August 9, 2019
T his past week our nation has been grieving, grieving for the lives lost and for those injured in the latest incidents of gun violence in our nation. We have also seen an increase in the fearful concerns being voiced over the racism, extremism, and terrorism coming from within a segment of our own society.

Within our local communities and across the nation, opinions on the solutions to gun violence, racism and immigration policies are being voiced loudly, bitterly and all to often with hate-filled rhetoric. It's hard to follow Jesus' command, Love your neighbor as yourself , when your neighbor is advocating for that with which you so strongly disagree, or find hate-filled and hurtful. H owever you feel called to express your views and opinions, we hope you will pray first, and then speak as a witness of God's grace and love.

Lord, please wrap your loving arms around all who are grieving and hurting and hold them in comfort. Touch our hearts with your love, heal our brokenness, and turn us away from violence toward peace. Help us to transform our own hearts and to seek peaceful ways of resolving our differences. Lead us to dealing with each other in times of differing opinions with grace, respect, and love. Let our voices and hands reach out and connect with those who feel alone, those who live in fear, those who are hurting and vulnerable. We ask this in the name of the God who desires that we live together in peace.

Rev Roger, Deacon Seth and your Bishop's Committee
 Bishop Susan's Statement on Gun Violence

Dear Friends in Christ,

Since last weekend, three episodes of gun violence in our country have ended the lives of beloved children of God. I grieve with those who suffer and feel deep frustration at the ever-increasing toll of death and injury by gun violence. In the case of the shooting in El Paso, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the ethnic hatred (against our Hispanic sisters and brothers, in this case) that appears to have motivated the shooter, like many mass murderers before him.

As your bishop, I am deeply concerned about how our church can work to prevent such violence. In our baptism, we renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God (BCP, p. 302). Among these evil powers are the sins of violence and racism. The church, then, has a special responsibility to oppose these evil, destructive forces and work to bring about a healthier, more civil society.

In the face of frustration and grief, my question for church leaders is: how can we work in our churches, in effective, practical, long-term ways that will oppose the evils that infect our country and help build a more just and peaceful world? I have several practical responses to suggest. Specific resources in each area are listed at the end of this letter.

1) Teaching and Modeling Respectful, Productive Discourse. American political discourse is so polarized that we have not been able to work together to achieve solutions to real and pressing problems like gun violence. The church can do better: we can learn how to engage in constructive discussions on issues we disagree about, and model this productive behavior for our society.

2) Opposing the Evil of Racism . Christians must deplore without reservation any act of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, or any other ideology that oppresses and destroys the creatures of God. Many acts of gun violence arise from these evil ideologies. Like many other Christian leaders, I implore our political leaders to avoid statements that feed the virulent strains of hatred that infect our society. We have the responsibility in our churches to oppose these evils and to teach and model understanding and compassion.

3) Teaching our Youth.  One of the most important responsibilities of any church is to teach our young people about productive ways of living in a just and free society, from principles of nonviolent conflict resolution to learning about and opposing racism, sexism, and xenophobia. I urge our congregational leaders to consider carefully to teach young people to engage in healthy, loving behavior, and how to search proactively for supportive resources to engage with children and families who are troubled.

4) Promoting Safety in Churches.  Our diocesan safety officer,  Jeff Green has offered workshops on safety in churches, and would be happy to consult with any congregation on this issue.

5) Advocacy.  From 1963 to 2017, statistics show that 186,239  children and teens  died from gun violence in America – 3.5 times more than the number of American soldiers who died in hostilities in foreign wars during the same period. [1]  Surely this death toll is unacceptable. One of my first acts as bishop has been to join  Bishops United Against Gun Violence . Lay and clergy people can join the  Gun Violence Prevention  action group of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. All of us can contact our state and federal representatives to urge concrete action on gun violence.

6) Prayer.  Prayer for our world is one of the most important ministries of any Christian. Prayer is effective, not only in changing the conditions of the world around us, but also in changing our own hearts and preparing us to act. Pray for an end to violence and racism.

My sisters and brothers, I believe it is time for our society to take action, together, to end an epidemic of gun violence that all Christians deplore, whatever our political outlook. I hope you will join me in prayer and action to preserve the lives of the precious, beloved children of God.

In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook


For a list of suggested resources on the five points in Bishop's Susan's message click here (scroll down past her message).

To read the Litany in the Wake of a Mass Shooting by Bishop's United Against Gun Violence click here.
Remembering the lives lost in the Tree of Life Synagogue (Pittsburgh, PA) and the Chabad of Poway Synagogue (Poway, CA) shootings, Rabbi Ben from our sister congregation B'nai Tikvah, penned this poem in response to the El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH victims.

