Thursday, September 8, 2022

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 (BCP 816)

In remembrance of September 11th and the conflict in the Ukraine, let us pray:

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world

into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them

that peace which is the fruit of righteousness,

that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

With Joy and Gratitude to God

You are Cordially invited to Join us in Celebration

St. John’s Centennial Dinner 

on Saturday, September 17th at 6:00pm in Nale Hall

Wine Reception starting at 5:30

St. John’s Centennial Liturgy and Reception 

on Sunday, September 18th at 9:00am in the church

with a visitation from Bishop Susan Brown Snook

Centennial Liturgy Reception with the Bishop

Please indicate, on the Reception sign up sheet in the Narthex, if you are willing to bring a breakfast item for the reception. Or you may call the parish office and let Maria know.

Cleaning of the Church

On Saturday, September 10, beginning at 9:00am, we will be cleaning the church in preparation for our Centennial Dinner and Liturgy.  We ask everyone to come and help,

as you are able.

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, September 11, 2022

9:00 am

Come, pray, sing, receive Holy Communion,

and join us for fellowship following our liturgy.

Collect For the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

O God, because without you we are not able to please you,

mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things

direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 32:7-14

Psalm 51:1-11

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-10

Worship Booklet for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 11, 2022

Masks are not required.

However, if you are unvaccinated or immunocompromised,

you may wish to wear a mask.

If you are not able to attend, please join our livestream service:

St. John's website: saint-johns.org

St. John's YouTube Channel: St. John's Episcopal Church, Chula Vista

Scripture Study on Luke 15:1-10

It is never comfortable to see oneself as a Pharisee or a scribe; they are the “bad guys” after all, but that is precisely what we must do if we are to glean all that we can from this passage. We need to see ourselves as those types of hypocrites and sinners to understand that Jesus is not worried so much about the lost sheep as he is about the unity and solidarity of the community. We all need to repent, for we all are sinners, and the sooner we come to terms with that, the better.

This reminds me of the story that is often told at summer camp about “going on a bear hunt” where we come across all kinds of obstacles while going on our bear hunt, and at each one, the refrain is “can’t go over it, can’t go under it, can’t go around it, have to go through it.” The sooner we accept our sinful natures and repent, the sooner there will be “joy in the presence of the angels of God.”

We must also remember that our acts of repentance must include mercy and forgiveness to those who may have acted against us.

• Where do you see yourself in this reading?
• What steps might you take to “welcome sinners” and unite your community?
• How can your attitude of forgiveness and mercy fit into this context?

Altar Flowers for 2022

The Altar Flowers for September 11, 2022 are given by Bill and Diane Gustafson in memory of Rose Urbancic and Jeff Sederoff.

Our 2022 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.

The Columbarium and The Re-Interment of Remains

Our New Columbarium and Memorial Garden is to be completed on Tuesday, September 6th.

On Sunday, September 11th, following our Sunday liturgy,

we will bless the new Columbarium and re-inter the remains

of our loved ones who have gone before us.

You are invited to follow the recession to the Columbarium for the service.

If you wish to purchase a niche in the new Columbarium, please contact Maria in the parish Office. 

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

St. John's is pleased to partner with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency to offer Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3pm

in Nale Hall.

DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE BALANCE AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLING?

TRY TAI CHI! 

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance has been shown to improve balance and mobility, and reduce the risk of falls. People of all ability levels are welcome. This class can be conducted from a seated or standing position. Classes are in English.

St. John's Episcopal Church

760 1st Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Every Tuesday and Thursday | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Starting September 20th, 2022 (Program runs for 24 weeks)

Questions? Call 858-495-5500 or email [email protected]

Informational Flyer: Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

Cool Zones

During the current heat wave, if you need a cool space to sit and relax, you are invited to spend some time in the air-conditioned Rev. Jack and Sarah Tolley Memorial Library. Office hours are from 9-3, Monday through Thursday.

Other "cool zones" in Chula Vista:

• Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, Tuesday-Friday 8 am-5 pm;  Saturdays 8 am-1 pm

• The Chula Vista Public Library will be open the following days/times: Civic Center Branch, 365 F Street, Tuesday–Thursday 10 am-8 pm; Friday–Saturday 10 am-5 pm; Sunday 1-5 pm. South Branch, 389 Orange Avenue, will be open Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm; Friday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday 1-5 pm. Otay Ranch Branch, 2015 Birch Road is open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm and Sunday 12 -6 pm.

Outreach Collections

We will continue our ongoing collections for:

• New Blankets - Domestic Violence Shelters (Denise Czer and Linda Dennehy)
• Eyeglasses - (Norma Dunn)
• Greeting Cards - ECS HeadStart (Judy McKay)
• Clean, Gently Used Blankets - Dreams for Change (Norma Dunn)
• Emergency Food Pantry - South Bay Community Services (Maria and Joe Love)
• Blessings in a Bag - For our neighbors who are living outside. Click here for a list of items you can donate to fill the bags.
• Gently Used Clothing - Men's, women's and children's 
• Pill Bottles - We are no longer collecting pill bottles

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

Statement from Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Today we mourn the passing and celebrate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. My prayers for peace go out for her, for her loved ones, and for all those who knew and loved her throughout the world.

