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Calvary Episcopal Church

The Little Red Church in

Downtown Santa Cruz

We at Calvary honor our baptismal covenant to “respect the dignity of every human being.” We celebrate the wonderful diversity of the human family, and strive to include a place for everyone at God’s table. Whether you’re young or old, rich or poor; married, partnered, or single; housed or homeless; gay, straight, trans, or questioning; native, documented, or undocumented…whoever you are (and just as you are), there is a place for you here.

This Month at Calvary

July 2026


WORSHIP SCHEDULE


Sundays


8:00 am - Holy Eucharist, BCP Rite 1


9:00 am Contemplative Service


10:30 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite 2, BCP Prayer B


Liturgical Season: Season after Pentecost




OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE

Please note that for the entire month of July, our office will be closed on Fridays, beginning Friday, July 3, 2026.


We will continue to operate during our regular business hours

Monday through Thursday throughout July.


Our normal Monday–Friday schedule will resume

the week of August 3, 2026.




Sunday Bulletin available on the Website on Fridays


Adult Forum at 9:30 AM in the

Fireside Room



Drop in and share your insights, thoughts and questions.



Illumination, fellowship & fresh brewed coffee!

In our Parish Community we pray for Haley Seifert, Cindy Hershberger, John Morris, Eric Martin, Marv Peterson, Al Reetz, Shirley Mooers, and Isabella Salido. We pray for all those who recently passed away. We pray also for Katie Knapp who is beginning a journey of discernment.

 

In our Deanery we pray for our deanery partner church, All Saints’ Carmel.

 

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for those who promote the dignity of women and Daughters of the King.

 

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

FLOWER AND CANDLE DEDICATIONS


If you would like a way to honor your loved ones or to mark a special occasion, consider a dedication for altar flowers or the sanctuary candle. A donation of $30 will dedicate the altar flowers, and a donation of $10 will dedicate the sanctuary candle and the votive candles.


To make a dedication please use the "Flowers" envelope available in the narthex and in the pew racks, indicating whether your donation is for the flowers or the candle, and include the specific date you'd like your dedication to appear in the Sunday bulletin.

CALVARY CARES


At Calvary, we believe in the power of prayer and the strength of community. You are invited to submit the names of family members

and loved ones (with their permission) for inclusion on our Prayer List by emailing office@calvarysantacruz.org.


If you or someone in your family is in need of pastoral or parish care, please reach out to Rev. B Simon Dinglasan, Jr. at 831-205-3503

or via email at rector@calvarysantacruz.org.


We are here for you.

SAVE ON TAXES WHILE SUPPORTING CALVARY


If you have a traditional IRA, the IRS requires you to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 73. These withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and can sometimes push you into a higher tax bracket.


There’s a simple way to turn this requirement into a benefit for both you and the church.


Through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), you can direct your RMD to a qualified nonprofit like Calvary Episcopal Church. When done correctly, this donation is excluded from your taxable income, which may help lower your overall tax burden.


Here’s how it can help:

Reduce your taxable income by donating directly from your IRA

Potentially stay in a lower tax bracket

Give up to $108,000 per year (or $216,000 for couples)

Support the mission and ministry of Calvary


Important: The funds must be transferred directly from your IRA to the church in order to qualify. Be sure to consult your financial advisor to arrange the proper transfer.


Several Calvary parishioners are already using this approach and have found it to be a meaningful and tax-wise way to give.


It’s a practical way to support the church while making the most of your required distributions.

FOOD ASSISTANCE DONATION DRIVE


Calvary Church is responding to the Bishop’s Call to Action: Food Assistance in the Diocese. The food you have donated is going to the Food Pantry at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Scott’s Valley. They express their sincere appreciation each time the donations are delivered and send their gratitude to all!


Please bring your donations of shelf-stable foods to church on Sunday mornings. Please ensure the donated items have not expired or been damaged. Canned items that are “easy open” with pull-top lids are helpful for those who may not have access to a can opener.


