November 10, 2025

Remembering Craig Johnson

By Fr. Michael Plekon

Craig Johnson, a beloved member of St. Barnabas and the larger Borrego Community died October 30, 2025. He had been in memory care for the last two years. Craig was born and raised in Chula Vista. He was a star in high school football and known for his motorcycles later in life as well as his art.


Craig was a big person, not just way over six feet tall, probably 6,6 but big as a generous volunteer at food banks, part of the art circles in town. He had been an elementary school teacher for decades, usually one of the few male teachers.


May he rise in glory and rest in the Lord with the saints.

November 30, 2025
As Advent begins, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites the community to take part in a four-week Advent Discussion Group. These weekly conversations follow the themes of each Sunday’s Advent message and are designed as open, informal discussions rather than lectures. You can participate in person in the Parish Hall or online using the recurring Zoom link below. Meeting Information Tuesdays at 1:00 PM Join on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81257258254 Meeting ID: 812 5725 8254 Passcode: Uturn2go Weekly Advent Themes Week 1 – Discussion Topic: Even if everything falls apart, stay awake, God’s always there. Week 2 – Discussion Topic: Peace: Week 2 centers on Christ as the Prince of Peace, inviting us to trust God’s promise of reconciliation and calm in a restless world. Week 3 – Discussion Topic: What's with being baptized, and afterwards? Week 4 – Discussion Topic: Love: Week 4 celebrates God’s boundless love revealed in the gift of Jesus, calling us to embody that love in our relationships and communities.
November 27, 2025
A Season of Reflection and Community As the holiday season begins, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites everyone to gather for the four Sundays of Advent. These weekly services offer a peaceful space to reflect, reconnect, and prepare for the coming season with hope and intention. Each service begins at 9:30 AM and is open to all—residents, visitors, families, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to mark this time of year. Service Dates Sunday, November 30 Sunday, December 7 Sunday, December 14 Sunday, December 21 Worship takes place at: 2680 Country Club Drive, Borrego Springs  Whether you attend every year or are stepping in for the first time, Advent at St. Barnabas is a thoughtful tradition that brings people together during a special time of year.
November 27, 2025
A Community Gathering in Gratitude  The 2025 Thanksgiving Eve Service brought churches, neighbors, and visitors together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude and connection. The gathering reflected the shared ministry of local faith leaders and the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association, which supports residents throughout the year. Pastor Mateo Mamea of Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church opened the service with an invitation to enter the evening in a spirit of thankfulness, followed by an opening prayer from Rev. Michael Plekon. Scripture readings were offered by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick and Diane Johnson . Pastor Mamea later shared the homily, encouraging gratitude as a daily practice. Music played an important role throughout the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir—directed by Jinny Perrin —sang a beautifully unified anthem that added warmth to the evening. Martha Deichler also spoke, sharing stories about the Borrego Ministers Association and its role in supporting local residents in times of need. Her message highlighted the shared compassion and cooperation among the community’s churches. An offering was received to support the BMA’s year-round assistance programs, which provide help with emergency needs for individuals and families across Borrego Springs. The service concluded with a final hymn and blessing, leaving those gathered with a renewed sense of gratitude and community. The evening reflected the strength of Borrego Springs’ faith community and the shared commitment to caring for neighbors.
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November 30, 2025
As Advent begins, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites the community to take part in a four-week Advent Discussion Group. These weekly conversations follow the themes of each Sunday’s Advent message and are designed as open, informal discussions rather than lectures. You can participate in person in the Parish Hall or online using the recurring Zoom link below. Meeting Information Tuesdays at 1:00 PM Join on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81257258254 Meeting ID: 812 5725 8254 Passcode: Uturn2go Weekly Advent Themes Week 1 – Discussion Topic: Even if everything falls apart, stay awake, God’s always there. Week 2 – Discussion Topic: Peace: Week 2 centers on Christ as the Prince of Peace, inviting us to trust God’s promise of reconciliation and calm in a restless world. Week 3 – Discussion Topic: What's with being baptized, and afterwards? Week 4 – Discussion Topic: Love: Week 4 celebrates God’s boundless love revealed in the gift of Jesus, calling us to embody that love in our relationships and communities.
November 27, 2025
A Season of Reflection and Community As the holiday season begins, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites everyone to gather for the four Sundays of Advent. These weekly services offer a peaceful space to reflect, reconnect, and prepare for the coming season with hope and intention. Each service begins at 9:30 AM and is open to all—residents, visitors, families, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to mark this time of year. Service Dates Sunday, November 30 Sunday, December 7 Sunday, December 14 Sunday, December 21 Worship takes place at: 2680 Country Club Drive, Borrego Springs  Whether you attend every year or are stepping in for the first time, Advent at St. Barnabas is a thoughtful tradition that brings people together during a special time of year.
November 27, 2025
A Community Gathering in Gratitude  The 2025 Thanksgiving Eve Service brought churches, neighbors, and visitors together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude and connection. The gathering reflected the shared ministry of local faith leaders and the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association, which supports residents throughout the year. Pastor Mateo Mamea of Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church opened the service with an invitation to enter the evening in a spirit of thankfulness, followed by an opening prayer from Rev. Michael Plekon. Scripture readings were offered by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick and Diane Johnson . Pastor Mamea later shared the homily, encouraging gratitude as a daily practice. Music played an important role throughout the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir—directed by Jinny Perrin —sang a beautifully unified anthem that added warmth to the evening. Martha Deichler also spoke, sharing stories about the Borrego Ministers Association and its role in supporting local residents in times of need. Her message highlighted the shared compassion and cooperation among the community’s churches. An offering was received to support the BMA’s year-round assistance programs, which provide help with emergency needs for individuals and families across Borrego Springs. The service concluded with a final hymn and blessing, leaving those gathered with a renewed sense of gratitude and community. The evening reflected the strength of Borrego Springs’ faith community and the shared commitment to caring for neighbors.
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