My fellow ministers of Holy Cross,

Yes, we are all ministers. We go about different ways, and we even wear different things (this collar can get hot sometimes!), but at the end of the day we are all ministers by the fact that we are Christians. As the disciples find out in our gospel text for this week, ministry is not just something the designated leader does (feeding of the five thousand). It is my responsibility to empower and equip you all, regardless of the circumstances, and these circumstances are different, as we all know.

Several of you have begun recording readings for the congregation, an excellent entrée into ministry. Others do Neighbors in Faith. Still others simply make time to call and check on others. All of these, and far more, are gifts in ministry among each other and to the wider world. Just as these gifts are numerous, so are the ways that they can be applied.

When the disciples saw that they only had five loaves and two fish to share amongst the five thousand (that is only the men, to be clear, who knows how many with women and children), they cowered. “We don’t have enough, send these people away” they say to Jesus, certain of their lack of ability. They think they need to withdraw, but Jesus draws everyone closer in.

Are we not like the disciples, more often than not? We would rather shrink away and hide from the problems facing us. Safety, it turns out, is not how Jesus’ work gets done. “Bring me all you have,” Jesus tells the disciples and us, and he will do more than we can ask or imagine. What we see as scarcity God sees as possibility.

This Sunday’s adult forum will not have the usual guidance. I will be presenting some ideas for adult education and ministries that we can engage with this fall. My hope is that this will plant some seeds in people’s hearts and minds for what might be, even as we grieve what has been. Next week, I hope to hear from you all what ministries you would like to come up with or engage in. In this long, green, post-Pentecost season, let’s plant the future, together.

Blessings,

Richard+

Neighbors in Faith Thank You

Thank you to all who dropped off items for our Neighbors in Faith ministry. We continue to continue to help with feeding the homeless and food insecure along with other inter-faith ministries at C hurch of the Advent in downtown Carlsbad. Our next evening to provide the meal is scheduled for Monday, August 24th. Stay tuned to next week's newsletter for our next Drive-by drop-off date and a list of updated items and ways you can help this Holy Cross ministry.

Who is that masked man? Why, it's our own Rev. Richard who was on hand to help receive donated goods!

For questions or more information about Neighbors in Faith, please contact Brian Petersen at [email protected].

Follow our Neighbors in Faith ministry on Instagram, @neighborsinfaith_carlsbad, and Twitter, @NIF_Carlsbad.  

Worship & Formation

In-Person Worship in the Diocese Suspended

Due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, in-person worship is currently suspended. We will keep you updated on changes. Our re-opening plan has been submitted to the Bishop's office and is under review so that we will be prepared to move forward with in person worship once it is deemed safe to do. Our thanks to our re-opening team: Mike Collier, chair, Dennis Baggett and Katie Ho.

Holy Cross continues to worship online via livestream on Sundays and Zoom on Wednesdays. We hope you will join us. Information on how to join can be found below.

Diocesan-Wide Worship Service - September 6th

Bishop Susan Brown Snook will offer a Diocesan Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 6. It’s a time for us our diocese to come together in worship and thanksgiving! Bishop Susan will preside and preach, recording from St. Paul’s Cathedral. Stay tuned for more information including time of service, links to stream and the worship booklet.

To our Muslim brothers and sisters

This Eid, may Allah bless you with good health and happiness.

Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son. Muslims around the world observe this event. This year Eid is observed on Friday, July 31st. To read more click here .

Stewardship & Supporting Holy Cross

Bishop's Committee

 

Bishop's Committee meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. The next regular BC meeting is Wednesday, August 19th, via Zoom.

Offertory - Supporting Holy Cross

We thank all of you who continue to support our mission and ministry during this time when we cannot meet in person. We have recently mailed second quarter giving statements to all who made pledge and other donations to Holy Cross this year. We ask that when you receive yours you carefully review your statement to ensure it accurately reflects your giving activity through June 30th. Please contact our bookkeeper, Muriel Wahl, or the church office, at [email protected] if you believe your statement is not accurate.

While we continue to accept donations via checks mailed to the church office. We encourage you to prayerfully consider one of the following ways to make your offering electronically:

Zelle - look for Zelle in your banking app (no credit cards) and send your offertory/donation to: [email protected] . Please note "general fund" on the note/what's this for line. There are no fees for using Zelle.

Faithstreet - Use your credit card or bank account. There is a fee with each transaction (just like Paypal, Venmo, and other payment processing services), Faithstreet offers the option for donors to pay the fee (the fee is considered a donation to Holy Cross and is tax deductible) - Credit Cards: 3.5% +30 ¢; Bank Account: 1.5% +30 ¢.

Text giving  - text the amount you want to donate to 646-832-4848. Click on the link you receive and enter the Holy Cross quickcode,  hcec . Follow the instructions to finalize the process. (This is part of our Faithstreet platform and the fees outlined above apply.)

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 [email protected] 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.

Note: If you have lost a member of your family and would like us to include your loss 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.

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: [email protected] or 760.930.1270.

Looking for a "staycation"? Consider Camp Stevens, our own diocesan camp! Camp Stevens is currently open to overnight guests Friday-Sunday weekly. Lodging is priced by the weekend and meals are included in the additional per person rate. Each lodging option has, at a minimum, a private indoor sleeping area, restroom, shower, coffee maker, and mini-fridge for your household. Check-in is after 4 pm on Fridays and check-out is before 12 pm on Sundays. Meals are served Saturday Breakfast through Sunday Breakfast. FYI - camping is also available!!

Overnight guests at Camp Stevens have access to outdoor seating areas, all hiking trails, lawn, basketball and volleyball courts (with own sports equipment), outdoor chapel, and treehouse. The pool and some activities will be available (weather and staffing permitted). Households must maintain social distancing from other households and camp staff. Masks must be available and on your person at all times, and be worn when unable to social distance (including passing on trails). Meals are served outdoors and families may picnic on the lawn or use tables provided. There is room to roam, fruits and flowers in the gardens, and lots of fresh air to go around. More information is available here.

Register for Day Use at  www.campstevens.org/day-use , or contact Sam Brasted at [email protected] for overnight inquires. 

Humor Corner

https://www.biblegateway.com/salt-and-light-a-light-hearted-cartoon-about-faith/

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