Easter Sunday is the pinnacle of the church calendar. It is the moment that the world is rewritten, death is overcome, and love wins. We often welcome our neighbors to Easter with open doors and a promise of community and renewal. But is that enough? 

On Tuesday, March 5, dozens of church representatives from 19 congregations attended The Easter Invitation: An Evangelism Refresher workshop led by EDSD’s Canon for Mission Jason Evans, Director of Formation Charlette Preslar, and Director of Communications Chris Tumilty. The 90-minute workshop provided real tools for welcoming and inviting people to celebrate the risen Christ.  

Did you know that over 40% of Americans attend church regularly and that over double that number celebrate Easter in some form? Easter can be a starting place for inviting neighbors, friends, family, and maybe someone you haven’t even thought about yet, to your church.  

“When you share with others the goodness of God that you have experienced in your faith community, you are doing evangelism,” said Canon Jason Evans.

Extending a personal invitation to church with a tangible, physical invitation—a thoughtfully designed card or a heartfelt note serves not just as an invite but as a meaningful connection that shows your care for them. This is not just about inviting someone to a place of worship; it’s about sharing a part of your life that brings you joy and comfort in the hope that it might resonate with them too. Share what your church means to you: the deep sense of community and belonging, the sermons that touch on real-life challenges with insight and hope, and the music that moves the soul. And accompanying the person you invite adds sincerity and warmth to the gesture; it shows them their presence is genuinely valued and ensures they won’t feel alone in a new experience.

Shivan Hinman, a member of St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert, said, “I liked how it (the workshop) asked us to look at the bigger future and remember our neighbors…many people would love to attend services but have anxiety about do they belong. Who will I sit with?  Will it be different from what I expect? Will anyone talk to me?  Will I stand out?  I thought the class addressed those fears well…and that the most important thing (for me) to do is attend the church service with the invitee so they don’t feel uncomfortable. 

Sharing your good news in 2024 looks different than it might have in past years, but the root is the same–the invitation. Whether it is online or in person, inviting people to your church is sharing what you already love with someone who hasn’t experienced it. Who could you invite from your personal circle of friends and family, or from your neighborhood, or what other opportunities are there to share your good news? Hinman said, “I loved the lady who said that she was going to invite her mechanic. Amen to that!”

Director of Communications Chris Tumilty quoted The Importance of Being Earnest, saying, “Nothing annoys people more than NOT being invited to something.” When we love something, we share it. By utilizing digital tools like social media and your church website, we extend a clean, modern welcome to our broader community. There is amazing value in using your up-to-date church website, social media campaigns, newsletters, banners, and print media to help invite newcomers to church. 

We dived into the art of making meaningful connections through digital invitations, emphasizing a personal touch in your communications. A key takeaway was the importance of updating our church website to reflect the warmth and welcoming spirit of our community, ensuring that it serves as a digital extension of our open arms to visitors–making sure your service times and children’s activities are clear and ‘above the scroll.’

Similarly, our approach to social media is guided by the principle of sharing authentic stories and moments from our church life–creating a series of posts that together paint a picture of a community rich in faith, hope, and love. These digital communications are not just about broadcasting service information; they’re about weaving a narrative that invites others into a shared journey, echoing the personal invitation you would extend to a friend. 

Director of Formation Charlette Preslar helped us understand how to make people feel welcomed after they arrive on your church’s campus. Whether it is through campus signage, welcome tables, or clean restrooms, taking the time to consider how newcomers experience your space allows us to improve our welcome. It takes a TEAM, this is not just the work of your clergy person but that of the entire community. “This good and glorious team is everyone…this is your church staff, it is your volunteers, it is your ministry leads, it is your ushers, it is the people who pick up your donuts, it is your vestry, and it is active ministry participants,” said Preslar.

Ensuring that your grounds, welcome team, and materials are ready are the key takeaways about welcoming new visitors. Whether it is preparing clear signage around your campus or growing/training your welcome ministry team, preparing to welcome new people to your church is as important as inviting people to Easter.      

