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from the bishop
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Fall is in full swing at our diocesan office, which means lots of important events. First up is this week's Service Summit, which gathers people from all parts of our diocese to serve those in need.
Music of our Neighbors will help us all to connect with the children of Dorcas House, the foster home in Tijuana supported by many congregations of this generous diocese.
You can register online for Safeguarding God's People to be held at St. Thomas of Canterbury, Temecula.
Photos from our shared diocesan life are up on our Flickr page for easy perusal. Take a look!
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop
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diocesan convention materials online
The 39th Annual Convention of the Diocese of San Diego will take place on Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. The theme of this year's convention is "Mission: Possible" and will feature Mr. Reggie McNeal, a Baptist with a passion for mission. Learn more, register online and find nominations and resolution information on the web site.
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lay delegate certificates
All lay delegate certificates for Diocesan Convention are due by October 1. Please contact Bobbi Hoff with questions, 619-481-5454.
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changes to employee benefits
As you know, the new lay pension plan and denominational health plan take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Here's 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.
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uto ingathering
The diocesan ingathering for the United Thank Offering has been designated as October 28. To order materials or find other resources, visit the UTO page on the denominational web site.
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ministering to military
Thousands of troops will return from military service in the near future. Research indicates that the stress of deployments places a high degree of stress on family relationships, and often challenges the faith of the service member. Local churches and faith communities are essential resources to help restore family relationships and deepen spiritual well being. You are invited to join others to gain resources and inspiration to support military ministries.
Saturday, October 27
The Rock
2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego, 92106
8:00am - 12:00pm
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safeguarding god's people
This one-day workshop is required for all clergy and some lay leaders and teaches how exploitation and harrassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrances, and - should exploitation or harrassment occur - how to respond. $30 per person; in cludes lunch and materials. Learn more about who is required to attend here.
Saturday, October 27
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church
44651 Avenida de Missiones, Temecula, 92592
8:30am - 4:00pm
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save the dates
Mark your calendar for these important upcoming 2012 events:
October 13: Service Summit. Please RSVP to Sarah Shealy Stump.
October 18-21: Cursillo Weekend at Camp Stevens
October 20: Music of Our Neighbors Fundraiser for Dorcas House. Details.
October 27: All Saints' Day Service at All Saints' Cemetery in Oceanside.
October 28: United Thank Offering Ingathering. Resources.
November 8: Retired Clergy Gathering at the Episcopal Church Center. Please RSVP to the Rev. Al Smith.
November 11: Armed Forces Evensong at St. Paul's Cathedral.
November 15: Retired Clergy Gathering at St. Paul, Palm Springs. RSVP to the Rev. Al Smith.
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new ecumenical and interreligious officer
On September 1, 2012, 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. 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.
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