Across the diocese, congregations are already practicing evangelism in ways they may not always recognize as evangelism. Churches are showing up at neighborhood events, farmers’ markets, and marches. Volunteers are offering water, prayer boards, meals, music, and conversation. Clergy and lay leaders are listening to stories of grief, hope, and longing in their neighborhoods. Youth and young adults are asking big questions about faith and justice. 

These are holy things–meant to be shared.  

At Diocesan Convention in November 2025, Bishop Susan announced the theme: The Year of Evangelism for 2026. This is not a single diocesan campaign. It invites congregations to ask simple but profound questions:

Where is God already at work among us? How are we being invited to share that story? What would it look like for all of us to take faithful risks?

Sharing faith with courage often requires support and practice. During the Year of Evangelism, formation opportunities in EDSD, such as the Leadership Academy and the Episcopal Communicators Conference, will help clergy and lay leaders grow in confidence and clarity. 

To begin this shared work, the Year of Evangelism will open with an invitation to listen deeply. On Wednesday, January 21, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will welcome The Rev. Stephanie Spellers for a diocesan gathering centered on her book Church Tomorrow?, hosted by EDSD and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Del Mar. Drawing on conversations with Millennials and Gen Z adults who identify as “Nones” and “Dones,” Rev. Spellers invites us to reflect honestly about how younger generations are experiencing meaning, belonging, and the sacred. What could their witness teach us about the future of Christian community? (Register for this event here). 

At Leadership Academy this Spring, one of the three tracks focuses on Evangelism and offers encouraging, practical ways for anyone who wants to grow more confident in sharing their faith. Following along the pathway of Gather, Transform, and Send, this track explores evangelism as something lived–a posture of openness, hospitality, and attentiveness to God’s work. In these three interconnected classes, participants will reflect on how we invite others into the life of the Church, deepen our own discipleship, and go forth to share God’s love in ways that feel genuine and faithful.

Leadership Academy is designed as a supportive learning space, and the Evangelism track is no exception. These sessions are especially well-suited for clergy and lay leaders who want encouragement, language, and practical tools for naming faith with greater ease. You do not need prior experience—only a willingness to listen, learn, and try something new. Whether you are curious about evangelism or have been quietly practicing it for years, this track offers a chance to grow alongside others, gain a fresh perspective, and leave feeling equipped and hopeful.

The Episcopal Communicators Conference, coming to San Diego in April, offers a powerful opportunity to grow in sharing the Good News with clarity, creativity, and care. At its heart, the conference is about helping the Church tell its story well—learning how to articulate faith in ways that are faithful, compelling, and grounded in real life. Through workshops, labs, and shared conversations, participants gain practical tools for storytelling, digital ministry, visual communication, and evangelism shaped by relationship rather than rhetoric. For anyone seeking to communicate the Gospel with greater confidence and imagination, the conference provides both skill-building and encouragement, reminding us that sharing good news is not about perfection, but about presence, honesty, and hope. (Register for the Episcopal Communicators Conference here).

Evangelism does not look the same in every community. And it is not meant to. Throughout 2026, evangelism across EDSD will grow in diverse and creative ways. Through congregational storytelling and testimony shared in worship, newsletters, and online spaces; neighborhood-based ministries rooted in presence, service, and relationship; storytelling that meets people where they already are; invitation seasons that encourage congregations to welcome friends, neighbors, and family; and partnerships and collaborations that reflect God’s work beyond church walls we will walk together to share the good news of Christ already at work in our diocese.  

How will you live into the Year of Evangelism?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. John 1:1-5

One of the most beautiful sights of Christmas is light shining in darkness: the Christmas tree lighting up a dark room; Christmas decorations on houses shining brilliant colors into the street; the candles of Christmas Eve illumining a dark church as the congregation sings “Silent Night.” The familiar Christmas story in Luke’s gospel that we hear each Christmas Eve tells us that a heavenly host of angels lit up the night sky to proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth. And the Christmas story that opens John’s gospel, above, begins with the proclamation that Christ’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Our world today is full of darkness. From gun violence to fears of immigrants who seek a new life but may not be allowed to find it here, to people living without homes, to continued conflict in our country and in our world, human beings suffer in our world. I hear many people expressing fear about our future and about whether the stable, prosperous world in which many of us grew up can survive.

