Dear Sisters and Brothers,

With Labor Day comes the end of summer and the beginning of the program year of the church. We all move into high gear with much to do. I pray that each of you has been able to have some time for quiet, reflection, recreation and renewal during the summer. 

 

Within our diocesan community, so much is happening. Like me, you probably spend a great deal of time at your computer getting information from various websites: news, shopping, etc. I would encourage you to check out these sites to make sure that you don't miss the mission and ministry opportunities for yourself and those whom you serve.

• Want to find out what's happening in our diocese? Our diocesan web site is loaded with news, upcoming events and resources.
• Need to register for events? We have a couple of important ones coming up: Clergy Day on September 11, when we will debrief on the General Convention and Clergy Conference, with Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves presenting on"Worship as a Faith Conversion: How Transformative Worship Connects to Mission."
• Longing for fundraising ideas? Visit our fundraising page.
• Wondering about the new strategic plan? Check out the Mission Plan page. 
• Want to see videos that explain our proposed funds to support clergy, congregations and a new diocesan center? Find these and other resources: Feasibility Study page.
• Looking for an easy way to navigate the Book of Common Prayer or the Daily Office? Try Mission St. Clare.
• Trying to remember a certain Bible verse? Look it up on Blue Letter Bible.
• Want to know what your church's profile looks like on the Episcopal Church's web site? Find it here. 

I am keenly aware that this season in our diocesan life may place additional work on your shoulders and those who support you. Please know that I am immensely grateful. I am also excited about the future that God is creating in and through our efforts. In the words of the first verse of Psalm 134, "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity."

 

Peace and agape,

 

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop  

 

 

Please plan to share this critical information with your congregation on September 9 and 16 about the feasibility study:

• The emailed survey comes from erin@episcopalfoundation.org.
• Sometimes the survey ends up in your Junk/Spam folder so please check there.
• Please fill out one survey per household.
• We'd like a high response rate so please complete yours today.
• All responses are anonymous and valuable.
• Mailed surveys are available. 
• Deadline to complete/return the survey is September 21, 2012.

 

Please RSVP today for our next Clergy Day, during which we will hear from our deputies to General Convention, including Bishop Mathes. With our church program years starting and summer drawing to a close, we will gather as one body in Christ to be together and spend time with one another. We greatly appreciate RSVPS, either accepting or regretting, so please RSVP today by emailing Travis Thomas: tthomas@edsd.org, or calling him: 619-481-5455.

 

Tuesday, September 11

Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego

9:00am-2:00pm

Map

 

 

 

"Worship as a Faith Conversation: How Transformative Worship Connects to Mission" is the topic of our Clergy Conference, that time of year when we gather to enjoy an educational and inspirational speaker and foster collegial relationships with one another.  We welcome the Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, bishop of El Camino Real, who will address us. For more information, and to register, click here.

 

October 1-3, 2012

Vina de Lestonnac Retreat Center

39300 De Portola Road, Temecula 

Map

 

 

 

Service for the Rev. Canon Kenneth Barta Saturday, September 8 at St. Paul's Cathedral at 10:30a. Bishop Mathes will preside. A reception will follow. All welcome. 

 

Stewardship Webinars The Episcopal Church Foundation offers free web conferences on stewardship and much more. Once you register, ECF will send you call-in information and instructional materials. For more information, visit their web site or email: ecf@episcopalfoundation.org.  

 

Fearless Love Grants New grants are available now for congregational ministry initiatives that are themselves brand new. Learn more on the diocesan web site: www.edsd.org/fearlessgrants 

 

Safeguarding God's People Saturday, September 22 at All Souls', Point Loma, 1475 Catalina Blvd., San Diego, 92107. This one-day workshop is required for all clergy and some lay leaders. 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. Register. Another Safeguarding God's People will occur on Saturday, October 27 at St. Thomas, Temecula. Register. (Last week we incorrectly stated that this would be October 22. The correct date is Saturday, October 27.)

 

 

Father Cory Randall, former rector at St. Peter's, Del Mar has stage one Multiple Myeloma (cancer) and will begin chemotherapy right after Labor Day. Please hold him and his family in your prayers. 

 

The family of Amanda Mullins, who died this week of cancer. She was 26. Her father is the Rev. Edward Mullins, previous rector of St. Bartholomew's, Poway.