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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time is a complex and slippery concept. Philosophers argue about whether there is even such a thing as time. That’s too deep and complex for me, though I do understand that we can experience time in different ways. It’s not as simple and straightforward as it first appears.

We often feel that there is not enough time. We talk about time being precious. We say that time ‘flies by.’ When we’re up against the clock, we often say that we are in a race against time. This way of thinking is present in the Bible. The prophet Zephaniah says: “The great day of the Lord is near and hastening fast.” St. Paul is even more blunt: “Time is short,” he says. Yet, there are occasions when, rather than flying by, we experience time as being a burden. Prisoners talk about “doing time.” If we are bored, we might say that we are ‘killing time.”

Some of us have the amazing experience of feeling that time stood still. These are often profound moments of great significance. There are moments when our life could have gone in a radically different direction. In such moments, we have the feeling of stepping outside the confines of time to see what truly matters. Whitney Houston sang about “one moment in time when I will feel eternity.” This understanding of time is also present in the Bible. The Psalmist says: “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by.”

What all this shows, I think, is that we can experience time in different ways, and we might even say that, to some extent, we can shape time. I heard a fellow priest recently say that when people came up to her when she was feeling rushed, they said, “Have you got time to talk?” She would often reply by saying something like, “No, not really, I only have five minutes.” Now, if that happens, she replies by saying: “Yes, I have a whole five minutes.”

I invite you to consider your attitude to time this Lent. We might benefit from seeing this six-week period as a gift of time. If we deny ourselves something during Lent, we will be merely counting down the days, longing for it to end. Or we could lean into Lent and ask ourselves – ‘what am I going to do with these six weeks?’ Psychologists say six weeks is long enough to form a new habit. So, let’s aim high this Lent. Giving up chocolate might not be enough. Let’s use this gift of time to make a difference.

Under Bishop Susan Brown Snook’s leadership, EDSD has made a significant effort to advance the understanding of how congregations can use their real estate assets to support mission-related projects. For many years, St. John’s in Indio has been doing this. The congregation has used their classrooms, parish hall, and kitchen through their various programs to serve the broader community. In May 2023, EDSD awarded the church a $50,000 grant to support an ambitious renovation of St. John’s kitchen. Their vision was to transform the kitchen into a multifaceted space that not only serves the congregation but also amplifies community outreach initiatives. Now that this renovation is complete, St. John’s is living up to their vision. 

The journey of transforming St. John’s kitchen began with a vision to create a space that embodied the church’s mission of community service and outreach. The renovation process was marked by careful planning and collaboration among the church members, architects, and builders–expanding the kitchen’s capabilities and making it a culinary haven for both congregation and community. Now, with newly painted and newly installed appliances, there is a palpable joy for the community service opportunities that lay ahead. 

The remodel focused on creating a kitchen that was not only more efficient and safe but also welcoming for volunteers. The introduction of state-of-the-art equipment and ergonomic design considerations meant that volunteers could now prepare meals in a comfortable and secure environment. This attention to detail in the kitchen’s design is rooted in a commitment to volunteer well-being and efficiency in serving others. 

Volunteers, both new and seasoned, found the renovated kitchen a joy to work in. The modern facilities and welcoming atmosphere inspired increased participation in the church’s ministry activities, thereby strengthening the bonds within the church community and beyond. The kitchen’s multipurpose nature allowed for a range of activities, from cooking classes to workshops, inviting everyone to engage and learn. 

With the kitchen’s capabilities vastly enhanced, St. John’s eagerly stepped into its role as a hub of compassionate service. St. John’s has extended its outreach programs, offering meals to those in need and hosting events that fostered community connection. The kitchen, once a simple place for meal preparation, has become a beacon of hope and service in the community. 

Beyond serving as a space for meal preparation and community service, the renovated kitchen has opened up new possibilities for catering and generating income. This potential revenue stream offered a sustainable way to support the church’s ministries and outreach programs, marking a significant step towards financial sustainability for St. John’s. 

Events at the church can take on a new dimension with the improved kitchen facilities; gatherings, celebrations, and community functions are now bolstered by the kitchen’s capabilities, making every event a memorable and seamless experiences. The renovated space was not just a physical transformation but a catalyst for creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of community. 

