At this time, we encourage your prayers for all who have been affected by the massive F-4 tornado that struck the Midwest and South last week, killing 39. Pray especially those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Please also pray for the first responders who are putting their lives at risk to help others, and for Episcopal clergy and lay leaders who are preparing to help their communities rebuild.

Donate to Episcopal Relief and Development's US Disaster Response Fund: Donate Here

You may also send a contribution to Lutheran Social Services, earmarked Diocese of Southern Ohio Disaster Response, c/o Mary Woodward, Diocese of Southern Ohio Disaster Coordinator, 810 Main St., Caldwell, Ohio 43724.

Or you may send a donation to the Tornado Relief Fund set up by the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. Please mail to: Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, Southern Indiana Tornado Relief Fund, 1100 W. 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Prayer for Tornado Victims

Our 38th Annual Diocesan Convention wrapped up successfully on Saturday, February 11. Thirteen resolutions were passed, and some raised discussion among delegates. The Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas gave a theologically heady keynote address at the gala dinner, that was well-tailored to our diocese at this moment.  As one delegate observed, the convention was "on-message," with all aspects of the two-day event permeated by elements of our new mission plan. From the new diocesan logo and all printed materials to the keynote address on Friday and the sermon on Saturday, the whole event was guided and shaped by the key goals and objectives of our mission plan.

Please mark your calendars for our next convention. It will be February 8 - 9, 2013 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. We hope to see you there!

Photos

Keynote Address (video)

Resolutions

Bishop's Address

Eucharist

More Convention Wrap-up Materials

At our recent diocesan convention, a new mission plan was approved for our work together over the next three to five years.  Based on our baptismal covenant, the mission plan will focus on worship, evangelism, outreach, advocacy, repentance and reconciliation, and stewardship.  Teams are eager to visit your congregation and share how this plan will help build and shape our lives. For more information, call Canon Howard Smith: 619-481-5451, or visit the diocesan website:  www.edsd.org/strategicplan. 

Our new mark carries the hues of our diocesan seal, which continues to serve as our official mark on legal documents and certificates. The golden color represents the light of Christ in the world; it also symbolizes the sands of our deserts and beaches. The red stands for the transformative Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ, while the three blue sections represent faith, hope and charity in the color of water, a powerful symbol of renewal in baptism. The tagline emerged from our vision statement as the most descriptive element of who we are as a diocese.

Our Mission: The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego: a missionary community that dares to follow Jesus Christ in his life of fearless love for the world.

Our Vision: Undeterred by borders or barriers, we are pilgrims with Jesus in relentlessly searching for others to befriend, know and invite to Christ's Eucharistic table of reconciliation and sacrificial love.

We seek and strive to be a people of fearless love as we follow the one who is fearless love incarnate.

Great things came out the Water to Wine benefit for Episcopal Community Services (ECS) including: two Adirondack chairs, handcrafted by Bishop Mathes, that raised thousands of dollars in a live auction; a silent auction that delivered a handmade heirloom quilt, tickets to a Lakers game, and more; a special video highlighting five people whose lives have been changed for the better by their involvement with ECS; and of course delicious food and wonderful fellowship. 

View Photos Here

Sunday, May 6, 2012

St. Paul's Cathedral

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego

5:00pm

The Rev. Lane Hensley dispenses ashes on the street.

The tradition of taking ashes to the streets on Ash Wednesday has been featured in a number of religious and secular media outlets. 

Take a moment to enjoy the stories published by the Palm Desert Patch, The Christian Century, Religion News Service  and USA Today.

The Office of the Bishop is actively seeking a new registrar/administrative assistant. The three main areas of responsibility for this position are: registrar, administrative assistant and updating the diocesan database. The individual will report to the Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Canon Suzann V. Holding.  Learn more about the position and how to apply

St. Peter's, Del Mar seeks someone with a strong spiritual grounding in Christ, possibly Episcopalian, though at the least will have an understanding of Episcopalian theology, culture and ethos. He or she will have an open mind and a willingness to risk and to learn, will be a people person, and an attentive listener, someone that our youth and young adults can trust and come to in times of need. Learn more here

St. Paul, Palm Springs just posted a notice for an administrative assistant with basic accounting skills, good oral and written communication abilities and more. Learn more here

InlandNet's Mission is to assist those in transition, or about to be in transition, in finding new employment. Upcoming meetings will focus on hands-on resume writing and interviewing. At the March 21 meeting, Jane Flaherty will present "Interviewing with a Powerful Presence." At the April 4 and 18 meetings, Jane Flaherty will conduct mock interviews while the group observes. Jane Flaherty is a noted consultant, speaker and author. For additional information,  Membership@InlandNet.org or visit InlandNet's web site.

