Diocesan Convention
Reports to Convention
Camp Stevens
Camp Stevens continues to live into our work of becoming a beloved community in action through our onsite services, partner collaboration, and expanding impact in our local and greater community. Camp Stevens served over 5000 family and summer campers, retreatants, team building participants, and outdoor education students over the last year. Many churches, organizations and communities have participated and shown up as supporters and collaborators. The experience of this relationship building revealed that the sacred work of Camp Stevens is more than a place, it's our ever-expanding community of people.
Rooted in our Episcopal values, we celebrated our 70th anniversary by hosting a Restorative Justice Retreat in October 2022. Valarie Kaur, author, civil rights lawyer and Sikh activist was our keynote speaker. This event was supported by our beloved partners from Episcopal Community Services, the Diocese of San Diego and Los Angeles, Refugee Net, St Peter's Del Mar Thrift Shop, All Saints Riverside, St Cross Hermosa Beach, the Center for Spirituality in Nature and more. Many other secular and faith based partners were engaged from all over Southern California
Locally we are a part of the Backcountry Collaborative which is a collection of businesses, schools, law enforcement agencies, and nonprofit organizations who are working to support the people of rural San Diego County. We also participate in the local Chamber of Commerce as well as actively partner with the Volcan Mountain Foundation, Ilan Lael Foundation, and the Santa Ysabel Reservation. In June we hosted the Kumeyaay Regional Mountain Gathering at Camp Stevens. Finally, we hosted four Seasonal Suppers throughout the year, inviting the local and greater community to join us for dinner, music, and good company.
In 2023 Camp Stevens received the regional American Camping Association (ACA) award for Outstanding Programs, highlighting our work around LGBTQ inclusion and access.
In March 2023 our board and leadership decided to prepare for strategic planning in 2024. In preparation we are conducting a three-part process: The first part is an assessment of our property and facilities deferred maintenance. Since we transitioned from fire recovery almost immediately to pandemic survival, this assessment and related work has not been prioritized. The second part is a review of our impact model, also known as a business model in the for-profit world. The third part is a community survey and focus group project facilitated by the outside consulting organization Troubling the Waters. This approach will provide updated practical information framed in the lens of our community's needs, hopes, and dreams. We are excited to see what emerges from this work.
We hope to see you all in 2024 at camp or in the world.
Campus Ministry Report
Campus ministry at SDSU has been busy enjoying and supporting relationships with returning core students, while extending our outreach to new connections. We are grateful for the addition of Raisin (the maltipoo) to our outreach team, funded by a grant to begin an Animal Assisted Ministry. A regular group of students and staff make sure to come visit their favorite pup on campus every week, all of whom are now integrated into the Agape community.
Through the simple hospitality of free pizza, a shady space to rest from the sun, and 7-month-old puppy energy, Agape San Diego is sharing God’s love and connecting with dozens of students and community members who stop by each week. By students’ popular demand, we are planning our second annual winter retreat at Camp Stevens this December.
Agape continues to work towards our anticipated building project to support 40 students living in intentional community, and we welcome your prayers as the final pieces of this project come together.
Rev. Heather Ma (she/hers)
Canon to the Ordinary Report
Duties of the Canon to the Ordinary include clergy and congregational transitions, Diocesan liturgies, congregational development, Convention, Clergy Conference, and staff support for the Executive Council and its committees, implementation of the Strategic Plan, and support of the Commission on Ministry.
Clergy and Congregational Transitions between November 6, 2022 and October 13, 2023
The following clergy transitions took place (in alphabetical order):
The Rev. Susan Astarita has concluded her ministry at St. David’s, San Diego.
The Rev. Nina Bacas is now the rector at St. Bartholomew’s, Poway.
The Rev. Kent Branstetter retired from St. Dunstan’s, San Diego.
The Very Rev. Tom Callard will begin serving as rector at Trinity, Escondido on November 1.
The Rev. Paul Carmona serves as music director at Christ Church, Coronado.
The Rev. Michael Carr resigned as priest-in-charge at St. Francis, Pauma Valley.
The Rev. Willy Crespo retired from St. Timothy’s, San Diego and is now serving as interim priest-in-charge at St. Alban’s, El Cajon.
The Rev. Bill Doggett concluded his service as interim at St. Bartholomew’s, Poway. He is now serving as priest-in-charge at Good Shepherd, Hemet, and St. Hugh’s, Idyllwild.
The Rev. Cathey Dowdle served as interim assisting priest at St. Dunstan’s, San Carlos.
The Rev. Rob Eaton is serving as interim minister at St. Francis, Pauma Valley.
Pastor Mark Galbraith (ELCA) concluded his ministry as interim at Trinity, Escondido.
The Rev. Bill Garrison concluded his ministry as interim at All Souls’, San Diego.
The Rev. Katherine Gordon is serving as interim priest-in-charge at St. Timothy’s, San Diego
The Rev. Cole Gruberth concluded his ministry as associate at St. Peter’s, Del Mar. He is now serving at St. Margaret’s School in San Juan Capistrano.
