How do you get ready for Easter? Do you get dressed in beautiful colors, hunt for eggs, send pastel cards with sweet poems to faraway family members? Do you buy chocolate bunnies, plan a nice dinner, set the table with a pastel-colored tablecloth? These are the things we do these days, knowing that Easter is coming. But what is Easter like if you don’t know it’s coming, if you don’t have time to prepare? What if you are one of the women who watched Jesus die, waking in darkness, eyes swollen and red from crying, getting up and slipping through dark streets to go to the tomb of the one you have loved and followed for so long? If you don’t know about Easter, then it is not a festival of pastel colors. Instead, Easter begins in darkness and disappointment.

And we have to admit that we humans have all known darkness and disappointment. We have grieved the loss of someone dear to us; we have watched in anguish as a loved one has made destructive choices; we have agonized over our own mistakes. We look at the world around us and the list of things to worry about and pray for grows longer with every news cycle. We see people on the streets without homes, we watch migrants and refugees search for safety, we experience a world full of violence and division. Disappointment, fear, and danger are a part of human life.

As Jesus’ followers woke that Sunday morning and dressed and went out to slip through dark city streets just coming to life, they knew the life they had built with their Master was gone. The hopes, dreams, vision of a new way to live, a new way to love – all of that was over. The world was back to normal: heartbreaking, infuriating, devastating normal. The kind of normal that knows life is ruled by death, the end of every story.

But Easter is a new story, a new, astounding truth. Death cannot hold the Son of God down; death has given way to life. Not springtime and bunnies and flowers, not life that springs naturally out of earth; not the kind of life you wear pastel colors for as you celebrate a nice spring holiday. Not any kind of life we understand, but life that contradicts the most fundamental thing we know – that life always ends in death. This resurrection life of Jesus says that the Good Fridays of the world are never the end of the story. Evil does not have last word, death does not write the last chapter. God has the last word, and because that Word is Jesus, alive then as he will be for eternity, we know that all Jesus’ promises to us are true: the glorious promise that God will be with us always, to the end of the ages; the joyful promise of abundant life for us and for God’s whole creation; the radiant promise that you and I are forgiven and restored as children of God. God sends us out from the darkness of the tomb to tell God’s story, and to share Christ’s love, bringing new hope to all those who suffer as we serve them in Christ’s name. The hope Jesus brings is hope for the world, that the followers of Jesus may transform all the places of disappointment, fear, and danger with his astounding love. The Lord is Risen, and Jesus Christ is loose, and the world today is new, so we say: Alleluia! Christ is risen!

As we enter Holy Week this year, I find myself overwhelmed with the world around us. Our country is shrouded in intense political animosity. A migrant and refugee problem is upon us, with a scale of need so big it sometimes seems to blot out compassion and the ability to see the human frailty of others. Wars rage across the globe with profound human tragedy and suffering.

In the midst of the chaos, we enter the holiest time of year for Christians: Holy Week.

The collect that starts us out on Palm Sunday reads: “Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.”

Suffering is acknowledged this week; the liturgy acknowledges that everything is not okay.

There is something about suffering that is hard to put faith around. I remember being in seminary and shocked to hear of some Christian traditions for whom suffering is such a taboo topic that they removed the cross at the front of the church and replaced it with a teddy bear. Their point of view, I imagine, was something akin to what we might call ‘toxic positivity,’ an avoidance of facing suffering; and the cross too large a reminder that everything is not always ok.

And to be sure, opposite to the tendency of avoiding suffering, there can be a tendency to focus only on the horrors of the world: do you remember some of the controversial movies about Jesus in the past 20 years—movies that try and depict Jesus’ suffering with graphic detail and in prolonged scenes designed to instill guilt or feelings of worthlessness?

I don’t need anyone’s help to feel guilty or insufficient. I don’t imagine you do either.

One meaningful aspect of Holy Week is that our liturgy takes neither of these dualistic positions on suffering. And let’s face it—suffering is where our faith meets reality in most cases. I was a hospital chaplain for a number of years, a job that exists because suffering can tear the curtains back on beliefs that we build up in happy times, making us ask if the things we believe are true when things get hard.