BECAUSE I GRIEVE FOR THEM

Today I learned I had brothers and sisters in El Paso and Dayton,
Because I Grieve for them.

In twenty-six moments my life has changed,
Because I Grieve for Them.

My heart stopped when the bullets cut into them,
Because I Grieve for Them.

Loving wives, sisters, daughters, husbands, brothers and sons are relatives, Because I Grieve for Them.

I want to stop the life robbing deaths,
Because I Grieve for Them.

I want to shut off the TV but the room feels empty without the comforting voices,
Because I Grieve for Them.

I want to be strong, but I cannot hold back the tears,
Because I Grieve for Them.

All of you who grieve have my love and support,
Because I Grieve for Them.

Used with permission by: Rabbi Ben Leinow, Carlsbad, California  
August Outreach Project
Our August Outreach supports St Mark's Episcopal Church, City Heights, annual Back 2 School Bash which will be held at St. Mark's on Saturday, August 17th.

This event brings together the entire San Diego Episcopal community, by providing backpacks filled with school supplies to local refugee and low-income children in grades kindergarten through 12.

Holy Cross is supporting this event by collecting backpacks that will stand up to heavy books, supplies, gym clothes, etc. If you would like to support this outreach, please bring a medium to large multi-compartment backpack or donation of money (please make your check out to Holy Cross and note Backpacks on the memo line) to church this Sunday, August 11th. You may also bring backpacks and/or monetary donations to the church office prior to Wednesday, August 14th.

NOTE: One of the best ‘deals’ for middle/high schoolers is the High Sierra backpack at Costco (dark colors preferred).

Ministry leader: Grant Ford
Evening Prayer
We Would Like Your Feedback

As you may recall, late last year we replaced Morning Prayer with Evening Prayer on Thursdays to accommodate more parishioners who wish to celebrate a week day service. Attendance has been low, with one or two individuals many weeks.

We are looking for feedback from the congregation regarding ongoing offering of this service. In particular, are there days/times that would make attending this service more accessible for you? Please contact Stacy Craft or Sue Bass with your thoughts.

Ministry leaders: Stacy Craft and Sue Baas 
Godly Play Family Pool Party/BBQ
Sunday, August 25th
3 pm to ?? (till the kids are pooped!)

Calling all kids and their families. Please join us on Sunday, August 25th, for our 2nd annual pool party and BBQ. We'll swim, eat hot dogs and have fun together. At the home of Sue and Larry Sebastian. Additional information as we near the date.

Please note: Godly Play on hiatus for the summer, resumes Sunday, September 8th.
Weekly Services
Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist* Rite II
Godly Play (on hiatus for summer) and Nursery

*Eucharist comes from the Greek and means thanksgiving. It is central to our worship. It is also called Communion, Mass, the Lord's Supper and the Divine Liturgy.
Thursday
 7 pm Evening Prayer Rite II

A short (30 minutes) quiet service rooted in ancient monastic tradition. Thursdays at 7:00 pm. It's the perfect way to end your day. During the service we will pray for all whose prayers have been entrusted to us. **
** If you have someone you would like us to pray for, please place your written petitions in the prayer box found in the main entry way to the worship space. Petition forms are available each Sunday at the welcome table in front of the church. Following Evening Prayer the petition forms are burned - "Let my prayer rise up like incense before you"
Pride by the Beach
October 12th

This event is a powerful way for Holy Cross to reach out to the LGBTQ+ community, which includes many who have been wounded by religious organizations, and let them know of God's plan for all to know love and be loved. 

How you can help : We need volunteers at the booth to greet attendees, give free hugs, and let people know that Holy Cross welcomes all. The event runs from 11 am to 5 pm and set-up starts at 8 am. We ask you to prayerfully consider donating 2 hours of your time on Saturday October 12th. You will find a sign-up sheet in the Tietge Room to staff our booth. Please contact Marci or Karen with any questions. 

Ministry leaders: Marci Stafford and Karen Sanchez
Lee Mommsen
104 years young!
Help us Celebrate
Thursday, August 22nd
2 - 4 pm

Because every year is a milestone at Lee's age, once again we'll be celebrating his birthday from 2-4 PM on Thursday, Aug. 22nd, at Glenbrook Assisted Living in Carlsbad. Understandably, many of our newer members aren't familiar with this long-time, faithful member of Holy Cross, but those who know and love him are invited to stop by for a little cake and lots of HUGS! 