As St. John’s newly renovated kitchen continues to unfold its potential, it stands as a testament to the church’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its congregation and making a meaningful impact on the broader community. St. John’s, Indio, has not just remodeled a space; it has cultivated a nurturing environment that feeds the body, mind, and spirit of all those it serves.  

To learn more about diocesan grants or mission real estate projects, please visit EDSD’s website.

Enjoy this written copy of the sermon provided by Rachel Ambasing at Leadership Academy 2024’s Opening Eucharist. (Texts: 1 Samuel 17:32-40; John 15:9-17)

My call is to support our congregations in moving toward a diocese where everyone has enough and where everyone can find belonging. My name is Rachel Ambasing, I serve on the Diocesan Staff as Missioner for Community Vitality and Diversity. I also get to serve as Lay Pastor for this emerging faith community that we’re growing here in Ocean Beach called Church of the Resurrection. 

I’m grateful and excited for a couple of reasons: one is that this is the relaunch of Leadership Academy, and the first one we’ve held in person since 2020, and related to that is 2024 is our diocese’s Year of Leadership. I’m also glad because I’ve realized what a blessing it is to be able to gather in community, especially when we can gather with people we don’t get to see very often or with people that we haven’t met yet–to just be together, learn together, learn from each other, and to see what might unfold as we journey through Leadership Academy together.

Here at Resurrection Ocean Beach, we try as much as possible to practice mutuality, especially during our preaching, so since I’ve shared with you how I’m feeling, I’ll pose the same question to you – how are you feeling? How are you feeling this morning, in this space, surrounded by all these people who you may or may not yet know? 

And, I’m also wondering – why are you here? What led you here, to this space, on this Saturday morning? Was it curiosity? A very convincing invitation from your clergy or congregational leadership? Obligation? Concern for your community? Or…what if love is what led you here? How is love a part of your journey here today? And how could love be a part of your journey today?

Love has been on my mind a lot lately, mostly because around the end of 2023, a local thought leader named Jessica Dickson, who I follow on Instagram, posted an exhortation of sorts to anyone setting New Year’s Resolutions or New Year’s intentions, inviting us to create intentions not based on shrinking ourselves or our own perceived inadequacies, but instead to set intentions that start and end with love. 

What it would mean for me to set an intention that starts and ends with love, because love means so many things, and has been given countless definitions by countless brilliant minds. And I was reminded of these wonderings as I reflected on this morning’s Gospel and Jesus’ exhortation to his disciples – to us – to abide in his love. What does that mean? What would it look like to dwell, to remain, to be held and kept in God’s love?

I was part of a Lectio Divina Cohort this past summer with a local contemporary monastic organization called Shema, and one of the cohort leaders, Pastor Kevin Portillo, shared: 

To abide in God’s love is for us to be aware of and accept the fact that God knows and loves every single part of us – especially those parts of us that might seem too tender, or too shameful, or too weak or wounded or unwanted for us to even acknowledge in ourselves. Then, to live as people accepting of this gift, or to live as people abiding in God’s love, would be to live trusting that we can consciously bring our fullest, truest selves, our most loving and loved selves to God, and also, to the forefront of our lives; It would mean we no longer believe the lie that we have to lie to ourselves, or to others, or supplement ourselves, or hide parts of ourselves away, in order to be worthy.

To live as people abiding in God’s love is to allow ourselves to be open and perhaps even vulnerable, trusting that we can do so because God has us; God holds us. And, connecting this with the theme of leadership, what would it mean, and what would it look like to be a leader who presented their fullest, truest selves to the world, especially those parts of themselves that others might deem unfit or unworthy? If there was a leader brave enough to claim and live as nothing more and nothing less than who God created them to be – what could a leader like that achieve?

We might see a possible answer to those questions in our first reading, which is a piece of the story of David and Goliath – one of the most well-known and most referenced Biblical stories, even in non-religious contexts, because it’s widely known as the quintessential underdog story: where one unlikely, “lesser” opponent, David, faces off against a much larger, mightier, dominant force, in Goliath, who is referred to in today’s reading as “the Philistine.”