Her resilience, her dignity, and her model of quiet faith and piety have been—and will continue to be—an example for so many.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

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

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. Coffee and Clean-up are done by our Sexton, Ryan Attaway.

Current Available Dates:

September 11

October 2

October 9

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, September 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 pray for you during the Sunday liturgy. 

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, Sebastian Morales,

Andrew C. Dugger, Dan and Chelsey Nyaradi, Ryan Lothspeich, Roberto Chavez,

and 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, the McClure family,

Christy and Mike Gollihur, Norma Dunn, Anna Jones, Linda Longoria-Neff, Tony Ramirez,

Jenny and Herb Dougherty, Tom Brosche, Michael Brosche, Adam Beneschan,

Darlene Sweetwood and Celia Vasquez.

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. Luke's

in San Diego.

Prayer for Episcopal Diocese of San Diego's The Good News Festival:

Loving God, Author of life, in You we live and move and have our being.

We ask that you revive us again in your mighty Spirit

as we prepare our hearts for The Good News Festival.

Inspire us to reach out to those who do not know you, and welcome them

with open arms, without judgement, so that all may embrace your Good News, answer your call, and dance together with joy.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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 the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Upcoming Events at St. John's

• September 10: Cleaning of the Church, 9:00am

• September 11: Blessing of the Columbarium and re-interment of the remains of our loved ones who have gone before us.

• September 17: St. John’s Centennial Dinner, 6:00pm; wine reception at 5:30pm

• September 18: St. John's Centennial Liturgy and Reception with a visit by Bishop Susan, 9:00am 

• September 20 & 22: Tai Chi Class, 2:00-3:00pm in Nale Hall

3rd Quarter Calendar of Events

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, Tuesday, 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.

Approved Vestry Minutes

Approved vestry minutes for the August 24th Vestry meeting can be found here:

Approved Vestry Minutes 8-24-22

The Art of Invitation

By: Canon Jason Evans, EDSD Canon for Mission

One of the interesting aspects of working in a diocesan office is an awareness of the trends across congregations in various locales. Of course, each congregation is unique in many ways, but we are each part of the same tradition, in the same diocese. Because of that, trends become quickly apparent. One of those emerges just before Labor Day every year when congregations begin to ramp up their engagement with the diocesan offices to plan and promote fall programming. 

As you go about the work of planning fall worship, formation opportunities, stewardship campaigns, and more, I know that there is a nagging sensation in the back of many minds. Read More

Advocating for Climate Change

and Our Vocation in Christ

By: Diane Lopez Hughes, Executive Council Member

At the end of The Episcopal Church’s 2022 General Convention, the House of Bishops issued a final statement “naming the climate crisis as the overarching issue that affects all the other issues of social justice.” 

Last fall, several dozen interfaith participants and I rallied outside the County Building in San Diego, calling for considerations in the Climate Plan that would ensure a healthier environment. Hand delivering our concerns gave me a sense of fulfilling that vocation referenced by the Bishops. Read More

Sacred Ground

Sacred Ground is the Episcopal Church’s film & reading based series which creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race, racism & faith.

Not sure whether a Sacred Ground circle is for you? Attend an informational meeting on Monday, September 12, 5:30-6:30 pm via Zoom.

For more information and to register, click here

Creation Care: What's Your 2040?

EDSD Creation Care Task Force and sponsoring churches will present the film, "What's Your 2040," followed by viewer discussion on September 13 from 6:30-7:45pm. This film takes us to solutions: what’s being done currently that generates hope.

Register Here

The Good News Festival

December 9-10, 2022

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…”

On December 9 - 10, 2022, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will welcome Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to Southern California for a celebration of good news. With interactive outreach projects, workshops, live discussion panels, youth offerings, and an evening of celebration at the beautiful Town and Country Resort, this is the perfect time to get away and enjoy some good news.

Read More

Good News Workshops

The Good News Festival Team is excited to announce these workshop opportunities offered throughout the day on December 10. These workshops and panel discussions are filled with industry-leading professionals, bishops, and more.

Workshop Registration

Networking for Social Justice

The Diocesan Service & Justice Coalition is a group of dedicated service/outreach and peace/social justice coordinators who gather to network and share ideas and collaborate on projects to make a greater impact in our community.

Join other Episcopalians who want to get the church involved in the issues facing our world today. You are invited to the next meeting on September 17, 2022, from 9:30-11:30 am

on Zoom. Visit the EDSD Diocesan Service and Justice Committee webpage to get your meeting invitation. 

Read More

• Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Neighbor to Neighbor program offers local support system for asylum-seekers
• World Council of Churches Assembly opens with hopes for ‘a new beginning’
• Q&A: Julia Ayala Harris, new House of Deputies president, on priorities, representation and ‘falling in love’ with The Episcopal Church
• Sharing God's Good News, September 17, 9:00am-2:30pm
• Cursillo Weekend, October 27-30
• Summer Snacks - VBS

Help Ukrainian Refugees



Episcopal Relief & Development continues to work with Anglican and ecumenical partners to provide aid to people displaced by the crisis in Ukraine. 

Please click the button below to donate:

760 First Ave   Chula Vista, CA   91910

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