The Easter Invitation workshop underscored the importance of personal connection, digital engagement, and community readiness in extending our churches’ warmth to others, particularly for the pivotal celebration of Easter. With insights from Canon Jason Evans, Charlette Preslar, and Chris Tumilty, church representatives are now more equipped to make every visitor feel truly welcomed and valued. This comprehensive approach—utilizing personal invitations, digital platforms, and the thoughtful preparation of our physical spaces—ensures our message of love, hope, and renewal is heard and felt more broadly and deeply. As we approach Easter with a renewed passion for evangelism, we’re reminded that our goal is not just to increase attendance but to enrich lives with Christ’s transformative love.

You find a recording of The Easter Invitation workshop and resources for inviting people to church on Easter at www.edsd.org/invite.

Easter, a time of renewal and celebration, holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a season that embodies the joy of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and the inclusive spirit of our faith. Today, social media is a powerful tool to extend the church’s invitation to welcome all in joining the Easter celebration. Your church can use social media to open its doors wider this Easter, laying a digital pathway that leads to a very real experience of community, faith, and renewal.

Designing Engaging Invitations for Easter Celebrations

Churches have the opportunity to design captivating invitations for Easter services and events, welcoming people on social media to an in-person opportunity. The key to crafting these posts is the use of high-quality images showcasing the church’s happy parishioners, along with warm and welcoming captions that showcase the inclusivity and spirit of your church. It’s essential to effectively communicate the details of your services, including the time and location, within these posts to ensure they resonate with individuals looking for a community to join in worship.

Sharing Stories of Faith and Welcome

The Episcopal Church’s rich tradition of storytelling, where every voice is valued, can be mirrored on social media. Sharing testimonial quotes from congregants about what Easter and the church community me an to them can offer personal insights that resonate with a diverse audience. These stories, especially when highlighting experiences of welcome and belonging, can serve as powerful invitations to those on the fringes or anyone seeking a spiritual home.

Highlighting the Joy and Solemnity of Holy Week

The journey through Holy Week to Easter Sunday is marked by services and rituals steeped in deep spiritual significance. Social media posts that provide glimpses into these moments—be it the reflective solemnity of Good Friday or the anticipatory joy of the Easter Vigil—invite followers to experience the breadth of emotions and spiritual reflections characteristic of this holy season. By demystifying these traditions and openly sharing what to expect, your church can make these observances more accessible to newcomers.

Utilizing Engaging Visuals and Messages

Engaging visuals, like beautifully designed graphics/photos, quotes from scripture, prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, or messages from the clergy, can draw attention and stir curiosity. These elements, and a message of invitation, can make the idea of attending an Easter service more appealing, especially to those who may not be familiar with the Episcopal tradition or who have not been to church in a while.

Engaging with the Community

Active engagement on social media platforms can foster a sense of community and belonging. Responding to comments, answering questions about the services, and sharing information about Easter traditions in the Episcopal Church can make people feel seen and heard. This two-way interaction not only humanizes the church’s social media presence but also makes the invitation to Easter services more personal and compelling.

Encouraging Sharing and Personal Invitations

Encouraging parishioners to share Easter service invitations on their social media profiles can amplify the church’s reach. Personal invitations from friends or family members can often be more effective in encouraging attendance. The Episcopal Church can facilitate this by creating shareable content that congregants are proud to post, effectively turning each member into an ambassador of the church’s welcoming spirit.

With the opportunity to extend the Easter invitation through social media, your church can invite the hearts of people into the joyous celebration of Easter. Social media has become a tool for connecting the Episcopal tradition with the hearts of a modern, searching world. This Easter, let’s use every means at our disposal to open the doors wide, welcoming all to experience the renewal, hope, and joy of the resurrection. You can find more resources to help invite newcomers to Easter at www.edsd.org/invite.

St. Michael’s By the Sea in Carlsbad has made an exciting contribution to the life of the diocese by offering participation in their Morning and Evening Prayer on Zoom.

As Tony Vanaria, Senior Warden, said, “Morning and Evening Prayer have connected and strengthened us at Saint Michael’s in our ongoing spiritual journey, increasing our sense of Community, promoting our Ministry, and reinforcing that we are One in the Body of Christ. Our prayer and what we feel to be a calling is for the Daily Office to spread and become practice throughout all our congregations; joining those who otherwise may never meet, in common and communal prayer across the Diocese.”

