Thursday, October 19, 2023

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.


A Prayer for Peace Among the Nations 


Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit

may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed,

all people may live in justice and peace.

We pray now for peace among the nations,

and especially for the people of Ukraine, Israel and Palestine.

Guide us all into the way of justice and truth,

and establish among us that peace, which is the fruit of righteousness,

that all people may live and flourish in the world you have created.

All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

WORSHIP

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, October 22, 2023


Collect for Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Almighty and everlasting God,

in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations:

Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world

may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns

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


Readings for Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 45:1-7

Psalm 96:1-9

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22


Worship Booklet for Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday Liturgy Schedule


9:00am with Organ/Choir and Sunday School

Coffee and Fellowship to follow


11:00am with Contemporary Music

All are welcome to attend!

Altar Flowers for 2023


The altar flowers for Sunday, October 22, 2023, are given by Norma Ojeda in memory of Rosario and Jose Ojeda.


Our 2023 Altar Flower sign-up is available in the Narthex. If you are not able to sign up in person, please contact the office to see if your desired date is available. If you donate online, please contact Maria with your dedication: [email protected]

Suggested donation is $40.00.

Transportation to Church


Do you need a ride to church on Sundays?


Would you be willing to pick up a parishioner who lives in your proximity?


If "Yes" to either question, please contact the parish office at 619-422-4141 or

[email protected].

2024 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CAMPAIGN



Last Sunday, we kicked-off our 2024 Stewardship Pledge Campaign. We are intertwined by faith and Rooted in the Abundance of God’s blessings.




2024 Stewardship Pledge Campaign


2024 Budgeted (preliminary) Expenses   $352,478

2024 Budgeted Net Income from ECS  - $177,736

2024 Stewardship Pledge Income Goal:   $174,742


Stewardship Reflections:

Each week, we will have the opportunity to hear from parishioners during our Sunday liturgy and written in our E-Newsletter about the ways we can be generous by being Rooted in the Abundance of the blessings and grace of God.


Stewardship Pledge Campaign Receptions:

During the Stewardship Campaign this year, you will have the opportunity to attend Stewardship Receptions. These receptions are intended to be a time for us to gather, socialize, celebrate who we are, discuss the ministries and mission of the parish, and the needs of the church.

You will not be asked to complete a pledge card or give any money. This is a time for us to be together, talk about St. John’s and what the parish means to us.


You are welcome to attend any of the following Stewardship Receptions:


     Friday, October 20th at 6:00pm

     at the home of Tom Brzeczek

     1011 Via Sinuoso, Chula Vista, CA 91910


     Sunday, October 29th at 4:00pm

     at the home of Gregg and Elizabeth King

     554 Dawn Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91910


     Wednesday, November 8th at 1:00pm

     at the home of Lynn Young

     1122 Camino Prado, Chula Vista, CA 91913


     Sunday, November 19th at 10:00am (between services)

     hosted by Jeff Bates and Rev. Roger Haenke

     In Nale Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 760 First Ave., Chula Vista 91910

Click here for Stewardship Pledge Card


You may also pick up a pledge card in the Narthex or call Maria in the office (619-422-4141) to have a pledge card mailed to you.

Stewardship Reflection:

Finding Abundance Through Gratitude


I have recently begun actively practicing gratitude- not that I've never been grateful in the past. But I've made it a daily practice of taking time out just to reflect, read and write about the things I'm grateful for. This has had the result of opening my eyes to the hugely abundant life I have, and for which I thank God through my time, treasure, and talent. Not only does my reflection time make me more aware of this abundance, but it is actually becoming stronger as a regular mindset for me that happens naturally.


Today, as I sat in our beautiful sanctuary, a moment of perfect abundance occurred during communion. As I watched quietly, reflecting on the spirituality that communion brings, I saw the essence of St. John's all at once: some people standing and waiting to receive communion, some meditating in their pews, others assisting Rev. Roger in administering the sacraments, and still others gathered around the lovingly-made prayer quilt, tying knots and saying prayers for a fellow church member's upcoming surgery. This moment was made even more perfect by the music being played on the organ and flute by Cheryl and Maria, as a kind of divine accompaniment to the silent acts.


It was like a scene from a movie where a picture can say a thousand words. All I had to do was watch and it was made clear: St. John's is a community of believers, givers, receivers, servers, and lovers of souls. What we lack in size, we have in abundance of giving, serving, and spreading the love of Christ. Even just a few moments a day taken to reflect on gratitude can help us to recognize God's generous blessings in our own lives, as well as through all members of our beloved St. John's.


We are abundantly blessed.


Jane Ferguson

OUTREACH AND EVANGELIZATION

Items Needed for Blessings in a Bag


Supplies are needed for those who go without food or shelter. Please Click Here for all the items needed.

Outreach Collections


We will continue our ongoing collections for:

  • New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
  • Eyeglasses
  • Greeting Cards - ECS HeadStart (Judy McKay)
  • Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change
  • 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

MINISTRY OF PRAYER

Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry


St. John's is a member of a national organization called "Prayers and Squares: The Prayer Quilt Ministry".


