It’s hard to believe that I’ve been your bishop for almost exactly six years now. I arrived here in San Diego to begin my new work on May 5, 2019, and was ordained as bishop on June 15, 2019. It has been a wondrous journey, full of surprises (pandemic, anyone?), challenges, unexpected grace, and the joy of seeing big visions become reality. I give thanks to God each day for the honor of serving God, the church, our congregations, and all of you in this ministry. God is doing great things in EDSD.

Now, after six years, I am planning a sabbatical. My letter of agreement allows me a four-month sabbatical after six years of service, but after discussion with the Standing Committee and Executive Council, I plan to take two months this year and two months in a future year. I will be away from July 4 through September 7 this year.

What is a sabbatical? As the name implies, it is a time of rest, or sabbath, away from normal duties. Our diocesan policy says, “A sabbatical leave for clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego shall be a period away from responsibilities of the congregation for a time of spiritual, relational, physical, and vocational renewal to improve the effectiveness of the clergy person’s ministry.” Most of our priests have sabbatical provisions in their letters of agreement, and if your priest hasn’t taken one lately, please ask them to consider it! Clergy often get so immersed in the day-to-day work of ministry that they need a time of refreshment to pray, rest, read, reflect, and gain new energy and ideas for their work. A sabbatical is intended to benefit not only the clergy person, but also the congregation or ministry context, by allowing the clergy to take a step back and return with new focus for ministry.

As for me, I am truly looking forward to this time away. I do need rest after a very busy and challenging season of ministry. And this summer brings two blessed events to my family: my older daughter and her husband (who live here in San Diego) are expecting my first grandchild in July, and my younger daughter and her fiancé are getting married in August. So this will be a wonderful time for me to focus on my loved ones.

In addition, I plan to go to a spiritual retreat in late July at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. This will be a retreat for worship, prayer – and singing gospel music! I am not a trained singer, but I love to sing, and I look forward to a time of joyful participation in a choir. Being ordained doesn’t allow me to sing in a choir, and this will be a time to briefly return to a beloved lay ministry. I also plan to take classes to improve my conversational Spanish. Although I studied Spanish in college and in an immersion program in Mexico during seminary, my conversational Spanish is rusty, and I look forward to improving it. Since I have lately been making trips to Tijuana to launch our new Comunidad de Luz migrant shelter for women and children, I have been faithfully practicing my Spanish using the telephone app Duolingo every day, and have seen great improvement in my ability to communicate. Now it’s time to take it to the next level with conversational Spanish classes.

My other big project for my sabbatical is to get to know my new hometown of San Diego better. When I arrived here in May 2019, I “hit the ground running” and didn’t have time to immerse myself in San Diego life. I want to go to all the museums (in Balboa Park and elsewhere), spend some leisurely time at the zoo, do tours in the local area, go to beloved area restaurants with my husband and others, and really experience the best San Diego has to offer. I love our community, and want to know it better.

Of course, I have an ambitious reading list of everything from theological works to novels, and I hope to spend time reading each day. And I plan to spend time in prayer and discernment of how God is calling us to ministry in our diocese in the coming years. We are beginning a new strategic planning process in EDSD this year, and I hope my sabbatical inspires me with new discernment of God’s call.  

While I’m away, Standing Committee will continue its work under the leadership of its president, The Rev. Paul Carmona. Executive Council will continue under the leadership of first and second vice presidents, Mr. Jamie Glorieux and Ms. Cynde Durnford-Branecki. The diocesan office will be led by The Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch, Canon to the Ordinary, with the support of Canon for Mission Jason Evans, Canon for Finance The Rev. Jeff Martinhauk, and our whole great diocesan staff.

As for specific bishop ministries, I have asked The Rt. Rev. David Rice, Bishop of San Joaquin, to fulfill my role in case of any new Title IV cases that might arise during my absence. My predecessor, The Rt. Rev. Jim Mathes, who is officially an assisting bishop of our diocese, has graciously agreed to field any routine bishop requests, such as giving approvals to clergy who wish to officiate for people remarrying after divorce. I will retain ecclesiastical authority, and will be responsive to any urgent questions that might arise in that capacity – however, I will not be checking my EDSD email! For any questions you might have that you would ordinarily direct to me, please contact Canon Gwynn at GLynch@edsd.org or my executive assistant, Erin McDougal, at EMcDougal@edsd.org, and they will help direct you to the right place.

