As part of the Jesus Movement and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, we pledge to love our neighbors and protect the most vulnerable among us, remembering our baptismal vows to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” We live these pledges out by actively engaging in dismantling racism. For many of us, this will mean learning more about our racial identity, listening to those who have experienced racial prejudice, speaking out against racism, and showing up alongside those in our community working to change unjust systems in our society. We also live out this pledge at worship during this pandemic, by wearing face-coverings, respecting distancing guidelines, foregoing the common cup and refraining from congregational singing.
Diocesan Guidelines for Restarting In-Person Worship
Bishop Susan Brown Snook’s statements on COVID-19
COVID Restrictions and a Liturgical Note for Ash Wednesday – January 25, 2021
Updated Guidance on Worship – January 12, 2021
COVID Update – December 4, 2020
Guidance on Worship – November 10, 2020
Covid Update – November 4, 2020
Guidance on Worship – September 15, 2020
Guidance on Worship – September 1, 2020
Guidance on Worship – July 14, 2020
Bishop’s Update: In Person Worship Suspended – July 2, 2020
A Letter from Bishop Susan Brown Snook: A Path to Phased Reopening Update – May 26, 2020
A Pastoral Letter from the Episcopal Bishops in California – May 23, 2020
A Letter from Bishop Susan Brown Snook: Worship and Spiritual Guidance – May 21, 2020
A Letter from Bishop Susan Brown Snook: A Path to Phased Reopening – April 29, 2020
Financial Assistance for Congregations – March 31, 2020
Salt and Light: Bishop’s Letter to the Diocese – March 20, 2020
Bishop’s Letter to the Churches – March 16, 2020
Updated Instructions for Coronavirus Preparation – March 10, 2020
Health and Wellness: Coronavirus – March 5, 2020
Churches Live Streaming
Please let us know if your congregation is live-streaming and is not on this list! We’ll be happy to add you!
Resources for Clergy
Virtual Attendance
We are grateful that many of you are looking at innovative and alternative ways of providing meaningful worship services to your congregations. Some of you have asked about how to account properly for people who worship online with you. Canon Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer of General Convention, wrote a letter to dioceses addressing this issue. His advice is to keep track of the virtual attendance and worry about how we’ll be treating it on the parochial report at a later date. In the Registry of Services, you can record Morning Prayer, streamed Eucharist, or some other appropriate designation and include the number of viewers/participants. This will enable you to have the data on hand when the 2020 parochial report is due. No decision has been made yet on how these services will be accounted for, but it’s first necessary to record the data somewhere. If you can’t make it into the church office to write the information in the Registry, find a convenient place that’s accessible to record it temporarily until the information can be transferred. Blessings to you all as we work together to find ways to worship the Creator of all things.
Zoom Meeting Credentials
Zoom meeting credentials are being offered by the Office of the Bishop. In these difficult times, we have been called to move all meetings to a digital environment. Zoom has become a primary location to meet online. If you need a meeting set up, please email Keren Mondaca with the details for your meeting.
DiscipleshipEDSD.org has great reading and video learning you can do at home.
Find worship resources below:
Resources for Children, Youth, and Families
Children’s Stations of the Cross
How do we teach children the way of the cross? The Story of the Cross gently tells the story of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. With a refined sense of style and sensitivity, this book shows young readers that although the way of the cross is not easy, God gives us strength for the journey and gives us new life through his love. A short prayer accompanies each station. Ages 4 and up.
https://discipleshipedsd.org/turn-lent-2020/
Lesson Plans that Work
Each week, you will find lesson plans on the Gospel reading for:
You will also find lesson plans on the Old Testament readings for:
https://lessonplansthatwork.org/
Faith-to-go Podcast
Hosted by the Faith To Go team in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, David Tremaine, and Charlette Preslar, and joined each week by a special guest, the Faith To Go Podcast highlights themes from the Sunday Gospel reading for you to take into your faith discussions and reflections throughout the week.
https://www.myfaithtogo.org/podcast
Storytime Online
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
https://www.storylineonline.net/
Lent Madness
The annual saintly competition is carrying on and it is a great option for online formation.
Faith @ Home
Our faith is not just something we check in with on Sundays; our faith is how we live lives of meaning and purpose every day of the week if we will learn to notice and respond to how God is moving.
https://www.dofaithathome.org/
Resources for Digital Giving
Choose the best option for your church community.
Givelify
“The Givelify mobile giving app is faster than online giving and easier than text-to-give, making it the best option during service or on the go.”
https://www.givelify.com/churches/
No signup or monthly fees
Low 2.9% + $0.30 per donation
Tithe.ly
“Giving to your church should be meaningful, simple, and fast. That’s why we built a complete set of digital giving tools for your church.”
$0/ mo 2.9% + 0.30 per transaction
ACH/Bank: 1% + 30¢ | AMEX: 3.5% + 30¢
Stripe
“Stripe is the best software platform for running an internet business. We handle billions of dollars every year for forward-thinking businesses around the world.”
2.9% + 30¢ per successful card charge
PayPal (for non-profit)
“Make it easier for people to donate on your website in just a few taps or clicks by adding a standard or customized Donate button. With easy, DIY integration, you can be up and running in 15 minutes–no programming skills required.”
https://www.paypal.com/us/non-profit/fundraising/fundraising-online
2.9% + $0.30 USD per transaction. Qualified 501(c)3 charities receive a discounted charity rate of 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction.
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