Please be advised, parking is minimal at the main Glenbrook entrance, but much is available across the street at the FORUM shopping center or behind the building. Let's celebrate!
 
Photo: Lee and Lupe at his 103rd celebration last year
Faith and Justice Conversation
Sunday August 18th

What does it mean to seek justice as people of faith? How do we follow our baptismal vow to strive for justice and peace, and what might that look like in our own community? Join us after worship on Sunday, August 18th for a conversation on Faith and Justice, where we will explore these questions and others as we discuss what it might look like to work for justice in our world in concrete ways. All are welcome to join in the conversation, which will take place in the multipurpose room immediately following the service. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Petersen or Deacon Seth. 
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Hospitality - Coffee Hour

We are grateful to all who offer refreshments* after Sunday worship. Looking ahead, w e are in need of refreshments on Sundays August 25th and September 1st and 8th. We have ap proximately 45 people.
 
* Holy Cross provides the coffee and juice, we suggest light snacks such as fruit, muffins, bagels, cookies, cheese and crackers or similar.
This Sunday we celebrate those in our congregation celebrating birthdays this month: Fr. Ted, John B., John G., Olive G., Corbie H., Maggie H., Judith H., Wayne K., Charlotte L., Lee M., David P., and Emma T. with a cake at Coffee Hour. Wishing our birthday celebrants a blessed day and year ahead.

Ministry leader: Joyce Nehlsen
Save The Date card isolated on white background
Holy Cross Day BBQ
Sunday, September 15th

Holy Cross Day is a major feast observed on Sept. 14th in honor of Christ's self-offering on the cross for our salvation. Holy Cross celebrates Holy Cross Day on the Sunday closest to September 14th.
This year we will have a BBQ following worship on Sunday, September 15th. Stay tuned for more information.
Upcoming Ministries and Services
at a Glance
All Saints Cemetery
Weeding and basic gardening tasks
August dates: Tuesdays 13 & 27
9:30 am for approximately an 1 to 1.5 hours
200 Peyri Road in Oceanside, next to Heritage Park & Mission San Luis Rey.
Contact Katie Ho for more information

Bible Study
For residents at Sunrise Senior Living, La Costa
Every other Tuesday May 28th - August 20th

Evening Prayer & Intercessions
Thursdays
7 pm in the Church

Faith and Justice Conversation
Sunday August 18th
in Multipurpose room

Godly Play Pool Party/BBQ
Sunday, August 25th - 3 pm
at the home of Sue and Larry Sebastian

Holy Cross Day BBQ
Sunday, September 15th

Pride By The Beach
Saturday October 12th
Oceanside

Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month, August 14 and 28
contact Tom Mauro if you would like to participate

To see our full calendar please click here .
Eucharistic Visits
particles and sacred objects - Eucharistic cup
This ministry is an extension of our Celebration of the Eucharist each week - bread and wine that has been blessed on Sunday is reserved for our Lay Eucharist Visitors to take to those who are unable to join us.

To arrange for a Lay Eucharistic visit please contact the church office during office hours* at 760.930.1270. Marcia Pierce, our lay Pastoral Ministry leader, will be notified of your need and she, or a member of the team, will contact you to make arrangements for a visit. Please let the office know if you wish to have a visit on Sunday following worship or another day of the week.

* Office hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - 9 am to Noon and 1:30 pm to 4 pm.

Ministry Leader: Marcia Pierce
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers those who are unable to be with us in worship and reach out to them to let them know they are mis sed. Please keep all on our prayer list in your prayers.
prayer candles in a church
Prayers for Comfort:
Fr. Atwood, Diane, Lee, Tom & Wayne, Nancy, Christen Fr. Edelman, Arlene, and all who have no one to pray for them

Prayers for the Departed
We commend to God all who have died, especially those who have given their lives for freedom’s cause, victims of all terrorism and natural disasters throughout the world, victims of the Encinitas beach cliff collapse, victims of the shootings at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Dayton, Ohio night club, and El Paso, Texas Walmart and Nancyellen Dannels and Ted Kidman. 
If you would like to be added to the Prayer List or would like to add someone else (please get their permission first), call the church office at 760.930.1270 or email holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org , please mention 'Prayer List' in the Subject line and include whether the prayer request is for "Comfort" or for the "Departed".

If you have lost a member of your family and would like to us to include your loss with "Notes of Care" please provide the name and relationship of your loved one, the date they entered into glory, and the address of where you would like notes of care sent.

