St. John’s Mission Statement 


St. John’s is a Christian community that intentionally gathers to experience God’s love

through Episcopal worship, education, fellowship, and ministry to the wider community.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

The Heart of the Christian Year


Holy Week begins on the Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, as Jesus enters Jerusalem and is welcomed as king.

The week progresses to the Last Supper when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples and his betrayal and arrest on Thursday evening; his trial and crucifixion on Friday; and his conquering death and resurrection on Easter Eve/Easter Sunday. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus' earthly life.

Holy Week culminates with the Paschal Triduum (sacred three days): starting the evening of Maundy Thursday, through the evenings of Good Friday and Holy Saturday (with the Great Vigil of Easter,) and ending the evening of Easter; all celebrating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Paschal Triduum is experienced as one liturgy: having remembered the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, we traditionally wait and pray (vigil) at the altar of repose on Maundy Thursday; then we continue with the reading of the Passion along with the veneration and prayer (vigil) at the cross of Christ on Good Friday; leading us to the Easter Vigil where we gather and pray (vigil) around the new fire to hear the stories of salvation after which we celebrate the resurrection of Christ in the Holy Eucharist; a celebration that continues into Easter day.


"Stay with me, keep watch with me.  Watch and pray."

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday -

April 13th at 9:00am


We begin with Blessing of Palms in Nale Hall

and then the Triumphal Procession into the Church

Maundy Thursday 

.....Thursday, April 17th, 7:00pm

.....Celebration of Eucharist with the Foot Washing Ritual and Altar of Repose


Good Friday

.....Friday, April 18th 

.....12:00noon - Noonday Prayer with Everyone’s Way of the Cross

.....7:00pm - Liturgy of the Word with Solemn Prayers and Veneration of the Cross


Easter Eve: The Great Vigil of Easter 

.....Saturday, April 19th, 7:00pm 

.....Beginning with blessing of the new fire, Readings from the Old Testament, 

.....Renewal of Baptismal Vows and Celebration of the Easter Eucharist.

...."Breaking the Fast" Reception and Celebration to follow in Nale Hall


Easter Day: Sunday of the Resurrection 

.....Sunday, April 20th, 9:00am

.....Liturgy of the Word, Celebration of Holy Baptism, and Celebration of Eucharist

.....Easter Egg Hunt in the courtyard following the service - all children are welcome!

WORSHIP

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

Sunday, April 13, 2025

9:00am


Collect for Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race

you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature,

and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering,

and also share in his resurrection;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Readings for Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28-40

Philippians 2:5-11

Psalm 31:9-16

Luke 22:14-23:56


Worship Booklet for Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025

Easter Flower Dedications


We are accepting dedications to honor your loved ones while helping us to decorate the altar with beautiful flowers.


Flower envelopes are available in the Narthex, or you may email Maria (maria@saint-johns.org) with your dedications:


In honor of ________________

In memory of ______________

In celebration of ____________

or

In thanksgiving for ___________


Payment may be made by mailing a check to St. John's, by placing your check in the offering plate, or online through our Give Now button (choose "Flower Guild").

Please submit your dedications by Monday, April 14th.

OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION

40 Days / 40 Items


Lenten Clothing Collection


Reminder:

Please bring your 40 Days, 40 items bags of clothing to the Narthex on Palm Sunday


The Clothing Collection will be blessed on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025

Outreach Collections


We will continue our ongoing collections for:

  • New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
  • Eyeglasses (Bob Dunn)
  • Greeting Cards - ECS Head Start (Judy McKay)
  • Clean, Gently Used Blankets, Towels and Re-Useable Drinking Containers - Dreams for Change (Bob Dunn) - Please consider donating
  • Emergency Food Pantry - South Bay Community Services (Maria and Joe Love)
  • Blessings in a Bag - For our neighbors who live in need. Click here for a list of items you can donate to fill the bags.
  • Gently Used Clothing - Men's, women's and children's 

Items may be brought to Nale Hall on Sundays when we gather for worship.

You may also bring your items to the church during our weekday office hours,

Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm.

If you are not able to bring them, please contact the parish office, and we will pick up the items from your home.


St. John's Outreach Committee meets monthly to discuss our parish Outreach activities.

Please click on the following link for more information on our Outreach collection activities:

Outreach Ministries of St. John's

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SCHOLARSHIP

St. John's Episcopal Church Scholarship


St. John's offers a scholarship(s) available for parishioners, family members of a parishioner or a member of a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego who are pursuing a college education or an accredited vocational/technical training.

The Rev. Michael G. Kaehr Honorary Scholarship Award  (application)

Please read application for more information on this available scholarship.

