Not comfortable, but faithful–On Sunday evening at 4 pm, I stood in Cesar Chavez Park with close to 1,500 people as those words were spoken. My head was bowed, and I was listening – listening for words of inspiration and connection.

When we truly follow Jesus, we are “not comfortable, but faithful.”

If you listen to Faith to Go, you know I am a person whose primary prayer practice is taking the time to stop and notice God in each person, each moment, each day – this God sighting was electric. Over the last few months, as I have supported the communities that we serve and watched the news of the world, I have worked to moderate my own emotions. But after the escalating violence in Minnesota, including the killing of Alex Pretti on Saturday, I had spent over 24 hours deeply feeling more emotions than I thought I could hold in my body. I arrived to walk both in solidarity and searching for comfort. God, in this moment, showed up not to comfort me, but to remind me that following Jesus is never comfortable.

Over the next two hours, I walked with the gathered community through the streets of Barrio Logan. We stopped four times to mark and pray over areas where the local community had been traumatized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our interfaith community included babies in strollers and in their mothers’ arms, children held by the hand or aloft on a parent’s shoulders, and preteens and teens carrying colorful signs that mirrored their hopes, worries, and frustrations. There were veterans, teachers, women carrying candles and photos of family members who had been taken, and clergy and lay leaders from many of our EDSD congregations. 

And because my words do not seem enough to capture the experience, below are a few reflections from those people I shared a moment with in the crowd.

I felt God’s presence most deeply during the moments of absolute silence following prayers at various stops along our walk. As we stood by Perkins Elementary School, a place of recent nearby immigrant arrests, the Apostle Paul’s words: “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) came to me and became my prayer of that moment. – Thérèse Carmona, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – City Heights 

It is popular these days to talk about embodiment and “incarnational” ministries, but often these discussions are about how these practices are healing for either us or others. But walking through Barrio Logan, I was re-convinced that this is another area of “both/ and.” When we show up physically, in our bodies, to places that are being affected by practices and policies we recognize as unjust, it is good for us — and others. I felt this primarily in the strange gift it was to be convicted of the brutality of some of ICE’s recent tactics by physically standing in the places where they have taken place: outside a school, outside of Fr. Joe’s villages. I connected with the news I had been reading in a way that was memorable and strengthening. At the same time, even as I wondered if our collective gathering meant anything to anyone besides the marchers, a family gathered on their balcony shouted, “Thank you! Thank you!” Somehow, our walk was strengthening or encouraging to them, too. I want to be clear: I was not “100 percent” present. I was distracted by a two year old and tired from a day at the church. But still, a bodily presence brought gifts I could not have anticipated, for me and others. – The Reverend Laurel Mathewson, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – North Park

I marched because I don’t like what is happening right now, and my mom asked me to go with her. There were a lot of people at the protest, so I felt better because more people can overthrow the bad stuff. – Nicky, age 12 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral – San Diego 

Although this faith walk was planned and organized a few weeks ago, the timing was of God in that it took place the day after the killing of Alex Pretti. There was such a juxtaposition of the joy of seeing old friends and fellow justice seekers with the profound sadness over the tragedy that is unfolding.  I came away with a sense of hope that the cumulative impact of the many who are praying, standing up and speaking out will bring peace and change.  And I recognize that whatever the outcome, I needed to participate for the sake of my soul.- Julie Young – Christ Episcopal Church – Coronado

I went because I felt God’s undeniable call and clarity that prayer and witness are part of our vocation as the Church. To see so many people of all backgrounds and traditions praying and walking together for peace, justice, and mercy was a sign of hope and strength in the midst of our collective pain and grief.   As a mother, stopping to pray in front of the elementary school where children and parents have suffered harm was the hardest part of the faith walk for me, but perhaps it was also the most important because this reality so clearly urges us to pray and imagine another way- the way of Jesus -who beckons the little children to himself in love. – The Reverend Rebecca Hanson – St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church – San Diego

I have seen people gathered in support of our immigrant brothers and sisters in the news and on YouTube. But only by being part of it made me aware of the power of prayerful people in procession. I ended the evening a little weary but extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given and I expect it to deepen my awareness and my prayers in the coming weeks. – The Reverend Dr. Richard Vevia – St. Alban’s Episcopal Church – El Cajon

