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 December 19, 2013   
Blessed are you 
when difference becomes richness,
when disagreement produces dialogue,
when storms break.
Blessed are you,
for such moments announce
a rainbow of hope
and in life, reconciliation
 
~ In God's Hands, Common Prayer for the World
FEATURED VIDEO
Free Nursing Clinic Opens at St. Anne's, Oceanside
Free Nursing Clinic Opens at St. Anne's, Oceanside 1:33: In an effort to bless its community, St. Anne's has partnered with Cal State San Marcos to provide medical care to the poor and homeless. This is the second such arrangement in our diocese; the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach has a similar relationship with this nursing organization.

DIOCESAN BRIEFS
schori pb
Christmas Message from the Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church 
click here
 
Merry Christmas
The Office of the Bishop wishes you a Merry Christmas. We will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 through Thursday, December 26. We will reopen on Friday, December 27. 

Radio Advertising on KPBS/NPR
As a resource to congregations, the diocesan communications team purchased two weeks of radio advertising on NPR. The 10-second traffic spots direct listeners to our website, where they can find a list of Christmas services. Please be sure your congregation's information is up-to-date: visit the page.

Joseph Dirbas
Father Joseph Dirbas

The Rev. Joseph Dirbas has been called to serve as the next rector of All Souls', Point Loma. He will begin on DATE. He has been the associate at St. Peter's, Del Mar for the past three years, and is a great example of a fruitful mentorship. Congratulations, Father Dirbas and All Souls'.
EYE Episcopal Youth Event 
The once-every-three-years Episcopal Youth Event will take place July 9-13 at Villanova University in Philadelphia. $325. All diocesan youth in the 2013-2014 academic year are welcome. A limit of 24 per diocese may attend. If you or your child plan to attend, please send your name to Keren Rodriguez today. We need these names ASAP to reserve our spots at Villanova. The official registration deadline is in the spring, but we need this important preliminary information now. Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the EYE'14 Planning Team (1:37)
Meet the EYE'14 Planning Team (1:37)



SERVICE
MLK Day of Service MLK Interfaith Cleanup Day 
Join the Diocesan Service Coalition and members of other faith traditions as they clean-up Balboa Park. Meet at Morley Field at 9 a.m. for registration. Help clean up until 11:30 a.m. and stick around for an Episcopal potluck. Make it a day on, not a day off. For more information, click here. 
Help Buy a Well
World Water Day 
The official winter event of the Diocesan Service Coalition involves every congregation. We'll raise funds to purchase one well for a village ($5,000) through Episcopal Relief and Development. Creative fundraising ideas and support for your congregation are available. Contact Sarah Shealy Stump for more information or click here.
CONVENTION
Reserve Convention Rooms 
The diocesan block of newly renovated guest rooms at the DoubleTree in Mission Valley is
going fast! Be sure to make your reservation at our group rate of $129/night. Book Online using this link to receive the group rate. Questions? Contact Bobbi Hoff.
DioCon14 Logo Convention Registration 
Attention, convention delegates! All registration is online. Registration: $75 until December 31 and Late Registration: $95 until February 15. REGISTER HERE. Please contact Bobbi Hoff, 619-481-5454, if you have questions about convention registration.

Make Prayer Flags for the 40th Convention 
How to Make Prayer Flags (3:22)
How to Make Prayer Flags (3:22)
 The convention planning committee invites each church to create at least 20 flags, which will adorn the courtyard at the dedication and blessing of the Episcopal Church Center on Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. For instructions, materials and guidance, including a visit to your congregation, please contact Ann Wilson, 858-232-4762.

DIOCESAN EVENTS
 Afternoon Tea and Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 22 Afternoon tea begins at 3 p.m. followed by Lessons and Carols. St. Lucy and St. Nicholas will be honored. Storyteller Gertrud Nelson will bring them to life. All are welcome. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Canon Nancy Holland, 619-823-8998. Transport to and from the Episcopal Church Center is available upon request. 

Hard Hat Tour
Saturday, December 21, 8 a.m. at the Episcopal Church Center. Don a hard hat for this nuts-and-bolts tour of the current home of the School for Ministry, services to people in need and the future home of the Office of the Bishop. Reserve your spot with Nancy Holland.

Purchase Here
Quest for the Living God  Based on Elizabeth Johnson's book, Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God, this ten-week course will begin Thursday, January 10 and run through Thursday, March 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Spiritual Ministry Center in Ocean Beach. Johnson is a theology professor at Fordham University. She investigates a range of universal insights to expand our grasp of the loving mystery who is God. $100 plus cost of the book. Register by Monday, January 6 by mailing a check made payable to "The Spiritual Ministry Center" to: Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107. Sister Marie Louise Flick will lead the class.

Gary Davison
Anglican/Roman Catholic Dialogue                    "We're Going to Sing What? Our Shared Musical Heritage" on Saturday, January 25, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Avenue, San Diego. We will be featuring acclaimed composer and musician Gary Davison. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the diocesan website. Please RSVP to Registrar Keren Rodriguez, 619-481-5455.
Safeguarding God's People 
This one-day training is required for all clergy members, lay employees as well as some lay leaders. It teaches how exploitation and harassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences and should it occur, how to respond. The registration cost is $35 and includes lunch and materials. Learn more about the training here. Saturday, February 8 at St. John's, Indio and Saturday, March 22 at St. David's, San Diego. Register.

EMPLOYMENT
+ Administrator for the School for Ministry
 
+ Director of Children's Ministries for St. James, La Jolla
 
 
REST IN PEACE
+ The Rev. Susan Astarita and Ms. Alice Astarita wish to thank community members for their prayers and loving support during Bruce's illness. We invite you to join us for a Memorial Eucharist and Committal of Ashes on Friday, December 27, at 12 p.m., St. Paul's Cathedral. The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane will preside.

 

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and may light eternal shine upon him.
 
BEYOND OUR DIOCESE
UTO logo United Thank Offering Grants    
As of Friday, January 3 the application for United Thank Offering grants will be available. The focus for the 2014-2015 thank offering grants is "The Gospel of Love proclaimed by Jesus Christ." UTO will accept one grant application per diocese.For more information about the guidelines contact the Rev. Heather Melton, United Thank Offering coordinator.
 
In This Issue
Medical Clinic
PB Christmas Message
Radio Advertising
All Souls' Rector
EYE
MLK Cleanup Day
World Water Day
Hotel Rooms
Convention Registration
Prayer Flags
Afternoon Tea
Education
Anglican/RC Dialogue
Safeguarding
Employment
Rest in Peace
UTO
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"Bishop's Office News" 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!