Join us a the Health & Wellness Summit. Bishop Mathes will start things off with a personal testimony about his journey toward health. Peter K, fitness expert, will motivate us, and we'll kick off a six-week program, Well to Serve, Well to Lead, which addresses specific challenges faced by Episcopal employees, and helps you reach your fitness goals. Open to all employees of the Episcopal Church, and the members of their households, this one-day seminar can change your life. Tuesday, August 27 at Good Samaritan, 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $10, lunch included. Register Here. Questions? Contact Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.

A roundtable discussion for church communicators, this gathering will focus on social media. Learn why social media is so important for churches, and how you can use different channels effectively. Thursday, August 8 at St. Paul's Cathedral, Guild Room, 2728 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. RSVP to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456. Bring your lunch or order a deli sandwich or salad for $5.

Join the summertime diocesan-wide service project: a backpack drive for children throughout our diocese who are homeless or low-income. School supplies, clothes, shoes, binders, paper, pens are all welcome. Backpacks and other supplies will be distributed at a bash at St. Mark's, City Heights on Saturday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, edsd.org/dsc or contact Heather Nunnery Smith.  

Come one and all to this lively planning meeting in preparation for our 40th Annual Diocesan Convention. The meeting will be Saturday, August 24 at St. Timothy's, 10125 Azuaga St., San Diego, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., includes lunch. Convention business, 40th anniversary party, presiding bishop visit, blessing and dedication of the Center in Ocean Beach and the kickoff of our diocesan capital campaign -- all five components are a part of this one event. Take part in the planning, share your ideas and meet new people. Please RSVP to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456 by August 20.

Host a Japanese teenager August 10-12 as part of the International Odyssey camp at Camp Stevens. After spending one week at camp, Japanese students stay in the homes of Americans to get a sense of what life is like in the States. If you are interested in hosting two Japanese teens, contact Zach or call the camp: 760-765-0028.

Saturday, September 7, 6 p.m. at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa. Special appearance by Mitzi Gaynor, star of South Pacific. Honorees: Maggie and Jerry Coleman. $195/ticket. Sponsorship packages available. More Info

Classes  begin at the new diocesan School for Ministry on Saturday, September 7. This initiative is part of the diocesan Mission Plan; it provides college-level education for all adult learners. The school is located at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach. The opening convocation will be Friday, September 24. Watch for more information in the fall Messenger, or contact the Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring.

Mark your calendars for a diocesan-wide celebration of peace! On Saturday, September 21, the United Nation's International Day of Peace, we'll meet in front of the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park at 4 p.m. and then march as a group to St Paul's Cathedral for a special Prayers for Peace service at 5 p.m. A reception with peace-themed activities will follow the service. Stay tuned for more information or contact Sarah Shealy Stump. Official Website

This person offers hospitality to visitors, answers incoming calls, and assists with mail processing and distribution. Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel helpful. Flexible hours within our open hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Help is most needed Tuesday - Thursday. Please contact Julie Young, 619-481-5453.

The annual Bishop's Appeal joins hundreds of Episcopalians from all corners of our diocese to provide life-giving services for people in need. Together we can do more. Learn about the Appeal and Donate Here.

Would you appreciate a mentoring relationship with someone from the Faithful Giving Committee (formerly the Stewardship Committee)? Is there someone in your congregation who could usefully participate in the work of the committee? If so, please contact Kathleen Kelly, 760-399-7225.

Artwork by John Swanson

Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15 St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla will host a John Swanson art exhibit and sale. Join us early on Friday evening for a private cocktail party and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons to view and purchase Mr. Swanson's exceptional works, some of which are on exhibit at the Vatican, the Tate in London and the Smithsonian. The event will be held at St. James, in the library, chapel and on the patio. All proceeds will support Casa Cornelia Law Center, which provides free legal aid to victims of human rights and civil rights violations. For more information, contact Dr. Marjorie Coburn, 858-456-5065.