Thursday, July 30, 2020

 

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.  

Obituary: Rev. Dr. Albert William Stott, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Albert William Stott, Jr. transitioned 
this life to Life Eternal on July 22 as a result of complications due to pneumonia. He is survived by his younger brother, Ronald C. Stott, daughter, Kimberly E. Stott, son, Albert W. Stott III (Bill) and Bill's wife, Kara E. Stott, granddaughter Madison E. Stott, and grandson Austin W. Stott. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Ayako Katayama, and his true life partner, Anne Grignon. Al is pre-deceased by his father, Albert W. Stott, mother Irene H. Stott (Roth), older brother, Richard R. Stott, and Al's first wife, Deborah E. Stott.
Al was born January 3, 1939 in Germantown, Philadelphia, attended General Louis Wagner High School, and graduated from Central High School.  He attended Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA where he was Class Secretary for all four years, played center and right tackle on the football team, and was also a member and officer of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.  Al graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with minors in Education and Psychology.  Three months after graduation, Al and his fiancĂ©, Deborah, a recent graduate of Hood College, were united in marriage.  
Al went on to study the ordained ministry at The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.  Debbie taught Home Economics at Central Bucks High School, and Al worked as a Fuller Brush Man while attending Seminary.  Upon the birth of their first child, Kimberly, Al and Debbie took a position as resident caretakers for the Midway Volunteer Fire Company in Lahaska, PA and became dispatchers for the Buckingham Township, New Hope and Washington's Crossing police agencies. 
While in seminary, Al joined the US Naval Reserve as an Ensign.  Upon graduation, Al accepted a commission as a Lt. Junior Grade in the US Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps.   Simultaneously, he was called to be the Assistant Pastor at Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing, PA, a position he held while attending weekly drills at the Navy / Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Reading, PA.  Al's son, Bill, was born during this time.  Al was subsequently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.  After serving the congregation for 3 years, he accepted a 3-year active duty assignment with the US Navy beginning in June 1966.  His first duty assignment was Squadron Chaplain, Destroyer Squadron Five, San Diego, CA.  Al was deployed with Squadron Five in the combat zone in Vietnam from Oct. 1967 - April 1968.  His subsequent tour was at Naval Air Station North Island, where Al was promoted to Lt. Commander and was augmented into the regular Navy.  Al earned a master's degree in leadership & Human Behavior from United States International University during this time.  Al subsequently received orders to return to the Vietnam War as Chaplain, US Naval Construction Battalion Unit 302 (Seabees) in the Saigon region. Al provided spiritual support to nineteen Seabee and river patrol (Swift Boats) units during his one-year in-country tour.
Al subsequently received orders to US Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, where he served as Chaplain to the US Marines Basic School, as well as the FBI Academy and National Police Academy.  Al's wife, Debbie, passed away suddenly in 1975.  This was a devastating loss for Al and his young children to lose their dear wife and mother.  Al remained a single parent, caring for his children while remaining on active duty in the USN for the following 10 years.
Al was assigned to Norfolk, Virginia, where he was promoted to Commander in 1976 while serving sea duty with the Atlantic Fleet Religious Support Activity.  Al also earned his Doctor of Ministry (Dmin) from McCormick Theological Seminary during this time.  Al's subsequent assignments in Virginia were Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek and CREEDO, Norfolk, where he was promoted to rank of Captain.  Al was then assigned to the role of Command Chaplain, for US Naval Forces, Yokosuka, Japan, with a subsequent tour in Port Hueneme, CA as Command Chaplain for the Naval Construction Battalion Center.  Al married Ayako Katayama, and returned to Japan subsequently to serve another tour in his prior capacity.  After 30 years of distinguished service, Al retired from the Navy in October 1992.  
One of Al's favorite sayings was 'a rolling stone gathers no moss', which characterizes his next chapter in his life: Executive Director at Tokyo English Lifeline in Japan, and then a move back to San Diego to pursue full-time studies and ultimately graduating from USIU with a PhD in Psychology.  Al subsequently became a faculty member at University of Phoenix at multiple campuses in California, while providing counseling at the New Life Counseling Center in San Diego.  Al also served as interim pastor at a number of Lutheran congregations in San Diego and was licensed to serve as interim pastor by the Episcopal Diocese at St. John's Episcopal Church, Chula Vista, for a number of years.  Al loved serving the congregations at St. John's Episcopal and Resurrection Lutheran Churches, and ultimately considered St. John's as his home church.  It is indeed fitting that a man who energetically served communities of all faiths across the world as a Naval Chaplain for 30 years, found his final home with a church not of his original denomination.  
While Al's titles, credentials, degrees, medals, ribbons, certificates, commendations, awards, duty assignments, and ultimate contributions to this world have been immeasurable by any standard, we choose to think of him in his most impactful capacities of all: dad, grandpa, and true love.  Al took great pride and joy in the lives and successes of his children and grandchildren.  He dearly loved us and his life-partner and true love, Anne, until his final breaths in this world.  We are deeply saddened by his sudden illness and passing, and will miss him and remember him for all days to come.  Dad loved to share the Irish blessing as the benediction at his services, and it has become a family favorite: 'May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand'.  Amen
 
Remembrances:

When I think of my wonderful friend, The Rev. Dr. 
Albert Stott,   I think of a kind,  loving, and thoughtful person. He loved the MOSJC  (Men of St.John's Church) group. At our annual Christmas Party,  he always brought a ham for our potluck supper. He would stand at the end  of the island in our kitchen, and slice it with his electric knife. He really enjoyed  putting on parties at his home too, particularly St.Patrick's Day and  Oktoberfest ones. Ted Garcia wore his Oktoberfest lederhosen outfit and played  his trumpet, too. Al was very proud of being a Navy Chaplain, serving three  tours of duty with the Marine Corps in the Vietnam War, and providing Chaplain  visits to Navy ships. He retired with the rank of Navy Captain, a very difficult rank  to obtain. He held two Doctorate degrees too and taught university level courses. 
He was also very supportive of veterans like me. Al was also a super organized
person and always a loving pastor. I loved Al and I will always miss my dear
friend. I'm sure The Lord welcomed him into his kingdom with open arms, and said,  "well done good and faithful servant!" 

