October 2012 

diocesan news
In This Issue
Proposition 34
Ecumenical Work
Stewardship
Feasibility Study
Free Copiers
Conference
Video
Health and Wellness
Breast Cancer Awareness
Peter K
Diocesan Convention 2013
Serving Seniors
Service Summit
Military Ministry
Safeguarding God's People
Dorcas House
Bishop's List
Homelessness Conference
Mediation Skills
HospiceCare
Links We Like
like us!
stories from our churches
stories from all over
tweets from the bishop's office
of which we're a part
news, commentary, art, video
blog for youth educators
funny video primers on all things Episcopal
thoughts of an Episcopal educator and others
pragmatic advice from Episcopal churches from vestry meetings to youth ministry
blog about spiritual discernment
Photo of the Month
Interreligious
Priests  (and Imams, Rabbis, Pastors) for Peace: The Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth speaks at a press conference on September 20, alongside Bishop Mathes, Imam Hassane, Rabbi Coskey and other faith leaders, who condemned both an anti-Islamic video and widespread violence in predominantly Muslim countries during September. Channel 8 video. Bishop Mathes was also featured on Channel 5 and Channel 6 and KOGO AM 600.
Photos and Videos
ADVOCACY
Bishop Mathes on Proposition 34

Bishop Mathes spoke in favor of Proposition 34 at a press conference on Tuesday, October 2. Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking and lifelong advocate for abolishing the death penalty, also spoke. Passage of Proposition 34 will eradicate the death penalty in California. 

Bishop Mathes on Prop 34
Bishop Mathes on Prop 34

 

Sister Helen Prejean on Episcopalians
Sister Helen Prejean on Episcopalians

 

DIOCESAN BRIEFS
Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
ellsworth
The Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth

Bishop Mathes appointed the Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth to serve as deputy for ecumenical and interreligious relations last month. She succeeds the Rev. Wayne Sanders who served for seven years as canon for ecumenical and interreligious relations. Father Sanders will continue to be involved in the Anglican/Roman Catholic Dialogue and will be honored for his contributions at our next convention. In her role, the Rev. Ellsworth acts as the bishop's chief advisor and representative. As we live into our diocesan Mission Plan, these relationships grow increasingly important as we find partners to do God's mission in the world. 

 

United Thank Offering News

The United Thank Offering (UTO) dates in our diocese are October 28, 2012 and May 12, 2013. Also, the UTO board announced a change in the timeline for grant applications for 2013. Applications will be accepted only online from January 1 - February 28, 2013. For more information, contact Diocesan UTO Coordinator Jamie Wood. Episcopal News Service article here.

 

Reframing Stewardship

Greg Syler, rector of St. George's, Valley Lee, Maryland, shares how his congregation changed the way it thinks about money and finances, so that it no longer "confuses stewardship with money." More 

 

Feasibility Study Update

Thank you, one and all, who participated in our feasibility study. The results are coalescing and will be reported over the course of the next month or two. Learn about the proposed initiatives.

 

Free Copiers and Printers

A San Diego Prudential realty office would like to donate their gently used Minolta copiers and copier/printers to local non-profits. If interested, contact Krissenda Leigh-Pink. Delivery available within the greater San Diego area.

 

Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes

An outstanding conference is coming to San Diego February 27 - March 2, 2013, hosted by the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes (CEEP). It features workshop tracks for stewardship, communications, administrators, assisting clergy, rectors, wardens and annual campaign chairs. There may be some volunteer opportunities available for members of our diocese who wish to attend. Contact Jennifer Reese for more information.

 

COMMUNICATIONS
Creating Video: A Hands-On Workshop
Come one and all to experince a hands-on workshop about all things video. Bring a video clip to work with, or make one there. Bring your own lunch or reserve one in advance for $5. RSVP by October 5 to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.

Schedule:
9:30 a.m. Arrive
10:00 a.m. Healing Eucharist in Chapel
11:00 a.m. Tour of St. Margaret's
12:00 p.m. Learning Lunch
2:00 p.m. Hike to the Cross
3:00 p.m. Depart

Carpooling and spending the night are possibilities. Contact Hannah to arrange.

