In This Issue

Bishop's Message

Diocesan Convention

Words of Gratitude

Volunteers Wanted

Diocesan-wide Choir

Banner and Stands

Campaign Kickoff

Prayer Flags

Lenten Resources

South Sudan

Leadership Academy

Episcopal Youth Event

Quick Links

Vicar & Aided Parish Report

February 2014

Christ Made Manifest

Bishop Mathes

Dear Ones,

February is a bit of a crazy month in our office. Sometime after the new year, our focus zeroes in on Convention and it stays there until the event ends. This year we have convention on steroids! It is the 40th anniversary of the diocese. We are dedicating the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach. We will kick-off our capital campaign. And, oh, by the way, the presiding bishop is coming!

While we will conduct our usual business of budget, resolutions, and such, the real joy of this convention will be to reflect on where we have been as a community of faith and to glimpse where we are going. What is abundantly clear to me is that God is very much in the midst of this incredible moment in time. We can feel the energy of mission and Spirit of God.

In a very real way, this energy and spirit coming together for a weekend family reunion of our missional church is omnipresent in our congregations. I feel it when I am with you, in your singing and praying, in your service, in your fellowship. When I am with you, I feel Christ made manifest. And so, while it can be anxiety-producing to throw a big party, I can't wait to see you. I long for us to all come together.

This is my joy as bishop -- to gather those whom I love and serve. And so, let us come together in fellowship, worship, celebration, and to do God's work. Together, we live into being the Body of Christ more fully. As we say in our business, "See you in church."

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop

Diocesan 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, are 1) Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in Ocean Beach: Dedication Service; and 2) Saturday, February 22 at 9 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego: Eucharist. Hospitality will begin one hour before the events on both days. Bus transportation is available for both events from the DoubleTree, 7450 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego. Arrive at the DoubleTree by 7:45 a.m. We strongly encourage bus transport because parking is limited in Ocean Beach and Banker's Hill. Both events are free and open to all. For more information, contact Kathy Wilder, 619-977-7812 or visit: edsd.org/diocon2014.

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. You will be billed for payment. Deadline: Friday, February 7. Thank you for contributing to a spirit of gratitude during our 40th anniversary.

Volunteers Wanted

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

Diocesan-wide Choir

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

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 convention (and every congregation should!).

Campaign Kickoff Countdown

The capital campaign will kickoff at the gala dinner on Friday, February 21, which is booked to capacity. We will make the presiding bishop's remarks available on the diocesan YouTube channel within 24 hours. All congregations will receive plenty of campaign information immediately after the kickoff, which is only 15 days away!

Participate with Prayer Flags

How to Make Prayer Flags (3:22)

Every congregation is invited to participate in a friendly competition to see who can make the most prayer flags for the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese. We have extended our deadline to Thursday, February 20. Our goal is to make 1,000 flags! These flags will fly on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22 throughout our two-day convention. Information, materials and in-person support are available. For more information, contact Ann Wilson or visit the diocesan website.

Lenten Meditations

Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5. Be prepared by providing enriching Lenten materials for your congregation. Here are a few options.

The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) has a program called Love Life: Living the Gospel of Love. It includes a daily video, workbook, bulletin inserts, posters, social media images and more. Download these resources online and order print booklets from Forward Movement.

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

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

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

Pray for South Sudan

The Rev. Susan Astarita, clergy-in-charge at St. Luke's in North Park, has requested prayers for peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, especially on Sunday, February 16, which has been designated a National Day of Prayer. For more information, view this flyer.

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.

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)

Imagine the most energetic worship service of your life. Now imagine that twice a day. Throw in workshops, parties, and celebrations of culture from Hawaii to Holland, Dominican Republic to Denver, and all across the Episcopal world. Now imagine it with 2,000 teens. That's EYE! Learn more. Please share this news with the youth of your congregation. Registration deadline is March 1. Questions? Contact Keren Rodriguez, 619-481-5455

Thank you for reading. If you have feedback, please contact Hannah Wilder.