“No one that I know has woken up one morning, thinking ‘Gee, I think I want to be a deacon.'” As I sat at my own ordination, the Rev. Allyson Thomas preached truth–my call to the diaconate has been a lifelong journey. 

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be of service to others. I grew up believing I wanted to be a nurse. I would tend to my dolls’ ouchies and cure imaginary illnesses. So, when I was old enough, I volunteered at the hospital, visiting and bringing water to the sick and elderly. And when they needed someone to sit with the dying, I volunteered. 

After college, I continued in the direction of service, spending many years teaching teens with intellectual disabilities. I utilized materials from Loyola Press to help the teens and their parents become more integrated in the world. I began to recognize my joy for serving my neighbor, living by example, and working alongside children, families, and teachers. 

Years passed, and as I grew in my professional career, now as a Marriage and Family Therapist, service to others became an even bigger part of my life. I still wanted to be with the dying and those experiencing bereavement. I wanted to open my heart and arms to extemporaneous prayer, to open my eyes and ears to the pain of those suffering. I hoped that someday (actually ten years later) I would do more, serve others in a different way that had not been revealed to me. 

At this time in my life, I had been away from Episcopal Church for several years, but I was feeling a strong pull–a deep-down tug–to go to the Episcopal Church in my neighborhood. I took a chance, one Saturday, I stopped by the Church’s winter bazaar. The next morning, when I returned to worship with the congregation, the familiarity came flooding back. As a long-time Episcopalian, I felt the joy of coming home.

The people were welcoming, and within two months, I was invited to join several ministries. I said, “Yes” when asked to serve as a Eucharistic Visitor, a ministry of providing the Eucharist to the sick and those unable to attend church in person. It felt like a return to serving the sick and the lonely — a calling I was beginning to recognize in myself. 

A month or two later, while sitting in my favorite pew after church, a Lay Eucharistic Minister approached me saying, “Cindy! Have you ever thought about becoming a Eucharistic Minister?”

“Why me?” I thought. Again, it felt like my heart strings were being tugged–like something was pulling at me. “What is going on?” It felt like God was taking over my life.  

On Easter morning, while serving as a LEM, distributing the cup, “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation,” I looked out into the congregation and realized the true meaning of the Body of Christ–it’s the people, it’s us. 

While my church life continued to grow, my professional career continued to point toward serving others. I was volunteering with the psychiatric team at a local hospital, and was introduced to the hospital chaplain. She asked me, “Would you like to become part of the hospital’s spiritual care team?” It was a chance to work with palliative care. Again, I left that conversation wondering, “What does she see in me to pose that invitation?” I went home, prayed, and wondered if this was what I had been drawn toward throughout my life.

During my time volunteering in spiritual care, the love I had in serving the sick, the lonely, the elderly, the dying, praying with and for all, brought me to a new awareness. One day, as I was writing a chart note, I said to my supervisor, “Today is the first day I really want to sign my note chaplain.”

She responded, “Your church has deacons, doesn’t it?” And that was the beginning. 

I was hearing a call to ordained ministry, to serve as Jesus did, to pray with others as Jesus did, to be with all people as Jesus did, to love everyone without exception, to provide guidance and encouragement to other deacons.

Looking back, God has been calling me to the diaconate since very early in my life. It just took some people, a lifetime, and some help to realize it. 

Sometimes discipleship isn’t a book study or a bible group, but a personal choice to reflect on God and say, “Yes” to being involved. 

Why did I become a vocational deacon? God called me. I answered “Yes.”  Now, every day, I wake up thinking, “Gee, I want to be a deacon.” –knowing I will be serving as I have been called.

If you would like to find out more about the diaconate or your call to ordained ministry, please contact me at ccampos@edsd.org. 

The 52nd meeting of Diocesan Convention in EDSD will be held November 7-8, 2025, at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in San Diego. 

We’re gathering as a community to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and to look to the future of our work to share the good news of God in Christ with the world. While Convention is filled with moments of joy, connection, and worship, it’s also when we roll up our sleeves and do meaningful ministry together. Each year, we adopt a diocesan budget, elect leaders to roles such as the Executive Council, Standing Committee, and General Convention delegates, and vote on resolutions that shape our shared ministry.

This annual gathering is a powerful reminder of the significant impact our church has in the world. Join us to worship with friends from across the diocese, hear Bishop Susan’s Annual Address, and stay informed on key updates from diocesan leadership.

At its heart, Diocesan Convention is the official business meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego—but it is also a time for fellowship, shared vision, and joyful renewal.

Housing

EDSD has not secured a block of rooms at a hotel for Diocesan Convention. If you are traveling from a distance and wish to stay near St. Dunstan’s, please arrange your own accommodations. 

Diocesan Fellowship Hour

This year, following Friday’s business meeting, we will gather for a Diocesan Fellowship Hour. Look forward to a wonderful assortment of hors d’oeuvres and beverages to enjoy while gathering as a community. Diocesan Fellowship Hour will be provided to all delegates and visitors on Friday, November 7th. This is built into the fees for Convention.  

Resolution Submission

Every year, the Diocesan Convention votes on Resolutions and changes to the Diocesan Canons. If you would like to submit a resolution or canonical change, please click the button below. If you have questions about submitting a resolution or canon change, please email Canon Gwynn Lynch at glynch@edsd.org.

Resolution Submission

Positions Open for Nomination

Every year, Diocesan Convention elects clergy and lay people from throughout the diocese to fill leadership positions throughout the diocese’s governance. These positions often serve at the heart of diocesan ministry. Laypersons and canonically resident clergy of the diocese are welcome to run for elected office at Diocesan Convention. 

Nomination Submission

General Convention Deputation! The next General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, in July of 2027. General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years, it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The legislative process of the General Convention is an expression of The Episcopal Church’s belief that, under God, the Church is ordered and governed by its people: laity, deacons, priests, and bishops.