 

Applications include an essay, unofficial transcript, letter of recommendation, and a copy of a letter of acceptance. Financial need will be considered.​


The 2025 scholarship application process is now open. The deadline for applying is Thursday, April 24, 2025. Please contact the parish office (619-422-4141) for more information and if you would like to apply.


Scholarship Committee: Pamela Brittain, Bill Cheney, Diane Gustafson, and Lynn Young

MINISTRY OF PRAYER

St. John's Prayer Ministries

Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry

This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness. For information on how to help create prayer quilts, or on how St. John's parishioners can request a quilt (click here).

Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study

Join us for Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study

on Wednesdays at 9:30 am as a Zoom meeting.

For information on how to join (click here)

There will be no Morning Prayer or Bible Study during Holy Week.

Morning Prayer/Bible Study will resume on April 23, 2025.

The Order of the Daughters of the King

The mission of The Order is the extension of Christ's Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism. If you would like information about becoming a member, or if you have a Prayer Request (click here)

Parish Prayer Lists


For Our Military


Matt Jensen, Drew Shorkey, Cody Crossland, Cameron Ronie, Chariti Paden, Mark Stanfield, Sean Robinson, Jonathan Martinez, TK Nguyen, Christopher Lindshield, Timothy Lindshield, Jeremy Colton, David Sanchez, Jonathan Baldera, Nick Wyatt, Jamal Warner, Matt Hernandez, Daniel Getreu, Devon Strunk, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Roberto Chavez, Ryan Lothspeich, Andrew C. Dugger, Dan and Chelsey Nyaradi, Gen. G.C. Heinrich, Pedro Bonilla, Patrick King, Connor Feeny, and Sebastian Morales and the crew of the USS Nimitz.


Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping 

all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.

Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; 

strengthen them in their trials and temptations; 

give them courage to face the perils which beset them; 

and grant them a sense of your abiding presence 

wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


For Strength in Time of Need


Steve Magill, Gary and Shirley McCarren, the McClure family, Alec Hauer, Karen Polk,

Bob Milam, Bill Rogers, James Kellogg Burnham III, Mike Gollihur, Linda Longoria-Neff, Helena Livingston, Fr. George Keith, Ted Owens, Michael and La Donna Dwyer,

Jamie Attaway, the family of Tom and Cindy Brosche, Joan Sutton, Rosemarie Viloria, and Tami Loehr.


O God of heavenly powers, 

by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies 

all sickness and all infirmity: 

Be present in your goodness with your servants, 

that their weakness may be banished and their strength restored; 

and that, their health being renewed, they may bless your holy Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Cycle of Prayers for the Church


In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the women, children and leadership of Comunidad de Luz.


In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church of England.


In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for MAG 46 Reserve Unit, Camp Pendleton.

PASTORAL CARE

Celebration of Life for Michael Morris



The Celebration of Life for Michael Morris will be on

Saturday, April 26th at 11:00am

at St. John's Episcopal Church, 760 First Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910


Reception to follow in Nale Hall, hosted by the Men of St. John's.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church in memory of Michael.


Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend you servant, Michael.

Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold,

a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.

Receive him into the arms of your mercy,

into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,

and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.


Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon him.


May his soul and the souls of all the departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

We Are Here for You

Eucharistic Visits to your home

If you are not able to join us for our celebration of Eucharist and would like Communion brought to you (click here)

Sacramental and Spiritual Preparation

If you are interested in celebrating a sacramental/spiritual event in your life (click here)

Pastoral Emergency

If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed,

please call 619-301-0724 or email revroger@saint-johns.org

ADMINISTRATION AND VESTRY

Vestry Retreat


A communication from Lynn Young, Clerk of the Vestry, about the Vestry Retreat,

which took place on April 5th:

Vestry Retreat Communication

“Raise the Roof”

St. John’s Capital Campaign

Capital Campaign for Property Maintenance Reserve

 

Our loved ones raised the church with money and physical labor –

We must maintain their legacy

 

Property Maintenance Reserve Needs:

  • New Roof for Church, Nale Hall and Graves Pavilion = $175,000
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Units (11 HVAC Units) = $325,000

 

Capital Campaign Goal:  $500,000

 

Capital Campaign Donations Pledged: $167,352

Percentage of Goal Achieved: 33%

 

The church exists as the People of God,

but also, as the buildings from which God is served and worshiped.


Please consider investing in St. John's with a donation to the Capital Campaign:

Capital Campaign Statement of Intent

 

Capital Campaign Committee: Bob Dunn (co-chair), Terry Farrelly (co-chair),

Tom Brzeczek, Denise Czer, Jane Ferguson, Rev. Roger Haenke

Vestry Minutes


Approved Vestry Minutes from 2-23-25

Upcoming Events at St. John's


  • Tuesday, April 15th & Thursday, April 17th: Tai Chi, 2:00-3:00pm, Nale Hall
  • Monday, April 21st: Men of St. John's Meeting, 6:00pm, Nale Hall
  • Thursday, April 24th: DOK Meeting, 9:30am, Rev. Stott Conference Room

Parish Office Hours and Contacts


The Parish Office will be open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.

