Grace Notes: August 16, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER...WHERE ARE YOU?

Oh, those lazy days of summer seem to have vanished. Maybe they evaporated in the extreme heat we've been having. Maybe they got lost like a suitcase misguided from its intended destination. Maybe they are spending these days in the southern hemisphere where it's supposed to be winter. Maybe they went up in smoke with the fires ravaging the earth around the world. Maybe they are a figment of my imagination hanging around from my minimally scheduled childhood: one week away at church or Girl Scout or 4-H camp was it. No space camp adventures. No math-science-coding specialty weeks. No extreme sports adventures. Just mostly lazing around, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and reading, reading, reading.... I can still do that! That's my favorite lazy activity.

Friends, what's yours? Sometimes I think we do not take enough time to do those simple things that cost little, don't require special electronic equipment or special clothing. Will someone please tell me what is the thing with the bicycle enthusiasts and their brightly printed spandex? I know some of those folks wouldn't be caught dead in such glaring fashions at work. But get the bike out and they deck themselves out like Christmas trees. I love it! The wilder the better.

Laziness has gotten a bad rap. We are such a productivity-oriented culture. We love to measure ourselves and each other by it. But laziness is often a cover for a different kind of productivity. We just "look" lazy—daydreaming...fantasizing...vegging out...whatever you want to call it. It's brain downtime, rest time. And it's actually essential for brain and body health. Einstein did it and came up with some of his greatest discoveries. Children do it and lay the groundwork for their future productivity. Learning to daydream, investing in staring off into space, carving out space somewhere in the house or yard for a pallet and a pillow are essential experiences for children of all ages.

So, my friends, no inspiring messages this week, no calls for reflection on Paul's letters, no special announcements of new formation activities. Just an encouragement to take a few days of summer for laziness. For daydreaming. For quiet. No one here is measuring anything. I'm not taking role. Let the Spirit descend as She wills and bathe you in the peace of our beautiful earth while you laze around on the couch.

In Christ’s Love,

Nancy+

Upcoming Services

August 16, 2026

9:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist with music
(The 9:30 a.m. service is live-streamed on YouTube)

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Healing Service

10:00 a.m. — no Eucharist during the summer

Bible Study

10:45 — 11:30 a.m.

We will be studying Sunday's lessons

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Contemplative Prayer Group

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

In the Sanctuary.

All are welcome to join our new contemplative prayer group — no special training needed, just a willingness to sit in meditation and silent prayer for 15-20 minutes. This is contemplative prayer, though those familiar with Centering Prayer are welcome to practice that instead. Mtr. Nancy will offer brief opening guidance to use as you're comfortable, and you're free to leave early if needed. This time of quiet strengthens us as a community that is in but not of the world, helping us hold steady amid the world's discord and share that strength with others. Attend when you're able, or pray at home — where two or three are gathered, Christ promises to be present. Questions welcome.

(Service information can also be found on our website.)

Weekly readings can be found on the Lectionary Calendar website. During the Season after Pentecost (Ordinary Times), we read from Track Two.

Meal Train

If anyone needs meals or you need help with the Meal Train sign-up, email Shoshana Aguilar at shoshana.aguilar@gmail.com.

Flowers for Sunday are provided by Bruce Branecki & Cynde Durnford-Branecki in celebration of both their birthdays.

Altar flower sign-up sheets are available on the Nursery bulletin board in the Coach House and can be dedicated in honor of or in memory of a special person or occasion. Recommended donation is $40.

We Pray For...

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, we pray especially for Linda F., William E, Mark & family, Bennett R., David, Tammy L., Cheryl, Adan, Jack, Dick L., Abby, Carole, Gretchen, Mike, Sharon, Jenny, and Megan.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church in Wales. In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the clergy and people of St. David’s, San Diego, and the children and teachers of St. David’s Preschool. In the Military Cycle of Prayer, we pray for 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Camp Pendleton.

