January 21, 2022
This coming Sunday, we will read together Psalm 19 which says that “the heavens declare the glory of God.” It’s a statement that makes a lot of sense if you have looked at the sky in the recent days and weeks. You may have noticed that the weather in Southern California has been a bit…let’s call it “unsettled” lately. We fluctuate between dry, sunny, and breezy days that feel like fall and sudden torrential downpours, between warm afternoons and chilly nights. And one of the blessed consequences of all this unpredictable weather has been both the sunrises and sunsets. The chaos in the atmosphere manifests itself in stunning displays of color – I’ve seen more breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the last few weeks than in any time that I can remember previously. In some ways, it seems like nature is showing us that God’s glory can show through most clearly and spectacularly in the times where we feel most uncertain.
 
In this season of Epiphany, we find the word “glory” coming up quite a bit. This is because Epiphany is about learning to see the glory of God that is revealed most directly in Jesus Christ. So much of the work that we need to do during Epiphany is about focusing our vision and seeing not just what might be in the future, but the grace of God that is already manifest and present in our lives. Again and again, Jesus reveals God’s glory in places that we don’t expect – it might be in material elements that are right in front of us (like in last Sunday’s story of water turned into wine) or perhaps in familiar Scriptures that take on a new life and meaning (as in our Gospel reading from Luke this coming Sunday). In each case, the change is not in the thing itself but how we view it – like when rough weather on the horizon brings us a radiant reminder of God’s plan to make all things new.
 
Now it’s not surprising or unusual that in order to make things new, old things have to change – and that brings us a great deal of anxiety! As human beings, our brains are hard-wired to resist changes, even when they are the things that will bring us to necessary growth. We might feel that sense of foreboding when we see the storm clouds on the horizon – but those storm clouds bring the rain that is needed for things to start growing again. I think that we can intuitively understand this especially here in drought-stricken Southern California! So while the clouds bring us uncertainty, they also show a beauty and wisdom at the heart of creation that is always working to bring out more abundant life.
 
As we enter the next few weeks and months, we will certainly face some turbulence as a community, as we deal with the uncertainties of the pandemic along with process of revisioning. Our task and our challenge, then, will be to look for those manifestations of glory that are still around us. The heart of service in our community shows through the tireless dedication of our many lay ministers who work to make sure we can worship faithfully each week, even when we can’t meet in person. Our bonds of fellowship show in the ways we stay connected, even with our members who might be far away from our physical location. And our willingness to dream big and follow the Spirit’s leading shows in the work of our visioning team, who continue to meet and discern new ways of living out that vocation and identity that is unique to Holy Cross.
 
As an essential element of this task of sharpening our vision, we must also work to cultivate our “spiritual senses”, particularly through strengthening our practices of prayer and discipleship, both individually and collectively. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing several resources and talking about ways that we can deepen that practice, which will be essential not just for Epiphany but for our continued growth together as God’s people. I look forward to journeying with all of you through this next season in Holy Cross’ life, with the joy of the Lord as our strength to keep us moving on.
 
In Christ,

Brian+
In-Person Worship Paused
Livestream Only This Sunday
January 23

We will continue to pause our in-person worship and livestream the service this Sunday, January 23rd, out of an abundance of caution due to the continuing surge of Covid cases in our region.

Our intention is to return to in-person worship as soon as possible and as soon as it is reasonably safe to do so. We understand the reality that it is never going to be 100% safe to gather during the pandemic but if the data suggests the current surge is on a downward trend we will resume in-person worship.

That could be as early as next Sunday, but we don't quite know yet - we will provide an update in Tuesday's mid-week check-in email with specific information regarding next Sunday, please be sure to stay tuned! When we do return we will be sure to take everything that we have learned about social distancing and more into account. Please join us this Sunday on our Youtube Channel or Online.Church platform for our livestream - the links are a little further below in the newsletter.

Please hold all who have contracted Covid in your prayers.

Deacon Brian and Karen, Sr. Warden
Reaching Deacon Brian

Brian+ is still working on finalizing his CPE schedule. Once he has that finalized he will be able to establish his office hours. In the meantime you may reach out to him at his new office email pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org; or call or text him at his new church phone #: 442.320.0548.

Please know he may not be able to respond immediately as he still works full-time and has his CPE courses and clinical hours and, as a reminder he is PT with Holy Cross at 15 hours/week. If you have a pastoral emergency please be sure to note that in your message.
Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 20, 2022
 
We will celebrate (yes, celebrate!) and review this past year and highlight our hopes and dreams for the future, review the 2022 budget and the work of our Visioning Ministry, as well as hold an election for Bishop's Committee positions (2) and Diocesan Convention delegates (2) and alternates. We hope to be back to in-person gatherings and will plan on meeting downstairs at the church following our 9am service - our backup plan will be a Zoom meeting if we deem it unwise to hold an in-person gathering at that time.
 
Will you prayerfully consider serving?
 
We will be holding an election to fill two Bishop's Committee positions. Description and duties: In the Episcopal Church, the Bishop's Committee is a body of elected lay people (members) with the primary task of: Overseeing the lay ministries of the church; Ensuring the church building and grounds are cared for; And, ensuring parish funds are administered appropriately. 
 
