Bishop's Office Weekly
November 14, 2012   
Grant me to recognize in others, Lord God,
the radiance of your own face.
 
~ Teilhard de Chardin
 
FEATURED PHOTO
St. John's Virtual Tour
Tour St. John's, Virtually! The first Google virtual tour in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is live. View it here Now anyone with access to Google can tour the sanctuary of St. John's, Chula Vista. This is part of a pilot program initiated by the diocesan communications department to help congregations welcome newcomers in today's mission field. Stay tuned for more information about this program. Congratulations, St. John's!

DIOCESAN BRIEFS
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Together we can accomplish more
Bishop's Appeal Two weeks ago you received the Bishop's Appeal in the mail. This appeal is vital to the success of our diocesan missions and ministries. Your gift helps provide funding for seminarians, mission congregations, and a host of other diocesan ministries (think refugee, seafarer, veteran, homeless and mentally ill.). Your gift touches lives. If you've already made a gift, thank you. If you haven't, won't you join with hundreds of other Episcopalians working together to make a difference in this season of giving? Donate here.
 
Feasibility Study Thanks to the 974 households that participated in our feasibility study in September. The results are in and here's what you said.
  • Of the three projects that emerged from our diocesan visioning, your top priority was the clergy mentorship fund.
  • Many of you (422) said you'd be willing to help. We'll be calling you soon. If asked to help, please say yes!
  • Based on your estimates about giving, our feasibility study shows we can raise $2,000,000.
  • A strong majority (83%) support the capital campaign.
After careful consideration and research, the Diocesan Executive Council has decided to continue planning for a capital campaign to begin sometime in 2013. The tentative goal is $2,000,000 proportioned so that the clergy mentoring fund would be maximally supported.

"Thank you," said Bishop Mathes. "To all who participated in the feasibility study, thank you. We asked. You responded. We are adapting and moving forward."

To learn more about the campaign initiatives, visit the diocesan website and watch this space for future updates.

 
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.
 
Worker's Comp Insurance As many of you are aware, worker's comp rates for churches in the Diocese of San Diego have fluctuated considerably in the last few years. Many of our churches received sizeable worker's comp increases retroactively for the insurance year October 2009 through October 2010. This was due to an increase in the experience modification rating change put in place by the California Worker's Compensation Insurance Board. The experience rating for the diocese has since come down and the renewal modification for the current year is .83. Please click here to see a more detailed explanation.
 
Hurricane Sandy 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.
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
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Thanks to Diana Bennett for this year's Convention logo! Feel free to copy and paste this for Convention promotion.

Encourage your congregation to attend diocesan convention. Here is some sample text for a bulletin or newsletter:

Come to Convention!
All people of the diocese are invited to attend the 39th Annual Diocesan Convention on Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9 at St. Margaret's, Palm Desert. Especially appropriate for all members is the Friday evening gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency featuring Reggie McNeal as our keynote speaker. A Baptist minister with a mean wit, McNeal's lifelong passion is to re-orient church leaders away from the church and toward God's kingdom. His engaging, conversational tone will delight and amuse listeners, and hopefully inspire action! Another highlight open to all is the festive Eucharist, featuring a diocesan-wide choir, on Saturday morning and the bishop's address on Saturday afternoon. The address looks back at the past year and forward to plans for 2013. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, visit: www.edsd.org/diocon2013 . 


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.
 
Deadline for Resolutions and Nominations If you would like to submit resolutions and nominations, please do so by the deadline: Dec. 1, 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.
 
Alternate Lodging Contact the Rev. Julia Christian about using her home for your convention lodging instead of the hotel. 
 
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." 
 
Youth Vigil Calling all diocesan teens! Come to the Convention Youth Vigil! For just $45 you will get access to the swanky gala dinner, workshops, business sessions, food and materials. Plus the super-fun after party. We'll lead parts of the worship session, too. The fun never stops! For more information, contact Greg Tuttle and Jacqueline Bray.
  
CLASSES

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. 

ADVOCACY
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 Here are some photos from the event.

Posada Without Borders La Posada sin fronteras invites you to reflect on the plight of immigrants at the border and the call to stand with those who suffer. Participants from the US and Mexico celebrate La Posada together. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Border Field State Park. RSVP here to attend or find a carpool. 

