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Wednesday, November 25, 2020
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Thanksgiving Worship Service
Our Thanksgiving Eve Service will be livestreamed 
at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 25th.
You may access the livestreamed service through our St. John's website: www.saint-john's.org
or our Facebook page: Saint John's Episcopal Church.
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First Sunday of Advent
All-powerful and ever-living God, 
our hearts desire the warmth of your love
and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
We watch for the day,
hoping that the salvation promised to us will be ours
when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory.
Increase our longing for Christ our Savior
and give us strength to grow in love,
that the dawn of his coming
may find us rejoicing in his presence
and welcoming the light of his truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
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Advent 2020
Advent is a liturgical season which marks the  beginning of a new church year.
During the Advent season, the church celebrates the coming of Jesus at Christmas and prepares for the return of Christ at the Second Coming. As such, Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation.
During Advent, God's people seek the courage and spiritual strength to remember that the holy breaks into our daily lives. In tiny ways, we open our broken hearts to the healing grace of God, who opens the way to peace. Advent is not a season of passive waiting and watching. It is a season of opening our lives and souls with active anticipation and renewed hope. This Advent season we will have a three-part forum series following our worship service on Zoom. The forums will include information and discussion about the personal preparation for our own eventual death. First Sunday of Advent, November 29th: The theology and scriptural basis for anticipatory preparation and being prepared. (presented by Rev. Roger) Second Sunday of Advent, December 6th: Personal and legal preparation - Advance Directives, Wills and Planned Giving (presented by Gary Powell, Attorney at Law) Third Sunday of Advent, December 13th: Preparation for our liturgical Celebration of Life (presented by Rev. Cathey) Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20th: Preparation and decoration of the church for Christmas (those who feel comfortable, following the health guidelines will gather at the church)
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Our Sunday Worship Services
Because of the rising number of coronavirus cases placing us in the Purple (worst) Zone,
we cannot gather in the church for in-person worship.
We will continue to gather virtually for our worship service of the Word of God and Spiritual Communion. Our service will be livestreamed on the internet.
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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
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 all the gifts that God has given us and our call to serve one another.
Each week of the campaign, we have been hearing 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.
Stewardship is about treasure; and 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.
Pledge Cards have been mailed out. If you did not get one, please reply to this E-News with your address and Maria will add you to the list.
How to pledge:
You may mail or bring your pledge card back to the parish office
You will notice that the Pledge Card has an opportunity for you to indicate ways that you can offer your gift of time and talent.
Stewardship Results Update
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2020
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2021
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Number of pledges
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70
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28
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Treasure amount pledged
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$141,033.00
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$73,190
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Time and Talent responses
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59
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Stewardship Reflection
Lynn Young
 When I think of stewardship, I think of the blessings I have received being part of a church family. Many of you think of me as a relatively new member, appearing in mid 2016. I actually started attending church here as a senior in high school. My husband and I were married at St. John's in 1964. Like many young marrieds of our time, we fell away from going to church. Then when we had children, we spent a number of years in another church in town, but we returned to St. John's after our kids were grown. We then retired and moved to Idaho where we lived for 12 years and attended St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer while we were in Idaho and the church was a huge part of our support system. Mitch lived with cancer for six years before succumbing to it. The parishoners and the Dean of the Cathedral just wrapped their arms around us and loved us, and after Mitch passed away, they continued to nurture me.
In 2016, I decided to return to Chula Vista, where I had lived a good part of my life, to be close to my children and their families. I also came back to St. John's and felt very welcomed into the congregation.
Since returning to St. John's, I have joined the Flower Guild and select and arrange flowers once a month. I am a money counter and do counting of pledges and donations once or twice a month with another Parish volunteer. I am a reader at the 10:00 service. I also felt a longing to be part of a sisterhood devoted to prayer, so I joined St. John's Chapter of Daughters of the King. In 2019, I was asked to join the Vestry to complete the remaining two years of an
unfinished term, and I agreed to do so.