I give thanks to God and to EDSD’s leaders for allowing me the grace of this time away for rest, refreshment, and renewal. You all will be in my prayers every day.

The first thing I do every morning is throw on a pair of old sweats, lace up my sneakers, and go on a two-mile, early morning walk with my dogs and my sister. The second is drink coffee. When I arrive home from the walk with my tired and happy dogs, most often there is a cup of coffee waiting for me that I didn’t brew. My husband Tim did. On the days that he leaves the house early for work, the pot is usually set and ready to go, so all I have to do is push the start button. Tim doesn’t drink coffee. He drinks tea. But every morning, he completes this act of service and love for me.

It is my first God Sighting of the day.

If the phrase God Sighting feels unexpected to you, it comes from the Faith to Go podcast. A weekly discussion of the Gospel, Faith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego hosted by David Tremaine and me. Each week, we laugh and wrestle with the Gospel reading for the week ahead. We are often joined by a guest. These holy conversations have enriched my personal discipleship more than any other practice. It is the place where I learned that I have something to say about the Gospel, and more importantly, where I realized that I longed to hear what other people had to say, too. I wanted to encounter Jesus not just in church on Sunday, but in my everyday life. I wanted my understanding of scripture to be expanded through conversation and differing perspectives. That realization, which took place over several months in 2019, was profound, but it is not my favorite part of Faith to Go.

The God Sightings are.

The episodes begin the same way each week. Introductions, ministry context, and a God Sighting – a place where we have seen or felt God in the past week or so. It can be a “consolation” or a “desolation”, a time when it was easy to feel God’s presence, or a time when we felt bereft of it. Sometimes the God Sightings are big things: moments of clarity, of hope and healing, prophetic witness, and miracles. Othertimes they are small, like a perfect avocado cut open and lying on your cutting board, or my cup of coffee in the morning. Simple moments where we pause and notice God’s goodness in the world around us and in one another.

Ordinary God Sightings.

If this sounds familiar to you, it should. God Sightings are rooted in the Examen. The Examen can be found in Spiritual Exercises, written by Saint Ignatius of Loyola more than 400 years ago. Jesuits are required to complete it twice daily, at noon and at the end of the day – looking backward to notice where God’s presence was palpable in their lives. In my life, I do it at the end of the day after I have washed my face and crawled into bed.

A few deep breaths, an invitation for God to be with me, and a quick check-in.

For what moment today am I the most grateful?

What has challenged me today that I need to put down?

Where did I encounter God’s presence?

Simple and transformational, practicing the check-in daily has widened the lens through which I experience God, noticing God both within my daily life and God’s image in the faces of each person I encounter.

This past Sunday was Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. The season that follows it, “the season after Pentecost”, or Ordinary Time, will stretch all the way until Advent – almost half of the calendar year. And because my Faith to Go cohost, David, loves etymology, I know that Ordinary comes from the word ordinal, which means counted. So ordinary time isn’t just “ordinary”, it is a season where we pause to count our days. Or we pause to make our days count. Blending these two ideas – noticing God and making our days count, we invite you to an Ordinary Time practice. We are calling it Ordinary God Sightings, a simple check-in at the end of the day to look backward and notice where God’s presence was within it.

And because this is the Year of Discipleship in our diocese, there are resources to share. 

• Download and print a simple Ordinary God Sighting Examen for yourself or to share with friends. Ordinary God Sightings is formatted to be postcard size, but could be adapted into other formats.
• Listen to Faith to Go each week both to reflect on the Gospel and to listen to the God Sighting. Most of them won’t be big, shiny miracles, but a simple noticing of God in our everyday lives.
• Use Social Media for discipleship. Each Sunday, Faith to Go will post a prompt inviting you to share your God Sightings from the week. Leave a comment with your God Sighting, or post your own video reflection and tag @FaithtoGo so that we can reshare it and broaden the conversation.
• Share your Ordinary God Sighting with the diocese. Use this simple form to send in a God Sighting that we can share on social media, diocesan communications, and possibly on Faith to Go.

I wonder how our relationship with God and one another might be changed by this simple practice. This moment where we pause, notice God, make our days count, and ask

For what moment each day am I the most grateful?

What moments challenged me that I need to put down or give to God?

Where did I encounter God’s presence?