DIOCESAN EVENTS
Listed by date
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.
Advent Quiet Day All are welcome to attend the annual Daughters of the King quiet day featuring Christmas and Advent hymns. Join us as we explore the significance of seasonal hymns in alternating presentation and reflection periods. Led by the Rev. Daniel McGrath, military chaplain and music scholar. Saturday, Dec. 8 at St. Michael's, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad. 8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 6 to Chris Miller, 760-753-0495.
Radical Christian Life Conference The Trinity Institute Conference, Radical Christianity, featuring Father Richard Rohr and Joan Chittister will occur Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9. Christ Church, Coronado is one of the official partner sites. To register to attend in Coronado, contact Steve Crawford, 619-347-5763. For the most up-to-date information, click here
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

+Parish Secretary at Grace, San Marcos View Posting
+Church Relations Program Manager at Episcopal Migration Ministries View Posting
MUSIC NEWS

Chamber Music Extravaganza! Enjoy the music of Beethoven, Brahms and more. Step back in time, as artists perform in period dress and even the guests are invited to attend in historical fashions. Chamber music is a form of classical music written for a small group of instruments gathered in a smaller room such as a palace chamber. $20 per ticket. Saturday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. at Christ the King, 1460 Midway Dr., Alpine. Call to reserve your tickets: 619-445-3419 or visit  www.christthekingalpine.org
An Evening of Vivaldi Come hear the famous Gloria for orchestra, soloists, choir and harpsichord under the direction of Dr. William Eichorn at St. Bartholomew's, Poway. The piece, lost since the 19th century, was rediscovered in 1939 and is one of the most popular choral pieces of our time. The Four Seasons will also be performed. Tickets, a $10 donation, will be available in the church office. Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Contact Louise Lawson, 858-487-2159, for more information.

Festival of Lessons and Carols The St. Margaret's Adult Choir will be joined by readers, organ and intrumentalists for this special presentation of wonderful Christmas music. Organ and instrumental prelude begin at 6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation to benefit the St. Margaret's Outreach Center. Invite your friends to hear the music of Christmas at St. Margaret's. Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Wahlstrom Brian New Piano and Voice Instructor St. Bartholomew's Academy of Music and the Arts welcomes Brian Wahlstrom as their new piano and voice instructor. For lesson information, call the church office: 858-487-2159 and ask for Academy Director William Eichorn.

CONGREGATION EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Singles Over 55 Does your congregation have a singles group for people over 55 years of age? If so, please contact the Rev. Dr. Judith Allison .

End-of-Life Planning Has your congregation presented a program that includes financial and health care planning, along with spiritual issues related to aging, illness and death? If so, St. Bartholomew's would like to hear from you. Please contact the Rev. Dr. Judith Allison.

Open Doors La Jolla Architectural Tour Join this architectural tour of the cultural zone centered around St. James by-the-Sea and The Bishop's School. Free parking at The Bishop's School. Tours leave from there, or pick up a map and create your own tour. Sunday, Nov. 18 at 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Sue Adams for more information.
 
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.

St. John's Christmas Posada Join the posada, a traditional Hispanic way to commemorate Mary and Joseph's cold and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter. Christmas parade, pinatas and lots of food and drinks. Join us for this festive celebration! Saturday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m to 5 p.m. at St. John's, 760 First Ave., Chula Vista, 91910. For more information, contact Sandy.
 
60th Annual St. Nicholas Home Tour Enjoy a day visiting festive, seasonally-decorated Point Loma homes, shopping at the marketplace and gourmet pantry and savoring a cup of tea and cookies. Free organ concerts at 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. Piano renditions of "The Night Before Christmas" every half hour from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. An exhibit and activity center on the life of St. Nicholas, the tour's inspiration and namesake, will be open for all to enjoy. Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and may be purchased on the All Souls' website
 

Christmas Bazaar, Rummage and Boutique Sale All Saints', Vista invites you to their annual festivities, including handmade gifts, rummage, gently-used clothing, and books for sale. Proceeds benefit the outreach and inreach ministries at All Saints', such as Meals with Love, Solutions for Change and others. All welcome. Saturday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Polly Kleinpaste.

 
Poway Advent Quiet Hours A time for peace and preparation for this holy and penitential season - light our lamps as we watch, wait and open our hearts and minds to receive the blessings of the Incarnation. Come for meditation, reflection, prayer and fellowship. St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. For more information, or to RSVP, contact the church office, 858-487-2159. Saturday, Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
 
 
BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
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Bishop Welby
Next Archbishop of Canterbury
The former oil company executive, 56, currently bishop of Durham, is set to become the 105th archbishop of Canterbury. Read the announcement from the Anglican Communion. Statement from the presiding bishop here. Episcopal News Service article with photo here.
Apply for the Young Adult Service Corps All 21-30 year-olds are invited to apply for participation in the extraordinary Young Adult Service Corps (YASC). The application is available here. Deadline is Jan. 4. To learn more about the program, visit the Episcopal Church website


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
Bishop's Appeal
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment
Worker's Comp
Hurricane Sandy
Wreath Fundraiser
Diocesan Convention
Classes
Military Minsitry
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
Radical Christian Life
Help Wanted
Music News
Singles Over 55
End of Life Planning
Architectural Tour
Ignored Scriptures
Alternative Gifts Expo
Thrift Shop Fashion Show
Free Turkey Dinner
Posada
Posada
Posada
Posada
Archbishop Welby
Mediation Skills
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!