So, leading up to this point of the story, the Philistines have been warring with Israel, and in the middle of these battles, Goliath, the monstrous, imposing champion of the Philistines, has issued a challenge: for any one man from the ranks of Israel to fight him, one-on-one. If this man were to defeat him, the Philistine forces would then submit themselves as slaves, but if this man were to lose, Israel would condemn their own ranks to slavery. The stakes are high, and the likelihood of being killed by Goliath is even higher, so, understandably, none of the Israelites rise to the occasion… until David. 

And so we see in today’s reading this interaction between David, who is at this time a young shepherd and is so slight in stature that Goliath later compares his physical appearance to that of sticks. And then there is Saul, a seasoned warrior whom David served as armor-bearer; Saul is described earlier in the first book of Samuel as being an entire foot taller than anyone else in Israel. As David tells Saul of his intention to face Goliath, Saul responds by telling David that he lacks the training and experience as a warrior and, therefore, can’t win. David doubles down on his claim, letting Saul know that in his time as a shepherd, he was wrestling with bears and lions, all for the sake of saving sheep.  

David sees what Saul is blind to, and sees, perhaps, what God might see. Although David’s experience is different from the traditional warrior training that Saul and Goliath have, he understands that his skills aren’t insignificant – and he recognizes that God has been with him – abiding with him – every step of the way. David stayed steadfast and true to himself and true to God as he honored the sacredness that is his life. How often do we, in our own lives, dismiss our skills or experiences as insignificant or irrelevant just because they diverge from the norm or from tradition? 

David convinces Saul. So Saul helps prepare David for battle by outfitting David in Saul’s own armor and sword. Which makes sense – if a person is going out to battle, especially someone as inexperienced in battle as David, it makes sense to arm him, as the other warriors are armed. David gives the armor a fair try, only to realize that, although the armor is useful to Saul, and to everything Saul is and has been made to be, Saul’s armor on David is an impediment and actually restricts David from moving as he was made to move, from using the skills and gifts God had given him. 

David takes off Saul’s armor and instead picks up his shepherd’s equipment: his staff, his shepherd’s bag, plus a sling and 5 stones, and heads out to face Goliath. David goes into battle fully vulnerable in the sense that he’s wearing nothing to shield him, nothing to protect him, except for the knowledge and faith that God had him, that God’s abiding love held him. 

He faces and defeats this monster of empire, this legend of violence, equipped with little more than his skill and experience and equipped with nothing less than exactly who God had called him to be. How many times in our own lives have we tried on armor meant for someone else, armor that didn’t serve the purposes to which God has called us yet didn’t have the awareness or even the audacity to dare to take it off? When in our own lives, have we chosen to hide or stifle ourselves – those best, most special, and unique parts of ourselves—in ill-fitting armor because wearing armor is just the way we’ve always done it? Or because we were afraid that there would be nothing to hold us, to abide with us, to love us if people knew who we were once that armor comes off? 

As we all try to lead and practice ministry, and love our neighbors, and build community in this world filled with all sorts of giants of Empire – giant systems of oppression, and violence, and beasts of discord and division of all kinds – sometimes we might be tempted to lead by embodying ways that are armored, ill-fitting. It might feel like protection or serving our call when it actually does the opposite–hiding our truest, most loving parts of ourselves – the pieces of us that might be most needed in this world. As we see in this bit of David’s story – Goliath wasn’t defeated by another Goliath, nor was he defeated by a more typical, armored, mighty warrior like Saul – it was only someone who had the courage to know exactly who God had made him to be, and to embody that person, fully and vulnerably.

Bringing us back to today and to what we’re doing here at Leadership Academy:  In her book “All About Love,” Bell Hooks writes, “The choice to love is a choice to connect – to find ourselves in one another.” It’s hard to find ourselves in one another if we all collectively hide ourselves away. It’s easier to find ourselves in one another if we allow ourselves to be known. And so my hope for each of you, and for myself, is that today, we choose to abide in God’s love by choosing to connect, to learn from each other, yes, and to allow ourselves to see and be seen in all of the rich and varied ways God expresses God’s self through each of us, in all of our different communities and contexts. 

And may all that we do start and end with love.

For me, there is a sadness, a frustration, and mixed joy when helping those along the border. Scriptures call us all to service, and people from throughout the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego continue to help those who are simply looking for a safe haven in the United States. 

