Bishop's Office Weekly

April 4, 2012

 

Lord Christ, who for love of our souls

chose the costliest following of the Father's will:

forgive us, who have so often followed the easy path of selfish desire,

and set your law of sacrifice within our hearts;

that we may be ready to deny ourselves

and courageously walk in your steps, our crucified Redeemer;

who lives and reigns in the glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit,

one God for evermore.

  

 

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last; Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

 

Photo of the Week 

bishops at border
Bishops at the Border: Bishops Mathes and Bruce and Father Garcia celebrated the Eucharist at the border fence on Holy Monday, April 2, in conjunction with Anglican friends on the Mexican side of the border. 
 
Via Crucis: Way of the Cross to the Border

 

Our Via Crucis to the Border gathered over 60 people for a trek from Los Angeles to the international border with Mexico on Monday, April 2. Episcopalians from the Diocese of Los Angeles joined with Episcopalians from our diocese to highlight the plight of immigrants and honor those dealing with immigration issues. The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and the Rt. Rev. Diane J. Bruce, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, celebrated the Eucharist with the assistance of the Rev. Carlos Garcia and a lively mariachi band in Friendship Park, right next to the border fence. 

 

"I don't know why it's called Friendship Park," said Father Garcia. "It's not about friendship. But it was beautiful, and sad. Standing in the middle area, and looking into the eyes of people on both sides of the border gave me a strong understanding about the immigration issues we live with."

 

Parishioners from St. Paul's Cathedral; Trinity, Escondido; St. John's, Chula Vista attended the walk, among others.

 

"I stood there and looked out at the ocean and I saw that there's no border, separation, boundary out there," said Mr. Mark Higginbotham of St. Paul's Cathedral. "There's no Mexican ocean or United States ocean."

 

"It was an amazing experience to be able to share that service with people on the other side of the border," said Ms. Wendy Romo, parish administrator at St. John's, Chula Vista. Romo was interviewed by Univision, a Spanish language news station on Channel 17. Other media picked up on the event as well. 

 

LA Times

 

Univision (video)

 

Latino California

 

Yuma Arizona News

 

Photos and Videos from both sides of the border

 

 

 

Maundy Thursday Footwashing

 

Foot washing
"Wash one another's feet."

Bishop Mathes and others will wash the feet of the poor and homeless people who reside in Ocean Beach on Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012. 10a-1p. At the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego. This interfaith effort will connect people in need to medical, legal and social services, as well as fresh socks and new shoes, and two meals. Healing services will be available in the chapel. We expect about 300 people. This event is the quarterly diocesan service project. For more information, contact Ms. Nancy Holland.

 

 

 

Diocesan Events

 

Maundy Thursday Foot Washing Thursday, April 5 at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, 92107. 10a-1p. All are welcome. In addition to foot washing, guests will receive shoes, and access to medical and social services. The Rev. Doran Stambaugh will accompany the proceedings from the balcony on his acoustic guitar. For more information, contact Ms. Nancy Holland.

 

Communicators' Roundtable Wednesday, April 11, 12p-1:30p at St. Paul's Cathedral. If you're a writer, editor, web master, social media person, or anyone who works on communications for an Episcopal church in our diocese, you are welcome to attend this quarterly meeting. Bring a brown bag lunch and get connected to other communicators. If you would like a sandwich or salad from a nearby deli for $5, send your order by Tuesday, April 10. RSVP to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.

 

Agape House's Ninth Annual Chili Cook-Off April 22, 4p-6p at Christ Lutheran, 4761 Cass Street, Pacific Beach. This is a great opportunity for churches to support an important ministry, youth in our diocese, while enjoying great food and fellowship. Childcare is provided. If you want to enter your chili, or cookies, fill out and return this Registration Form. For more info, contact Ms. Jacqueline Bray. 

 

Fragile Earth Symposium Attend this symposium 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. Saturday, April 21, 9a-3p at St. Bartholomew's, Poway. Register by emailing Becky Lawton. $15 includes lunch and materials. More Info

 

Let's Go Fly a Kite Party All Mission Plan congregational point persons are encouraged to attend these social gatherings. Communications kits will be distributed, as well as commemorative pins and goodwill. Saturday, St. Bartholomew's, Poway, April 21, 3p-3:45p and Sunday, St. Paul's Cathedral, May 6, 4:30p-5p.For more information or to RSVP, contact Hannah Wilder.

 

New Beginnings A weekend retreat for middle school students in grades 6-8. A team of mostly high school students, a few adults, and a spiritual advisor(s) leads the weekend. The weekend takes us through a discovery about ourselves, our friends, our families, our faith, and how to live out our faith in our daily lives. May 5-6. Register here.

 

Service Summit, April 21 Calling all service/outreach coordinators! Come to the EDSD Service Coalition Spring Summit! Our next gathering of parish outreach coordinators is Saturday, April 21 from 10a-2 p at St. Peter's, Del Mar. Come share ideas, network, and discuss topics of interest relating to our mission diocese's outreach efforts county-wide. Help choose next quarter's collaborative service project. For more information and to sign up, contact Sarah Shealy Stump619-200-6408. Hope to see you there! Future Service Summits will be: July 28 and October 13.

 

 

 

Around Our Diocese  

 

The Bible Challenge  Bishop Mathes wrote meditations for the Bible Challenge, an event sponsored by the Center for Biblical Studies. Learn more about the Bible Challenge.
 
Spring Qigong Classes Starting Wednesday, April 11, these eight classes will be held in the parish hall at St. Bartholomew's, Poway at 6:30pm. Classes are open to men, women and anyone over the age of 16 who is interested in learning and practicing a self-healing art that combines gentle flowing movements, relaxed breathing, meditation and self-massage. The cost for all 8 classes will be $25 per person and can be paid the evening of April 11. 
 