Beginning this Lent, the Diocese will be partnering with St. Michael’s to offer morning and evening prayer six days a week online.

Morning Prayer
Monday – Saturday @ 8:30 am
Sunday (Streamed from Chapel) @ 9:00 am
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 840 2605 0370
Passcode: 1894

Evening Prayer
Monday – Friday @ 5:30 pm
Saturday (Streamed from Chapel) @ 5:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 881 6130 9294
Password: 1894

Morning and Evening Prayer is an ancient tradition in the Church and provides a wonderful way to connect with God at the beginning and end of every day. Set your daily rhythm to the beat of prayer and connecting with God.

As far back as anyone at Saint Michael’s By-The-Sea in Carlsbad can remember, and certainly, long before 1993 when Tony Vanaria became a member, the parish held the Daily Office, Morning and Evening Prayer, as a long-standing custom.

Prior to the pandemic, the Daily Office was prayed in-person and in our chapel, led by one of our lay readers. After a few weeks of no services, including Daily Office and Mass itself, led to months. The uncertainty of not knowing when services could resume becoming our new reality. With that, our Rector, the Rev. Doran Stambaugh and the Senior Warden, held a discussion regarding what might attempted, and the idea for the Online Daily Office via Zoom was born.

Vanaria said, “Never did we imagine what, through God’s Grace, the result would be.”

Almost overnight, Daily Office attendance took off and helped lead us spiritually through the pandemic. Today, attendance for the Online Daily Office Zoom stands at 10+ parishioners and has seen as many as 17 attend on a recent Wednesday morning. The Daily Office Zoom is a bridge to the faithful, who may be alone or otherwise find themselves unable to attend church in person.

Vanaria said, “Personally, as a lay reader and acolyte, reading and praying the Office has forever increased my knowledge and awareness of scripture, and brought new meaning to me in understanding the Mass itself and why we do what we do.”

Morning and Evening Prayer have connected and strengthened the people of  St. Michael’s in their ongoing spiritual journey, increasing their sense of Community, promoting their Ministry, and reinforcing the One Body in Christ.

“Our prayer and what we feel to be a calling is for the Daily Office to spread and become a practice throughout all our congregations, joining those who otherwise may never meet in common and communal prayer across the Diocese,” said Vanaria.

It is 5 AM and 36 degrees outside, and 22 teenagers are tenaciously hiking a hill in the dark. The trail is covered in icy snow, and they spend precious moments making sure no one is left behind–reaching out hands to steady friends who are slipping on the ice. If you saw them from a distance, you might think that someone made them do it, it was a requirement of some program, or that adults had decided that it was character building. 

It isn’t any of those things. 

The Sunrise Hike at the end of the Epiphany Retreat at Camp Stevens is an optional event. An opportunity to say no or to say yes. Participants decide on Saturday night if they are going to brave the cold and the dark to watch the sunrise from Upper Meadow. I don’t market it or cajole people into participating. For those that say yes, alarm clocks are handed out, and plans are made to make sure that everyone is awake and ready in the morning. I greet them at 5:15 AM on the lawn in front of the Dining Hall. By 6, we are at Upper Meadow in time to watch the sky turn rose gold as the sun peaks over the mountains, announcing the arrival of a new day. 

The Epiphany Retreat is an annual Episcopal Diocese of San Diego gathering for young people in grades 6-12. It began with six students nestled in one lodge 12 years ago. This year, it hosted 62 students and 10 chaperones and covered Camp Stevens. The Epiphany Retreat is an opportunity to see that there are more teens in the Episcopal Church than those in your congregation. Participants worship, pray, and meet goats and chickens. Bishop Susan joined our Juniors and Seniors on Saturday morning for a conversation about where God is calling them in their lives and encouraged them to create space for connection through openness and prayer. 

There was snow too, and with snow the opportunity to throw snowballs – some seeing snow for the first time in their lives. Gatherings around the fireplaces in the lodges were the perfect location for silly conversations about friends and school and deep conversations about what it means to be loved by God, in all of their beautiful, imperfect, teenaged humanity.  

Loved by God just as they are and because of who God made them to be.  

