Thursday, September 17, 2020

 

A Prayer for Persons Suffering
as a Result of a Natural Disaster

Gracious God, 
we pray for all those suffering from the ravages of natural disasters.
Grant them encouragement, strength, fortitude, patience and insight as they struggle with their many losses - material, physical, emotional, and personal - and begin to pick up the pieces and create a new future for themselves, their families, and their community. Be for them a beacon of unwavering hope and confidence that there can and will be a better day. Surround them with your love and the love and compassion of others that they might be sustained in this time of trouble. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

But I shall sing of your strength, extol your mercy at dawn, for you are
                            my fortress, my refuge in time of trouble.        
Psalm 59:17

Celebration of Life for Rev. Al Stott
 
On Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:00, we will 
remember and celebrate the life of Rev. Al Stott.  We will join Anne and Rev. Al's family for this celebration in the courtyard. 

You are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life.  If you plan to attend, please call or email the parish office.  For those of you who are not able to attend, the service will be streamed live on our website at www.saint-johns.org and our Facebook page: Saint John's Episcopal Church

The family has requested donations to St. John's Episcopal Church in lieu of flowers.

 
Annual Episcopal Visit of Bishop Susan
and the Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of Our New Priest-in-Charge 
 
On Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 9:00am, Bishop Susan will join us for our Eucharistic celebration in the courtyard for her Annual Episcopal Visit.  Bishop Susan will preside and preach at this worship service.  During the service we will renew our ministry with Rev. Roger Haenke as we welcome him as our new Priest-in-Charge.  Following the service, Bishop Susan will be available for a conversation with the congregation, both in person and virtual.

You are welcome to attend this special worship service.  If you plan to attend, please call or email the parish office.  Our in-person service will follow the required health guidelines.
For those of you who are not able to attend, the service will be streamed live on our website at www.saint-johns.org and our Facebook page: 
Saint John's Episcopal Church

In-Person Worship Services 
 
In accordance with the health guidelines established by the governor and bishop, we will follow our Re-gathering Action Plan.  

As we gather:
  • we will perform temperature checks and symptom assessment, 
  • we will all wear a face mask 
  • we will use hand sanitizer
  • we will maintain 6 feet social distance
  • we will greet one another verbally, regretfully no physical touch.  
  • our music will be done as solos, (except for those of you at home who can sing as loud as you would like).  
  • we will distribute Holy Communion, the Body of Christ under the form of bread.  
For those of you who are not able to attend because of the guidelines or do not feel comfortable, both of the above worship services will be streamed live on our website at www.saint-johns.org and our Facebook page:
Saint John's Episcopal Church

We will try to make shaded seating available, but it is recommended to wear a hat and sunscreen.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must manage the size of the gathering to ensure the health and safety of all who gather. 

If you plan to attend on Sept 19 or 20th, please contact Maria Love at the the Parish Office (619-422-4141) or by email ([email protected]) with your name and the number of people in your party that will be attending.


Reflection on God's vineyard
by Photina Rech, OSB

Photina Rech (1914-1983) was a Benedictine nun who spent much of her life working in the library of her home, the German Abbey of the Holy Cross. It was there that she wrote her great theology, The Key to the Cosmos: A Symbolism of Creation.

The vineyard is the image of our salvation.  
Grounded in the root of the eternal vine, the people of God rise from the earth, embellishing the entire globe. Like the vine, they are soon adorned with fresh green raiment and budding blossom. They, too, take upon themselves the mild yoke. The vintner is almighty God, the vine is Christ, and we are the branches, bearing fruit in Christ.
 
Already now the whole of the Christian life rises to its fulfillment in a hidden way. "Hail, vineyard of the Lord!" the holy teacher calls out to the church. You have been sanctified not only by the blood of a single individual like Naboth who died for his beloved vineyard (1 Kings 21), but by the blood of countless prophets and the blood of the Lord. He fulfilled the model of Naboth: the fire that had been prepared for his vines, he extinguished with his own blood. You, vineyard of Christ, are planted forever by the death of Christ and many martyrs.
 
In all the vineyards of the earth God saw - and showed to those who can see - the image of our human longing, the sweet fruit of God's own loving devotion to humanity, the bleeding grape that is the incarnate Son who gives himself to the world. O the generosity of God that flows from the crushed grape into the cup and thus into our lives!
 
Scripture Readings For the Week

Readings for Sunday, September 20, 2020

Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
 
Facebook Link for Sunday Service:  Saint John's Episcopal Church
St. John's website: saint-johns.org
 
Cursillo Ultreya

The newest Ultreya Video, in Spanish, is now available here:

San Diego Episcopal Cursillo Ultreya September 13, 2020










This one is brought to you by
  • Witness: Liz Gastelum
  • Echo: Miguel Cosio
  • Scriptural Response:  Lilia Mendoza
  • Music: Alex Tuttle
  • Host: Ruben Rodriguez
Please visit the San Diego Episcopal Cursillo Community website for more information:  sdcursillo.org

Upcoming Events at St. John's

September 19      11:00 am    Rev. Al Stott Memorial Service
September 20      9:00 am     Annual Episcopal Visit of Bishop Susan
 and the Renewal of Ministry with the   Welcoming of Our New Priest-in-Charge 

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:
 
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, Richie and Roberto.

For Strength in Time of Need

Scott, Betty, Barbara, Dean, Sarah, Norma, 
Paul, Laura, Ed and Sonja, Andrew and Barb,
and for all first responders, medical professionals, 
essential workers and their families.

For Churches in Transition in our Diocese

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

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 5 other ways to stay current on your pledge:
1)  The offering plate at our in-person worship services 
2)  US mail
3)  the secured mail slot next to the parish office door on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9:00am and 3:00pm
4)  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, 
5)  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.

Episcopal Relief and Development
 
This disaster season has already proven to be unlike
any other, and Episcopal Relief & Development is working around the clock to help those affected.

As Hurricane Sally threatens the Gulf Coast just weeks after Laura devastated communities, they are helping the dioceses of Western Louisiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Central Gulf Coast prepare for flooding and power outages that are likely to happen amid the storm surge.

And on the West Coast, due to the unprecedented wildfires across three states and where there are currently some of the worst air conditions on the planet, they are helping dioceses ensure people's safety and provide evacuees with shelters that follow COVID-19 health guidelines.

Disaster season is far from over. In order to lend aid to communities, particularly those already vulnerable because of COVID-19,
ERD welcomes your donations to their Disaster Fund: ERD Disaster Fund


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


Rev. Roger's Office Hours
 
Rev. Roger will be in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and all day Wednesday and Friday.  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.

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 
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 July 22nd Vestry meeting can be found here:


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

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phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/301-0724
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