It is no secret that we are becoming more desensitized to advertising. These days we automatically tune out most of the ads we see–digital ads get lost in social media noise, and flyers get tossed into the junk mail pile or the trash. So, how do we tell people about the fantastic events at our church with a limited budget and help?

St. Paul’s Cathedral has started a Meet the Neighbors Walk Program–an intentional, purpose-driven way to communicate with people living in the immediate area of the church, showcasing the activities beyond the regular church services that might attract our neighbors to experience the church community.  

“We chose specific neighborhoods within one mile of the Cathedral. By obtaining precinct maps and lists from a data vendor, we can go door to door in an organized way, and we know the names of the residents,” said Susan Jester.

St. Paul’s Cathedral usually prints 500 large postcards and door hangers that showcase an easy-to-attend event. In September, the Cathedral focused on the Blessing of the Animals. This month, the Meet the Neighbors Team will distribute door hangers inviting neighbors to The Good News Festival on December 10.

“We picked a time frame in the late afternoon when people were coming home and walking their dogs. We distributed all 500 pieces over two weeks. There are many opportunities to meet neighbors and leave a card or door hanger. We have also found some folks who live in the highrises that are willing to distribute our cards or door hangers in the building,” said Jester. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral’s attendance for these events was up about 20% this year. The walks are organized and strategically planned with printed materials, organization of walkers, and a focus on the immediate neighborhood. 

Printed door hangers force people to stop and take notice thanks to their eye-catching positioning. Instinctively removing a door hanger before entering their homes–looking at it for at least a few seconds. In those few seconds, the advertisement captures their attention–possibly retaining their interest long enough for them to attend an event–maybe your event.

St. Paul’s will continue this program as Evangelism Ministry after the Good News Festival. It is a proven way to meet new people in their neighborhood. A successful tool that helps reach out in a non-religious way and invite folks into learning the Way of Love.

“We are fortunate at the Cathedral in that we have all kinds of space and various events, music, social justice, kids events, free organ concerts, and events we have created to generate local interest in coming to the Cathedral. But the Good News Festival is a perfect opportunity to reach out to your local neighborhood and business community to hear two world-class speakers and some great music and fellowship hosted by their local church–your church,” said Jester.

If you would like door hangers to share the Good News Festival in your local neighborhood, please contact Director of Communications Chris Tumilty at ctumilty@edsd.org. The Diocese is happy to help you share this event with your community. Susan Jester and the team are happy to answer questions or help you strategize a Meet the Neighbors Walk program for your local church anytime.

Most everyone in the San Diego area knows the Marine Corps motto: “Semper Fi,” always faithful. Some know the Coast Guard motto: “Semper Paratus,” always prepared. From my experience as a deacon, I suggest that the motto for the diaconate should be: “Semper Gumbi,” always flexible.

What I thought I would do as a deacon and what I have been called to do over the past 21 years have required flexibility. I have been fortunate in my secular career and vocation as a deacon in the Episcopal Church to have seldom been bored, to have always been in a learning mode, and to have felt that what I was called to do was for the public benefit.

In the discernment process, I was asked to what ministry I felt called. It was clear that I did not want to become a priest or to pastor a flock.

After 38 years of public service in five California cities, I developed skills in and an understanding of California land use regulations. I also had experience in facilities construction, maintenance, and operation.

I was already on the Diocesan Property Committee; I thought that I would use my secular skills and experience to aid the Diocese in its relationship with local government and with the operation and management of its facilities.

Well, God has a sense of humor.

For one-year field placement before and two years after ordination, I was assigned to Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. Fr. Wayne Sanders, Rector, believed in on-job-training and interfaith ministry. If it was possible for an activity to be assigned to a deacon, it was. St. Anthony Antiochian parish and the Newman Center Roman Catholic community of UCSD shared the campus. Where possible, we shared worship and other ministries. I learned that God works in many ways.

In 2003 I was assigned to St. Peter’s, Del Mar. Shortly thereafter, the parish administrator retired, and I became “the interim parish administrator” for three years. In 2010 the property of St. Anne’s, Oceanside, was returned to the Diocese, and I was assigned to administer that parish. These administrative assignments were far from boring. They were challenging and required me to learn more than I ever wanted to know about parochial reports. I learned to appreciate rectors and administrators.

During 2012 I was fortunate to be at the right place, at the right time, and was able to help in starting the Showers of Blessing ministry. When I turned the leadership of this ministry over to lay and ordained persons with a passion for service, Showers of Blessing flourished as an interfaith ministry.

Deacons serve in many ways, but always “directly under” their bishop. Only Bishop James Mathes, and the Holy Spirit, know why he appointed me Archdeacon in April 2016. I was in a constant learning mode for three years as Archdeacon. I pray that I was able to promote the diaconate and encourage some to consider a call to ordination.

As a member of the Diocesan Property Committee and Archdeacon, I am one of the few who can claim to have been to every parish in the Diocese, sometimes crawling under the foundation and/or up on the roof. When in public service, I carefully separated my faith from my job. As a deacon, I fill a call to “a special ministry of servanthood” in the name of Jesus Christ. As a deacon, I continue to serve “all the people” while spreading the Gospel. Never bored, always learning and serving God’s creation.

Semper Gumbi!