Sunday’s walk was a living reflection of the parable of the Good Samaritan—walking with neighbors from across San Diego to let our immigrant brothers and sisters know that they are beloved members of our community. God came in the form of people who stopped on the street, honked their horns in unity, and waved from their windows and balconies as the voices of diverse faith leaders called for compassion, mercy, and justice. – Jessica Ripper – Good Samaritan Episcopal Church – UTC

At stop four of our walk, the reflection was offered by Rabbi Michael. We were gathered outside Father Joe’s Village, a place where many migrant families had sought refuge. In his reflection, Rabbi Michael said, “-a prayer for justice is sacrilege if it is not backed up with action.”

If you, like those of us who walked on Sunday, are looking for ways to move from comfort to faithfulness, I invite you to join your diocesan community on Zoom this Thursday evening at 6:00 PM. This 30-minute call will be filled with prayer and practices to lean into our commitment to Courageous Love–to walk with the most vulnerable in immigration court, to financially support the ministries that are truly God’s hands and feet in this world, to use our words and actions advocate for change that reflects the Gospel. 

To be Courageous Love in Action. 

Dear People of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, 

Thank you all for your prayers and tender care. Some of you know that I had surgery this past Thursday, and it went very well. I have just been released from the hospital and am resting at home.  Your prayers, your ministries, and your support mean more to me than words can express. 

I write now to you about a matter that deeply wounds our national conscience and calls forth our faithful response. 

In recent weeks across our country, there has been a shocking escalation of violence involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. In Minneapolis, multiple people—including U.S. citizens and bystanders—have been shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement actions and protests. Most recently, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a Veteran’s Administration ICU nurse devoted to serving others, was killed by federal agents —the second fatal shooting in that city within weeks. Prior to that, Renee Good, another U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a raid, sparking widespread outrage and grief. These incidents are occurring within a pattern of aggressive enforcement actions that have seen federal agents open fire on civilians and detain U.S. citizens and others in troubling circumstances.  

We hold these realities before God with sorrow and righteous indignation. Scripture reminds us that the measure of our humanity is found in how we treat the “stranger”—the foreigner, the vulnerable, the powerless (Leviticus 19:33–34; Matthew 25:35). When national policy and public practice risk dehumanizing our neighbors—especially those already living in fear—the Church must speak, pray, and act with clarity and compassion. 

I know that within our Diocese, many are already living out this calling in concrete ways: 

• Walking with Vulnerable Neighbors. Through EDSD’s Migration Ministry, congregations and volunteers offer accompaniment, legal support connections, pastoral care, and hospitality to migrants and their families as they navigate complex systems and fearsome uncertainties. 
• Advocacy for Just Policy. We have prayed with and supported those advocating for humane immigration policy at local, state, and federal levels, reminding our civic leaders that human dignity must never be sacrificed for fear or political expediency. 
• Clergy and Lay Formation. Our ongoing formation efforts help equip the faithful to address immigration realities in their communities with theological grounding and compassionate presence.

You can learn more about these ministries and how to get involved at the EDSD’s Migration Ministry page: https://edsd.org/migration-ministry/. 

Due to my current health issues, I cannot be present at vigils and marches, but know that I am with those of you who are standing for justice in prayer. In this moment, I invite us all—individuals, congregations, and ministries—to renew our commitment to: 

1. Prayerful Presence—Join in sustained intercession for victims of violence and their families, for law enforcement charged with public safety, and for policymakers entrusted with governing with justice and mercy. 
2. Nonviolent Witness—Uphold and participate in peaceful, faith-rooted public witness calling for accountability, restraint, and structural reform that honors human life. 
3. Pastoral Support—Reach out to immigrant communities fearful of enforcement actions with pastoral care, practical support, hospitality, and accompaniment. 
4. Civic Engagement—Advocate for policies that protect the dignity and rights of all — immigrants, citizens, and residents alike—and that seek justice through accountability, transparency, and respect for human life. 
5. Financial Aid—Bishop of Minnesota, the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, has asked for donations to Casa Maria, an Episcopal nonprofit that is organizing groceries and other aid to immigrant families in Minneapolis. 