Specific items most needed by Food Banks include:

Canned fish, Canned vegetables, Canned stew, Canned fruit, Canned soup, Canned beans, Pasta, Rice, Peanut Butter. Packaged healthy snacks are also needed.


The bins are in the Narthex as you enter the church, and the Parish Hall.


Thank you for your generosity!

FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION

Weekly Midweek Eucharist

Weekly Bible Study

Tuesdays
11:00 AM



The New Testament



Join us for an interactive discussion of the New Testament.


Christ and his Disciples in Gethsemane, by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1634)



All are welcome—no homework, drop in anytime.


Questions: Cathy Watson

cjktlw845@gmail.com



The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, centering on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the growth of the early Church. These sacred writings include the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation, and form the foundation of our faith and worship. Our study will begin with the Gospels, exploring Jesus’ ministry and teachings, and reflecting on how they guide our daily lives in the

 Episcopal tradition.

LECTIO DIVINA


Join us for Lectio Divina on WEDNESDAYS at 9:00 AMeither in person at the church or via Zoom (link below). All are welcome to participate in this time of prayerful reflection and scripture.


Note that Lectio Divina is not a traditional bible study but rather a devotional practice of deepening our connection with the Gospel text for the following Sunday through contemplative reading and sharing.


FIRST FRIDAY AT CALVARY



The Parish Hall now participates in downtown Santa Cruz’s First Friday Art Walks.

If you are an artist and would like to be considered for future exhibits, contact Juli Robbins through the office with the number of pieces you would like to show. Space is limited.

FILM CLUB


Our next Film Club selection is the Martin Scorsese classic The Last Temptation of Christ. Based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis, its emphasis on the human side of Jesus was controversial when it was released in 1988 and continues to be controversial today.



To quote Roger Ebert: “I cannot think of another film on a religious subject that has challenged me more fully. The film has offended those whose ideas about God and man it does not reflect. But then, so did Jesus.”


The film is available to rent on Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV for $3.99.


Watch the film at your leisure, then join us for what promises to be a rich discussion on Saturday, August 15th, at 4:00 pm via Zoom.


Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89759022770?pwd=f8dLdvlLyh892xRmPOFRoE2CrjLdlr.1

GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON 


In honor of Representative John Lewis (Feb. 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020),

Civil Rights activist and Georgia Congressman from 1987–2020,

Indivisible Santa Cruz County will be hosting events

on July 17, 18, and 19.


7/17 — County-wide protests at intersections and bridges from 4:00–6:00 p.m. (details on the ISSC website)


7/18 — Music and Speeches at 701 Ocean St.

(County Building Steps) 10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.



7/19 — Calvary Episcopal Church

Voter Registration Information

12:00–2:00 p.m.


If you are interested in helping with this event,

please let Patti Martin know at 831-332-4676.


SUMMER READ: Braiding Sweetgrass


The book club has chosen Braiding Sweetgrass as our summer read and agreed to take two months to enjoy it before meeting on August 21.


The book has received enthusiastic reviews from members, who feel it will provide a meaningful bridge between June’s selection, Turtle Island, and our parish retreat on September 25–27.


During the retreat, we will explore themes of sacred space, creation care, native plants, and Indigenous wisdom and learning. Watch for more details in the coming weeks.

CRAFT NIGHT & GAME NIGHT


We are taking a summer break from these fun community events.


Keep an eye out for future announcements when we are ready to restart them.



YELLOW ENVELOPE CAMPAIGN


This month's yellow envelope supports the United Thank Offering (UTO), a ministry of The Episcopal Church that transforms prayers of gratitude into grants that support life-changing ministries around the world. Every penny donated goes directly to funding innovative projects that meet urgent needs and bring hope to communities. Thank you for sharing your blessings through this meaningful ministry of gratitude and generosity.


SNACKS OUTREACH


The Boys and Girls Club and Calvary Preschool are actively open and serving the children of our community.