Prayers and Squares will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in Nale Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to sew. Participants will be shown how to make simple quilts for our Prayer Quilt Ministry. If you don't sew but would like to be a part of this ministry, there are many other quilt-making steps you can help with.

Please bring your own sewing machine and brown bag lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Lothspeich.


If you would like to request a Prayer Quilt for anyone in need of prayer and support, please contact Diane Gustafson ([email protected]) or Maria ([email protected]).

This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness.

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.


The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:

Morning Prayer, October 25th

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, Devon Strunk,

Matt Hernandez, Daniel Getreu, Taylor Harrold, Jorge Zuazua, Sebastian Morales, Roberto Chavez, Ryan Lothspeich, Andrew C. Dugger, Dan and Chelsey Nyaradi, Gen. G.J. Heinrich and Pedro Bonilla.


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, Ann Lindshield, the McClure family, 

Josey Felts, Barbara Oliveira, Linda Longoria-Neff, Celia Vasquez, Ann and Bill Rogers, 

Alec Hauer, Karen Polk, Penny and Bob Milam, Nancy Stewart, Bill Gustafson,

and Vanessa Peeke.


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.


For the Deceased


Pray for the repose of the soul of Priscilla Morris Szymanski.


Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon her.


May her soul and the souls of all the departed,

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


Cycle of Prayers for the Church


In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of All Saints’ in Vista.


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


In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the crews of all Littoral Combat Ships homeported in San Diego.

PASTORAL CARE

We Are Here For You!



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]

ADMINISTRATION AND VESTRY

Vestry Meeting

Wednesday, October 25th at 6:00pm on Zoom


All St. John's parishioners are invited to attend Vestry meetings. Our next Vestry 

meeting is Wednesday, October 25th at 6:00 pm. Please contact Rev. Roger or Maria in the office and we will send you the Zoom link for the meeting.

Upcoming Events at St. John's


  • October 20th: Stewardship Reception, 6:00pm at the home of Tom Brzeczek
  • October 25th: Vestry Meeting, 6:00pm, on Zoom
  • November 2nd: La Misa in English Celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at 6:00pm in Nale Hall
  • November 4th: Celebration of Life for Bernie Duignan, 11:00am at St. John's

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 [email protected].


Rev. Roger will be in the office on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, and all day on Wednesday and Thursday. 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.

ACROSS THE CHURCH

Join Me in Prayer

By: Bishop Susan Brown Snook


On Tuesday, it was reported that the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza had been destroyed by a missile strike, with hundreds feared dead. There are varying reports about who was responsible for the attack, with each side in the Israel-Hamas conflict accusing the other. While it is impossible at this stage to sort out questions of responsibility, I can say now that my heart is broken. The Ahli Arab Hospital has been operated for several decades by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, with strong financial support from many Episcopalians through American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a group I appreciate for its support of many schools and hospitals in the Holy Land. I was able to tour the Holy Land with two board members in 2017, including several of the diocese’s schools and hospitals, and I saw firsthand the loving and dedicated work they do. Read More

Diocesan Convention


This year holds special significance as we are celebrating 50 years as a diocese. We've journeyed together through half a century, carrying forward our faith and mission. Join us for EDSD’s 50th Annual Convention (November 10-11) and reflect on the challenges overcome and victories achieved. Read More

Volunteers Needed for Convention



Volunteers are needed for Diocesan Convention. If you feel called to serve and are interested in one or more of the volunteer opportunities, click here to register

Faith to Go Podcast


The Rev. Dawn Stary from St. Andrew's in Encinitas rejoins Charlette and David—after several years away—to share the importance of making time to respond rather than react to situations; looking for Jesus in the ugliness of life and then acknowledging what needs to be done instead of what is easy. Listen Here

EDSD Support for Migrants


EDSD’s Migration Ministry office continues to work with migrants along our southern border, providing immediate aid and relief. Thank you for your support! For an updated list of donation needs, volunteer opportunities, and a list of our partners, please visit EDSD.org/migration-ministry. Have questions? Contact Migration Missioner Robert Vivar at [email protected].

Sacred Ground


A new Sacred Ground circle sponsored by EDSD’s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force starts on Wednesday November 8, 3-5 pm.

Click here to register.

LARK: Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge


Last chance to register for this EDSD-grown, two-day anti-racism workshop that focuses on local history and populations and deals with regional issues and stories. 

It will take place in-person on October 27 (4-9 pm) & October 28 (9:30 am-4:30 pm) at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert.

Read More

Preparing for Advent



This Advent and Christmas, The Episcopal Church is offering a number of resources to help you and your congregation share signs of God’s love through the coming of Jesus Christ—the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Read More

Support Episcopal Relief and Development



Your gift to the Middle East Fund will support the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital as they offer critical health services to those impacted by the current crisis in Gaza. Through your generosity, ERD is able to provide medicine and other supplies to help tend to the physical and psychosocial wounds of the current conflict.

Visit episcopalrelief.org today to make a contribution

760 First Ave  Chula Vista, CA  91910

(619) 422-4141 |  [email protected] | www.saint-johns.org

Join Our Mailing List

Quick Links...

Saint John's Church

Facebook

Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

Reporting Misconduct