Christmas comes to remind us that light shines in the darkness. Christmas is a gift, not a gift tied up in red bows and tinsel, but an everlasting gift of God’s love to us. Christmas tells us that God has come into the world as a small, poor, vulnerable infant who will live and die as one of us. Christmas tells us that God’s love was so great that the poor and vulnerable infant would grow up and give his life for the love of humankind. Christmas tells us that Christ’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The light of Christmas shines all over our diocese. In so many ways, our people light up this world through worship, evangelism, and service. I see the light of Christmas in many congregations that serve the hungry and those without homes. The light of Christmas shines through diocesan organizations like Episcopal Community Services, which is preparing to open a new 50-bed facility to house those who struggle with substance abuse and homelessness. It shines through Community of Light, our migrant shelter in Tijuana; through our Faith Accompaniment project for migrants at the courthouse; and through our many other ministries with migrants and refugees. It shines in each congregation that celebrates the coming of Christ this Christmas. It shines in the ways we share God’s love with others and proclaim the God of love and peace. In Christ’s name, Episcopalians in our diocese shine God’s light every day.

This Christmas Day, I pray that the light of Christ shines in each of our hearts, and that as the people of Christ, we may always shine that light into this dark world, transforming it with God’s love.

Blessed Christmas,

Bishop Susan Brown Snook

As the holiday season unfolds around us, with twinkling lights, joyous carols, and bustling festivities, many of us carry a quieter reality. For some, the holidays can feel like a long and dark season—a time when grief, loneliness, or struggles weigh heavier against the backdrop of celebration. For those who find the holiday season difficult, Blue Christmas services are a tender and reflective gathering where we bring pain, struggles, and hopes, finding solace in the promise of Christ. A Blue Christmas service acknowledges that not all hearts are merry and bright this time of year. It is a service of lament and healing that offers comfort and peace to those burdened by life’s many challenges.

The season of Advent is all about the expectation of coming joy, but for many, this waiting feels inauthentic. Perhaps they are grieving the loss of a loved one, facing the reality of a difficult diagnosis, or experiencing economic struggles. Maybe they are overwhelmed by the weight of the world’s injustices or isolated from loved ones. Blue Christmas provides a time to bring these realities to the altar, to name the weight we carry, and to lay them before God.

For me, sitting in a quiet sanctuary, surrounded by others who are also carrying burdens, I feel relief. The holiday season can be especially taxing emotionally, financially, and, at times, physically. This is the power of Blue Christmas; it is church for the weary, a place where the light of Christ shines warmly, even in the darkest night.

The Rev. Nina Bacas, Rector of St. Bartholomew’s in Poway, said, “Not everyone can find joy at Christmas time. It’s difficult terrain for those who have suffered from loss, mental health crises, addiction, or other hardships. In response, the church invites all to come to the Blue Christmas Eucharist, where there is no need to mask feelings for the sake of social norms. Blue Christmas is a safe, peaceful space to experience Christ’s healing, acceptance, and love as we remember our losses and release our burdens to God.”

The readings, prayers, and hymns of a Blue Christmas reorient us toward the heart of the Christmas message. As we light candles in the darkness, we remember that Jesus came into a world much like ours—filled with suffering, division, and longing—and brought light, peace, and love. This service reminds us that God is not distant from our struggles but walks with us in them, offering healing and renewal.

For our neighbors, our parishioners, and even ourselves, Blue Christmas is a gift. It reminds us that even on the longest night, the light of Christ is never extinguished. It assures us that our pain is seen, our struggles matter, and our hope is secure in the Christ who came to live among us.

You can attend a Blue Christmas service in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego here:

All Souls’ Episcopal Church
1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Sunday, December 21 at 3:00 PM — a light reception following the service

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
16275 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Thursday, December 18 at 12:00 PM (Chapel)

Church of St Paul in the Desert
125 W El Alameda, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 PM

St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
6556 Park Ridge Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120
Wednesday, November 17 at 4:00 PM

St. John’s Episcopal Church
434 Iowa St, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
334 14th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Monday, December 15 at 7:00 PM

St Mary’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church (w/First Congregational Church)
1010 12th St, Ramona, CA 92065
Friday, December 19, 7:00–8:00 PM (at First Congregational Church, 404 Eighth St, Ramona)

St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
743 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00 PM

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (Rancho Peñasquitos)
10125 Azuaga St, San Diego, CA 92129
Thursday, December 18 at 11:00 AM
A daytime Blue Christmas service for those unable to attend in the evening.