The Rev. Rebecca Hansen (formerly Dinovo) concluded her ministry at St. James’, La Jolla, and is now the rector of St. Dunstan’s, San Carlos.
The Rev. Nancy Holland is serving as deacon at St. David’s, San Diego.
The Rev. Martie Johnson is serving as assisting priest at Holy Cross, Carlsbad.
The Rev. Michael Kilpatrick concluded his service at St. Mark’s, San Diego, and is now serving as deacon at All Souls’, San Diego.
The Rev. Susan Latimer retired as rector of Good Shepherd, Hemet.
The Rev. Heather Ma was ordained priest and serves as campus minister at SDSU with Agape House.
The Rev. Dave Madsen retired as rector of St. Alban’s, El Cajon, and is now serving as rector at St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs.
The Rev. Christina Miller was ordained priest, and serves as curate at St. James’, La Jolla.
The Rev. Steve Schuneman is serving as interim minister at All Saints, Vista
The Rev. Bill Schwartz is serving as priest-in-charge at Christ the King, Alpine
The Rev. Ken Simon served as interim at Trinity, Escondido.
The Rev. Kirby Smith concluded his ministry at All Saints’, Vista and is now interim rector at St. David’s, San Diego.
The Rev. Dawn Stary was ordained priest and serves as curate at St. Andrew’s, Encinitas.
The Rev. Hannah Wilder is now vicar at St. Mary’s-in-the-Valley, Ramona.
The Rev. Douglas Worthington is now rector at All Souls’, San Diego.
Clergy Deaths
The Rev. Mary Katherine Allman
The following congregations are in transition:
St. Alban’s, El Cajon
St. Andrew’s, La Mesa
St. Francis, Pauma Valley
St. Timothy’s, San Diego
The following congregations are served by supply clergy and are not in a search process:
St. Andrew’s, Lake Elsinore
St. Columba’s, Santee
Diocesan Liturgies
The Rev. Heather Ma, the Rev. Christina Miller and the Rev. Dawn Stary were ordained to the transitional diaconate on February 18, 2023 and to the priesthood on August 19, 2023.
Clergy Renewal of Vows was held on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 4, 2023.
Faithfully submitted,
The Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch
Church Enrichment Committee
We welcomed several new members in 2023: Nancy Burnett, Katherine Gordon, Brian Petersen, and Jessie Thompson. Returning members were Susan Latimer, chair, Brooks Mason, Daniel McMillan, Bill Doggett, and Gwynn Lynch, with Bishop Susan.
Our major task is to administer Clergy Retreat (conference) every year in September.
In order to discern our direction for new offerings, we did some brainstorming and then prioritized the ideas.
New this year was a day of Fellowship for clergy on June 1st with a lunch in the desert for desert area clergy, and a hike and sack lunch on the coast. Those who attended enjoyed the day and we plan to continue this tradition in 2024. Thank you to Nancy Burnett and Katherine Gordon who planned the coast event, and to Jessie Thompson who planned the desert event.
Also new was a clergy interest/talents directory. We asked folks to let us know what their hobbies and interests are, as well as skills that they might be willing to share with other parishes in the Diocese. (both paid and unpaid). Thank you to Brian Petersen who led this effort.
We plan to offer a day of fellowship with an optional hike in the desert area this winter, date and time TBD. Our Clergy Retreat is scheduled for Sept 27-29 at Vina de Lestonnac retreat center in Temecula.
Our retreat leader is Marilyn McEntyre: writer, former professor of medical humanities at UC Berkeley and of English at Westmont College. The retreat theme is “Responding to the Call of the Moment”.
It is a joy to work with this committee.
The Rev. Susan J. Latimer, chair
Commission on Ministry
The Commission on Ministry (COM) has a canonically established role (TEC: Title III, Canon 2; EDSD: Title III, Canon 4), and its responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
advising and assisting the bishop regarding the ministry of all baptized persons;
coordinating the ordination process; recruiting, evaluating and recommending those who are called and prepared to serve God in the Church
During the past year, the Commission on Ministry, consisting of the below-listed members, met for twelve monthly meetings:
The Rev. Andrew Butler
The Rev. Cindy Campos
The Rev. Paul Carmona (chair)
The Rev. Mary Lynn Coulson
Mr. Terry Kelly
Ms. Debbie Kistler
The Rev. Daniel Kline
Ms. Equilla Lake
Ms. Georgia Schulz
The discernment process for ordination, as set forth in our Discernment and Formation Handbook (2nd edition, 2022) comprises four stages of discernment: Inquirer, Nominee, Postulant, and Candidate. During the interval since last year’s Diocesan Convention, the COM has made the following decisions and recommendations regarding the discerners who participated in the process:
Inquirers. Six discerners submitted their application and were welcomed into the process.
Nominees. The COM recommended seven inquirers to the bishop for advancement to nominee status, with the bishop affirming.
Postulants. On May 20, 2023, the COM led a Day of Discernment, following which the COM recommended two nominees to the bishop for advancement to postulancy, with the bishop affirming.
Candidates. During the past year, there were no postulants who advanced to candidacy. However, the COM made recommendations to the bishop and the Standing Committee that three continuing candidates be ordained to the transitional diaconate and, subsequently, to the priesthood. The ordinations took place on February 18 and August 19 of 2023, respectively.