In the coming days, my office will be announcing new opportunities to learn how best to engage in these ways. Until then, be reminded that our faith calls us not merely to lament suffering but to be agents of God’s peace and justice in a troubled world. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand with the vulnerable, to speak truth to power, and to embody the reconciling love of Jesus in every place where fear threatens to eclipse compassion. 

May the God of mercy and justice uphold you, strengthen you, and guide our shared witness in the days ahead. 

Blessings, 

Bishop Susan Brown Snook

One of Bishop Susan Brown Snook’s first projects after she was consecrated our Bishop in 2019 was to start work on a strategic plan. After a major pivot because of COVID, the 5-year Courageous Love plan was launched in mid-2020. That plan centered on four key areas: Evangelism, Discipleship, and Church Growth; Leadership and Congregational Development; Service and Advocacy; and Stewardship. Those four areas informed the work of the Bishop, the Bishop’s staff, and the Executive Council for the past five years. The plan emerged from the hopes and commitments of Episcopalians across the diocese who longed to grow the Church, deepen discipleship, and strengthen our shared ministry in a rapidly changing world. 

Across the diocese, congregations have expanded their reach through renewed evangelism, service, and formation, while leadership development has helped equip lay and ordained ministers for the work of the Church. From new ministry expressions and revitalized congregations to deeper commitments to justice, compassion, and stewardship, the fruits of these past five years offer a strong foundation for what comes next. And, it’s time for our next plan!

As part of the Strategic Planning Team’s efforts in listening to lay and clergy members from across the diocese, a Landscape survey was conducted by HolyCow! Consulting. Many thanks to those who took the time to share their thoughts with us. There were 198 responses from clergy and laity across the diocese. The survey results were presented to the Executive Council and the Strategic Planning Team at the Executive Council retreat. The results are very encouraging! 

The top three priorities of those who answered the survey are: 

• Equip clergy and other leaders in congregations with strategies that enable them to reach new members. 

• Take a leadership role in working with churches that are struggling. 

• Equip congregations to be more effective in addressing problems affecting their surrounding communities. 

Our results showed high levels of satisfaction and energy, with an emphasis on leadership, collegiality, and a shared vision.  

We are very grateful for those who took the time to answer, and we acknowledge that 198 is not a huge response rate. There is still much listening to be done! The Strategic Planning team is beginning its work now. Look for updates from them in the future, and look for additional ways to share your thoughts about the future of our diocese.  

Our next strategic planning effort is being chaired by Ms. Mae Chao (St. Brigid’s, Oceanside) and Ms. Lori Thiel (St. James, La Jolla), with the consulting assistance of Mr. Carsten Hennings, associate professor of management at Point Loma Nazarene University. The rest of the team is comprised of Bishop Susan, Ms. Danielle Beabout (St. Thomas, Temecula), the Rev. Paige Blair-Hubert (St. Peter’s, Del Mar), the Rev. Paul Carmona, the Rev. Kate Flexer (St. Francis, Pauma Valley), Ms. Ana Garcia (St. Matthew’s, National City), the Rev. Richard Hogue (St. Paul’s Cathedral), the Rev. Paul Klitzke (Good Samaritan, San Diego), Mr. George Lynch (St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert), the Rev. Brian Petersen (St. Brigid’s, Oceanside), and Mr. Ray Tackett (St. Paul’s, Palm Springs).  

In April 2026, communicators from across The Episcopal Church will gather in San Diego for the Episcopal Communicators Conference. They will arrive from large dioceses and small parishes, from cathedrals and campus ministries, from urban neighborhoods and rural towns. Some will be full-time professionals. Others will be administrators or volunteers who carry communications alongside dozens of other responsibilities. What unites them is a shared vocation: to help the Church tell the truth about what God is already doing in the world.

Last year was my first Episcopal Communicators Conference. Again and again, I had conversations with people who understood exactly what it feels like to do this work for the Church–to care deeply about the people we serve, to work with limited time and resources, and still to show up fighting for every inch of ‘digital ground’ on the Church’s behalf. The shared pride of the stories being told and the genuine curiosity about how others were running campaigns or reaching their neighbors; the generous exchange of tools, ideas, and hard-won lessons, all felt oddly familiar to my own heart for the work. By the end of the conference, what I carried home wasn’t just practical skills but a sense of belonging to a community that knows both the joy and the weight of telling the Church’s story well.