Grace Episcopal Church (San Marcos)
1020 Rose Ranch Rd, San Marcos, CA 92068
Tuesday, December 16 from 5:00–6:00 PM

The last week of January is chilly, even in San Diego. It may even be rainy and windy. Darkness only increases a sense of vulnerability, especially for those without permanent shelter.

On January 29, 2026, in San Diego County, volunteers will participate in the Point in Time (PIT) Count, an annual survey of our neighbors who are currently experiencing homelessness. The PIT Count collects data on people residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s words, “public places not meant for human habitation” – such as parks, cars, parking lots, and abandoned buildings.

This work aligns deeply with the mission of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, which calls us to follow Jesus by practicing courageous love in our communities. Congregations across the diocese are learning, collaborating, and taking faithful action to address housing instability in their neighborhoods. From parish-led outreach teams to advocacy for affordable housing, our diocesan efforts echo the core belief that every person is made in the image of God and deserves safety, dignity, and a place to belong. The PIT Count is one way we can live out that commitment—standing alongside our neighbors, listening carefully to their stories, and helping ensure our region has the information necessary to respond with compassion and justice.

On the morning of the PIT count, volunteers work in teams to locate and assess individuals they meet in each area. Using a mobile app, they’ll ask folks to provide valuable information to give a sense of the number of people experiencing homelessness as well as their ages, income levels, and other categories (for example, military status). This type of data is reported to local, state, and federal organizations to help allocate resources and develop strategies for addressing and alleviating homelessness.

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness administers and reports on the results of San Diego County’s PIT Count. However, this data is not an accurate measure of a community’s unsheltered population over time, offering only a “snapshot” of homelessness in a given area on a given night. Volunteers are unable to count folks they can’t see, and increasing community efforts at criminalization (via fines and tickets) of unsheltered individuals require them to be as invisible as possible. And the PIT Count can’t include people living in unsafe or unstable situations with family or friends (for example, “couch surfing” or staying in unheated garages), in hospitals, or in jail.

Our faith teaches us to stand with those on the margins, our siblings in Christ whom the rest of society pushes away. Isaiah 58:7 tells of our duty to “share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.” Jesus reminds us repeatedly that the kingdom of God is one of inclusion, grace, and sanctuary for all.

I encourage everyone to participate in their region’s annual Point In Time Count as a crucial step in gathering needed data on homelessness. You can volunteer using this link from the Regional Task Force for Homelessness. And stay engaged with your local community’s efforts to provide safe, affordable housing, because everyone needs a place to call home.

When St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park broke ground on a new 78-unit affordable-housing development earlier this year, the moment marked far more than the start of construction. It signaled a renewed commitment—to the neighborhood, to working families, to refugees rebuilding their lives, and to long-time residents priced out of the community they love. The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s Mission Real Estate initiative was created precisely for moments like this: moments when the church stewards its resources to respond to unmet community needs, creating affordable homes and spaces that allow individuals and families to flourish.

As construction continues toward the building’s anticipated opening, the project has reached another meaningful milestone–a name!

And not just a name chosen by a committee or marketing firm—but a name shaped through collaboration involving the congregation, diocesan staff, developer Trestle Build, and branding partner Four Fin. The result is a word that carries the hopes, heritage, and heart of the St. Luke’s community.

That word is Amani.

Long before naming sessions began, the people of St. Luke’s knew exactly why building affordable homes mattered. For years, parishioners had watched rents in North Park escalate to levels that pushed out families, artists, workers, and even longtime members of the congregation itself. Many of St. Luke’s members—especially those from East African immigrant communities—shared stories of neighbors forced to leave the area because stable, affordable homes simply no longer existed.

The diocese and St. Luke’s decided to act. Through a 99-year ground lease with Trestle Build, the church committed its land—not for profit, but for mission. The result will be an eight-story apartment building offering income-restricted homes for households earning 30–70% of the area median income. It will include spaces designed for connection, such as a ground-floor courtyard and an eighth-floor community room with sweeping views of the neighborhood. No parking garage—just homes with new residents who can walk to local schools, grocery stores, and parks, plus easy access to frequent bus service.