I wonder how our Ordinary God Sightings could change the Church, could change the world.

Beloved in Christ,

Like all Californians, we are watching with great concern the events unfolding around immigration protests in Los Angeles. We are deeply concerned about the ICE raids and about the potential for violence arising from the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to the Los Angeles area. We are concerned that military deployments will escalate the confrontations unnecessarily, and worry that all of our regions in California may be subject to future deployments that heighten tensions rather than resolving them.

Bishop John Harvey Taylor, the Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles, has posted on social media this past weekend about what is happening in Los Angeles and his interpretation of the ways in which local officials, law enforcement, federal agencies, and protesters are all interacting. He expressed deep pain and anger as fourteen people in one single Episcopal congregation in that diocese were detained by ICE on Friday. Certainly, we as Episcopalians are shocked and saddened when any of our own are removed from our beloved community.

In all six of our dioceses, people are concerned and fearful about the denial of due process for those detained and the potential for ICE raids targeting beloved community institutions and people working to support their families. People feel angry and threatened that the haven they sought in our communities is no longer safe. US citizens and legal residents feel deep grief at losing beloved friends and family members. Children whose parents are deported face uncertain futures. In our churches, we strive to protect our members who are at risk.

Our Baptismal Covenant asks us, “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being (BCP p. 417)?”  This question is a direct and ongoing call to us as persons who follow Christ to live out our calling opposed to injustice, to violence of any kind, and to stand up where human beings are not treated as we would treat a child of God.  This question needs to be foremost in our thoughts as we consider our response to the situation in Los Angeles.

In the Episcopal Church, we uphold a proud tradition of advocating for civil rights and supporting the vulnerable in our society. We stand for fierce love and for justice that leads to peace, as well as societal practices that preserve human dignity. With God’s help, we will speak and pray on behalf of all in this situation.

Bishop Taylor has asked for our prayers for Los Angeles, and we invite all our dioceses to pray for the unfolding situation there as well as for peace and justice in all our communities. We ask that you join us in praying:

“Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen (BCP p. 823).”

In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Lucinda Ashby

Episcopal Bishop of El Camino Real

The Rt. Rev. David Rice

Episcopal Bishop of San Joaquin

The Rt. Rev. Austin K. Rios

Episcopal Bishop of California

The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook

Episcopal Bishop of San Diego

The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor

Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles

The Rt. Rev. Megan Traquair

Episcopal Bishop of Northern California

Becoming a Campus Missioner at California State University San Marcos has been one of the most fulfilling and transformative experiences of my life. I am truly overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role, which has allowed me to grow not only in my own faith but also in my ability to share God’s love with others. This journey has been marked by meaningful connections, enriching Bible studies, and inspiring fellowship that continue to deepen my commitment to this mission.

One of the greatest blessings of this role has been the opportunity to build genuine connections with fellow students and members of the surrounding community. Through one-on-one conversations and group Bible studies, I have witnessed the profound impact that the Word of God can have on individuals. Each study session, whether intimate or communal, becomes a space where we can reflect, learn, and grow together. These moments often turn into transformative encounters, opening hearts and minds to the beauty and truth of God’s message.

Hosting Bible studies is a core part of my work, and each session brings something unique. The one-on-one studies allow for personal, in-depth spiritual conversations tailored to each individual’s faith journey. In contrast, group studies foster a sense of belonging and collective exploration of Scripture. The dynamic energy in a group setting often leads to lively discussions and shared insights, enriching everyone’s understanding. Regardless of the format, every study is rooted in a desire to build personal relationships with God and strengthen our walk in faith. 

Beyond Bible studies, one of my favorite aspects of being a missioner has been organizing and hosting events at various churches in our community. These events are not just about gathering people; they are about creating spaces for fellowship, worship, and connection. I have had the incredible honor of collaborating with numerous priests and vicars. Their wisdom, support, and hospitality have been instrumental in making these events meaningful and impactful. Each partnership reminds me of the unity we share as members of the broader Christian family.

Our most recent event, held during Easter, was a beautiful testament to this shared mission. We hosted a special evening that included a Q&A session with young adults, which turned out to be one of the most powerful parts of the night. The questions raised were thoughtful, deep, and incredibly important—ranging from personal struggles in faith to understanding God’s purpose in our lives. It was inspiring to see such a hunger for truth and spiritual growth among the attendees. After the Q&A, we enjoyed a time of joyful fellowship with games, snacks, and laughter. The sense of community and joy in that space was undeniable, and it reaffirmed why I do this work.