 

Communicators Visit St. Margaret's

All are welcome to join the communicators as we hold our quarterly meeting in Palm Desert. The Rev. Daniel Rondeau will lead us in a healing Eucharist at 10:00a, followed by a tour and a time of learning (see video workshop above). RSVP by October 5 to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Walk and Be Well
October exercise program  
  Walk and Be Well
During October, CREDO will provide daily Walk and Be Well reflections in both text and audio that motivate, encourage and educate you on the benefits of walking and help you commit to 28 days devoted to wellness. The program is free, voluntary and adaptable. With remarkable candor, three CREDO faculty members narrate a 5-minute audio or text reflection on walking and wellness. Sign up to receive the daily reflections. View the entire collection online. Join the CREDOwalk Facebook group to learn more. Walk and Be Well is for everyone, lay or clergy, whether or not you've participated in CREDO.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and is a great opportunity to promote screening and early detection. About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will get breast cancer. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Mammograms help find it early when treatment is most effective. Here are some tips for your congregation:
  • If you are age 40-49, ask your doctor when you should start getting mammograms
  • If you are over 50, get a mammogram every two years. Ask your doctor if you need one more often. 
  • Breast cancer is diagnosed in about 2,000 men each year.
The Rev. Catherine Dempsey, priest in the Diocese of Western New York, reflections on her cancer experience: "Thank You God for Cancer."
Peter K Video: Healthy Dressings  K Peter 
Seeking a healthy yet flavorful salad dressing? Peter K demonstrates four simple recipes in this short video. Peter K partners with the Episcopal Church Medical Trust to help make its members healthier. He promotes a wellness program called 5 minutes to fitness. Check it out.

DIOCESAN CONVENTION 2013
When & Where 
Our 39th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held Friday, February 8 - Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church located at 47-535 Highway 75 in Palm Desert. 

 

Lay Delegate Certificates 
Lay Delegate Certificates were due on October 1. If you have not already done so, please submit yours to Bobbi Hoff today. If you have any questions, please call Bobbi: 619-481-5454.

 

Reggie McNeal Keynotes MCNEAL reggie
Reggie McNeal is a missional leadership specialist with a divinity degree from a Baptist seminary and an entertaining wit. An educator, denominational executive, leadership coach, founding pastor, consultant and author, McNeal will be the keynote speaker for our Diocesan Convention. All are welcome to hear him speak at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells on Friday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m.  More Information

 

One Book, One Diocese

We invite you to join One Book, One Diocese and read Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal. Join the Facebook group! There is a study guide available on Facebook.

 

Lodging 
To reserve your room at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells for convention, visit this web site or call 888-451-1442 and reference "The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego."

 

DIOCESAN EVENTS
Serving Our Seniors

Our current diocesan-wide service project is a blanket and Ensure drive for seniors in our communities. Hold a drive in your congregation and deliver your goods to either Christ Church, Coronado (by October 15) or St. Bartholomew's, Poway (by October 31). For more information, visit the diocesan web site.

 

Quarterly Service Summit

Come share ideas, network and discuss topics of interest relating to our diocesan-wide outreach efforts, and help plan our next quarterly project. Saturday, October 13 at St. Andrew's, 1050 Thomas Ave., San Diego, 10a-2p. RSVP to Sarah Shealy Stump, 619-200-6408.

 

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, October 27, 8a-12p at The Rock Church, 2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego. More Information 

  

Armed Forces Evensong 

Bishop Mathes will preside at our annual service to honor the men and women who serve our country in the military. Sunday, November 11, 5p at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego.

 

All Saints' Day Service

Attend this beautiful service at All Saints' Cemetery, 200 Peyri Road, Oceanside. Saturday, October 27, 2-3p. More Information

 

Safeguarding God's People
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. Sessions include lunch and materials. $30 per person. Saturday, October 27 at St. Thomas of Canterbury, 9a-4p. Arrive early for refreshment. 44561 Avenida de Missiones, Temecula, 92592. Register hereFor more information, contact Travis Thomas619-481-5455. 
 
Feast on the Mesa

An interactive and casual tour of tastes, fresh tacos, sangria, margaritas, beer and attractive non-alcoholic drinks. Live and silent auctions and door prizes! $55. Proceeds support the Episcopal-Lutheran campus ministry at San Diego State University. Saturday, October 13, 5-8p. RSVP to agapehousesdsu@gmail.com or 619-583-3972.

