Thursday, July 9, 2020

 

Prayer For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
 through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; 
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; 
break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; 
and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  
 
Reflection on Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

This Sunday we hear the familiar parable of 
"the sower and the seed." Jesus tells his disciples that the "seed sown on the path" is anyone who hears the Word of the Kingdom. However, if they do not understand this "Word," the seed will be stolen from the person's heart!

Jesus then speaks about the "seed sown in rocky ground." This is a person who joyfully takes "the word to heart." However, after some time has passed, the person may have forgotten the word or grown weary. Perhaps, the seed was not rooted well and thus, it begins to wilt. Thus, when trials or difficulties come because of the "word," the person typically reverts to his/her former life.

Jesus then uses the analogy of thorns (riches). This individual hears the word. However, when anxiety or the lure of riches disturb him/her, the desire for the seed is choked to death by these "thorns." Thus, the seed is unable to bear any fruit.

Then Jesus speaks of the "seed sown in good soil." This seed is the individual who not only "hears the word" but this is a person who also understands the "word." These individuals open their hearts to the seed and allow the seed to grow within them. These individuals will bear much fruit!

Now ask yourself: which "seed" experience do you identify with?

Perhaps, we react in all three ways at various times and in different situations. Do we want to strengthen our dedication to "hear the word" and also to "understand the word?" If so, what will help you in this endeavor: more prayer time, talking to a trusted friend, or consciously connecting with God or Jesus throughout our day?

We are invite you to nurture the "seed" that is within us. As this seed opens within, allow the roots to delve deep into your heart! You will bear abundant, wholesome and tasty fruit!  God's grace is with you!

Scripture Readings For the Week

Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2020

Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm 65:9-14
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
 
Bulletin for Sunday, July 12
 
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 (revcat@gmail.com)
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  revroger@saint-johns.org

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, Rob, Bill, Barbara,  Dean,
Brian, Ed, Fr. Jack and Sarah, Jan, Sarah, Fr. Al Stott,
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 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 ( sally@saint-johns.org) or phone call to the office on Thursdays for assistance.

From the Prayer Journal of Fr. Jack Tolley
 
"Nothing compares to hanging out with Jesus." 
That's  what Marlene Legaspi-Munar writes in "Mornings  with Jesus" on July 6, 2020. Nothing compares with it.   I thought you would enjoy her reflection as much as I  did. Blessings, love, and hugs from a safe distance, Fr. Jack.

 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door,
 I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 
Revelation 3:20  

"When I thought about it more, I realized that people have  always struggled with feeling left out - long before social  media ever existed or the term FOMO, Fear of Missing Out,  was created.   The Bible says it's not wise to compare ourselves to others  (Galatians 6:4), but we do it anyway. We feel envious and want  what others have, forgetting that God has created blessings just  for us. We worry about missing out on important social activities.   We make wrong choices while others seem to succeed. But as I  make time for Jesus and become more intimate with my Perfect  Friend - He assures me I am not missing out. The more time I  spend with Jesus, the more my heart knows there's no worldly  thing that could  ever compete with Him. 
He reminds me not to worry  (Matthew 6:34), 
to be grateful for what I have (Philippians 4:12-13),
and to trust His plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11). 
Spending time  with Jesus is one thing I wouldn't miss for the world 
- nothing  compares to hanging out with Him."

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless." 
                          Mother Teresa

 
Scam Alert
 
St. John's parishioners have recently been targeted with scam emails pretending to be Rev. Roger and asking for a favor.  Rev. Roger and the office staff would never communicate to our parishioners in this way.  If you receive any email that is not from a "saint-johns.org" email address, please do not respond to it.  Delete it immediately.

Craft Supplies Available
 
A message from Norma Dunn:
Emma Gonzales, a long-time parishioner of St. John's, was an expert quilter and crafts person.  Some of her supplies have been handed over to me by her husband for disposal.  Her finished quilts I intend to save for future fundraisers at St. John's when they will be donated in Emma's name.  Her unfinished quilts are available to quilters in the congregation, or their friends, who would like to finish them. One quilt is all cut out and ready to put together!  I also have a box of assorted ribbons and trimmings and a number of felt squares and ties suitable for crafting.  All of these items may be viewed in my garage. 