There are so many ways to share your time and talents - some take very little time, others are more of a commitment, but there is something for everyone. It's really so little to give when I think of the gifts of support and love I have received from the church over the years. And sharing time, talent, and your treasure is a two-way street - the church benefits but so do you. It seals you together with a timeless bond. Think about that, as you consider your pledge of time, talent and treasure for 2021.
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Stewardship Reflection
Denise Eddleman
 Good morning and welcome to St. John's Episcopal Church, located in Chula Vista, CA. My name is Denise Eddleman and I have been a member of St. John's for 25 years. My daughter, Brittany and I started going in 1994, when she was 3 years old. Brittany was baptized on All Saints Day at St. John's in 1996 by Fr. George Keith!
For most of that time she went to Sunday School with Miss Heather, until she was around 10. Brittany was shy, so together, we became acolytes! For those who don't know what an acolyte is: You process in and out of church service, either carrying a cross, torch or the Gospel Book. Then you are the priest's right hand person during the service when setting the altar, sometimes with a partner acolyte.
As acolytes, Mark Higginbotham, the church's verger and lead acolyte, would have what he called a "Learning Lunch." This would be lunch provided by Mark and then a time of learning. We would then go into the Altar Guild Sacristy and learn the names of the items we would be handling during services. Once, Mark took us to the Fun For All park down on Industrial and L St. We all had a blast playing games of all sorts.
Later, with the help of my church brother, Mark (may he rest in peace), Mark encouraged Brittany to join St. John's Youth Group, where later she traveled to Utah, Jamaica and then Texas, along with many trips to our weekend retreat in San Marcos, CA. At that time I joined the Altar Guild and continued on with acolyting under Mark's tutelage. I do it to serve God and because it makes me feel good.
You ask, "What is 'Altar Guild'? " Altar Guild is part of it's name: Set up and take down the altar. This is the main area the priest does his celebrating at, using a chalice, cruet of wine and paten of wafers. You set the altar using these items, which are used during services.
In the past, for 2 weeks a year around Christmas time, St. John's and other churches hosted individuals and families with no homes. We set them up with temporary living spaces in Nale Hall at St. John's, for those who were chosen for the program. It allowed people to have a little bit of privacy, daily showers, three meals a day and a roof over their head. I would volunteer as an evening chaperone and I did this for several years until the program ended.
When the youth group broke up, Brittany then helped out Miss Heather with Sunday School. While Brittany and I attended church, we picked up and dropped of our Aunt Dorothy for approximately 10 years. That would be Dorothy Gillis, for the mid-to-old-time regulars at St. John's.
Later, when Brittany earned her drivers license, she went and found her first job at La Vida Real Assisted Living Facility. She took and served the orders for lunch and dinner. This made me more open with my time and allowed me to then join the Hospitality Group. I did that for a couple of years.
THEN CAME COVID 19.
I looked forward to Sundays, before COVID 19, where I can see my extended family. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Please remember that during our time of dealing with COVID 19, we are all in this pandemic together and none of us have been given a choice.
We need to all take care of ourselves , so we can be there for a family member and/or friends. Please, everyone, wear your masks when out in public and love thy neighbor as thyself. God bless you all!
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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.
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Bishop's Servant Ministry Award
At the Diocesan Convention, Mark Higginbotham was 
posthumously awarded the Servant Ministry Award.
The nomination letter honoring Mark:
A few short weeks ago, September 24th, we lost a beloved member of our precious St. John's family. Mark Higginbotham had a long-time association with the parish of St. John's in Chula Vista. He had recently returned to the parish and, never one to do anything halfway, reintegrated into parish life almost immediately as he and his husband quietly began filling those volunteer needs wherever they found them. For Mark, this service was initially focused on hospitality and serving both on Altar Guild and at the altar as he supported our clergy as Verger and/or Acolyte.
