Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

The call to “be courageous” is a familiar phrase in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego because it speaks to the human spirit’s incredible capacity to rise above adversity. As Bishop Susan reminds us, courage isn’t the total absence of fear but the choice to move forward despite a measure of it–a call to embrace our humanity, with all its vulnerabilities, to strive towards God’s purpose.

This year, at the 50th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, we are very excited to celebrate five decades of ministry together. This year’s celebration is a reminder that while our journey may be bumpy at times, the path is illuminated by faith, courage, strength, and love. We’ve journeyed together through half a century–carrying forward our faith and mission! 

 

Pre-Convention Hearings

Budget Hearings

The 2024 budget will be reviewed in advance of convention at two hearings. These will be recorded for viewing at alternate times.

November 2, 5:30 p.m.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88178393099?pwd=M2hUbzhmUTduMWREU0RQdnNJSU1hZz09, Meeting ID: 881 7839 3099 Passcode: 958598

November 8, 5:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89729178653?pwd=NDJ4YVhGWitza1JaT3hDaXRIdFBnZz09, Meeting ID: 897 2917 8653 Passcode: 830507

Resolution Hearings

Resolutions being presented to convention will be reviewed in advance of convention at two hearings. These will be recorded for viewing at alternate times.

October 25, 5:30 p.m.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82510151812?pwd=dFBxOXE4T2t3YkkrajNuU2J1VEtzUT09, Meeting ID: 825 1015 1812 Passcode: 576587

November 1, 5:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87563501469?pwd=YkI5U0tRNzRZSUVDNlZ6cGtOZ0FSUT09, Meeting ID: 875 6350 1469 Passcode: 622999 

 

Convention Schedule

EDSD’s 50th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held in person November 10-11 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego.

Friday, November 10

ECS Welcome Reception (Light Refreshments) 12:30-1:45

Check-in 1:00-2:00 pm

Convention Business 2:00-5:00 pm

Bishops Talks 4:30-5:45 pm

50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner 6:00-9:00 pm (Sold Out)

Saturday, November 11

Check-in 7:30-9:00 am

Convention Business 9:00-4:00 pm with breaks

 

50th Anniversary Dinner (SOLD OUT!)

This year holds special significance as we are celebrating 50 years as a diocese. We’ve journeyed together through half a century, carrying forward our faith and mission. Join us for EDSD’s 50th Annual Convention (November 10-11) and reflect on the challenges overcome and victories achieved at the 50th Anniversary Dinner at St. Paul’s Cathedral (November 10). Seating is limited. Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis.

 

Youth Presence at Convention

Join with youth from all over our diocese as we serve and play together. Each year Convention offers the opportunity for our diocese to gather for business, fellowship, and worship. A vibrant youth presence is an integral part of that day! Highlights of the day will include ridiculously fun games, a thoughtful service project benefiting our military ministry, and delicious food. Register Here

 

Convention Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in one or more of the volunteer opportunities below, please register here. 

Friday Dinner

Setup Team: We need help setting the table for dinner. Are you interested in lending a hand in the celebration of our Diocese’s 50th year of ministry? Join a small crew to prepare the Cathedral Nave for the celebration dinner!

Kitchen Crew: With every great celebration, there’s a great team to help clean up. Do you love to serve your community by helping clean up the party? We need a small, dedicated team to help tidy up after the 50th Anniversary Dinner. 

Saturday

Break Down: After Convention concludes, the Cathedral will need their church back for Sunday worship. With your help, we can reset the Cathedral nave for Sunday worship.    

 

Vendors

Vendors are welcome to at this year’s Diocesan Convention on Saturday, November 11. The exhibit space, in the Cathedral’s Great Hall, will be open to the public from 8-3pm. After registering, EDSD’s vendor coordinator, Cynde Durnford-Branecki will be in contact with you with details. Please register here  

 

Nominations

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, please fill out the nomination form here. 

SECRETARY OF CONVENTION

elect 1 clergy or lay to serve until 2025

Brian Johnson

The Secretary shall take minutes of the proceedings of the Convention, certify Deputies to General Convention, cause to be prepared and posted Journals of Convention, and other duties as listed in the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. The Records, books, and Journals of the Secretary shall be open at all times to the inspection of the Ecclesiastical Authority, of the Standing Committee, of the Convention, and any Committee or Commission thereof. The Secretary is elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected.

In addition, the Secretary of Convention records the minutes and resolutions of the monthly Diocesan Executive Council meetings

 

DISCIPLINARY BOARD

elect 2 clergy to serve until 2026

Chris Craig-Jones

elect 1 lay to serve until 2026

James Hansen

The Disciplinary Board hears cases regarding the discipline of clergy as specified in accordance with Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. Members of the Court are elected for staggered three year terms and may be re-elected for multiple terms. The Disciplinary Board will meet as needed.

 

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

elect 1 clergy to serve until 2027

Richard Hogue

elect 2 lay to serve until 2027

elect 1 lay to serve until 2026

elect 1 lay to serve until 2024

Mae Chao

Jamie Glorieux

The Diocesan Executive Council serves as the Board of Directors of the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. It is the legally constituted governing body of the diocese.

In accordance with California State Law and Diocesan Canons, DEC has fiduciary responsibility for the assets of the diocese. Responsible for implementing, maintaining, and revising the Strategic Plan as necessary or appropriate.  Develops and recommends to convention the annual budget.

Diocesan Executive Council normally meets virtually the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meeting dates are subject to change because of calendar conflicts.

