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July 2016

Growing as the Beloved Community

Beloved,

In our role as pastors, we are companions with our brothers and sisters in times of turmoil, tragedy and travail. None of us are immune to suffering. Indeed, as followers of Jesus, we assert that suffering can be an occasion for drawing closer to God and for the beloved community to exercise the Christian virtues of kindness and generosity.

As you know, this past week was a moment of sorrow in our diocesan community. On Wednesday night, a fire broke out in the rectory of St. James, La Jolla. While physical damage was minimized by the efforts of the San Diego fire department, the Rev. Mark Hargreaves' wife, Laura, lost her mother, Ellen, in the fire.

On Thursday morning, Mark and Laura opened their broken home and wounded hearts to me and the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas. Their strength and vulnerability was apparent. What was also coming into focus for me was the quiet and steady response of the St. James community. Our dear clergy family was receiving care. Kindness and generosity overflowed.

On Sunday, thanks to the understanding and graciousness of the community of All Saints', Vista, where I was scheduled to be, I joined the people of St. James for services and simply to be with Mark, Laura, and the gathered fellowship. I already knew of the love and care of the St. James community. It was already becoming legend. What I was unprepared for, was to look out and see people from around the diocese, who by their presence and solidarity on that morning were saying, "We are with you" to Mark, Laura, and all who mourned.

There were a score of people from St. Bartholomew's, Poway; Lesslie Keller, executive director of Episcopal Community Services (ECS); folks from St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego; Pete Iverson, area missioner and parishioner at St. Peter's, Del Mar; Camp Stevens, Julian; All Souls', San Diego and so many other congregations. As I looked out, I felt the love, the kindness and the generosity of our diocesan community.

The spirit of God is moving us. We are growing as the beloved community. We know that we matter to each other, and that together we grow in faith and love of the Lord. Together, we are the body of Christ. I am so grateful for the people and clergy of the diocese. It is a gift to be your bishop. This Sunday, I received just another glimpse of the kingdom.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop

NEWS & EVENTS

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

A Joint Letter from Our Presiding Bishop & House of Deputies President

"Dear People of God in the Episcopal Church: We all know that some things in holy Scripture can be confusing, hard to understand, or open to various ways of understanding. But some essential teachings are clear and incontrovertible. Jesus tells us to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, and he tells us over and over again not to be afraid" Read the full letter.

Leading Women

All women clergy members of the diocese are invited to a gathering and lunch on Thursday, September 22 at 11 a.m. at Good Samaritan, 4321 Eastgate Mall Rd., San Diego. "Leading Women" was a recent conference of Episcopal women clergy. The Very Rev. Penelope Bridges, dean of St. Paul's Cathedral, attended the conference and will facilitate the discussion. To RSVP, or volunteer, please contact the Rev. Babs Meairs.

Health Insurance Changes

The Medical Trust has informed us that the Aetna and United health care plans will not be available next year. They will offer: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and High Deductible plans as well as Kaiser. A convention workshop will be devoted to discussion of health insurance options. Open enrollment takes place from November 7 - 23. If you are concerned about whether your doctors are part of the Anthem network, call the Health Advocate: 866-695-8622. The Health Advocate is a benefit of the Medical Trust and is available to all participants.

Thank you for Sending Kids to Camp

Thank you to all the congregations who supported the Camp Stevens-RefugeeNet campership drive. Our total so far is $14,400! This will be used to purchase camp supplies and to provide the camp experience for underserved youth. If you have feedback or ideas, contact Executive Director Beth Bojarski.

Padres Night

If you're planning to attend Episcopal Night at Petco Park, please arrive early. A diocesan choir will sing the National Anthem and one lucky Episcopalian will throw the first pitch. The deadline has passed; contact Sean Nickelsen about last-minute ticket purchases. Come as early as 5 p.m. to enjoy the Party in the Park before the game.

School for Ministry Registration Announcement

The diocesan School for Ministry is a great resource for your congregation. Would you please place this announcement in your bulletins and newsletters? We appreciate your help spreading the word.

School for Ministry
Interested in learning more about Hebrew scriptures, church history, ethics or Anglicanism? Learn in a supportive, stimulating environment with fellow Episcopalians. Sign up for classes at the School for Ministry in Ocean Beach. Visit: sfmedsd.org to learn more and register. Orientation is Saturday, August 20. An informational day will be held Saturday, July 23.

Love Uniting Volunteers Gala

The annual gala to support St. Paul's Senior Homes & Services will take place on Saturday, August 13, 8 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Diocesan bookseller Kathryn Bunch to be honored, among others. Tickets & Info

2016 Diocesan Convention

Come to Convention at St. Margaret's, 74-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12. Register now for a hotel room as November is high season in the desert. Here are the nearby hotels. Register online today: DioCon2016.

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