In addition to events and studies, I have taken on the responsibility of updating the Courageous Love Young Adults Instagram page. This platform serves as a digital extension of our mission, allowing us to reach even more people with messages of faith, hope, and love. I invite everyone to check it out and give it a follow—it’s a space where we share event updates, spiritual reflections, Bible verses, and moments from our gatherings. In today’s digital age, I believe it is essential to meet people where they are, and social media offers a powerful way to continue the conversation about God’s love beyond physical gatherings.

What excites me most about the future is the potential for continued growth and outreach. I look forward to expanding this ministry and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with even more people. Each event, each conversation, and each shared prayer is a step forward in building a vibrant community centered on Christ. I believe we are called not only to know God but to make Him known, and being a missioner gives me a platform to do just that—boldly and lovingly.

As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Grateful for the people I’ve met, the lives I’ve seen transformed, and the personal growth I’ve experienced along the way. Every moment has been a testament to God’s faithfulness and a reminder that He equips those He calls. I am so happy and honored to be a part of this mission at California State University San Marcos. It is a role that challenges me, inspires me, and fills my heart with purpose.

I look forward to what lies ahead—with open hands, a hopeful heart, and an unwavering commitment to serve. May everything we do continue to glorify God, uplift others, and point hearts toward the everlasting love of Christ.

Have you ever wondered how to go deeper in your faith—beyond Sunday worship, into a more meaningful relationship with God? Have you longed for a space where you can ask honest questions, explore scripture, and grow alongside others who are also wondering? Education for Ministry (EfM) might be just what you’re looking for. EfM offers a powerful way to explore your faith, discover your call, and strengthen your ability to live as a disciple of Jesus in the world.

EfM is a four-year theological education program designed for laypeople, but it is not just gaining knowledge—it’s about discipleship. Through the study of scripture, theology, ethics, and church history, participants are invited on a transformative journey that connects their heart and mind, their beliefs, and practices. Meeting in small groups, students are led by trained mentors where they engage in deep conversation, theological reflection, and shared discovery. As Jesus called his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19), EfM provides a path for anyone ready to take that call seriously.

One of the great strengths of EfM is its ability to evolve and respond to the needs of modern disciples. This Fall, you can look forward to EfM: Wide Angle, EfM: Catechumenate, and EfM: Reflections. These three new EfM opportunities are designed to meet you where you are—an easy on-ramp to discipleship and greater biblical knowledge.

For those looking for a flexible, lower-commitment way to experience the transformative core of EfM, EfM: Wide Angle is a one-year introduction to the foundational practices and values of the EfM journey. EfM: Wide Angle was designed to offer an authentic seminar experience rooted in EfM’s Core Practices—theological reflection, deep listening, communal learning, and spiritual growth—without the four-year academic commitment of the classic program. It’s ideal for:

• Those who want to try EfM before committing to the full four years
• Graduates who wish to continue learning in community
• Learners who prefer a mix of short readings, videos, blogs, and podcasts
• Participants who can commit just 60–90 minutes of preparation each week

Whether you’re entering your first faith formation program or using this as a bridge toward deeper study, EfM: Wide Angle provides a welcoming, accessible on-ramp into a life of theological reflection and faithful action.

Another new resource being developed is EfM: Catechumenate.

EfM: Catechumenate is a program rooted in scripture, history, reflection, and spiritual engagement—designed especially for those preparing for full membership in the Church through baptism, confirmation, or reaffirmation of faith. Created by The Very Rev. Jim Turrell, Dean of the School of Theology at the University of the South, and The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, retired bishop of the Diocese of Chicago, this course draws from the core practices of EfM to form a deeply grounded approach to the Christian life. Like all EfM offerings, EfM: Catechumenate is about being formed through discipleship. Participants are invited into a spiritual discipline that equips them to reflect deeply and step into the Christian journey with intention and joy.

Finally, EfM: Reflections offers short-term formation opportunities designed for congregational and small-group use. These five- to ten-week studies invite participants, onsite or online, into guided theological reflection. They are ideal for those seeking a flexible entry point into the EfM method or for graduates who want to continue their journey in community.

