As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, we hear once again the story of mysterious visitors coming to worship the infant Jesus who they greet as king of the Jews. For those seeking to maintain the status quo, Herod and his ilk, the revelation of Jesus as Christ is not necessarily good news. We should be wary of too quickly judging Herod. For each of us is loath to let go of the familiar even if it is constricting and life-draining.

The fascinating thing about the wise men is their recklessness in seeking out this child. Their navigation system, while a bit iffy, seems to work. And if the great journey and adventure is not risky enough, Matthew says that when they reach their destination, they "open their treasure chests."

The world in which we live and the Herod within us teach us to keep our treasure chests tightly closed, to conserve, preserve and protect. But in the days ahead, Jesus the Christ will show us a new way. It is the way of abundant life found in self-emptying and relentless giving. 

I pray that as a people of God we may continually support and nurture each other as those who follow Jesus in his life of fearless love for the world.

May Christ be your companion as you venture forth into new territory, with different companions. And along that way, may you open your treasure chest. May you open your heart.

Blessings in Epiphany,

We are pleased that the Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop, will bless and dedicate the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach and give the keynote address at the gala dinner. These, and many other festivities await! Please register today if you haven't already. Register until Feb. 15: $95. Questions? Contact Bobbi Hoff.

Convention Nominations Sought

Please take a moment to review the following positions and submit your nominations to Bobbi Hoff: 

For position descriptions and nomination information, visit the diocesan website.

Attention all Youth Ministers and all interested in youth ministry! A new diocesan e-newsletter is debuting this month: the Youth Buzz. Choc-full of information about events for youth, including the once-per-three-years Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), and other announcements, this is one email you won't want to miss. Sign up here.

Expand your Horizons this New Year at the School for Ministry 

Registration for Spring classes at the School for Ministry is now open. Classes are held on Saturdays at the following times: 

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. New Testament I

10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Pastoral Care

1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Liturgics 2

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. World Religions and Ecumenism

The first day of classes is Saturday, January 18. The deadline to register is Friday, January 17. To find out more about registering online or by mail, click here. Guidelines for auditors are also available. If you have questions about registration, please contact the coordinator, the Rev. Martha Anderson. 

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)

Plans are well underway for the Maundy Thursday FootWashing at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach. This year it will take place on Thursday, April 17. Watch a slideshow of the 2013 event and contact Canon Nancy Holland for more information.

Leadership Academy

Save the Date! Saturday, March 15 at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway, 9 a.m. We will host a day-long training about all things that new and seasoned church leaders need to know. Pragmatic, hands-on workshops in finance and administration, communications, discipleship and mission outreach will be presented. Please alert your congregational leadership and stay tuned for more information.