The process for asylum seekers after their interview with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) often involves several steps. If the asylum seeker passes the initial screening (credible fear interview), they may be allowed to enter the U.S. to pursue their asylum claim. Asylum seekers who are released sometimes travel to another location in the U.S., often where they have family or a support network. 

This is where EDSD’s volunteers have stepped in to help. Over the last year, asylum seekers have spent rough nights at the San Diego airport following their CBP interview. With little or nothing, these people wait patiently for a flight to connect with family in another area of the country, and we all know how expensive things are in an airport. 

EDSD is currently working with a number of volunteers to organize a system of brown bag meal delivery to the airport. Many asylum seekers wait for flights to their new homes at the airport–they literally have nowhere else to go. Sometimes, the wait can be a couple of days. Many arrive at the airport hungry and do not have the funds to purchase food. 

Currently, the need is 100 meals every evening and again most mornings. We can do this for hungry, struggling people. 

I will not tell you that this ministry is easy. You will hear people speak negatively about your efforts toward helping those seeking asylum. Sometimes you will be really sad. Sometimes, your heart will be broken. You will also find new life and joy in service.

My name is Cindy Dodson. I attend St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal Church in Ramona. I lead a team of volunteers who help our asylum-seeking friends eat while waiting to fly to different areas of the country. I am a  second-generation U.S. citizen. My grandmother came to the U.S. with her father, an Indigenous man from Mexico. My father spoke no English when he started school. I am sure many of us have stories that are not much different–times when our predecessors were hungry and needed help.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. (Matt. 25:35-36) 

Why is this important to me? I am a follower of Christ. I cannot pretend that people are not hurting, cold, wet, without food or clean water, frightened and confused. Jesus tells us to feed people. Did you know that the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is in all four of our canonical Gospels? 

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. (Matt 14:13–21) (also found in Mark 6:31–44; Luke 9:12–17; John 6:1–14). 

This passage points out just how important it is to feed, and not just feed, but to pray. I’ve had recurring wonderings about gathering enough food or enough volunteers to prepare the food for our asylum-seeking friends. Each time I ask for help, the food arrives, and the volunteers arrive–just like the loaves and fishes.

If you would like to volunteer to help make brown bag meals with your own team or to pick up, deliver, and serve the meals, please contact me at cindysberrypatch@gmail.com or visit www.edsd.org/migration-ministry to learn more.

I’m listening. How often could we catch ourselves saying this but not really be present in the space of listening. I know that I am guilty of saying it as I multitask throughout the day, most especially during dinner preparation–while I am cooking and answering emails, homework is being done, sports equipment is being searched for, and tales from the day are being shared. In these moments, I realize that listening seems to have become something we all do, while doing something else.  

So, if we aren’t listening with our full attention, could we hear when God is speaking to us?  

Recently, I had a long weekend to think about listening as I chaperoned the first-ever diocese-wide children’s camp at Camp Stevens. If you have ever been to camp, you probably know that the current world around you seems to fall away while you are there. Stresses, task lists, and even deep anxieties are no match for the fun-loving, peaceful environment of camp. It is perhaps why I was a 5-week camper and counselor for a decade of my life…the world of camp is magic. Camp allows us to truly grow, find ourselves, and listen to the world around us. During this retreat, we did just that…we listened! 

Thirty-eight children, ranging in grades 3rd-6th, signed up to be a part of this 3-day, 2-night adventure. The weekend carried a theme of “Listening for God” with scripture from Mark 9:2-8. Our days were filled with hikes, games, small group time, delicious family-style meals, crafts, and tons of laughter. Our nights were filled with warm fires, songs, folk dancing, stargazing, and whispering while beginning to fall asleep. In all of those spaces, we listened. We listened to each other as we got to know our fellow campers, we listened to each other as we checked in on how we were feeling throughout the day, we listened as we learned new skills like needle felting and archery, we listened as we heard about the plants and animals around us like the giant pinecones, acorns, pigs and deer. And we listened to each of us say “God Loves You” as we passed out friendship bracelets before departing. In all of the listening, we heard back, “God loves you too”.  

But we didn’t just listen with our ears, we challenged ourselves to experience God with all 5 of our senses throughout the weekend. During our Sunday worship with Canon Gwynn and Charlette, we reflected on how we had experienced God during our time at camp on giant posterboards. The statements that were shared easily answer the question of why we should listen to begin with. Because, like camp, the answers were magic.  