Please call the parish office if you have any questions or concerns

(619-422-4141) or email info@saint-johns.org.


Rev. Roger will be working Monday through Thursday, and Sunday.

He is available by appointment. Please call the office to schedule an appointment.

In case of a pastoral emergency, Rev. Roger may be reached on his cell phone at

619-301-0724.

FOLLOW US

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Please follow us and friend us on Facebook at Saint John's Episcopal Church

and on Instagram at stjohnsepiscopalchurchcv

ACROSS THE CHURCH

Comunidad de Luz Opens

By: Chris Tumilty, Director of Communications


On April 1, 2025, in Tijuana, Mexico, dozens of community leaders, clergy, and advocates gathered for the ribbon cutting of Comunidad de Luz or “Community of Light,” the newest shelter in Tijuana supporting migrant women and children. It is a testament to the healing work that can happen when people of faith answer the call to serve.

Organized by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD), in partnership with Via International, the Vida Joven Foundation, the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Anglican Church in Tijuana, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of years of prayer, planning, and coalition-building. The shelter will provide housing and wraparound services for up to 150 women and children fleeing violence, poverty, and instability across Latin America. Read More

Faith to Go in Lent Weekly Booklet


Faith to Go in Lent is a live reflection airing Monday through Saturday each week throughout Lent. A weekly printed companion will be available for viewing and download each Wednesday in the EDSD News. Reading and listening about how others wrestle with or find hope in scripture can help us grow this Lent.


Be sure to listen to Rev. Roger's episode on the 17th Day of Lent, March 24th;

and to Rev. Susanna's episode on the 29th Day of Lent, April 5th.

Listen Here

Faith to Go in Lent Weekly Booklet


Faith to Go Podcast


We’re On-the-Go at St. Luke’s! Join Charlette and David as they explore this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 19:28-40 alongside members of the Wednesday Night Young Adult Bible Study at St. Luke’s in North Park. Together, they unpack facets of and responses to being called into the family of God. Tune in for fresh insights, meaningful reflections, and ways to live into the Gospel this week.

Listen Here

Public Witness for Justice and Compassion


Join Bishop Susan Brown Snook and ecumenical leaders on Saturday, April 12, on the city side of county building near Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Highway) to stand in solidarity with immigrants and the vulnerable. Wear red, bring palms, and walk with us in prayer and hope. All are welcome. No flags, please.

Click Here for More Information

Towards a Fuller Gospel

Tuesdays, May 6th-May 27th, 6:30pm


Towards A Fuller Gospel is a dynamic virtual speaker series highlighting the voices of racially diverse clergy as they illuminate scripture through the lens of their lived experiences, cultural perspectives, and/or the stories of the communities that formed them. Over the course of four weeks, faith leaders from across the Episcopal Church will model how race, identity, culture and community shape and expand the ways we understand and apply sacred texts today.

Click Here to Register

Two Upcoming Diocesan Workshops


LARK

LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) is a unique workshop that explores the history, issues, and stories of racial justice in our own region. Unlike national anti-racism trainings, LARK is designed specifically for our diocesan context, focusing on local communities and their lived experiences. Through history-telling, case studies, and discussions, participants will gain deeper understanding and tools for meaningful engagement.


Click Here to Register for LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge)

Friday, May 2nd, 3:30-8:30 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, 9:30-4:30 PM


Knowing Yourself

As followers of Jesus who are also formed in and by the world, each of us ministers from a “social location.” This means that each of us see and understand God and the world through a lens shaped by our numerous identities such as ethnicity, age, immigration status, education, class, gender and sexuality, etc. Some of these identities we may be acutely aware of. Others may be less obvious to us. ALL aspects of our social location are useful to God.


Click Here to Register for Knowing Yourself: Ministry From a Place of Self-Awareness

Sunday, May 4th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

ECS Moonlight Ball

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 5:30 pm 

Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, 3777 La Jolla Village Drive 

San Diego, CA 92122


ECS invites you to the Moonlight Ball—an unforgettable evening of celebration and impact. Join us for a night of fine dining, live music, and exciting auctions, all in support of ECS’ mission to uplift our neighbors in need.

This annual gala is a chance to be part of transformative change. Every ticket purchased, auction bid, and donation directly supports ECS programs that address San Diego’s most pressing challenges, including homelessness, mental health, substance use disorders, and early childhood education.

Click here to purchase tickets

760 First Ave  Chula Vista, CA  91910

(619) 422-4141 |  info@saint-johns.org | www.saint-johns.org

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