Though the subtitle is tongue in cheek, one of the concepts we learn in Cursillo to help maintain our spiritual life in Christ is summed up in those three words: Piety, Study, and Action. The simple activity of reading the Bible daily to another person has strengthened me in those three disciplines. It has impacted the lives of others beyond my normal sphere of influence, like the widening ripples created when a stone is tossed in the water. But first, I want to introduce you to Dave.

About two years ago, I joined my dad, Ted, and Paula, one of my sisters, in reading through the Bible. My dad is 92, and since his eyesight had deteriorated to the point he could no longer read, we took turns reading to him. Every day except Sunday, we have a conference call where we read through a few chapters of the Bible. So far, we’ve read the entire New Testament at least once, the gospels several times, and almost all of the Old Testament. At first, we were following a schedule published by their church, but after a while, we set our own pace. On Saturdays, we take a break from the routine and read a couple of chapters from Proverbs.

Paula cooks breakfast on Friday morning for our dad at her place. Instead of our usual daily call at 4 p.m., they sit and read at the kitchen table together after breakfast. They put everyone on speaker and call me so I could participate. After the usual jokes are out of the way about whether I’m out of bed yet, we read.

Along the way, we added one more person to our reading group. Dave is a retired Los Angeles police detective in his 80’s who moved to Colorado to be with his daughter. He and Ted became friends, but whenever the subject of God would come up, Dave showed no interest in going to church or in his spiritual life at all. His excuse was always, “I don’t want to go to heaven because my ex-wife might be there.” He said it jokingly, but you could tell there was some real hurt behind his words.

Somewhere along the line, my dad invited Dave to join him for breakfast at Paula’s house. Dave wasn’t enthusiastic about reading the Bible but was happy to drive my dad to Paula’s house and he loves a good breakfast. The first few times, he sat in the other room after breakfast while the Bible was being read, but he soon became intrigued and stayed at the table.

In the process of hearing the Word of God, Dave became a different person. The change in him was no less sudden or dramatic than flipping on the lights in a dark room. He has become an unabashed follower of Jesus and loves reading the Bible now. No matter how many chapters we read each day, he always wants to read another. “It’s just a short one!” he’ll say. Dave found a church, talked to the pastor extensively, went through membership classes, and attends faithfully. He invites and encourages everyone he meets to go to church. He calls my dad every morning to read aloud a daily devotion. At another gathering of my dad’s friends, a regular Wednesday breakfast at a restaurant, Dave piped up, “Anyone mind if I read today’s devotional?” He read to them, it was well received, and, in fact, someone else suggested, “Maybe we should do a Bible Study, too.” He reads the Bible to people at the retirement home where he now lives and even got the activities director on board. He has a weekly lesson from a woman there who was a Bible teacher by profession. He brings urgent prayer requests to our daily reading time.

While the image of a pebble thrown into a placid lake may describe the action of our daily Bible reading, in Dave’s case, he is making his own ripples. In fact, the image that comes to my mind is not a stone thrown into the water, but of a person on a diving board yelling, “Cannonball!”

This routine of daily out-loud Bible reading with others has turned out for me to be the Cursillo Method’s “3-legged stool” of Piety, Study, and Action. We just finished reading Revelation, where I considered the letters to the churches, wondered about the meaning of the scrolls, seals, angels, bowls, and plagues, and was awed by the imagery and descriptions of final judgment, the New Jerusalem, and especially, the Lamb. We’re reading Deuteronomy now. Moses recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments and the care of God for his people during 40 years of wandering. I’m amazed to see how often Jesus quoted from this book and how words so ancient are so timely. Just a simple thing as reading to someone daily from the Bible has been an enriching experience.

Comparing my life to the Scripture we’ve read, talking to Jesus about my shortcomings and sins, and seeking His direction for my life, has deepened my relationship with God, which I learned on my Cursillo Weekend is Piety. Reading the daily chapters inevitably leads to questions that lead to more reading, more questions, research, and reflection which amounts to Study. Continuing to read to others is Action.

Just as a pebble thrown in the water creates concentric circles that get wider and wider, the simple activity of reading the Bible out loud every day has rippled out in far-reaching circles and touched more people than I could have on my own. The Holy Spirit acting through the reading of the Word of God is changing lives all around me, of friends, friends of friends, children of friends, and parents of friends. It has been both an unexpected and awesome thing to witness!

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego gathered at St. Bartholomew’s in Poway for the 49th Diocesan Convention Saturday, November 11. The joy of coming together IN-PERSON for the first time in three years was seen on every smiling face and in every conversation.

During Opening Eucharist, Bishop Susan recalls the ups and downs of the pandemic and looks to the story of Emmaus to remind us that chaos creates space to adapt–to grow into a way of being church. The amazing ministries throughout the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego show that out of recent hardships, our church adapted with new, creative ways of sharing the good news of Christ’s love with the world. Watch the complete sermon below.

Bishop Susan gave her annual Address to Convention and announced the 2023 Year of Service. Watch the complete presentation below.