From the start, the commitment was clear: the building must be beautiful, intentional, and worthy of the people who will call it home. It should support dignity and belonging. And, most of all, it should reflect the identity and values of St. Luke’s itself.

To find a name that captured that identity, St. Luke’s hosted a multilingual, multicultural naming workshop over the summer. Participants included church members, diocesan staff, and Trestle Build representatives. Branding partner Four Fin led the research and vetting, but the inspiration came from the people whose lives are woven into St. Luke’s story.

The naming exercise unfolded in three parts. Participants first explored two guiding themes—Celebrating What’s Ahead and Radical Hospitality—then considered more than 100 words in English, Dinka, Arabic, Swahili, and other languages represented at St. Luke’s. Pages across the parish hall filled with words like Flourish, Ascent, Tumaini (“hope”), Karibu (“welcome”), and Mbegu (“seed”), reflecting both the aspirations of future residents and the congregation’s cultural richness. In a lively sticker-voting round, participants chose the words that resonated most deeply, which were then narrowed to a shortlist. These names were then handed to Four Fin, whose team analyzed them through a professional lens—reviewing trademarks, cultural sensitivities, regional usage, pronunciation, and visual branding potential.

Even after extensive analysis, one name stood out. At every stage—brainstorming, sticker-voting, discussion, and professional review—the same word rose to the top: Amani.

In Swahili, Amani means peace—not a passive peace, but a deep sense of safety and security, the kind of stability families long for when seeking a home. In Arabic, it means wishes, desires, and hopes—a fitting description of the future residents who will bring their dreams into this new space.

The name honored both the East African roots of many St. Luke’s families and the broader multicultural mosaic of North Park. It communicated both calm and aspiration—two qualities that capture exactly what affordable housing is meant to provide.

Jessica Ripper, EDSD’s Mission Real Estate Portfolio Manager, reflected on the journey:

“I deeply appreciate the care Trestle Build has put into aligning the project with the congregation and community identity,” she said. “From the earliest conversations to the final name selection, they have continually honored the voices, culture, and hopes of St. Luke’s.”

The Mission Real Estate continues to support congregations throughout the diocese in discerning how to develop their properties to enhance congregational vitality,  respond to God’s call to love and serve our neighbor, and build sustainable financial capacity. The majority of these congregations are exploring affordable housing, but other missional uses, such as early childhood education, senior services, health care, and nonprofit office space, are also options, depending on the church location and community priorities. And recently, Trinity Church Philanthropies awarded the diocese a second round of grant funding to support up to 10 additional congregations through discernment, feasibility assessments, and the selection of development partners.

With the selection of the name Amani, the development enters its next phase. Construction continues, relationships deepen, and excitement grows as the community watches the building take shape. For St. Luke’s, this project is far more than an architectural undertaking—it is an embodiment of Christian hospitality and justice. It is an example of what is possible when churches use their land, their history, and their imagination for the good of their neighbors.

And soon, 78 households will open the doors to their new home—a home named for peace, hope, and the possibility of flourishing. Amani.

To learn more about the Mission Real Estate program in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the St. Luke’s project, visit: www.edsd.org/mre

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:15-16 

Beloved in Christ, 

As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving (whether in large family circles or in quiet gratitude), my heart is full of thanks for the many signs of God’s abundant love and presence among us in this diocese. 

I remember the story of my grandfather in Oklahoma–one of ten siblings gathering year after year around a long table full of every kind of meat, vegetable, and dessert imaginable–family coming together, strangers becoming known, blessings woven through shared stories. 

That memory still reminds me: gratitude is rooted in deep relationship, in sharing what we have, and receiving what comes in love. 

What I am thankful for this year:

I give thanks for our life as a diocesan community — the way you, clergy and lay, staff and volunteer, churches and ministries, have stepped into this season of discipleship with courage and hope. In our Year of Discipleship, we are reminded that following Jesus calls us into growth. 

I give thanks for our witness in the world, even in difficult times. In June, I shared reflections on conflicts and turmoil, both global and local, and invited us to hold the world in prayer. I am deeply grateful for the way our churches, our actions, and our hearts live into the gospel of peace, justice, and reconciliation. 