Wednesdays, March 21, April 4, 18

St. Bartholomew's

16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway

8:00am - 10:00am

Free

"If I then wash your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet," John 13:14.

Nancy Holland, director of ECC, requests that each church donate $125 or 25 pairs of new shoes for men, sizes 8-15, or women, sizes 5-12. New hiking boots, sandals, work boots or sneakers are welcome. For more information: www.edsd.org/footwashing. 

"By providing this kind of service, homeless people are blessed, and will feel that they are not invisible, but loved," said Holland. "It will also raise awareness about the issue of homelessness, which is everyone's problem. And it will connect those in need with services to move them into healthier, more productive states."

Maundy Thursday, April 5

The Episcopal Church Center

2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

10:00am - 1:00pm

LEVs take the Eucharist to homebound people.

The Rev. Robert Nelson leads an important training for all who wish to take Holy Communion to the homebound. Not only does Deacon Nelson provide meaningful history and background of the role, he also shares colorful stories from his years as a Eucharistic Visitor. This training is required for all volunteer LEVs.  Please register by emailing Becky Lawton by Friday, March 16. Include "LEV" in the subject line of your email. Thank you.

Saturday, March 24

St. John's Episcopal Church

760 First St., Chula Vista, 91910

9:00am - 3:00pm

$15 includes lunch and materials

All are welcome to attend this symposium, which is about caring for our earth, as a church, as individuals and as a community. Join the conversation as we think about how to exponentially decrease our carbon footprints in an effort to honor God's creation, this fragile earth, our island home. More Info

If you would like to give a presentation on the topics of conservation, advocacy or community response, please contact Grace Van Thillo. 

Saturday, April 21

St. Bartholomew's

16275 Pomerado Road, Poway

9:00am - 3:00pm

$15, lunch included

Bishop Mathes will host the first Bishop's Legacy Society Evensong on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at St. Paul's Cathedral. For those who have remembered an Episcopal church or ministry in their estate plans, or would like more information, please contact Canon Howard Smith. Evensong followed by a reception in the Great Hall.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

St. Paul's Cathedral

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego

5:00pm

The second annual gala for the Episcopal Refugee Network will be Saturday, May 5 on the enchanting Berkeley, the Victorian steam ferryboat berthed on Harbor Drive at the San Diego Maritime Museum. All are welcome to attend and help raise funds for the continued work of the ERN. For more information, contact Ms. Susan Hayes, 858 756 0612, or watch this video.

Saturday, May 5

The Steam Ferry Berkeley

5:00pm

$75

Come and experience Lauds, a quietly beautiful and peaceful ancient monastic office (prayer time) that draws the church together in prayers and praise at the start of the day. This might be the new spiritual practice for you to try during Lent that opens new doors in your spiritual journey. We will chant using Lauds and Vespers, the book used by the brothers of the Order of the Holy Cross of Mt. Calvary Community at St. Mary's in Santa Barbara. All are welcome! No singing, music or chanting background necessary. Listen or participate as the Spirit moves you. For more information, contact Leanne Shawler. 

Saturdays, March 24 and 31

No service on March 17 due to St. Patrick's festivities

St. Paul's Cathedral Chapel

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

9:00am - 9:30am

At the age of twenty-three, a star among young classical musicians, concert organist Nathan Laube has quickly earned a place amongst the organ world's elite performers. His brilliant playing, creative programming, and gracious demeanor have thrilled audiences and presenters across the United States and in Europe, and have earned high praise from critics and peers alike. He has become known for his colorful and virtuoso transcriptions of orchestral works by Liszt, Mendelssohn, Mahler, Rossini, and Strauss. Reception following. Contact John Wright at 760-346-2697 x 109 for more information.

Tuesday, March 20

St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

47-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert

7:00pm

$20

Cappella Gloriana, San Diego's professional chamber choir, presents a Lenten-themed concert of two rarely-performed Renaissance works. General admission tickets are $20 and are available only at the door on the night of the concert. The 16-voice chamber choir, conducted by Stephen Sturk, will perform the Missa Pro Defunctis (Requiem) by Pierre de la Rue (c. 1460-1518) and a motet-style a cappella setting of the St. John Passion by German composer Christoph Demantius (1567-1643). For more information, please call 619-990-5751.

