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This time of year, as we approach the start of winter with the solstice coming this Saturday, I like to revisit one of my favorite poems: Mary Oliver’s On Winter’s Margin.
On winter’s margin, see the small birds now
With half-forged memories come flocking home
To gardens famous for their charity.
The green globe’s broken; vines like tangled veins
Hang at the entrance to the silent wood.
With half a loaf, I am the prince of crumbs;
By snow’s down, the birds amassed will sing
Like children for their sire to walk abroad!
But what I love, is the gray stubborn hawk
Who floats alone beyond the frozen vines;
And what I dream of are the patient deer
Who stand on legs like reeds and drink that wind; -
They are what saves the world: who choose to grow
Thin to a starting point beyond this squalor.
Here in sunny Southern California, we might not know much about frozen vines or the “squalor” of the barren winter wood evoked in the poem. But for many of us, this is still a time where we feel the sting of loss a bit more acutely. Holiday festivities and traditions might bring back memories of loved ones who have passed. It’s no wonder that “Blue Christmas” services have become so popular at many churches.
Both Oliver’s words and the observances of Advent remind us, though, that the darkness we might experience now does not have the final word. Yes, we grow thin with the weight of grief. Yes, the darkness seems to grow more present as the days get shorter. But at the very darkest moment, let us also recall that the light is even now returning. It is not around, but through that growing thin that we return to the “starting point”, allowing grace to take a hold of us where our strength and other resources may fail.
This Sunday, as we light all of the candles on our Advent wreaths, let those lights bear witness to the light of Christ that, as John’s gospel reminds us (and we’ll read again in Christmas): “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
In Christ,
Brian+
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Join us on Sunday, December 22nd as we put up and decorate the Christmas tree immediately following the service.
Bring some Christmas cookies to share, and we'll provide the cocoa and cider to keep the holiday cheer flowing. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
🎄✨
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Our Christmas Eve service this year will be at 4pm on Tuesday, December 24th.
Join us for a festive Eucharist with lots of carols and a "Come as you are" Christmas pageant!
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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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You did it! 16 pledges received. $128,985 pledged toward our goal of $125,000. This amount supports our church and its ministries. Our great church continues to thrive because of our great and generous members. Please never doubt your ability to contribute, as the saying goes, "We punch above our weight."
Unfortunately, I need to remind some of you that we are behind about $30,000 in unpaid 2024 pledges. We can do better to finish up the year!
Speaking of showing your support, Allen Zych, incoming treasurer, and Tom Mauro, leader of the Wounded Warrior ministry, made a trip to Costco on Monday to purchase rice, dried beans, and cooking oil for RefugeeNet. Our congregation has donated $2,185.60 to help RefugeeNet feed refugee families. Allen and Tom spent $2,172, (see attached photos) all the rice available at Costco, as well as cooking oil and dried beans. This year Holy Cross has donated over a ton of rice, many hundreds of pounds of dry beans, and almost 100 gallons of cooking oil. Many refugee families will have a more enjoyable and memorable Christmas because of the generosity of Holy Cross. Keep up the good work!
The Bishop's Committee met on Tuesday to finalize the 2025 budget. We will send a copy of the approved budget to the congregation before the Annual Meeting.
As we wind up 2024, I would like to express my personal thanks to all members of the congregation for all the great things Holy Cross has accomplished in 2024. I'm confident 2025 will be even better. It will certainly be different with a new priest, new treasurer, and new BC member. As I said earlier in this newsletter, Holy Cross will thrive. We're not as big as we once were, but we show great support for our ministries and our community.
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, Zach Jones, 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
Prayers for the Departed:
We commend to God all who have died, especially Bernice Hadsell and Joyce Nehlsen, our loved ones, and those who have lost their lives to gun violence.
Prayers for those celebrating Birthdays
Wrenn Ho
Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
None Known
Prayers for those Traveling
None Known
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Church of the Province of Uganda
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Clergy and people of Holy Cross, Carlsbad. For the growth of evangelism in the diocese.
Military Cycle of Prayer
USNS Yukon (T-AO-202)
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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Courageous Love at CSUSM Campus Ministry
By: Desteny Sanchez-Lopez, Campus Missioner CSUSM
I am very excited about introducing students to the life of Jesus here at Cal State University San Marcos, the very university that I attend! Here at CSUSM, we’ve started a new young adult group called Courageous Love. It allows young adults to know and love Jesus in a safe and welcoming space. Students get to be themselves and feel both accepted and appreciated for who they are, enjoy fellowship with one another, make new friends and lasting memories, and connect through worship.
My time at San Marcos has been great this semester. I have connected with many students who have shared their testimonies and faith. It has really been a beautiful journey. Several students and I hold Bible studies every week. We read through the Bible together and discuss the passages amongst ourselves in a circle. At times, we'll sit outside and enjoy the beautiful day and nature. Read More
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Every Child Deserves A Gift
By: Maria Simpson, ECS Staff
[Episcopal Community Services] Every child deserves the magic of waking up on Christmas morning to find gifts from Santa waiting under the tree. One way ECS supports our families during the holiday season is through Family-to-Family for the Holidays.
Head Start parent and 2023 Family-to-Family recipient, Precious, is a mother to four children, and, like any parent, she understands just how important childhood Christmas can be. “It’s really important for me to be able to give them something and give them different experiences,” she said. Read More
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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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