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Thursday, August 27, 2020
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Celebration of Life: Fr. Jack Tolley
The Celebration of Life for Fr. Jack will be on  Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 11:00am in the courtyard at St. John's. Bishop Susan has extended her support and prayers and will be with us to celebrate the Rite of Burial.
The liturgy will be streamed live on the St. John's website
Sarah and the family have requested that memorials be made to St. John's Episcopal Church in honor of Fr. Jack.
Please keep Sarah, John, Craig and our parish family in your prayers during this difficult time.
O God, of grace and glory,
we remember before you this day our brother, Jack.
We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends,
to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage.
In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn.
Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life,
so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth,
until, by your call, we are reunited with those have gone before us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Celebration of Baptism
We celebrate the baptism of Lauren Ysabelle R. Gapuz 
We receive you into the household of God.
Confess the faith of Christ crucified,
proclaim his resurrection,
and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
Candidate for Baptism Lauren Ysabelle R. Gapuz
Parents Ramil C. and Joan Lorenzana R. Gapuz
Godparents John Lawrence C. and Mara Melizze B. Ramos
Godparents by Proxy Jayson Ron and Michelle Muncal
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Scripture Readings For the Week
Readings for Sunday, August 30, 2020
Psalm 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21
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Meditation on Matthew 16:21-28:
Jesus, did you really mean it?
Once again we hear Jesus asking his followers to do that 
which the modern western world does not condone: the thought of denying or limiting oneself. Indeed, a naìˆve reading of today's gospel could very well lead one to conclude that Christian faith is an oppressive force in human life. "Deny myself? Are you kidding me?" Hasn't that been what men have demanded of women for thousands of years? Wasn't that what people thrown into slavery were forced to do? Isn't that what sexual minorities suffer under the power of heterosexual normativity? Honestly, isn't the only valuable human calling this to express oneself as freely as possible, to reach my full potential, to be your very best self? "Deny yourself and take up your cross." Jesus, did you really mean it?
It's important to note that Jesus refers to his disciples as followers, as those who come after or behind their leader. To follow is to refuse the impulse to place oneself ahead of or in place of the leader. To follow another is to refuse the impulse to think you can tell God and God's agent, Jesus, how God's purposes in the world are best accomplished. The creature is not the Creator.
It's also important to keep in mind that this story begins with Peter's refusal. He doesn't want to imagine that Jesus' commitment to the Reign of God and Jesus' actions that express such a commitment will get him into trouble. Peter resists the notion that giving his loyalty or faith to the Reign of God in human life might lead to suffering from those who are loyal to the kingdoms of this world: loyal to and thirsty for power over others, guided by their ambitions alone, hungry for social status at all costs.
To be a follower or disciple of Jesus is to live fully and with focused intention the Way of Love and Justice proclaimed and embodied by Jesus.
To be a disciple is to recognize clearly that this Way of Love and Justice does not come naturally to humankind and is resisted by some in positions of power and some other cultures.
To deny oneself, then, is to step back from this way of living in the world. To deny oneself is to refuse any acceptance of the values and practices of this world that conflict with those of Jesus and his Way of Love and Justice. To take up one's cross, then, does not mean that just any trouble or burden one might experience is a cross: that would reduce the cross to just about anything and miss the point of the story.
As the gospel writers present it, to take up the cross is to recognize clearly that one's following the Way of Love and Justice today may well get one into "good trouble" with one's relatives, bosses, colleagues, the police, political leaders, and church people who would prefer that you step back from the Way and just shut up, blend in, stop stirring the waters. But, then, remember: in Holy Baptism that cross was marked on our foreheads. The question that confronts us is this: How is power and meaning of the cross taking effect in our lives today?
"Jesus, did you really mean it?" Fr. Samuel Torvend, with gratitude for Warren Carter,
Matthew in the Margins: A Socio-political and Religious Reading (Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2001)
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Meditation Garden
Our Meditation Garden was recently spruced up! Cliff Berkowitz and Mark Higgenbotham designed and implemented a "phase 1" of small changes which included 14 new Mexican Heather plants, potted roses, and some other greenery. The whole area was also trimmed, raked, cleaned, and mulched. A special thanks to Nancy Painter, Judy Butcher, Tina Hughes, Tim Attaway and Ramon Laconico for braving a warm, humid day to help transform this beautiful space!
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 This is a time to reconnect, socialize, see friends,
and support one another during this time.
Following the Dismissal and Postlude, we will gather as family and friends of St. John's for a virtual time to be together - "Coffee Hour". So bring your coffee, tea, juice and whatever pastry you want to eat and join us for our Zoom Coffee Hour.
