Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), the worldwide relief arm of the Episcopal Church, is working to collaborate with organizations active in transit countries such as Greece. Episcopal Migration Ministries suggests these actions for concerned Episcopalians: 1) pray, 2)volunteer with one of our local resettlement partners to welcome new Americans: http://bit.ly/EMMpartners, 3) Join the #RefugeesWelcome global social media campaign urging governments to welcome refugees (ie. use hashtag #RefugeesWelcome in your Facebook posts, Tweets and Instagram posts) and, 4) Sign the White House petition asking the president to pledge to resettle at least 65,000 Syrians by 2016: http://1.usa.gov/1L6zh9l.

We pray for those damaged by the fighting in Syria. To the wounded and injured: Come Lord Jesus. To the terrified who are living in shock: Come Lord Jesus. To the hungry and homeless, refugee and exile: Come Lord Jesus. To those bringing humanitarian aid: Give protection Lord Jesus. To those administering medical assistance: Give protection Lord Jesus. To those offering counsel and care: Give protection Lord Jesus. For all making the sacrifice of love: Give the strength of your Spirit and the joy of your comfort. In the hope of Christ we pray, Amen. From the Church of England Prayers for Syria.

For his Eagle Scout project, David Hickman, member of St. Paul's Cathedral, will remove the water-intensive lawn, trees and plants at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach (2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.). He will replace them with native, drought-resistant plants that will reduce the Center's impact on the environment and shrink its budget. He welcomes volunteers to help with the project, and donations to purchase supplies. The project will take place on September 26 and October 3. Donations can be made via check to "David Hickman Eagle Scout" or via PayPal using the "Send to Friends and Family" option. Use this email for donations, volunteer information and questions: davidhickmanapf@gmail.com.

Three San Diego area Episcopal churches have received phone calls from an unscrupulous person looking for money. According to their reports, he may claim to be from Jamaica and say he needs help with passports so he and his family can return to San Diego. He may claim to be a parishioner and will know the names of the priests and people in charge. Please beware and if this person contacts your church staff, let Hannah Wilder know. 

In June the 2015 Sewanee Writers' Conference awarded the Rev. Timothy True, rector of St. Paul's, Yuma, with a fellowship. For two weeks, October 26 - November 6, Father True will research and write a work of fiction about the ghost lore of Sewanee. His finished product "will have significant theological undertones surrounding last rites, body and soul, and our final rest." He looks forward to being in the seminary community again, and worshiping with his two daughters who are undergrads there. Congratulations! 

The Rev. Colin Mathewson was named a Beatitude Fellow by The Beatitude Society. He is one of twelve faith leaders in the US recognized for being a game-changer because he is already engaged in innovative ministries with his faith communities. As a fellow, Father Mathewson will receive a financial award and a yearlong leadership development program designed to deepen his capacity to be a resilient, risk-taking faith leader. Congratulations!

Earlybird Pricing Ends 9/15
If you know you're attending convention and you haven't yet registered, take a moment to do so today: REGISTER.

 

August 17	Proposed Changes in Constitution and Canons Due
September 15	Early Registration Ends and Servant Ministry Award Nominations Due
October 1	Nomination and Resolution Deadline
October 15	Convention Book Materials Due
October 19	Registration Ends
October 26	Late Registration Ends
November 7	42nd Diocesan Convention at All Souls', Point Loma
November 15	Mission Share Pledges Due

Saturday, September 26, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. The Rev. Brooks Mason will lead a training for those interested in the Eucharistic Visiting ministry. This hands-on introduction to the ministry incorporates training materials, the theology and practice of bringing the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend services, and the history of the craft in our diocese. A continental breakfast will be provided. $15/person. Clergy letter of reference required. Register online.

Beth Beall, US program developer for Vida Joven/Dorcas House will provide a look into the unique and loving home for children who have nowhere else to go. Delicious potluck lunch to follow. Saturday, October 3, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Dunstan's, 6556 Park Ridge Blvd., San Diego. RSVP to Barbara Peralta.

