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JANUARY 2016
Epiphany: A Most Holy Journey 
Dear Ones,

I pray that your Christmas season was filled with blessings. As I think about you and your service during the days of Advent and Christmas, I am overwhelmed by your goodness, faithfulness, and diligence. I know that you have been unflagging in your efforts to transport those whom you serve to Bethlehem and a manger so that they too may come and adore him.

And now, January is upon us. It can feel like a bit of a jolt. We can easily flash by the feast of the Epiphany as a sort of appendage to Christmas and dive fully into preparations for annual meetings and Lent.

It is my hope that we can abide ever so briefly with the wise men on their journey to the Christ child. As we move with them, following a star, we can be invited to honor the imprecision and God-dependent nature of our own Christian vocation. We can see that we strive toward a destination not yet reached, and that is okay.

With that perspective, we can then see what is always before us as not simply tasks to move through or endure but parts of a most holy journey. Indeed, isn't that what our lives in Christ really are, a holy journey?

With this mindset, we can view all sorts of things as hallowed: annual meetings, sermon preparation, vestry meetings, and anything that might tend to drain our souls. Perhaps they are simply the hard trails of our path to a holy life. And even still, in the low places and the hard places, God is there.

Peace be with you,
best jim
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop
Clergy Vigil for the Rev. Al Smith
The Rev. Mark McKone-Sweet, rector of St. Bartholomew's, Poway, invites all clergy members (active, retired, visiting) to a special vigil for the late Al Smith. Thursday, January 7, 7 p.m. at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. Clergy members will greet each other, offer vigil prayers on the eve of Al's funeral and share compline. They should come as they are able and dressed as they are. 

*** FOR THE FUNERAL on Friday, January 8 at 1 p.m., at St. Bartholomew's, please bring either cassock/alb or cassock/surplice and white stoles. We will gather in the conference room prior to the service to vest and greet one another. Clergy members will be invited to join the immediate family for the committal in the outdoor columbarium after the service. Please bring umbrellas if it looks like rain.
Robert Blessing on the Camino
The Rev. Robert Blessing, former rector of St. Andrew's, La Mesa, requests your prayers as he journeys with fellow soldiers along the Camino in Spain January 11 - 15. They seek healing from spiritual and moral wounds suffered during combat. 
Report Sexual Misconduct Reminder
Please place the following note in your bulletins and newsletters: "As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact Mr. John Seitman, jseitman@pacbell.net, 858-793-4555 or the Rev. Janet Wheelock, janubojou@gmail.com,952-240-8067."
School for Ministry Registration Open
The diocesan School for Ministry (SFM) is a great place for people to learn more about their faith in a community of adult learners. Registration for the spring semester is now online. Scholarships are available. For more information about the school, contact the rector, the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas.
Reports Due February 1
Remember to submit your annual declaration regarding pastoral care. Non-parochial clergy should submit their annual reports as well. These are due February 1 and should be sent to Bobbi Hoff.
Leadership Academy Registration
Leadership Academy will take place on Saturday, February 20 at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. All are welcome to attend this day of pragmatic workshops about how to run an Episcopal church. $15/person, lunch and materials included. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Leadership from all congregations that receive diocesan assistance are required to attend. Any congregation that brings its entire vestry or bishop's committee will be our guests. Please register online today. Workshops
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego | 619-481-5456 | hwilder@edsd.org | http://www.edsd.org
2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92107




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