STANDING COMMITTEE

elect 1 clergy to serve until 2028

Michal Kilpatrick

elect 1 lay to serve until 2028

Dennis Landaal

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.

 

Resolutions

The deadline for timely submissions of resolutions to amend the canons has passed. All resolutions regarding amendments to the canons filed between now and Convention will only be considered if Convention unanimously consents to hearing the resolution. (Canon V.1.05 of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.)

 

RESOLUTION 2023-01 

Submitted by the Committee on Constitution and Canons

Name of Resolution: Amending Bylaws

Amendments to Bylaw Article XI

Resolved that the Convention amends and restates Article XI of the bylaws of the diocese to read as follows:

ARTICLE XI Bylaws, Etc.

The Secretary of the Convention shall furnish to the Secretary of the Corporation Board of Directors a certificate of the election of Directors by the Convention, and a copy of these Bylaws, certified by the Secretary of Convention to be correct, and also a certified copy of the resolutions of the Convention providing for the incorporation of the Church, and whenever amendments, alterations or additions shall be made to these Bylaws, the Secretary of the Convention, in which such amendments, alterations or additions are made, shall furnish certified copies thereof to the Secretary of the Corporation. The Secretary of the Corporation shall preserve the same and enter in a book kept by the Secretary for that purpose the said resolutions of the Convection providing for such incorporation, these Bylaws and all amendments, alterations, and additions thereto, and the Articles of Incorporation as filed in the office of the Secretary of State and with the County Clerks of those counties any portion of which lie within the Diocese, respectively, and a certificate to be furnished annually by the Secretary of the Convention of the election of Directors for the ensuing year.

11.1.00  Amended by Majority Vote. The Bylaws may be altered or amended at a Diocesan Convention by an affirmative vote of the majority of those voting.

1.01 Amendments to be Filed 90 Days Previous. No proposed amendment or addition to the Bylaws shall be considered or affirmatively acted upon by any Convention, otherwise than by referring the same to a Committee to report thereon to the succeeding Annual Convention unless a copy of such proposed amendment or addition shall have been filed with the Secretary of the Convention, at least 90 days before the meeting of the Convention.

1.02 Secretary to Deliver Amendments to Committee. The Secretary of the Convention shall deliver copies of all proposed amendments or additions to the Bylaws, filed in accordance with Title V, Canon 1.01, to the Chair of the Committee on Canons, appointed under Title I, Canon 10.08 of these Canons and such Committee shall report thereon on the first day of the Convention. 

EXPLANATION: This resolution lays out procedures for amending the bylaws.

 

RESOLUTION 2023-02 

Name of Resolution: Internal Controls

Submitted by Finance Committee

RESOLVED that Article IX of the Bylaws of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego be amended to read:

The Treasurer shall receive and keep all funds and money of the Corporation delivered to the Treasurer by or under the direction of the Board of Directors and pay them out only on checks signed by two signers who have been authorized by the Board through a policy duly authorized by the Executive Council. The Treasurer shall give bonds in such sum and manner as the Board of Directors shall prescribe. The Treasurer shall keep accurate accounts and report quarterly to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall not be an authorized signer on Corporate checking accounts.

EXPLANATION: Checks have long been a primary form of payment.  Unfortunately, check fraud is becoming just as commonplace.  The American Bankers Association found in 2019 that successful check fraud totaled $1.3 billion.  The Association for Financial Professionals found this year that paper checks continue to be the payment method most vulnerable to fraud.  Newer online payment methods result in significantly less fraud than paper checks.  It is anticipated that payment structures will continue to strengthen and emerge over the coming years as technology continues to change.

Rather than prescribing check controls around fraud within the by-laws of the corporation, this amendment moves the internal controls for all payments (not just paper checks) into a policy approved by the Executive Council.  The external auditor reviews the policy every year and reports any shortcomings or weaknesses to the Executive Council.  Such a change allows the diocese to be more flexible in preventing fraud and adopting newer payment methods with more stringent controls.  The policy of the diocese currently requires at least four people to review each transaction:  one (or more, depending on the dollar amount) to approve the bill, one to process the bill and prepare it for payment, and two people to review proposed payment requests.  Another step requires reconciliation of all bank transactions to ensure all disbursements are properly approved and accounted for.  In short, the polict is much more detailed in attempts to provide control over disbursements than the bylaws, and this amendment recognizes that.

This amendment also allows the Treasurer to be a signatory on the bank.  There are times when the diocese recommends that congregation treasurers do not have signature authority, but those cases are limited to environments where there is not adequate staff to properly segregate duties.  The diocese has enough people involved in segregation of duties for receipts and disbursements that adding the Treasurer to the bank poses no more significant risk than the current signers.  Making the treasurer a signatory also gives him or her the authorization to manage the banking relationship.  The treasurer is responsible for managing that relationship, but under our current bylaws all directions from the treasurer require authorization from a signer on the account, complicating the ability of the diocese to do business day to day without any real reduction in risk.

 

RESOLUTION 2023-03

Name of Resolution: Youth Ministry Seat, Voice, and Vote

Submitted by: Charlette Preslar

Resolved, that Canon I.4.12 be added to the Constitution and Canons, to read as follows:

The Youth Ministry of the Diocese shall be entitled to five Lay Delegates and two alternates representing separate regions of the Diocese and serving a one-year term. The Bishop shall appoint all Lay Delegates from the Youth Ministry of the Diocese after consultation with The Director of Formation, with full right of seat, voice, and vote.

The Youth Ministry of the Diocese shall mean those communicants in good standing of a Parish or Organized Mission of the Diocese who are at least 14 years of age and no older than 18 years of age.