Executive Council! Executive Council is responsible for implementing the Strategic Plan of the diocese. Currently, Executive Council is working on forming new worshiping communities, crafting affordable housing initiatives, preparing a new strategic plan, and advocating for growing discipleship efforts throughout the diocese. There are also Executive Council Committees that use their significant financial knowledge to support congregations in financial planning and stewardship. The Executive Council also takes care of diocesan properties. You can see that Council makes use of a wide variety of people and their gifts. It’s a four-year term and meets virtually one Saturday of the month. With virtual meeting space, no matter where you reside, you can participate in Executive Council. 

Standing Committee! The Standing Committee is the Bishop’s council of advice. It comprises four clergy, who are voting members of Convention, and four Lay members, who are communicants of the Church. The Standing Committee acts as the ecclesiastical authority when the bishop is absent or incapacitated. The powers, functions, and duties of the Standing Committee shall be those prescribed by the Constitution and· Canons of The Episcopal Church, and by the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. Upon expiration of the member’s term, no person shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Standing Committee for a period of one year.

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

Secretary of Convention! The Secretary takes the minutes for Diocesan Convention, certifies Deputies to General Convention, and performs other duties as listed in the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. The Secretary of Convention records the minutes and resolutions of the monthly Diocesan Executive Council meetings. The Secretary is elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected.

Up-to-date information, resolutions facing convention, important deadlines, the nominees for elected offices, and more will be made available on www.conventionedsd.org

“We are holding fast to our promise to uphold the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons as children of God. We’re proclaiming and investing in our longing to become a Beloved Community. We’re committed to caring for God’s creation and respecting the dignity of every human being.”

With this statement following his election as the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Sean Rowe proclaimed TEC’s ongoing and unwavering commitment to not only full inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons but also how they are integral to God’s Beloved Community. 

It is a commitment our own Bishop Susan has steadfastly adhered to since she became Bishop in 2019. In both word and deed, including participation in events such as the annual Light Up the Church service at St. Paul’s Cathedral and the yearly San Diego Pride Parade held every July, Bishop Susan has been an ally and advocate.

In 2024, Bishop Susan called for the formation of a Diocesan LGBTQIA+ Task Force. Chaired by Ms. Susan Jester and the Rev. Brenda Sol, the Task Force was charged with, in Bishop Susan’s words to “work toward an Episcopal Diocese of San Diego where all God’s people, in the fullness of their gender identity, expression, and sexuality are celebrated for who God created them to be.” Its goals are to advocate for the full inclusion, affirmation, and support of LGBTQIA persons and communities within the church by fostering a welcoming and affirming environment for all.

The creation of this Task Force is an important step for the Diocese of San Diego, and speaks to the perseverance and dedication of many people who, over the years, have prayed and worked hard to make full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ persons not just an aspiration but eventually a reality. While still not a full reality, this clearly marks full inclusion as a commitment of the Diocese in the ongoing creation of the Beloved Community.

For those not familiar with some of the history of this work, two important milestones should be noted. Bishop James Mathes was elected bishop of our Diocese in 2005. He came in during a particularly difficult and tumultuous time as far as LGBTQIA+ issues were concerned. While very mindful of his role of being bishop of all persons in the diocese, he did indicate that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community would no longer be a bar to being considered for ordination. This allowed persons from that community to go through the Diocesan ordination process, and assuming they successfully met the requirements and received the necessary approvals from the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee, to be ordained. This allowed for the ordination of many gifted clergy who continue to serve to this day.

The second important milestone was the creation of the Holiness in Relationships Task Force, called for by a Diocesan Convention Resolution and convened by Bishop Mathes in 2008. The Task Force was made up of people in favor of blessing same-sex relationships (marriage at that point was not legal), and those opposed. Its make-up included clergy, lay persons, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. After working together for more than a year, the Task Force produced a study guide that could be used by parishes wishing to perform same-sex blessings and those wanting to pray and study the issue more closely.

In 2010, Bishop Mathes commended the study guide to be used by parishes prior to his giving permission for them to do blessings. That continued to be the practice here until 2013, when same-sex marriage became legal. Additional steps were initially required for permission to marry, but those requirements were short-lived. Clergy can now officiate at same-sex marriage if they choose.

It is from steps such as these that the current LGBTQIA+ Task Force continues to build upon. Last October, the Task Force held a summit at St. Thomas of Canterbury in Temecula in which those in attendance were encouraged to tell their stories of acceptance, exclusion, hope, and fears in being part of a church or religious community. Those present said it was tremendously healing and spoke to their desire to grow not only their relationship with God but also to do so in the context of community.

And as indicated above, full inclusion is not a reality. In a time when many people in the LGBTQIA+ community are feeling increasingly marginalized and targeted, the work of the Task Force continues to be vitally important. Now chaired by Ms. Susan Jester and the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, Task Force members not only see the need to provide forums where people can come together but also work with church communities to be welcoming and affirming. It is work we can only do together, and it is a blessing and a challenge to be able to do so. We welcome your prayers and suggestions.

We are incredibly grateful to all those who have gone before us in doing this work and those who will continue it. Jesus’ words from Matthew’s Gospel ring as true as ever:

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it under a bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

If you would like to kick off Pride week in celebration, consider attending Light Up the Cathedral at St. Paul’s, July 16 at 7 pm. And don’t miss marching in the Pride Parade with St. Paul’s Cathedral and people from around the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego on July 19–gather at the Cathedral at 8 am to walk to the starting area as a group. There is limited space on the Cathedral’s trolley car for those with mobility issues. Please email Susan Jester, co-chair of the task force, at jesters@stpaulcathedral.org to reserve your spot on the trolley.

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.