 

Retired Clergy Gathering

Never too Soon! The Retired Clergy/Spouses and Partners/Surviving Spouses will gather at the Episcopal Center, Ocean Beach, Thursday, November 8 from 10:30a-1:30p. Bishop Mathes welcomes all to this annual occasion which begins with the Eucharist, followed by luncheon and discussions. Nancy Holland, director of the Center, is the hostess. Leslie Keller will be with us once again to give a report on ministries of Episcopal Community Services (ECS). If you have questions please contact Al or Stephanie Smith, 858-538-5946. The following week, November 15, a similar gathering at St. Paul in-the-Desert, Palm Springs, for all those living in the Coachella Valley. 

 


MUSIC NEWS
Music of Our Neighbors A concert to benefit Dorcas House, a foster home in Tijuana supported by many congregations in our diocese. 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. Saturday, October 20 at 5p at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego. E-tickets: $25. Contact info@dorcashousefriends.org or 619-940-5399.

 

PMS Soprano Recital C 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 follows. Sunday, October 21 at St. Paul, 125 W. El Alameda, Palm Springs. For more information, call 760-778-6016.

 

Introductory Music Composition and Arrangement Nurture your gift of music, learn how composers use melody, harmony, range, and rhythm, and practice notation that turns notes into music. Free! Led by Stephen Sturk, composer-in-residence at St. Paul's Cathedral. Mondays, 7-9p at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, in the choir room. For more information, contact Michael Evans: 619-297-2095.

 

Musical Instruments Wanted Have any musical instruments you don't need anymore? St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School in Chula Vista is looking for musical instruments and equipment to enrich the lives of its students. If you have an old instrument or any piece of equipment you no longer use, please take this opportunity to donate it to a child in need! Drop off your donation or contact Wendy Sandoval, 619-422-4141. Instruments needed: flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, trumpets, tubas, snare drums.

 
CONGREGATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Offer SOLACE to Inmates Souls Offering Love And Compassionate Ears invites you to join the next visit to the Otay Mesa detention facility. This service opportunity provides a much needed listening ear to the incarcerated. Visits take place on Thursdays, October 4, 11 or 18. Contact Hilliard Harper, 858-566-8740, for more information.

 

Chula Vista October Fair Pancake breafast, craft bazaar, bake sale and collectibles for sale. Join us! Saturday, October 27, 8a-2p at St. John's, 760 First St., Chula Vista. Contact Gretchen Jordan, 619-203-2217, for more information.

Ignored Scriptures Reflect on liturgical readings with the Rev. Canon Jack Lindquist, who posits that the readings are 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. Saturday, November 17, 8:30a-11:30a at the Solomon Lecture Hall at University of San Diego. More Information
 
Alternative Gifts Expo Do your holiday shopping with alternative gifts. Proceeds help people in need, bringing them out of poverty into self-sufficiency. This year's vendors include: Episcopal Refugee Network, Uptown Faith Center, the Maseno Mission in Kenya, Episcopal Community Services, Rebuild Haiti Cathedral, Bishops Blend coffees and tea and Equal Exchange chocolate products, teas, and snack bars, Tijuana women's home business crafts, Dorcas House, Holy Cross Retreat House in Santa Barbara, St. James' Gift Shop, Episcopal Relief & Development, the Tomorrow Project, and the Episcopal Church in El Salvador (Cristosal). Sunday, November 18, 8:30a-1:30p at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. 

BISHOP'S LIST
Did you know that the Bishop's List had a recent infusion of new items? Stoles, candles, crosses, a library of books and more are now available for your congregation.

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BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
The Many Faces of Homelessness

The Stephan Center hosts this one-day conference to help church leaders understand homelessness and its impacts on people of all ages. Learn how your church can serve this growing population. $64. Six professional development hours received. Friday, October 19, 8:30a-3p at the Rancho Cucamonga Resource Center. 

Learn More

Mediation Skills Training Institute
dove Conflict is a part of life. 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. November 12-17 at the Placentia Presbyterian Church, 849 North Bradford, Placentia, California. 
A Bilingual Pageant Workshop
pageant Look at creative ways to renew the timeless stories of both Latino and European cultures with laity, priests, professional actors and dancers, Sunday school teachers and others. Pageants have tremendous power to bring communities together. Join this collaborative workshop experience on Saturday, November 10 at Iglesia Episcopal de Santiago/St. James Episcopal Church, 1540 12th Ave., Oakland. More Information

 

 


Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to Hannah Wilder.

 

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