Join other Episcopal youth groups for a weekend of service, faith and fun. Bishop Mathes will join us for Saturday evening activities and we will participate in the diocesan day of service on Sunday by helping Camp Stevens with a volunteer project. Friday - Sunday, October 9 - 11 at Camp Stevens, 1108 Banner Rd., Julian. $96/person. For more information, contact Charlette Preslar. To register, visit the diocesan website. 

Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Good Shepherd, 3990 Bonita Rd., Bonita. Love Meets World brings together people to engage and support the homeless community. It has the look and feel of a swap meet, but instead of selling goods, we will give away our services and look for opportunities to network in order to support the most vulnerable in our communities. By joining efforts, hearts and hands, we can spread the love we've found in God with other members of his beloved. Contact Kevin Maule for more information. 

Saturday, September 26, 1 p.m. St. Timothy's, 10125 Azuaga St., San Diego, 92129. Chef Elizabeth, the Opera Singing Chef, will teach a cooking class and entertain us with stories, food and music. $30 per person. Proceeds benefit St. Timothy's Community Garden. RSVP by Monday, September 21 by contacting Karl Streeter, 858-538-1267.

Saturday, October 3, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at St. Mark's, 4227 Fairmount Ave.,San Diego, 92105. Enjoy a pie-makin' contest, and delicious country barbeque at this fundraiser for St. Mark's new roof. $25 per adult. Kids 12 and under: a buck a year (5 years old = $5). RSVP to Heather Smith, 619-283-6242.

Sunday, October 4, 5:45 p.m. St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, 92103. Come enjoy the music of Stephen Sturk in this free, post-Evensong concert. The Cathedral composer-in-residence will celebrate his 65th birthday at the event with a reception in the Great Hall. The theme of the quinquennial concert is "Twice is Nice," and will include compositions for choir, organ, brass, handbells and solosit. The "Birthday Chorale," made up of musicians from across the wider San Diego community, will be accompanied by Cathedral organists Martin Green and Gabriel Arregui, plus a brass quintet. Guest conductors John Russell and Juan Carlos Acosta will each direct an anthem, with the remaining works conducted by the composer.

October 9 - 18, St. James, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla, Library. Experience the prayerful and transformative power of this ancient medium of religious art. The show will kick off with an opening night reception on Friday, October 9, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. $25 per person, includes appetizers and beverages. The Rev. Paige Blair, rector of St. Peter's, Del Mar, wrote these icons which will be displayed in the courtyard and library. Icons and prints/reproductions will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will support the diocesan School for Ministry. On October 18 at 5 p.m. a special Taizé music service in the courtyard will close the exhibit. For tickets or information, contact Midge Coburn.

Sunday, November 22, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, 92103. The Cathedral invites you to purchase Christmas presents that support the fight to end poverty. Discover gifts from around the world that also do a world of good. For more information, contact Carolyn Lief, 858-274-0587.

Saturday, October 3, 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Chinese Community Church, 4998 Via Valarta, San Diego, 92124. A festive, fun-filled evening benefiting the programs of the Interfaith Shelter Network (INS). Enjoy gourmet wines, microbrews, live and silent auctions, and awards presentation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website. 

The Episcopal Public Policy Network encourages you to urge your congress member to support the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), a bill that will prevent violence against women and girls around the globe. Let your representatives and senators know that you want them to support this bill by taking action here.

Episcopalians between the ages of 18-30 will embark on a pilgrimage to Ferguson, Missouri October 8-12. Sponsored by the Episcopal Church, this pilgrimage will engage participants in conversations with local community leaders and clergy members who worked for justice and peace. Innovative workshops, spirit-filled worship, and a trip to the site of Michael Brown's death will also be part of the experience. Application Information

Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Solutions provides churches and schools energy-saving technologies including: LED lights, theatrical lights, lighting control systems and more. Their projects save money for many Episcopal churches in Southern California, and while the diocese does not directly endorse any vendors, we are happy to let you know about their services. For more information, please visit: www.btmsolutionsllc.com or contact Enrique Bendesky.