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A few weeks ago, I had the chance to get out to some of the higher-elevation areas in Anza Borrego State Park for some much-needed rest and recreation. These areas, which tend to lie at or above 1,500 or so feet above sea level, are some of my favorite places to explore in the desert. They don’t quite experience the “superblooms” that take place down in the lower valleys, but the blooms from different types of cactus, desert mallow, ocotillo, brittlebush, and other plants still provide a beautiful display of color during this time of year.
The lovely flowers, buzzing bees, and scents of desert lavender provide a sharp contrast to the rough, rocky, and dry terrain. Some of the most colorful blooms sit atop wicked-looking cactus and ocotillo thorns, lest you consider trying to pluck or even touch them. The scene is one of the paradox of the abundance of life in most unlikely places – beauty among the thorns, life finding a way where water is scarce and heat is excessive.
I come to the desert to recharge, to reconnect with God and with myself, because of the way it forces me to look at things differently. It shows me that there is no real desolation, that life and resurrection are everywhere if we are willing to risk exploration, and perhaps to risk some pokes and scratches in order to see it and connect with it. The places in life we might find most bereft of comfort and consolation might just be waiting to surprise us with brilliant color.
This week we celebrate the feast of St. Mark, who begins his gospel with the story of Jesus’ baptism followed immediately by temptation in the desert. Jesus knew the sacred gift of the untamed wilderness, where he was “with the wild beasts” (and probably some razor-sharp plants as well!) and was able to discover the unending depth of God’s providence and grace. This desert time empowered him to bring that same grace to the desolate places in the human world, and to see the beauty in the faces of those who had been rejected and despised.
Where are the wilderness places in your own life that might surprise you with beauty, joy, and grace? Can you seek them out, so that they might teach you how to see the sacred more clearly each day?
In Christ,
Brian+
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Rogation Sunday is an ancient church tradition, rooted in agricultural communities and typically involves asking for God’s blessings over fields and crops. Over time, this developed into prayers and rituals for blessing all of the land and beings within a parish – especially appropriate for springtime and for our modern focus on Creation Care around Earth Day.
On Sunday, May 5th, we will be celebrating Rogation Sunday at our 9:30am service with some special additions to our worship. We’ll begin our service outdoors with a garden blessing of the Community Garden, followed by a procession and a Litany for Creation. Please join us for the blessing and procession as we joyfully celebrate the beauty of our neighborhood! And if you’re interested in learning more about the garden and our ministry there, please speak to Rev. Brian or any of the garden ministry team (Wendy Morray, Judy Cater, and Sue Baas).
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Pride-by-the-Beach will be here before we know it. For years this has been one way Holy Cross has supported and stood with our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters, which includes many who have been wounded by religious organizations. Please prayerfully consider joining us at this event this year.
How you can help: We need volunteers to help set-up our booth, take the booth down, and during the event be at the booth to greet attendees, handout giveaways and maybe give free hugs (only if you're comfortable - we understand keeping Covid/health safe means everyone needs to make their own decisions regarding what you feel comfortable doing to feel safe), and let people know that God loves them. The event runs from Noon to 6 pm - set-up starts at 10:00 am as vehicles need to be out of the area before the event starts.
We ask you to prayerfully consider donating 2 - 3 hours of your time on Saturday, June 1st. You will find a sign-up sheet at the entry to the church or you may sign-up online here. Please contact Karen Sanchez at newsletter@holycrosscarlsbad.org, with any questions.
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Diocesan Hikes: Sacred Trails - this Saturday, April 27. In partnership with the EDSD Creation Care Community, Sacred Trails provides the opportunity to hike and pray in God's creation. With four hikes offered around our diocese, participants are invited to pick the time and difficulty level that works best for them:
Great for youth groups, families, young adults, and anyone with a love of the great outdoors - Sacred Trails takes discipleship out of our churches and into the wild. Registration is now open - make sure to invite your friends! Registration here.
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Sunday
9:30am Holy Eucharist*
In-Person & Livestream
Hear the Word of God, sing and pray together, bless those who are celebrating birthdays or wedding anniversaries, and share the Eucharist*.
| *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. | |
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Tuesday
12:30pm Contemplative Prayer - In-Person
Join us for our Healing Prayer Service, join in praying for others in community and experience the healing power of community.
Ask for God's healing
for yourself (or someone else), be anointed with oil (if you wish to come forward) and receive healing prayers.
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Wednesday
5:30pm Evening Prayer
via Zoom
A short (30-40 minutes) service rooted in ancient monastic tradition. Our service includes some lovely hymns and provides a wonderful opportunity for quiet prayer and a midweek respite. A perfect way to end the day. All are welcome.