Terry Kelly, vice-chair of the COM diligently coordinated for discerners the assignment and scheduling of Listening Hearts sessions and the creation of Parish Discernment Committees.
An important part of the COM’s activity is the periodic updating of our Discernment and Formation Handbook in order to reflect the latest adjustments to the requirements and timelines of the process. An updated edition will be appearing soon. The COM encourages all discerners, sponsoring clergy, parishioners, and other interested individuals to consult this handbook (available at the diocesan website) as a primary resource for understanding the rationale and steps of the process that may lead to ordination.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Commission on Ministry,
The Rev. Paul Carmona, Chair
Communications Report
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) Communications department embarked on a transformative journey in 2023, reimagining how we share the story of Christ in our region. Through the development of EDSD’s cellphone application, the implementation of new online forms that are connected to user profiles, the reorganization of the Diocesan Newsletter to a story-telling focus, and the updating over 25% of church websites throughout the diocese, the good news of Christ is shining brightly. 2023 is the 50th Anniversary of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. An extensive history project has provided regular stories about the history of EDSD, and a multi-part video series outlining ministry in the region since 1853 will be premiered at Diocesan Convention.
At the beginning of 2023, the EDSD Communications department set out to update church websites and utilize the energy from the Good News Festival (December 2022) to leverage greater social media and newsletter user retention through a multifaceted campaign. A part-time digital evangelist, Greg Tuttle, was hired to help produce and distribute social media shorts across all platforms. EDSD’s digital evangelist also produces the Faith to Go series every week.
The EDSD News added an additional 1,000 readers over 2023. The weekly news sees exceptional response. Mailchimp reports that religious-based industry standards are 27.62% of an audience opens the email, and 3.16% click on content in the email. EDSD’s weekly news reports an astounding 42% open rate and 12% click-through rate! Faith to Go, our formation podcast, is close to 50,000 downloads–a milestone worth celebrating.
Over the course of 2023, the EDSD Facebook page reached over 53,000 people, and the Instagram page reached over 10,000. The most successful social media campaign of 2023 was the video shorts covering the Episcopal Youth Event. Showcasing the authentic joy of experiencing Christ in community is always compelling content.
This summer, the Diocesan office implemented a new database system to help modernize and secure contact information, giving, forms, events, and more. In this process, the Communications Department launched the EDSD App, which allows users to easily read diocesan news articles, give securely, view/register for events, and more. The EDSD App also gives the Communications Department the ability to utilize ‘Push Notifications,’ a modern way to update users about important events, opportunities, and more.
EDSD had a few media highlights in the news this year. Bishop Susan was joined by a rabbi and a Buddhist to open the San Diego Pride parade in prayer on a live broadcast. Bishop Susan was interviewed after the Light Up the Cathedral event as well. On Good Friday, Bishop Susan was joined by members of Via International, Border Church, and more for a service in Friendship Park in Mexico. The Bishop and other leaders were interviewed in front of Via International’s headquarters before boarding the bus to Mexico.
As we move forward, we remain committed to utilizing innovative communication tools and strategies to further the mission of EDSD and share the good news of Christ. We are grateful to our dedicated team, our partners, and our community for making 2023 a landmark year for our communications efforts.
Community Engagement
2023 was designated as a Year of Service for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. We have offered opportunities to learn about justice issues and engage in service throughout the year. Four Theology of Service webinars early in the year allowed participants to focus on God’s call to us to serve our neighbors and the specific calls to care for refugees and immigrants as well as God’s creation. During Lent, churches were invited to read The New Parish together to focus on growing as churches who partner with their neighbors and are engaged in the flourishing of their local communities.
During the month of April, our Creation Care Month of Service, 16 churches engaged with diverse community partners to participate in projects including community clean-ups, planting and land preservation projects, composting, and a butterfly festival! In June, the Diocese’s Immigrant Month of Service, 20 churches engaged in service to benefit immigrants and refugees. Many of these churches collected items for migrants at the Tijuana/San Diego border or for migrant workers, and some of these churches are doing work to support migrant communities on an on-going basis. At our Diocesan convention in November, we will be focusing on service to our military and veteran communities. All of this work was coordinated in collaboration with the Creation Care Community, the EDSD Migration Missioner, and the EDSD Military Missioner.
All EDSD churches have the opportunity to participate in “Being Neighbors”, a free, interactive community engagement training offered by the Diocese that equips churches with tools and activities for learning about and engaging with their neighbors. Being Neighbors helps churches shift their identity, focus, and way of doing church so they increasingly become engaged partners in the communities in which God has planted them. This year three churches completed this training, six churches completed portions of the training or a modified version of it, and two are scheduled to start it during the fall of 2023. Other churches are invited to learn more by contacting Jason Evans at jevans@edsd.org
Blessings as you partner with, support, and learn from your neighbors, as you become part of their stories and allow them to be part of yours, and as you share and receive Good News in creative and life-giving ways!
