Thursday, October 15, 2020

 

Prayer for Stewardship

 

Generous and loving God, we come to you in thanksgiving,
knowing that all we are and all that we have is a gift from you.
In faith and love, help us to do your will. We are listening.
Speak your words into the depth of our souls,
that we may hear you clearly.
 
We offer to you this day all the facets of our lives,
whether it be at home, at work, or at school.
We seek to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy.
Give us the wisdom and insight to understand your will for us
and the fervor to carry out our good intentions.
We offer our gifts of time, talent and possessions to you
as a true act of faith, to reflect our love for you and our neighbors.
Help us to reach out to others as you have reached out to us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

2020 Stewardship Campaign
 
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God,
serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.- 1 Peter 4:10
 
This week, we will kick off our 2020 Stewardship Campaign. The theme for our Stewardship Campaign is Time, Talent, Treasure. While St. John's needs your monetary pledge, we hope that you will also participate in parish activities using your time and talents, your own spiritual gifts. Our stewardship campaign this year is focused on the gifts that God has given us and our call to service.
 
Each week of the campaign, we will have the opportunity to hear from members of the parish about their own gifts that they have been given by God and how they choose to share those gifts with St. John's and the broader community. A written reflection will appear in the E-Newsletter and a spoken reflection will be heard at our Sunday liturgy.
 
God has given each of us one or more spiritual gifts. On Sunday, October 25th, Diane Gustafson will facilitate a Zoom session leading a discovery of one's spiritual gifts using the Spiritual Gifts Tool. If you would like to participate in this discovery and discernment process, please contact Diane Gustafson
([email protected]) or notify Maria Love. A Zoom link will be sent out prior to that Sunday meeting.
 
The Spiritual Gifts Tool may be found on our St. John's website - www.saint-johns.org - click on "Grow"; then click on "Spiritual Gifts"; then scroll to the bottom to find the button (link) to the Spiritual Gifts Tool. You can print the tool from there. If you do not have a printer or do not have internet access and would like a Spiritual Gifts Tool mailed to you, please contact Maria in the parish office (619-422-4141).
 
Stewardship is not only about treasure; it is also our time and talent. Yes, we do need your generous contributions to operate the parish, but we also need your time and talent to bring forth the mission of the Church - serving one another in love. We will explore the ways that our generosity is inspired by our faith, how we are formed and led into relationship with each other as we share our gifts with the world.
 
God has given you a gift. Please don't leave it unopened.

Stewardship Reflection
Diane Gustafson
 
My spiritual gifts are Administration, Leadership, and
Writing (highest scores on the assessment), plus Exhortation (encouragement), Faith, Intercession (prayer), and Music - Instrumental. Knowing these has helped me to find my "niche" at St. John's.
 
Several years ago Fr. David Marshall asked me to organize a Ministry Fair. Because of my gift of Administration, I believed that I could do that well. The gift of Leadership led me to become part of the Vestry team. I have published three books of fiction and enjoy writing articles for the e-newsletter.
 
Because of my gift of Intercession, I have answered the call by my dear friend Flo Looney to train to become a Daughter of the King.
 
The one gift I have not yet used at St. John's is Music - Instrumental. I started to play the fiddle about three years ago but am not very good at it. I love playing percussion instruments like drum, tambourine, and shaker and take part in a Slow Jam group through the Oasis program. I would welcome an opportunity to play at church in the future.
 
Knowing what my gifts are not is helpful, too. I don't have to have any qualms about not joining the choir (the world breathes a collective sigh of relief!) or helping to wash feet on Maundy Thursday because of my very low scores in Music - Vocal and Mercy.
 
I scored low in Hospitality as well. Hosting a party is very difficult for me; I would agonize that it wouldn't be a success. One of my friends laughingly says that "Diane didn't get the hospitality gene", but it's the spiritual gift of Hospitality that I lack. I can refuse to host an event by saying "Sorry, it's not my gift."  
 
The strange thing is that I love to cook and love to help someone else make an event a success.
 
I love helping other people discover their spiritual gifts! That may be my gift of Faith at work. Not taking the opportunity to discover one's gifts is like leaving a beautiful package unwrapped on Christmas.
 
During the coming weeks, I hope you will be moved to take the assessment if you haven't already. We can do it as a group via a Zoom session or I can work with you one-on-one on the telephone.

Ed Wilson

It is with great sadness that we inform you that  Ed Wilson passed away peacefully Sunday evening in his home with family present.

It is with grateful hearts and faith that we now entrust Ed into the loving embrace and care of God.

