Back from sabbatical, Bishop Mathes writes, "we must nurture a spirit of forgiveness."

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

As I return from my sabbatical, I want to begin by saying how grateful I am for the opportunity for renewal, reflection and study. As you know, my sabbatical study focus was on baptism, confirmation, and formation. It was an immense blessing to read and reflect on the church's rites of initiation and how we prepare individuals for these seminal moments in their lives.  I look forward to our annual Clergy Conference, October 3-5 at Vina de Lestonnac in Temecula.

 

In our congregations, September is always a time of new beginnings that coincide with the start of the school year. There is a sense of gathering and renewal. This September, especially this Sunday, will be a particularly poignant time of gathering and reflection. In churches across the nation and in our own diocese, we will remember the events of September 11, 2001. We will remember those who died on that day, especially those first responders who rushed into the inferno to save others.

 

Unfortunately, tens of thousands more have died since that fateful day in two protracted wars that seem unending. Collateral damage seems to be ubiquitous -- abiding peace one of the casualties. It is particularly providential that our gospel lesson for this Sunday, September 11, includes Peter's question about the number of times we should forgive and Jesus' answer, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." 

 

As followers of Jesus, we do well to remember this Sunday. We must pray for those who have perished and for peace. And we must nurture a spirit of forgiveness. For in the end, that is the only way to peace.

 

Faithfully,

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop

 

 

Foundation Committee

Thursday, September 8

Office of the Bishop, Conference Room

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego

4:00pm

 

Diocesan Council

Saturday, September 10

Christ Episcopal Church

1114 Ninth St., Coronado

9:30am

 

9-11 Tenth Anniversary Evensong

Sunday, September 11

St. Paul's Cathedral

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego

5:00pm

 

Next Week . . . 

 

Property Committee

Wednesday, September 14

Office of the Bishop, Conference Room

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego

2:00pm

 

Budget Committee

Thursday, September 15

Office of the Bishop, Conference Room

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego

3:00pm

 

Eucharistic Visitor Training

Saturday, September 17

Episcopal Church Center

2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego

9:00am - 3:00pm

 

 

 

Our diocesan web site features a compilation of resources for remembering the tenth anniversary of 9-11. Prayers, links, resources, clip art, multimedia, preaching resources, videos, articles, educational materials, and more.

 

Visit the diocesan web site

 

 

 

Lisa Kimball, PhD, is the director of the Center for Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary.

Clergy Conference is fast approaching. We will gather Monday - Wednesday, October 3-5, 2011.

Professor Lisa Kimball will give the keynote address on the theme, "Beyond Bells, Whistles and Walls: Christian Formation Across the Lifespan." 

Bishop Mathes encourages everyone to stay at the retreat center. 

 

Questions? Contact the Rev. Canon Suzann Holding, 619-481-5452.

BIO: Read about Lisa Kimball    

 

October 3-5

Vina de Lestonnac Retreat Center

39300 De Portola Road

Temecula 92591

Register Here

 

 

Taking the Eucharist to the homebound can be a blessing to all.

Have you ever wanted to take the bread and wine made holy to those who are homebound? Attend this one-day training to learn about the history of the role, customs and canons, substituting for the clergy and much more. It is critical to the success of Eucharistic Visitors and required by the Diocese of San Diego. For more information about the content of the training, contact the Rev. Bob Nelson, 619-997-5629. 

To register, contact Isabel Lynne, 619-481-5455. To attend the training, we require a written recommendation from your priest and $15 to cover the cost of food and materials.

 

Saturday, September 17

The Episcopal Church Center

2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego 92107

9:00am - 3:00pm

 

Diocesan training to help prevent sexual misconduct.

Safeguarding God's People teaches how exploitation and harassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences, and - should exploitation or harassment occur - how to respond.  

All sessions run from 8:30am - 4:00pm and include lunch and materials. $30 per person. For more information, contact Registrar Isabel Lynne, 619-481-5455.

Saturday, September 24

St. David's Episcopal Church

5050 Milton St., San Diego

Register Here

 

Saturday, October 22

Good Shepherd

3990 Bonita Road, Bonita

Register Here

 

Saturday, January 21
St. Paul in-the-Desert

125 West El Alameda, Palm Springs

Register Here