To access previous issues, click on the publication date of the issue you wish to view.
Fall 2018
RefugeeNet provides life-saving support to newly arrived refugees. Human beings have been migrating for millions of years. Our call as Christians is to love the stranger, the alien, the Other in our midst. Bishop Katharine wrote eloquently about that in her article, while Cindy Schuricht shared first-hand experience about helping a refugee learn English for the citizenship test, which she passed! Another RefugeeNet volunteer wrote about helping one young refugee from Myanmar gain entry into UCSD’s chemistry program. To learn more about the work of RefugeeNet, visit their website.
Summer 2018
Our diocesan camp in Julian, Camp Stevens, carried this summertime issue. A camp and retreat center that serves both our diocese and the Diocese of Los Angeles, Camp Stevens is a place that invites openness, connection, gratitude and wonder. The camp values deeply inclusion of all people regardless or ethnicity, age, gender, orientation, socio-economic status or religion. We hope this issue gives you a sense of the magic of this place, and that you will book a retreat or summer camp session soon on the Camp Stevens website.
Spring 2018
Vida Joven de Mexico received the spotlight this issue. A foster home in Tijuana supported by Episcopalians throughout our diocese, Vida Joven shares beautiful stories and photos from life south of the border. An update from the bishop nominating committee, as well as the president of the standing committee keep you updated on the episcopate transition. Episcopalians with disabilities also shared their personal stories of living with disability in the church.
Fall 2017
Our final issue for 2017 explores issues related to death and dying. The president of the Hemlock Society of San Diego wrote a provocative piece about dying the way you want. One of our children’s ministers shared openly about some ways to help children grieve. A vicar wrote about her experience of grief when her father, mother and brother all died before she reached the age of 40, her tendency to run away from grief, and how she eventually found church rituals and rhythms to be healing and supportive. The past presiding bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, contributed thoughts about what resurrection means and how we can practice resurrection, while our dean offered thought-provoking questions about our beliefs about the afterlife.
Summer 2017
This summer we delve deeper into the subjects of change and transition as we say goodbye to our bishop, Jim, and his wife, Terri. With change comes anxiety, but if we believe what our faith teaches, then we are to “Fear not!” Personal reflections on change from a priest who is changing congregations (Into the Sheepfold), from a lay person who is transitioning (Life in Transition), and from young people who are headed off to college (Transition to College), and others, help us to remain grounded and calm. Who knows? Maybe this transition will even bring new opportunities that we would not have realized otherwise.
Spring 2017
This issue explores the coming episcopate transition as Bishop Mathes prepares to begin his new role as the associate dean of students at Virginia Theological Seminary. It also features highlights of the Showers of Blessings and Asiamerica ministries growing throughout the diocese. Additionally, the issue explores different paths to a spiritual education, from courses to conferences, retreats, and more.
Fall 2016
In this issue we read the perspectives of both a victim of gun violence and a gun rights advocate on gun control and policies in the current American political climate. To follow with the political theme, Bishop Mathes speaks about the tumultuous upcoming election and a parishioner discusses Waging Peace. We also take time to recognize our donors from the past year and hear from our seminarians, youth, desert communities and more while looking forward to convention.
Summer 2016
The theme of this issue is finding meaning through service. People throughout the diocese write about how they choose to give back to their community. We explore the importance of disaster preparedness, and hear about one parishioner’s long journey from Colombia to San Diego.
Spring 2016
Navigating a civil disagreement is the main focus of this issue. Clergy from around the diocese write about their differing opinions on open communion, we take a look at our companion diocese’s convention in Western Mexico, and explore a profile of St. Hugh of Lincoln, Idyllwild. New clergy members are welcomed and seminarians write about their ordination journeys.
Fall 2015
Poetry from Episcopalians around the diocese, including Gospel limericks, fill the pages of this issue. A story about baptism via Skype, plus updates from young adults, and a Latino perspective round out the magazine. Your photos accompany the written art. Enjoy!
Spring 2015
This issue focuses on racism and reconciliation. Bishop Mathes urges us to explore our own complicity, and Professor Espín invites us to think of Jesus as a modern day laborer. The Latino Leadership Project gets some play, as do the recent events across the nation.
Winter 2014
“Future church” have been the buzzwords around the diocese for the past few months, so we decided to tailor an issue of the Messenger to this topic. What is the future church? How will we recognize it? What will it require of us? These questions, and more, are explored in this issue. Capital campaign success is announced in this issue, as are the biographies of eight new clergy people.
Fall 2014
What is the work of the church? We posed that question to our 47 congregations and the stories came pouring in. From home-building to well-purchasing, our mission-minded diocese is intent on making Christ known through service to others. The Rev. Meg Decker, rector of Trinity, Escondido, contributed a reflective piece about the work of the church in 2014.
Spring 2014
Build the Serving Church, the diocesan capital campaign, is the focus of this issue. The presiding bishop’s keynote address at the campaign kickoff is included, as are testimonials from donors about why they gave. View a floor plan of the newly renovated offices. Enjoy the bishop’s letter and respond with the envelope if you feel so called.
