Bishop's Office Weekly
 October 3, 2012   
O most blessed Truth,
to you I commit this decision,
for you know all things, and your will is my peace.
Deliver me from the false choices
that come from self-interest,cowardice and lack of faith in you,
and give me vision and strength to do your will. 
 
~ Margaret Cropper
 
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
gwynn freund
Clergy Creativity Inspired by Conference: The Rev. Gwynn Freund, rector of St. Mary's, Ramona, was one of many clergy who enjoyed innovative worship at the annual clergy conference on Tuesday. "I set up wacky worship," said the Rev. Rebecca Edwards, who helped plan a service with five stations, each one highlighting the five senses. "We're talking about transformative worship this week and our clergy had adventurous and open hearts in trying new things, including praying with news headlines and tasting odd-flavored jelly beans!" Photos

DIOCESAN BRIEFS
 
2012 Constitution and Canons Online: Our newly updated diocesan constitution and canons are now online, www.edsd.org/canons/

Update Redbook Listing! It is time to update your church entry for the 2012 edition of The Episcopal Church Annual, otherwise called, "The Red Book." The deadline is December 10, 2012. You will need your UEID number and password. Questions? Contact Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454. Update Here
 
Diocesan Convention: Lay Delegate Certificates were due on October 1, 2012. Please submit yours today to Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454.
 
Report Sexual Misconduct ReminderPlease place the quarterly reminder about reporting misconduct in your newsletters, enewsletters and bulletins. Text is available here.

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.

Bishop Urges a Yes Vote on Prop 34: Bishop Mathes spoke in favor of Proposition 34 to end the death penalty in California. He spoke alongside other San Diego religious leaders, most notably Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking and lifelong advocate against the death penalty. We caught up with her and asked her about working alongside Episcopalians. The video below is her response.
Sister Helen Prejean on Episcopalians
Sister Helen Prejean on Episcopalians

CLASSES

Safeguarding God's People This one-day course teaches people how exploitation occurs and what to do if it does occur. Sessions include lunch and materials. $30 per person. 8:30 Refreshment. 9a-4p Training. Saturday, October 27 at St. Thomas, 44561 Avenida de Missiones, Temecula. Register

Course on Compassion A book study group focusing on Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. $84 for the course and book. For more information, by contacting Nancy Holland, 619-823-8998. Thursdays, Sep. 27-Nov. 8, 10a-12p. 
 
Creating Video: a Hands-on Workshop 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 5 to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.   Oct. 10 at St. Margaret's, 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert, 12p-2p. 

It's Advent with Gertrud Nelson 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. Tuesdays, Nov. 27-Dec. 18, 10a-12p. 

DIOCESAN EVENTS
Listed by date
Communicators Visit St. Margaret's, 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 Hike. 3p Depart. RSVP by Oct. 5 to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456. Wednesday, Oct. 10 at St. Margaret's, 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert.
dsc
Service Summit 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. Oct. 13, 10a-2p. (Last week we incorrectly stated that it was 10a-12p. Our apologies.)St. Andrew's by-the-Sea, 1050 Thomas Avenue, San Diego. 
 
Support Our Seniors: The next quarterly diocesan service project will collect blankets and Ensure for seniors in our neighborhoods. Learn more.
Music of Our Neighbors 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. Saturday, Oct. 20, 5p at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego. 
Military Ministry Forum 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. Saturday, Oct. 27, 8a-12p. The Rock Church, 2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego.  More Information.
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.


CONGREGATION SPECIAL EVENTS
 Listed by Date

Soprano Recital 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. Sunday, Oct. 21, 4p at St. Paul in-the-Desert, 125 W. El Alameda, Palm Springs. 

Feast on the Mesa 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 to agapehousesdsu@gmail.com or 619-583-3972. Saturday, Oct. 13, 5p-8p at Agape House, 5863 Hardy Ave., San Diego. 

Organ Concert & Reception Bruce Barber II, accomplished organist and vocal solo Chrissy Taylor will perform Toccata and Fuge in D Minor by Bach, and others. Reception in Hinde Hall. $10/month or $5/youth. Proceeds benefit the music ministry of Christ Church. Friday, October 19, 6p. Contact Christie Tugend for more information.

Chula Vista October Fair Pancake breakfast, craft bazaar, bake sale and collectibles for sale. Join us! Contact Gretchen Jordan, 619-203-2217, for more information. Saturday, Oct. 27, 8a-2p at St. John's, 760 First St., Chula Vista. 
 
Ignored Scriptures 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/ Saturday, Nov. 17, 8:30-11:30a at the Solomon Lecture Hall at University of San Diego.

BEYOND OUR DIOCESE

The Many Faces of Homelessness 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 Friday, Oct. 19, 8:30a-3p at the Rancho Cucamonga Resource Center. 

Mediation Skills Training Institute 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 InformationNov. 12-17 at Placentia Presbyterian Church, 949 North Bradford, Placentia.
 
In This Issue
Constitution and Canons
Redbook
Diocesan Convention
Grant Apps Due
Prop 34
Safeguarding God's People
Palm Desert Visit
Service Summit
Dorcas House
Military Minsitry
Employee Benefit Changes
Soprano Recital
Feast on Mesa
Organ Concert
October Fair
Ignored Scriptures
Homelessness
Mediation Skills
"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!