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Leadership Academy

School for Ministry

Retirement Conference

Asset Map/Disaster Prep

ECS Day of Play

Planning Ahead

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Liturgical & Other Resources

Congregational Development

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FEBRUARY 2016

Craving Goodness

Beloved,

To say this is a short season of Epiphany is a bit of an understatement. The distance from the manger to the mount of the transfiguration really cannot be much shorter. And now, with Ash Wednesday, we can slow down a bit, reflect, repent, reorient, and renew in our Lenten pilgrimage to Easter.

As I prepare to move into Lent, I have been reading the lectionary for Ash Wednesday and the propers for the Sundays of the season as a way to orient my own work of repentance, reorientation and renewal. While this may, and probably will, shift as I go through those 40 days, I find myself meditating on these words from Ash Wednesday's epistle: "We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

This work of reconciliation is very much Paul's theme in his Second Letter to the Corinthians. He is concerned about that community focusing on the reconciling love of Jesus and living into that love through their own intentional work on their relationship with God and each other.

As I take note of an exceptionally angry political season, a geo-political world of greater violence--much of it in the name of religion--and our nation in which the wealth gap seems to ever widen, I yearn for something new, something renewed, something reborn in me. I crave goodness. Because I am a Christian, I think my Lenten journey is to seek this by being with Jesus, in Galilee, on the way to Jerusalem, and in the hardness of Holy Week.

To do this new thing in Christ, we need to be renewed and made new. Assuredly this is a lifetime work. But in this Lent, we pray we move along that way. I cherish our companionship as Christ's ministers of reconciliation.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop

Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves

Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy is a day full of pragmatic workshops about running an Episcopal church effectively. Saturday, February 20 at St. Bartholomew's, 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway. It is geared toward vestry/bishop's committee members, however, anyone is welcome to attend. We have rich offerings in the areas of: stewardship, communication, finance, administration, discipleship and mission enterprise. The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, bishop of El Camino Real, will give the keynote address about reimagining the work of the church. If 100% of your vestry/bishop's committee attends, you will be our guest. For more information, visit the diocesan website.

School for Ministry Spring Workshops

The diocesan School for Ministry (SFM) is a great place to learn in a community. Spring workshops (only $25 each) feature talented teachers including Michael J. Christiensen (video below). Upcoming topics include: church redevelopment, church systems, theology and practice of shalom, building and leading teams, leading change, and fresh expressions of ecclesia. Classes take place at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach, however, virtual attendance is available and encouraged. For more information or to register, visit the diocesan website.

Michael Christiensen Talks About Contemplative Christianity

The application process for Fearless Love Grants is open now until March 16. These funds support new, innovative ministry ideas with priority given to those that partner with other congregations, enhance spirituality, emphasize youth, young adults and form disciples, among other things. For the application and more information, visit the diocesan website.

United Thank Offering Grants

The United Thank Offering (UTO) grant application process is now open. Complete criteria, worksheets and application forms are available online. Applications are due to the review committee no later than Monday, February 8. The committee reviews applications to ensure proper completion and is available to assist with the forms. Contact Jamie Wood, UTO chairperson, with questions.

Fresh Start

Beginning February 18, the diocese will begin the Fresh Start program for new clergy members. Sessions will take place on the third Thursdays of the month, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at various locations. Topics include sharing spiritual autobiographies, dealing with conflict, the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), admin and finance, Sabbath and more. For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, 619-481-5451.

New Faces

The Rev. Mark Hargreaves is the new rector of St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla. He hails from Notting Hill, London, England.

The Rev. Janine Schenone began at Good Samaritan, University City as the new rector on February 1. She most recently served at All Saints', Pasadena as the senior associate of congregational development.

Welcome to the Diocese of San Diego!

Messenger

The March Messenger production is underway. We welcome your stories and event information until February 7. Our theme centers on respectful communication even in places of disagreement. Please send text and photos to Hannah Wilder and note that the editor reserves the right to edit for relevance, content and length.

Clergy Planning for Tomorrow Conference

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend Church Pension Group's Planning for Tomorrow conference: June 7 and 8. The lay session will be held June 6. Bishop Mathes strongly encourages you to attend for your own financial planning, and to allow your employees to attend as a paid work day. Stay tuned for more information and online registration.

Asset Map and Disaster Prep

The diocesan disaster preparedness committee thanks those churches that have updated their asset map. If your congregation has not yet done so, please go to the asset map and "Take the Survey." If you would like help with your asset map, or want to know more about it, please sign up for Leadership Academy where the committee will lead a workshop on this subject. All are welcome. For those who like to plan ahead, the 2016 annual ShakeOut (statewide earthquake drill) will take place on October 20.

ECS Day of Play: April 10

Episcopal Community Services invites you to a country faire and circus for all ages. Join us on Sunday, April 10 at San Dieguito Park for BBQ, carnival, games, hiking trails, a country circus and more. ECS is also planning to organize a team for the June 3-5 Rock-n-Roll marathon series. Contact Deann Ayer for more information.

Upcoming Events

Bishop's Hike at Cowles Mountain

Saturday, February 27, 10 a.m.

Renewal of Vows at St. Paul's Cathedral

Tuesday, March 22, 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Footwashing at the Episcopal Church Center and Episcopal Community Services

Thursday, March 24, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

RefugeeNet Gala at Hall of Champions in Balboa Park

Saturday, May 7, 6 p.m.

Episcopal Community Services Holy Smoke & Annual Meeting at Good Samaritan, University City

Friday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Ordinations at St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego

Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m.

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego | 619-481-5456 | hwilder@edsd.org | http://www.edsd.org
2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92107