Beloved,

I pray that your Holy Week and Easter were filled with the riches of God's blessings. Alleluia, the Lord is Risen! And now through these Great Fifty Days of Easter and beyond, the message of Christ's resurrection and our gift of new life roles on! After services on Sunday, I took a bit of time looking through the Facebook posts from our congregations. What fun that was to see the joy, energy, and vitality of that greatest of celebrations. Please know of my appreciation for all that you have done over these days to bring the message of hope and new life to the people whom we love and serve.

Several weeks ago, I saw the film, "Spotlight." I was not surprised that it won the academy award for best picture. It was focused, non-sensational, letting the story provide the power and the drama of the film. Regrettably, there was way too much material to accomplish this. 

For far too long, I have taken a sort of "holier-than-thou" attitude regarding sexual misconduct, especially when compared to the Roman Catholic church. However, the film is a cautionary tale. The bottom line is that each of us has a duty and a role in assuring a safe church. It is a role that we would be well served to discuss more openly and honestly, not confining it to certification on safe church practices. At the core of the "Spotlight" story is the unspoken sin of clergy privilege, of which we are all guilty. It happens when we shift from serving the church to expecting from the church. We have made substantial changes in our canons which have met with comment and controversy. Ultimately this issue is not going to be resolved by canons, but by our own efforts to fashion ourselves into an accountable community with a rule of life.

That happens to also be what I passionately believe we need to create and lead as clergy of the twenty-first century church. As clergy, we will fundamentally serve and give in a way that fills and nurtures us. This requires an Easter level metanoia. This is what I plan to discuss with you, when we gather as clergy next month for Clergy Day on Tuesday, May 24 at St. John's, Fallbrook. We will begin with fellowship at 9 a.m. and conclude with lunch. You can expect to be on the road by 2 p.m. I urge you to make this a highest priority.

Blessings to you and the communities that nurture you, and that you serve, in this season of Easter.

In a lovely article, the Idyllwild Town Crier explored the biography of the Rev. Daniel Rondeau, vicar of St. Hugh's Episcopal Church. The article focused on Father Rondeau's lifelong call to healing and helping others. Read the article.

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has called for a season of prayer for regions of the Anglican Communion experiencing violence and civil strife. Beginning on April 3, the first Sunday of Easter, and continuing through May 15, the Episcopal Church will pray for a particular province or region: Burundi, Central America, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Middle East, Pakistan and South Sudan. More information is available online. The Most Rev. Curry's Easter Message is also available here. 

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.

Year-round stewardship encompasses the gift of God's abundance and ensures greater support of God's mission in the church and in the world. If you have not yet embraced or activated year-round giving in your congregation, then attending The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) conference is a good idea. This conference takes place right in our backyard: Friday - Saturday, June 3 - 4, All Saints', Pasadena, featuring Sister Simone Campbell and Father Gregory Boyle, founder and director of Homeboy Industries. Register before May 1 for early bird rates. If you're interested in going with the diocesan group, please contact Hannah Wilder.

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) invites you to attend its annual Holy Smoke and annual meeting, which will be a carbo-loading dinner in anticipation of the Rock-n-Roll 5K. Friday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan, 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego. The 5K takes place on Saturday, June 4 at 7 a.m. Holy Smoke and annual meeting kick off the weekend of the Rock-n-Roll marathon and ECS is a nonprofit race partner. A multi-generational team is forming to walk/run the 5K in support of ECS. Registration information coming soon. Questions? Contact Deann Ayer, 619-228-2800.

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.

On Saturday, June 11, Bishop Mathes will ordain four individuals to the diaconate: Jackie Bray, Chris Harris, Richard Lee and Nancy Holland. All are welcome to attend the service which will take place at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, 92103. Parking can be challenging; please arrive in plenty of time. Congratulations to our newest deacons of the diocese!

LUV Gala supporting St. Paul's Senior Homes & Services, honoring Kathryn Bunch, Episcopal bookseller

Saturday, August 13 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Clergy Conference at Vina de Lestonnac, Temecula

Monday - Wednesday, October 3 - 5

43rd Annual Diocesan Convention at St. Margaret's

Friday - Saturday, November 11 - 12