We will also elect two delegates, and alternates, to the 2022 Diocesan Convention. Description and duties:  A delegate attends and represents Holy Cross at the Diocesan Convention which will convene on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12, 2022, at St Bart’s in Poway. Delegates are expected to attend the convention sessions on both days and vote on amendments and the diocesan budget. The convention operates on a paperless process, delegates need to have access to a laptop, tablet or mobile device to access the convention booklet and to cast votes on ballots and resolutions during the convention. The church will pay delegates registration fees.
 
To nominate someone (please get there permission first), or yourself, click here for the nomination form and criteria for serving in these ministries.

We are also in need of a Treasurer and Clerk, see below for more information.
 
Ministry Leadership Transitions
 
Treasurer: We give thanks for the ministry of Larry Sebastian who has faithfully served in this position since 2015. Larry has also been a faithful leader in many other various roles during his tenure with Holy Cross. As you are no doubt aware, Larry and Sue are moving to Oregon in early February – we will have more on both of their contributions to Holy Cross over the years in a coming newsletter. For now, we are searching for a new treasurer without much success. If you think you might have the skills and feel called to this ministry please speak with Karen Sanchez, Sr. Warden, or Rev. Brian Petersen, Clergy-in-Charge, as soon as possible. We are also in conversation with the diocese looking at the possibility of trying to find someone from another church (so far without much success) as well as possibly having to hire a CPA to fill this vital role (which won’t be budget friendly).

Clerk: Robyn Hill has faithfully been filling this important role from afar. Each month she joins us on Zoom from her home in Ohio (3 hours ahead of us!). We are so grateful Robyn has remained an active member of our congregation, with recording lessons for worship and serving in this role. However, it would be so much more convenient to have a local member serving in this role. The clerk is responsible for maintaining the minutes of the BC meetings. This role requires the use of a computer and the ability to take notes and prepare minutes of meetings. If you think you might have the skills and feel called to this ministry please speak with Karen Sanchez, Sr. Warden, or Rev. Brian Petersen, Clergy-in-Charge, as soon as possible.

 
Wardens and Bishop's Committee ("BC"): We will give thanks and celebrate the ministries of the following individuals who are transiting from their current roles:
  • Marci Stafford: Marci’s 3-year term is concluding. Per the terms of our By-laws, she is not eligible to serve or be appointed to a BC role for a period of 1-year. We can expect to find Marci continue her involvement with the Visioning Ministry and other ministries where she may feel called.
  • Mike Collier: Mike was appointed to fill Bob Meloon’s remaining term when Bob resigned due to health issues and that term has now come to an end. Per the terms of our By-laws, as Mike was appointed to fill an unexpired term and served less than a 3-year term, he is eligible to stand for election to a full term. Mike has indicated he is willing to stand for nomination.
  • Karen Sanchez: Karen’s term as Sr. Warden ends at the Annual Meeting as this position is appointed annually. Bishop Susan has asked Karen to serve for another year as Sr. Warden and Karen has accepted. 
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Worship at Holy Cross
The Third Sunday After the Epiphany
January 23, 2022
9:00 AM

LIVESTREAMED ONLY THIS SUNDAY
via
YouTube & Online.Church   
Artwork: artist Paula Nash Giltner, Good News Productions, International and College Press Publishing Co. Used by permission.
Miss last Sunday's service? Watch it below.
Video on Demand (VOD): All past service video's are available on our YouTube channel here.
Rooted in ancient monastic tradition, this is a perfect way to end the day.
Watch for our mid-week check-in newsletter with the service links.
Christian Formation
Stay tuned for upcoming programs.
Calling All Godly Play Kids!
Godly Play Resumes when
In-Person Worship Resumes

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.
Visioning Ministry
Visioning Update

Our next meeting is this Sunday, January 23rd. The three assigned work groups of the Visioning Ministry - Worship, Location, Community/Outreach - continue their work as well as the "drafting team" that is working on refining our Values, Purpose and Identity statements. Stay tuned for an update following that meeting.
Upcoming Ministries & Events
Ongoing Ministries
All Saints Cemetery Clean-Up
Tuesday, January 25*
9:00 am - 11:00
200 Peyri Road in Oceanside,
next to Heritage Park

*Weather permitting (rain cancels)

Come join us weeding and tidying up January 25, 9-11am. Rain cancels. Please text or call Katie Ho at 619-990-2298 if you think you might join in.
Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton

We deliver healthy snacks to 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.
The Ho family working at the cemetery on 12/20/21
Joyce with our Wounded Warrior friends
Upcoming Holy Days, Special Ministries and Events

ANNUAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20th

.......ASH WEDNESDAY
.......WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2nd
Stewardship
Giving and Tithing
Thank you to all for your continued pledges and donations. These are integral to our ability to continue our mission, ministries, as well as to stay current on all of our financial obligations.