I give thanks for hope and courage — courage to love when love is hard; courage to serve when service stretches us; courage to speak truth when speaking costs something. Because we are a people called to courageous love, we can trust God to bring new life in the face of fear. 

May this Thanksgiving become more than a one-day occasion. May it become a time to refocus our hearts toward noticing the good around us, naming our gratitude, sharing our table, and widening our circle. In the gathering and the giving, may we see Christ already among us. 

In Christ,
+Bishop Susan Brown Snook
Episcopal Diocese of San Diego 

We Need Your Voice! Diocesan leadership is beginning the work of a new strategic plan to take us into the next five years! The Courageous Love plan has concluded this year, having guided our ministries through ups (The Good News Festival! Comunidad de Luz!) and downs (COVID).

This work will be led by a Strategic Planning Committee, co-chaired by Ms. Mae Chao of St. Brigid’s Oceanside and Ms. Lori Thiel of St. James’, La Jolla. They will be assisted by Dr. Carsten Hennings of Point Loma Nazarene University, who is also a parishioner at St. James’.

We need to hear from as many in the diocese as possible, and to do that, we are asking everyone to participate in the Landscape Survey, from HolyCow! Consulting. 

On Thursday, November 13, just after sunset, hundreds gathered outside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building. Clergy in their collars, families with children, young and old holding candles, longtime advocates, and neighbors walking by–all drawn to an urgent purpose. They did not come for a political demonstration. They came to pray.

The prayer vigil, organized with leadership from San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), focused on the immigrants who have been detained in the courthouse basement–some reportedly without adequate food or care, and in some cases, for an extended time. Participants lifted their voices in prayer, lament, and hope. They sang. They held silence. They looked toward a building where people were suffering out of public view, and said, “You are not forgotten.”

Prayer is often thought of as personal–something private; something for the quiet moments in our homes or church pews. But throughout Scripture, prayer moves into the streets, the courtyards, the city gates. Prayer shows up in places where suffering is visible.

In Acts 16:25-26, Paul and Silas publicly prayed and sang outside a prison: 

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.

That night, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) took prayer to the public square, under streetlights, within sight of Federal employees working into the evening. Prayer happened in whispers and in songs, in silence and in spoken word, in the hands held between strangers and in the tears shared by people who understand the pain.

There is something very Christian about praying in the very place where harm is happening. It is not a performance. The Ven. Cindy Campos, Archdeacon, said, “God is here, too. God does not abandon suffering. And neither do we.”

Over 25% of the Episcopal congregations in our diocese were represented. Our clergy and lay members offered more than prayers—they offered presence, solidarity, and a message that the dignity of every person matters to us. 

David Jay, member of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church and the congregation’s representative on the SDOP board, said, “It was powerful to gather with friends from across the diocese and members of so many San Diego faith communities. It is our duty to be a voice for those who are being held without due process and to let their children and families know that we see them and care for them as our neighbors.”

Even though those detained in the courthouse basement may never know that people gathered above them, the act of showing up still carries real human significance. Public witness and prayer change the environment around suffering. When a community stands in prayer outside a place of harm, it names that harm and insists that what is happening behind closed doors is worthy of our moral attention. It tells the city, its leaders, and all who pass by that people’s lives matter, even when those detained cannot hear the prayers being spoken on their behalf.

In a season when many feel powerless, the act of gathering in prayer brings solidarity and strengthens the resolve of those working toward justice. The vigil may not reach the detainees directly, but it strengthens the community that surrounds them, reminding all of us that suffering should never go unacknowledged or unanswered.

For Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Diego, showing up does not end at the building’s steps. Through EDSD’s participation in the “Faithful Accompaniment in Trust and Hope” program (FAITH), volunteers now show up inside the courtroom, sitting beside immigrants facing hearings, offering the same message of dignity, solidarity, and presence in a context that is incredibly isolating. 

In the courtroom, the presence of a volunteer is not legislative or legal advocacy; it is a spiritual and relational presence. In an EDSD News article from September 9, 2025, Archdeacon Campos said, “Our purpose is to be a presence to those seeking asylum, refugees facing deportation, those individuals or families before the judge with or without an attorney. We do this at the individual’s request, to provide spiritual support, not to cause any trouble. We are there as a gift of presence. Our actions speak for themselves.”