No, Holy Week has a different view of suffering and our relationship to it, one that refuses to be compartmentalized into easy categories of “something to be avoided” and “a duty to suffer because Jesus did.”

Instead, this is the week that we see humanity at its essence: and that suffering is an unavoidable part of this human experience. We shout hosannas and have great joy. But then a moment later, we cry, “Crucify!” and realize that we really are not able, for whatever reason, to stay in the Hosanna moment forever. We both have joy and participate in pain.

Similarly, on Maundy Thursday, we gather, celebrate a meal together, and then perform one of the most intimate rituals in the church—washing each other’s feet. These are moments of real tenderness–moments when we face and acknowledge the humanity in each other, honoring the commandment to love one another. And yet, we close the service by reading Psalm 22 and facing the fact that even Jesus endured persecution and suffering.

On Good Friday, we sit for a time in the realization that the death of Jesus was no fluke: despite being capable of moments of great humanity, we are faced with the suffering that also exists in this world, and the toll it takes on Jesus, on us, and on all of creation.

It’s so easy to want to believe that Jesus came to take our suffering away. The disciples expected a messiah who would do just that.

But that is not what they got.

The end of the story is not that everything was rosy because Jesus had risen, although that is very good news!

No, the story we have is instead that Jesus came not to eliminate suffering but to transform it. The same cross at the center of suffering this week is also the sign of God’s hopeful and transformative love—a love that draws us not around but through the darkness and towards the light. May this Easter—and Holy Week—be a source of enriched faith for each of us and the world we live in, no matter how dark the night.

In January, San Diego experienced a winter storm that dropped more than three inches of rain across the county in just a few hours. For some parts of the country, this may not seem like much rain, but for a dry region such as ours, the result was devastating in some San Diego communities. Not only was the San Diego River flowing at heights rarely seen, Chollas Creek–the urban creek that flows from Lemon Grove to Barrio Logan–overflowed and flooded several neighborhoods, displacing more than a thousand residents. Approximately .7% of San Diego County property owners have flood insurance, leaving the over 500 households impacted with less support to recover from the damage.

In the tenth chapter of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is asked what must be done to secure eternal life. He encourages the individual asking this to love God with every fiber of their being and care for their neighbor. Jesus’s response is followed by another question, “Who is my neighbor?” The answer comes to us a parable popularized as the “Good Samaritan.” He tells the story of a Samaritan who sees a man wounded on the side of the road. The Samaritan comes to the wounded man’s aid, takes him to safety, and pays for his rest and recuperation. This, Jesus says, is the definition of one who loves their neighbor.

Love of neighbor does not look away from the pain of the world when others do. This kind of love comes near to the pain to understand what sacrifice is required to heal such pain. This kind of love was demonstrated last January. Through collaborative efforts with neighboring congregations, EDSD was able to extend assistance to six households residing in the South Bay neighborhoods of San Diego. Recent immigrants and long-standing residents alike were impacted by the storm and assisted by the aid you offered. Whether these funds were utilized to reconstruct damaged homes or relocate displaced families, your generosity was a tangible manifestation of God’s love for a few neighbors who genuinely needed it.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the two congregations, 18 donors, and one partner diocese who helped us accomplish this work. As we continue to navigate the aftermath of this disaster and work towards rebuilding and healing, the generosity we witnessed is a testament to the power of collective action within our diocese. When we join together, pooling our resources and talents, the magnitude of what we can achieve expands. While EDSD may not be as large or well-resourced as other institutions involved in the recovery, the swift and compassionate response to the crisis reflects the strength and courage of our diocesan family.

Serving our neighbors is a central component of the Courageous Love campaign. Through the Courageous Love fund, we will continue to strengthen the work conducted by local congregations to meet the needs of their neighborhoods. This is not only how we honor God but how we give witness to God’s goodness in our communities. Together, we will provide affordable housing, care for the unhoused, provide food security, support immigrants, and continue alleviating suffering in our neighborhoods. If you would like to support such efforts, become a Courageous Love donor. If you would like to discuss your gift, contact me at jevans@edsd.org or (619) 481-5451.