Cursillo
Cursillo was founded in Spain in the 1940’s. It was started by lay people to help the laity become better followers of Jesus Christ. In other words, Cursillo is a Discipleship program.
Cursillo teaches discipleship by providing lessons in piety, study, and action during the Cursillo weekend.
The weekend is designed to deepen a person’s relationship with Jesus and enable them to live out their life as a witness to Jesus in the world. Each person is taught and inspired at a spiritual level (piety), at an intellectual level (study) and a ministry level (action). When we interact with God at all three of these levels, we become better followers of Jesus Christ.
For the year 2024 we will have one Cursillo weekend at the Whispering Winds Camp and Conference Center near Julian. The weekend will be on Thursday evening, February 22nd through Sunday afternoon, February 25th.
For more information about Cursillo, please talk to your Cursillo parish representative and visit the San Diego Cursillo website at www.sdcursillo.org
Looking back at what Cursillo has accomplished over this past year, we held a spring Cursillo weekend, two Back to the Mountain retreats, we will have celebrated multiple Ultreyas in 2023 throughout the Diocese, and we will have a Grand Ultreya at St. Andrew’s in La Mesa on Saturday, November 18, 2023. This will begin at 12:00 noon with a potluck lunch. You need not have made a Cursillo weekend in order to attend an Ultreya. Everyone is welcome.
In closing, thank you to all the people in this Diocese that are supportive of Cursillo!
Your friend in Christ,
The Rev. George M. Calvert
Diocesan Cursillo Spiritual Advisor
Daughters of the King
The Order of the Daughters of the King® is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. The Mission of the Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world. Membership in the Order is open to women at every stage of life between the ages of 7 and 107 who desire a closer walk with the Lord. It is an International Order of both lay and ordained women. The Diocese of San Diego currently has seventeen active Senior Women’s Chapters and two Junior Daughters Chapters.
There are three Diocesan wide gatherings yearly: Spring Assembly, Fall Assembly, and Quiet Day. These are open to all women of the diocese. Quiet Day was held in March, 2023. The Rev. Rev. Rebecca Hansen led the retreat titled: Finding Healing & Health from a Biblical Perspective. Our Spring Assembly included celebration of Eucharist with our Chaplain, Rev. Carole Horton-Howe. Our program “Praying with Sacred Imaginings” was led by Cyndie Woodbury, a contemplative artist, listener, and spiritual director. Our Fall Assembly was held Sept. 9th at St. Michael’s by the Sea, Carlsbad. Our program had a duel agenda. Part 1 presented information on how we gather as a chapter, diocese, province, and nation. In part 2, Rev. Carole Horton-Howe shared inspiration and insight from The Book of Joy, by Dali Lama & Desmond Tutu.
Going forward we will look forward to traveling to Louisville, Kentucky for Triennial 2024. We will be celebrating 138 years of Prayer, Service, and Evangilism. The theme will be A New Day Dawns.
We will continue service projects and support our rectors as requested. Some projects include: book & Bible studies, cards to military, bread for newcomers, Taize services, flowers to shut-ins, and Vida Joven (a home for disadvantaged children in Mexico). On the Diocesan level, Daughters support outreach programs such as Showers of Blessings, Second Chances, and St. Luke’s Refugee Community. Prayer, as always, is an integral part of the services provided by each chapter.
For information concerning The Order of the Daughters of the King® or to attend a gathering, please contact Fran Friesen at ffriesen44@gmail.com or 760-533-4410 or Meredith Riffel at meredithriffel5@gmail.com or 619-219-4993.
For His Sake, Fran Friesen and Meredith Riffel- Dok Diocesan Co-Presidents
Diocesan Executive Council
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) holds regular Executive Council meetings to discuss and implement strategic plans, manage finances, and carry out the mission and ministry of the diocese. The council functions as the Board of Directors of the Corporation of the Diocese and meets monthly, except for September. This summary provides an overview of the updated Executive Council Meeting Schedule for 2023 and highlights the various activities and initiatives undertaken by the council throughout the year.
Officers of Council are the Bishop the Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Snook as President, Jeff Martinhauk as Treasurer, Gwynn Lynch as Secretary of Convention (and therefore Secretary of Council), and David Bagley as Chancellor. A first and second vice-president are also elected, which serve only when the bishop is not present.
The EDSD Executive Council is actively involved in various activities and initiatives. For instance, in 2023, the council is planning to celebrate the 50th year of the diocese with celebrations throughout the year. The council is also focusing on major issues such as Mission Real Estate and Clergy Housing.
The council spent time working on the Good News Festival, an event that the entire diocese celebrated with the Presiding Bishop the Most Rev. Michael Curry. The council is also involved in ecumenical and interfaith partnerships, as evidenced by the consecration of the ELCA bishop at the cathedral.
The council is continuing to focus on the Mission Real Estate project, which has been well-received throughout the diocese. The council offered a joint workshop in early 2023 for all congregations who had expressed interest.
The EDSD Executive Council plays a crucial role in the functioning of the diocese. The council not only implements strategic plans and manages finances but also carries out the mission and ministry of the diocese. The updated Executive Council Meeting Schedule for 2023 reflects the council's commitment to these responsibilities. The various activities and initiatives undertaken by the council throughout the year further demonstrate its dedication to serving the diocese and its members.