EDSD is hosting this year, and I couldn’t be happier. Our diocese sits at the edge of borders and cultures, where stories of migration, resilience, and hope are woven into daily life. It is a place where the Church is growing and learning to be present without pretending to have easy answers. Welcoming communicators from across the Church into our context invites them into a living classroom for what faithful storytelling looks like.

This year’s conference is not a marketing expo. It is not about clever slogans or flashy campaigns. A dedicated team of communications professionals has carefully crafted the offerings to showcase and improve the ways our Church bears witness. In a time when many people feel disconnected from institutions, how the Church communicates is inseparable from how the Church loves. Words, images, stories, and presence all shape whether our neighbors feel welcomed or ignored, seen or overlooked.

What makes this conference different from many professional gatherings is its grounding in vocation. Everyone in the room understands that they are not just managing information. We are shaping how people encounter God. 

This matters for congregations of every size. Many of the churches I work with are not struggling because they lack faithful people or meaningful ministries. They are struggling because their neighbors do not know their stories. This year’s conference will help you learn how to tell stories clearly and honestly–where people begin to see themselves in those stories. Like when a neighbor hears their privately held beliefs shared online, or when a new seeker notices that this church might be a place where their questions are welcome.

That is what communication is. When we write a story about a baptism, when we share a photo of neighbors serving one another, when we livestream a service for someone who cannot be present, we are not just distributing information. We are participating in the Church’s ancient calling to bear witness.

All of this rests on a simple theological truth: Christianity, at its heart, is a story; the story of a God who loves the world enough to enter it, to dwell among us, and to draw us into a new way of being. The Gospel of John names this mystery by calling Jesus the Word made flesh. This is the story of a God who does not remain silent or distant. God chooses to be known, to be heard, to be seen.

The Episcopal Communicators Conference exists to help churches do this work with skill and care. Participants leave with new tools and a deeper sense of why their work matters. They come home with language that feels human instead of institutional, with ways to invite people into worship without pressure, and with practical systems that save time and reduce burnout. For many communicators, it is the first time they realize they are not alone in this work, that others are wrestling with the same challenges and discovering faithful ways forward.

A communicator’s work is not peripheral. It is pastoral. It is evangelical. It is sacramental (in its own way), using ordinary tools to reveal extraordinary grace.

Those who come to the Episcopal Communicators Conference will return to their congregations better equipped to do just that. They will return with new skills and a renewed confidence that their work is part of God’s own movement in the world. They will help their churches become more visible, more welcoming, and more alive in the neighborhoods they serve.

In a time when so many are searching for meaning, belonging, and hope, the Church’s ability to communicate well is not a luxury. It is courageous love. 

Join us in San Diego, April 14-17, 2026, to learn how to tell God’s story with clarity, beauty, and courage. To find out more about the Episcopal Communicators Conference coming to San Diego this April, visit https://episcopal-communicators.wildapricot.org/conference. Financial aid is available.

The Diocese of San Diego is glad to announce the call of a new Canon to the Ordinary for Leadership Development: The Rev. Beth Scriven, who comes to us from the Diocese of Indianapolis. In her new role, Canon Beth will take on many duties currently under the care of Canon Gwynn Lynch, who plans to retire as of April 1. These duties include consulting with congregations on congregational development, vestry support, conflict resolution, leadership development, and clergy transitions. She will also serve as the staff liaison to the Commission on Ministry, the diocesan liturgist, and the primary organizer for diocesan convention and several other diocesan events. Canon Beth will join the executive team of diocesan staff, which also includes Canon Jason Evans, the Canon to the Ordinary for Mission, and The Rev. Canon Jeff Martinhauk, the Canon for Finance. All three Canons will report directly to the Bishop. Canon Beth plans to start her new role as of Feb. 23, allowing time for overlap with Canon Gwynn before the latter’s retirement. Bishop Susan Brown Snook said, “We are excited to welcome The Rev. Beth Scriven to our diocese, and we will be glad to put her gifts to work here in our diocese, supporting our congregations and their ministries.”

