Dear siblings in faith and hope,

Jesus changes everything. It is true. We will see that in our Scripture reading from Mark’s gospel this Sunday. He wanders along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, meanders into Simon and Andrew, and without introduction, it seems, tells them to “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”

When was the last time something good came out of the blue and permanently changed your life? I know we have all received bad news this way, but when was the last time good news was dropped out of the sky for you? You see, Jesus himself is the good news, the gospel. The word Mark uses to convey Jesus’ meaning to Simon and Andrew is γενέσθαι (genesthai), which can mean “become,” “receive existence,” or “to arise.” Jesus’ purpose, from beginning to end, is the transformation of people, and in doing so to change human relationships. The disciples probably had little idea what they were in for. Next week, as we follow Mark’s gospel, they’ll see Jesus exercise a demon. Things will escalate quickly.

And that is because Jesus profoundly changes everything. Jesus, the good news incarnate, still changes our world. Sadly, his authority as a rabbi, prophet, and brother to all is abused frequently to this day. But it does not have to be that way. We too can be transformed by this radical prophet and friend to those on the margins. We too can become fishers of people. We too can change the world, even if only in our immediate circles.

I want to assure us that we can do more than we can possibly imagine through our trust in Jesus. Through prayer that turns to action, all of us can be messengers of good news to a weary world, even when we are weary ourselves. We can be healed and be healers. We can be wounded and still be strong. We can be weak and still carry the Spirit of God with us.

May Jesus drop good news on you today, tomorrow, and always.

Richard+

Regarding our Parish Meeting to be held on ZOOM: If you, or someone you know, are NOT able to attend via ZOOM, please contact Karen Sanchez, our Sr. Warden ASAP so we can do our best to try to help make arrangements for you/them to attend. We cannot guarantee a solution but we will do our best. Thank you for your understanding as the BC is trying hard to make this all go as smoothly as possible.

Is your email cutting off the full newsletter? - If you see a message at the end of your email that says something like "[Message clipped] View entire message" click on the "view entire message" link and the full newsletter will open - you may also click on the "View Entire Newsletter" link at the top of the newsletter (it's safe) and it will open the full newsletter in a new browser.

Due to the ongoing struggles in our county, region and state to contain the COVID-19 virus and out of an abundance of care and concern for our communities health and safety, over conversation and prayerful consideration your vicar, Rev. Richard, and wardens, Katie Ho and Karen Sanchez, agree it is necessary to continue to suspend in-person worship through at least end of February. We will continue to live-stream our service of Spiritual Communion from the church. We thank you for your understanding and are grateful for your ongoing support.

You may also watch the service on Facebook here and listen to audio only here.

Miss last Sunday's service?

Watch it here.

All past service video's are archived on our Youtube channel here.

We tour the world and experience Evening Prayer from countries throughout the Anglican faith tradition, including our own Prayer Book. Rooted in ancient monastic tradition, this is a perfect way to end the day.

** 3rd Wednesday each month starts at 5 PM due to Bishop's Committee meeting

Bishop's Committee ("BC") meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. The next BC meeting is January 20, 2021 via Zoom. If there is something for which you wish to bring to the BC's attention, you may reach out to our Wardens, Karen Sanchez and Katie Ho, or any BC member. Their contact information is in the church roster or you may reach them via the church office at [email protected].

To read the approved: minutes of the December meetings click here and here; the treasures report here; the Income Statement here; and Balance Sheet here.

Pledges are welcome at any time. If you haven't yet pledged towards 2021 and you believe in what God is doing through this blessed community of faith please consider making a pledge today. By clicking the secure button below, you may complete your pledge on line. Or you may click here for a PDF version of the pledge card to print, fill out, and email to Mike at [email protected] or mail to the church office at 2510 Gateway Rd., Carlsbad, Ca. 92009.

Whenever you have a concern or problem you would like to discuss confidentially, when a loved one is ill or has died, or whenever a visit with someone from Holy Cross may be of help to you, please contact Rev. Richard at 715.492.0297. Our clergy and members of our lay Pastoral Care team are commissioned to bring God’s grace and offer a time of listening, companionship, and prayer with those who are unable to attend worship or otherwise are in need of receiving such care. Short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and referral to other social service providers are also available.

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

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.

Fr. Theodore Atwood

Register today, by clicking here, for RefugeeNet's Unforgettable Virtual Benefit for a live show from 5 to 6:30 pm on February 27 that will include cooking and dancing lessons, African music, and life-changing testimonials that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Pre-order a reheatable meal prepared by our new Mama Africa catering project and we'll deliver it to your doorstep the night of the event! And keep your eyes out for a range of auction items in the weeks ahead. Questions? Contact Colin at [email protected].

[Episcopal News Service] The Episcopal Church is launching a campaign, “From Many, One,” to promote a new spiritual framework for Episcopalians to engage in tough conversations with family, friends and neighbors, bridging the intense divisions that threaten to tear apart communities in the United States and beyond.

Starting Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Episcopalians were encouraged to invite others to join them in “conversations across difference” guided by four questions: Who do you love? What have you lost? Where does it hurt? And what do you dream? Read More

https://www.cuylerblack.com/inherit-the-mirth-1/

Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook ***

Vicar: The Rev. Richard Hogue - [email protected] **

Associate Priest: The Rev. Theodore Atwood

Assisting Priest: The Rev. Walter Edelman

** office hours: Sunday - Thursday 9 am - 5pm. Fridays and Saturdays are his Sabbath days. Rev. Richard will always be available for pastoral emergencies regardless of the day, but asks that you understand he will not be responding to general emails, text messages or phone calls on his Sabbath days as he is trying to get the rest that God requires of all of us. As a reminder, Rev. Richard is 3/4 time with Holy Cross and 1/4 time with St. Andrew's and his work hours Sunday through Thursday will support both congregations.

Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl

Sr. Warden: Karen Sanchez - [email protected]

Jr. Warden: Katie Ho

Mike Collier

Marci Stafford

Treasurer: Larry Sebastian

Clerk: Dave Dana

Church office: 760.930.1270

Church email: [email protected]

*** 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/

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