Other bishop and council activities throughout the diocese:
The bishop attended the consecration of the new ELCA bishop in Los Angeles.
The bishop attended the Church Pension Group board meeting in New York. She reported that the group is working to reduce the costs of the denominational health plan.
The church plant in Oceanside, St. Brigid’s, is progressing well. They have started a Spanish language service and are actively involved in community outreach.
The rejuvenation of the worship space at the ECC is complete. The first exploration meeting was held and two more are planned for the rest of the year.
The evangelism course has started with eight participants. The course is a train-the-trainer event, and the feedback has been positive.
The military ministry symposium was a success with many attendees. Plans are being made for future events.
The new Data Management system is being implemented. The first training session was held, and the feedback was positive.
Diocesan Convention was successfully held at St. Bartholomew’s.
Mission Real Estate presentation at convention was very well-received.
Additional highlights throughout the diocese:
The Year of Service began in 2023. There will be virtual training on the theology of service offered once a week in January, a diocesan book study in Lent, a diocesan-wide creation care opportunity, a refugee and immigrant service opportunity, and Veterans and military service in conjunction with Convention.
The bishop reported that the entire diocesan staff had poured a lot of time and energy into the Good News Festival and expressed her appreciation for all those who worked so hard on the event.
Amazing stories are being told about the event, which are being collected.
The bishop also visited Mexicali with Troy Elder and Lorenzo Lebrija to see two migrant shelters there.
Canon for Mission Jason Evans shared information about the Good News Festival and thanked the group. There was a huge number of volunteers at the event. Thirteen donors gave $180,000 for the event. There were workshops and a holiday marketplace. Over 80 youth participated, for 50% of them this was their first exposure to the Episcopal church. There were numerous ecumenical partners involved, including bishops from Mexico and Guatemala, as well as other local inter-faith leaders. Attendance was between 1200 and 1500. There were thirty Revival visitations over the past year with Bishop Susan.
Province VIII House of Bishops Retreat in Tucson – learned about border issues, saw a beautiful migrant services facility in Nogales, Mexico, supported by ecumenical partners in AZ, would love to expand our migrant ministries in a similar way.
Bible and Prayer Book Society for new Spanish language prayer books.
The Capital Campaign committee is in the process of being formed.
LARK training. Year of Service, webinars have been very successful.
Book Study – The New Parish. Deann Rios is organizing diocesan-wide service opportunities.
The bishop serves on the board of Vida Joven, a diocesan institution. It is a US fundraising organization that supports orphanages in Mexico. The bishop has been working with their board to get through some rough spots.
The bishop attended a legislative breakfast for St. Paul’s Senior Services (an Episcopal adjacent institution). There were representatives from local government, focusing on affordable housing for seniors in our area. She joined the other Episcopal bishops in California in writing a letter to endorse California SB4, making it easier for churches to build affordable housing on church property.
The diocese hosted the board of trustees for Church Pension Group, who held their meeting in Rancho Bernardo. They attended the Re-gen Eucharist at St. Bartholomew’s. It was a wonderful service.
The bishop is serving on Task Force to Advise the Church on the Denominational Health Plan.
She is also serving on the budget committee for TEC, pushing for a reduction in the assessment paid to TEC to retain funds for diocesan initiatives.
Fresh Start – the first meeting of Fresh Start (a program for newly ordained and newly called clergy) was on February 27 at the ECC. It was attended by 10 clergy.
Province VIII Transition Officers Conference– Canon Gwynn hosted the Province VIII Transition Officers Conference this past week, meeting at the Temecula Creek Inn. The group discussed the state of transitions across the west, and shared information regarding clergy and congregations seeking calls.
House of Bishops was held in Alabama, where they went to the Legacy Museum. The visit was a difficult and transformative experience.
Ecumenical Leaders in San Diego gathered to write and submit an op-ed to the Union Tribune for publishing in Holy Week regarding border issues. On Good Friday afternoon there was a border pilgrimage to Mexican side of Friendship Park.
Canon to the Ordinary Gwynn Lynch reported on her work in the spring supporting those discerning a call to ordained ministry and participating in the Day of Discernment. Working on establishing firm deadlines for the discernment process and working to integrate our new Church Management system into that process. Continuing work on Diocesan Convention.
County Supervisors Board Invocation.
YMCA preached and presided at their Eucharist.
WCC – receiving good reviews of the classes in the school. In the planning stage for year 2.
Church Plants – two starting over the summer.
Vida Joven – Bishop is chair of the board because it’s a diocesan institution. US non-profit that provides support to a Mexican non-profit who runs an orphanage. She has been working closely with them which has strengthened our relationships.
Tijuana Project – several meetings have been regarding ministries in Tijuana that might be held at an enormous building in Tijuana, owned by a member of the diocese who would like to see it used for our mission work. Working with Anglican Diocese of Western Mexico, Via International, the building owner, Vida Joven.
The worship space at the ECC has been rejuvenated. We held our first exploration meeting, there are two more for the rest of the summer.
