Thursday, November 18, 2021
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.
WORSHIP
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
November 21, 2021

Please join us for our celebration of Holy Eucharist at 9:00 am in the church. 

Come, pray, sing, receive Holy Communion, 
and join us for fellowship following our liturgy.

 
Collect for the Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things
in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords:
Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Readings for Sunday

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37


The mask requirement has been lifted, except for:
  • If you are not vaccinated or are immuno-compromised,
aaaaaayou may want to consider wearing a mask
  • Children ages 2-12 and teacher must wear a mask
Sanitize your hands, keep some social distance and limit physical touch

If you are not able to attend, please join our livestream service:
Facebook Link for Services: Saint John's Episcopal Church
St. John's website: saint-johns.org
Reflection on John 18: 33-37
 
This Sunday, we begin the last week of our current liturgical year.  Next Sunday the Advent season and a new liturgical year will begin. The Gospel chosen for this feast of Christ the King is a very solemn reading. It is a reading from the Passion of Jesus Christ. 
 
Jesus had been arrested and was brought before Pilate. The first questions Pilate asked Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews? If so, what have you done?” The dialogue between Pilate and Jesus continues from there. The reality is: Jesus was a king. However, Jesus was not a typical king. Jesus was “a servant king.” He came not to be served but to serve. Jesus did not come to earth seeking power and influence. Rather he preached God’s word, healed the sick and reached out to the poor, the lame and the outcasts of society. 
 
How am I following in Jesus’ footsteps?
How do I reach out to the poor, the lame or the individuals who are on the margins of society?
Do I strive to be a servant to the people in my life?
Do I work to create peace and harmony? 
 
Perhaps the most challenging words in this Gospel are the last words of this reading: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
How do I strive to listen to Jesus’ voice?
Do I allow Jesus’ voice to be drowned out by busyness, despair, worry or (you fill in the blank)?
Today make time to sit down, quiet down and listen for Jesus’ voice! He will speak to you! The question for us is: Will we be listening?
Altar Flowers

The Altar Flowers are given by Nancy Painter
in honor of her sister Susan's birthday.
STEWARDSHIP
2022 Stewardship Campaign
Our stewardship campaign this year focuses on using the gifts that God has given us in order to transform the lives of all people. While St. John's needs your monetary pledge, we hope that you will also give of your time and talent. 
 
Each week, we have had the opportunity to hear from members of parish about their own gifts that they have been given by God and how they choose to share those gifts with St. John's and the broader community.

Stewardship is not only about treasure; it is also our time and talent. Yes, we do need your generous contributions to operate the parish, but we also need your time and talent to transform our lives and world by serving Christ in all people and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

We would like to collect as many pledges as possible and bless them with our offertory on Sunday, November 21st. We will bless all pledges that are made after this date on the Sunday of Epiphany, January 9th, 2022.
 
As you discern your stewardship gift, your vestry encourages you to prayerfully consider an increase in the amount you will pledge. The table below offers you a visual example of how a percentage increase would effect your weekly giving. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
PASTORAL CARE
The Celebration of Life for Sarah Tolley will be on Saturday, November 20th at 10:00 am at St. John's. The Worship Service will be live-streamed for those who are not able to join in person.

A reception, hosted by the family with the assistance of the Bonita Valley Garden Club and the Men of St. John's, will be held in Nale Hall following the service.

The family has requested that Memorial Donations be made to St. John's Episcopal Church.

Please hold the Tolley family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Notes of Care and Sympathy may be sent to:
The Family of Sarah Tolley
594 Los Altos Dr.
Chula Vista, CA 91914

The family has requested that Memorial Donations be given to St. John's Episcopal Church.


Into your hands, O merciful Savior,
we commend you servants, Sarah.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive her 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 her, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon her.
May her souls and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.


Facebook Link for Services: Saint John's Episcopal Church
St. John's website: saint-johns.org
We Are Here For You!

We carefully gather in person at St. John's, we would like to remind you that we are here for you!

If you are not able to join us for our celebration of Holy Eucharist, we will bring Holy Communion to you. You may call the parish office (619-422-4141) and request communion to be brought to you by one of our Eucharistic Visitors.

