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 January 31, 2014   
Squalling kids in the 
last pews: far from the altar,
but closest to God
 
~ Episcopal Haiku
FEATURED VIDEO
2013 St. Bart's Poway Family Photos and Stats
(4:13) St. Bartholomew's, Poway Annual Report

CONVENTION
DioCon14 Logo Come to Convention
All are encouraged to attend the 40th Annual Diocesan Convention. The two best times to see the Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, will be 1) Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in Ocean Beach: Dedication Service; and 2) Saturday, February 22 at 9 a.m. at St. Paul's, Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Avenue: Eucharist. Both events are free and open to all. No registration or RSVP required. For more information about the Convention, please visit edsd.org/diocon2014.

Volunteers Wanted    Be a part of the team! Convention volunteers are needed for everything from workshop assistants to photographers. See if there is a job calling to you. Click here for more info.

Express Your Gratitude   We would like to capture a sense of your gratitude for the work of the Diocese and your congregation. For $10, you may submit a 50-word statement of thankfulness for inclusion in our gala dinner program. Your contribution will help cover the costs of this special anniversary program, and in return you will receive a copy signed by Bishop Mathes. Email your statement to hwilder@edsd.org or mail it to: The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, Attn: Hannah Wilder, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. Deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 5. You will be billed for payment. Thank you for contributing to a spirit of gratitude during our 40th anniversary.

Bring Your Banner & Stand!    Please bring your congregation's banner and stand to Convention. These will grace the sanctuary of St. Paul's Cathedral as we worship together. RSVP to the Rev. Canon Brooks Mason if you plan to represent your congregation at Diocesan Convention (and every congregation should!)

Diocesan-Wide Choir    All singers are welcome to participate in the 40th Convention by singing in the diocesan-wide choir during the festive Eucharist on Saturday, February 22 at 9 a.m. Contact Canon Martin Green for RSVP and rehearsal information.

Prayer Flag Friendly Competition     Take part in prayer-flag creation to celebrate our 40th anniversary as a diocese. These flags will fly over the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach during the dedication ceremony on Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. To participate, contact Ann Wilson, 858-232-4762.

Campaign Kick-Off Countdown     The Build the Serving Church capital campaign will kick-off on the first evening of our convention. The gala dinner is booked to capacity. Check the website for the latest updates. Only 20 days away!

DIOCESAN BRIEFS
Anti-Trafficking Efforts Intensify in Advance of Super Bowl   [Episcopal News Service] In the months leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII, Episcopalians in New Jersey and surrounding states have been gearing up, not for the big game, but for an influx of women and children who officials say will be trafficked into the region for sexual exploitation. Continue. 

UTO logo United Thank Offering Grants    
United Thank Offering (UTO) grant information is now available. Grants are due to UTO coordinator Jamie Wood, jamieood2@cox.net by Saturday, February 1. Grants must be submitted electronically. For more information, visit the UTO Grants Page. All questions should be directed to Jamie Wood.
 
2014 National Gun Violence Sabbath Weekend  Places of worship across the nation are joining the Washington National Cathedral and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, a coalition of 50 denominations and faith-based organizations, to remember those who have lost their lives to gunfire, pray for those whose lives have been changed by gun violence, and to discuss how communities of faith can work together to help reduce gun violence. Participation can be as simple as including a prayer, hymn or moment of silence or as complex as dedicating your service or holding a vigil. Please let us know if your congregation or group is planning to participate in any way by emailing Keren Rodriguez.

Lenten Meditations Available
Lent begins Wednesday, March 5, and both the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) and Living Compass have Lenten materials available.

SSJE's Lenten program, called Love Life: Living the Gospel of Love, includes a daily video and a workbook. SSJE provides bulletin inserts, posters, social media images and more to promote the series in your congregation. Download those resources online and order print booklets from Forward Movement.

Living Compass offers Lenten meditations titled "Renew A Right Spirit within Me." View the booklet online. Also available: print copies in English and Spanish.

Episcopal Relief & Development's materials will help people deepen their faith and consider how they can respond to the needs of a hurting world. View Lenten meditations.

Resurrecting Easter: Meditations for the Great 50 Days by Kate Moorehead. This book will inspire you throughout Eastertide. 

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Unlock Your Heart & Imagination    
Do you ever feel stuck in your creative process? Join Mr. Jamie Coats, director of the Friends of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, for this two-hour workshop on Monday, February 3, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. Mr. Coats specializes in helping monks, nuns, individuals and organizations think outside the box and restart their creative juices. Learn more about Mr. Coats. Bring your own lunch or order one ahead of time for $5. RSVP to Hannah Wilder. 
 
Leadership Academy  Leading an Episcopal church is no easy task. Juggling finances, communications, outreach, discipleship and mission can be taxing. Attend this one-day conference about everything you need to know to be an effective leader. Saturday, March 15 at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway, $15 in advance. $20 at the door. Scholarships are available. Please contact Canon Julie Young for scholarship information. Visit the diocesan website for workshop specifics and to register.