All Lay Delegates from the Youth Ministry of the Diocese shall be confirmed communicants in good standing of a congregation of the Diocese, at least 14 years of age and no older than 18 years of age, and shall possess such other qualifications as may be required by Canon.

Explanation: Youth are not the church of the future, they are the church now. Full inclusion in the conversations and voting at convention affirms our commitment to provide equity in representation. 

 

RESOLUTION 2023-04

Title of Resolution: Amendment to Bylaw Article XII

Submitted by the Committee on Constitution and Canons

Resolved that the Convention amends Article XII of the bylaws of the diocese to read as follows:

The principal office for the transaction of the business of the Corporation is located at 2728 Sixth Avenue 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of California. The Board of Directors is hereby granted full power and authority to change said principal office from one location to another in the Diocese.

EXPLANATION: This resolution updates the address for the diocesan offices.

 

RESOLUTION 2023-05

Resolution 2023-05 was received after the 90 day deadline for timely submissions of resolutions to amend the canons. All resolutions regarding amendments to the canons filed between now and Diocesan Convention will only be considered if Convention unanimously consents to hearing the resolution. (Canon V.1.05 of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.)

Title of Resolution:  Legal Status of Missions

Submitted by the Committee on Constitution and Canons

RESOLVED, that the 50th Convention of the Diocese of San Diego amends the Canons of the Diocese as follows:

Canon II – The Mission

2.05 Effecting of Mission Organization. The organization of a new Mission shall be effected by the appointment by the Bishop of a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden, who shall be communicants of the Church, a Clerk and a Treasurer, such officers to be known as the Bishop’s Committee. Thereafter the Senior Warden shall be appointed annually by the Bishop, and such additional number of persons as the Bishop shall authorize, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Mission to be called on reasonable notice and held as soon after the first day of January as practical. At the discretion of the Bishop the Mission may elect its Bishop’s Committee, with the exception of the Senior Warden, on a rotational basis. The Junior Warden shall be elected in accordance with Title II, Canon 6.00, and the Clerk and Treasurer in accordance with Title II, Canon 6.05. Any qualified elector shall be eligible for election or appointment to such offices, except that the Wardens shall always be communicants.  In special circumstances, the Mission may incorporate at the direction of the Bishop and Standing Committee as provided in Canon II.2.17.

2.06 Organizing of Parochial Mission. The organization of a Parochial Mission shall be effected in the same manner as provided in Title II, Canon 2.05, except that appointments of officers shall be made by the Rector of the sponsoring Parish. Rotation of the Bishop’s Committee may be established with the consent of the Rector of the sponsoring Parish.  In special circumstances, the Mission may incorporate at the direction of the Bishop and Standing Committee as provided in Canon II.2.17.

2.11 Title to Property Vested in the Diocese. Except as otherwise provided by this canon, the terms of the trust specified in a will, decree of distribution, deed of gift or other instrument of donation which shall have been accepted by the donee with the consents of the Bishop and the Standing Committee, the title to real property purchased, given or otherwise acquired for Mission purposes, shall be vested in “The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego,” a Corporation, sometimes referred to herein as the “Corporation of the Diocese”; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be deemed to exclude the acquisition of any property the title to which is given and granted to or for the benefit of a specifically named or designated Mission; and title to all such property granted to the Corporation of the Diocese shall be held upon the trusts and with the powers as follows:

a)       Such property shall be held for the use of the Mission for the benefit of which it was acquired, as long as such Mission shall continue to exist under the Canons of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego provided, that upon organization of the Mission it shall make provision for, and pay, all taxes, insurance and other expenses pertaining to the care and preservation of all such property devoted to the use of said Mission.

b)      The officers of a Mission shall not undertake construction or material modification of any structure on real property owned by the Corporation of the Diocese until plans and specifications for such work have first been approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or the Committee on Facilities and Architecture to whom the Directors of the Corporation have delegated approval authority.

c)       Notwithstanding paragraph a, if a Mission is or is allowed to remain incorporated under Canon 2.17, real property may be held by the Mission corporation in special circumstances as directed by the Bishop and Standing Committee.

2.13 On Becoming Parish May Hold Property. Whenever the Mission shall have been organized as a parish and admitted into union with the Convention, and shall have been incorporated in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese and the laws of the state in which it is located, and normal expenses of the congregation have been met, including any financial obligations prescribed by the Convention, for a period determined by the Bishop and Standing Committee not to exceed of two consecutive years, and all debts and obligations to the Corporation of the Diocese pertaining to its properties have been discharged, the Parish, with the consent of the Bishop and the Standing Committee, may make written request to the said Corporation, which shall convey such real properties to the Parish. Normal expenses include, among other expenses, and subject to the discretion of the Bishop with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, fair and equitable salary, housing and insurance expenses for the Vicar, and pension fund contributions when applicable, and operating expenses including adequate insurance covering the properties of the Mission. Nothing in this canon shall restrict the Bishop and Standing Committee from directing an incorporated Mission to hold real property under Canon 2.11(c) or 2.17.

