Bishop's Office Weekly
November 1, 2012   
Almighty God, you promised that 
when we are passing through the waters 
you will be with us,
and that they shall not overflow us:
Be our help now in this time of trouble.
We need your grace and strong hand.
Uphold us and do not let us fall into despair,
bitterness, or the mire of self-pity.
Renew in us hope and faith;
give us assurance of your presence and courage 
to bravely face the trials of days to come.
 
~ Prayers for All Occasions
 
FEATURED PHOTO
seniors blankets
Snuggly Seniors Happy seniors at the St. Paul's PACE Center received blankets to keep them warm this winter. The blanket drive for low-income seniors was the Diocesan Service Coalition's (DSC) collaborative fall project. Stay tuned for information about the winter project: a county-wide clean-up day and potluck fellowship in January. Learn more about the DSC online.
DIOCESAN BRIEFS

Hurricane Sandy This storm made landfall in central New Jersey on Oct. 29. It caused record flooding and left an estimated 6 million without power. Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is working with affected dioceses to provide critical, life saving assistance as well as long-term recovery in the aftermath. Help our brothers and sisters by donating to the ERD Hurricane Sandy Fund.

ERD Leadership Sought If you would like to help our diocese stay connected to the important work of ERD by being our diocesan coordinator, please contact the Rev. Canon Suzann V. Holding.

Open Enrollment Open enrollment for health insurance is October 31- Nov. 21. Plan descriptions, pricing and enrollment forms are available on the diocesan website. Each congregation is obligated to inform eligible employees of open enrollment. A free webinar on this topic will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. More Information
 
Social Media's Power to Share Good News [ENS] We're all communicators of the gospel but social media raises our presence - and our influence - to extraordinary new levels. continue
 
New Cristosal Website Please visit Foundation Cristosal's new website: www.cristosal.org Learn how Cristosal is making a difference in communities in El Salvador, in conjunction with our companion diocese, Iglesia Anglicana El Salvador. If you are interested in working with Cristosal in San Diego, please contact Alexandra Howard.

Happening's Annual Wreath Fundraiser Diocesan youth handcraft Advent and Christmas wreaths out of fresh cut greens, bells, pine cones and bows. Sale of these wreaths support the Happening scholarship fund, which means they never turn teens away from the Happening weekend retreat. $20 donation suggested. Contact a teen in your church or Alex Tuttle, 619-277-0492, for more information. 

DIOCESAN CONVENTION
"Mission: Possible" on Friday, February 8 to Saturday, February 9 at St. Margaret's, 47535 Highway 74, Palm Desert

Deadline for Changes to Canon & Constitution are due Thursday, Nov. 1. Submit proposed changes to Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454.

Bring Your Banners Please bring your congregation's banner and banner stand to convention. These will grace the sanctuary of St. Margaret's as we conduct business sessions. Let Debby Jansma, 760-346-2697 x104, know that you plan to bring your banner. Thanks!

Lay Delegate Certificates All lay delegate certificates for diocesan convention were due on October 1. Please submit them right away to Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454.
 
Learn About our Keynote SpeakerBook your Lodging now. View the tentative Agenda. Read through the Nomination Information. Stay on top of important Dates and Deadlines.
 
Reggie McNeal Our keynote speaker at our upcoming diocesan convention, says, "I'm trying to get church leaders out of the church business and into the people business. The kingdom is all about people, not about institutions and organizations and religious activity. It's about whether or not people have a shot at the abundant life that Jesus promises." 
 
Reggie McNeal:
Reggie McNeal: "God's not going to sit around and wait for church people to get it."
  
CLASSES

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, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

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, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Eucharistic Visitor Training Learn how to take the Eucharist to the homebound at this diocesan training. Saturday, Nov. 10 at St. Peter's, Del Mar, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the library. $25, includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Contact Travis Thomas.

MINISTERING TO MILITARY
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program Please let your congregations know about the VRAP by sharing this link with them: http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm The retraining program helps unemployed veterans get the skills they need to compete for good jobs in today's marketplace.

Armed Forces Evensong Honor those who have served in our military by attending this annual Evensong at St. Paul's Cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. The Rev. Edward Harrison, rector of Christ Church, Coronado, will give the homily.

Friends of Military Outreach and Support All are invited to attend a forum about spiritual injury hosted by the Friends of Military Outreach and Support (FOMOS). Several veterans will share their personal stories. Sunday, Nov. 11 at St. Paul's Cathedral at 9 a.m.