As part of the sermon on Saturday evening, participants wrote letters to themselves from God. Love notes – filled with kindness, encouragement, compassion, and even a smattering of accountability. Stuffed in colorful envelopes we carried them to the altar at the offertory. They were Blessed by Mother Hannah, and I took them home to stamp and mail.  They should be arriving to houses, as you are reading this article. 

How wonderful to be reminded of our belovedness in our own words. 

But back to the Sunrise Hike – What began as a group of five or six students over the years has grown to a large group of 20. They encourage each other to participate, sharing, “It is my favorite part of the retreat.” But why? Why would something that is cold, and dark, and takes place at a time when they could be sleeping, be a favorite thing? 

Perhaps it is all of those things that make it special, or that in the quiet of the morning it is easier to listen for God naming your belovedness. 

Perhaps it is special because they said yes. 

To learn more about Youth programming in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, email Director of Formation Charlette Preslar at cpreslar@edsd.org 

I love Annual Meeting Sunday!  When I was growing up at St. Matthew’s in National City (1990s/2000s), we’d be squirreled away into a nearby classroom to watch movies and play together during the annual meeting. But, me being me, I would sneak back into the nave–fascinated by the formality of the meeting and by how many adults were called up in celebration of their ministries. As adult after adult would stand and voice their wisdom, I’d whisper into my very patient mother’s ear, “What’s happening now? …Who’s that talking?” 

By the time I was a teenager, Annual Meeting Sunday became one of the biggest celebrations of community all year. Both the English-language and Spanish-language community would gather to discuss the business of our collective congregation. I began to notice the seasoned and emerging leaders courageously stepping forward for election into leadership roles. I would listen to members of our congregation take turns using their voices to affirm the good work of the past year, ask vulnerable questions, or voice unpopular opinions. It was a space where the diverse voices of St. Matthew’s multicultural community could be heard and honored. It was a space where the laity could engage in the governance of the church – co-creating this community to which we all feel belonging. And, for many of us, part of belonging to the community is taking responsibility and leadership in that community.

Leadership is crucial if the church wishes to effectively share the good news of God in Christ with our communities. Recognizing that the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is a region filled with vibrant diversity and that we live in a world where differences often divide, EDSD is choosing a path that celebrates diversity–showcasing how the Episcopal Church can thrive by embracing and celebrating the varied backgrounds of its members. But we know that hasn’t always been the case.

Diocesan Convention is like a church annual meeting but a whole lot bigger. At my first Diocesan Convention, I noticed that my usually strong and confident voice felt muted. The larger space, the new faces, and the group’s familiarity with the rules of order made me feel outside of the circle. I was hesitant to do much more than blend into the pews. I had questions about our budget, and I had opinions about some of our resolutions, but who was I to step up to one of the microphones and possibly stumble through my statement? It didn’t help that a lot of the resolutions and business gravitas seemed to prioritize a big, elite-ish, parish-status congregational context. 

I wondered, “Does my voice even matter in this space?”

My insecurity got even louder as someone sitting behind me, who seemed to be a more seasoned delegate, scoffed at another delegate who stepped up to the microphone, “He clearly doesn’t understand this issue – he doesn’t even know how to address the Bishop.”

The experience was so foreign, so unfamiliar to the comfort of my home congregation, that I spent the rest of Convention voting quietly, resigning myself to the feeling of, “Let’s just get this over with.” I kept my voice and opinions to myself until I was with my people at St. Matthew’s the next day.

A year later, at my second Diocesan Convention, I greeted my new friends from other congregations that I’d met at the prior Convention. I remember telling them, “I feel like the only person who has no idea what I’m doing.”

My friend, a seasoned delegate and leader of her own congregation, leaned closer to me conspiratorily and said, “I guarantee you, you are not the only one. Other people are just better at pretending that they do.”

I was still content to blend into the pews. But, this time, I recognized the chance to sit with other delegates from other congregations–some even offered insight and clarifications on pieces of our governance that I didn’t even know that I didn’t know. These were my people too! 

While I might not have been ready at that moment to utilize my voice in spaces beyond my home congregation of St. Matthew’s, I felt enough of a sense of belonging that I understood that the business of the Church was mine to help co-create. While the room seemed to be dominated by other folks, I had a sense of comfort that was bolstered by these newly nurtured relationships who helped affirm my agency and help with my willingness to be vulnerable with my own feelings, questions, and needs.