2.17 Incorporation of a Mission. In special circumstances determined by the Bishop and Standing Committee, and with the permission of the Bishop and the Standing Committee, a Mission may incorporate or keep its previous incorporation.  Executive Council shall serve as the board of directors of an incorporated Mission congregation, delegating day to day operation of the Mission to the Bishop’s Committee in a manner decided by Executive Council.  Upon direction by the Bishop and Standing Committee to incorporate, a Mission shall incorporate under the laws of the state in which it is located. The Rector of the Mission shall be the Bishop, who shall also be the ex officio Chief Executive Officer of the Mission Corporation’s Board of Directors, and the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws shall so provide.  The Bylaws shall further state that the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, from time to time in effect, shall be incorporated in said Bylaws; and that in the case of any conflict between said Constitutions and Canons and said Bylaws, the former shall prevail over and in all respects supersede and to that extent effect the repeal of the said Bylaws.  The Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of any Mission, and any amendment to either of them, shall first be submitted to and approved by the Bishop, with the advice of a Chancellor and the advice and consent of the Standing Committee (referenced from Canon 3.07).

Further, an incorporated Mission shall be subject to the canons applicable to the incorporation of parishes in Canons 3.08, 3.09, 3.10, and 3.12.

3.11 Dissolution of a Parish in Order to Become a Mission. Any Parish, incorporated or unincorporated, may request of the Convention, through the Committee on Admission of Parishes and Missions, with the approval of the Bishop and the Standing Committee, permission to dissolve the Parish association or corporation, and reorganize as a Diocesan or Parochial Mission, following the same procedure as for the organization of a Mission. Title to the property of the Parish shall then be transferred to the Corporation of the Diocese or to the sponsoring Parish if incorporated.

On September 21, about two dozen individuals assembled in the chapel linked to the Episcopal Church Center (ECC) in Ocean Beach. During this gathering, Rachel Ambasing, the Missioner for Multicultural Ministry, and other diocesan staff reflected on the extensive input they had received from Ocean Beach residents over several months. In the middle of the evening, I had the pleasure of making a happy announcement: Bishop Susan Brown Snook had chosen to name a new faith community for Ocean Beach, Resurrection Episcopal Church, and had appointed Rachel as its lay pastor.

A significant number of those in attendance signed a letter addressed to Bishop Susan, expressing their desire to come under her care as an Emerging Episcopal Community, as stipulated in Diocesan Canon II.2.04(b). This signified many months of discernment and trust-building with the Ocean Beach residents.

The decline in church attendance is a topic that frequently troubles religious communities. Countless books, products, conferences, and careers have been dedicated to resolving the issue of dwindling congregations. However, I often wonder whether church attendance is the primary concern.

How do we measure trust?

Author Seth Godin shares a story from his visit to Kenya, where he discovered the importance of trust. He learned about an institution that provides micro-finance loans to East African farmers. To qualify for a loan, these farmers need the trust of their neighbors, who vouch for their reliability. In essence, the farmer must have earned the trust of those around them to secure financial support.

People engage when they believe they can trust you. Trust is demonstrated not only through financial contributions but also through the investment of time, attention, presence, and bringing others into the fold—family, friends, and neighbors.

While it may be challenging to quantify trust, one thing is clear: churches can no longer assume they automatically have the trust of their neighbors. This era has passed; trust must now be earned.

Several factors should be considered to earn the trust of neighbors:

1. Prioritize the greatest commandment and the great commission in that order. Placing expansion ahead of loving God and neighbors has led to some of the Church’s darkest moments in history. Teaching your community to love God and their neighbors should be the foundation of creating authentic disciples.
2. Loving entails listening. Demonstrate a genuine interest in the welfare of others by listening before speaking. Earn the privilege of being heard.
3. Be consistent. Whether in the neighborhood, on social media platforms, at school board meetings, or during prayer gatherings, consistently show up and prove your reliability.

To establish Resurrection, simply opening the chapel doors and assuming that neighbors would trust us with their time, attention, and presence  was not an option. We had to step outside, get to know the community, listen to their concerns, and earn their trust.

Even before her election, Bishop Susan envisioned sharing the good news of Christ by expanding Episcopal worshiping communities. Our diocesan strategic plan set a goal to “establish five to eight new church communities” in response to this vision. For the past 18 months, diocesan staff and volunteers engaged in conversations with Ocean Beach residents, shopkeepers, and community leaders to gauge interest in a new faith community.

Ocean Beach is a young and largely unchurched community. Of the surrounding population, 62.6% are not involved in a religious community. Among those who identify as Christians, only 35.3% believe church participation is essential. The largest age group in the community comprises those aged 35 to 54, with an average age of 39. Over the next decade, the 18 to 24 age group is expected to experience the most significant growth (3.2%), while family households are projected to increase by 5.8% in the next three years.

After conducting community surveys, the ECC chapel was refurbished, addressing necessary repairs and giving it a fresh look. We also sought support from our closest Episcopal neighbors, who encouraged our efforts and held our emergent community in prayer. Throughout the summer, an anchoring group including Rachel, the Rev. Peter Sickels, and others engaged with Ocean Beach residents who care deeply about their community. We invited neighbors into the ECC chapel, where we listened to their voices and sought to discern the next steps for this space. We engaged in conversations, lit candles, enjoyed meals, and concluded each evening with Compline. As the summer breeze swept through the building, we began to sense that the Spirit was up to something new.

We learned about the concerns and celebrations of our neighbors in this unique coastal community of San Diego. They aspired to a community where everyone was welcome, regardless of their family structure. They hoped for a safe yet innovative place. They longed for something both informal and steeped in tradition. They had ambitions for acts of service that could lead to justice and transformation.

We also heard from community members about the complicated history of the Episcopal Church in Ocean Beach. As such, the name of our community, Resurrection, acknowledges the Christian hope that even when death is evident–such as the death of a community–we believe in the hope of new life through Jesus Christ.

