Dear disciples of Holy Cross,
We are a pilgrim congregation, and we are in a season of pilgrimage. Lent has always been a practice of journeying. Some do it by fasting, some do it by taking on a different spiritual exercise, some do it by denying themselves something. All of these, and other things people do for Lent, are an expression of the oldest journey our faith tradition records: the journey of faith by Abram, later renamed Abraham by God. Yes, as Christians, what comes to mind first for us is Jesus’ own forty days in the desert, but even that is in some ways Jesus’ own experience of what Abram goes through too.
Jesus’ baptism places him into a time of discernment for himself, his mission, and his commitment to that mission. Jesus’ call in baptism places him on a unique journey, but the roots of it extend all the way back to the calling of Abram, millennia prior. Abram’s journey is not a mere forty days, though, he spends the rest of his own life wandering. While he is promised a great nation and a land to call their own, Abraham himself never sees that come into fruition. Instead, God keeps his covenant with Abraham through his children. And Abraham’s journey is arduous, filled with intrigue, mistakes, and family squabbles. Nonetheless, the journey is a blessed one, and is instigated by the same Spirit of God that moves Moses to rescue his people from Egypt, the same Spirit that empowered the miracles of Elijah and Elisha, the same spirit which calls to Jesus through his baptism by John, and the same Spirit moves with us now.
Yes, we have lost much, but how much more will we gain by trusting God’s call to us! As Philippians three sates:
“Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through the faith (trust) of Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
Even our own name, Holy Cross, is a symbol of that journey, for Jesus from death to life, and we heed the call of that same cross. Die to what was, live into what is! God’s Spirit will show us the way, our resurrection will come. Let us remember Abram, let us walk with Christ, and may we listen eloquently to the Spirit.
Blessings,
Richard+
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First Sunday in Lent & Service of Deconsecration in the Gateway Bldg
also final Eucharist at the facility
Sunday, February 21st
9 AM
Drive-In and Livestreamed
Bishop Susan will be with us to hold a deconsecration service. This will be a drive-in service, as well as livestreamed, and our final service and Eucharist at the building. We have 22 car spaces available (8 as of Friday AM) for those not taking a roll during the service. It is our hope that this may be a Eucharistic service.
Please register by clicking the link https://rsvp.church/r/YcLkWBsK and please only put your car down as “1 person attending” regardless of how many family members will be in your vehicle.
A PDF version of the service booklet is here. For those who who will be attending the drive-in service (please register if you have not already done so) we encourage you to print a copy at home and bring with you however, we will have sanitized copies available on Sunday.
Watch the livestream on our church online platform OR on our YouTube channel by using one of the buttons below.
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You may also watch the service on Facebook here and listen to audio only here. |
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Annual Meeting
THIS Sunday, February 21st
11:00 AM - Noon
on Zoom
We hope you all plan on attending. We will vote on the amendments to our bylaws, review our hopes and dreams for the future and the 2021 budget, announce where our "campsite" will be, discuss next steps related to finding our new home, and thank our outgoing BC members.
The Annual Meeting Report is available here. We encourage you to read the report ahead of the meeting so that you may be prepared to ask questions on the financial reports or other material. The bylaws we will vote on are here.
Join the meeting by clicking on the button below (to join by calling in see below).
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If you do not have internet access you may use one of the phone numbers below to call in to the meeting. Enter the Meeting ID when prompted. Please know these numbers are not toll-free. Please DO NOT use these numbers for audio if you are using the Zoom link.
Dial by your location (regional)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 839 8982 2166
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Holy Cross Furniture & Other Items Available |
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FURNITURE
As we prepare to leave our Gateway property many of our items will be placed in storage while we reside at our temporary "campsite". Your BC and various ministry leaders have prayerfully evaluated our ongoing and potential future needs and identified those items we will place in storage or move to our temporary location. The remaining various pieces of furniture we are making available to you the congregation, as well to our sister churches and the wider community. Click here to see pictures of the many items available (note: books and items on shelves and desks are not available).
Please also spread the word to family and friends you know who might be interested in one or more of the items. You may share this email by forwarding it to them.
Deadlines: Contact Karen at [email protected], by no later than this coming Monday, February 22nd, if you are interested in any item(s) - all items are as is and first come first served. Pick up by no later than this coming Wednesday, February 24th. Sorry, we are unable to deliver.