This year, Bishop Susan was honored to make these announcements:

Bishop Susan welcomes a new assisting bishop in our diocese. Of course, this bishop will be no stranger to our diocese, as he served as the IV Bishop of San Diego from 2005 to 2017. After serving at Virginia Theological Seminary until earlier this year, we are glad to welcome him back to San Diego, where he has retired with his wife, Terri. Bishop Mathes already serves in several capacities in our diocese, most notably as the dean of our diocesan School for Ministry, soon to enter a new era as the West Coast Collaborative School for Ministry, a partnership with the Dioceses of Northern California and El Camino Real. In this role, he has spearheaded a collaboration that will bear fruit for many years to come. In addition, Bishop Mathes serves as supply clergy in congregations, which we appreciate. Most of all, Bishop Susan is very grateful for the advice, and counsel Bishop Mathes provides and his unfailing support for our vision and ministry here. 

Jesus said, “The greatest among you must become like the least, and the leader like one who serves.” It is a pleasure for Bishop Susan to recognize two servant leaders in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, Darryl and Barbara Peralta.  

Darryl and Barbara are true servants of the gospel in our diocese. Darryl is currently serving as a member of the Standing Committee, and has served as its president for the past year. In the past, he has served as secretary of diocesan convention and secretary of Executive Council. He also consults with congregations in the diocese on questions of mission, ministry, and governance. Darryl has served on the National Board of Directors of Faith Alive, and both Darryl and Barbara have conducted Faith Alive weekends throughout the United States. Barbara is currently a member of Executive Council, where she has served on the stewardship and property committees. Darryl and Barbara are deeply involved in leadership in the Cursillo movement and have served as presidents of the Cursillo Secretariat, where they work with a dedicated team to bring the good news of Christ to others throughout our diocese, supporting that movement with personal ministry as well as prayer, worship, and witness as evangelists for Christ. 

In their own parish, Good Shepherd Bonita, both Darryl and Barbara have served as Senior Wardens, Eucharist Visitors, Chalice Bearers, Lectors, Ushers, and Stewardship Campaign Chairs. Both have been active in the Pastoral Care Committee for many years. Both have led Alpha Courses. Darryl also serves as an acolyte and has served on Good Shepherd’s Endowment Fund Board of Trustees. Barbara headed up Good Shepherd’s Renewal Works Program and has also served on the Endowment Board of Trustees. Barbara has served previously as Bookkeeper and as Treasurer. Barbara is also president of Daughters of the King.

Thank you, Darryl and Barbara, for your dedicated ministry in our diocese, in your home Church of the Good Shepherd, and in the Cursillo Movement. We are inspired by your servant ministry and your commitment to following Jesus.

In the book of Sirach, the writer proclaims: “Let us now sing the praises of famous men….There were those who gave counsel because they were intelligent; those who led the people by their counsels and their knowledge of the people’s lore; they were wise in their words of instruction.” 

In my time in this Diocese, Bishop Susan has come to depend on the wisdom of our chancellor, David Bagley. He has given much wise counsel and instruction to me and to the other leaders of our diocese. With unflagging patience, he negotiates the niceties of real estate contracts, and with the same devotion, he unravels the mysteries of the Constitution and Canons of our Diocese and of the Episcopal Church. He advises the bishop on sensitive, arcane, and difficult matters, takes time to consult with other chancellors and leaders of our congregations, and finds experts to support our church’s needs in many areas of law. While working in his own law practice, he still finds time to take calls and answer emails from the many people who need legal counsel to do the careful work of the church. He is a leader in his own parish of St. Dunstan’s, and an indispensable supporter and friend of our Episcopal Church. His personal care, compassion, sense of humor, and attention to the innumerable details of our church’s ministries are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful.  

Thank you, David, for your dedicated and invaluable ministry in our diocese and in your home Church of St. Dunstan’s. We are inspired by your servant ministry and your commitment to following Jesus. We owe you a great debt of thanks for your wise counsel and careful attention to our church. David, it is an honor to name you a Canon of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. 

Susan Jester and Martin Hall were presented with the first Good News Award in recognition of your exemplary proclamation by word and example of the Good News of God in Christ. Each year Bishop Susan will present this award to individuals whose evangelistic contribution has been especially appreciated during the past year. 

When Susan and Martin accepted the position of co-chairs to the Good News Festival task force, none of us could have anticipated the myriad challenges we would face before this event could come to completion. Throughout the delays and changes we have had to make, you have offered the wisdom of your experience and passion for the gospel as a guide to the work of this team. Because of your faithful service and countless hours of effort people from across the four counties we serve will hear the good news of Jesus Christ’s love for all proclaimed with joy and confidence. Their leadership, constancy, and commitment have brought us to this grand opportunity. 

Thank you for offering your gifts, your experience and your leadership to the Good News Festival task force as co-chair. With God’s help, may more and more know of God’s courageous love for them.

Every year, Bishop Susan is happy to honor individuals throughout the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego for their diligent, faithful work in their church communities, as nominated by their clergy-in-charge.  This year, the following received the Servant Ministry Award:

Church of the Good Shepherd, Bonita – Doris Landry

St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs – Fred and LLouise Jee

St. John’s, Chula Vista – Diane Gustafson

St. Alban’s, El Cajon – Mary Zori

Sts. Peter and Paul, El Centro—Frances and Eric Rice

Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet – Joyce Brightman

St. Matthew’s, National City – Leo Baroy

St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert – John Wright

St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs – Steve Moore

All Saints’, San Diego—Lucrecia Locke

Good Samaritan, San Diego – Carol Hamilton

St. Luke’s, San Diego – Laurie Macpherson

St. Timothy’s, San Diego – Melissa Weaver 

The proposed 2023 Diocesan Budget and Resolutions 22-01, 22-02, and 22-03 were passed unanimously. Review the 2023 Budget here and Resolutions here.

