In This Issue

Bishop's Message

Armed Forces Evensong

Celebration of New Ministry

Advent Quiet Day

Midweek Classes

Godly Play

Diocesan Convention

Retired Clergy

Hispanic Evangelism

Quick Links

Remarriage Guidelines

Vicar & Aided Parish Report

November 2014

Honoring Our Veterans

Bishop Mathes

Dear Ones,

This weekend our nation remembers those who have served in the military of the United States of America. Monday Marines celebrate the 239th birthday of the Corps, honoring a history that began, according to legend, in a tavern in Philadelphia signing up seagoing soldiers for the War of Independence. On Tuesday parades will be held across the country, starting off at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, remembering the signing of the Armistice and the observance of the end of "the war to end all wars." The U.S. Congress resolved on November 11, 1918 that this date "should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations."

Episcopalians immediately opened their hearts in prayer for Veterans Day. In our time we continue to pray for the men and women who have served, and are serving, our country, both far and near. Suggested prayers for Veterans' Day from the Collects in our Book of Common Prayer are: For Peace, p. 815; For our Enemies, p. 816; For those in the Armed Services, p. 823; In Times of Conflict, p. 824; and For a Person in Bereavement, p. 831.

We do well to remember the cost of conflict, in direct engagement, in readiness preparation, and in the toll on the families of those who serve. Our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and coasties have experiences most of us cannot imagine. Most are able to make the adjustments of reintegration into the civilian world with positive application of skills and the love of a supportive community. Others suffer tragic struggles from wounds that are physical, psychological, and spiritual.

Many organizations have developed programs to help families reunite, to provide resources for making new starts in work and recreation, and to comfort the families whose loved ones have made the extreme sacrifice.

Are we doing enough in our churches to provide a community of support and care? How are we exercising Christian teaching and practice with those who have borne the burden of protecting our nation and serving a common good? Do we even know who in our congregations are veterans or have veterans in their families? Have we been praying for those in the military and looking after their family members? Our veterans are sources of history and their stories are about human experience, not just war. Ask about the courage they have witnessed, the humanitarian missions the media neglects, like building schools and providing medical care.

This Sunday, November 9, St. Paul's Cathedral will again honor our veterans with a special Evensong. This is an opportunity for us as a caring community to recognize the sacrifices and service of our military and their families. On November 11 we also note the witness of a soldier saint, St. Martin of Tours, who practiced selfless love. Let us know what ways you are honoring our veterans this week, and let us share our service to those who have served.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop

Armed Forces Evensong

Join the Diocese in honoring those who have served in the armed forces with this special Evensong on Sunday, November 9, 5 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. The Rev. Frank Mu�oz, command chaplain of Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, will preach. The FOMOS (Friends of Military Outreach and Support) ministry at St. Paul's Cathedral ask those who attend the Evensong to bring non-perishable food and household supplies for Fisher House, the domiciliary at Balboa Naval Hospital housing families of service men and women being treated at Balboa. Items should be placed under the information table in the Great Hall. FOMOS members will deliver it. For more information, contact the Rev. Susan Astarita. Thank you in advance. Photos from the 2012 Armed Forces Evensong.

Celebrations of New Ministry

Tomorrow! Join the people of Christ Church, Coronado as they celebrate with the Rev.

Anne Bridgers. Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. at Christ Church, 1114 Ninth St., Coronado.

The people of St. Bartholomew's, Poway invite all to attend the Celebration of New Ministry on Saturday, November 15 at 5 p.m. at 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway as they welcome the Rev. Mark McKone Sweet.

Clergy Advent Quiet Day

As the Advent season gears up, take a day to be quiet with your bishop and fellow clergy members on Tuesday, December 9, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at St. John's, 434 N. Iowa St., Fallbrook. Dr. Elisabeth Koenig will offer three addresses, while allowing ample quiet time and space for reflection. Eucharist and lunch with fellow clergy members. Morning refreshment and lunch will be provided. Suggested donation: $10. Please RSVP to Keren Rodriguez by December 1.

On Wednesday, November 12, the Rev. Simon Mainwaring, Ph.D. will teach a class titled "Theology in a Time of Crisis" as it relates to the gospel of Mark. 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego. To join the conversation, simply register online. Share this information with your congregation: PDF Flyer. More details about all of the midweek offerings at the School for Ministry can be found online. Light refreshments will follow each session. We do hope that you can join us!

Godly Play Teacher Training

San Diego 2014 Commuter Core Training hosted by St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego. October 18: Parables. November 15: Liturgical Action. Registration Information.

2015 Diocesan Convention

Our theme for the 41st Annual Diocesan Convention is "All Things New," as we explore what it means to be the future church. The convention will be held at St. John's, 760 First Ave., Chula Vista on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. All are welcome to attend the workshops, festive Eucharist and gala dinner. Check www.edsd.org/diocon2015 for the latest information.

Retired Clergy Gathering

Thursday, December 11 at St. Margaret's, 47-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Enjoy the Eucharist with Bishop Mathes, luncheon and announcements. Please note the change from the previously announced date of December 9. Please RSVP to the Rev. Dan Rondeau.

Hispanic Evangelism Workshop

Latinos make up a large and growing segment of our population, but Latino ministries often struggle within the Episcopal Church. Why? What cultural assumptions and differences stand in the way of our efforts to proclaim the good news to this vibrant demographic? Join us to learn more about evangelism among Latinos at a workshop led by Juan Martinez, professor of Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. Reading his book, Walk with the People, is a pre-requisite for attendance. Saturday, November 15 at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Rev. George Calvert.

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