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Sunday Livestream
and Service Bulletin Links
| We use a screen to project the service bulletin - please download the worship booklet (use the button above) if you prefer a copy for watching the livestream. Thank you for helping us to be better stewards of God's creation in reducing paper waste. | |
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First Thursday of Month
10:00 am Episcopal Service
at La Costa Glen
(for residents only)
Next service, May 2nd
All residents of La Costa Glen are welcome to join us - 10:00am at the Parkside Building in the Palomar Room. Clergy from Holy Cross and St. Andrews Encinitas are sharing duties presiding at these services. Help spread the word!
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Audio only channel: Mixlr. (also available when we have livestream issues).
Video on Demand (VOD): Miss any of the past services?
Find them on our YouTube channel here.
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Calling All Godly Play Kids!
Godly Play is grounded in the Montessori tradition and uses special materials and storytelling that invite the children into scripture and church tradition.
For more information please contact Sue Baas.
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Doing God's Work with our Hand's
Looking Ahead:
Important Dates, Gatherings & Events
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Tuesdays
Contemplative/Healing Service
12:30pm - A service of quiet reflection, contemplative and healing prayer. Includes Eucharist the first Tuesday of the month.
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Wednesdays - Weekly
Evening Prayer
5:30pm - Rooted in ancient monastic tradition, our service includes some lovely hymns and provides a wonderful opportunity for quiet prayer and a midweek respite, this is a perfect way to end the day.
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First Thursday each Month - Next service May 2
Episcopal Service at La Costa Glen
10:00am at the Parkside Building in the Palomar Room. All residents of La Costa Glen are welcome! Clergy from Holy Cross and St. Andrew's Encinitas will be sharing duties for presiding at these services.
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2nd Tuesday of each Month - 1pm at the Church
Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care team shares Christ’s love with our community in the form of prayer, home visits, phone calls, cards, and bringing Communion to those unable to attend our Sunday services. If you are interested in joining the Pastoral Care team, or if you or anyone you know would like to schedule a pastoral and/or Communion visit, please contact Rev. Brian.
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2nd Tuesday of each Month - Next Meeting May 14
Holy Cross Bridge Group
6:30pm at JCo. The group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. If you are interested or would like to know more please contact Mike Collier or Grant Ford.
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2nd and 4th Wednesday of the Month
Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Camp Pendleton
Our volunteers deliver healthy snacks to, and visit with, service members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion staff and the Marines and sailors recovering from wounds, injury and illness. Contact Tom Mauro at 847.989.0305, for more information about this ongoing ministry or for how you might participate.
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Ongoing, no set days
Gardening Club
Our garden plot is in the Centella St Community Garden next door to our church space. If you are interested in participating please speak with Rev. Brian on Sunday or email him at pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org.
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We will practice continuous stewardship of all of God’s resources -
financial, human, and environmental.
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Whether you worship regularly or when you can, join us in-person or online, your Holy Cross faith family thanks you for your faithful support. Your continued pledges and donations are integral to our ability to continue our mission and ministries, as well as to stay current on all of our financial obligations.
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MAILING ADDRESS: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, Ca. 92009 | |
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Bishop's Committee
Bishop's Committee (BC) meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. The next BC meeting is May 28, 2024 - our meeting is hybrid, in-person at the church and via Zoom for those unable to join in-person.
Meetings are open and anyone may attend. Please reach out to Rev. Brian for the Zoom link if you wish to attend remotely.
If there is something for which you wish to bring to the BC's attention, you may reach out to our Priest-in-Charge, Brian Petersen, our Wardens, Mike Collier and Grant Ford, or any BC member. Their contact information is at the bottom of the newsletter, in the church roster, or you may reach them at the church office: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org.
Read reports from the April 22 meeting: approved March Minutes here; Controllers Report here; Priest-in-Charge Report here.
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If you have a pastoral emergency and are unable to reach anyone at the church office, 760.930.1270, then always call our Priest-in-Charge, Brian Petersen, at 971.263.7874. | |
Our Pastoral Care team shares Christ’s love with our community in the form of prayer, home visits, phone calls, cards, and bringing Communion to those unable to attend our Sunday services. If you are interested in joining the Pastoral Care team, or if you or anyone you know would like to schedule a pastoral and/or Communion visit, please contact Rev. Brian. | |
Please hold all on our prayer list in your prayers: | | |
If you would like to be added to the Prayers for Comfort, or would like to add someone else (please get their permission first) or add a family member to the Prayers for the Departed, please contact the church office at: email holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org or 760.930.1270. Please mention 'Prayer List' in the Subject line and include whether the prayer request is for "Comfort" or for the "Departed".