The results of elections to General Convention Deputation, Executive Council, Standing Committee, and more can be viewed here. 

The 49th Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego concluded with a spirit-filled report and closing prayer from the Diocesan Youth Leadership Council. Watch their report and closing prayer below.

But that’s not all! 

In the keynote presentation on Friday, November 10, Canon Jason Evans, Jessica Ripper, and Canon Jeff Martinhauk discuss how the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego can use its assets, relationships, and more to help people have a place to call home. Watch the full keynote below.

Enjoy these photos by Diocesan Photographer Susan Forsburg here

Where is Diocesan Convention?

Diocesan Convention will be held in person on November 12 at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway. Check-in for Convention will begin at 7:00 am, where delegates will receive their voting pins and printed materials for participating in Convention. The ‘Bartmobile’ will be making rounds in the parking lot to help anyone with mobility issues up the hill to check-in.

 

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When is Diocesan Convention?

This year, Diocesan Convention is being held on November 11 and 12, 2022. You can find a full schedule of the virtual events happening on Friday, below. And, you can find a rough schedule of the in-person meeting on Saturday, November 12, beginning at 8:30 am, below. (Check-in begins at 7:00 am).

Friday, November 11 (Virtual)

Friday afternoon and evening sessions will be held virtually. All visitors, deputies, and interested parties are welcome to participate.

3:00 – 4:00 Resolutions and Canons Hearing

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85330409961?pwd=eCtZV1VzN1plRVd3RzZ3N0FIMFNnQT09

Meeting ID: 853 3040 9961

Passcode: 215132

4:00 – 5:00 Budget Hearing

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87330603885?pwd=UGhsWnN0VG1jYVVNRlZvQTNsWlJjQT09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 873 3060 3885

Passcode: 157296

5:15-6:30 Keynote Discussion: “Welcome Home”

A panel discussion on the work of the Mission Real Estate Taskforce and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84215510350?pwd=VnlKQ1hOajVtY3lDWmllVi8xdkp6UT09

Meeting ID: 842 1551 0350

Passcode: 289811

Saturday, November 12 (In-person)

Saturday, November 12, we will meet at St. Bartholomew’s in Poway for a full day of business and worship. All voting will take place on Saturday, November 12.

7:00 am – Check-in opens

8:30 am – Opening Eucharist

12:30 pm – Lunch

4:30 pm – Close of Business   

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Reports to Convention

Enjoy reading about all the amazing work the people of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego do in the world. EDSD is truly doing the hard work of bringing the Good News of Christ to the world. Read the Reports to Convention here.

 

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Proposed 2023 Budget

Please review the proposed 2023 budget that is facing Convention here.

 

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Nominated for Election

Every year at Diocesan Convention, individuals are elected to leadership positions throughout the church structure. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining diocesan leadership. Nominations are accepted here.

These individuals have been nominated for election to leadership positions throughout the diocese. The regularly updated list can be found at www.conventionedsd.org.

GENERAL CONVENTION DEPUTATION

elect 4 clergy to serve until 2024

Richard Hogue

Roger Haenke

Roberto Maldonado-Mercado

Janine Schenone

Brenda Sol

Jeff Martinhauk

Mary Lynn Coulson

Hannah Wilder

elect 4 lay to serve until 2024

Jen Jow

Patricia Carson

Rachel Ambasing

Ruth Japtok

Hanh Tran

Louis Butch Glosson

Polly Getz

Tim McLellan

Jamie Glorieux

The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held in July 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky (Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky). The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years, it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The legislative process of the General Convention is an expression of The Episcopal Church’s belief that, under God, the Church is ordered and governed by its people: laity, deacons, priests, and bishops.

STANDING COMMITTEE

elect 1 clergy to serve until 2026

Janine Schenone

Michael Kilpatrick

elect 1 lay to serve until 2026

Patricia Carson

The Standing Committee of the Diocese shall consist of four clergy who are voting members of Convention and four Lay members who are communicants of the Church and who are at least 18 years of age. Members are elected by Diocesan Convention for staggered terms of four years. The Standing Committee acts as the ecclesiastical authority when the bishop is absent or incapacitated. The powers, functions, and duties of the Standing Committee shall be those prescribed by the Constitution and· Canons of The Episcopal Church, and by the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. Upon expiration of the member’s term, no person shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Standing Committee for a period of one year.

Standing Committee currently meets virtually on the third Tuesday of each month, at 12:00pm.

 

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Proposed Changes to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

The deadline for receiving proposed changes to the Constitution and Canons was August 11. These submissions were received in a timely and proper fashion.

 

RESOLUTION 22-01 

Title: Amend Canons to exempt Named Institutions from Consent Requirement (Title III.5.05) 

Proposed By: Committee on Constitution and Canons 

Name and Address of Delegate: Pauline Getz, Vice Chancellor and Committee Chair, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. San Diego 92017 

Date:  August 10, 2022 

RESOLVED, that Title III.5.05 of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego be amended to read in full as follows: 

5.05 Property May Not be Alienated Without Consent. With the exception of The Bishops’ School and Episcopal Community Services, no Institution shall not alienate or encumber real property belonging to it or acquire, except by gift, devise or bequest any real property subject to an existing encumbrance or assume an existing encumbrance in connection with any acquisition without first obtaining the written consents of the Bishop and the Standing Committee. 

