Upcoming Clergy Conversation with Bishop Mathes
The Bishop Dear Ones,

I am grateful for the opportunity to be with you for our annual Renewal of Vows. This is a holy moment in our most holy of weeks. It is a time when we remember our calling within the context of Jesus passion. The shadow of the cross is edging closer, but we are confident in the victory of hope through Christ.

The bishop, priests and deacons of a diocese have a sacred and pivotal role in the leadership of the wider community. As Bishop Rowe reminded us at our convention, too often we get into our various silos and do not collaborate and live into our Pauline theology of the church as the Body of Christ. Rest assured, I, too, struggle with the silo of my own particular place.

In my prayers and reflections, I have sensed that it is important for us to come together as a clergy community to discuss more deeply some aspects of our common life. In particular, I think we would be blessed by a conversation about the following:
  • Future Church: I want to share my perspective with you about our conversations in Area Four and how this fits into our diocese as a whole as well as the wider questions about the Episcopal Church and various movements of emergent church. Part of this is a desire to be in deeper conversation with you about exercising your own work of collaboration, creativity, and experimentation.
  • Mission Areas and Area Deans: We have now had mission areas for two years. In some places it is proving helpful; in other areas, it is not as fully developed. In addition, we passed a resolution about area deans. I have some thoughts about these things that I would like to bring to you for your counsel and input.
  • General Convention: This general convention is going to be a full one. We will elect a new presiding bishop, consider the TREC resolutions, and questions about marriage. As your bishop, I would find it helpful to hear from you before I go to General Convention. In addition, I would like to know best how to serve you around communication during and debriefing after General Convention.
I have scheduled a clergy day on May 13, 2015 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at a location to be determined.  Please RSVP to Keren Rodriguez, 619-481-5455. I ask you to make attendance your highest priority. We have important matters before us and as the ordained community within the diocese it is our leadership responsibility to be in deep conversations about things that matter. I look forward to being with you.

Faithfully,
 best jim
James R. Mathes
Bishop 
Leadership Academy
All are welcome to attend this day of pragmatic workshops about how to run an Episcopal church. Saturday, May 2 at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway, 8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. $15/person, lunch and materials included. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Workshops about stewardship, finance and administration, communication, congregational development and new initiatives abound. Click here for more information and online registration. Leadership from all congregations that receive financial assistance from the diocese are required to attend.
Service Summit
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The quarterly gathering of service ministers and outreach coordinators will be on Saturday, April 11 at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Our focus will be homelessness. Guest speakers: Greg Anglea, executive director of Interfaith Community Services, and Michael Johnson, vice president of development at the San Diego Rescue Mission. For more information, contact Sarah Shealy Stump. 
Compete for an Icon
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The Rev. Paige Blair, rector of St. Peter's, Del Mar, has issued an invitation-competition. The church that brings the most new guests to the Refugee Network gala wins an 11x14 icon written by the Rev. Paige Blair. The gala is Saturday, May 9, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Balboa Park Hall of Champions. Purchase tickets. 
Rest in Peace
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The Rev. William F. Krieger died peacefully in his sleep last Saturday afternoon. His service will be held after Easter. Please pray for his wife, Paulette, and the family.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him. Amen.