The voices of minority populations (and minority leaders) have historically struggled for their rightful place at the table of dialogue and decision-making in the church. This was not always a result of deliberate exclusion but can stem (and sometimes still does) from longstanding institutional structures and cultural norms that inadvertently favor the majority. As a result, important insights, experiences, and contributions of individuals from minority backgrounds—be they racial, ethnic, LGBTQ+, or otherwise—often did not receive the recognition or consideration they deserve. This lack of minority-led representation and acknowledgment often leads to marginalization and invisibility among minority church communities–impacting their sense of belonging and engagement at church. Recognizing and addressing this gap is crucial for us to foster a truly inclusive and equitable church where every voice is heard and valued.

EDSD is working hard to help heal these long-held hurts. Education and dialogue play a crucial role in the EDSD’s journey to be better. Programs like Social Location Training and LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) that focus on personal and systemic cultural awareness are new features to the diocesan calendar. These educational initiatives are designed not only to inform but also to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of all of the diocese. Through learning and conversation, we’re fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity–reinforcing the message that every individual is a vital part of the community.

If utilized correctly, the Episcopal Church has a governance model that blends tradition with a commitment to inclusivity–creating spaces where the voices of its diverse membership can be heard. This framework is designed not just for decision-making but also for listening, with mechanisms in place to allow minority opinions and perspectives to be not only expressed but valued. Through its governance, the Episcopal Church actively works towards creating an environment where every voice has the opportunity to contribute to the collective wisdom and direction of the church, reinforcing its foundational belief in the dignity and value of every individual. It is a system that works best when diverse voices are bold enough to be heard and challenge the status quo. 

Our message is clear: diversity is not a challenge but a celebrated gift. And, in EDSD, your voice strengthens our Church and offers us a vision of hope and unity for the world beyond our doors.

So what does that mean for me, a churchgoer with ideas?

If you have felt underrepresented in the past, now is the time to step forward and make your voice heard. Groups who have often been systematically sidelined have an open opportunity to contribute their perspectives, ideas, and talents to shape the future of our church. Whether it’s through nominations for leadership positions, initiating conversations with clergy members, or exploring opportunities for lay leadership within the church, your voice matters. Your experiences and insights are invaluable assets that can help build a more inclusive and equitable church.

Still wondering where you fit into the bigger picture? 

Rachel Ambasing, Missioner for Community Vitality & Diversity, is happy to meet with you or your community about how your voice needs to be shared in the church. You can contact Rachel by emailing her at rambasing@edsd.org. 

By listening to and celebrating the various voices of our community, EDSD is holding a space where everyone can see themselves reflected and valued. This celebration of diversity is not just an ideal; it’s a living, breathing reality that enriches the spiritual and communal life of this diocese. Thank you for adding your voice. 

The digital age brings with it convenience but also challenges. One of the most difficult and increasingly common challenges is phishing attempts. Phishing stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of online threats that seek to exploit the trust and goodwill that bind us together. As we navigate these digital waters, it is crucial that we equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect ourselves.

We’ve all heard the stories, and some of us may have experienced significant financial loss due to phishing scams. Whether it is the story of an entire business being infected by a suspicious email or a family member falling prey to a seemingly legitimate phone call, phishing is becoming more prevalent and more difficult to spot.   

Phishing is a practice where scammers masquerade as trustworthy entities, using emails, social media, phone calls, or text messages to trick individuals into divulging personal information, like passwords, credit card numbers, and social security details. These attempts are designed to exploit our trust, using familiar logos, language, and even our contacts’ names to lower our guard. And for those of us in the later years of life, the digital world can sometimes feel dangerous. This, unfortunately, makes the older generations prime targets for these modern-day scammers. Scammers bank on potentially limited digital literacy, the innate trust in written communication, and perhaps the unfamiliarity with the telltale signs of bold deceit.

The best defense against phishing is to recognize the lure that the scammer is using. Among the most common lures are unexpected requests for information. These messages are cloaked in the semblance of urgency or alarm and claim to originate from institutions we trust—our banks, healthcare providers, utility services, and even Bishop Susan. They may assert that immediate action is required to resolve a problem. This tactic preys on our fears, hoping we’ll act hastily without scrutinizing the request’s authenticity.