EXPLANATION:  The purpose of this amendment is to exempt The Bishop’s School and Episcopal Community Services from the requirement of obtaining the prior consent of Bishop and Standing Committee. Each of those Institutions is a large corporate entity with an independent Board of Directors (other than the Bishop as Chair), capable of making these decisions for themselves and in light of their respective missions and visions.  

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RESOLUTION 22-02 Title II.3.13 

Title: Amend Action Plan Parish (hereinafter “APP”) Canon

Proposed By: Committee on Constitution and Canons 

Name and Address of Delegate: Pauline Getz, Vice Chancellor and Committee Chair, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. San Diego, CA 92017

Date: July 29, 2022 

RESOLVED, that Title II.3.13 of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego be amended to read in full as follows: 

3.13 Action Plan Parish. This Canon is intended to address the exceptional case of a Parish whose continued viability as a self-sustaining entity appears to be in jeopardy, such that some degree of diocesan partnership, oversight or intervention is needed as a means of restoring the health of the congregation. Except under unusual circumstances (see Canon 3.13.03), such action is not intended to derogate from the traditional right and responsibility of Parishes in the Episcopal Church to govern themselves. Rather, in those cases herein, whether on the initiatives of the Parish, and in such cases, it shall be the duty and obligation of all parties, working together, to strive to accomplish the speedy end, or substantial amelioration, of the conditions that led to the declaration of Action Plan Parish, and to restore the congregation to spiritual and temporal health and viability as a self-sustaining entity. The designation of a congregation as an Action Plan Parish (hereinafter “APP”) shall continue for a period of four years. A Parish (hereinafter a “congregation” or “Parish”) may be declared to be an Action Plan Parish as set forth herein when any one or more of the following conditions exists:  

(a) The congregation refuses or neglects to assemble to elect a Vestry, as provided in these Canons, or fails to send representation and to participate in the Conventions of this Diocese; or  

(b) The congregation fails to call and elect a Rector after a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Bishop; or  

(c) The congregation willfully fails to comply with the provisions of Canon 1.7 of The Episcopal Church “Of Business Methods in Church Affairs” or has engaged in improper or unethical business practices; or  

(d) The congregation qualifies for forfeiture of parochial privileges pursuant to Article XIV of the Constitution of the Diocese; or  

(e) The congregation fails or refuses to make and pay its Mission Share Pledge for a period of two years or more; or 

(f) The congregation fails or is unable to support a level of clergy staff and lay engagement to ensure that the congregation’s needs for Worship, Education, Pastoral Care and Outreach Ministries are adequately met. For the purposes of this section, it is considered that the inability to provide for the services of a clergy person for at least 1/2 time (to include any mandated pension and/or insurance benefits), equates to a failure of such support; or 

(g) The congregation fails to pay in full the insurance premiums for general liability coverage, including coverage for sexual misconduct, in an amount set by the Corporation Executive Council of the Diocese, and with an insurance company approved by the Corporation Executive Council; or  

(h) If financial reports reveal an invasion of the endowment funds or other practices that are evidence of existing or probable future financial instability sufficient, in the judgment of the Bishop and Standing Committee, to warrant action under this Canon.— ; or 

(i) [NEW] Failure to complete and file parochial reports per diocesan and Episcopal Church policy; or 

(j) [NEW] Failure to complete and file audit reports per diocesan policy; or  

(k) [NEW] Failure to cooperate with any inquiry, made in connection with this Canon, by the Ecclesiastical Authority or its designee, including the failure or refusal to provide full and accurate information on the state of the Parish and its affairs; or  

(l) [NEW] The congregation takes action (whether by the Vestry or the Rector, or both) which is designed to affect a separation of the Parish from The Episcopal Church or the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, or otherwise acts in violation of the Canons of The Episcopal Church or these Canons; or 

(M) [NEW] When the congregation is found to be in a state of continued conflict by the Bishop in consultation with the Standing Committee.  

The specific condition(s) found to exist shall be delineated in writing by letter from the Bishop to the Clergy person in Charge, the Vestry and the congregation promptly after the designation declaration as an Action Plan Parish.  

3.13.01 Action under this Canon may be initiated by any of the following:

(a) The Rector or upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Vestry/Bishop’s Committee of any such congregation; or  

(b) The Bishop; or  

(c) The Standing Committee upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of its members.  

3.13.02 When action has been initiated hereunder, the Bishop shall appoint a committee of three (3) lay leaders, two of whom are not members of the congregation, and one chosen from the Vestry, to investigate, and work with the Vestry and Clergy person in Charge, to seek to ameliorate the conditions which led to the action, and to report quarterly to the Bishop. This Action Plan Parish Committee shall, working together with the Clergy person in Charge, and the Vestry, as soon as possible, identify immediate corrective steps that should be implemented, and no later than one year after the committee’s formation, submit to the Bishop a detailed written plan for restoration of Parish status, to include specific goals and objectives that the plan is designed to meet. The APP Committee shall serve for up to four (4) years period to aid in the restoration of the congregation to Parish status or, failing adequate progress in this regard, to confer with the Bishop about possible other actions as described below, including conversion to Mission status. The congregational shall, with assistance from the APP Committee, submit monthly operational reports to the Bishop. The Bishop shall have the further right to have the books and records of the congregation audited.  