Two exciting EfM: Reflections modules will be beta tested this fall:

Catharine Meeks: Meditations for Racial Healing (8 weeks)
Based on the powerful book by Dr. Catharine Meeks, this series offers a meditative and honest space for those seeking racial healing through introspection, truth-telling, and hope. Participants will reflect on how to work through fear and rage, how stories can both wound and heal, how to honor our ancestors while building a better future, and what it truly means to love one another and pursue social justice.

Tara Soughers: A Theology for Trans Allies (5 weeks)
As understanding of gender continues to grow, this course explores how embracing gender diversity can deepen our theology and expand our view of God. Using Beyond a Binary God: Toward a Theology for Trans Theology by Tara Soughers, participants will reflect on what it means to be created in the image of a God who is Three and One—but never just two.

EfM: Classic, EfM: Wide Angle, EfM: Catechumenate, and EfM: Reflections offer a full spectrum of formation opportunities, providing multiple entry points into the journey of discipleship. No matter where you begin, the invitation is the same: to grow deeper in your relationship with God, to wrestle faithfully with scripture and tradition, and to discover how your own story fits within God’s unfolding story of love, justice, and redemption.

EfM graduate Mark Wangsness said, “Education for Ministry (EfM) is an individual spiritual journey taken in a group setting. It’s a unique program that gives you the space to ask spiritual questions—deep, personal, even challenging ones. In EfM, you are not expected to have all the answers. You are simply asked to show up, stay curious, and be open to where God may be leading you.”

That spirit of openness and trust is what makes EfM so transformative. It’s a place where everyone belongs—where you can be yourself, bring your doubts, and find companions for the journey. While the curriculum provides structure, it’s the relationships and reflections that bring it to life.

“I had always understood vocation to mean what a person does for a living—a career focused on advancement, success, and money… EfM challenged that idea and gently, powerfully, reoriented my understanding. Vocation, I learned, is God’s calling to do God’s work in the world… You don’t have to be a minister to minister. You don’t have to wear a collar to serve. Ministry is about how we live, how we treat others, and how we reflect God’s love in everyday interactions,” said Mark.

That insight lies at the heart of EfM’s mission: to help each person discover how they are called to reflect God’s love in their own unique way. It’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming more fully yourself, rooted in faith and open to God’s ongoing work.

Another student, Marti Welch-Doyle, recently shared how EfM not only changed her thinking but also built a community of support and friendship:
“Our meetings are filled with laughter, love, and incredible food as we share our studies with the group… I know each member in a way I never would have otherwise, specifically because of EFM, and I don’t even want to think of a time when we are not all together on Tuesday evenings.”

EfM forms not just minds, but relationships. These small groups become spaces of vulnerability, grace, challenge, and growth—true microcosms of the Church, where everyone learns from each other. This is the essence of discipleship: letting God reshape how we see, how we act, and how we understand ourselves in the story of faith.

“EfM provides a safe, nonjudgmental, open forum for those seeking clarity, connection, and communication for a deeper sense of purpose,” said Mark. “Ask the questions. Join the conversation.”

We encourage you to explore EfM if you’re feeling the call to grow in your faith or deepen your understanding of scripture and theology. Whether you’ve been in the church your whole life or are just beginning to wonder what this all means, EfM can meet you where you are—and walk with you as you grow.

To learn more or to get started, visit https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry, where you’ll find helpful details and sample lessons. You can also contact our EfM Diocesan Coordinator, Mark Patzman, at efm.edsd@outlook.com.

The path of discipleship is lifelong. Education for Ministry is one way to walk it—with courage, curiosity, and community.

In 2020, after a year steeped in prayer, listening, discernment, and courageous visioning, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego launched an ambitious five-year strategic plan. Designed to help us share God’s love in a rapidly changing world, this plan didn’t begin with a bishop’s directive—it rose from the ground up. Even before the election of The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook as our bishop, a grassroots movement of faithful Episcopalians across the diocese came together to dream, to hope, and to commit to God’s call. 

Seven strategic priorities emerged from that movement: church growth, discipleship, evangelism, service, advocacy, leadership, and stewardship. Each of these areas was paired with bold goals and measurable objectives—our way of staying grounded in action and accountability. Now, as we approach the final year of this transformative journey, we are witnessing the fruits of that faithful labor. 