Migration ministry – month of service for migrants and refugees has just concluded. Many congregations throughout the diocese were extremely generous in donations of materials and time.
Military ministry symposium coming up soon, lots of signups.
New Data Management system – coordinated system for giving and church management. Had our first training session, lots of positive comments.
Oversight Committees:
a. Area One: Evangelism, Discipleship, and Church Growth
b. Area Two: Leadership and Congregational Development
c. Area Three: Service and Advocacy Oversight Committee
Service and Justice Coalition
Sacred Ground
LARK
d. Area Four: Stewardship
Audit Oversight
Summary of Committees:
Evangelism and Church Growth
Discipleship
Transformational Leadership
Congregational Consultants
Human Resources, Compensation, and Benefits
Advocacy Committee
Service and Justice Coalition
Finance Committee a. Budget committee (subcommittee of Finance)
Audit Committee
Investment Committee
. Property Committee
Affordable Housing Task Force
Stewardship and Development
Disaster Preparedness & Church Safety/Security
With the continuing threat of natural disasters, crime and violence, the need for all churches and diocesan organizations to have an up-to-date Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and to be prepared has never been greater.
Over the past year the diocese has assisted interested churches to apply for the FEMA/State of California Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) to receive funding to enhance the physical security of their facilities. The 2023 grant application deadline was October 27, 2023 and up to $250,000 will be granted to each qualifying church. Even though the 2023 deadline has passed, churches are encouraged to start preparing for the 2024 Non- profit Security Grant now, as the application periods are very short. The 2024 application deadlines will probably be in October or November of 2024.
To qualify for this grant, churches and organizations must, first, justify their need with a vulnerability assessment performed by a security professional. The diocese recommends contacting the San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center for a free professional assessment. Their phone number is: (858) 495-7200. Now is the time to start your vulnerability assessment in preparation for the 2024 application deadline.
To further assist our churches and organizations, the diocese provides a continuously updated online (and on thumb drive) digital archive of professional disaster preparedness and church safety & security templates, videos and instruction manuals allowing each church to customize Emergency Operations Plans and procedures to their own unique environments.
The diocese also provides an Emergency Operations responsive website/ smartphone app that can be customized to each church’s unique environment. A sample can be viewed here: www.church911plan.com.
Over the past year the diocese has developed a Microsoft Teams based online EDSD Emergency Operation Center (EOC) where disaster coordinators, clergy and parishioners can access resources and collaborate in real time via message posting, chat and video. Upon activation for a disaster, real time links to X feeds (Twitter feeds) from CalOES, San Diego Fire Rescue, San Diego Police, 2-1-1 San Diego, Diocese of San Diego Asset Map and Google Maps are available. The EOC also offers links to a variety of church safety/security training websites.
If you have experience as a trained first responder, or in the field of safety/security, and are interested in becoming a member of the Diocesan Disaster Preparedness Committee, please contact Jeff Green at (619) 857-9577 or jgreen@edsd.org
Submitted by: Jeff Green, Director of Operations & Safety Officer
Episcopal Community Services
With immense gratitude, I share with you the strides we have taken over the past year to build a healthy and vibrant community where all individuals are encouraged to reach their fullest potential. Working hand in hand with EDSD and its warm community of parishes, we are steadily moving toward a brighter tomorrow.
Our year began with the opening of our 22-bed Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven, furnishing a secure and nurturing environment for individuals experiencing homelessness who are referred to ECS through the Family Health Centers. This milestone was followed by ECS being honored with the Nonprofit Institute’s Kaleidoscope Award, a recognition that showcased our exemplary board governance.
As we transitioned into the spring, we expanded our messaging by implementing a multi-channel Head Start advertising campaign. This initiative led to an increase in enrollment applications and boosted our brand recognition. Soon after, we announced our collaboration with Chelsea Investment Corporation to open a preschool for 54 children within the SDSU Mission Valley Affordable Housing Development.
The spirit of community and generosity was palpable at this year’s Moonlight Ball, the most successful to date. Our heartfelt thanks to our EDSD Partners in Ministry, whose contributions to the silent auction epitomized the spirit of giving that characterized the evening. This outpouring of support had a significant impact on our community. It helped gather unprecedented monetary and in-kind donations, paving the way for enhanced services and extended outreach in the future.
Shortly thereafter, we were excited to learn that the County renewed ECS’ contract for our Central East Regional Recovery Center for five more years, marking a period of stability and continued growth. This timeframe also witnessed the addition of three new board members and a new board president, Megan Costello, further strengthening our governance structure.
As we moved toward the second half of the year, we streamlined the enrollment process for our Head Start program. With the introduction of a digital application, we removed substantial barriers, inviting new families to take advantage of the resources we offer.
Recently, we were strengthened by the approval of a Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Grant for Para Las Familias, expanding crucial support services for siblings, parents, and caregivers, fostering a more empathetic and nurturing community. Additionally, we have opened three Head Start locations, including one at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, continuing our efforts to provide free, high-quality early childhood education. Drawing towards the close of the year, our goal is to open the Transitional Age Youth Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Program to welcome clients by the year’s end.