Rev. Gigi Miller, a deacon in EDSD, shared her experience, “I’ve felt a palpable sense of fear and anxiety from immigrants and their families; one young person I sat beside was visibly trembling. I offered a smile and tried to remain a calming presence.”

Not surprisingly, it is not only immigrants and refugees who carry heavy burdens in the courtroom. Judges, lawyers, interpreters, and court staff are also stretched by the constant emotional strain and the weight of life-altering decisions made each day. Court workers often witness the deep anxiety of those before them without the ability to ease their suffering. Stress and fatigue are shared by everyone in the room–the ministry of presence offers quiet support not just to those on trial, but to everyone under the pressures of this system.

Showing up will not solve every injustice; it will not immediately change the systems that cause suffering—but it changes us. It forms us into a people who refuse to look away, who place our bodies and prayers in the very spaces where compassion is most needed. Whether gathered in the cold outside the courthouse or seated quietly beside someone in a hearing room, showing up is how we say that every person is worthy of dignity and care. This is the work of courageous love. This is the witness of the Church. And this is how we will continue to stand with our neighbors–unafraid to show up again.

If you are interested in learning more about participating in this ministry of presence, please contact Caylie Cruze from San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) at caylie@sdop.net for the appropriate training. Or sign up for regular updates on the program at faithsd.flocknote.com/generalinterest.

Photos provided by SDOP

Clergy and lay leaders from every corner of the diocese came together to pray, learn, and celebrate the good news we are called to live out in our communities this past weekend. The conversations were thoughtful, the worship was joyful, and the energy renewed our sense that God continues to work through our churches in meaningful and transformative ways. It was good to be together, to listen to one another, and to remember the mission we share.

Convention Presentations

Bishop’s Address

Enjoy the Bishop’s Address, where Bishop Susan reflects on our shared ministry and the road ahead. Listen closely and consider how these words speak to you in this moment.

Bishop’s Sermon
Take a breath, settle your spirit, and enjoy the message Bishop Susan prepared for Diocesan Convention Eucharist.

Consider all the ways our diocese supports migrants and those struggling to find their feet amid the current migration crisis. 

Charlette Preslar, Director of Formation, provides a thrilling report on 2025’s formation efforts and gives a sneak peek into 2026.

Jessica Ripper, Mission Real Estate Portfolio Manager, provides a report on the current efforts of our Mission Real Estate program.

The Rev. Douglas Worthington shares an opportunity for individuals to join young recruits for worship on Sundays throughout their time at boot camp. 

The youth attending Diocesan Convention provided a presentation on their work during the convention.

Awards

Bishop’s Cross Award 2025 – Tony Ralphs

Tony Ralphs is the inspiration and the generous contributor who made it possible for us to open Community of Light, or Comunidad de Luz, our migrant shelter for women and children in Tijuana. For decades, Tony and his wife, Pilar, have owned and operated an orphanage in Tijuana, and have hosted mission groups and others in a second building on the same property. After hearing our Migration Missioner, Robert Vivar, speak about our diocese’s work on the border, Tony approached Robert and offered him the use of the second building as a migrant shelter. A shelter like this was a longtime dream of Robert’s and of mine, and we gladly accepted the offer and have worked to raise money, gather leaders, and open a shelter whose vision is to go beyond provision of basic necessities. Our goal is to offer job training, education, trauma-informed medical and psychological care, and spiritual and pastoral care for people whose lives have been immensely difficult. We want to support these migrants to start a new life, probably right there in Tijuana. Without Tony’s vision and support, Comunidad would never have been possible.

Tony’s faith has informed his life for decades. Beginning with a transformative visit with Mother Teresa in India years ago, Tony has been inspired to bless the vulnerable and suffering of the world. The orphanage he and his family operate in Tijuana, Casa Hogar de Los Ninos, is one example of how he has transformed lives through the power of Christ. Several generations of orphaned and abandoned children have found safety and the love of a family through the work of this orphanage. Many mission groups have built homes in Tijuana, using the property as a home base. Now migrant women and children have the chance to start a new life because of Tony’s vision and generosity.

In his life and ministry, Tony truly embodies the words of Jesus: “Truly I tell you, if you have done it to one of the least of my sisters and brothers, you have done it to me.” Thank you, Tony, for your compassion and care for Jesus’s beloved siblings. In his name, I am proud to award you this Bishop’s Cross.