Growing the Church 

One of our earliest commitments was to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission by growing the Church—numerically and spiritually. We set a bold goal: to establish 30 new missional expressions, plant five to eight new churches, and grow existing congregations by 20%. 

We are well on our way. Two new congregations—one in Oceanside and one in Ocean Beach—welcomed over 50 people each for Easter services this year. New church plants are already in the works in Menifee and the South Bay. In 2024 alone, more than 25% of our congregations experienced growth rates above 10%. Three congregation redevelopment projects are thriving beyond expectations, and 15% of our churches are actively ministering to military families. Meanwhile, campus ministry has expanded from serving one college to three, now reaching students weekly at UCSD, SDSU, and CSUSM. 

Deepening Discipleship 

Our strategic plan called for every congregation to offer robust discipleship programming and initiate small groups to help people grow in faith. We’ve seen a powerful renewal in this area. 

The reimagined Leadership Academy returned in 2025 with 107 participants from 27 congregations. The Faith to Go in Lent series brought together 40 leaders—lay and ordained—from across 32 congregations for daily scripture reflection, offered both online and in print. Diocesan discipleship resources now reach hundreds of households each week, and our Faith to Go podcast has been played over 87,000 times since 2020. 

Formation leaders have been equipped with new resources, training, and peer support, fostering greater confidence and deeper spiritual engagement. Our diocesan commitment to lifelong faith formation is also evident in our new lay licenses—for Eucharistic Visitors, Preachers, Evangelists, and Catechists—empowering local leaders for ministry. 

Children and youth are also thriving. From VBS programs and diocesan confirmations to retreats, camps, and service trips, engagement is strong. In 2024, 36 children from nine congregations attended our second annual children’s camp, while 62 youth from 14 churches joined a retreat at Camp Stevens. Youth Leadership Council members even voted at diocesan convention for the first time. A new Missioner for Children and Youth is leading us forward with vision and energy. 

Proclaiming the Good News 

Evangelism is central to our identity. We’ve trained over 100 people—representing more than 75% of our congregations—in evangelism practices. The 2022 Good News Festival brought together more than 1,500 participants, including 100 youth, many of whom were attending a church event for the first time. 

Our Communications Department supports nearly 75% of congregations and maintains or develops websites for 14 churches across the diocese. These digital tools are helping us reach new people and share the Good News in fresh, compelling ways. 

Serving with Compassion 

We have embraced Christ’s call to love our neighbors through tangible service. Half of our congregations have supported migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Twenty-six churches have organized community-wide service projects, and fourteen operate food pantries, collections, or gardens. Over a third of our congregations are engaged in interfaith or ecumenical partnerships, strengthening the bonds of shared mission. 

Advocating for Justice 

Our commitment to justice, peace, and creation care has only deepened. In 2025, we celebrated the opening of the Comunidad de Luz shelter for women and children in Tijuana, a partnership that now provides dignity and safety to migrant families at the border. This collaboration, involving the Anglican Church in Tijuana, Via International, the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA, and Vida Joven, is a powerful witness to shared ministry. 

More than half of our congregations are involved in creation care. Nine congregations planted trees through a diocesan initiative. Eighteen congregations are part of our LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Taskforce. The Gun Safety Working Group now includes representatives from 21 churches. Sacred Ground circles and anti-racism trainings continue to foster deep transformation—more than 60 people have participated in these life-changing conversations. 

Workshops like Knowing Yourself and LARK have helped leaders minister from a place of self-awareness and liberation, with dozens of congregations participating. 

Forming Transformational Leaders 

Raising up new leaders—both lay and ordained—has been at the heart of this five-year plan. Since 2021, eight priests and six vocational deacons have been ordained. Another 20 people are currently in discernment or formation for ordained ministry. Meanwhile, 75 laypeople have received diocesan licenses for active ministry in their congregations. We are witnessing a new generation of leaders answering God’s call. 

Stewarding God’s Gifts 

Our diocesan community has embraced stewardship with faith and courage. Twenty congregations participated in stewardship workshops, and in 2023 we launched Courageous Love, a $2.5 million fundraising campaign that has already funded church plants, campus ministries, and evangelism and service projects in congregations. 

We are also preparing for the future through real estate. In 2024, we broke ground on our first mission-driven housing development: 75 affordable homes at St. Luke’s in North Park. Three more projects are in development, and a dozen congregations are exploring how to use their property for affordable housing, preschools, or nonprofit space. Solar panels are now installed at more than a dozen churches, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. 