God's Own Peace: Systems Theory & Spirituality 
While offering no quick fix, this workshop points participants toward a lifelong approach to change. It offers profound implications for personal faith and spirituality and for living well in a world riddled with anxiety. It is valuable to anyone seeking a leadership role in the church - or any organization. Led by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. Space is limited. $90. Saturday, February 8, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne's, 701 West St., Oceanside, CA 92054. To register, call the church: 760-966-2950.

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.

EVENTS
St. James' White Elephant Sale white elephant
Thousands of gently used items at great prices. First Choice Night will be Friday, February 7, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 with advance purchase or $15 at the door and price plus 20% gives you first pick of the sale with complimentary wine and cheese. Free admission on Saturday and Sunday. Main sale day: Saturday, February 8, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Half-price afternoon: Sunday, February 9, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. At the corner of Eads and Silverado in La Jolla. Proceeds benefit charities and ministries at St. James, in the diocese and throughout the world. For more information, contact Nan Thomas, 858-395-2322.

Celebrate Love on Valentine's Day with ECS  
Join Episcopal Community Services (ECS) for Water to Wine on Valentine's Day!  Water to Wine, ECS' annual fundraiser, will benefit programs that support and encourage individuals facing poverty, homelessness and mental illness. The evening will include a reception, auctions, dinner and dancing in Estancia's expanded and renovated ballroom. Past board presidents, including David Bagley, Rex Downing, Anne Dick, Mark DeMichele, Rolfe Wyer and Clare Friedman, will be honored.  Friday, February 14, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Estancia Hotel in La Jolla. $250/person. Register Here Questions? Contact tmcwilliams@ecscalifornia.org. 

Impossible Games Workshop at Good Samaritan  
Impossible Games and Adaptation Game Techniques foster critical thinking, adapted behaviors and peer negotiations in youth. Come to a workshop to learn about the Impossible Games method in a lively learning environment. Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This workshop is ideal for teachers, parents, scout leaders, coaches and anyone interested in Impossible Games. $30, lunch included. Register Online

EYE Episcopal Youth Event 
The once-every-three-years Episcopal Youth Event will take place July 9-13 at Villanova University in Philadelphia. High school youth in grades 9-12 and adults interested in attending should apply soon. The official registration deadline is March 1. For more information, visit the diocesan website.  Frequently Asked Questions

SERVICE
dsc Service Summit 
The Diocesan Service Coalition (DSC) is a consortium of outreach/service coordinators at churches throughout the diocese who meet quarterly to network, share ideas and best practices, and collaborate on outreach projects. We will hold a desert region Service Summit on Sunday, March 2 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at All Saints', 305 H St., Brawley. Anyone interested or involved in outreach efforts (clergy and lay) are encouraged to attend this exciting meeting with Bishop Mathes and service coalition members. For more information and to RSVP, contact Sarah Shealy Stump.
 
Coachella Valley Service Summit will take place also on Sunday, March 2, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. This separate meeting will be held at St. John's, 45319 Deglet Noor St., Indio.
 
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.

Maundy Thursday FootWashing 
Mark your calendar for this year's Maundy Thursday FootWashing at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego. Thursday, April 17. New This Year: A simultaneous footwashing event will take place at Episcopal Community Services' Friend-to-Friend clubhouse from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, contact Canon Nancy Holland, 619-823-8998.

MUSIC
Bach & Florilegium Portense   While the Thomaskantor Bach maintained a backbreaking schedule producing weekly cantatas, the motets sung at St. Thomas were likely taken from the Florilegium Portense, two volumes of early 17th-century compositions which Bach is known to have procured for his choirs. Friday, February 7 at San Diego History Center in Balboa Park at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 8 at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea, 1050 Thomas Ave., San Diego. Purchase Tickets.
 
Boston Brass   Five brass players with a one-of a-kind sound, Boston Brass plays classical arrangements, burning jazz standards and original brass quintet repertoire. Friday, February 7 at 7 p.m. at St. Margaret's, 74-535 Highway 75, Palm Desert. $25. 

 

Venice Baroque Orchestra     One of the premier ensembles devoted to period instrument performance. Tuesday, February 11 at 7 p.m. at St. James, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. 

 

Love is in the Air Concert     Come enjoy an afternoon of love songs, duets Kurt Weill and favorite operatic selections sung by Kasondra Kazanjian, soprano, and a mystery baritone on Sunday, February 16 at 4 p.m. at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. Tickets are $15. Wine and chocolate reception with an opportunity to meet the artists to follow.
 
EMPLOYMENT
  • Internship in Family Ministries at St. Andrew's, Pacific Beach
  • Administrator for the School for Ministry
View current postings >
REST IN PEACE
+ The Rev. Frank Macguire, former rector of Good Shepherd, Bonita, died last week. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 17 at 10 a.m. at St. John's, 760 First Ave., Chula Vista. All are welcome to attend.

 

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and may light eternal shine upon him.
 
In This Issue
Annual Report
Convention
Volunteer
Words of Gratitude
Banners & Stands
Diocesanwide Choir
Campaign Kickoff
Anti-Trafficking
UTO
Gun Violence
Lenten Meditations
Creativity Workshop
Leadership Academy
God's Own Peace
Safeguarding
White Elephant Sale
Water to Wine
Impossible Games
EYE
Music
Service Summit
World Water Day
FootWashing
Music
Employment
Rest in Peace
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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!