Scammers also employ subtler methods, like misleading links and email addresses that bear a striking resemblance to trusted organizations. These faux email addresses and links are created with care–incorporating minor alterations that can easily go unnoticed at a cursory glance. Before engaging with any hyperlink or responding to a suspicious email, take a moment to pause and inspect the sender’s address and hover over links to preview their true destination can reveal the deceit lying beneath the surface. This precautionary step ensures that we do not step into a digital trap.

The presence of spelling and grammar errors in communications pretending to be from professional organizations serves as a telltale sign of phishing attempts. Legitimate entities maintain a standard of communication that reflects their professionalism, making such errors uncommon in official emails. Messages littered with mistakes should raise immediate suspicions.  Often these emails have attachments. The rule of thumb with unsolicited attachments is simple: if you weren’t expecting it, don’t open it. Confirming the sender’s identity and the attachment’s legitimacy through direct, secure channels can prevent the dire consequences of malware infection.

Our faith calls us to support our community, and in the 21st century, that call extends into the digital world. We are tasked not only with safeguarding our personal information but also with nurturing an environment of awareness and support. By educating ourselves and each other, we can protect everyone from the waves of phishing attempts, ensuring that our digital journey is as fulfilling and safe as our spiritual one.

Here are some steps we can take to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones:

1. Educate and Engage: Share knowledge about phishing and its signs. Discussing these topics at our gatherings, be it during services or social events, can raise awareness and foster a culture of mutual care.
2. Use Technology Wisely: Employ spam filters, antivirus software, and keep your computer’s operating system up to date. These tools act as our digital shields, guarding against deceit.
3. Verify Independently: If a message or call raises suspicions, verify its authenticity through independent means. Contact the supposed sender directly using contact information obtained from official websites or documents, not the contact details provided in the suspicious message.
4. Practice Caution with Personal Information: Be judicious about the information you share online. Regularly review privacy settings on social media and think twice before sharing personal details or family photos, which could be used to craft targeted scams.

In this era of digital communication, let’s remember to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Let this spirit guide us in supporting each other, not just in face-to-face interactions but in every email, every click, and every call. Together, we can navigate these digital waters, preserving the warmth and integrity of our community, ensuring that even in the vastness of the internet, we remain a beacon of faith, hope, and love. 

Find out more about preventing and responding to phishing attempts at www.edsd.org/phishing.

In the spirit of fostering courage and love, EDSD is proud to announce the availability of grants through the Courageous Love Campaign. These grants, made possible by the generosity of donors, will play a pivotal role in realizing the EDSD’s strategic plan to strengthen congregations, serve communities, and nurture church growth. The campaign aligns with the diocese’s mission to equip Episcopalians to share God’s love and Christ’s Good News with those who may not be familiar with His teachings. 

The Courageous Love Campaign grants, available throughout the year, prioritize projects that align with the EDSD’s strategic plan. These grants aim to boost congregational membership and average weekly attendance, engage in congregational discipleship programs, organize events that welcome non-congregational participants, start worship services reaching new populations, improve outreach practices, and underwrite community events. Additionally, efforts to expand the reach of the Episcopal church by establishing missional expressions among military, college students, and other communities will receive special attention. 

Prospective applicants are required to complete a comprehensive application process. To be eligible, applicants must: 

1. Define their evangelism project. 
2. Demonstrate how community demographics have influenced the project. 
3. Describe previous efforts and experience related to the proposed project. 
4. Explain the metrics and methods for gauging project effectiveness. 
5. Demonstrate how the congregation will actively contribute to the project. 
6. Provide a detailed project budget. 
7. Describe how the project will be sustained beyond the grant period. 

To ensure the alignment of proposed projects with the overarching purpose, a congregation’s vestry or bishop’s committee must approve a project before the request undergoes review. The bishop’s office and executive council will evaluate the application after submission. A bishop’s staff or executive council member may contact the applicant for clarifications if necessary. Once a decision is reached, the applicant will be promptly informed. Grant recipients will be expected to provide periodic updates to the bishop and executive council and contribute to an article for the diocesan news after the completion of the grant. 