In the coming months, Resurrection will initiate missional ministries, which are small group expressions of our community aimed at connecting with those who might not attend regular church gatherings. Resurrection will hold three monthly worship gatherings on the first Sundays of October, November, and December. On October 1, Bishop Susan will join Resurrection to commission Rachel Ambasing as the lay pastor of the community. A simple soup meal will be available at 6:00 p.m., followed by worship at 6:30 p.m. In the new year, Resurrection will start weekly worship services on Sunday evenings.

I recently attended a promotion ceremony for a chaplain—a student of mine from my days as Director of the Naval Chaplains School—onboard one of the ships homeported in San Diego. Afterward at lunch, I mentioned my current role as military missioner for the diocese and the public commitment the diocese has made to reach out to servicemembers, families, veterans, and retired military. As one might expect, there was a great deal of interest in the shape and form of the outreach was taking. We discussed the EDSD Military Ministry Symposium the diocese held in July and the interest it sparked. I pointed out that it was a jumping-off point to start the journey that we intend to build on as we share the love of Christ within the military community.

In San Diego County, there are approximately 110,700 active-duty military personnel and 118,300 family members, which represents 7.6% of San Diego County’s total population. An estimated 60.7% (71,759) of military families in San Diego County have children. In Yuma County, Arizona, the US Marine Corps Air Station, and the US Army Yuma Proving Ground are two of Yuma County’s principal industries. At MCAS Yuma, there are 6592 military personnel. In Imperial County, Naval Air Facility El Centro serves as an aircrew training facility and the winter home of the Blue Angels.

Even if you agree that churches should reach out to armed services members and their families, you might think your church isn’t up to the job. But don’t discount what your congregation can do in military ministry. Over the past thirty years, the trend in military chaplaincy has been to utilize the services of chaplains in more operational settings as opposed to the chapel model. This is due in part to the decreasing number of chaplains entering the military and the general decline of military personnel attending chapel services. Recently, for example, in the Bremerton, Washington area, the local commander announced the closing of a chapel in their Area of Responsibility (AOR). The general reasoning is that the ministry of chaplains can be better utilized in operational settings.

This trend has significant implications for civilian churches in areas such as San Diego and Norfolk, Virginia, due to a large concentration of military men and women, their families, and veterans. Discussions of the armed forces chaplaincy in church circles tend, at times, to become confused with the pacifist/non-pacifist debate over whether there should be an armed force. That is, of course, a legitimate debate in which the church has debated for twenty centuries and will undoubtedly continue to engage. From our immediate perspective, however, it is not the point. Realistically, we recognize that the United States does have large armed forces and is likely to continue to have them. We also recognize that the churches will continue to provide ministries to military men and women.

While civilian ministries could not replace the military chaplaincy without serious loss of effectiveness, there is unlimited opportunity for civilian ministries to supplement and cooperate with the ministries of chaplains. This is particularly true stateside, where numerous civilian churches are in the vicinity of military bases. 

Two immediate goals came out of the Symposium. First, the creation of an EDSD Military Resource Manual to aid the local parish in developing a ministry to the military or complementing one that is already in place. It is important to note that this is not a “one size fits all” scenario. Many factors determine the content and scope of military outreach. And second, to foster a consciousness of outreach to the military community from the church.  

Among the needs identified at the symposium:

• • •         Care and Support (practical help)

o   Before deployments

o   During deployments

o   After deployments

o   After separation from service

• • •         Pastoral Care

o   Grief and loss counseling

o   Healing for combat trauma

o   Marriage counseling

o   Overcoming addictions

• • •         Education

o   Marriage Enrichment

o   Parenting

o   Finances

o   Navigating available services

No one, at least of all chaplains, would deny that many military people can and should turn to civilian churches for spiritual nurture. Most chaplains have no desire to “compete” with local churches. Neither the denominations that sent them into the armed services, nor military people themselves want such competition. Chaplains recognize that the local parish, which confronts military men and women from a stance of relative permanence, can offer a kind of normal and stable church experience that chaplains themselves, because they are part of the institutional environment and its mobility, cannot provide.

If you want to learn more about Military Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, email me at tcash@edsd.org.

In 1973 St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chula Vista hired a teenager as their organist.  This year marks fifty years of faithful service and beautiful music by Cheryl Seppala!

She has served with five rectors and many assistants and interims. Cheryl truly is St. John’s institutional memory and a blessing to all.

In 2006 Jane Graves Ferguson retired as choir director, the tenth with whom Cheryl had worked. Fr. George Keith asked Cheryl to fill in temporarily “for a few months”.  Cheryl says, “I don’t know how it happened” but all these years later, she is still wearing two hats.

“Watching St. John’s burn to the ground (in 1994) is perhaps one of my most vivid memories,” she says.

Cheryl and her husband Wayne, who is organist for St. Andrew’s in La Mesa, have been very generous over the years. They purchased and donated a new organ in memory of Fr. Jerry Graves, who died suddenly in 1987.  For years, they have taken care of problems that have come up with organ repairs at their own expense; many times they have transported theater organs on their own to the church for cantatas and special concerts with guest artists.  During a time when the church was suffering financially, Cheryl agreed to take a temporary pay cut to help the church meet its expenses and even took care of paying the section leaders a few times in order not to have the choir diminished. Many times, she has donated money to cover food costs at musical events. Cheryl is very humble and does not broadcast these acts of kindness.

St. John’s has had ice cream socials, church revues, fundraisers for rebuilding, promotion ceremonies for the children attending St. John’s School, and, almost every time, Cheryl was asked and willingly agreed to play for these events, even when they were outside the realm of her job description. She has also co-produced several Christmas Cantatas with Wayne, joining the choirs of St. Andrew’s and St. John’s.

