Clergy News Masthead 2012
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MARCH 2016
Lenten Companionship

Dear Ones,

With this early Lent, Easter seems to be coming fast! I know that it has been a busy time for you, but I pray that in the midst of all of your obligations and responsibilities you have found those places to turn aside to be with Jesus, in your prayer, study, and contemplation.

Perhaps I have been fortunate to have a string of particularly grace-filled visitations, but over the last few months, I have a growing sense of companionship and community with our diocese. I use the word companionship intentionally remembering its root--those who break bread together. I sense it in prayers of the people that are mindful of those within the church as well as the concerns of the world. I become aware of companionship when I am gathered with new clergy. I am blessed by a spirit of deepening fellowship at our Leadership Academy.

I believe that this is all the fruit of your ministry as clergy in the community. You, who set the table as deacons and preside as priests, are good stewards of the companions gathered on the way. In Lent, you have been nurturing and deepening this community that receives the body of Christ in Eucharist and becomes what it eats.

As we gather for our annual Renewal of Vows service and to bless and receive the oils of unction and chrismation, I pray that each of us will be nurtured in our fellowship as brothers and sisters living in orders to build up the body of Christ. I look forward to seeing you on Holy Tuesday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a treasure to so gather.

May these waning days of Lent be a blessing to you. May your Holy Week deepen your faith and those whom you serve. And on that glorious morn, may Easter joy overwhelm us all.

Blessings and peace be with you,
best jim
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop
NEWS


Leadership Academy
If you weren't able to attend last month's Leadership Academy, you can still benefit from the knowledge shared by our local experts. Many have shared slide presentations and some videos from the day are available on the diocesan website. Information about: human resources, vestry roles and responsibilities, finance and administration, graphic design, missional living, social media, youth ministry and property issues. 
Creation Care Curriculum
A new, five-week curriculum unpacks the bishop's 2011 pastoral teaching about "the present crisis of the earth" and makes it accessible to the wider church. "A Life of Grace for the Whole World" is available for free download until July 1. Later, a print version and individual guides from Church Publishing will be available. Help your congregation reflect on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
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. Upcoming topics include: leading change, fresh expressions of church, and the Episcopal Church of our dreams. For more information or to register, visit the diocesan website. 

Graduation
We invite you to join us for the second graduation at the diocesan School for Ministry on Thursday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107. We will celebrate the accomplishments of Chris Harris, Richard Lee and Nancy Holland.
Grants
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.
Messenger
The March Messenger has posted. We welcome your feedback on this thrice-per-year production. Please send your feedback, story ideas, photos for future issues, and other thoughts to Hannah Wilder. Read the issue online.
PEOPLE

Nelson Bob
New Missioner for Property& Contracts
Bishop Mathes recently appointed the Rev. Bob Nelson as the missioner for property and contracts. In this role, he will be responsible for reviewing all diocesan contracts and property-related issues. If you would like to contact him, please send him an email: rnelson@edsd.org or call: 619-997-5629.
New Clergy Members
The Rev. Jeffrey Martinhauk is the new director of congregational life at St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego. He most recently served at St. Timothy's, Apple Valley. 

The Rev. Kent Branstetter just accepted a call to serve as rector of St. Dunstan's, Del Cerro. He begins in May. An interesting fact about him is that he served as the youth minister at St. Dunstan's in 1982. 

Welcome (and welcome, back) to the Diocese of San Diego!
Celebrations of New Ministry
The Rev. Mark Hargreaves is the new rector of St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla. His celebration of new ministry will take place on Sunday, May 1 at 5 p.m. All welcome.  

The Rev. Janine Schenone is the new rector of Good Samaritan, University City. Her celebration of new ministry will take place on Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. Please join us.
EVENTS

Fresh Start
The next Fresh Start session will take place on Thursday, March 17 at St. David's, 5050 Milton St., San Diego, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fresh Start is a program for connecting clergy members who are new to the diocese for the purpose of building community and strengthening relationships. For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, 619-481-5451. 
Via Crucis
Via Crucis: Called to the Wall
On Saturday, March 19, join pilgrims who began the day at 8:30 a.m. at the diocesan center in Echo Park and are journeying to the US-Mexico border praying the Stations of the Cross as they go. Join them at about 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, for lunch. We will caravan south by car to the closest parking lot, and take a 45-minute walk on the beach to celebrate a bi-national Eucharist. Bishop Mathes plans to celebrate from the Mexican side this year. All are welcome to participate in this act of solidarity with immigrants. More Info
Renewal of Vows
Join our Lutheran brothers and sisters in renewing ordination vows on Tuesday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. Clergy members will not vest. Red stoles are optional. Receive newly blessed oils of chrismation and unction. A luncheon in the Great Hall will follow. Donations gladly accepted. Please RSVP today by email: kmondaca@edsd.org. Include "Vow Renewal" in the subject line.
cpg logoPlanning for Tomorrow Conferences - Clergy and Lay
All active clergy members who are not yet drawing a retirement are strongly encouraged to attend the 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. The bishop's office will be closed on Monday, June 6 so all staff may attend. Be on the lookout for an invitation and registration information.
More Upcoming Events

Footwashing at the Episcopal Church Center
Thursday, March 24, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Footwashing at ECS Friend-to-Friend
Thursday, March 24, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.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




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