Clergy News: clergy conference, pastoral teaching, wine tasting

Members of the Shuar tribe of indigenous Amazonians from Puyo, Ecuador, talking with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori following the Sept. 18 Eucharist at Catedral de El Señor in Quito. Photo by ENS

This week the Episcopal Church House of Bishops, meeting in Province IX, in Quito, Ecuador, issued a Pastoral Teaching on our stewardship of the earth. It says, in part:

"Affirming the biblical witness to God's abiding and all-encompassing love for creation, we recognize that we cannot separate ourselves as humans from the rest of the created order. The creation story itself presents the interdependence of all God's creatures in their wonderful diversity and fragility, and in their need of protection from dangers of many kinds. This is why the Church prays regularly for the peace of the whole world, for seasonable weather and an abundance of the fruits of the earth, for a just sharing of resources, and for the safety of all who suffer. This includes our partner creatures: animals, birds, and fish who are being killed or made sick by the long-term effects of deforestation, oil spills, and a host of other ways in which we intentionally and unintentionally destroy or poison their habitat."

Read the full teaching.

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The Anglican Covenant

By the Rev. Bill Zettinger, deacon at St. Bartholomew's, Poway

One of the blessings of being an Episcopalian is that we are part of a worldwide Anglican Communion. The Communion is comprised of over 85 million members in 44 regional and national member churches that reside in 160 countries.

In October 2003 The Lambeth Commission on Communion was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the request of the Anglican Primates (bishops) in response to developments in North America with respect to same-sex relationships. The mandate requested consideration of ways in which our understanding could be enhanced where differences threatened the life of the worldwide Church. In short, how does the Anglican Communion address relationships between its component parts in the spirit of communion?

Read the full post.

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18 Ways Pastors Can Ruin Their Reputation on Facebook

Avoid embarrassment on Facebook.

From OurChurch.com

Pastors, Facebook is a great way for you to build and maintain relationships with people both inside your church and in your community. But Facebook is not without its risks. Every time you post something, you risk hurting, offending or distancing yourself from people. So, here are 18 things you want to avoid doing on Facebook...

Read the article.

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Clergy Conference featuring Lisa Kimball

Lisa Kimball, PhD, will be our keynote at Clergy Conference 2011.

Have you registered for Clergy Conference yet? 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.

October 3-5

Vina de Lestonnac Retreat Center

39300 De Portola Road

Temecula 92591

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Wine Tasting for El Salvador

Wine tasting and silent auction to help those most in need.

Join us for an evening of wine tasting as we welcome the bishop of the Diocese of El Salvador, the Rt. Rev. Martin Barahona and Noah Bullock, the executive director of Foundacion Cristosal, the non-profit organization that supports the Salvadoran diocese. All are welcome! Bring your friends!

Funds raised will support programs that empower young women in gang territories and community organizing in shanty communities on the outskirts of San Salvador.

There will be a wine tasting and silent auction of typical items made in the communities Cristosal works with (e.g. kites, pottery, hammocks). Please enjoy this opportunity to speak with Bishop Barahona, and learn more about our companion diocese of El Salvador. Noah Bullock will give a brief presentation about Cristosal's hands-on work.

View Cristosal's web site

If you have questions, please contact Alexandra Howard.

Saturday, October 1

Episcopal Church Center

2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, Ocean Beach

7:00pm - 9:00pm

$20 in advance. $30 at the door

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Formed for Mission: Learning About Baptism, Confirmation and the Teaching Church

Crossing the Jordan River; come hear about fresh ideas for our Church.

Join Bishop Mathes as he shares the fruits of his sabbatical. While at Virginia Theological Seminary, our bishop focused his studies on the rites of baptism, confirmation and exploring ways to be a teaching church. As a scholar-in-residence, he began a manuscript that is now being edited for publication. The book explores what it means to baptize, to confirm and particularly to initiate adults into these ancient rituals. Come hear about his studies, thoughts and ideas for the future. This is an opportunity to respond to the bishop's work and give your input. Join in the conversation. All are welcome. For more information, contact Bobbi Hoff.

Wednesday, October 12

Trinity, Escondido

7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 20,

St. Paul's Cathedral

7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 26,

St. Margaret's, Palm Desert

5-6:30 p.m.

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Safeguarding God's People

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. For more information, contact Registrar Isabel Lynne, 619-481-5455.

Saturday, September 24

St. David's, San Diego

Saturday, October 22

Good Shepherd, Bonita

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

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Dignity and Diversity: Anti-Racism

The Rev. Eric Law is renowned for his excellent workshops on a sensitive subject.

This invaluable workshop explores what culture is and why we have cultural differences; cultural differences' impacts on leadership; theological reflection on multicultural leadership; and developing a spirituality for leadership in a diverse, changing world.

The training fulfills the requirement for anti-racism training for all clergy, professional staff and those elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees, commissions, agencies and boards, in compliance with general convention resolutions.

The Rev. Eric H. F. Law, an ordained Episcopalian priest, will lead the training. He founded the Kaleidoscope Institute, in order to develop competent leadership in a diverse, changing world. He is an internationally known consultant and trainer in multicultural ministry and building inclusive communities. He is also a photographer, playwright, and composer.

Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19

St. Paul in-the-Desert, Palm Springs

$25, includes three meals

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The Exegete: a sermon resource

"The Exegete," produced by the Rev. Sare Gordy from the Diocese of Western New York, is a weekly publication geared toward preachers using the Revised Common Lectionary. "The Exegete" provides a copy of the lectionary, a retelling of the gospel, a weekly word study, reflections on each of the readings and a cross reference guide to what other times the readings can be heard all combined into a beautiful, easy-to-read, printable PDF that is delivered to your email's inbox every Monday.

Find out more here

There is a free trial and the opportunity to give as a gift. Questions? Contact the Rev. Sare Gordy.

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Remember in Prayer

Laurie Waddy, widow of the Rev. Lawrence Waddy, and member of St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla, just returned home from a stay at the hospital and requests your prayers.

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"Clergy News" is Bishop Mathes' main mode of communication with clergy in the Diocese of San Diego. It is a free, weekly, informational email. Questions? Contact Hannah Miller: 619-481-5456. Thank you for reading.