Individuals will remain on the prayer list for 4 weeks. Please contact the office if you wish to have someone added for another 4 weeks.
Cloud in the form of a question mark
Your profile committee has completed the draft OTM (Office of Transition Ministry) Ministry Profile and vicar job description. We are beginning work on our Profile Document. This document will tell prospective candidates about us: who we are, what our hopes and dreams are, and what we are looking for in our next vicar. Our recent CAT survey as well as information gathered at last year’s Cottage Meetings will be incorporated into our Profile Document. 

Profile committee: Karen Sanchez, Linda Collier, Ron Neuman, Jon Simpson

A prayer for our interim period and vicar search:

Almighty God, giver of every gift we receive:
look graciously on your Church,
and guide those who shall discern
whom God is calling to be vicar of Holy Cross.
Grace us with patience, trust, and hope
through the interim times of doubt and uncertainty.
We pray that we may receive a faithful pastor,
who will care for your people and equip us
to continue, improve, expand, and reach out
with our ministries to all whom we can touch;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bishop's Committee meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. Any church member may ask any BC member to speak on their behalf or on behalf of a proposal they wish to forward. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month from 6 pm - 8:30 pm. The next BC meeting is Wednesday, August 21st.
Faith To Go Podcast:
Weekly Gospel Reflection

A podcast for busy people, Faith To Go is a weekly production that explores the gospel reading for the week. Birthed at St. Paul's Cathedral, Faith Formation staff members David Tremaine, The Rev. Jackie Pippin and Maya Little-Sana discuss topics of faith and spirituality to help you foster faith conversations at home and on-the-go with your friends and family. This w eekly reflection now comes to you, free, as a resource from our diocese. You may access the weekly podcasts here .

All of the Faith To Go resources can be found at www.myfaithtogo.org.
Have you ever questioned your religious beliefs? Have you ever wondered why we believe what we believe, or how those beliefs came about? Have you ever read or heard a particular passage of Scripture (or read one whole book of Scripture straight through) and wondered what the author was trying to tell you, what it means to you, now? Have you pondered some of the touchy issues of today and couldn’t connect the issue with your faith? Have you wondered how God is calling you to fulfill your baptismal promises to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself, and to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being? It’s daunting, isn’t it? But, perhaps Education for Ministry (EfM) can help.

EfM is a program for lay people to help them to better understand their faith and church and to prepare for the ministry to which she or he is called. This is the vocation for which we pray at the end of the Eucharist: "And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."

EfM consists of a series of 4 one-year classes that explore the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, Church History, and Modern Theology. Through reading, discussion and reflection, students gain a greater understanding of our Christian tradition and how they personally fit into it. Reflection tools also help students examine the world around us in light of our tradition and personal beliefs. There’s a lot of reading but there are no tests or written reports. Each student determines what he or she get out of EfM.

St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Encinitas, has invited members of Holy Cross to join them in their EfM group. The St. Andrew’s EfM group meets weekly on Friday mornings from 9 am to 11 am, starting in September and continuing through May each year. The group is generally a multi-year group; those studying years 1-4 all meet together. This group diversity makes for lively conversations that incorporate the insights gained from students’ encounters with Scripture, church history and theology. The goal is not agreement, but to help each student clarify his/her own beliefs and positions, and what God means in their life.

Registration is during August. The annual fee is $375, which includes all materials. If you are interested in EfM or have questions, please contact Michael, the St Andrews EfM mentor, at mreichle@sbcglobal.net or 916-829-2975. If you’d like to get a former EfM student’s perspective, talk with Karen Sanchez after church on a Sunday.

To read a short paragraph on Michael's personal experience in EfM click here .
Volunteers Wanted
Volunteers wanted to help asylum seekers at the San Diego Rapid Response Network. Contact the Ven.  Robert Nelson , 619-997-5629, if you would like more information.
A Call for Uncommon Courage
St Margaret's Episcopal Church - Palm Desert
Saturday, December 7, 2019
11:30 PM – 3:00 PM PST

World renowned author Joan Chittister is coming to the Coachella Valley to share her passion for God, Justice & Life. Sister Joan has been a passionate voice for social justice and women’s rights for over 50 years. Her energizing message invites us to participate in a vision for a world greater than the one we find ourselves in today. This is spirituality in action, this is practical and powerful activism for our times. As Sister Joan is sought after all over the world, we are so fortunate to have her here to help launch a year of exploration of a world of justice, freedom, peace, and empowerment.

Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets click here .

For more information about Sister Joan go to http://www.joanchittister.org/ .
To read the August Diocesan News click here.

For more information on events in our Diocese click here for the diocesan calendar.
Cartoon from St. Swithin’s, by The Rev. Jay Sidebotham, copyright © 2002 The Church Pension Fund.
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