Bishop's Office Weekly
September 28, 2012   

But I still my soul and make it quiet,
like a child upon its mother's breast;
my soul is quieted within me. 
 
~ Psalm 131
 
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Interreligious
Speaking Up for Peace: Bishop Mathes joined with other religious leaders throughout San Diego County to express their sorrow over recent violence in response to the anti-Islamic film produced in Southern California. He co-authored a statement with the local Muslim imam, Taha Hassane, who also promotes peace and unity.

Fox 5 CoverageChannel 6 CoverageNews 8 Coverage Our bishop was also featured on Channel 10 and KOGO radio.


DIOCESAN BRIEFS
 
Deputy for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations: On September 1, Bishop Mathes appointed the Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth to serve as deputy for ecumenical and interreligious relations. She succeeds the Rev. Wayne Sanders who has served these past seven years as canon for ecumenical and interreligious relations. Father Sanders will continue to be involved in the Anglican/Roman Catholic Dialogue. At our Diocesan Convention in February we will honor him for his considerable contributions to our diocese and the work of Christian unity and interfaith understanding. In her role, the Rev. Ellsworth will be the bishop's chief advisor and representative in this area of work. As we live into our mission plan, these relationships grow increasingly important as we find partners to do God's mission in the world. 
 
Diocesan Convention: Lay Delegate Certificates are due on October 1, 2012. Please submit yours today to Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454.
 
Outreach and Ministry Grants Due October 8If you lead an outreach or ministry program and would like to apply for funding for 2013, now is the time to apply. The application is available on our diocesan web site. If you have any questions, please email Suzi Holding or Julie Young.

San Diego Represents! The Rev. Paul Carmona, associate rector at St. Mark's, City Heights, was appointed to serve a six-year term as a member of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. The commission is an interim body that meets between General Conventions, which occur every three years. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Mathes was elected to serve as president of Province VIII, one of the nine ecclesiastical provinces that make up the Episcopal Church. Polly Getz, Esq. was elected to serve on the nominating committee for our next presiding bishop. Congratulations to one and all, and thank you for representing our diocese to the greater Church.

Bishop to Speak at Press Conference Our bishop will speak at a press conference on Tuesday, October 2 at 1:45pm at Lindner Hall at the First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley, 2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego. The press conference is about a faith perspective on the death penalty and will feature religious leaders in our region talking about Proposition 34, which would end the death penalty in California. More Information

Civility in Blogging: "I dream that our larger society would take note of how Episcopalians discuss the hard questions-how we speak with care and listen in deep, searching ways," writes Bishop Mathes in his blog, "Civil Discourse in the Blogosphere," which appeared on Episcopal Cafe. All are encouraged to read and respond.

CHANGES TO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Lay Pension Plan and Denominational Health Plan Effective January 1, 2013: What You Need to Know and Do
 
Lay Pension Plan: Each congregation and institution under the authority of the church is required to set up a lay pension plan with the Church Pension Group. The one exception is schools; school requirements are outlined in the LPS Update to Schools, available here: www.edsd.org/dhp. Please contact pchristensen@cpg.org for the required forms or if you have any questions.

Denominational Health Plan: In accordance with Resolution 12-09 passed at our last diocesan convention, all congregations are to develop and approve a policy for implementation. Our web site hosts a sample policy for parishes: www.edsd.org/dhp. All parishes are required to send a copy of their approved policy to Julie Young by November 30, 2012.

The denominational health plan task force has developed a policy for missions and the Office of the Bishop, which will be acted on at the October Executive Council meeting. The draft of that policy is available here.
For more information,  read the resolution passed at our convention: Resolution 12-09. An explanation of the Episcopal Church canons may also prove helpful. Please email Diocesan Treasurer and Canon for Finance Julie Young for more information.


CLASSES

Course on Compassion Thursdays, Sep. 27-Nov. 8, 10a-12p. A book study group focusing on Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. $84 for the course and book. Reserve your spot, or gain more information, by contacting Nancy Holland, 619-823-8998.
 
Creating Video: a Hands-on Workshop Oct. 11 at St. Margaret's, 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert, 12p-2p. The Rev. Steve Schuneman will lead us through a pragmatic, hands-on workshop all about video. Bring your own lunch or reserve one in advance for about $5. RSVP by October 3 to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.  

It's Advent with Gertrud Nelson Tuesdays,Nov. 27-Dec. 18, 10a-12p. A discussion of Richard Rohr's book, Falling Upward: Spirituality for the Two Halves of LifeFor more information, contact Director Nancy Holland, 619-823-8998. 

DIOCESAN EVENTS
Listed by date
ecs ribbon
Annual Meeting of Episcopal Community Services Sep. 30, 5-7p at St. Peter's, Del Mar. You're invited to attend the annual meeting of the social service agency of our local Episcopal Church. A beautiful Evensong will start things off followed by the annual meeting and reception. You will hear from people whose lives have been saved by ECS. RSVP to development@ecscalifornia.org or 619-228-2837.
Clergy Conference Oct. 1-3 at Vina de Lestonnac Retreat Center in Temecula. The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real will speak to our clergy about transformative worship and how it connects to mission. More Information.
Happening Youth Retreat Oct. 5-7 at Green Oak Ranch in Vista. High school Episcopalians from throughout our diocese will gather for this deeply personal and connective spiritual retreat. All youth are welcome to attend. More Information and Registration.
Communicators Visit St. Margaret's, Palm Desert Thursday, Oct. 11 at St. Margaret's, 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert. All are welcome to join the communicators as we hold our quarterly meeting in Palm Desert. The schedule is as follows: 9:30a Arrive. 10a Healing Eucharist led by the Rev. Daniel Rondeau. 11a Tour of St. Margaret's. 12a Learning Lunch (Video Workshop, see above). 2p Service Project/Hike. 4p Depart. RSVP by Oct. 3 to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456. All welcome.
dsc
Service Summit Oct. 13, 10a-12p. St. Andrew's by-the-Sea, 1050 Thomas Avenue, San Diego. Come share ideas, network and discuss topics of interest relating to our diocesan-wide outreach efforts. Help choose next quarter's service project. To RSVP, contact Sarah Shealy Stump, 619-200-6408. 
 