The Courageous Love Campaign grants represent an opportunity for EDSD congregations to bring transformative change to their communities. Through intentional evangelism efforts and community engagement, these grants provide a pathway for congregations to fulfill the great commission of Jesus and contribute to the growth of the Episcopal Church. The Courageous Love Campaign is a testament to the collective commitment of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego to spread love, hope, and the teachings of Christ to all. 

To learn more and apply, visit https://edsd.org/evangelism/. 

For any inquiries or assistance, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Jason Evans, Canon for Mission, at jevans@edsd.org.

 Is there anything more joyful than the sound of children laughing? It twinkles like starlight, peals like bells, bubbles, and lifts everyone in the room. A child’s laughter comes from the core of their being, wild and free. It calls to us as adults, reminding us of when we were filled with that wild joy too. 

Vacation Bible School is the perfect way to fill your campus with that laughter and joy! And yet, planning Vacation Bible School can feel daunting. Organizing volunteers, shopping for crafts, learning the music, finding fun and engaging games, and creating registration forms is a heavy lift, and that is in addition to the important work of vetting the curriculum. Building off the success and lessons from last year’s EDSD Vacation Bible School, this year’s program, Shout for Joy! – an adventure through the psalms – creates space for children to explore the psalms and write their own psalms, too. Playful art projects and inspiring music deepen the experience for participants. 

Last year, six congregations in our diocese used the EDSD Love Is… curriculum. Below are a few of their reflections. 

Amy Reams & Shanta Muñoz offered Love Is as a collaboration between St. Luke’s, North Park, and Christ Church, Coronado. They said, “We had a great week! While the kids played on the waterslides during our final celebration, some parents graciously told me how blessed their families were by the camp. A new-to-town family connected with friends, a shy teen found her confidence in being a junior counselor, kids who sang their songs in the shower all week… but perhaps the most meaningful was a mom who just walked by our sign-in on the first day and spontaneously asked if we could accommodate her daughter with special needs. Of course! On the last day, she told me with tears in her eyes what a blessing this week had been for her daughter and how grateful she was for our loving community. The very thorough curriculum that Charlette created really gave us what we needed to pull off this week!” 

Kari Robinson from St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea in Pacific Beach reflected, “The children were super into the “Love, Love” song we taught them to sing in rounds. We were able to have FOUR groups singing at the same time, with kids as young as five years old! Many parents stayed and participated, and there were connections and new friendships made in varied and rich ways!” 

Leighton Jones from St. James’ by-the-Sea shared, “Love was truly an action word at both St James by-the-Sea VBS camps this year! At our preschool Godly Play VBS our campers explored Gods love with daily stories, activities with staff, songs, and crafts. This group of campers really connected to God through music and even got the opportunity to play our new organ! Our older campers connected deeply with the drama rotation. Groups created skits depicting love from 1 Corinthians and presented them to both families and campers at our closing celebration. With the heat and humility, each day of camp concluded with popsicles, thanksgiving and daily love sightings. We are already buzzing with excitement for next Summer’s VBS!”  Register today for this amazing offering!

In recent weeks, Southern California experienced unprecedented rainfall, leading to a surge in weather-related challenges for homeowners and organizations alike. This deluge has not only saturated landscapes but has also put many buildings to the test. Among these are church buildings, some of which have reported issues with leaky roofs and other related physical plant problems. Proper maintenance and preventative measures are crucial to safeguarding these valuable properties against the elements. As we navigate through the winter and spring seasons, addressing these concerns promptly can help mitigate further damage and ensure the longevity of these community pillars.

The EDSD Property Committee exists to assist congregations with all matters concerning the maintenance of church property. The committee has some preventative maintenance suggestions it would like to pass on to mediate damage to your property in the future. It also wants to share some hints on solar systems. The committee’s recommendations are below.

WINTER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Several roofing companies will do a complete roof evaluation for free or for a nominal fee. The property committee can help fund these inspections for both missions and parishes.  Submit a grant request here: https://edsd.org/grants/

Pay attention during and after it rains to major puddles or areas that are flooding. Evaluate the reasons and possible solutions. This will help to avoid failures in the future, such as sinkholes or major asphalt/cement cracks. Be especially alert for trip hazards in common areas and your parking lots. The property committee has dealt with several issues such as these in the past and can help make suggestions to avoid future damage and insurance claims.