Prayer List & Ministry

Please contact Pam Wheatland to add a name to the prayer list. Names will be on the list for four weeks and/or ongoing by request. If you are interested in being a part of the Prayer Ministry, please contact Pam Wheatland to be added.

On Saturday, August 22, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Take some of the stress and expense out of back-to-school shopping. Clear out the clothes your kids have outgrown, and find some new favorites, including Spirit wear and uniforms. If you would like to donate Items, you may drop them off ahead of time or on the day of. All ages welcome for this free event. More info.

Back to Normal Soon!

We will be returning to our regular 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. service hours on Sunday, September 6. Godly Play and Spiritual Fishers will also resume that Sunday. Choir practice resumes Thursday, September 10.

Godly Play and Spiritual Fishers Starting Soon!

It's time to sign your children up for Sunday School. We have two age groups: Godly Play (ages 3-11) and Spiritual Fishers (ages 9-12). Classes begin on Sunday, September 6 at 9:30 a.m. More information on each can be found on our website. Go here for the sign-up form.

Cynde on Vacation Next Week

While Cynde is enjoying a few days at a hot springs spa, Liz Miller will be filling in at the office. So don't text her!

Emergency Contact Information on Realm

We now have the ability to add an emergency contact person and phone number to your profile on Realm. Go here for instructions.

Women of Grace August Event

Join us for lunch at TERI Common Grounds Café & Coffee Bar (555 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos) on Tuesday, August 18, at Noon. View their menu at www.tericommongroundscafe.com.

Invite a Friend to Church

From August 9 to September 13, EDSD is encouraging every congregation to participate in the “Invite a Friend to Church” initiative. Inviting a friend to church may seem like a small gesture, but it can make an incredible impact on someone’s life. It is an act of love, care, and faithfulness that reflects our commitment to the mission of the church. As we reach out to our friends, neighbors, and colleagues, we are offering them a chance to experience a community of faith, hear the message of hope, and encounter God’s grace in new ways. Read More

Faithful Response to Homelessness
& Virtual Book Study

Homelessness is, unfortunately, a part of the landscape of our communities. We pass people sleeping in cars, beneath freeway overpasses, and on sidewalks every day. Encampments have become so common that it is possible to stop noticing them altogether. Yet behind every tent, every shopping cart, and every person asking for help is a beloved child of God. Read the rest of the article here.

Beginning September 1, you can find new ways to help by joining a five-week virtual book study of Grace Can Lead Us Home by Kevin Nye. Register today and explore the realities of homelessness, challenge common misconceptions, and discover faithful ways congregations can respond.

St. James’ White Elephant Sale Aug 21–22

The beloved White Elephant Sale returns to St. James by-the-Sea in La Jolla! Get first pick on Friday, August 21, from 5:00–7:30 p.m., with $25 tickets available at the door. Then come back Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for the Main Sale with free admission. Shop an incredible assortment of treasures while supporting a longtime St. James tradition that turns donated goods into support for organizations serving our wider community.

St. Dunstan’s Huge Rummage Sale Aug. 28–29

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church (6556 Park Ridge Blvd., San Diego) is set to hold a two-day rummage sale this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are tons of bargains – collectibles, home decor, toys, board games, seasonal and holiday items, clothes for all ages, shoes, dishware, cookware, glassware, books, linens, artwork, jewelry, and so much more. Invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family.

Nominations Open for Elected Positions

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is now accepting nominations for elected leadership positions to be filled at Diocesan Convention this November. Serving in diocesan leadership is an opportunity to share your gifts, help shape the future of our common life, and support the mission of the Church beyond your local congregation. Lay and clergy members are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether they—or someone they know—may be called to serve. Nominations are open, and position descriptions and nomination forms are available on the convention website. We invite you to discern where God may be calling you next. More.

There are more announcements in the weekly EDSD Newsletter. If you don't already get the newsletter, sign up here or click on the link below to see the latest news.

Diocesan News