During this time of grieving, please keep Ed's family in your prayers.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Ed.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, 
a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, 
a sinner of your own redeeming.  
Receive him into the arms of your mercy, 
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, 
and into the glorious company of the saints in light.  Amen.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon him.

May his soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.


Notes of care and sympathy may be sent to:

The Family of Ed Wilson
5016 Tiselle Way
San Diego, CA  92105

The Celebration of Life for Ed Wilson will be on Friday, October 23rd at 11:00am.  Please call the office or email Maria ([email protected]) with your name and the number in your party if you are planning to attend.

 
Celebration of Life: Mark Higginbotham
 
The Celebration of Life for Mark Higginbotham will be on   
Saturday,  October 24th at 11:00 am.

Please call the office or email Maria ([email protected]) with your name and the number in your party if you are planning to attend.
 
Scripture Readings For the Week

Readings for Sunday, October 18, 2020

Isaiah 45:1-7
Psalm 96:1-9
Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
 
Facebook Link for Sunday Service:  Saint John's Episcopal Church
St. John's website: saint-johns.org

 
In-Person Worship Services 
 
The parish of St. John's had been given permission by Bishop Susan to gather outdoors for our in-person worship.  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 Sunday, 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.


Upcoming Events at St. John's

October 18

Stewardship Drive Begins
October 23
11:00 am
Celebration of Life, Ed Wilson
  please call or email Maria if you plan to attend
October 24
11:00 am
Celebration of Life, Mark Higginbotham
  please call or email Maria if you plan to attend
October 25
 9:00 am
Sunday Eucharist with the Celebration of Baptism of Davis James Sitter
November 1

Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 1
 9:00 am
Sunday Eucharist for All Saints' Day 
November 11

Veteran's Day; Office Holiday

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, Dean, Norma, Sonja, Steve, Sarah, Tom, Ann,
and for all first responders, medical professionals, 
essential workers and their families.

For the repose of the soul of Ed Wilson.
May light perpetual shine on him.

For Churches in Transition in our Diocese

St. Paul, Palm Springs
All Saints', Vista

Prayer for an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of a president and other officials and representatives; give us clarity in our electoral process in the weeks ahead; give us the gift of a peaceful election; and grant us clear understanding of our electoral results; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 adapted from BCP p. 822

Thank You, St. John's
 
Dear Rev. Haenke and the St. John's Vestry,

Thank you for your exceptional generosity and    thoughtfulness in sponsoring a youth mission trip to Mexico.  Your donation will mean two very important things are possible:


1. Every young person, regardless of means, will be able to go on the trip.
2. We will be able to accomplish even more in the communities in which we are based.

I am exceptionally grateful, as I am sure the delegation will be!
Thank you again!

Charlette Preslar
Youth Missioner

Bunches and Bunches of Love for You, St. John's Parish!

Wow, you amaze and inspire me.  In this pandemic-ridden
and sometimes cruel world, you shine forth with such kindness and compassion.
I was blown away when the Bishop told me you'd made a gift to the children of Vida Joven.  You couldn't have known how needed and appreciated your gift would be.  Thanks to you, every child is going to have the computers they need for online school this fall.
You're not only rescuing abandoned children from the street.  You're giving them the education they need to rise above a life of poverty.
How blessed these children are to have you on their side, St. John's.

Love,
Beth Beall
Executive Director, Vida Joven

Words of love and appreciation for you from two of the junior high girls:

Hi, my name is Esther.  I need say you thanks you for the support that you give us with the church.  I love you and thanks you for my laptop.

Hi, my name is Karla, Only I say thanks for your support... and thanks for my iPad.  XOXO
 
Episcopal Relief and Development
What Would Love Do: 1000 Days of Love

Love calls us to care for our neighbors and for our enemies. Love calls us to attend to those in prison, to those who are homeless, to those in poverty, to children, immigrants and refugees.

What would love do? To you, who so generously support the transformative work of Episcopal Relief & Development, love calls you to continue to sow seeds of lasting change

Visit Episcopal Relief and Development: One Thousand Days of Love to see how you can help.

 
Camp Stevens Online Auction
 
Camp Stevens will post on social media on Thursday 
when each week's items are ready for bidding. 

How to Make a Bid:

Log on to the auction website Camp Stevens Acorns to Oak 2020 and register as a bidder.

Each item has a starting bid and increments as well as a "buy now" option.
The system will notify you if one of your items receives new bids.

Bidding closes on October 31 and winners will be notified right away.


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 
Terry Farrelly, Treasurer
Diane Gustafson, Clerk
Pamela Brittain
Ray Contreras
Muriel Kulikowski
Jim McDevitt
Judy McKay
Lynn Young



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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