The leader of a church is the priest, right? Yes and no. At the heart of the Episcopal Church’s identity is a governance structure that blends hierarchy with democracy, tradition with modernity, and clerical authority with lay participation. At the local church level, this structure is a testament to the empowerment of laypeople and illustrates a profound respect for the authority of all believers. 

Leadership and ministry come in many forms.  

At the forefront of church leadership is the priest-in-charge, who serves as the primary spiritual leader. The priest-in-charge embodies the theological and sacramental heart of the church and is tasked with the pastoral care, worship, and overall spiritual guidance of the congregation. This position, however, is not one of solitary authority but rather the intersection of a broader governance structure that involves significant lay participation.

Central to the governance of the local Episcopal church is the vestry (also called the Bishop’s Committee, in some contexts), a body that represents the laity of the church. Elected by congregants at the annual meeting, the vestry works in close collaboration with the priest-in-charge to steward the church’s resources, oversee its finances, maintain the property, and support the church’s mission and ministry. 

The vestry typically includes a senior warden (sometimes called the Bishop’s warden), junior warden, treasurer, and secretary, ensuring that a diverse array of perspectives and talents contribute to the church’s decision-making processes. The election of vestry members is an expression of the congregation’s trust and an acknowledgment of the critical role lay members play in the church’s mission.

In 2018, as priest-in-charge at Grace Episcopal Church in San Marcos, the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch worked with the vestry to outline the responsibilities of the priest-in-charge, the vestry, and the congregation. They established a Mutual Ministry Agreement that laid out expectations– things you’d probably expect – the priest does the preaching, the vestry takes care of the property, and the congregation steps forward for outreach and service. 

But there were some things you might not have thought of: The priest keeps the congregation in touch with the Diocese and the broader church, the vestry is the source of historical knowledge, and the congregation prays for the bishop, the clergy, and the vestry. All have a part to play.

The success of a church relies on a collaborative effort of the clergy, the vestry, and the congregation. This spirit of teamwork and shared commitment is exemplified in the annual meeting, where the whole church community comes together to reflect on achievements, make decisions, and set goals for the future.

Participating in the annual meeting is a vital component of church. It offers a forum for transparency, accountability, and member involvement. Here, congregants receive reports on the state of the church, elect vestry members, and discuss important issues. It is an example of our shared purpose and empowers the congregation to shape the direction and priorities of their church.

Churches do not operate in isolation but are integral parts of the larger diocesan structures of the Episcopal Church. This broader engagement ensures that local churches contribute to and benefit from the collective resources, wisdom, and mission of the church at large. Through financial support, participation in the Diocesan Convention, and adherence to diocesan canons, local churches are connected to the broader, international Episcopal Church, enhancing their ability to serve their congregations and communities.

While the governance structure of the local Episcopal church is designed to be inclusive and democratic, it is not without its challenges. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and renewal. Engaged, meaningful lay participation is necessary to maintain a clear and healthy path toward the church’s mission.

The leadership and governance structure of the local Episcopal church is just that–leadership and governance. The church exists to share the love of Christ in the world, and this system of governance is designed to aid in that effort. By empowering lay people to take on significant roles in church governance, the Episcopal Church affirms its commitment to all, ensuring that its mission and ministry are grounded in the collective wisdom and dedication of its entire community.

To learn more about church governance, whose voice is heard in the church, or about how you can develop as a leader in the church, click the article links above or email Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch at glynch@edsd.org.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Designing Engaging Invitations for Easter Celebrations

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

Sharing Stories of Faith and Welcome

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

Highlighting the Joy and Solemnity of Holy Week

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

Utilizing Engaging Visuals and Messages

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

Engaging with the Community

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

Encouraging Sharing and Personal Invitations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It isn’t any of those things. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perhaps it is special because they said yes. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still wondering where you fit into the bigger picture? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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