Saturday, March 24

St. Paul's Cathedral

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

7:00pm

All are invited to a Lenten Quiet Day at St. Michael's by-the-Sea on Saturday, March 24 from 8:45 am to 12 noon in the chapel. Fr. Peter Guilianotti, rector of The Orthodox Church of St. John the Wonderworker, will conduct meditations on The Lenten Fast: A Hunger for God (An Orthodox Perspective). A continental breakfast will be provided; childcare will be available. Free will donations appreciated. Sign up by Thursday, March 22 by calling St. Michael's at 760-729-8901, or click here to sign up online.

Saturday, March 24

St. Michael's by-the-Sea

2775 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad 92008

8:45am - 12:00pm

Join St. Bartholomew's, Poway for an opportunity to learn more about five world religions - Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity. An opportunity to gain perspective on how religions are the same and how they are different  - and arrive at a better understanding and appreciation of five orientations toward God and the world. Our distinguished presenters are:

• Dr. Karma Lkeshe Tsomo, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at USD speaking on Buddhism the evening of February 29.
• Dr. Bahar Davary, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at USD speaking on Islam the evening of March 7.
• Dr. Lance Nelson, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at USD speaking on Hinduism the evening of March 14.
• Rabbi David Castigilione, Temple Adat Shalom speaking on Judaism the evening of March 21.
• Rev. Canon Dr. Jack Lindquist, Adjunct Professor at USD and Religious Studies Canon at St. Paul's Cathedral speaking on Christianity the evening of March 28.

All are welcome to this special event which will be a fascinating, informative and useful series.

Wednesday Evenings beginning February 29 through March 28

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

16275 Pomerado Road, Poway

6:00pm Soup Supper

Are you looking for an affordable private first school for your child with academic excellence and that is centrally located? Look no further! All Saints' Episcopal Preschool is located at 3674 Seventh Avenue in San Diego. Open enrollment for children ages 24months to 5years of age is happening now. Our full-time tuition is $585; part-time tuition is $525. Call 619-298-1671 for more information. 

Help the ministries of St. Mark's and help yourself at the same time! Get rid of used and broken electronics such as computers, monitors, cell phones, chargers, cords, televisions, mp3 players, ink cartridges, printers, microwaves, laptops and all electronics. All Green Electronics Recycling will donate proceeds to St. Mark's outreach ministries. Questions? Contact Heather Nunnery Smith. She can help coordinate pick up on the day of, too.

Saturday, March 17

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

4227 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego, CA 92165

10:00am - 4:00pm

Join the people of St. Stephen's, Menifee as they experience a journey on the Celtic way. The day will include opening prayers by the Rev. Clarke Prescott, a presentation on Walking the Inner Celtic Path by Dr. Marlene Oaks, multimedia meditation with Sandy Smolinski and a closing Celtic liturgy with Amanda Rines. Also featuring: quiet times, stations on Celtic prayer, art, saints, sacred places and wheel of the year, garden labyrinth, books and spiritual resources provided by Kathryn Bunch, bookseller. Lunch provided. RSVP to Rebecca Costello,  951-679-6425.

Saturday, April 21

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

26705 Murrieta Road, Menifee

9:30am - 2:00pm

This year's art quilt exhibit will feature work that depicts "Romancing the Mandala," and that are symbolic of the universe, humankind, science, therapy, New Age, chakras, sacred geometry, tantric wisdom, mystical visions, etc. The exhibit will be on display May 20 - June 18. Works will be accepted on May 14-15 at St. Paul's Cathedral. For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Richard Lief or Artist-in-Residence, Mr. Ric Todd.

Monday - Tuesday, May 14-15

St. Paul's Cathedral

2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, 92103

10:00am - 4:00pm

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012-2013 awarding of more than 60 scholarships from the Episcopal Church.

Scholarships are available for ethnic communities, children of missionaries, bishops and clergy, and other particular wide-ranging eligibility for education and training. Learn more. 

Are you doing exciting and important ministry? Do you know of someone doing extraordinary ministry? They might be interested in applying for the Episcopal Church Foundation fellows program aimed at raising up a new generation of transformational leaders, scholars, and teachers for the Church. The March 15 Fellowship Application deadline is fast approaching. Learn more here and pass this info along! 

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and its bishop, the Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith, invite you to engage in dialogue and action around our current border and immigration challenges, April 12-14, 2012. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will participate as a guide as she delivers an important address prior to the 7th annual "God Has No Borders" procession at the Naco border. We will process from Arizona into Mexico as a show of unity and mutual respect with all in God's kingdom. The all-inclusive registration fee includes: round-trip transportation from the Tuscon airport to Douglas, Arizona, bilingual guides, all meals, and local transportation. Airfare and lodging not included. $225. For more information and to register, please visit: www.episcopalborder.com