When the 2024 floods hit the South Bay, diocesan disaster preparedness efforts paid off. We were able to offer immediate assistance to six families—evidence that stewardship extends beyond budgets and buildings into real-time compassion. 

As we enter the final year of our strategic plan, our diocesan community stands strong—growing, serving, advocating, leading, and proclaiming the love of Christ. Bishop Susan Brown Snook and the Diocesan Executive Council are discerning what the next five years will bring. What new dreams might God be placing in our hearts? What challenges and opportunities await? 

This summer, the people of the diocese will be welcome to participate in regional listening sessions and share their hopes and priorities for what the Diocese should focus on over the next five years. The Leadership and Congregational Development Committee is spearheading the new strategic plan effort with the assistance of Diocesan Executive Council.   

Whatever comes, we know this: The Holy Spirit continues to move through the people of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Together, we remain committed to joyful, Spirit-led transformation—trusting that the One who began this good work in us will bring it to completion. 

Education for Ministry (EfM) is an individual spiritual journey taken in a group setting. It’s a unique program that gives you the space to ask spiritual questions—deep, personal, even challenging ones. In EfM, you are not expected to have all the answers. You are simply asked to show up, stay curious, and be open to where God may be leading you.

We are all on a faith journey. For me, EfM provided an exceptional roadmap. It guided me through the Old Testament, New Testament, church history, and spiritual living. Each year offered new insights, but it wasn’t just the content that shaped me—it was the community. The group setting was particularly enjoyable because of the rich diversity of perspectives. Each person brought their own background, beliefs, and experiences, and together we explored what it means to live faithfully in the world.

The most significant impact EfM had on me was in the area of vocation. I had always understood vocation to mean what a person does for a living—a career focused on advancement, success, and money. I believed that my self-worth was tied to my financial net worth. But I was wrong.

EfM challenged that idea and gently, powerfully, reoriented my understanding. Vocation, I learned, is God’s calling to do God’s work in the world. That shift in perspective helped me explain the deep gnawing that had followed me most of my life. It gave language to a longing I didn’t fully understand until I encountered it in the stories and conversations of EfM. I came to realize that you don’t have to be a minister to minister. You don’t have to wear a collar to serve. Ministry is about how we live, how we treat others, and how we reflect God’s love in everyday interactions. It’s about recognizing the sacred in each person and responding with compassion and grace.

EfM is a four-year program, and yes, that’s a commitment. There is a lot to read, discuss, and digest. But upon completing it, I’ve realized something even more profound: there is still so much more to learn, more to wrestle with, more to reflect on. The journey of faith doesn’t end—it deepens and expands.

I encourage you to explore EfM if you have big questions about scripture, theology, history, or your place in God’s story. EfM provides a safe, nonjudgmental, open forum for those seeking clarity, connection, and communication for a deeper sense of purpose. Ask the questions. Join the conversation.

For the interested or just curious, visit the EfM website, where you’ll find lots of information, including sample lessons, at https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry. You can also email our EfM Diocesan Coordinator, Mark Patzman at efm.edsd@outlook.com.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by politics? As Christians, our faith can anchor our hope and reinforce our resilience. If you’re looking for a way to dispel despair and channel your values, the Episcopal Church can light the way.

The Episcopal Church advocates for its public policy priorities to the U.S. government through its Office of Government Relations (OGR) and the Episcopal Public Policy Network. These organizations work in tandem to influence policy and legislation on critical issues and positions based on General Convention and Executive Council resolutions that align with our values as Episcopalians and Christians. 

We engage in advocacy because federal government legislation and policies affect Episcopalians, our brother and sister Anglicans around the world, and the most vulnerable among us. 

Policy areas where the Church advocates include: 

Creation Care – As we are called by God to care for creation, The Episcopal Church supports policies that protect the natural resources that sustain all life on Earth. We advocate for policies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable energy and the safe and just use of natural resources, and support communities impacted by a lack of environmental stewardship.

Racial Reconciliation – Racial reconciliation is a core component of our work, guiding and informing advocacy engagement. The Office challenges long-established policies that perpetuate systemic racism and injustice and strives to change legislation that continues to harm communities of color. The Episcopal Church aims to bring a perspective of transformation to public policy in order to heal communities that have been the most marginalized and discriminated against.