If you, a family member, neighbor or a friend are interested in celebrating a significant event in your spiritual life, please know that you are welcome.
We would be honored to be a part of your Baptism, Holy Communion, Quinceañera Marriage, Renewal of Vows or Anointing of the Sick.

At St. John's, no matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey - you are welcome here
We Are Available in Your Time of Need

If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed,
please call 619-301-0724 or email [email protected]
OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION
Support Dreams for Change

The Outreach Committee has chosen to support Dreams For Change, an organization that provides resources for people living in their cars in ‘Safe Parking’ places set aside by the County. Please bring your clean, gently used blankets and they will be delivered to the organization. There will be a labeled container in Nale Hall to receive donations.

For more information on the Dreams for Change Safe Parking program, please click here.
Blessings in a Bag for ECS HeadStart

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to bless and deliver 47 bags filled with groceries to the families of ECS HeadStart.
Toys for Tots
 
As a Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation, St. John's will once again be a site for the Marine's Toys for Tots community collection program. Toys for Tots collects toys for less fortunate children who would not otherwise receive gifts at Christmas.

A Toys for Tots collection box will be available inside the gates at the entrance of the church on Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
The collection will take place through December 15th.

Please donate a toy:
  • ages 1-14
  • new
  • in it's original packaging
  • unwrapped

To give a monetary donation, visit toysfortots.org or write a check payable to Toys for Tots San Diego and place it in the offering plate.
Outreach Collections

St. John's Outreach Committee meets monthly to discuss our parish Outreach activities.
We will continue our ongoing collections for:
  • New Blankets- Coordinated by Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy             
  • Pill Bottles - Coordinated by Sally Elliott  
  • Eyeglasses - Coordinated by Norma Dunn
  • Greeting Cards - Coordinated by Norma Dunn
  • Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Coordinated by Norma Dunn
  • Emergency Food Pantry - Coordinated by Maria and Joe Love

Items may be brought to Nale Hall on Sundays when we gather for worship.
You may also bring your items to church during our weekday office hours, Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm. Ring the doorbell, and you will be buzzed in to leave your items outside Nale Hall.
If you do not feel comfortable driving, please contact the parish office, and we will find a volunteer to pick up the items from your home.

Please click on the following link or visit the St. John's website (www.saint-johns.org) for more information on our Outreach Ministries:

FELLOWSHIP
Organ Concert Featuring Wayne and Cheryl Seppala

We welcome you to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Village of La Mesa where Wayne has served as Organist/Choirmaster for six years. We are privileged to present some of San Diego’s finest organists to entertain you with a wide variety of classical, sacred and popular music. This three-manual 66 stop Allen organ is the first in San Diego to feature GENISYS™ with APEX Technology™ with 65 times greater sound resolution than previous generations. Combined with the 31 existing pipe ranks, this instrument produces a thrilling sound.

Please join us for this special concert featuring eight local organists performing on a new Allen organ as part of the 100th anniversary of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

Saturday, November 20 at 1:00 PM
4816 Glen St., La Mesa, CA 92041

For more information, please see the flyer here:
Handel's Messiah at Point Loma Nazarene University

St. John's choir members Alice Burnham, Chelsey Nyardi, and Joe and Maria Love invite you to a performance of Handel's Messiah on Sunday, December 5th at 3 pm at Brown Chapel, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Dr.
Hospitality: Hosts Needed!
 
Please join us for hospitality after the Sunday morning worship service. 
If you would like to host a Sunday, you may sign up on the poster in Nale Hall or by calling or emailing Maria at 619-422-4141 or [email protected]

Refreshments should be individually portioned or wrapped, or served by a server who is the only one touching the serving implements.

Current Available Dates:

November 21
November 28
December 19
December 26
Centennial Celebration
2022 will be our Centennial Year!

Our Centennial Liturgy will be on September 18, 2022.
 
In 1922, we were founded as a mission of St. James Episcopal Church and two years later chose the name St. John's.
 