“I saw how much God loves us through his beautiful creation around us: the deer, my favorite tree to climb, our homemade bridge at Cow Pond, the mountains, and the kindness of my peers. I tasted God’s love in the honeycomb, tea, camp dinners, and smores. I felt God’s love in new and old friendships, hugs, my chaperones, soft wool, and the games we played. And through the sounds of the chickens, wind, crickets, and laughter, I heard God.” 

I’m listening. When I say these words now, they will forever hold more weight. After a weekend of listening with all five of my senses at camp and witnessing this practice in nearly 40 campers, how could they not? God’s love is everywhere because God is love. We just have to listen, look, smell, taste and see. 

Find out more about EDSD’s Formation opportunities at www.edsd.org/formation.

What does it mean to be a leader in the church? Well, for the over 90 individuals who attended the 2024 offering of Leadership Academy at Resurrection, Ocean Beach, leadership is an opportunity to engage with our neighborhoods, other church members, and our friends about what it means to be a people of God. Throughout Leadership Academy, members from 24 churches learned from experienced professionals about what it means to be engaged with your church in a modern world. 

The Leadership Academy, held on January 20th, was not just a series of lectures but a vibrant mix of worship, learning, and community building–bringing together a diverse group of participants who explored and deepened their understanding of church leadership in the world.

The Rev. Dawn Stary said, “I appreciated the different educational opportunities. It was nice to be able to be in a community with a bunch of people that I wouldn’t ordinarily see–people who were coming to Leadership Academy to talk about discernment and ministry and how it shows up in our lives. It was great!” 

The day began with a moving Holy Eucharist at the newly planted Resurrection Episcopal Church, Ocean Beach, which set the tone for the day–reminding everyone of the spiritual foundation underpinning our roles as leaders. The beauty of the sanctuary and the sense of shared purpose created an atmosphere of hope and anticipation.

Following the service, participants dispersed into various workshops, each tailored to address different aspects of church leadership and community engagement. The workshops were organized into three main tracks: Foundations, Storytelling, and Growth.

In the Foundations track, workshops such as “Knowing Yourself: Ministry from a Place of Self-Awareness” and “Listening for God’s Call: Ministry of All the Baptized” offered attendees insight into personal and spiritual growth. These sessions emphasized the importance of self-awareness and inclusivity in ministry, resonating with many who sought to deepen their understanding of their roles within the church.

The Storytelling track focused on the power of communication in the digital age. The “Digital Evangelism” workshop, for instance, provided practical tips on how congregations can effectively share their faith through social media and websites. “Conversing Across Difference” tackled the challenging yet crucial aspect of fostering meaningful dialogue within diverse communities. These sessions were particularly well-received, as they equipped leaders with tools to navigate the complexities of modern communications and conflict resolution.

The Growth track emphasized outreach and nurturing within the church community. “Ministry with Seniors” explored ways to engage and enrich the faith lives of the church’s elder members. “Engaging Young Adults Beyond Campus Ministry” was another highlight, offering innovative approaches to include and empower the younger generation.

Rather than just presenting theoretical concepts, Leadership Academy provided actionable strategies and real-life examples from various professionals. Attendees found the sessions both enlightening and directly relevant to their ministries. A spirit of camaraderie and shared learning surrounded the event. Both clergy and lay participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing experiences and ideas. This networking opportunity was invaluable, fostering connections that extended beyond the confines of the Academy. The diversity of attendees – in terms of age, background, and experience – enriched the discussions and provided a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing church leaders today.

The impact of the Leadership Academy was immediately evident. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with new skills and ideas to implement in their respective congregations. The blend of spiritual and practical learning was particularly effective, ensuring that the lessons learned were deeply rooted in faith and applicable in everyday ministry.

As the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego continues to navigate the opportunities of the 21st century, events like the Leadership Academy are vital in shaping dynamic church leadership. The success of the 2024 Academy has set a high standard for future gatherings, promising continued growth and development for leaders committed to serving the people of God in their communities. The lessons learned and connections made will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, guiding its journey toward a more inclusive, engaged, and spiritually vibrant future.

