Bishop's Office Weekly
October 10, 2012   
Help me, O God,
to be flexible enough to bend, where necessary,
but not break,
to stretch beyond injury
where peace and pardon are at stake,
to reshape old visions
so of greater ones I'll partake,
and always to relinquish good
for better's sake.
Thank you and Amen! 
 
~ Kathy Hood Culmer
 
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Pet Blessing
Snakes Deserve Blessings Too: Mike Stone, postulant, blesses a snake at Christ Church Day School in Coronado. View Photos

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

Men's Clothing Needed Our Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach partners with local faith communities to provide clothing to people in need. Men's pants, shorts, sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and blankets are especially coveted as the cooler weather approaches. Clean out your closets and donate to this worthy clothing ministry by contacting Mark Mann, 619-849-2359, who will arrange for pick-up or drop off of donations. Thank you for your generous response.
 
Diocesan Clergy Shines One of our own clergy members, the Rev. Rebecca Edwards, will serve as chaplain to the Kanuga Board of Visitors meeting this weekend, October 12-14. Kanuga is an Episcopal camp and conference center in Asheville, North Carolina. Congratulations, Rebecca! More Information
 
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 Leadership for Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD): ERD seeks a diocesan coordinator to serve as a liason and help promote ERD in our diocese. A volunteer position, this ministry affects people throughout the church and the world. For more information, please contact the Rev. Canon Suzann V. Holding, 619-481-5452.
 
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

Stewardship: Presence Making Charles LaFond visualizes the stewardship campaign chairperson as a coach in Stewardship: Presence Making. Drawing a parallel between the fitness coach whose encouragement helps transform unhealthy lifestyles to healthier ones, he sees the stewardship chair as someone who can help us transform an unhealthy addiction around money into a different understanding of giving and generosity. View the Vital Practices article.

In Generosidad, Armantina Peláez invites us to think about generosity in terms of time and talent as well as treasure. Drawing upon her experience as a member of a Latino/a congregation, she shares how practicing generosity through shared experiences can enrich a congregation. This article will soon be available in English as well as Spanish. View the Vital Practices article.

DIOCESAN CONVENTION
 
Our annual diocesan convention will be held on Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this festive gathering. In addition to the required business, our convention offers learning opportunities, the chance to hear Reggie McNeal, our keynote speaker who is passionate about inspiring the church with mission, and most beneficial of all, the time to connect with people from other congregations and to hear what God is doing across our diocese. Our theme this year is "Mission: Possible." Come make it possible to share God's mission!
 
Proposed Agenda Take a look at the schedule for the day here.
Important Dates and Deadlines Stay on top of things here.
Nomination Information Find out which positions are open here.
Resolution Forms Submit your resolutions using the form here.
Keynote Speaker Learn about Reggie McNeal here.
Lodging Make your room reservations with information found here.
Map and Directions Plan your travel to St. Margaret's here.

Lay Delegate Certificates were due on October 1, 2012. Please submit yours today to Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454.
 
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

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
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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 at St. Andrew's, 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. 
All Saints' Day Service A beautiful service to remember those who have died at All Saints' Cemetery, 200 Peyri Road, Oceanside. Saturday, October 27, 2-3p. More Information
Armed Forces Evensong Bishop Mathes will preside at our annual service to honor those who serve in our military. Sunday, November 11, 5p at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego.
MINISTRY TO MILITARY
"We will be a community that promotes both peace and a just society."
~ Mission Plan, page 5
Holy Cross, Carlsbad Honored by Wounded Warriors 
Holy Cross Plaque 
September was Military Ministry month at Holy Cross, which culminated with a visit from Captain Tommy Glesean, platoon commander overseeing 70 marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton. Captain Glesean presented Holy Cross with the plaque shown above, carved by Mr. David Ostrander, a retired USMC Sgt Major. Ostrander spoke eloquently about the value that Holy Cross' participation brings to the lives of wounded and ill marines and sailors. Holy Cross visits Camp Pendleton on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For more information, contact Tom Mauro, 847-989-0305.
 
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 DiegoMore 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

18th Annual Fall Bazaar The Women of St.Mary's in the Valley, Ramona will hold their fall bazaar on Saturday, October 20, 7a. Check out furniture, clothes, baby items, collectibles and more at the yard sale and boutique. Gourmet soups, quiches, candy, baked goods and free coffee. An opportunity drawing features a hand-crafted quilt. For further info or to drop off any donated items, call the church office at 760-789-0890 or Matitta Simonds at 760-788-6528. Proceeds fund projects in the church and the community as well as nationwide.
 

Pie & Coffee Benefits Refugee Network The tutoring program in City Heights helps kids from refugee camps adjust to their new homes in San Diego. Invest in a child's future with a tax-deductible donation to the Episcopal Refugee Network. Attend the Pie & Coffee Fundraiser on Saturday, October 20 at Cafe Calabria, 3933 30th St., San Diego, 2-4p. For more information, call 619-269-3601 or email us.
 

Project Wildlife at St. Bart's, Poway Bring your whole family and learn about our San Diego birds and wildlife while meeting one of Project Wildlife's avian animal ambassadors, Carol Crafts. A long-time volunteer there and a member of St. Bartholomew's, Carol will bring a bird for you to meet. Sunday, October 21, 11a-12p in the parish hall. St. Bartholomew's is located at 16275 Pomerado Road in Poway.
 

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. 

Fall Festival in Palm Desert St. Margaret's annual fall festival features a craft faire, face painting, pictures, pumpkins, chili cookoff and bake-off competitions, kid's corral with games, jumpies and crafts, entertainment, country dancing, food, barbeque, corn and kettle corn! Wear a costume to compete in the contest. All are welcome. Bring your friends. Saturday, October 27, 11a-5p. For more information, contact Chet Hecht.

Fall Festival in Encinitas St. Andrew's annual Fall Festival supports the Episcopal Refugee Network and allows you to enjoy a chili cook-off, all-you-can-eat chili, cornbread and salad bar, refreshing Green Flash beer, an auction, bake sale and activities for the kids. Saturday, October 27, 4:30p-8p at 890 Balour Dr., Encinitas. $8/child. $15/adult. More Information

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.

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

United Thank Offering Changes Timeline The United Thank Offering board announced a change in the timeline for grant applications for 2013. Applications will be accepted only online from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28. Learn more.

Episcopal Priest in Egypt Speaks Out on Protests The Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler is an Episcopal priest living in Egypt. He has served since 2003 as rector of St. John the Baptist Church in Cairo. In this Episcopal News Service interview, Chandler reflects on the changes in Egypt over the past two years and speaks about the recent protests triggered by a film containing anti-Islamic content. Continue.

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
Men's clothing
Redbook
ERD leader wanted
Prop 34
Stewardship help
Diocesan Convention
Safeguarding God's People
Service Summit
Dorcas House
Military ministry
Military Minsitry
Fall Bazaar
Pie and Coffee
Project Wildlife
Fall Festival
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!