On September 17, St. John’s showed their love and appreciation of this special lady with an organ tribute concert and reception.

 

 

As the beauty of Southern California lures us into a sense of tranquility, the wildfire season reminds us to remain vigilant. It’s not just homes at risk but also places of worship—our churches, which serve as crucial community hubs and sanctuaries in times of crisis. 

In the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, the threat of wildfires is an unfortunate but undeniable reality, particularly as we face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The area’s natural landscape, chaparral, scrublands, and canyons provide ample fuel for fires to ignite and spread. Adding to this are the seasonally hot, dry Fall conditions, exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds that can swiftly turn a small flame into an uncontainable blaze.

By acknowledging the threat of wildfires and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks, our churches can remain strong pillars of community during times of crisis. Let’s support each other in prayer and action, making our community more resilient to whatever challenges lie ahead.

Knowing that areas around San Diego are susceptible to wildfires can help us safeguard these sacred spaces while underscoring the importance of community support during turbulent times.

Jeff Green, EDSD Safety Officer, has gathered a number of resources to help prepare for wildfire season below: 

 

WILDFIRE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WILDFIRE WARNING, GET TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY:

• Leave if told to do so.
• If trapped, call 9-1-1.
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.
• Use N95 masks to keep particles out of the air you breathe.

 

PREPARE NOW:

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. 
• The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Know your community’s evacuation plans and find several ways to leave the area. 
• Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations ahead of time. 
• Have a plan for pets and livestock.
• Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks.
• Keep in mind each person’s specific medical needs, including medications. 
• Don’t forget the needs of pets.
• Confine pets and livestock to a specific area so they can be found and evacuated quickly.
• Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. 
• Close all doors and windows. 
• Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
• Keep important documents in a fireproof, safe place. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your buildings.
• Review insurance coverage to make sure it is enough to replace your property.
• Pay attention to air quality alerts.

 

SURVIVE DURING THE FIRE:

• Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.
• If trapped, call 911 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights or place bright-colored pieces of clothing or signs in your window to help rescuers find you.
• If trapped, call 9-1-1 even if you can see responders outside your building (they may not know you’re inside).
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Use N95 masks to keep harmful particles out of the air you breathe.
• If you are not ordered to evacuate, but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.

 

BE SAFE AFTER THE FIRE:

• Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return and whether water is safe to drink.
• Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
• Consider the danger to pets and livestock.
• Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. 
• Document property damage with photographs. 
• Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
• Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to an increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored up to 5 years after a wildfire. 
• Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect the life you’ve built and to assure financial protection from future flooding.

 

INFOGRAPHICS:

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/calfire_go_brochure_LINOweb.pdf

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/wildfire-information-sheet.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/orr/infographics/00_docs/beready_wildfires.pdf

https://resqme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Get-ReadyInfographicWeb_page_001.jpg

https://surefirecpr.com/wp-content/uploads/surefirecpr-wildfire-checklist-infographic-back-4-01-1.jpg

 

 

 

The tradition of blessing animals can be traced back 800 years to Saint Francis of Assisi. His pioneering act of blessing animals highlighted the intrinsic connection between humans and all of creation. Recognizing the divine in all living beings has only become more relevant today, especially when we consider recent data on pet ownership.

Between 2018 and 2020, the landscape of pet ownership underwent a notable shift. Millennials, representing 32% of all U.S. pet owners in 2020, have shown a growing affinity, especially towards cats and birds, with ownership percentages rising from 30% to 34% for cats and a significant jump from 36% to 45% for birds within these two years. Despite these changes, dogs remained the top pet choice for this generation, with 80% of Millennial pet owners having canine companions. Gen Z, the age group immediately following Millennials, accounted for 14% of pet ownership, indicating the continued importance of pets for younger generations.

With dogs being the most owned pet across all age groups, they’ve become inadvertent ambassadors of evangelism. When a clergyperson blesses a pet, it opens avenues for dialogues on faith, spirituality, and community. It also becomes an open invitation for younger generations to explore spiritual paths they might not have previously considered.

Pets aren’t merely considered domesticated animals that share our spaces. For a rapidly growing segment of the population, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, pets are cherished members of the family. These pets, affectionately termed “fur babies,” are integral to the lives of their owners, providing emotional support, companionship, and often a tangible connection to the broader community. Acknowledging this profound bond, is it time for our faith leaders to bring Blessing of the Animals directly to the community–in dog parks and other public areas?

Like Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday, pet blessings “to go” is a modern response to changing societal values and trends. It is recognizing what is important to our neighbors and celebrating it. By considering the data and understanding the deep-rooted love younger generations harbor for their pets, the Church can commit to innovative ways of connection, engagement, and fostering spiritual exploration. In doing so, we share the love of Christ with the world. 

This year, bring Blessing of the Animals into the world. Partner with your neighborhood veterinarian, humane society, dog park, or pet store–these blessings can be offered in places where young pet owners frequently visit. Invite your partners to post clear signage in their facilities and invite them to make themselves available for pet blessings so that your community can learn what their organization and the church offer the community. This adaptation not only makes these blessings more accessible but provides those hesitant to interact with the church a way to receive the Good News.

In various cultures, larks are said to symbolize, represent, and inspire many things. In some Latin American cultures, for example, they are believed to advise humans on how to improve their lives. In Japan, the lark represents change, adventure, and courage when exploring the unknown. For the indigenous Lakota & Dakota traditions, the lark represents renewal and vitality; for the people in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, LARK stands for Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge, a new program developed by the Diocese to help us better understand our local history and background.