Finally, throughout the year, we celebrated as several of our leadership staff and board members garnered regional recognition from the San Diego Business Journal, echoing the trust our clients and community members have given us.
All these accomplishments demonstrate ECS’ unwavering commitment to upholding and promoting our shared faith, which calls us to address the most pressing challenges in our community. This year, we have walked on our faith journey with many of our parishes in leading discussions, delivering Sunday sermons, and providing various volunteer opportunities. We are eager to continue our partnership with EDSD and invite you to join us by visiting ecscalifornia.org today!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elizabeth Fitzsimons, Chief Executive Officer
Finance Committee
The finance committee of the executive council is responsible for providing financial oversight support to the council. Its primary responsibility is to oversee financial matters and the financial condition of the diocese and to make recommendations to the Executive Council. Additionally, the property committee, investment committee, and budget committee report to the finance committee. The finance committee currently consists of seven members.
The committee continued its mission of ensuring that the diocese stayed within budget limits and maintained the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. This involved monthly review of revenue and expenditures relative to budget and extensive work with the budget committee on planning for future years. The finance committee also oversaw the restructuring of financial reports available to the diocese and the changing of audit guidelines for individual parishes. The firm of Leaf and Cole LLP finished the 2022 audit with glowing remarks about the quality of our financial information and financial systems. An incredible achievement by the Cannon for Finance and Administration/CEO Jeff Martinhauck and his staff!
The finance committee conducted many reviews before making recommendations to the Executive Council. Policy reviews included payments on congregational loans, Insurance Policy and Accounting Policyo. Additionally, reviews were conducted on new congregational leases, property sales agreements, bank signors, designated gifts, Mission Real Estate Program, Tijuana Shelter Project, real estate sale proceeds, outreach funds, capital campaign plan and investing and cash management efficiency. The finance sub committee of financial consultants worked with several congregations facing difficult financial challenges resulting in a number of successes.
Please join me in extending thanks to the members of the finance committee and to those individuals who donated extensive amounts of time in managing the financial resources of the diocese: The. Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook, Ms. Pat Carson, Mr. Chris Christopher, Ms. Guin DeJarnett, Ms. Terry Farrelly, Mr. Andy Waters, Mr. Jamie Glorieux, the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch, the Rev Canon. Jeff Martinhauk. The committee would also like to recognize and thank the committee member who left this year: Ms. Rachel Ambasing.
Yours in Christ,
Respectfully submitted, Jan Romerdahl, Chair
FORMATION
So many things have happened in my first year of being full-time on diocesan staff. In partnership with congregations across our diocese, we have continued all previous partnerships and programs for youth and expanded to offer so many more. A few highlights of new programs and resources include:
Development of an EDSD Formation Calendar - this allows us to ensure that we are not overburdening congregations with diocesan offerings and that things are planned and offered in a variety of locations.
Creation and Launch of an EDSD Vacation Bible School Curriculum - This free curriculum provided resources and training in hosting Vacation Bible School.
EDSD Collaborative Confirmation - A hybrid confirmation program that allows youth in grades 9-12 to participate in confirmation classes with peers from around our diocese. At the end of the classes, they are eligible to be confirmed at their home congregation.
Established the EDSD Early Childhood Leadership Group - In partnership with the National Association of Episcopal Schools, leadership from our local Episcopal preschools gathered to support and learn from one another.
Revitalized Lay Licensing Program - Creating a streamlined approach to lay licensing across our diocese. Licenses available in 2024 include Lay Evangelist, Lay Catechist, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, and Lay Preacher.
2023 EDSD Formation Events & Programs Recap
Epiphany Retreat - Grades 6-12 - 50 youth - 10 congregations
We Believe - Diocesan Confirmation Program - 12 youth - 7 congregations
NightWatch - Grades 6-12 - 59 youth - 14 congregations
Love Is… - Vacation Bible School Curriculum - 9 congregations
Pentecost Day at the Bay - 42 youth - 6 congregations
Youth at Pride - 15 youth - 6 congregations
The Episcopal Youth Event - 12 youth - 6 congregations
Leap of Faith - 34 youth - 7 congregations - 2 locations
Episcopal Schools Celebration - chapel and school visits - 8 congregations
Youth at Convention
2023 Formation Meetings & Trainings
3 Youth Collaborative meetings
Godly Play Core Training - 23 participants - 9 congregations
Formation Training & Retreat @ Camp Stevens - 18 participants - 12 congregations
2024 Planned Formation Events
Epiphany Camp - children grades 3-6 - January
Leadership Academy - congregational development - January
Epiphany Retreat- youth grades 6-12 - February
We Believe - Diocesan Confirmation Program - youth grades 9-12 - February & March
NightWatch Pilgrimage in the Desert - youth grades 6-12- March
Intergenerational Creation Care Play Day - all ages - April 27
Pentecost Day at the Bay - June
Summer Service Trip - June or July
Youth at Pride- July
Program Year Kick-off - September
Episcopal Schools Celebration - October
Formation Retreat - October
Youth at Convention - November
2024 Planned Formation Meetings & Trainings
Leadership Academy
EDSD Episcopal Schools Network
Children, Youth, & Family Collaborative Meetings
Formation Retreat at Camp Stevens
Youth Leadership Council - This is the third year of this program. There are 12 young people from 9 congregations on the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego Youth Leadership Council. The YLC shapes and steers the course of youth ministry at the diocesan level. Their work includes planning the youth presence at the retreats, Nightwatch, convention and much more. This year, the YLC is focusing on increasing connection and programs in the desert region. The group is also taking on the important work of advertising events, sharing the Good News after the event, and reaching out to engage more young people across our diocese. They have leadership roles at this year’s convention as well.