3.13.03 If the conditions specified in the Bishop’s letter, referred to above, persist beyond two years from the date of designation declaration, and the APP Committee, after consulting with the PIC Clergy in Charge and Vestry, reports that adequate progress is not being made to ameliorate these conditions, the Bishop, with the consent of the Standing Committee may impose additional requirements upon the congregation. Any one or more of the following may be required:  

(a) That the Vestry be disbanded, and that the Bishop shall appoint six or more adult communicants, plus one member of the APP Committee, to serve as a Bishop’s Committee in place of the Vestry;  

(b)  Designation of the Rector as Priest in Charge, or in the absence of a Rector, to appoint a Priest Clergy in Charge;  

(c) Conveyance of title to real property to the Diocese;  

(d)  In the event that the congregation is incorporated, direct that the corporation be dissolved; or  

(e) Such other actions as may be deemed necessary to restore health to the congregation.  

In the event that the Bishop (with Standing Committee consent) does elect to take any or all of the actions described herein, the effective ecclesiastical status of the church may be deemed that of a Mission, in accordance with the Canons.  

3.13.04 At any time after the first 24 months and prior to the expiration of the four-year period since being declared an Action Plan Parish, the congregation may be restored to full and regular Parish status. Such action may be taken by the Bishop, with the consent of the Standing Committee, either upon the Bishop’s own initiative, or on petition of the Vestry of Bishop’s Committee of the Action Plan Parish. The decision to restore to Parish status shall be based upon a finding that the congregation has successfully addressed or substantially ameliorated the conditions that led to the declaration of Action Plan Status. Alternatively, after two years, but within the four-year period, the Bishop may take action to either: a) designate that the congregation shall thenceforth be a Mission of the Diocese; or b) extend the congregations status as an Action Plan Parish for an additional period not to exceed three years. An action under a) above, shall be based on a finding by the Bishop in consultation with the Standing Committee and the Action Plan Parish Committee that the congregation has not made adequate progress toward ameliorating the conditions that led to its Action Plan Parish status; and, an action under b) above, shall be based upon a finding that some progress has been made, but additional steps are required to be accomplished before Parish status can be renewed. In this case, these ‘additional steps’ shall be set out in writing. In the case of action under either a) or b), consultation with the Clergy-person in charge and Vestry, and consent of the Standing Committee is required, and any congregation so affected, can, by majority vote of its members attending a properly noticed membership meeting, challenge said action by petitioning the next Diocesan Convention, such petition to be filed with the Secretary of Convention at least 30 days before the date of the Convention. If a congregation remains in APP status for more than 7 years, action shall may be taken by the Bishop (with consent of the Standing Committee), within 60 days, to either restore that congregation to Parish status, or have it converted to Mission status. In such events:  

(i) If the congregation is restored to Parish status, and if the Bishop has previously appointed or designated a Priest in Charge, that Priest shall forthwith resign, and the Vestry shall call a Rector in accordance with the Parishes By-Laws and these Canons. The Priest in Charge is not barred from being called as Rector; and  

(ii) If the congregation is converted to Mission status, and such action is not revoked by vote at Convention, the congregation and the Diocese should take the necessary steps to immediately organize itself as a Mission in accordance with these Canons.  

3.13.05 It shall be the responsibility of all parties, including the lay and clergy leadership of the Action Plan Parish, the Office of the Bishop and the Action Plan Parish committee, to labor to restore the congregation to a greater degree of health, presenting all challenges and opportunities to be addressed in an open, honest manner, in a climate of respect and charity, and for the greater good of the Church’s witness to its Lord.  

EXPLANATION:  These changes correct some inconsistencies in names of leadership bodies, correct typographical errors, and expand the circumstances that may lead to a parish being declared an Action Plan Parish.  

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RESOLUTION 22-03 Title IV.2.04 

Title: Raise Limit on Approval for Unbudgeted Items 

Proposed By: Committee on Constitution and Canons 

Name and Address of Delegate: Pauline Getz, Vice Chancellor and Committee Chair, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Date: July 29, 2022 

RESOLVED, that Title IV.2.04 of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego be amended to read in full as follows: 

2.04 Payments to be Authorized by Diocesan Executive Council. No payments in excess of two thousand dollars (2,000) ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) which have not been specifically provided for by the Convention in the Annual Budget, shall be made without authorization of the Diocesan Executive Council. 

EXPLANATION:  This Canon has not been reviewed in a number of years. The increase is to make the number more practical. 

 

Episcopal Church Office of Creation Care awarded the Diocese of San Diego a grant to pursue a Tree Planting Planting Collaboration for Equitable Climate Solutions project. With these funds, the Creation Care Task Force of our diocese will partner with congregations and their neighbors to improve the urban tree canopy in specific communities. This project aligns with the Anglican Communion’s Communion Forest initiative. Congratulations to co-chairs Diane Lopez Hughes, Adrienne Elliott, and the entire task force!

Keep an eye out for more about the Tree Planting Colaboration for Equitable Climate Solutions project in 2023!

The Good News Festival Holiday Marketplace is Good News! Good News for fair trade farmers, Good News for minority-owned businesses, Good News for social justice organizations, Good News for fair trade artisans, and Good News for YOU – shoppers looking for that very special Christmas gift that does good for the world!