This program will give you a lark’s-eye view of the stories of others as we explore ways to understand and practice anti-racism in our own diocese.

The Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge (LARK) program, developed by Mae Chao and Thérèse Carmona, is a unique initiative tailored to understanding the racial history and current racial dynamics of our region. LARK is designed as a two-day workshop set to take an in-depth look at the racial and ethnic history of the region. By interpreting local issues through a wide spectrum of narratives and perspectives, this innovative program aims to expose participants to a multitude of stories and viewpoints–fostering a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the region’s racial landscape.

After attending the alpha test of the program, Bishop Susan said, “This program will knock your socks off.”

One of the key objectives of LARK is to challenge and expand the single-story perception, a perspective that tends to oversimplify and reduce complex issues by viewing them through a single lens. By encouraging participants to consider the diverse experiences, histories, and perspectives present in their local context, LARK promotes a richer, more nuanced understanding of race-related issues. This awareness, in turn, fosters empathy and mutual respect, ultimately helping to bridge racial and ethnic divides in the community.

“I was surprised at how useful this was. I thought the questions that facilitators asked were thoughtful, and the content was geared a lot towards unconscious bias & systemic racism. I normally get nervous that these spaces will not be safe for people of color, but the way you both facilitated (including calling on people of color to speak first at times) promoted a space of equity,” said one participant.   

Bishop Susan said, “I learned so much and was challenged to take concrete steps forward. I hope that more and more people will take the opportunity to participate in LARK as it becomes available throughout the diocese.”

Larks (the bird) are sometimes mentioned as representing the shift from night to day–the break of a new dawn. They are unique among birds in that they sing not only while perched but also in flight, and a lark’s song is interpreted by some as a promise of better times ahead. In much the same way, the LARK program signifies a new horizon in our diocese, a promise of a brighter, more inclusive future.

The LARK program is a crucial step toward creating a new, informed, and empathetic community within our diocese. By spotlighting the local racial history and bringing forth multiple narratives that often remain unheard, LARK equips its participants with the knowledge to challenge racial biases and prejudices. Through its mission, LARK not only contributes to building a more inclusive community, but it also challenges participants to commit to specific action to help combat racism and advance racial reconciliation and justice within our diocesan  region.  

Whether you are a novice or veteran in the areas of racial justice and reconciliation, whether you are a Sacred Ground alum, current Sacred Ground participant, or have never even heard of Sacred Ground, this LARK workshop is for you! All are encouraged to attend, and all are welcome!

For more information, please contact Rachel Amasing at rambasing@edsd.org

Deacons are ordained ministers of the church, dedicated to a special ministry of servanthood. According to the Book of Common Prayer’s Ordination service for Deacons, deacons make Christ and his redemptive love known; interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world; assist in worship; and serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. In the Diocese of San Diego, we are grateful for the ministry of deacons in many of our congregations. They not only serve God’s people themselves, but they also lead the people of God in serving the world around them.

On Sunday, October 15, the Diocese of San Diego will celebrate the ministry of deacons – and, by extension, the ministry of service that is the calling of all baptized Christians. Bishop Susan is authorizing congregations who wish to celebrate deacons that day to transfer the feast of Philip, Deacon and Evangelist (October 11) to the following Sunday. Bishop Susan also requests that congregations pray the following prayer of thanksgiving for the ministry of deacons on Sunday, October 15:

O God, we praise you for sending your Son Jesus Christ, who took on himself the form of a servant, and humbled himself, becoming obedient event to death on the cross. We praise you that you have highly exalted him, and made him Lord of all; and that, through him, we know that whoever would be great must be servant of all. We praise you for the many ministries in your Church, and for calling some of your servants to be ordained in the order of Deacons, who have a special ministry of servanthood. We pray for God’s blessing upon all deacons (especially N.), and ask that through them, we may all be inspired to serve God’s people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In our diocese, our Archdeacon, or leader of the deacons, is The Venerable Cindy Campos. Many of you have been privileged to hear Archdeacon Cindy speak in your congregation about the ministry of deacons. She is happy to visit congregations at the invitation of their clergy, and is also happy to talk with anyone who feels they may be called to explore becoming a deacon themselves. Archdeacon Cindy may be reached at CCampos@edsd.org.

Here are some ideas for how you could celebrate Deacons’ Day on October 15:

• Celebrate St. Philip’s Day, using the appointed lessons: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 67; and Luke 24:13-27.
• Invite a deacon to preach about the ministry of Diakonia.
• Include bulletin information about St. Philip and the ministry of deacons.

We thank God for the ministry of all our deacons – they are true servant leaders in our diocese.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week, the President of the Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies, Ms. Julia Ayala Harris, wrote a letter to deputies, informing them that she had been the victim of unwanted physical contact and inappropriate comments from a retired bishop at the last General Convention in 2021. She filed Title IV disciplinary charges, which have been in process over the last year, and has just been notified that the church attorney (similar to a prosecuting attorney in a court case) had referred the matter for a “pastoral response” rather than further disciplinary proceedings. She was very disappointed in this response. It is important to say that a “pastoral response” can include non-public disciplinary actions (e.g., the Presiding Bishop could impose restrictions on the bishop’s ministry). But I can understand her disappointment.

The retired bishop involved in the situation has now been identified as The Rt. Rev. Edward Konieczny, whom I served as Canon in the Diocese of Oklahoma from 2017-19. This revelation has been heartbreaking for me. I ask your prayers for the Diocese of Oklahoma, its current bishop, The Rt. Rev. Poulson Reed, and for all who are devastated by this revelation.