Please call or email if you are interested: Norma Dunn 619-421-2057; 4nodunn@gmail.com
 
Food Assistance
 
Three great resources for those who need food assistance:

St. Marks in City Heights  has a food pantry that is available to anyone who may need a little extra food to make it through the month. Along with shelf-stable foods, they typically also offer fresh vegetables & fruits.
Open every Wednesday and Thursday from 12-2 PM.

 
JFSSD, Jewish Family Services of San Diego distributes/delivers hot or frozen meals to seniors in need, in SD county. 


South Bay Community Services... free, drive-thru food distribution  They provide produce and some good nutritious staples to anyone in need (Adults). They have other locations on other days, too.


 
 
Opportunities for Service

Donate Snacks to Uptown Safe Haven - The ECS Uptown Safe Haven clients love snacks and treats as they shelter in place together. You can send treats via Amazon or drop them by the house and leave them on the doorstep. 
Address for mailing or dropping off snacks: 
Uptown Safe Haven, Attn: Christina Zeman/UTSH Staff
2822 5th  Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103.

Volunteer with Head Start Food Distribution Program - 
ECS Head Start preschool programs are closed, but we are distributing food to families Tuesday through Friday, 9:15am to 12:30pm, each week and are looking for volunteers to help! This is taking place outside in South Bay, families drive by to get bags of food, and safety precautions are in place. Volunteer roles include helping with set up, break down, directing traffic, and handing bags to families through car windows.

For more info about any of these ECS activities, please contact Deann Rios at 619-694-9892 or  drios@ecscalifornia.org.

* Pill Bottle and Monthly SBCS grocery list collections are currently suspended at St. John'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.
 
Year of Discipleship

In the Diocese of San Diego, Bishop Susan Brown Snook has called us to spend the year 2020 focusing on discipleship: How we grow in faith as followers of Jesus Christ.  Discipleship grows as we adopt spiritual practices for daily living.  Our diocese offers these resources to help you develop spiritual practices as individuals, families, small groups, and full congregations.

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego invites you to  Learn  as part of
The Year of Discipleship 2020. By reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially the life and teachings of Jesus, we draw near to God and God's word dwells in us. When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God's story and God's activity in everyday life.

Find resources for the Learn area of The Way of Love here:  Learn- Discipleship EDSD




Free Entertainment
 
Here is a list of some things to do while you are quarantined at home:

Streaming of operas from the Metropolitan Opera, which are occurring daily.  Go to https://www.metopera.org/ to enjoy the daily streaming available.

The Seattle Symphony is also offering live streaming at this site: https://seattlesymphony.org/

Museums worldwide are offering their exhibits online: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en&tab=pop

One of the pianists who frequently visits our communities has made a free video performance, which you can enjoy by following this link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI_FTFZNGm8

A free class to take at YALE University: https://www.businessinsider.com/coursera-yale-science-of-wellbeing-free-course-review-overview

More Museums offering free virtual tours: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/g31815495/museums-you-can-virtually-tour-right-now/

Free coloring books for adults from 113 museums: http://www.openculture.com/2019/02/download-free-coloring-books-from-113-museums.html

An article with links to a variety of things that are now free: https://www.npr.org/2020/03/20/818670715/getting-bored-heres-a-list-of-free-things-that-werent-free-before-coronavirus
 
The Vestry

David Dennehy,  Senior Warden
619-840-9994 
masterfrog@att.net
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 May 27th 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  maria@saint-johns.org .

Please submit your announcements by Tuesday of each week for inclusion in the Enews and Sunday bulletin.

Emergency Contact Information

If you had a medical emergency at church on Sunday morning, would the Wardens or church  staff know who to contact? If you would like to add someone to St. John's emergency contact  list in case of such an emergency, please contact Maria, our parish secretary (619-422-4141 or
maria@saint-johns.org). A sign-up sheet will also be available in the church lobby to collect this information. Please provide your name, the name of your emergency contact, their relationship to you, their phone number and/or their email address. This is one more way we can show how we love one another.
 
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, (jseitman@pacbell.net), 858-793-4555 or Ms. Equilla Luke, (aequilla@icloud.com), 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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