The Rev. Beth Scriven was ordained a priest in 2008, after attending Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and Smith College. Since that time, Beth has served as an interim rector, parish associate, college chaplain, and church plant vicar, ministering in small, medium, and large congregations and in times of both stability and transition. In each setting, the heart of her ministry has been to accompany individuals and groups through discerning who God is inviting them to be as disciples of Jesus, called to love and serve a hurting world, and how to live that out in ways that will bring joy and life for today as well as for the next 5-50 years. She brings training and experience in Commission on Ministry work, preventing sexual abuse and harassment, and the College for Congregational Development, and served as a Deputy to General Convention from the Diocese of Missouri in 2018-2021, including being elected as the deputation chair in 2021. She sees her ministry specialties as relational leadership, discernment, leadership development, preaching, and conflict resolution.

Beth is a born and bred Midwesterner, raised in the Cleveland area by two public school educators, but eager now to get to know the beautiful and varied geography of our southern California and Arizona region. She grew up deeply engaged in church, Girl Scout camp, public education, and the Cleveland tradition of loyalty to local teams, no matter the heartbreak. In her life outside church, she loves cooking for people, listening to the Indigo Girls, repeatedly watching Heartstopper, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The West Wing, and laughing at anything and everything.

Beth writes, “I look forward to getting to know the people and congregations of EDSD over the coming months and joining you in living out your vision of Courageous Love.”

Across the diocese, congregations are already practicing evangelism in ways they may not always recognize as evangelism. Churches are showing up at neighborhood events, farmers’ markets, and marches. Volunteers are offering water, prayer boards, meals, music, and conversation. Clergy and lay leaders are listening to stories of grief, hope, and longing in their neighborhoods. Youth and young adults are asking big questions about faith and justice. 

These are holy things–meant to be shared.  

At Diocesan Convention in November 2025, Bishop Susan announced the theme: The Year of Evangelism for 2026. This is not a single diocesan campaign. It invites congregations to ask simple but profound questions:

Where is God already at work among us? How are we being invited to share that story? What would it look like for all of us to take faithful risks?

Sharing faith with courage often requires support and practice. During the Year of Evangelism, formation opportunities in EDSD, such as the Leadership Academy and the Episcopal Communicators Conference, will help clergy and lay leaders grow in confidence and clarity. 

To begin this shared work, the Year of Evangelism will open with an invitation to listen deeply. On Wednesday, January 21, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will welcome The Rev. Stephanie Spellers for a diocesan gathering centered on her book Church Tomorrow?, hosted by EDSD and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Del Mar. Drawing on conversations with Millennials and Gen Z adults who identify as “Nones” and “Dones,” Rev. Spellers invites us to reflect honestly about how younger generations are experiencing meaning, belonging, and the sacred. What could their witness teach us about the future of Christian community? (Register for this event here). 

At Leadership Academy this Spring, one of the three tracks focuses on Evangelism and offers encouraging, practical ways for anyone who wants to grow more confident in sharing their faith. Following along the pathway of Gather, Transform, and Send, this track explores evangelism as something lived–a posture of openness, hospitality, and attentiveness to God’s work. In these three interconnected classes, participants will reflect on how we invite others into the life of the Church, deepen our own discipleship, and go forth to share God’s love in ways that feel genuine and faithful.

Leadership Academy is designed as a supportive learning space, and the Evangelism track is no exception. These sessions are especially well-suited for clergy and lay leaders who want encouragement, language, and practical tools for naming faith with greater ease. You do not need prior experience—only a willingness to listen, learn, and try something new. Whether you are curious about evangelism or have been quietly practicing it for years, this track offers a chance to grow alongside others, gain a fresh perspective, and leave feeling equipped and hopeful.

The Episcopal Communicators Conference, coming to San Diego in April, offers a powerful opportunity to grow in sharing the Good News with clarity, creativity, and care. At its heart, the conference is about helping the Church tell its story well—learning how to articulate faith in ways that are faithful, compelling, and grounded in real life. Through workshops, labs, and shared conversations, participants gain practical tools for storytelling, digital ministry, visual communication, and evangelism shaped by relationship rather than rhetoric. For anyone seeking to communicate the Gospel with greater confidence and imagination, the conference provides both skill-building and encouragement, reminding us that sharing good news is not about perfection, but about presence, honesty, and hope. (Register for the Episcopal Communicators Conference here).