-The Rev.  Jack Tolley

Al was a very compassionate and caring individual. 
Al respected everyone and everyone respected him. His love of God was very evident by how he lived his life.
Al brought joy into our lives. He officiated at Dees and my 50th renewal vows, our 50th anniversary celebration and most recently helped Dee and I get through the most difficult time of our lives. Dee was told she had terminal cancer and probably had six months to live. Al was there through it all. He visited us and provided communion. He counseled both of us and when she passed, he spearheaded her final service with the support of all the priest at St Johns Episcopal Church.
He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Words cannot describe his love, caring and compassion for all. He truly lived the life God wanted for
him. 

-Barb Oliveira

He loved to travel, was a big fan of Germany as well as loved German food, when we last spoke he was planning a trip to Germany. Also was a big fan of the Chicken Parmesan from Italgo Pasta Bar on Broadway in Chula Vista. He was a professional Chef when it came to Corned Beef and Cabbage, and had the men of St. John's looking forward to the celebratory St. Patrick's dinner that he would host every year and feed us with his award winning Corned Beef recipe, it was The BEST. He was a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan and proudly stood behind them no matter what. 
Oh yea and then there are the Maryland Crab Cakes.... Can't forget them, he loved them, was a huge fan of them and would order them on-line to satisfy his craving.

-Mark Higginbotham
 
Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. Al Stott-Postponed

With deep regret, the service of Celebration of Life for Rev. Al Stott had to be postponed.  A service will be planned for a future date.

Rev. Al's grandson, Austin, has been admitted to the hospital with sepsis (high fever and high white blood cell count).  The family is very concerned and needs to attend to their son.

Please keep Austin and Al's family in your prayers during this difficult time.  We pray for God's guidance and a speedy recovery.


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 servant, Austin, 
that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; 
and that, his health being renewed, 
he may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Scripture Readings For the Week

Readings for Sunday, August 2, 2020

Isaiah 55:1-5
Psalm 145:8-9, 15-22
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
 
Bulletin for Sunday, August 2
 
Facebook Link for Sunday Service: St. John's Facebook Page
St. John's website:  saint-johns.org

Coffee Hour

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!

   
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:
 
Prayer Quilt Ministry
 
The leaders of the Prayer Quilt Ministry would like to remind 
you that they remain available for anyone in need of a quilt. This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness. Please contact Christy Gollihur directly or through the office. (Her cell is 619-227-8038.)
 
Thank You
 
The Prayers and Squares quilting  group of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church thanks Norma Dunn for passing on Emma Gonzalez' block pieces and unfinished tops. Thanks to Judy Butcher for introducing Norma to a member of this group and taking the materials to them. Other remnants of Emma's quilting materials went to Pam Brittain and some will go to Linda Dennehy in the future.  We are grateful to Emma's family for this generous donation of her craft materials.
 
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, 
please call 619-301-0724 or email  [email protected]

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, Bill, Barbara,  Dean, Jan,
Sarah, Rob, Austin, George, Fr. Jack and Sarah,
and for all first responders, medical professionals, 
essential workers and their families.

For the repose of the soul of Rob McKay.
May light perpetual shine on him.

For Churches in Transition in our Diocese

Christ Church, Coronado
St. Paul, Palm Springs
All Saints', Vista

The Passing of Rob McKay

It is with sadness that we inform you that Judy McKay's son, Rob, passed away on Tuesday at approximately 3:30pm.

Rob was diagnosed with cancer and has been suffering from multiple conditions related to the cancer.
Judy and family were able to spend time with Rob before his passing.

Please keep Judy and her family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time of grief.
 
Notes of care and sympathy may be sent to:
Judy McKay
668 Mariposa Circle
Chula Vista, CA  91910

 
Stewardship
 
Stewardship is about the offering of our time, talent and treasureThank 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.

Cursillo: Virtual Ultreya, July 25

Greetings from the San Diego Episcopal Cursillo Ministry!  The newest Ultreya Video is now available. 

San Diego Episcopal Cursillo Ultreya July 25, 2020
San Diego Episcopal Cursillo Ultreya July 25, 2020


  • Witness: Kit Chevalier
  • Echo: Larry Salvadori
  • Scriptural Response: Fr. Paul Gambling
  • Music: Laurie Mumford and Alex Tuttle
  • Host: Ruben Rodriguez
This and past Ultreyas can be found at  sdcursillo.org

Opportunity for Service

St. Mark's, City Heights, is feeding hungry families at an unprecedented rate. They need 150 bags a week to accomplish their work. You can leave large paper bags and reusable plastic bags outside Norma Dunn's house (1206 Corte de la Vela, Chula Vista, 91910) and she will deliver them to St. Mark's. 

Current office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday.
If you need assistance, please email Maria Love: 


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.
 
The Vestry

David Dennehy,  Senior Warden
619-840-9994 
[email protected]
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:

Rev. Roger's Office Hours
 
Rev. Roger will be available, but working from home on Mondays and Tuesdays  and in the office all day on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  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.


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.

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
 
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

In this issue
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Contact Information
phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/301-0724
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