Termites and wood rot are common issues at our churches. An inspection at least every 18 months will prevent roof and facia damage from occurring. Usually, these inspections are free, and the property committee can help fund these inspections if they are not free. Submit a grant request here: https://edsd.org/grants/

SOLAR PROJECTS

Many churches are interested in installing solar. We recommend that you get an electrical usage evaluation and switch to LED and other electric-saving options before committing to installing solar. Your usage is a big part of determining the size and cost of the equipment installed. We have helped several congregations with both these projects. Please feel free to reach out to us with questions/concerns.  Grant money may be available for either of these projects on a case-by-case basis.

YOUR PROPERTY COMMITTEE

Again, the Property Committee is here to help. The members of the committee have decades of experience with property management and repair issues. We are willing to visit your church to see whatever problems you might be experiencing and to give advice as needed. The chair of the Committee is Sandi Lanzarotta. Please contact the Rev. Canon Jeff Martinhauk at jmartinhauk@edsd.org, and he will put you in touch with Sandi.

I recall many years ago wrestling with a deeply personal loss in my life. I was a young father, working long hours, felt isolated from meaningful friendships, and was exhausted. As a lay person, I entered a church service on an Easter Sunday and was immediately enveloped by the liturgy. From beginning to end, I was reminded of hope and new life, and in that troubled season of life it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. You never know who will walk through your church doors on Easter Sunday, longing to hear a message of good news. 

The celebration of Jesus’s resurrection offers a unique opportunity for congregations to extend warm invitations to neighbors, friends, and family. According to a Gallup poll, while 30% of Americans attend church regularly, a staggering 80% participate in Easter festivities. With more than twice the usual number of Americans considering attending church on March 31, it’s crucial for congregations to be prepared to welcome and engage these potential visitors. 

Easter is more than a religious observance; it’s a celebration that transcends denominational boundaries. As most Americans join in, churches have a golden opportunity to reach out to those who may not regularly attend services. The Gallup poll’s statistics underscore the widespread cultural significance of Easter, making it an ideal time to extend invitations and foster a sense of welcome among diverse groups. 

The upcoming 1.5-hour online evangelism class on Tuesday, March 5, at 5:30 pm presents an invaluable opportunity to learn about effective outreach tools and practices. Evangelism is an announcement, a declaration, or a proclamation of observable good news. For a Christian, the ultimate good news is of Jesus Christ and what his life, death, and resurrection made possible. In his book Transforming Evangelism, Episcopal priest the Rev. Dr. David Gortner writes, “Evangelism is your natural expression of gratitude for God’s goodness.” In other words, evangelism is your articulated appreciation for how your soul has been nourished by what God has done and is doing. For many of us, one of the ways God nourishes us is through weekly worship. It is no mistake, then, that one of the ways we go about evangelism is by inviting others to worship with us. In doing so, others hear the good news proclaimed and are nourished by God’s love. 

Hosted by myself along with Charlette Preslar, Director of Formation, and Chris Tumilty, Director of Communication, this class is designed to cater to both evangelism newcomers and those looking to refine their skills. Whether you are a first-time participant or licensed lay evangelist, the class promises to offer insights and strategies tailored to enhance your Easter outreach efforts. Participants will learn about the approaches to community engagement, effective communication strategies, and practical tools for inviting others to join Easter celebrations. For those who have previously attended EDSD evangelism classes, this session is an excellent opportunity to refresh and refine your plans for Easter outreach. The class will provide a platform to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strategize how to make the most of Easter Sunday. 

Easter is a time of joy and renewal. It is a chance to share this good news of Christ with those who may not otherwise cross your church’s threshold. I hope this class can help your congregation steward this opportunity as best as possible. Whether you’re new to evangelism or seeking to refine your skills, this class is a stepping stone toward creating a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming celebration on Easter Sunday. I hope you will join us. 

As space is limited, prospective attendees are encouraged to register soon. Register today! The deadline for registration is set for February 23.