Thursday, July 2, 2020

 

Prayer For Our Country

Almighty God, who has made all peoples of the earth for your glory,  to serve you in freedom and peace: grant to the people of our country  a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. You have given us this country for our heritage: bless our land with honorable industry,  sound learning, and pure manners.

Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance,
and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.
Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home,
and that, through obedience to your law of love, we may show forth
your praise among the nations of the earth.

In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, let our trust in you never waver;
all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.
 
Reflection on the Statue of Liberty
 
On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was
dedicated.  The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States.  As you may know the statue is a figure of Libertas, the robed, Roman liberty goddess.  She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tablet is inscribed with Roman numerals July 4, 1776, the date of our Declaration of Independence.  A broken shackle and chain lie at her feet as she walks forward, commemorating the national abolition of slavery.  The statue became an icon of freedom for the United States and is seen as a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving by sea.    
 
On the base of the statue is a sonnet written by American poet Emma Lazarus in 1883.  In 1903, the poem was cast onto a bronze plaque and mounted inside the pedestal's lower level.

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"


What things in our lives enslave us?
How do we show a sign of welcome to our neighbors?

In-Person Worship Suspended
A Letter From Bishop Susan Brown Snook
 
Dear Friends in Christ,

I am writing to you with regret to ask you once more to suspend in-person worship at our churches during the month of July. This decision does not come without significant prayer, discussion, and deep thought. As you may know, the governor of California today instituted broad restrictions on in-person gatherings in Imperial and Riverside Counties, and Arizona's caseload is very high and increasing rapidly. San Diego County was not affected by the governor's order, but also has tightened restrictions; the number of new cases per day in San Diego County is now almost four times as high as when I first allowed in-person worship to resume on June 21. Although the governor is still allowing churches to meet, I cannot justify taking this risk with our members' health, or encouraging our members to believe that gathering in groups is safe, even with all the careful precautions our parishes have instituted.

I know how hard you all have worked to create safe plans for restarting in-person worship. I had the opportunity do my first in-person visitation since March on Sunday, June 28, to St. Francis Pauma Valley. I had not realized how much I missed in-person worship until my experience with that lovely congregation. Celebrating the Eucharist and preaching to a live congregation after so long was a deeply emotional experience for me. And yet, despite the fact that the congregation took every precaution and was vigilant about masking and distancing, I was aware that all of us were taking a risk by being there. I have spent much time in prayer since then, as well as paying close attention to the rise in cases, and I think God is asking us to take a season away from in-person worship for the sake of our people and our community.

I am so grateful to all of you who have worked, prayed, and ministered through this time of suffering for so many in our community. I know that the Holy Spirit is still at work in our churches, and I pray for all of you.

In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
 
Scripture Readings For the Week

Readings for Sunday, July 5, 2020

Zecariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-15
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew  11:16-19,25-30
 
Bulletin for Sunday, July 5
 
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

Please let us know if you have a birthday or anniversary during the coming week, so that we can recognize you during our Worship Service on Sunday.

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
and for all first responders, medical professionals, 
essential workers and their families.

For the repose of the soul of Leslie O'Donnell, friend of Jeff Bates.
May light perpetual shine on her.

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
 
There certainly is a lot of shouting going on in the United States nowadays. Perry Mullins is the rector of Saint Peter's Church in McKinney, Texas. 
He wrote a thoughtful article on shouting in the June 26, 2020 issue of "Forward Day by Day." I thought you would enjoy it.
Blessings and love to all, Fr. Jack. 
 
Mathew 20:31. The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet,
but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David."
 
There is a lot of shouting in our world today. Some of it is good, but most isn't. Far too often, we shout at one another on social media or in the news, building soundbites but not community or cooperation. We have forgotten what things we should shout for, and we have begun to shout for anything. The result is noise. The sort of shouting exalted in scripture is the kind that begs for mercy, the kind that that praises God and proclaims justice and love in the face of oppression and hatred. Our shouts won't produce great soundbites, and they won't win arguments, but they will be heard on high. If we remain silent about those things that really ought to matter most, the stones will cry out.
 
MOVING FORWARD: Ask God to help quiet your anxiety and build you up to shout for the right things in this world.
 
Thank You

Florence Cooper sends a big "thank you" to everyone who sent a card for her birthday.
 
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: 


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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