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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the recipients of these ‘bundles’ included:

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

150 to St Paul’s Yuma for field workers

50+ to St John’s Fallbrook for field workers

100 to St John’s Indio for field workers

250+ Migration Missioner for migrants crossing the border

36 to Holy Cross, Oceanside for farm workers

36 to Christian Community Services for farm workers

100+ to Deacons for Jacumba migrants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you discerning a call from God? Perhaps it’s a call to ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church?

Ordination in the Episcopal Church is a communal call – we don’t get to just decide ourselves that we’re going to be a priest or a deacon. We must enter into a time of communal discernment, where your bishop, your priest, your community, deacons, and laypeople help us understand what God is calling us to do and be.

The first step in this journey is to speak to your local clergy person – the next step is to attend the upcoming Day of Information, to be held on February 17 at St. Thomas, Temecula (44651 Avenida De Missiones, Temecula, CA 92592), from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bishop Susan Brown Snook and the members of the Commission on Ministry will be there to tell you more about the priesthood and the diaconate, and to share the details of the discernment process.

If you would like to attend, your clergy person must approve your attendance, and ideally, will attend with you. If you do not have a settled clergy person at your church, or if your clergyperson cannot attend with you, please contact the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch at glynch@edsd.org for assistance.

Register

One of the provocative and sometimes dangerous things about being a deacon is that our servant ministry allows us to travel beyond church walls and into the places where longing, desperation, and grace meet. 

It was Monday after the third Sunday in Advent, and while I had not proclaimed the gospel in our church the day before, I certainly preached it. Archdeacon Cindy Campos and I were driving east of San Diego toward the desert and a place called Jacumba. It is one of those towns where the highway drives straight through. 

We parked behind a van where a woman inside smiled at me, “Hello, my name is Nicole. Who are you looking for?”

“Sam, the man from Jacumba!” I replied.

“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” she hollered back as we walked around the front of the building.

At the entrance in fading paint were the words, “Youth Center.” It seemed odd for a youth center to exist in the middle of nowhere. I came to this “nowhere”  to hand out Beanie Bundles, a bundle made up of black beanies, knitted gloves, socks, and three candy kisses tied together by red and green velvet strings.  

The Beanie Bundle Ministry is a ministry led by the Deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego designed to help migrant farm workers and those migrating with little or nothing to the US, Mexico border. During the development of the ministry, people said, “I think they’re cold, and we need to keep them warm.” What a simple and vital thing…warmth.  And we can offer it. 

The Youth Center was far from being a recreation facility for adolescents– it looked like a dumping ground for people’s donations, but it was actually “the concierge,” a place where volunteers gathered, sorted, and loaded supplies.

“Sam the Man” introduced himself. He looked like a guy from Star Wars—only the German version. He sported a German hiking/military hat that looked like it was from a film, a green button-down long-sleeve shirt, khaki shorts that were held up with a thick brown leather belt, and black boots that went well past his calves.

We left the youth center with Sam the Man, who led us to the camps where we’d be distributing our Beanie Bundles. Driving along the border fence felt like tip-toeing aside a sleeping giant– the fence towered over everything and stretched for miles. It felt dangerous like a silver and rust-colored serpent slithering across the land. I thought of the history of that fence, and the horror people experienced with it. 

When we arrived at the camp, I went up to a tent and heard children laughing and giggling; with their tent completely sealed, I announced myself, “Hola niños!” The tent’s door unzipped, and a little boy with his two sisters came out. As I explained what the beanies were, each of them got very excited when I told them about the three chocolate kisses inside. I watched as smiles brightened their faces. “Gracias!” they said, returning to the tent–giggles resuming. But this was the only tent in the camp where the inhabitants were from Mexico.

The other tents housed people from Brazil, China, India, Turkey, Haiti, and Africa. The sheer range of nationalities stopped me in my tracks, but so did the poverty.

There were probably fifty tents at this site. The tents were small. There were small fires burning, women and a few men milling about, most hunched over, some with hats, others with hijabs. “Why were they here?” I wondered–but then again, I know and wondered anyway. 

A few minutes later, we were rolling up to the next site. Sam the Man was right, this was a big camp. About four times the size of the other. When we stopped the car, I saw over a hundred people come toward me, and it was chilling.

I opened the trunk of the car and began handing out the bundles–so many hands and faces from all over the world and grateful voices telling us thank you. The more people that came up, the more urgent the giving became. I felt joy. These simple acts were making me more aware of who I was as a deacon–following Jesus’ servant way.

During our return journey home, the archdeacon and I shared our experiences and the profound impact they had on us. Gazing out at the long fence stretching into the distance, I felt a deep yearning to relive the day, to continue making a difference in the lives we had briefly touched. This experience, though just a single day in the vast timeline of the migrant crisis, left an indelible mark on my understanding of service, faith, and the human condition.

If you are interested in learning more about the diaconate or the Beanie Bundle ministry, please contact Archdeacon Cindy Campos at ccampos@edsd.org. To learn more about EDSD’s ministry to migrants, visit www.edsd.org/migration-ministry

At our 50th Diocesan Convention, Bishop Susan Brown Snook announced that 2024 will be the Year of Leadership in EDSD. Throughout 2024, the Diocese is offering a number of ways for individuals to develop as leaders, both in their spiritual journey and in their practical skills to serve the community. 

At the heart of this year’s focus is Leadership Academy–a flagship event set for January 20th. This year’s academy offers three distinct tracks: Foundations, Storytelling, and Growth, each designed to cater to various aspects of leadership. We will gather at the newly formed Resurrection Episcopal Church, located at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach. The day will begin with Holy Eucharist and close with reflection and a sending prayer, offering participants the opportunity to enter into learning opportunities prayerfully.