Evangelism does not look the same in every community. And it is not meant to. Throughout 2026, evangelism across EDSD will grow in diverse and creative ways. Through congregational storytelling and testimony shared in worship, newsletters, and online spaces; neighborhood-based ministries rooted in presence, service, and relationship; storytelling that meets people where they already are; invitation seasons that encourage congregations to welcome friends, neighbors, and family; and partnerships and collaborations that reflect God’s work beyond church walls we will walk together to share the good news of Christ already at work in our diocese.  

How will you live into the Year of Evangelism?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. John 1:1-5

One of the most beautiful sights of Christmas is light shining in darkness: the Christmas tree lighting up a dark room; Christmas decorations on houses shining brilliant colors into the street; the candles of Christmas Eve illumining a dark church as the congregation sings “Silent Night.” The familiar Christmas story in Luke’s gospel that we hear each Christmas Eve tells us that a heavenly host of angels lit up the night sky to proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth. And the Christmas story that opens John’s gospel, above, begins with the proclamation that Christ’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Our world today is full of darkness. From gun violence to fears of immigrants who seek a new life but may not be allowed to find it here, to people living without homes, to continued conflict in our country and in our world, human beings suffer in our world. I hear many people expressing fear about our future and about whether the stable, prosperous world in which many of us grew up can survive.

Christmas comes to remind us that light shines in the darkness. Christmas is a gift, not a gift tied up in red bows and tinsel, but an everlasting gift of God’s love to us. Christmas tells us that God has come into the world as a small, poor, vulnerable infant who will live and die as one of us. Christmas tells us that God’s love was so great that the poor and vulnerable infant would grow up and give his life for the love of humankind. Christmas tells us that Christ’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The light of Christmas shines all over our diocese. In so many ways, our people light up this world through worship, evangelism, and service. I see the light of Christmas in many congregations that serve the hungry and those without homes. The light of Christmas shines through diocesan organizations like Episcopal Community Services, which is preparing to open a new 50-bed facility to house those who struggle with substance abuse and homelessness. It shines through Community of Light, our migrant shelter in Tijuana; through our Faith Accompaniment project for migrants at the courthouse; and through our many other ministries with migrants and refugees. It shines in each congregation that celebrates the coming of Christ this Christmas. It shines in the ways we share God’s love with others and proclaim the God of love and peace. In Christ’s name, Episcopalians in our diocese shine God’s light every day.

This Christmas Day, I pray that the light of Christ shines in each of our hearts, and that as the people of Christ, we may always shine that light into this dark world, transforming it with God’s love.

Blessed Christmas,

Bishop Susan Brown Snook

As the holiday season unfolds around us, with twinkling lights, joyous carols, and bustling festivities, many of us carry a quieter reality. For some, the holidays can feel like a long and dark season—a time when grief, loneliness, or struggles weigh heavier against the backdrop of celebration. For those who find the holiday season difficult, Blue Christmas services are a tender and reflective gathering where we bring pain, struggles, and hopes, finding solace in the promise of Christ. A Blue Christmas service acknowledges that not all hearts are merry and bright this time of year. It is a service of lament and healing that offers comfort and peace to those burdened by life’s many challenges.

The season of Advent is all about the expectation of coming joy, but for many, this waiting feels inauthentic. Perhaps they are grieving the loss of a loved one, facing the reality of a difficult diagnosis, or experiencing economic struggles. Maybe they are overwhelmed by the weight of the world’s injustices or isolated from loved ones. Blue Christmas provides a time to bring these realities to the altar, to name the weight we carry, and to lay them before God.

For me, sitting in a quiet sanctuary, surrounded by others who are also carrying burdens, I feel relief. The holiday season can be especially taxing emotionally, financially, and, at times, physically. This is the power of Blue Christmas; it is church for the weary, a place where the light of Christ shines warmly, even in the darkest night.

The Rev. Nina Bacas, Rector of St. Bartholomew’s in Poway, said, “Not everyone can find joy at Christmas time. It’s difficult terrain for those who have suffered from loss, mental health crises, addiction, or other hardships. In response, the church invites all to come to the Blue Christmas Eucharist, where there is no need to mask feelings for the sake of social norms. Blue Christmas is a safe, peaceful space to experience Christ’s healing, acceptance, and love as we remember our losses and release our burdens to God.”

The readings, prayers, and hymns of a Blue Christmas reorient us toward the heart of the Christmas message. As we light candles in the darkness, we remember that Jesus came into a world much like ours—filled with suffering, division, and longing—and brought light, peace, and love. This service reminds us that God is not distant from our struggles but walks with us in them, offering healing and renewal.