You will be sent the Zoom link prior to Sunday. Click on the link (or enter the identification number if you already have Zoom). If you have never been on a Zoom session you may be asked to download a small program or application.
For security purpose, you will be put into a "waiting room", where the host (me) will let you in.
In Zoom, "Gallery View" view will allow you to see the most amount of people.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
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Join the Diocesan-Wide Worship Service
We invite and encourage you to join  Bishop Susan Brown Snook for the Diocesan Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 6. It's a time for the diocese to come together and join with other Episcopalians throughout our diocese for worship.
Individuals may access it from the Diocesan Facebook page. Bishop Susan will preside and preach, recording from St. Paul's Cathedral. Music and prayers will be in English and Spanish, with a bulletin available in both languages. It's a day for our diocese to come together in worship and thanksgiving!
We are encouraging all members of St. John's to attend this diocesan worship service. It will be great to gather with bishop Susan and others from around the diocese. We will not be having our service that Sunday from St. John's.
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Wednesday Morning Prayer
Join us for Wednesday Morning Prayer and Bible Study 
on Wednesdays at 9:30 am as a Zoom meeting.
Please contact Rev. Cathey ([email protected])
to be included in the Zoom meeting, or to update your info, if she does not have your current email.
The Morning Prayer guide can be found here:
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Prayers
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.
We Are Available in Your Time of Need If you have a pastoral emergency when the parish offices are closed,
Prayer List
Today and every day include some time for prayer, for yourself,
for your church family, and for those in need.
For our Military
Matt, Drew, Cody, Cameron, Chariti,
Mark, Sean, Jonathan, TK, Christopher,
Timothy, Jeremy, David, Jonathan, Nick,
Jamal, Matt, Daniel, Jocelyn, Devon,
Taylor, Jorge, Katherine, Sebastian and Richie.
For Strength in Time of Need
Scott, Betty, Barbara, Dean, Rob, Austin,
George, Sarah, Norma, Paul and Laura,
and for all first responders, medical professionals,
essential workers and their families.
For the repose of the souls of Fr. Jack Tolley and Robert Bailey
For Churches in Transition in our Diocese
Christ Church, Coronado
St. Paul, Palm Springs
All Saints', Vista
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A Prayer for the Power of the Spirit
among the People of God
God of all power and love, we give thanks for your unfailing presence
and the hope you provide in times of uncertainty and loss.
Send your Holy Spirit to enkindle in us your holy fire.
Revive us to live as Christ's body in the world:
a people who pray, worship, learn, break bread, share life, heal neighbors, bear good news, seek justice, rest and grow in the Spirit.
Wherever and however we gather,
unite us in common prayer and send us in common mission,
that we and the whole creation might be restored and renewed,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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 Stewardship
Stewardship is about the offering of our time, talent and treasure. Thank you to those who make the work and ministry of St. John's continue.
We have made it even more convenient to give online. You can find a "Give Now" button on our St. John's website: www.saint-johns.org
There are 4 other ways to stay current on your pledge:
1) US mail
2) the secured mail slot next to the parish office door on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9:00am and 3:00pm
3) Sally can add an automatic credit or debit payment by providing to her in writing the necessary information (bank name, account number, expiration date and amount to be withdrawn,
4) you can go to your bank (physically or on line) to set up an automatic payment to St. John's by bank check once a month.
If you need help with any of these options, please contact Sally via email ( [email protected]) or phone call to the office on Thursdays for assistance.
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Upcoming Events at St. John's
September 6 Diocesan Wide Worship Service:
No Worship Service at St. John's
September 7 Office Holiday: Labor Day
September 20 Bishop Susan Snook Annual Episcopal Visit to St. John's
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Current office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday.
If you need assistance, please email Maria Love:
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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, foregoing the common cup and refraining from congregational singing.
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The Vestry
David Dennehy, Senior Warden
Mark Higginbotham, Junior Warden
619-861-5510
Terry Farrelly, Treasurer
Diane Gustafson, Clerk
Pamela Brittain
Ray Contreras
Mark Higginbotham
Muriel Kulikowski
Jim McDevitt
Judy McKay
Lynn Young
Approved Minutes for the June 17th Vestry meeting can be found here:
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Rev. Roger's Office Hours
Rev. Roger will be in the office Monday through 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.
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To our Saint John's Family:
Here is your weekly newsletter highlighting 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 and Sunday bulletin.
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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.
Safeguarding God's People
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May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May God's face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May God give you the grace never to sell yourself short;
Grace to risk something big for something good;
Grace to remember that the world is too dangerous for anything but truth
And too small for anything but love.
So, may God take your minds and think through them;
May God take your lips and speak through them;
May God take your hearts and set them on fire.
-William Sloane Coffin
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Contact Information
phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/301-0724 |
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