Bishop’s Cross 2025 – Sandi Lanzarotta Chan

Sandi Lanzarotta Chan is a professional real estate broker and property manager. Sandi has considerable experience working with properties. For the past 15 or so years, Sandi has given generously of her talents through the diocesan property committee. Whether a congregation has water damage, deferred maintenance, a problem tenant, or anything else, Sandi is willing to roll up her sleeves and work with congregations to make our buildings safe, useful, and beautiful. In diocesan property committee, Sandi is known for her view that the committee should be a resource to partner with congregations; she often asks the committee, “what can we do to be helpful in this situation?” Her handiwork is silently visible throughout the diocese: she has been involved in managing almost all of our mission congregations and many of our parishes at one point or another. She carries the institutional memory of how our properties have been maintained across her many years of service.

Sandi is a member of St. Peter’s Del Mar, and has been involved not only with property committee throughout the diocese, but has also served on diocesan coaching teams for APP congregations. She is also on the board of All Saints Cemetery, the diocesan cemetery in north county, where she serves as treasurer, and is active in Cursillo, and serving this convention in the Daughters of the King prayer room – all while running her own property management company.

I am so grateful that Sandi has been able to make time out of her very busy schedule to serve the diocese so consistently over these many years. And for that dedicated service to work that is often behind the scenes but is so important in keeping our buildings serving our mission, I am happy to award Sandi this Bishop’s Cross.

Good News Award 2025 – Susan Forsburg

Susan Forsburg is the official photographer for St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Diocese of San Diego. Her dedicated and beautiful photographic art documents Sundays, holy days, special events, and touching moments throughout our diocese. She can frequently be seen at events like right here at Diocesan Convention, walking around and stooping, stretching, and bending to get just the right camera angle. When you see photos in news articles and social media, more often than not they are her work, showing care in artistic design, lighting, lens selection, and all the other crafts that turn photography from simply a historical record to a true art. Her photographs of St. Paul’s Cathedral, in particular, capture the shifting light, colors, and beauty of that lovely place, and her close-ups of people celebrating, preaching, listening, and experiencing the sacraments bring the visual story of our faith to the fore. She can also be found at special events at other churches in the diocese, capturing baptisms, ordinations, and special moments for posterity.

Susan’s photographic art extends beyond the church, including beautiful photographs of nature, animals, and other scenes that are accepted into juried photographic exhibits. This talented photographer fits her ministry in with the rest of her busy life as a professor of microbiology at USC. A true renaissance woman, she devotes a good part of her time and effort to the work of the church, and we are indebted to her for helping us tell the story of the Episcopal Church here in San Diego. I am delighted to present Susan Forsburg with the Good News Award.

Youth Give Servant Ministry Award

The youth of the diocese awarded Bob “Chainsaw” Oslie with a special servant ministry award for his overarching support of youth and their spiritual development.  

Convention Workshops

The workshops this year were an important part of our time together, offering both theological reflection and practical guidance for ministry. The Nicene Creed panel brought together Pastor Casey Kloehn Dunsworth (ELCA), The Rev. Brad Easterbrooks (Roman Catholic), and The Rev. Dr. John Koenig (Episcopalian) for a rich and thoughtful conversation. Their discussion invited participants to consider how the Creed shapes our shared identity as Christians across traditions. People left with a deeper understanding of how the Creed unites us through a common language of faith while still welcoming the diversity of our experiences and perspectives.

The Advocacy workshop, led by Alan Yarborough, focused on how we live out our faith in the public sphere. Participants explored practical ways to connect the values we proclaim on Sunday with the needs of our neighbors throughout the week. The session encouraged Episcopalians to approach advocacy as a ministry rooted in love, humility, and listening. Many who attended expressed appreciation for the clarity and encouragement offered, and left better equipped to engage faithfully, confidently, and collaboratively in their communities.

Couragous Love Listening Sessions

Thank you to everyone who took part in the first round of listening sessions for our next diocesan strategic plan. Your insight and honest reflection are helping shape where we direct our energy and focus in the years ahead. Additional opportunities are being planned so that individual congregations can host listening sessions of their own, ensuring that every community has a voice in this work.

