|
|
|
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven, we thank thee.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
|
|
|
FEATURED PHOTO
 | | Acolyte Olympics! The annual Acolyte Olympics included thurible freestyling, shown above, a torch toss, Episco-Jeopardy, vesting relays, liturgical spelling be and lots of fun. Thurible Freestyling Video |
|
Meditations for Advent and Christmas Forward Movement offers many Advent and Christmas resources to enrich your daily life. "Cheer Our Spirits, Make Safe the Way: Meditations for Advent and Christmas," "Joy of Heaven, to Earth Come Down," "Advent and Christmas Sampler Package," are just a few of the titles available. Visit www.forwardmovement.org or call 800-543-1813.
|
FaithStreet Looking to connect with those 80 percent of church seekers who first search the Internet? Join FaithStreet, an innovative church locator that gives churches a free, great-looking and easy-to-use web presence. The Episcopal Church has partnered with FaithStreet to create this denominational page. Join FaithStreet today.
|
 | |
It takes a diocese
|
Bishop's Appeal The Bishop's Appeal is our annual campaign to support the mission of the diocese to follow Jesus Christ in his life of fearless love for the world. This important appeal enables us to live out our call in the form of outreach, mission work and congregational programs. Please encourage your friends to support our common life by supporting the Bishop's Appeal. Thank you. 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.
|
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.
|
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
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. Alternate Lodging Contact the Rev. Julia Christian about using her home for your convention lodging instead of the hotel. 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. 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
|
|
|
CLASSES
Eucharistic Visitor Training A training for those who wish to take the Eucharist to those who are homebound will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Register by emailing Travis Thomas or calling him at 619-481-5455. Include "Eucharistic Visitor" in the subject line of an email.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
|
DIOCESAN EVENTS
Listed by date
|
|
Jack Whitehouse Celebratory Eucharist Join us as we celebrate 90 years of life and 60 years of priesthood for the Rev. Jack Whitehouse on Saturday, Dec. 8 at St. Luke's, 3725 30th St., San Diego, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Your presence is the only gift required. Please join us in recognizing Father Whitehouse's life of devotion to God and God's people. Dinner to follow the service.
|
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.
|
Planned Giving Workshop Both parishes with an existing planned giving ministry and/or endowment, and those without, will benefit from this workshop, which reviews best practices and empowers leadership to be able to take the best, next steps for their congregations! Learn how planned giving differs from stewardship or capital campaigns and how your congregation can guild endowments through wills, life income and other planned gifts. Learn how to invite others to remember your parish through estate and financial planning. Leave the workshop with an action plan! Taught by Jim Murphy, senior program director of financial resources at the Episcopal Church Foundation. Saturday, Dec. 15 at Good Samaritan, 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free. RSVP to Travis Thomas.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Holiday Season Getting Too Hectic? Return to the roots of Christmas and experience the presence of God through music. Come to the free evening of combined choirs from Good Samaritan and the Newman Center Catholic Community at UCSD, handbell choir and small orchestra. Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Good Samaritan, 4321 Eastgate Mall, just north of the Westfield Mall. Visit www.goodsamchurch.org 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.
|
Mark Your Calendar: Alice Parker Mark your calendar now for a unique opportunity to work with Alice Parker, teacher, composer, conductor, whose legendary choral arrangements of spirituals, folk songs and hymns with conductor Robert Shaw inspired a generation of American choral musicians. All day Saturday, Feb. 23 at St. Paul in-the-Desert, 125 West El Alameda, Palm Springs, CA. For more information, contact Nathan Ensign, 760-320-7488 ext. 255.
|
 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
|
|
St. Mark's Posada St. Mark's will host one special night Posada that coincides with the opening of the Interfaith Shelter on their campus. All are welcome for the Posada and Mexican dinner following; the dinner will be available for a small cost. Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at St. Mark's, 4227 Fairmount Ave., San Diego.
|
|
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.
|
|
St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School students have a skit to share with you. View below.
 | |
Following Jesus
|
|
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.
|
Digital Bishop in Rhode Island The Very Rev. Nicholas William Knisely, Jr. was consecrated the 13th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island on Saturday, Nov. 17. The sermon was by the Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith, bishop of Arizona (the new bishop of RI is former dean of the AZ cathedral), who lauded RI for electing a "digital bishop." View photos.
 | |
Digital Bishop Sermon
|
|
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.
|
United Thank Offering Applications in January The United Thank Offering board recently announced a change in the timeline for grant applications for 2013. They will be accepted online only from January 1 through February 28, 2013. Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally within Anglican provinces, dioceses and companion dioceses. Continue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
"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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