Ending Poverty – We advocate for policies that will eliminate poverty and help people live with dignity, both in the U.S. and internationally. We advocate for federal programs that provide development assistance and humanitarian relief, including education and healthcare initiatives, as well as support for social safety net programs, care for veterans, and other U.S.-focused anti-poverty initiatives.

Migration, Refugees & Immigration – As a Church, we are committed to advocating for policies that respect the dignity and worth of every human being- including protecting asylum, advocating for Dreamers & TPS holders, advocating for alternatives to detention, and urging long-term protections through comprehensive immigration reform. We work to protect the human rights and safety of refugees by supporting the refugee resettlement work of Episcopal Migration Ministries and advocating for robust refugee resettlement policies.

Human Rights & Peacebuilding – The Church supports legislation and policies that protect human rights and prevent atrocities, promote gender justice, and build peace. We partner with non-U.S. Episcopal dioceses and provinces throughout the Anglican Communion to work towards justice.

You can advocate for Episcopal values by signing up for Action Alerts, where you’ll get real-time opportunities to easily contact your representatives to advocate for relevant and important legislation.

The faithful people of St. Columba’s, Santee, gathered together on May 4, 2025, for one last Holy Eucharist. They were joined by familiar faces – members, friends, clergy, and visitors from neighboring congregations.

The Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch, Canon to the Ordinary, preached and presided over the service. Throughout worship, there were tears and sniffles–balanced by smiles, shared memories, and bursts of laughter. The sanctuary, though preparing to close, was alive with love.

Months earlier, the leadership of St. Columba’s had approached Bishop Susan Brown Snook with a prayerful and difficult realization: they no longer had the energy or numbers to sustain the active ministry required to keep the church vibrant. The decision did not come easily. It came through discernment—a holy, honest process of looking deeply at what was possible, and what was no longer sustainable.

The Rev. Anne Cox Bailey, who over the last three years had been serving once a month as a supply priest, said, “They were honest with themselves. What a brave witness.”

Rev. Anne offered a reminder that endings are part of the Christian story. “Everything in the Bible starts with something ending,” she said, “Even Genesis doesn’t start from nothing—it begins with chaos. And out of that ending, creation begins.”

A sense of holy transition–of ending as beginning–echoed throughout the final service. The congregation was joined by guests from across the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, including members from St. Dunstan’s in San Diego, Grace in San Marcos, St. Peter’s in Del Mar, Resurrection in Ocean Beach, St. Mark’s in City Heights, and Good Shepherd in Bonita. Their presence reminded the gathered that the church is not a building, but a community, and that no parishioner or congregation walks alone in this diocese.

St. Columba’s began in 1988, planted by the Rev. Boone Sadler, under the direction of Bishop Brinkley Morton. They met first at the neighboring Carlton Hills Lutheran Church until they moved into the building on Cuyamaca Street in 1997. For over three decades, the congregation offered worship, fellowship, and service to the Santee community. Like many churches, it saw seasons of growth and change, joys and struggles. But through it all, the people of St. Columba’s remained faithful to their calling: to love God and serve their neighbors.

It’s important to note that churches don’t close on their own. Canonically, a congregation must consult with the bishop to discern such a significant step. The leadership of St. Columba’s did just that. They did not walk away—they walked forward. With humility and faith, they asked for guidance. And in response, Bishop Susan and the diocesan staff accompanied them every step of the way.

Evangelism, as we know, takes energy. It takes commitment, time, creativity, and spiritual resilience. It asks us to show up over and over again. The congregation at St. Columba’s recognized that they had given all they could give. Rather than trying to carry a burden that had become too heavy, they chose to bless the past and open the door to whatever God might be preparing next.

Rev. Anne reminded me after the service, “Because we’re resurrection people, we start anew.” Those words captured the heart of that moment. The service was not a funeral. It was a resurrection—an honoring of the ministry that had been and a faithful release into whatever comes next.

The closing of a church is never easy. It stirs grief, nostalgia, and questions. But it can also be an act of courageous love. The people of St. Columba’s modeled that love in their decision, their worship, and their witness.

And now, we pause to give thanks. For the baptisms that took place here. For the marriages blessed. For the children raised, the vestries who led, and the potlucks that nourished more than just bodies. We give thanks for the faithful ministry of lay leaders, clergy, and every person who ever walked through the doors of St. Columba’s.