New Thrift Shop Church St. Bartholomew's, Poway invites all to join them for a church service in their thrift shop, beginning Sunday, April15.  The front door of the shop will open at 9a for those who wish to enter into a period of prayer, a reading of the gospel story, explanation and discussion, followed by closing prayers, including the Lord's Prayer and blessing. It all begins at 9:30a and concludes around 10:15 on Sunday mornings. The store opens for business at 11a. For more information, call 858-487-2159 or 858-486-2110.
 

Spring Fling Talent Celebration Held at St. Thomas of Canterbury, Temecula on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 1pm. A free concert by local performers, an art show, bounce house, kiddie games, bake sale, and barbeque will add to the festivities. Please join us to celebrate the creative gifts God has given us. More info: Pam Bowen. 

 

Daughters of the King Celtic Quiet Day The DOK invites all to join us for a journey on the Celtic way. Saturday, April 21 at St. Stephen's, 26705 Murietta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585 9:30a - 2p. Lunch is provided and carpooling is encouraged. Reservations contact: Rebecca Costello or 951-679-6425.

 

St. Dunstan's VBS Registration Now Open The Sky VBS program is June 25-29, from 9a-12p. $35 per child. K-5. Have Your Children Trust God and Take Off into the Boundless Blue Sky at St. Dunstan's Sky VBS! Registration is limited, so register early. St. Dunstan's is located in the San Carlos/Del Cerro/Lake Murray neighborhood of San Diego. For more info visit: www.stdunstans.org/vbs.

 

Latino Community Champion Awards The Rev. Canon Mary Moreno Richardson has been nominated for the Union Tribune Latino Champion Award, Volunteer of the Year for her active role in the community. She has made a positive impact on the community's cultural life. Congratulations, Mary!

 

Fourth Annual Cathedral Quilt Exhibit Would you like to display your quilt? This year's theme is Romancing the Mandala. It will be on display May 20 - June 18. Contact Ric Todd, 619-282-8344 for more information and applications.

 

Dorcas House Visit April's special activity takes us to the Cecut, Tijuana's cultural center. Dorcas House is a foster home for children of prisoners in Tijuana, supported by many in our diocese. Saturday, April 14, 8:30a-3p. Reserve a spot with Suzanne Warren, 619-437-8700 by April 12. Valid passport required.

 

 

 

Music

 

Lauds Come and experience Lauds on Saturday mornings in the Cathedral chapel at 9a. Lauds is 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. All are welcome! No singing, music or chanting background necessary. Listen or participate as the Spirit moves you. For more information, contact Leanne Shawler 

 

Bach Collegium St. John's Passion The Collegium is presenting a Lenten/Passiontide cornerstone of classical music, J.S. Bach's St. John Passion on April 13 at St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla. For more information, contact Anne Marie Dicce.

 

Bill and Kate Isles Concert for Interfaith Community Services  Award winning folksinger-songwriters, Bill and Kate Isles, will give a special concert at St. Bartholomew's, Poway on Sunday, April 15 at 4pm to benefit Interfaith Community Services. Critics have described them as "the perfect blend of two voices." Tickets, at $10, may be purchased at  http://www.stbartschurch.org/signup/ or at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064.

 

Cathedral Canterbury Choir of Men and Boys St. Margaret's, Palm Desert From the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury this incredible choir will sing music from the 13th century and newly composed works. These choristers sing services six days a week, making a vital contribution to a tradition which has existed for over 1400 years! As the final concert of this season, it promises to be memorable. Enjoy Anglican music at its finest. Monday, April 16, 7pm. $35 and $20. 

   

 

 

 

Beyond Our Diocese

 

Buildings for a New Tomorrow The annual symposium of the Episcopal Church Building Fund will be held in Maryland from April 15-17. This conference is geared to lay leaders and rectors and is interactive, informative and engaging. The focus is on how to use your building more wisely. Canon Julie Young attended  last year and found it valuable.  Deadline for registration is April 1, 2012. For more information, see the ECBF website.

 

Presiding Bishop on Middle East PeaceMaking [The Episcopal News] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori urged Episcopalians to "invest in legitimate development in Palestine's West Bank and in Gaza" rather than focusing on divestment or boycotts of Israel, during a March 25 "Middle East Peacemakers" luncheon in Los Angeles. "The Episcopal Church does not endorse divestment or boycott," the presiding bishop told about 200 people gathered at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. "It's not going to be helpful to endorse divestment or boycotts of Israel. It will only end in punishing Palestinians economically." Read more here.

 

Family Sunday at the Mingei Sunday, April 15 is Family Sunday. On the third Sunday of each month children and families can explore the Museum's colorful exhibitions of folk art, craft and design, win a prize for completing a treasure hunt and participate in other activities such as storytelling and hands-on crafts. This month's project is African style shakers (Shekeres) (pronounced SHAY-ker-ray). Create your own shekere out of a California-grown gourd. Add shells, beads, rice or beans to a gourd to produce a shekere. If time allows, some may have a chance to decorate their gourds or to personalize them before turning them into a simple, fun-to-play traditional African instrument. Learn more.

 

 

In This Issue
Way of the Cross
Footwashing
Diocesan Events
Around our diocese
Music
Mid-East Peacekeeping
Quick Links

 




"Bishop's Office Weekly" is a newsletter for the people involved in the life of The Diocese of San Diego. We welcome your feedback and submissions. Please submit all pertinent information about your event/announcement in a paragraph that includes date, time, location, cost and contact. Send to Hannah by Mondays at noon. Thank you for reading.