In planning for our celebration, we will need your help on the following committees:
  • Communications and Publicity
  • Gala and Fundraiser
  • Liturgy
  • History and Archives 

Lynn Young, Diane Gustafson and John Will have been sorting through many documents and photos on the history of St. John's. If you know some of our history please let them know.
 
Would you be interested in helping with any of these committees?
Do you have ideas of how we can celebrate this important milestone?
Please contact Maria Love in the parish office by calling 1-619-422-4141 or emailing [email protected]
FAITH FORMATION
Advent/Epiphany Faith Forums

We will have the opportunity to hear inspiring messages from the Diocesan Convention:
You are the Light of the World.

During our fellowship following the worship service, we will watch and discuss these recorded messages.

Sunday, November 28 - Conversation between Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
......................................and Bishop Susan Brown Snook

Sunday, December 12 - Bishop Susan Brown Snook's address to the Convention

Sunday, January 9 - Canon for Mission, Jason Evans' address to the Convention
Sunday School
 
Sunday School is now available. Children ages 4 and up are welcome to come and learn about the Word of God with Heather Wallace.

Children must be masked in order to attend Sunday School. They will gather in the Sunday School Room before our service begins and return at the Sign of Peace.
Child Care

Child Care is available during our Sunday Services. Ana, the daughter of Alex Valdez-Beer, will be staffing our child care room.
MINISTRY OF PRAYER
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.

Please contact Rev. Roger ( [email protected])
to be included in the Zoom meeting.

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday,
we will not have Morning Prayer on Wednesday, November 24.
Daughters of the King Prayers

All the women of the parish are invited to discern becoming a member of the Daughters of the King. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Young (208-695-7735) or Linda Dennehy (619-429-4747).

If you have a special prayer request for Daughters of the King, you are invited to fill out a prayer card, found in the narthex. Drop your prayer request in the church-shaped box or in the offering plate. These requests are confidential and are separate from our printed parish prayer lists.
Congratulations to Debbie Lothspeich, who was admitted as a member of the Daughters of the King on Sunday, November 14.
Parish Prayer Lists

Birthday and Anniversary Prayers

We would like to acknowledge and pray for anyone celebrating a birthday and/or anniversary in the coming week. Please let us know by Thursday of the prior week so that we can get it in the Sunday liturgy. If you have a picture of you that we could post for your birthday and/or a wedding photo or current photo for those celebrating an anniversary, please email it to us - it would be great to allow everyone to see you.

Our Parish Prayer Intentions

Today and every day include some time for prayer, for yourself,
for your church family, and for those in need.

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, Daniel Getreu, Jamal Warner, Matt Hernandez, Devon Strunk, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Katherine Milam, Sebastian Morales, Richie Lebron, Roberto Johnson and the crew of USS Essex.

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 & Shirley McCarren, Ann Lindshield, Scott Hunter, Bernie Duignan,
Didi Moore, Lisa Means, Mimma Fonti, Glenn Dunn, Darlene Hallsten, Helen McElvaney, Evan McClure and Julie Croom.

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 clergy and people of St. Paul's in Yuma.

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

In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the crew of USS Peleliu (LHA 5)
Prayer Quilts
The leaders of the Prayer Quilt Ministry would like to remind
you that there are many quilts available for anyone in need
of prayer and support. This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness.
Please contact Diane Gustafson directly ([email protected])
or through the office ([email protected]).
ADMINISTRATION
The Vestry

David Dennehy, Senior Warden
aaaaaa619-840-9994 
Lynn Young, Junior Warden
aaaaaa208-695-7735
Bill Cheney, Treasurer
Terry Farrelly, Assistant Treasurer
Diane Gustafson, Clerk
Pamela Brittain
Tom Brzeczek
Ray Contreras
Jane Ferguson
Alejandra Valdez-Beer

Upcoming Events at St. John's

  • Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy: Wednesday, November 24th at 7:00pm

  • 60th Birthday Brunch for Rev. Roger:  Sunday, December 5th after church

  • Parish Council Meeting: Saturday, December 11th at 9:00 am in Nale Hall

  • St. John’s Christmas Party: Saturday, December 18th in Nale Hall

  • Greening and Cleaning of the Church:  Sunday, December 19th after church

  • Christmas Eve: Friday, December 24th at 8:00pm 
................................ (with choir and congregation carols)

  • Christmas Day: Saturday, December 25th at 9:00am

Parish Office Hours and Contacts

As our staff are now fully vaccinated, we are permitted to open our parish office.