On Saturday, December 10, come to the Town and Country Resort for the Good News Festival (thegoodnewsfestival.com), and take in the Holiday Marketplace at the same time–open for sales from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Find Fair Trade chocolate, coffee, tea, cocoa, nuts, dates, and olive oil. Buy Guatemalan, Haitian, and Mexican apparel, accessories, and crafts; African and Asian bags, jewelry, and accessories; candles and home décor made by local artisans; and books, including titles by some of our Festival speakers. With live music adding to the festive atmosphere of the marketplace, this is the place to enjoy time with friends or family while waiting for the Festival’s main attraction to begin.

With vendors like Malia Designs, The Guatemala Project, Blue Butterfly Soap, Trinity ToyMakers, Serenity Designs, St. Paul’s Cathedral Fair-Trade, and more, this holiday marketplace is an opportunity to shop for Christmas and support those in need.

Malia Designs is a fairtrade handbags and accessories brand that combines lively design, the use of recycled materials, and affordable price points. Malia Designs’ products are handcrafted in Cambodia, and every purchase helps to fight human trafficking.

The Guatemala Project strives to serve indigenous Mayan people living in the highlands of Guatemala. Mission teams travel to install healthier, fuel-efficient, wood-burning stoves in residents’ homes, and work on various construction projects for schools, homes, and clinics. The Project also supports local artisans by bringing their crafts to southern California to sell at local churches, which helps finance the purchase of stoves and construction materials. The Guatemala Project also has an active scholarship program. During the Pandemic, the project has provided food to more than four hundred families every month. sdguatemalaproject.org

Blue Butterfly Soap is a woman-founded business creating handmade natural products, such as soap bars, body creams, natural deodorants, candles, lip balms, and bath salts. Blue Butterfly Soap is dedicated to providing safe, exciting products to our customers inspired by nature and art.

Trinity ToyMakers is a volunteer group from Trinity Episcopal Church, Escondido. In operation for 20 years, Trinity ToyMakers makes around 500 toys each year to give to children who might not have a Christmas gift otherwise.  We distribute our toys through Interfaith Community Services, Ronald McDonald, Salvation Army, and several other agencies. Each year we offer toys to our congregation for their children and grandchildren and ask for a donation to take care of our expenses. The price of lumber has gone up considerably, so we need to generate additional income to cover our costs. Trinity ToyMakers will offer a few toys to the Good News Festival attendees for sale. Trinity ToyMakers toys are well-made heirloom toys beautifully handcrafted by members of our church with care and love.

Serenity Designs showcases a collection of handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and intentionally curated goods that are meant to inspire and empower you on your life journey. Serenity Designs is a Latina-owned business owned and operated by San Diego native, Karla Chávez. This small business has been featured in SDVoyager Magazine and CanvasRebel Magazine.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a Fair-Trade Congregation–committed to justice, paying a fair price to farmers growing cacao, coffee, tea, olives, dates, and nuts. Enjoy Equal Exchange fair trade chocolate bars, cocoas, teas, coffees, Palestinian olive oil and dates, and cashews. Fair prices and no child labor are hallmarks of fair trade. These products are delicious and make great presents and stocking stuffers. Premade gift baskets are easy hostess gifts for the holidays.

 

Take in the wonderful workshops at the Good News Festival and do all your holiday shopping in one place – what a deal! See you on December 10^th.

When the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch first approached me about leading the music for the Good News Festival Revival Service with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, you can imagine the excitement I felt about this great honor and opportunity. Having seen Bishop Curry speak at the Royal Wedding and other occasions, I knew what a wonderful experience we would be in for with his powerful preaching and dynamic personality (plus, we are both big Buffalo Bills fans).

While the Festival had been delayed due to the pandemic the past two years, it has given us much more time to plan and vision what the December 9-10, 2022, weekend will finally be. I am a witness to the enthusiasm and anticipation from the Good News Festival Team as we approach the big, long-awaited day.

Planning music for a large Revival service was initially intimidating. The music needs to be transformative for cradle Episcopalians and those new to the denomination, and even those who have yet to learn about the love of Jesus. 

The liturgy and music should be accessible to people from all walks of life, with familiar or uncomplicated melodies. Our Episcopal traditions and heritage give us a wonderful framework from which to build our services, but an occasion like this requires thoughtful innovation to resonate with as many people as possible. You can look forward to an amazing evening filled with engaging music, community, and top-notch preaching. 

Working with the Good News Festival Team has been a great experience, as our synchronous ability to step outside the liturgical ‘box’ of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer has yielded an evening that has a beautiful arc of emotion, from powerful, praise-filled exultations to introspective moments of prayer and healing. 

You can look forward to the Good News Festival Band that encompasses musicians from across the Diocese, and I am very much looking forward to working with these amazing individuals as we collaborate on this momentous weekend. 

Themes of “Good News” and Revival will echo in our collective hearts and voices throughout the evening, and we look forward to sharing the experience with you all!

To learn more about the Good News Festival, its workshops, marketplace, and prayer opportunities, visit www.thegoodnewsfestival.com and save your seat. 

International Day of Peace or “Peace Day” is celebrated annually on September 21. It was established in 1981 by a unanimous vote to a resolution in the United Nations. Peace Day provides a shared date globally for all of humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. 