To learn more about formation opportunities in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, visit www.edsd.org/formation or email the Director of Formation Charlette Preslar at cpreslar@edsd.org.

To say this was a labor of love – absolutely. Seeing the love of those receiving and the deacon’s love for doing Christ’s work in the world is at the heart of this ministry. I am so thankful to each of you who help make Beanie Bundles a reality. 

Living out our service ministry and recognizing the face of Christ in everyone is what being a deacon in the world is all about. Watching the joy on the faces of those who received Beanie Bundles and the joy on the faces of the distributors reminds me of how important service ministry is today. 

In the Spring of 2023, the ministry of Beanie Bundles was again the key focus at our deacons meeting. Four of the deacons had a strong interest in seeing this ministry come to fruition but on a larger scale. Deacons Brooks Mason, Nancy Holland, Daniel McMillan, and I put their heads together and came up with a plan.

The work began, seeking donations and funding for 1,000 Beanie Bundles. Once we had the beanies (hats donated by St James By The Sea), gloves (through cash donations), socks (Bombas, donated by St Paul’s in the Desert), and Candy Kisses (donated by the archdeacon’s husband, Ed Campos), the hard work began.  

The four of us met weekly, sometimes more often, for hours at a time. On a good day, we had an additional volunteer or two to help ‘bundle’ the gifts together into the beanies–tying each with a ribbon.  

It felt like it was never-ending. Beanie after beanie–bundle after bundle, the ministry seemed buried under the weight of the donations. But, one night in December, the last bundle was tucked into a bag, and we celebrated.

Our bundling of the donations did not stop us from doing the real ministry.  Throughout the Fall of 2023, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s deacons distributed over 1,000 Beanie Bundles to people facing extraordinary hardship in their daily lives. Whether migrating from a distant land or working cold mornings in a field, the deacons of EDSD helped with warmth.   

We’re already talking about how we can expand this ministry, meeting the needs of more of our siblings in Christ and touching more lives throughout the year. Over the last two years, EDSD’s deacons have provided countless Beanie Bundles to a migrant camp at an undisclosed location. For the safety of those living in the camp, our deacons were not initially welcome to visit. Today, after years of collaborative ministry and with the help of Robert Vivar (EDSD Migration Missioner), trust has been cultivated. Now, EDSD has been invited to baptize nine members of the camp–ages 3 to 14.  

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Beanie Bundle ministry a reality.  

If you are moved to help with this outreach, financially or with your time, please contact Archdeacon Cindy Campos at Ccampos@edsd.org.  Financial donations may go to the Deacon’s Outreach Fund here. 

Some of the recipients of these ‘bundles’ included:

300+ to St Peter and Paul El Centro for field workers

150 to St Paul’s Yuma for field workers

50+ to St John’s Fallbrook for field workers

100 to St John’s Indio for field workers

250+ Migration Missioner for migrants crossing the border

36 to Holy Cross, Oceanside for farm workers

36 to Christian Community Services for farm workers

100+ to Deacons for Jacumba migrants

The motivation behind counting people experiencing homelessness stems from a deep commitment to using data science ethically and equitably to address societal issues. Data science, especially when pertaining to people who are unhoused, is perceived as objective but is often wielded in ways that inadvertently reinforce the biases and worldviews of the privileged. The count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness is not just a numerical exercise; it is a critical tool for understanding the extent of homelessness, the demographics and needs of the people affected, and the policy solutions and resources that can effectively address this complex issue.

Counting the unhoused becomes a powerful act of acknowledging their existence and struggles and is a foundational step toward advocating for their rights and dignity. This initiative is a testament to the potential to drive positive change and social justice when conducted with an equity-focused mindset.

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness is currently recruiting volunteers to support We All Count 2024, an annual count of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in the San Diego region. This year, more than 1,700 volunteers will join the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) to conduct the count on Thursday, January 25th, from 4:00-8:00 a.m.

“I’ve participated in We All Count several times since moving to San Diego 10 years ago and found that it helped me to better understand the challenges our unhoused neighbors experience on a daily basis,” said Jessica Ripper, who is participating in this year’s count in Mission Valley with the Board of Episcopal Community Services. “So many of our churches are already involved in providing food, clothing, and showers, and We All Count is another opportunity to support and build relationships with our unhoused neighbors.”