Support Our Seniors: The next quarterly diocesan service project will be to collect blankets and Ensure for seniors in our neighborhoods. Learn more.
Music of Our Neighbors Saturday, Oct. 20, 5p at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego. A concert to benefit Dorcas House. Join soprano Constance Lawthers and pianist Janie Prim, and friends in a musical journey. You'll hear songs from Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and more. Light hors d'oeuvres and sangria following the concert. E-tickets: $25. Contact: info@dorcashousefriends.org  or 619-940-5399.
Military Ministry Forum Saturday, Oct. 27, 8a-12p. The Rock Church, 2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego. Thousands of military personnel will return home to our diocese in the coming months, and will be faced with issues brought about by the stress of deployment. Faith communities are essential resources to help restore family relationships and deepen the spiritual well-being of our returning heroes. Join others in gaining resources and inspiration to support military and their families. More Information.
CONGREGATION SPECIAL EVENTS
 Listed by Date

Vivat! Vivat! Vivat! Sep. 28 and 29, 7:30p at St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla and at the San Diego History Center, Balboa Park. The Bach Collegium San Diego opens 2012-2013 season with music for an English coronation. Marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, head of the church and defender of the faith. Discounted tickets available to friends of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego: www.bachcollegiumsd.org (concerts) and enter BCSD Friends as the promotional code. 

Western Hoedown Saturday, Sep. 29, 5p-10p at Good Samaritan, 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego. Presented by the men's and women's groups, this hoedown features a silent and live auction. All are welcome. $20.

Italian Night Sep. 29, 6p at St. Mark's, 4227 Fairmount Ave., San Diego. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, opera arias, a raffle, Italian desserts, a silent auction and more fun! Proceeds benefit the outreach programs of St. Mark's. $25/person. Reserve your ticket by calling 619-283-6242 or by emailing the Rev. Mac Collins. Grazie! 

Flu Shot Clinic Sep. 30, 9a-12p at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. Palomar Health provides flu shots for $20 for people ages 18-65. For more information, contact Louise Lawson, 858-487-2159 x 304.

Soprano Recital Sunday, Oct. 2, 4p at St. Paul in-the-Desert, 125 W. El Alameda, Palm Springs. PMS: The Recital is Patricia Minton Sivcovich, soprano, with Steve Sivcovich and Nathan Ensign, accompanists and special musical guests. Come enjoy songs by Bernstein, Gershwin, Puccini and others. Donations accepted. Proceeds benefit the music programs of St. Paul. Reception to follow. For more information, call: 760-778-6016.

Feast on the Mesa Saturday, Oct. 13, 5p-8p at Agape House, 5863 Hardy Ave., San Diego. An interactive and casual tour of tastes, fresh tacos, sangria, margaritas, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Live and silent auctions and door prizes! $45 through Sep. 30. $55 at the door. RSVP by Sep. 30 to agapehousesdsu@gmail.com or 619-583-3972. 

Chula Vista October Fair Saturday, Oct. 27, 8a-2p at St. John's, 760 First St., Chula Vista. Pancake breakfast, craft bazaar, bake sale and collectibles for sale. Join us! Contact Gretchen Jordan, 619-203-2217, for more information.
 
Ignored Scriptures: Reflect on Liturgical Readings Saturday, Nov. 17, 8:30-11:30a at the Solomon Lecture Hall at University of San Diego. The Rev. Canon Jack Lindquist is leading a time to reflect on liturgical readings as significant and central experiences of liturgy. This event seeks to affirm how the ministry of proclaiming the word can move ignored biblical readings to a heightened and new understanding for the Church. Come and unfold your gifts for proclaiming the word. $15/person, includes breakfast. For more information, visit http://www.sandiego.edu/ccs/events/

BEYOND OUR DIOCESE

Biblical Wisdom for Post-Biblical Times Oct. 12-14 at the Order of St. Helena in Augusta, Georgia. Examine the ancient texts and learn how they can become the foundation of a profound way of life. Led by the Rabbi Rami Shapiro. Expect an interactive seminar with dialog and chanting. Bring a Bible. For more information, visit www.osh.org .

The Many Faces of Homelessness Friday, Oct. 19, 8:30a-3p at the Rancho Cucamonga Resource Center. The Stephan Center hosts this day-long conference to help church leaders understand homelessness and its impacts on people of all ages. Learn how our churches can serve this growing population. $65. Six professional development hours received. Learn more.

Mediation Skills Training Institute Nov. 12-17 at Placentia Presbyterian Church, 949 North Bradford, Placentia. Conflict is a part of life. We might as well learn how to handle it! Join this week-long institute to improve your handling of interpersonal, congregational and other types of conflict. Sponsored by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. More Information
 
In This Issue
New Ecumenical Officer
Diocesan Convention
Grant Apps Due
Employee Benefit Changes
Classes
Episcopal Community Services
Happening
Palm Desert Visit
Service Summit
Dorcas House
Bach Collegium
Italian Night
Soprano Recital
Feast on Mesa
October Fair
Homelessness
"Bishop's Office Weekly" is an e-newsletter for all who are interested in the life of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. We welcome your feedback and submissions. Please submit all pertinent information about your event/announcement, including date, time, location, cost and contact. Send to Hannah Wilder by Mondays at noon. Thank you for reading!