They are our neighbors and appreciate our outreach efforts to provide pre-packaged snacks for children. Please continue this longstanding tradition. You may deliver them in person or leave them in the narthex on Sunday morning.


If you have questions, email Alice Lopez at enna.lopez@yahoo.com.

SOCKS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED (SPIN)


Having a pair of clean dry socks when you live outdoors is a good thing. Over the years Calvary has contributed socks to SPIN, the fourth ministry of the Association of Faith Communities. Along with other Santa Cruz congregations over 60,000 pairs of socks have been distributed.


It’s simple: buy some socks, put them in the basket in the Narthex on Sunday morning and make somebody’s feet happy.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT

CALVARY’S COMMUNITY PRESENCE


Rev. Simon is forming a Community Presence Committee to help promote events at Calvary in a coordinated and strategic way. If you have broad community connections, marketing or graphic design skills, or a passion for helping Calvary grow as a centrally located

“community cultural center,” we’d love to hear from you!


We’re also looking for volunteers to help livestream our worship services for members who are homebound, hospitalized, or unable to attend in person. If you’re interested, please reach out to Rev. Simon or Alex Johnson.


This is a wonderful way to share your talents, strengthen our community, and make a meaningful impact!



COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED


We’re looking for volunteers to host Coffee Hour and help keep this beloved Sunday tradition going. Hosting is simple and a wonderful way to serve and connect with our church community.


If you’re interested, please call or email Sandy Goodman at 831-251-4030 or sansanag95062@gmail.com

THINKING ABOUT JOINING CALVARY? WE'RE HERE TO HELP!


Interested in making Calvary your spiritual home? We're happy to assist you with transferring your membership.


Please contact Carlos, our Parish Administrator, for guidance.

The parish office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.


📞 Call us at 831-423-8787

📧 Or email: officemanager@calvarysantacruz.org



We’re glad you’re here—and we’re ready to walk with you on this journey!

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE

UPCOMING EVENTS TO NOTE:


Friday, July 17

Good Trouble Lives On

Community Demonstrations

4:00 - 6:00 PM


Saturday, July 18

Good Trouble Lives On

Music & Speeches, County Building Steps

701 Ocean Street

10:00 - 11:15 AM


Sunday, July 19

Voter Registration Information

Calvary Episcopal Church

12:00 - 2:00 PM


Ministry Interest? Start Here!

Click red name for e-mail



Adult Education, Cathy Watson

Book Club, Dana Bagshaw

Archives/History, Carol Walker

Building, Grounds, Rentals, Margo Fisher

Calvary Cares, Sonja Reetz

Coffee Hour, Sandy Goodman

Communication/REALM, Treasurer, Cathy Watson

Parish Life, Juli Robbins

Creation Care, Dana Bagshaw

Labyrinth, Martha Dexter

Social Justice/COPA, Al Reetz

Stewardship, Alice Lopez

This Week at Calvary, Carlos Serna

Worship, Elizabeth Chandler

DIOCESAN NEWS

Read the Latest Issue!


Real Episcopal is emailed out every two weeks. Inside you’ll find news about our diocese, the Episcopal Church, unique parish programs, photos, diocesan event & conference announcements, grant opportunities, and messages from Bishop Lucinda.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

CALVARY STAFF

The Rev. B. Simon Dinglasan, Jr.

(pronouns: they/them)

Email

Parish Administrator

Carlos Serna

Email

Sexton

Edgar Lopez

Director of

Music & Choirmaster

Murray Walker

Email

Organist

Kate Saphir Alm

Email

PARISH LEADERSHIP

Senior Warden

Alice Lopez

Email

Junior Warden

Margo Fisher

Email

Calvary Vestry:



Alice Lopez (Sr. Warden), Margo Fisher (Jr. Warden), Jane Martin (Clerk),

Elizabeth Chandler, Colin Bowser, Tony Nickel, Patricia Messer, and Juli Robbins.

532 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 

831-423-8787  

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