musings from Your CJA team

As we enter this rather uncertain, yet exciting, period of transition in the life of the family of Saint John’s Episcopal Church, we would like to introduce you to ourselves, our temporary pastoral transition team:
 
We are CJA, whom you already know as Pastor Cathey, Father Jack and Father Al.  We are the CJA Team. Together, the three of us bring almost a century of pastoral ministry and experience in a vast variety of situations and callings.  We are dedicating our spiritual gifts, our experience and ourselves to assist us all on our spiritual sojourn of faith and discovery as the unified Body of Christ here in Chula Vista.
 
As we begin our joint venture in ministry on Sunday, July 15, 2018 , at Saint John’s, we invite your attention to a few alterations to some of the procedures regarding Sunday services of worship.
 
At the 8:00 am Service of the Word, a member of the vestry or other congregational leader will bring the formal greeting and invitation o worship prior to the beginning of the service. As always, the Service of the Word will begin at 8:00 am with the entrance of the clergy.  Announcements will be made by an appointed individual member of the congregation before the recognition of birthdays, anniversaries and special requests. 
 
The order of the service otherwise will not be altered.
 
Approximately five minutes prior to the beginning of the 10:00 am Service of the Word , a member of the vestry or other leader of the congregation will bring the formal welcome and invitation to worship, followed by the organ prelude.  The Service of the Word will then begin at 10:00 am with the procession of the choir and clergy and the singing of the processional hymn.  Announcements will be made by a designated person before the recognition of birthdays, anniversaries or special concerns.  On the first Sunday of the month, the Host and Wine will be distributed by the traditional format of members kneeling (as they are able) at the altar rail.  On all other Sundays, the elements will be distributed at appointed stations in front of the altar rail, in what is commonly known as continuous communion.  The service of worship will otherwise be unaltered.
 
It is our humble prayer that these alterations will further spiritually enhance and enrich our worship and fellowship experiences together.  Your recommendations are always welcome.
 
To God be the Glory
 
-CJA