For our neighbors, our parishioners, and even ourselves, Blue Christmas is a gift. It reminds us that even on the longest night, the light of Christ is never extinguished. It assures us that our pain is seen, our struggles matter, and our hope is secure in the Christ who came to live among us.

You can attend a Blue Christmas service in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego here:

All Souls’ Episcopal Church
1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Sunday, December 21 at 3:00 PM — a light reception following the service

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
16275 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Thursday, December 18 at 12:00 PM (Chapel)

Church of St Paul in the Desert
125 W El Alameda, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 PM

St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
6556 Park Ridge Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120
Wednesday, November 17 at 4:00 PM

St. John’s Episcopal Church
434 Iowa St, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
334 14th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Monday, December 15 at 7:00 PM

St Mary’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church (w/First Congregational Church)
1010 12th St, Ramona, CA 92065
Friday, December 19, 7:00–8:00 PM (at First Congregational Church, 404 Eighth St, Ramona)

St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
743 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 PM

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (Rancho Peñasquitos)
10125 Azuaga St, San Diego, CA 92129
Thursday, December 18 at 11:00 AM
A daytime Blue Christmas service for those unable to attend in the evening.

Grace Episcopal Church (San Marcos)
1020 Rose Ranch Rd, San Marcos, CA 92068
Tuesday, December 16 from 5:00–6:00 PM

The last week of January is chilly, even in San Diego. It may even be rainy and windy. Darkness only increases a sense of vulnerability, especially for those without permanent shelter.

On January 29, 2026, in San Diego County, volunteers will participate in the Point in Time (PIT) Count, an annual survey of our neighbors who are currently experiencing homelessness. The PIT Count collects data on people residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s words, “public places not meant for human habitation” – such as parks, cars, parking lots, and abandoned buildings.

This work aligns deeply with the mission of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, which calls us to follow Jesus by practicing courageous love in our communities. Congregations across the diocese are learning, collaborating, and taking faithful action to address housing instability in their neighborhoods. From parish-led outreach teams to advocacy for affordable housing, our diocesan efforts echo the core belief that every person is made in the image of God and deserves safety, dignity, and a place to belong. The PIT Count is one way we can live out that commitment—standing alongside our neighbors, listening carefully to their stories, and helping ensure our region has the information necessary to respond with compassion and justice.

On the morning of the PIT count, volunteers work in teams to locate and assess individuals they meet in each area. Using a mobile app, they’ll ask folks to provide valuable information to give a sense of the number of people experiencing homelessness as well as their ages, income levels, and other categories (for example, military status). This type of data is reported to local, state, and federal organizations to help allocate resources and develop strategies for addressing and alleviating homelessness.

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness administers and reports on the results of San Diego County’s PIT Count. However, this data is not an accurate measure of a community’s unsheltered population over time, offering only a “snapshot” of homelessness in a given area on a given night. Volunteers are unable to count folks they can’t see, and increasing community efforts at criminalization (via fines and tickets) of unsheltered individuals require them to be as invisible as possible. And the PIT Count can’t include people living in unsafe or unstable situations with family or friends (for example, “couch surfing” or staying in unheated garages), in hospitals, or in jail.

Our faith teaches us to stand with those on the margins, our siblings in Christ whom the rest of society pushes away. Isaiah 58:7 tells of our duty to “share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.” Jesus reminds us repeatedly that the kingdom of God is one of inclusion, grace, and sanctuary for all.

I encourage everyone to participate in their region’s annual Point In Time Count as a crucial step in gathering needed data on homelessness. You can volunteer using this link from the Regional Task Force for Homelessness. And stay engaged with your local community’s efforts to provide safe, affordable housing, because everyone needs a place to call home.

When St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park broke ground on a new 78-unit affordable-housing development earlier this year, the moment marked far more than the start of construction. It signaled a renewed commitment—to the neighborhood, to working families, to refugees rebuilding their lives, and to long-time residents priced out of the community they love. The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s Mission Real Estate initiative was created precisely for moments like this: moments when the church stewards its resources to respond to unmet community needs, creating affordable homes and spaces that allow individuals and families to flourish.