You may find information about how your pledges and donations support Holy Cross in the Treasures Report published each month in the Bishop's Committee (BC) section of this newsletter. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Larry Sebastian, our Treasurer, our Warden's Karen Sanchez and Katie Ho, or any member of the BC if you have questions or would like additional information on our finances or any aspect of Holy Cross.
2022 Forward Together Pledge Campaign 

Whether you worship regularly or when you can, join us in-person or online, your Holy Cross faith family counts on your faithful support. Your pledges are integral to our ability to continue our mission and ministries, as well as to meet all of our financial obligations.

If you have not yet pledged, I ask that you prayerfully consider making a pledge. You may do so online using the button below or bring your completed pledge card on Sunday and place it in the offering plate `(or return it to the church in the envelope that was provided). If you need a card click here for a PDF version and bring it to church on Sunday or email it to the office at holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org.
 
What you pledge is between you and God. THAT you pledge is important. I ask you to join me in your faith and commitment to Holy Cross.
 
With Gratitude and Abundant Blessings,
 
Karen Sanchez
Senior Warden
MAILING ADDRESS: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, Ca. 92009
Bishop's Committee

Bishop's Committee (BC) meetings are the third Thursday of the month from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. The next BC meeting is Thursday, February 17, 2022 via Zoom.

If there is something for which you wish to bring to the BC's attention, you may reach out to our Clergy-in-Charge, Brian Petersen, our Wardens, Karen Sanchez and Katie Ho, or any BC member. Their contact information is at the bottom of the newsletter, also in the church roster, or you may reach them at the church office: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org.

Meetings are open and anyone may attend. Please reach out to Karen Sanchez for the Zoom link if you wish to attend.

You may read the December approved minutes here; the Treasurers report here; the P&L here; the Balance Sheet here; and the Sr. Warden's Report here.
Pastoral Care
If you have a pastoral emergency and are unable to reach anyone at the church office, 760.930.1270, then always call our Clergy-in-Charge, Brian Petersen, at 442.320.0548, or our Sr Warden, Karen Sanchez, at 808.494.0558.
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.
Prayer for our Interim Clergy-in-Charge:
Brian Petersen, Deacon, who is currently completing his Clinical Pastoral Education program (classroom and field placement in a hospital setting) prior to his ordination to the Priesthood in June (God willing and the people consenting).

Prayers for Thanksgiving
For our hosts at Oceanside Sanctuary, and for this community of Holy Cross.

Prayers for Comfort:
For Randy, Art, Tom, Arlene, Ann, Paul "Tony,” Dawn, Barb, Mia, Sandra, Mike, Larry, Denise, Corrina, Valerie & Stella, the Zych family, Canon Gwynn, Joyce, Craig, Tracy, Katlyn, Josh, Danny, all who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus, and those who have no one to pray for them.

Prayers for the Departed
We commend to God all who have died, especially those who have lost their lives to the COVID-19 virus, and those who have given their lives for freedom’s cause.

Prayers for those celebrating Birthdays
none this week

Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
Art & Muriel Wahl

Prayers for those Traveling
none this week
Notes of Care
Thinking of you. Humming bird watercolor card illustration
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

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.
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.

Tom Andreas
1930 W San Marcos Blvd Spc 234
San Marcos, CA. 92078

Arlene Cull
4714 Athos Way
Oceanside, Ca 92056
In the Diocese and Beyond
Youth Epiphany Retreat at Camp Stevens
This February, after two years, the youth of our diocese are invited to Camp Stevens for a weekend of fun and faith exploration. Our theme for this year is Shine Your Light and we will explore light in lots of ways. There will be a glow party, a high-ropes course, small group conversation, and the opportunity to connect with friends from around the diocese. This event is open to youth in grades 6-12. After so much time apart, we are thrilled to highlight the return of this beloved event! Registration opens on Monday, December 13th at 9:00 a.m. This event will sell out quickly. More Here
Humor Corner
Cartoon from St. Swithin’s, by The Rev. Jay Sidebotham, copyright © 2002 The Church Pension Fund.
Staff and Leadership
Our Clergy
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook ***
Clergy-in-Charge: The Rev. Brian Petersen, Deacon - pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org

Staff
Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl
AV Tech Guru: Jack Cater
AV Tech Asst: Finley Dicus
Admin/Communications Coord: Ryan Cagle

Leadership - Bishop's Committee ("BC")
Sr. Warden: Karen Sanchez - seniorwarden@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Jr. Warden: Katie Ho
Members at large: Mike Collier, Marci Stafford
Treasurer: Larry Sebastian
Clerk: Robyn Hill

Contact information:

Church office: 760.930.1270
Mailing address: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, CA. 92009
To contact any of our clergy, staff, or BC members that do not have an email address listed above please use the church email address, your message will be forwarded to the individual. If you wish to contact them in confidence please indicate that in your message and we will ask the individual to contact you.

As a reminder, due to COVID-19, staff is working remotely. The office email and voice mail is monitored regularly. In the event of a pastoral emergency please contact Karen Sanchez, our Sr. Warden.

*** To contact the Bishop's office or another member of the diocesan staff ("EDSD"):
EDSD phone: 619-291-5947
EDSD staff directory: https://edsd.org/staff/

This communication provides you with information about Holy Cross and our Ministries. For comments or possible contributions, please email the editor at
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