Masking and social distance should be maintained when visitors are present.

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).

Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, November 25
Rev. Roger's Office Hours

Rev. Roger will be working half-days in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday; and all day Wednesday and Thursday. He will be available by appointment. Please call the office (619-422-4141) to schedule an appointment.

In case of a pastoral emergency, Rev. Roger may be reached on his cell phone at
619-301-0724.
Beware of Scam Emails & Phishing Attempts

If you receive a suspicious email from an address that seems to be Rev. Roger or another parishioner asking for a favor, it may be a phishing attempt. Scam emails mimic addresses we are familiar with and are very often full of grammatical errors.

Rev. Roger will never email you asking for funds or financial support by way of gift cards. If you receive an email that seems suspicious, do not open it or respond to it. Delete it immediately.
Phishing is a cyber attack that uses disguised email as a weapon. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need - a request from their bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company - and to click a link or download an attachment.
Your weekly newsletter highlights important events at St. John's Episcopal Church. You can also find news about St. John's at www.saint-johns.org.

We welcome your feedback, photos, and news items. Contact Maria Love at 619-422-4141 or [email protected].

Please submit your announcements by Tuesday of each week for inclusion in the Enews.
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Bishop's Cross and Servant Ministry Awards

Every year, Bishop Susan Brown Snook is happy to honor individuals throughout the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego for their diligent, faithful work in their church communities. Thank you for your faithfulness and ministry throughout the church.

Bishop's Cross
Costa Dillon, St. Bartholomew's in Poway
Frank Rojas, St. Thomas in Temecula

Servant Ministry Awards
Jeff Bates – St. John’s, Chula Vista  
Walter DuMelle – St. James by the Sea, La Jolla  
Joe Gamboa – St. Philip’s, Lemon Grove 
Susan Johnston – All Saints’, San Diego 
Debbie Kistler – St. Mark’s, San Diego   
Stephen Muffatti – All Saints’, San Diego 
Charlie Peterson – St. Andrew’s, La Mesa 
David Priest – St. David’s, San Diego 
Loral Priest – St. David’s, San Diego 
David Reese – All Saints’, Vista  
Tom and Georgia Schulz – Grace Church, San Marcos 
David Shine – Good Shepherd, Bonita  
John Charles Westaway – St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs 
Clarence and Nina Woods – St. Timothy’s, San Diego 
Faith to Go

A Weekly, On The Go Resource for Parents and Non-Parents Alike

Hosted by the Faith To Go team in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, David Tremaine and Charlette Preslar. Joined each week by a special guest, the Faith To Go team highlights themes from the Sunday Gospel reading for you to take into your faith discussions and reflections throughout the week.

Resources for Emotional Support

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us. You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in these circumstances.

You're not alone!





Find resources to connect with real people that can help, here.
EDSD Statement of Commitment
 
As part of the Jesus Movement and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, we pledge to love our neighbors and protect the most vulnerable among us, remembering our baptismal vows to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." We live these pledges out by actively engaging in dismantling racism. For many of us, this will mean learning more about our racial identity, listening to those who have experienced racial prejudice, speaking out against racism, and showing up alongside those in our community working to change unjust systems in our society. We also live out this pledge at worship during this pandemic, by wearing face-coverings, respecting distancing guidelines, and foregoing the common cup.
Episcopal Relief and Development
What Would Love Do: 1000 Days of Love

Love calls us to care for our neighbors and for our enemies. Love calls us to attend to those in prison, to those who are homeless, to those in poverty, to children, immigrants and refugees.

What would love do? To you, who so generously support the transformative work of Episcopal Relief & Development, love calls you to continue to sow seeds of lasting change

Visit Episcopal Relief and Development: One Thousand Days of Love to see how you can help.
Reporting Misconduct
 
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact Mr. John Seitman, ([email protected]), 858-793-4555 or Ms. Equilla Luke, ([email protected]), 760-583-0485.