However, Mark felt he had more to give and acknowledged a call to run for Vestry in January 2020. At our first meeting in February, he accepted a unanimous request to undertake the position of Junior Warden. Our property at that time was still facing many maintenance and repair issues, which he took on without hesitation, spending many hours a week on campus and also working from home. Mark got many required bids for numerous projects and then oversaw the projects once they were awarded to the winning contractor. His exceptional ability to negotiate with contractors saved St. John's thousands of dollars!
Tragically, just as Mark was getting a good foothold on things, we were hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, though that didn't slow him down at all! Better said, he became even more committed to following through with any and everything that was needed. When we gathered again for live services in our courtyard, Mark was once again there to serve wherever needed. The pandemic not withstanding, all our trees were thinned and trimmed, our buildings were power washed, gutters were cleaned, screened and painted. Our fountain was completely refurbished, major water mitigation problems repaired in our school courtyard and recently he was close to finalizing a contract to replace an outdated and non-functioning alarm system.
Mark also saw another vital need: Rev. Roger Haenke had only just been called in January as St. John's new Priest-In-Charge-his first assignment in that capacity. Rev. Haenke had less than 3 months in his new position when the pandemic hit and Mark realized immediately what an overwhelming challenge that could be, so he was there to advise, support and-at times-to just listen.
Mark truly understood the meaning of service and his faith and love for all of us was nothing less than inspiring. His physical presence will be missed, but his spirit will be with us forever.
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Memorial Service for Debbie Milam
The memorial service for Debbie Milam will be held on 
November 28, 2020 at 10:00 am at Glen Abbey's
"Little Chapel of Roses" Patio, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, California.
The service will be livestreamed through their website:
and their Facebook page: |
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Office Closed
The office will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
The clergy and staff at St. John's wishes you a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.
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Scripture Readings For the Week
Readings for Sunday, November 29, 2020
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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:
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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,
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, the Cook family, Marge, Brian, Edward,
Anne Marie, Bernie, Jeff, Christy, Judith, Gloria,
Dyan, Marla, the Milam family,
and for all first responders, medical professionals,
essential workers and their families.
For the repose of the soul of Debbie Milam. May light perpetual shine on her.
For Churches in Transition in our Diocese
St. Paul, Palm Springs
All Saints', Vista
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Thank You
I want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, and well wishes. I'm on my way to a speedy recovery.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Christy Gollihur
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Prayer Quilt Ministry
The leaders of the Prayer Quilt Ministry would like to remind  you that there are many quilts available for anyone in need of prayer and support. This important ministry brings comfort and healing to many people who are suffering with illness. Please contact Diane Gustafson directly ( [email protected]) or through the office ( [email protected]).
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Toys For Tots
 Please give to our Toys for Tots Drive.
This year we will be collecting monetary donations. You may mail or bring your donation to the parish office or use the "Give Now" button on our website.
Consider what you would spend on a toy for a child.
Please make your checks out to St. John's and write Toys for Tots in the memo line. We ask that you write a separate check from your pledge check, for bookkeeping purposes.
All donations need to be delivered to the St. John's office
by December 15th.
May we make this Christmas bright for a child in need.
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Upcoming Events at St. John's
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| Stewardship Drive | |
November 25
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7:00 pm
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Thanksgiving Eve Virtual Service
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November 26-27
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Office Closed
for Thanksgiving Holiday
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November 29
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10:00 am
| Advent Forum | |
December 6
| 10:00 am | Advent Forum | | December 13 | 10:00 am | Advent Forum | |
December 20
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10:00 am
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Preparation of the Church
for Christmas
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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.
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Current office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.
If you need assistance, please email Maria Love:
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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.
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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.
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The Vestry
David Dennehy, Senior Warden
Terry Farrelly, Treasurer
Diane Gustafson, Clerk
Pamela Brittain
Tom Brzeczek
Ray Contreras
Muriel Kulikowski
Jim McDevitt
Judy McKay
Lynn Young
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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.
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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
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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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Contact Information
phone: 619/422-4141
pastoral care: 619/301-0724 |
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