SAINT JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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Prayer for Peace

6/12/2014

 

I don't often swear. But I had not even caught my breath after the Santa Barbara shooting when I got news of the violence at Seattle Pacific University, a Christian school, and then the shootings in Las Vegas. On Tuesday afternoon I heard there was yet another shooting and I swore. Maybe you did, too. I was a bit surprised at myself that I opted for swearing rather than praying but that is what I did.

 

Just prior to hearing the news on Tuesday, Saint John’s hosted a very prayerful diocesan clergy gathering. The subject of gun violence came up. Later, two different priests told us how over the past two weeks, their churches have been desecrated; in one instance items were stolen from the church.

 

I thought, what in the blankety-blank is going on?

 

There, I did it again.

 

Swearing is a release of pent-up negative emotion and some say it helps. Somehow, though, even if it has beneficial effects, I don’t want to get known as the priest in charge of the Swearing Congregation. I’d rather be known as the one who serves the Praying Congregation.

 

This Sunday, we will take time to pray for peace. Even when the country appears to be shaking apart at the seams, prayer is something that you and I can do. God, the author of peace and lover of concord, wants peace – not as the world gives but as God gives through grace. I believe that our praying congregation can make a difference with our prayers.

 

Life is short, pray hard.


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Saint John's Episcopal Church and Day School
760 First Ave.  Chula Vista, CA 91910
Office: (619)422-6414
Fax: 619-422-6946
Office Hours 
Monday-Friday
9:00 am -4:00 pm

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  • Home
  • Welcome
    • Welcome to St. John's
    • Our Church Campus
    • Our History
    • Our Rector >
      • Rev. Roger Haenke
    • Clergy and Staff >
      • Clergy and Staff
      • In Memoriam
    • Our Organist/Choir Director
    • Vestry
    • Our Stained Glass
    • Photo Gallery
  • Worship
    • Worship Schedule
    • Lectionary Readings
    • Sunday Hospitality
    • Life Celebrations >
      • Baptism
      • Confirmation / Reception
      • Marriage
      • Funerals
      • Quinceañera
    • Previous Services
    • Previous Sermons
    • Prayer List
  • Our Centennial
  • Serve
    • Liturgical Ministries >
      • Our Ministries
    • Care Ministries >
      • Pastoral Visits
      • Prayer Quilt
    • Outreach Ministries
    • Men of St. John's
    • Women of St. John's
    • Daughters of the King
    • Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation
  • Grow
    • Morning Prayer and Bible Study
    • Prayer Journal and Reflections
    • Spiritual Gifts
    • Childrens Sunday School
    • SD Episcopal Cursillo
    • ECS - Head Start Program
  • Connect
    • Calendar and Events
    • E-Newsletter
    • Connect!
    • Small Parish Groups
    • Support Groups
  • Resources
    • Forms and Policies
    • Facility / Hall Rental
    • Columbarium
    • Annual Reports
    • Vestry Minutes
    • Treasurer's Report
  • Give