We will also be inviting broad participation through a diocesan-wide survey. By the end of November, you will be asked to participate in the Landscape Survey. This will offer another way to share your perspective. More information about the Landscape Survey will be provided in next week’s edition of the EDSD News so that you can prepare and encourage others in your congregation to participate.

Elections

As part of our work, the Convention elected leaders who will guide and support our common ministry in the coming years. The following individuals were elected to serve:

General Convention Deputation

Clergy

Hannah Wilder

Lilia Mendoza

Brian Petersen

Richard Hogue

Roberto Maldenado-Mercado (First Alternate)

Kate Flexer (Second Alternate)

Lay

Robert Vivar

Jennifer Jow

Mae Chao

Ward Fleri

Cynde Durnford Branecki (First Alternate)

Joseph Rhodenhiser (Second Alternate)

Executive Council (Per the canons, the bishop will appoint three additional members)

Clergy

Nina Bacas

Lay

Joe Lopez

Stefan Henning

Standing Committee

Clergy

Douglas Worthington

Lay

Andrew Waters

Disciplinary Board

Clergy

Kirby Smith

Laurel Mathewson

Lay

Andrew Waters

Secretary of Convention

Brian Johnson

When the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, they brought the very first announcement of the good news of Jesus’ birth. “Do not be afraid,” they said, “for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” That’s evangelism in its purest form: a joyful proclamation that God has come among us in love. 

The shepherds didn’t keep that message to themselves. After hearing the good news, they hurried to Bethlehem to see for themselves what God had done—and then they shared what they had witnessed with others. The Christmas story itself is a story of evangelism: an invitation to come, see, and share the miracle of God’s presence in the world. 

As we approach Advent, we have a similar opportunity. Many people around us—friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even family members—might only consider attending church once or twice a year. But Christmas is a time when hearts are open and curiosity stirs. People are longing for beauty, meaning, and belonging. Your invitation could be the simple act that helps them rediscover faith, community, or a sense of hope. 

Evangelism doesn’t have to be intimidating or awkward. It can be as natural as saying, “Would you like to come to church with me on Christmas Eve?” That small, heartfelt invitation can open the door for someone to encounter the love of Christ in a new way. 

In the Episcopal tradition, evangelism isn’t about pressure or persuasion—it’s about inviting people to experience Jesus in community. When we gather around the Table, we hear again the story of God’s love and experience Christ’s forgiveness and nourishment. Inviting others to join us in that sacred rhythm is central to how we share the good news. 

Sometimes, we Episcopalians hope that our good works or beautiful worship will speak for themselves. And while those things matter deeply, they often aren’t enough on their own. If we truly hope that our neighbors and loved ones will experience the good news of Jesus as we have, we must personally invite them to come and see for themselves. 

Evangelism is often misunderstood as “cold-calling for Jesus”—approaching strangers or debating theology. But that’s not what we’re talking about here. Studies show that invitations within existing relationships—between friends, coworkers, or family—are far more effective and meaningful. Evangelism rooted in relationship, kindness, and authenticity reflects the heart of the Gospel itself. 

This Advent, as you prepare your heart for Christ’s coming, think about who you might invite to church this Christmas. A neighbor who’s new to town, a friend who’s been searching for community, or a loved one who hasn’t been to church in years—each might be waiting for someone to say, “Come with me.” 

Here are a few tips for inviting Someone to church this Christmas: 

Pray first. Ask God to place someone on your heart who might be open to an invitation during Advent. Pray for courage, compassion, and the right opportunity to reach out. 

Be personal. A direct, sincere invitation means more than a social media post. A text, call, or face-to-face conversation can make all the difference. 

Make it easy. Offer to pick up your guest or meet them outside before the service. If your church is holding multiple Christmas services, let them know their options. 

Share what you love. Tell them why Christmas at your church is meaningful to you—the beauty of the music, the candlelight, the message of hope. 

Follow up. After the service, check in. Ask what they thought, invite them back for another Sunday, or simply thank them for coming. 

Be patient and kind. Not everyone will say yes right away—but your invitation might be the first step on a longer journey of faith. 

Advent reminds us that God is coming near—into our world, our lives, and our communities. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let’s also prepare to share that good news. The angels’ message still rings true: “I bring you good news of great joy.” This year, may we be the ones who carry that good news into the world, one invitation at a time.