Peace is an action word. It requires us to move beyond just thinking about Peace, and to commit to actively work together to bring Peace to our community and the world. We have been celebrating Peace Day at Christ Church Coronado and Christ Church Day School for the past 8 years. 

One of the things that I love most about Peace Day is that it offers an opportunity to head outside of our church doors and engage with the community that surrounds us. Peacemaking activities are an outward and visible sign of God’s love. The campus is decorated with peace flags created by the children of our school and members of our congregation. They wave joyfully on the fence behind a sign that invites the local community to chalk messages of peace on the sidewalk. Each chalk message, and each foot that treads past it, is a quiet prayer for peace in our community and our world. 

A new offering this year was peace cranes, folded by our Peace and Justice committee. Baskets of exquisite origami cranes filled the tables at our Wonder Wednesday dinner at Christ Church. This meal falls in the middle of our weekly evening of formation. Attendees were invited to write a personal commitment to work for peace on one of the wings of a crane and take it home with them as a reminder to pray and work for peace each day. 

We also focus on Peace Day in both chapel and spiritual nurture classes at Christ Church Day School. Students in grades 3-6 read the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom   of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:1-12

 

Our conversation began with the idea of upside-down blessings. How are any of the things that Jesus is talking about a blessing? They certainly don’t seem to be. They are challenging to think about, and much like most of the things Jesus calls us to, even more difficult to put into practice!

Our specific focus is on the line, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” As we looked at the challenging situations we face at school and at home, we talked about the difference between peace (an action word) and quiet (passively ignoring disruption). The conversation included problem-solving on how to address areas of conflict with respectful words and open hearts. We brainstormed ideas on how to enrich our school community by creating a space where everyone is cared for and valued, and the need for each of us to be an advocate for ourselves and for others. Listening to the children make connections and grow in faith and love deeply enriches my own faith. 

One of the primary themes of Peace Day is, “Who will you make Peace with?” 

Those six words encompass an enormous challenge for the students, one that applies to us as well. Making Peace with someone implies that there is strife or disconnection. It feels both aspirational and impossible. Yet I know in my heart that carrying that strife, or allowing a long-term disconnect, is exhausting. 

As we consider the question, I find comfort in knowing that I do not need to do it alone. It says it right there in the scripture, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” 

God is always with us; in the joy, in the struggle, and even when we are doing the exceptionally difficult work of being peacemakers. 

I have always known myself to be an encourager, helping people recognize the hope and love of God in their lives, as He had shown me. During seminary and later in a hospital residency Clinical Pastoral Education clarified that call for me. I discovered I was at ease talking to new people, offering prayer and support with Christ as our mutual friend. Eventually, that led to a 14-year career as a hospice chaplain before I retired in 2020.

An example of this ministry was David, a 35 yr old man with advanced MS. We met regularly as he declined. Through conversation, reading, and prayer, David let me lead him over a bridge from one who was on the outside looking in, to one who I baptized into the Kingdom before he died.

Many of the bridges I built in hospice held no transformations or epiphanies. What was clear was that comfort and peace were found in the prayers I said as chaplain and deacon. Regardless of the setting or circumstances, I represent the church and God’s love in times of deep need. It is evangelism at its core and service to Him in the purest form.

I continue to reach out to those in my parish as friend and deacon to serve and build bridges as the Lord leads me. In the last few years, with so much change, I found that people are rightfully looking to their faith to be the anchor in their lives. It is from that bridge of the Gospel words I speak, that we have a solid place to stand to consider the sermon message and how it connects to us.

Service as a deacon is all about being flexible. It means being available and trusting Christ to show me how to help. For example, what began as helping a parishioner organize became much more. She decided to move into an assisted living facility. Initially, we talked, laughed, prayed, ate, and worked hard to accomplish the task. Others came in for different parts and together the move was made. When she died months later, that pastoral care became her legacy of peace to her son as we helped to clear out the apartment.

Sometimes service is brief and on point; sometimes, it’s more. An unexpected outcome of this pastoral care was the development of a brochure of useful information needed for families that I produced based on this and several similar experiences.

Setting the table at the altar is like the Gospel bridge; it prepares us all for what God is saying and doing. Surprisingly, coffee hour is part of that equation as well. Here is where those first fruits of the Eucharist, come up, as we break bread. In community, people are open to sharing what’s on their minds. It may be routine or it may be where they are hoping to find God in the midst of day-to-day life, their life. One of my biggest blessings is to validate where God is in their lives and to confirm His action and theirs.

Prayer has been the common thread to my bridge building and service. Whether in a small group, leading devotions, or saying healing prayers, I have listened to God too. I am humbled by his blessings on my life and ministry. My diaconate has sustained me through my husband Alan’s long illness and death in 2014 and my own cancer in 2018. I learn every day about the woman God created me to be and choose to grow towards that vision.

At St. Paul’s, I am part of a team. I am blessed by Fr. Robert Lewis and Fr. Paul Gambling, rector and assisting clergy at St. Paul’s-Yuma, who value my experience, opinion, and contributions. They are both excellent teachers, and I continue to learn from them. Staff meetings include the usual as well as mutual prayer and pastoral care as needed. I continue to learn to step back, listen, trust and accept His Love. I am deeply blessed to continue to serve at St. Paul’s.