Foundations focus on self-awareness in ministry, offering new training to help participants understand and utilize their unique differences as strengths. Workshops such as “Knowing Yourself: Ministry from a Place of Self-Awareness” and “Listening for God’s Call: Ministry of All the Baptized” are poised to deepen the understanding and practice of ministry for both new and seasoned leaders.

Storytelling, a critical aspect of modern leadership, addresses the power of communication in digital evangelism and community engagement. Workshops like “Digital Evangelism” and “Conversing Across Difference” are tailored to help leaders effectively share the Good News of Christ and foster meaningful conversations within diverse communities.

In the Growth track, the focus shifts to expanding ministry outreach, with a special emphasis on engaging youth and seniors. This track includes sessions on “Ministry with Seniors” and “Engaging Young Adults Beyond Campus Ministry,” demonstrating the diocese’s commitment to inclusivity and intergenerational leadership.

Leadership Academy promises more than just education; it’s a journey of growth, reflection, and deepening relationships with God and each other. Register today for Leadership Academy here. Registration is limited to 80 people and closes on January 15, 2024, at 9:00 PM.

The Year of Leadership extends beyond Leadership Academy. Throughout the year, EDSD offers a Formation Leaders Retreat at Camp Stevens, and various Lay Licenses including preaching, evangelism, eucharistic visitor, and catechist license training. These programs aim to empower lay members to take significant roles in ministry and leadership.

An integral part of this year’s theme is sharing unique examples of leadership in EDSD’s churches. These stories aim to inspire and connect the diocesan community by showcasing the impact and experiences that leaders have on the Church and their community. From profiles on leadership types to success stories of various church communities, these narratives serve as a testament to the power of leadership–lay and ordained. 

The Year of Leadership is more than a series of events and storytelling; it’s a movement toward cultivating effective and faithful leadership throughout EDSD. By offering diverse training programs, sharing inspiring stories, and creating spaces for worship and reflection, the diocese is nurturing a community where leadership is not just about roles and responsibilities but about a deep commitment to serving God and our neighbors.

As the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego begins 2024, we invite you to explore and embrace your potential as leaders. In doing so, you are not only strengthening your church community but also contributing to a world in dire need of compassionate and visionary leaders.

Register for We Believe

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) is excited to announce the continuation of the diocesan-wide confirmation course “We Believe” following a highly successful inaugural year. This innovative program, designed for young people seeking a deeper understanding and connection with their faith, proved to be a transformative experience for participants. 

Last year, “We Believe” saw 12 teenagers embark on a journey of faith designed to help them explore their faith. Crafting their own Anglican Rosaries, participating in interactive workshops, and a four-mile prayer hike up Black Mountain were just a few of the spiritually centered activities the students reported as impactful. These experiences were designed not only to deepen the understanding of the Episcopal faith but also to foster a strong sense of community among the participants. The course was especially praised for its balance of spiritual depth and personal growth. 

This year, EDSD plans to build on this foundation with even more enriching experiences and opportunities for participants to explore their faith in a supportive and dynamic environment. “We Believe” 2024 registration opens on January 10 and is set to commence on February 18th. EDSD extends an open invitation to all individuals interested in embarking on this spiritual journey. The program’s continuation is a testament to EDSD’s commitment to nurturing faith and community within the diocese, providing a platform for individuals to deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their spiritual foundations. For more information about We Believe and to register, please use this link.

We Believe Registration 2024

For other formation events throughout the year, please contact the Director for Formation, Charlette Preslar.

Christmas Greetings, siblings in Christ! 

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find the beautiful narrative of the birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise to be with His people. We read, “‘Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’” This promise uttered centuries ago in Bethlehem, echoes through time, resonating across the ages that no matter who we are or where we are, God is with each and every one of us! 

The birth of Jesus is a testament to God’s love for humanity—a love so deep that He chose to enter into the human experience, to dwell among us in the person of His Son. The very name Immanuel encapsulates the essence of the Christmas story—the reality that God, in all His majesty, chose to be present with us, to share in our joys and sorrows, and to walk with us on our earthly journey. 

As we gather with family, friends, and fellow believers to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, let us be reminded of the profound meaning of Christmas: “God is with us.” The stable in Bethlehem, the simple manger, and the holy family gathered around the newborn King remind us of the humility and accessibility of our Creator. The God of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, invites us into a relationship marked by intimacy and closeness. 

This Christmas, let us strive to be mindful of God’s abiding presence in our lives. In the season’s busyness, may we find moments of quiet reflection, recognizing the sacredness of the Incarnation—the Word made flesh. In the faces of those we encounter and the beauty of creation, may we witness the reality of God’s ongoing presence, transcending time and space. 

The message of Christmas is one of hope and redemption, which resonates with the promise of a Savior who came not to condemn but to save. As we exchange gifts and share in the warmth of festive gatherings, let us extend the love of Christ to those around us, embodying the spirit of Immanuel in our relationships and actions. 

Looking ahead to the new year, may the truth of “God is with us” inspire and guide us in all we undertake as a diocesan family. Together, let us continue to grow in love, grace, and discipleship, confident that the abiding presence of our Lord marks our journey. 

I am deeply grateful for your faithfulness and commitment to the mission of our diocese. May the joy and peace of Christ’s birth be with you and your loved ones, and may the coming year be filled with the blessings that flow from the knowledge that God is truly with us. 

In Christ’s abiding love, 

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook 

Episcopal Diocese of San Diego