January 15, 2021
Dear Holy Cross family,

This Sunday we will read from one of my favorite passages in Scripture, the calling of the prophet Samuel, and we will read it from the eponymous book of first Samuel. Samuel’s story and the books that bear his name is a story of leadership in all varieties. We cannot get it through it all in single Sunday, but the names of King Saul, King David, and all the characters that revolve around them are in there. It is a closer examination of all human leadership than it seems at first glance. The figures may be mythic in scale, but the lessons they allow us to learn are universal.

Jealousy, arrogance, duplicitousness, and rage all come through. Patience, honesty, humility, and kindness also shine in the text’s stories. What it all really comes down to, though, is Samuel’s willingness to witness to God’s truth, courageously, in the face of would-be tyrants. Even in the face of his own jealousy. You see, Samuel is the last of the Judges, like the book of Judges. He is the last prophet to also be a priest and military leader of Israel. We will save the story of the Judges for another time.

What does any of this matter? Well, in times like the one we are living in, we can look back on someone like Samuel and realize that all anyone has to do to begin overcoming a crazy situation is to respond to God’s call with a simple “Here I am.” “Here I am” leaves us with a great deal of choice, and choice, ultimately, allows us to free ourselves from the confines of a seemingly stubborn reality. “Here I am” is a simple yes to God, and what comes next we form with the loving cooperation of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, that is what we are all about at Holy Cross, right? Forging a different one than we came into is the work of the Spirit. We get to choose how God deploys us.

When we discuss our own calls through baptism at our Sunday Christian Formation time, our wonderful teacher Bob Meloon will show us images of baptism throughout the ages. These are memories of people saying “Here I am” to the Holy Spirit through the gift of living water. In our time, in our own unique situation, we still get to say “Here I am.” I only hope we do it as Martin Luther King Jr. did, courageously, with a knowledge that the world we are in now does not have to be the world we leave behind, even if it costs us something.

May we be here for God’s message to us and to the world,

Richard+
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Services at Holy Cross
Special Services Next Week

National Moment of Unity and Remembrance
Tuesday, January 19th
2:15 PM on Zoom

Next Tuesday cities and towns around the country are invited to join Washington, D.C. in illuminating buildings and ringing church bells at 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT) in a national moment of unity and remembrance to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19. The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is hosting this memorial which will feature a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. It will be the first-ever lighting around the Reflecting Pool to memorialize American lives lost.

As you know Holy Cross does not have a bell tower or church bell to ring so we will host a prayer service/watch party. Please join us as we pray for those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and our nation, and join in watching the lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Additional details will be provided in a special email on Monday.
Diocesan Prayer Service
Tuesday, January 19th
5:30 PM
on YouTube and Facebook

It is time to pray together for our country, for the peaceful transfer of power, for the reconciliation of people, and to the end of violent conflict. Join Bishop Susan Brown Snook for a Diocesan Service of Prayer.
Interfaith Vigil for Justice, Healing, and Peace
Tuesday, January 19th
7:00 PM
via Facebook Live
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 until at least the end of the month. We will continue to live-stream our service of Spiritual Communion from the church. This means that only those immediately involved with the service, 3 individuals, will physically be at Holy Cross, masked while physically distant. We thank you for your understanding and are grateful for your ongoing support.
vector technology icon live video. Image computer live online video. Illustration live video stream sign symbol in flat style
Worship this Sunday, January 17th
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
9 AM
The service will be video livestreamed
(No Drive-In/In-person Church at this time)

A PDF version of the service booklet is here.

Watch the livestream on our church online platform OR on our YouTube channel by using one of the buttons below.
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.

Midweek Online Worship
Via Zoom
Wednesdays
Evening Prayer
5 PM this week (usually 7 PM **)
on Zoom

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
Contemplative Prayer
Canceled

Brian Petersen, Postulant for Holy Orders, has begun the field education portion of his seminary training and unfortunately, due to time constraints, is no longer able to lead this service. We regret that we are canceling the service. Please continue to hold Brian in prayer as he continues to discern God's for ordained ministry.

Should there be interest in continuing this service, or another form of worship in its place, and there is one or more members of the congregation willing to serve as a lay leader, please contact Rev. Richard.
Watch for our mid-week check-in newsletter with the service links.
Christian Formation
Sunday Forum
10:30 am** on Zoom

This Sunday: We continue our discussion on Baptism - Washing away the tears
As we discuss our own calls through baptism Bob Meloon offer's the attached sampling, here, of baptism in art. Note the different forms of baptism depicted. We'll discuss the chaos in our nation, COVID, and our response as Christians through the lens of our baptism.
Godly Play families: here are your next Youtube video lessons.




Your Godly Play story tellers.
We, the Episcopal Bishops of California, have watched the events of January 6th and following days with deep concern. As Christians we follow Jesus, who is the Way of Love. 

This weekend, when we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we call upon the leaders of our cities, states and country to stand firmly in the place of non-violence, truth-telling and mutual respect.

To lead from the place of non-violence is not passive acceptance of wrongdoing; it is an active call to summon the “better angels of our nature (Abraham Lincoln, 1861).” We know of the difficulty Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced, even among his own followers, as they resisted hatred and physical violence with prayer, song and marches for justice. We call on all people to embrace words and actions that are non-violent.