Several Episcopal churches will serve among this year’s 43 We All Count sites, and the Diocesan Center in Ocean Beach and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in El Cajon still have openings for volunteers. Volunteers are also needed at 17 other sites across the county.

Volunteers can register as individuals or indicate that they are part of a group. Once registered, volunteers have access to an overview of the counting process and a short 30-minute training session via email. On the day of the count, volunteers typically work in teams of two to three people to conduct a head count and brief survey of the people they encounter in their assigned area.

You can learn more about We All Count and register to volunteer on the RTFH website.

Episcopalians love committees and meetings and, more recently, Zoom calls. We chat about shared missions and still have differing opinions on almost everything. It is something that makes the Episcopal tradition beautiful–the free expression of different experiences, cultures, and opinions. We have vestry and Bishop’s committee meetings, and Executive Council meetings, and the Standing Committee, and Diocesan Convention . . . How did the Episcopal Church get this way?

The late 18th century was a tumultuous time in the history of the United States. The American Revolution was in full swing, and not surprisingly, it came with a strong desire among American Anglicans to distance themselves from the Church of England. Yearning for a church that mirrored their newfound nation’s ideals, early Americans convened the first convention of the Church in 1785 in Philadelphia–the future first capital of the fledgling country–and established the Constitution and Canons of the Church. This outlined the democratic structure we enjoy today. It was a momentous occasion, marking the birth of a new religious institution that would strive to reconcile its Anglican heritage with the democratic spirit of the young nation.

At the core of The Episcopal Church’s identity lies a democratic structure designed to give voice to its members at every level. The foundation of the Episcopal Church’s structure rests at the local level within individual churches, where dedicated and passionate individuals are chosen to represent their faith communities. Each year, at each church’s annual meeting, vestry members and delegates to Diocesan Convention are selected by the congregation and leadership to represent their local church.

When each church’s delegation attends the annual convention of a diocese, they play a crucial role in discussing and voting on numerous resolutions, the annual diocesan budget, electing lay and clergy people into diocesan leadership, and electing the deputation that will attend the General Convention. The Diocesan Convention also gets to elect its diocese new bishop at times of transition.

Every three years, at each diocesan convention, deputies and alternates are elected to represent the diocese at the largest meeting of the Church–General Convention. This process ensures that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are brought together from various regions and backgrounds to collectively decide on matters of faith and governance.

The General Convention itself operates under a two-house system, consisting of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. This two-house structure is a reflection of the Episcopal Church’s commitment to inclusivity and balanced representation. The House of Bishops includes the spiritual leaders of the church, while the House of Deputies is comprised of elected representatives from every diocese, including both clergy and lay members.

The broadest level of the church, TEC, is led by a Presiding Bishop who is elected at General Convention to serve a nine-year term. While you may have heard our overall church described as the “national” church, The Episcopal Church (TEC) is actually very international. It comprises 108 dioceses, three mission areas, and 22 countries or territories, totaling over 1.5 million members. Similar to cities and states, there are levels of governance embedded within the Episcopal hierarchy. There are TEC, Dioceses, and Churches, each having a different level of authority and autonomy.

The Episcopal Church is divided into geographical regions known as dioceses. The Diocese of San Diego stretches across San Diego, Riverside, Imperial, and Yuma counties. Each diocese has its bishop, clergy, and lay representatives. Each diocese operates with a large degree of autonomy in many matters, including managing their finances and making decisions about local church practices. This decentralization allows dioceses to adapt to the unique needs and circumstances of their communities while adhering to the broader principles of the Episcopal Church.

Zooming in further, we encounter individual Episcopal churches within each diocese. These local congregations have their rectors or vicars and lay leaders. While they faithfully follow the overall structure and teachings of the Episcopal Church, they also possess a degree of autonomy in managing their own affairs. This local autonomy enables them to serve the specific needs and preferences of their local population.

The Episcopal Church’s democratic roots, sown during the American Revolution, continue to shape its governance and identity to this day. It is a story of faith and democracy intertwined, where the pursuit of religious independence and self-governance became inseparable from the quest for freedom in the United States. This unique blend of faith and democratic principles is mirrored in the church’s hierarchical structure, where the voices of both clergy and laity are heard and respected at every level.