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OTHER ITEMS
We have cleaned out the kitchen, janitors closet, office and other rooms and packed items to store/take to our temporary "campsite". We have consumables and excess items that we will make available to members of the church on a first come, first serve basis this coming Monday and Tuesday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm each day, please see below.
HOW THIS WILL WORK
Mike Collier will be at the entrance to the church and will admit individuals/couples one at a time. You will be directed to the kitchen and be able to select the items you would like and when finished will be directed to exit through the other front door, off the sanctuary. Please bring shopping bags as none will be provided.
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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.
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Our Sunday services are video livestreamed
Watch the livestream on our church online platform here OR on our YouTube channel here. You may also watch the service on Facebook here and listen to audio only here. |
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Did you miss last Sunday's service?
You may watch it below:
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All past service video's are archived on our Youtube channel here. |
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Midweek Online Worship
Evening Prayer
Wednesdays - 7 PM **
on Zoom
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This week we will meet at 6 PM for our Ash Wednesday service as noted above. Our Evening Prayer services will resume on February 24th.
** 3rd Wednesday each month starts at 5 PM due to Bishop's Committee meeting
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Watch for our mid-week check-in newsletter with the service links. |
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Sunday Forum
Join us this Sunday at 11 AM for our Annual Meeting. Our Sunday Forum resumes next week.
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Godly Play families: here are your next Youtube video lessons.
Coming up: Faces of Easter
Your Godly Play story tellers.
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Stewardship and Supporting Holy Cross |
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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 regularly scheduled meeting is February 17, 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 January 18th and January 20th meetings here and here; the January Treasurers report here, and Income Statement and Balance Sheet here and here.
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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.
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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.
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Please hold all on our prayer list in your prayers: |
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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.
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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, Alice, Ray, Manny, Mike, Amy, the Wiley family, 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 Linda Wiley, Barbara Jenkins, 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
Maureen Hopson, Julie Tinney, Ron Nueman, Sandy Rindge
Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
none this week
Prayers for those Traveling
none this week
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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.
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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
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In the Diocese and wider Community |
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RefugeeNet is one of our Outreach ministries, we support them with our annual rice and oil drive. We were unable to hold our monthly outreach of the month event this past year but here is a way you might consider helping this great Episcopal Ministry Organization!
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].
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Join us for a Diocesan-wide, virtual
Creation Care book study during Lent!
Wednesdays, Feb. 24 - March 24, 7-8pm
More than ever before, people of faith are called to pray, learn, and act for Creation Care! The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego invites you to read Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change by Jim Antal along with others from across the Diocese and meet on Wednesday nights to discuss it - or watch the recorded discussions when you can. Together we will learn about our current reality, how our faith relates to stewardship of the environment, and what we can do to make a difference.
"Jim Antal shows how the church can engage in the urgent moral crisis of climate change. This book will inspire both the courage and conviction people of faith need to provide the leadership necessary to realize God’s dream of a just world in which humanity is reconciled to all creation.” -Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus
Each participant is asked to buy a book, and a free study guide will be provided. Sessions will be facilitated by clergy and leaders from St. Paul’s Cathedral, Camp Stevens, St. Luke’s, St. Timothy’s, and St. Margaret’s.
You can check out our book study flyer here, and register today!
If you have questions, please contact Diane Lopez Hughes, Co-Leader of Simpler Living at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, at [email protected] or Deann Rios, Co-Missioner of Peace & Justice for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, at [email protected].
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Together we'll dive deeper into four diocesan priority areas: Peace & Justice, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Leadership. Transformation Academy will be offered over four months and features national speakers and local leaders from our diocese discussing issues that transform the way we serve the Church's mission.
Peace & Justice Academy - Thursday, March 18
Peace, Justice, and Local Church Ministries
Discipleship Academy - Thursday, April 15
Formed for Relationship-Discipleship in the Episcopal Church
Leadership Academy - Thursday, May 20
Pivoting to New Realities: Adaptive Leadership for a Post-Pandemic Church
Evangelism Academy - Thursday, June 17
Joining God in Mission
For more information and to register for one or more of the sessions click here.
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There's lots of great information in this week's diocesan newsletter. Check it out by clicking the button below. |
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Cartoon from St. Swithin’s, by The Rev. Jay Sidebotham, copyright © 2002 The Church Pension Fund.
https://www.cpg.org/global/online-resources/cartoons/advent-and-lent/
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Our Clergy
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook ***
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
Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl
Leadership - Bishop's Committee ("BC")
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
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