To lead from the place of truth calls us to resist misinformation and convenient half-truths, and embrace what is real.  Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).” To do otherwise is to incite, to inflame and to spread lies. We honor the many thousands of election workers and officials of both parties who worked tirelessly, honestly, and at times in peril, to shepherd our nation through the election process. We call on all people to search for truth.

To lead from the place of mutual respect is to stand against racism in any form. We cannot, any of us, ignore the role that our nation’s sad history with race has played with events in our country. As Christians, we remember that each person is someone’s child, someone’s beloved, God’s creation. When we fail to remember that, we dehumanize our brothers and sisters. In our Baptismal Covenant, we vow to “respect the dignity of every human being.” We call on all people to practice mutual respect.

As we approach Inauguration Day, we ask our leaders to dig deeply into their consciences and to act with integrity to preserve, protect and defend our fragile democracy. We call on all people to pause and pray for the peace of our country, a peace rooted in the Way of Love.  

“The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In hope and prayer for peace and grace,

The Rt. Rev Dr. Marc Andrus
Bishop of California
 
The Rt. Rev. Lucinda Ashby
Bishop of El Camino Real
 
The Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce
Bishop Suffragan of Los Angeles
 
The Rt. Rev. David Rice
Bishop of San Joaquin
 
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook
Bishop of San Diego
 
The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor
Bishop Diocesan of Los Angeles
 
The Rt. Rev. Megan Traquair
Bishop of Northern California
Stewardship and Supporting Holy Cross

2021 Pledge Campaign



Certainty in uncertain times
       Certainty in God’s love for us
       Certainty in our love for our church
       Certainty in our mission to help the disenfranchised
       Certainty in our love and support for each other  

Dear good people of Holy Cross,

On the accompanying graphic you will see the final results of our 2021 Pledge Campaign. I would like to be able to tell you we achieved our goal. We did not. To the 45 folks who returned a pledge card I give a sincere “Thank You!”. Your continuing support during these awful times is very heartening. I am particularly impressed by the average pledge amount, $3,923. Over the past several years the average pledge in the Diocese has been around $2,300, the national average in the Episcopal Church is about the same, or slightly higher.
Thank you for your pledging generosity.

If I can provide you with more details about the Pledge Campaign, please feel free to contact me.

Most sincerely,
Mike Collier
Chair, 2021 Pledge Campaign
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 colliermh@gmail.com or mail to the church office at 2510 Gateway Rd., Carlsbad, Ca. 92009.
All 2020 pledge payments and contributions must have been received by the church office, or post marked, by no later than December 31st, 2020, to be included on your 2020 giving statement (this is an IRS requirement).

If you have a remaining balance on your 2020 pledge that you wish to fulfill, you may still do so - please note on your payment "2020 pledge" and we will credit your pledge balance for last year - however, the amount you pay will be applied to your 2021 giving statement (this is an IRS requirement).
You may mail pledge payments and contributions/donations to the church office however, we ask that you prayerfully consider using one of the following electronic giving options:

  • Zelle: in your banking app or online bank account (no credit cards) and send your pledge/donation to: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org. Please note "pledge or general fund" on the note/what's this for line. There are no fees when you use Zelle. OR

  • Use the button below (secure) to make your pledge or donation via your credit card or bank account via our Faithstreet giving platform. There is a fee with each transaction (just like Paypal and other payment processing services) and they offer the option for donors to pay the fee which is treated as a donation to Holy Cross and is tax deductible.
Bishop's Committee

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 holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org.
Pastoral Care
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.
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 Discernment:
Brian Petersen, Postulant for Holy Orders, as he continues to discern God's call for ordained ministry and as he attends seminary.

Prayers for Comfort:
Fr. Atwood, Randy, Tom & Wayne, Arlene, Ann, Paul, Bob, Michael, Art, Grant, Jerry, Jen, Ruth, Jessica, 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
Judy Cater, Kylie Jenkins, Kelly Petersen

Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
none this week

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.

Fr. Theodore Atwood
c/o Nazareth House Room N130
6333 Rancho Mission Rd
San Diego, CA 92108
 
Tom Andreas & Wayne Kirts
1930 W San Marcos Blvd Spc 234
San Marcos, CA. 92078

Arlene Cull
4714 Athos Way
Oceanside, Ca 92056

Allen & Cathie Zych
4014 Layang Layang Circle #J
Carlsbad, CA. 92008


Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15, 1929 - April 14, 1968
In the Diocese
Humor Corner
Cartoon from Culyer Black, Inherit the Mirth.
Staff and Leadership
Our Clergy
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook ***
Vicar: The Rev. Richard Hogue - vicar@holycrosscarlsbad.org **
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.

Staff
Church Secretary: Kathleen Menei, Jr. - holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl, Bookkeeper

Leadership - Bishop's Committee ("BC")
Sr. Warden: Karen Sanchez - seniorwarden@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Jr. Warden: Katie Ho
Mike Collier
Marci Stafford
Treasurer: Larry Sebastian
Clerk: Dave Dana

Contact information:
Church office: 760.930.1270
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 is monitored regularly and office voice mail (phone) and mail is checked twice a week. In the event of a pastoral emergency please contact Rev. Richard directly.

*** 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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