prayers for those Traveling
Jack & Judy Cater, Mike & Linda Collier
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Episcopal Church
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Clergy and people of St. Michael's by-the-Sea, Carlsbad.
Military Cycle of Prayer
Wounded Warrior Battalion West, Camp Pendleton
Other
Those suffering from the violence of war and terrorism in Israel and in Palestine; We pray for peace and the end of war; All who are affected by gun violence.
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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 | |
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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
183 Third Ave, Apt 419
Chula Vista, CA 91910-1822
Nico Plumber
jacksmonkeylips@gmail.com
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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. | |
In our Community, the Diocese
and Beyond
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This weeks diocesan newsletter: here
(please be sure to read all of the great information!)
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Merry Christmas from Bishop Susan
Dear Beloved in Christ,
Merry Christmas! As we gather once more to celebrate the birth of our Savior, I am filled with the joy and love that bring us together as the body of Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
The Christmas story reminds us of a God who chose to draw near to us in the most unexpected way—a fragile child born in a humble setting. This extraordinary moment in history reveals God’s love for all humanity. Emmanuel—God with us—did not come in power or majesty but in vulnerability to bring light to a world longing for hope and peace.
Each year, this sacred story calls us to reflect not only on the miracle of Christ’s birth but also on the ways we are called to carry that light into the world. In Jesus, God boldly declared that every person is precious, every life is sacred, and the promise of God’s love knows no boundaries.
Reflecting on the past year, I see this light shining brightly throughout our diocese. I see it in congregations welcoming the stranger with open arms, communities standing in solidarity with those seeking justice, individuals sharing the joy of their local church with others, and voices proclaiming the Good News of Christ.
This Christmas, I encourage you to look around at the people God has placed in your life—family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers who reflect God’s love and grace. Take time to celebrate the connections we share because it is for these connections that Christ came to us–for you, for your neighbor, for us.
Let us also remember that Christmas is not just a moment; it is a mission. Just as the shepherds left the manger to share the joyful news, we are called to proclaim the message of God’s redeeming love. Through every act of kindness, every prayer lifted, and every word of encouragement shared, we make the love of Christ known in the world.
May the wonder of Christmas renew your spirit and fill your heart with joy; be inspired by the hope born in Bethlehem as a light for you; and know the profound peace of Emmanuel, God with us, today and always.
Merry Christmas, and may God’s abundant blessings be with you and those you love.
Faithfully,
+Susan
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
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Our Clergy
Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Brian Petersen
pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org; 442.320.0548
Assisting Priest: The Rev. Martie Johnson
Staff
Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl
Controller: Erin Sacco Pineda, CPA - ESP Accounting
AV Tech Guru: Jack Cater
AV Tech Asst: Esperanza Jimenez
Communications Coord: Ryan Cagle
Administrator: Amber Newman
Leadership - Bishop's Committee ("BC")
Sr. Warden: Mike Collier - seniorwarden@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Jr. Warden: Grant Ford
Members at large: Judy Cater, Allen Zych
Treasurer: Al Johnson
Clerk: Robyn Hill
Contact information:
Church office: 760.930.1270
Church email: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Mailing address: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, CA. 92009
This communication provides you with information about Holy Cross and our Ministries. For comments or possible contributions, please email the editor at
newsletter@holycrosscarlsbad.org
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