A few weeks ago, I was in Boston attending this year’s Genesis Gathering, sponsored by the Episcopal Church’s Office of Church Planting and Redevelopment. It was a lovely time to meet and share insight and wisdom with colleagues (and to see some New England fall color!), but one of the highlights of the trip was going to one of the nightly Compline services at the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE) across the river in Cambridge.

Visiting SSJE has been one of my “bucket list” items for a long time – I’ve always deeply loved and enjoyed all of the devotional and other materials created by the brothers there, and we have even used some of their materials for spiritual formation at Holy Cross. It also happens that Compline is probably my favorite of all of the offices in the BCP, so this was a particularly special treat for me! And I was not surprised to find that we were warmly welcomed to worship at the monastery’s chapel by the brothers who were praying the office that evening.

What did surprise me, as we began the beautiful, chanted liturgy, was the pace of it. I pray Compline myself nearly every night before bed, but I’m often tired and read through it at a fairly quick clip. In contrast, the monastic rhythm of the service was incredibly spacious and (dare I say it?) slow! We sang the Psalms responsively by half-verse as we are all accustomed to, but the spaces of silence between the call and response were quite long – perhaps up to 30 seconds between each line. And I found myself getting pretty antsy waiting to sing my response!

As I noticed myself getting impatient, it also caused me to reflect on the busyness of my life that I’m sure many of us can relate to. We need each moment to be productive – nowadays we can’t even sit at a stoplight without feeling like we need to check our phones for new notifications. And so, something as “unproductive” as slowly breathing our way through a Psalm might seem counterintuitive. But then I realized that it is in these empty spaces, these moments without words, that perhaps we find ourselves closest to God.

Once I became aware of this and settled myself into the rhythm, I found myself experiencing deep calm and grace as the words came as easily as my own breath. The brothers at SSJE exude this non-anxious presence in everything that they do, and for me this was a clear reminder of the principle of lex orandi, lex credeni, lex vivendi (how you pray is how you believe, and how you live). The way we worship can actually affect the way we live our lives.

So while I might like to preach “slow down!” all the time, sometimes even I need a reminder to practice what I preach! May we take the time to savor the words and the actions of our prayers, and always remember that they are most powerful when we give the Spirit room to pray through us.

In Christ,

Brian+

Convention Recap

Another great Annual Diocesan Convention has concluded - our 51st! This year we met at St Margaret's, Palm Desert this past Friday and Saturday, November 8 & 9. As I drove over to the convention, enjoying both the scenery and the twisty mountainous road, I recalled making that drive 5 years ago to my first convention in this diocese serving as your delegate. 

For those who have never attended Convention, it is both a business meeting and learning opportunity. This year I was filled with gratitude and amazement to hear from leaders about many of the impactful ministry areas throughout the diocese including: our Border Ministries and especially Cumunidad de Luz, the new diocesan shelter for women and children in Tijuana; Mission Real Estate, learning about how some of our parishes and missions are using their property to advance their ministries; Diversity and Inclusion; and Church Planting. A BIG highlight was seeing our youth delegate seated as voting members this year and our own Maggie Ho voting and participating in convention!

While the business portion of convention is the reason we lay and clergy delegates were there, I always enjoy socializing, meeting new friends, seeing old friends, and checking out the vendors in the Exhibition Hall! This year we also had the opportunity to view The Philadelphia Eleven movie as part of convention as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church (July 28th) and also the 50th anniversary of the first woman to celebrate the Eucharist as an Episcopal priest on Nov 10th! I had already seen the movie but was moved to see it again and share the joy in recognizing and celebrating the women clergy in our diocese.

During the business portion of the meeting, delegates (laity and clergy) passed six resolutions - from expanding the number of individuals on the Disciplinary board, approving Community of Light as a Diocesan Institution, and 4 resolutions affirming/acting on 4 resolutions from General Convention related to gun violence ; and elected individuals to Executive Council, Standing Committee, Disciplinary Board, Historiographer and Archivist, Secretary of Convention, and Cathedral Chapter.

I am honored to share with you that I was elected to serve on Executive Council for a 3-year term. I was also recently appointed by Bishop Susan to the Diocesan HR Committee. I am blessed to be able offer my gifts, experience, and time as they may best serve our diocese.

You may find a recap, video's of Bishop Susan's annual address to convention and her sermon from the opening Eucharist, as well as presentations of the reports on various ministry areas, and the election results and the resolutions here:    https://edsd.org/news/convention-recap-2024/.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Sanchez, lay delgate

2024 Pledge Campaign Update

Dear grand and gracious members of Holy Cross,

Now is the time for a financial commitment to our great church. Please remember your contributions are the only source of revenue to our operational budget. Our operations and ministries depend on you and your generosity. Together we can reach our pledge goal of $125,000. Together we can grow our church. Together we can grow our ministries. Together we can achieve wondrous things that support our community and the greater church.

Along with Judy Cater and our treasurer, Al Johnson I will meet with the Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev Gwynn Lynch next week to discuss duties and compensation for our new clergy.

Also, a reminder the annual meeting will take place on January 12th. I'm hopeful you will all be able to attend.

Most respectfully,

Mike Collier Sr. Warden

SAVE THE DATE AT ALL SAINTS'

Join Rev. Susan L. Latimer for an evening contemplative service with prayer sung in the style in Taize'. The service takes place on Saturday, November 16 at 4pm 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.

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.

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.

Wednesday

 5:30pm

Evening Prayer

A short (30-40 minutes) service rooted in ancient monastic tradition. Our service includes some lovely hymns and provides a wonderful opportunity for quiet prayer and a midweek respite. A perfect way to end the day. All are welcome.

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.

First Thursday of Month

 10:00 am Episcopal Service

at La Costa Glen

(for residents only)

Next service, December 6th



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!

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.

Adult Forum Opportunity

Modern Mystics Class

Wednesdays 6:30pm - 7:30pm via Zoom

All Saints' Vista holds a zoom class on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 exploring a variety of historic figures with unique and influential perspectives on religion and spirituality. It is generally based on the Modern Mystics series and is usually 30 mins of watching a segment and 30 mins of discussion and conversation. They are inviting Holy Cross attendees to join. The current series explores the insights of Simone Weil, a brilliant philosopher and activist, she embodied a sharp intellect, selflessness, and a passion for justice. She urged a spirituality of deep attention and, though she admired Catholicism, remained a thoughtful critic.

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

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.

Doing God's Work with our Hand's

Looking Ahead:

Important Dates, Gatherings & Events

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.

Bishop's Committee (BC) meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. The next BC meeting is November 26, 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 September 24 meetings: approved September Minutes here; September Controllers Report here; September Priest-in-Charge Report here.

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.

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

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

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.

This weeks diocesan newsletter: here

(please be sure to read all of the great information!)



51st Diocesan Convention Recap

By: Chris Tumilty, Director of Communications

Our diocesan family gathered at Convention for an inspiring weekend at St. Margaret's in Palm Desert. This year’s Convention offered much more than the important business of elections and resolutions. We came together for shared worship, celebrated community over a delightful dinner, and joined in a solemn candle-lit vigil for gun safety, honoring lives lost and committing ourselves to advocacy for peace. The screening of The Philadelphia Eleven offered a poignant look at the trailblazing women who shaped our church, inspiring deep reflection on our history and our future.

Throughout the weekend, the spirit of unity and dedication to our mission was palpable, as we honored the work of the church and discerned our path forward. In worship, fellowship, and service, we embraced both our joyful connections and our shared responsibilities, creating lasting memories and renewed commitments. Read More

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