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.
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Prayer for our Clergy:
For the Revs. Martie Johnson and Brian Petersen, protect, nourish and sustain them through the work of the Holy Spirit. May they find rest and encouragement in the loving care of God and this congregation.
Prayers for Thanksgiving
For our hosts JCo, for this community of Holy Cross, and for all who so generously support our faith community with their time, abilities and treasures
Prayers for Comfort:
Randy Echito, Art Wahl, Arlene Cull, Paul Vanderpool, Barb Ross, Sandra Rindge, Larry Sebastian, Lon Gillette, Zach Jones, Tom Petersen, Allen Sweet, Joyce Nehlsen, Ray Vance, Grant Ford, Larry Kucera, Kent Neuman, Dave Wells; Sally McFarlin, Karen Sanchez, Donna Heyvaert, Beverly Rolker, Ray Gordon, the Ho family
Prayers for the Departed:
We commend to God all who have died, especially Judy Cygan, Diana Rolker, Karen Gordon, and our loved ones, and those who have lost their lives to gun violence.
Prayers for those celebrating Birthdays
Jack Cater, Jean Gillette, Larry Samocha
Prayers for those celebrating Anniversaries
Cathy & Jim Zolner
Prayers for those Traveling
Jack & Judy Cater, Mike & Linda Collier
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Church of Bangladesh
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
For the clergy and people of St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake, Lake Elsinore
Military Cycle of Prayer
USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54)
Other
Those suffering from the violence of war and terrorism in Israel and in Palestine; We pray for peace and the end of war; All who are affected by gun violence.
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If you would like to be added, or suggest someone to be added (please get their permission first) to Notes of Care please contact the church office at: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org or 760.930.1270
Note: If you have lost a member of your family and would like us to include you and your family in "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.
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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 missed.
Arlene Cull
4714 Athos Way
Oceanside, Ca 92056
Fr. Walter Edelman
183 Third Ave, Apt 419
Chula Vista, CA 91910-1822
Nico Plumber
jacksmonkeylips@gmail.com
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In our Community, the Diocese
and Beyond
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This weeks diocesan newsletter: here
(please be sure to read all of the great information!)
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Central New York Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe on April 16 was added as a nominee by petition to stand for election as The Episcopal Church’s 28th presiding bishop: joining four other bishops (below) who were announced two weeks ago on the initial slate of nominees to succeed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Central New York Bishop De-De Duncan-Probe became a nominee by petition for 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church on April 16. Read more here.
Slate of 4 Bishops announced for 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church: The Episcopal Church's next presiding bishop will be chosen this June from a slate of four nominees, whose names were released April 2: Nebraska Bishop J Scott Barker, Pennsylvania Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez, Northwestern Pennsylvania Bishop Sean Rowe and Atlanta Bishop Robert Wright. Continue reading here.
General Convention: Ask Me Anything Zoom - Join Bishop Susan Brown Snook, the Rev. Hannah Wilder, and Rachel Ambasing for a live "Ask Me Anything About General Convention" Zoom session on May 29 at 5:30 pm. This is your opportunity to engage directly and ask any questions you have regarding the upcoming General Convention. Feel free to submit up to three questions for our speakers. Please share this unique chance to gain insights and have General Convention questions addressed with your congregations. Register and submit your questions here.
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Our Clergy
Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Brian Petersen
pastor@holycrosscarlsbad.org; 442.320.0548
Assisting Priest: The Rev. Martie Johnson
Staff
Bookkeeper: Muriel Wahl
Controller: Erin Sacco Pineda, CPA - ESP Accounting
AV Tech Guru: Jack Cater
AV Tech Asst: Esperanza Jimenez
Communications Coord: Ryan Cagle
Administrator: Amber Newman
Leadership - Bishop's Committee ("BC")
Sr. Warden: Mike Collier - seniorwarden@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Jr. Warden: Grant Ford
Members at large: Judy Cater, Allen Zych
Treasurer: Al Johnson
Clerk: Robyn Hill
Contact information:
Church office: 760.930.1270
Church email: holycross@holycrosscarlsbad.org
Mailing address: 2647 Gateway Rd Suite 105 #290, Carlsbad, CA. 92009
This communication provides you with information about Holy Cross and our Ministries. For comments or possible contributions, please email the editor at
newsletter@holycrosscarlsbad.org
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