As construction continues toward the building’s anticipated opening, the project has reached another meaningful milestone–a name!

And not just a name chosen by a committee or marketing firm—but a name shaped through collaboration involving the congregation, diocesan staff, developer Trestle Build, and branding partner Four Fin. The result is a word that carries the hopes, heritage, and heart of the St. Luke’s community.

That word is Amani.

Long before naming sessions began, the people of St. Luke’s knew exactly why building affordable homes mattered. For years, parishioners had watched rents in North Park escalate to levels that pushed out families, artists, workers, and even longtime members of the congregation itself. Many of St. Luke’s members—especially those from East African immigrant communities—shared stories of neighbors forced to leave the area because stable, affordable homes simply no longer existed.

The diocese and St. Luke’s decided to act. Through a 99-year ground lease with Trestle Build, the church committed its land—not for profit, but for mission. The result will be an eight-story apartment building offering income-restricted homes for households earning 30–70% of the area median income. It will include spaces designed for connection, such as a ground-floor courtyard and an eighth-floor community room with sweeping views of the neighborhood. No parking garage—just homes with new residents who can walk to local schools, grocery stores, and parks, plus easy access to frequent bus service.

From the start, the commitment was clear: the building must be beautiful, intentional, and worthy of the people who will call it home. It should support dignity and belonging. And, most of all, it should reflect the identity and values of St. Luke’s itself.

To find a name that captured that identity, St. Luke’s hosted a multilingual, multicultural naming workshop over the summer. Participants included church members, diocesan staff, and Trestle Build representatives. Branding partner Four Fin led the research and vetting, but the inspiration came from the people whose lives are woven into St. Luke’s story.

The naming exercise unfolded in three parts. Participants first explored two guiding themes—Celebrating What’s Ahead and Radical Hospitality—then considered more than 100 words in English, Dinka, Arabic, Swahili, and other languages represented at St. Luke’s. Pages across the parish hall filled with words like Flourish, Ascent, Tumaini (“hope”), Karibu (“welcome”), and Mbegu (“seed”), reflecting both the aspirations of future residents and the congregation’s cultural richness. In a lively sticker-voting round, participants chose the words that resonated most deeply, which were then narrowed to a shortlist. These names were then handed to Four Fin, whose team analyzed them through a professional lens—reviewing trademarks, cultural sensitivities, regional usage, pronunciation, and visual branding potential.

Even after extensive analysis, one name stood out. At every stage—brainstorming, sticker-voting, discussion, and professional review—the same word rose to the top: Amani.

In Swahili, Amani means peace—not a passive peace, but a deep sense of safety and security, the kind of stability families long for when seeking a home. In Arabic, it means wishes, desires, and hopes—a fitting description of the future residents who will bring their dreams into this new space.

The name honored both the East African roots of many St. Luke’s families and the broader multicultural mosaic of North Park. It communicated both calm and aspiration—two qualities that capture exactly what affordable housing is meant to provide.

Jessica Ripper, EDSD’s Mission Real Estate Portfolio Manager, reflected on the journey:

“I deeply appreciate the care Trestle Build has put into aligning the project with the congregation and community identity,” she said. “From the earliest conversations to the final name selection, they have continually honored the voices, culture, and hopes of St. Luke’s.”

The Mission Real Estate continues to support congregations throughout the diocese in discerning how to develop their properties to enhance congregational vitality,  respond to God’s call to love and serve our neighbor, and build sustainable financial capacity. The majority of these congregations are exploring affordable housing, but other missional uses, such as early childhood education, senior services, health care, and nonprofit office space, are also options, depending on the church location and community priorities. And recently, Trinity Church Philanthropies awarded the diocese a second round of grant funding to support up to 10 additional congregations through discernment, feasibility assessments, and the selection of development partners.

With the selection of the name Amani, the development enters its next phase. Construction continues, relationships deepen, and excitement grows as the community watches the building take shape. For St. Luke’s, this project is far more than an architectural undertaking—it is an embodiment of Christian hospitality and justice. It is an example of what is possible when churches use their land, their history, and their imagination for the good of their neighbors.

And soon, 78 households will open the doors to their new home—a home named for peace, hope, and the possibility of flourishing. Amani.

To learn more about the Mission Real Estate program in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the St. Luke’s project, visit: www.edsd.org/mre