DIOCESAN EVENTS
Listed by date
Radical Christian Life Conference Christ Church, Coronado will be a partner site for Trinity Institute's 42nd National Theological Conference on Nov. 9-11. What does it mean to be a radical Christian community in times such as these? Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, and Father Richard Rohr, OFM, will challenge participants with this question. To register, contact Steve Crawford, 619-347-5763 or Edward Harrison, 619-508-8117.
 
Interested in Being a Pilgrim? Experience an alternative Eucharist that aims to bridge the gap between ancient liturgy and the now through art, media, music and setting. Come with us to Sacramentum at St. James, Pasadena on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Contact Nancy Holland, 619-823-8998.

Diocesan Convention Come one and all to our annual diocesan convention. This year's gathering will take place at St. Margaret's, 47535 Highway 74, Palm Desert on Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9. While delegates carry out the business, families and friends are welcome to attend workshops, shop among the exhibitors and enjoy fellowship as a diocesan family. For more information, click here.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

+ St. Andrew's, Pacific Beach seeks a part-time office administrator
+ St. David's, Clairemont seeks a part-time children and youth minister

For information about these, and other, jobs, click here.

CONGREGATION EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Visit Holy Cross, Carlsbad's booth at the Carlsbad Village Faire on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Blvd. and Jefferson St., and adjacent streets. Free balloons for all! For more information, click here. Please pray for sunny skies!

Dia de los Muertos Bring your family and friends to this day of love, remembrance, celebration, honor, culture and fun! Activities include: a presentation on the rich history of this holiday; a community altar where you can remember a departed friend or relative; face painting, bounce house, traditional food, live music, arts, crafts and more. Hope you can join us! Saturday, Nov. 3 at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea, 1050 Thomas Avenue, San Diego, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Contact Deann Ayer.

Benefit Concert for St. Bartholomew's Music Academy  The academy has been providing music to Rancho Bernardo, Poway and the surrounding communities for 13 years, as well as providing instruction to all who want to learn. This lively, entertaining event will showcase gifted musicians while assuring the continuation of this community resource well into the future. Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. St. Bartholomews', 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. $15 donation. For more information, contact Louise Lawson.

Free Community Concert at Holy Cross, Carlsbad on Sunday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m. The North Coast Singers youth choirs will perform at Holy Cross! Join us for an afternoon of joyous, spirited music including holiday songs.
 
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, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Solomon Lecture Hall at University of San Diego.
 
Alternative Gifts Expo St. Paul's Cathedral invites all to attend the annual expo, an opportunity for one-stop holiday shopping. Buy gifts that will support local and global efforts to end poverty and bring about peace and a just society. Sunday, Nov. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Laurie Gunn.
 
St. Peter's Thrift Shop Fashion Show St. Peter's, Del Mar invites you to shop at their annual fashion show luncheon. Christmas shopping and boutique clothing. Proceeds benefit Joy to the World Kindergarten in Namibia and the Community Resource Center. $15 per person for lunch, includes lunch. Monday, Nov. 19 at St. Peter's, 334 14th St., Del Mar. 12 p.m. RSVP to Chris Miller, 858-481-1945.
 
Free Thanksgiving Dinner The people of St. David's invite all to attend their 29th annual Thanksgiving dinner. Welcoming senior citizens and others who do not have family to share this day's meal. Sign up at the Clairemont Senior Friendship Center, 4425 Bannock St., San Diego, or call the church to reserve a spot: 619-276-4567. Transportation available at no charge. Thursday, Nov. 22 at 12 p.m.

BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
 
Dioceses Mobilize After Sandy [ENS] Not long after Hurricane Sandy slammed into the Eastern Seaboard on Oct. 29 - claiming at least 70 lives, displacing thousands and causing blizzards, widespread flooding and power outages in America's most densely populated region - affected Episcopal dioceses were starting to mobilize and assess the storm's impact. Continue
 

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
Hurricane Sandy
Open Enrollment
Social Media
Cristosal
Wreath Fundraiser
Diocesan Convention
Classes
Eucharistic Visitor Training
Military Ministry
Radical Christian Life
Pilgrimage
Convention Invitation
Help Wanted
Carlsbad Faire
Dia de los Muertos
Benefit Concert
Ignored Scriptures
Alternative Gifts Expo
Free Turkey Dinner
Dioceses Mobilize
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!