President Ayala Harris’ letter opened up a wide conversation across the church, as you might imagine. We who follow Jesus have an obligation to do all in our power to support “the lease of these,” and to protect victims against any kind of abuse. Sadly, there have been several other high-profile Title IV charges against bishops in the last few years, and there is a perception across the church that bishops receive more lenient treatment than priests or deacons in Title IV cases. While I don’t have enough information about the events that President Ayala Harris experienced to express an opinion about that case, I want you to know that I am fully committed to work toward full accountability for all bishops, and for all orders of ministry in the church.

To that end, I worked with several other female bishops in Province VIII (i.e., the western states) to draft a letter to the Presiding Bishop, requesting that time be set aside at our upcoming House of Bishops meeting for a full discussion on this issue. That letter began as a small endeavor, and grew to include nearly 60 signatures from bishops across the church. I anticipate that significant time will be devoted to this issue at our upcoming House of Bishops meeting. That meeting was originally scheduled to be held in person, and was moved to Zoom due to the Presiding Bishop’s health issues. This will necessarily limit the scope of the conversation, but I anticipate that the work will continue far beyond this meeting.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry responded to the revelations on Tuesday of this week with a statement to the church, calling for the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution, and Canons to review the Title IV provisions for bishops.

A discussion at the House of Bishops is only a first step, and a review of our Title IV canons is only a second step. Many more steps need to be taken to protect victims in our church, and ensure that every person in God’s church is safe and protected. For now, I want you to know the following:

• I am committed to full and equal accountability for bishops under Title IV, and will work toward that goal.
• I am in communication with others – both bishops and deputies – as to the best way to amend our canons to achieve this goal.
• I recognize that a large part of the problem is cultural rather than canonical, and will speak out to change the culture of our church so that all are held accountable.
• I care deeply about the issue of providing safety in God’s Church, and will work to make that a reality in all the places we have fallen short of God’s hope for us.

I ask your prayers for our church, for President Ayala Harris, for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and for all who are vulnerable. Please pray for me, as I pray for all of you.

 

In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

It is rare to a find a place where you feel at home. I don’t necessarily mean your experience of the family you grew up in, but home in the truest sense of the word. A place where you can be known and seen. Where your most authentic self can be nurtured and shine through. Where you feel safe. Where you are connected to something bigger than yourself—a network of people or something transcendent like God or nature.

This is my experience of Camp Steven’s. It is a home for campers, counselors and staff, and chaplains like myself—in the truest sense of the word.

This summer I had the privilege of serving as a chaplain at Camp Steven’s alongside Charlette Preslar and Rev. KC Robinson (not to brag, but I got an amazing team). I knew we were off to a great start when Charlette had three shirts made for us that said in bold, cheerful rainbow colors: “This Chaplain Loves You.” That was essentially our role, loving around 200 campers under the age of fourteen who came from the San Diego and Los Angeles Dioceses. Many campers didn’t have a church affiliation, and this will likely be their only experience of religion and spiritual formation.

As chaplains, we provided emotional and spiritual support to campers, counselors, and staff, both through our presence and in coordinating the spiritual components of camp. This mainly included giving homilies at the evening gatherings, leading Spiritual Sunrise in the mornings, and celebrating the final Eucharist.

Spiritual Sunrise was particularly meaningful to me. At the break of day, we hiked around to all the cabins to collect campers. Our most enthusiastic were the youngest, who were already awake and waiting for us. After prompting sleepy kids to put on their shoes, we walked along dirt trails to the outdoor chapel. As the sun rose, we sat on pews that consisted of logs, under a thick canopy of ripe, green grape vines.

Campers from other sessions had put sacred relics around the altar—stones, sticks, shells, expressive pieces of original art. It is a space that has been formed within, and exists through, the beloved community and the creative vision of children. Each morning, we entered into this thin place to practice mindfulness meditation, reflect on scripture, and pray. Without fail, I had a fresh sense of God’s presence as I engaged all my senses, heard the kids’ perceptive insights, and witnessed their growing love for one another.

Our final Eucharist also met in this outdoor chapel. A handful of kids were in leadership roles, and the bread and grape juice was made by campers earlier in the week. I had asked one of the younger girls to be my chalice bearer, and she carefully practiced her lines with me in preparation. When the time came, kids approached the altar, and I broke off hearty pieces of homemade bread to give each one of them. One by one, my petite companion took the bread from kids’ palms and dipped it in the juice, dying the bread a vibrant purple. I heard her words, “the body and blood of Christ, keep you in eternal life,” as each camper was spiritually nourished.

It is hard to put into words the inner transformation that happens at camp. In just a matter of days, kids who didn’t know each other have formed a family with their peers and counselors. Kids who had never been away from their parents overnight have a newfound sense of independence. Kids who have only spent time in cities’ bright lights and busyness have been re-connected to nature, the dark night’s sky, and their body’s natural rhythms. Kids who don’t normally have family dinners or quality food have eaten three wholesome meals a day, including vegetables grown in the garden and eggs from the resident chickens, alongside a table full of lively children.

This is the sacramental life. These are the means of grace that put campers in direct contact with Christ’s Presence: friendship, family, nature, food, interconnectedness, homemade bread and grape juice, and chaplain’s that love them. Joining our lives together through these ordinary, everyday sacraments is what makes Camp Stevens a home.

Registration for 2024’s Summer Camp will open in March 2024.