Faith to Go - Faith to Go is a diocesan podcast designed to foster conversations about the Gospel at home. The podcast is hosted by team members David Tremaine and Charlette Preslar and produced by Greg Tuttle. As of the writing of this report, Faith to Go is ontrack to pass 50,000 downloads. For more information on Faith to Go please email faithtogo@edsd.org
2023 has been filled with joy and opportunities. I am grateful to serve as your diocesan Director of Formation. If there is anything I can do to support your congregation, or if you would like additional information on the items above, please contact me at cpreslar@edsd.org
Thank you, Charlette Preslar
Historiographer/Archivist
As you likely know by now, our new archive space is on the 2nd floor of the new St Paul’s Cathedral Administrative offices at 525 Olive St. We are gradually settling in there and continue the work on both the Archive of St Paul’s Cathedral and the records and material that will eventually be the Archive of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
In 2023, our accomplishments included the following:
Worked with Chris Tumilty and Greg Tuttle to find photographs and records for presentation during our next convention.
Continued to consolidate and move material to acid-free boxes.
Responded to inquiries from individuals regarding family history.
Assisted the Office of the Bishop in locating records of Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage from records of closed parishes and missions.
Responded to and assisted researchers on educational projects.
We now have a portrait displayed of each of our former bishops as well as our current Bishop, The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook.
In 2024, our goals include:
Continue the organization of our diocesan files and records to include the documentation of locations where certain records will be maintained. We will be working to maintain all records in an environment that keeps them safe and secure from theft, fire, moisture and anything else that would compromise them.
Preparing displays for our 50th Anniversary as a diocese.
Continuing to work with the various parishes/missions and institutions of the diocese to encourage and facilitate the preservation of historical records and archival materials on the parish/institutional level.
Continue the process to organize an Archive of the Diocese of San Diego. I hope to engage the four individuals who have agreed to assist with archive work and audits as needed. They are: Karen Pearce of St Bart’s, Poway, Steve Cox of All Saints, San Diego, Cynde Durnford-Branecki of Grace, San Marcos and Rachel Ambasing of St Matthew’s, National City.
I continue to encourage the donation of documents and materials considered to be significant in the life of a parish, mission or the diocese. If you have or know of anything that may add to the historical records of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, please let me know.
This will be my last year in this term as Archivist/Historiographer. My hope and prayer is that there will be someone who will be willing to take this on as their ministry.
If you have any questions regarding the history of archived materials of the diocese or your church, I hope you will contact me at jjwillcv@gmail.com or (619)518-4716.
John J. Will,
Archivist/Historiographer of the Diocese
Human Resources Committee
The Human Resources Committee is responsible for:
Recommending HR policy to the Executive Council for approval.
Reviewing and recommending policy to Executive Council for diocesan staff and mission congregations.
Reviewing and recommending clergy compensation standards for the diocese, although it is non-binding for parishes except for at time-of-hire as may be required by the bishop’s office.
Reviewing and recommending minimum benefit standards for clergy and lay employees of the diocese. As approved by Executive Council, all diocesan staff, missions, and parishes must provide the minimum coverage approved, although parishes may choose to provide more coverage than the diocesan minimum.
Maintenance of the Diocesan employee handbook
In addition, the HR Committee may be called upon from time to time to assist an individual parish with specific HR needs (consulting). Clergy Letters of Agreement and the hiring process for congregational clergy are not part of the scope of the HR committee’s scope and are managed by the Canon to the Ordinary and the Commission on Ministry.
Major initiatives taken on this year by the committee included:
Developing a “Total Cost of Clergy Worksheet” to assist parishes in understanding the cost of pay and benefits at the time of clergy hire.
Developing a Clergy Compensation Matrix for the diocese and parishes
Clarification of policies regarding sabbaticals, sick/vacation time, pay and tax issues, employee classifications, and Cost-of-Living Adjustments.
Making recommendations and decisions on employee benefits. Determining an appropriate benefits package for diocesan clergy and laity that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement, etc.
Establishing employee policies. Developing policies and procedures that help employees understand expectations for their time at work. The diocesan employee handbook, maintained by the committee and approved by Executive Council, covers diocesan staff and employees of missions, including preschools. It serves as a model for small parish employee handbooks.
Please join me in extending thanks to the members of the HR Committee who donated extensive amounts of time in managing the human resources of the diocese: The. Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook, the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch, the Rev. Jeff Martinhauk, the Rev. Brenda Sol, Ms. Betsy Vaughn, Ms. Equilla Luke, Ms. Cynthia McCormick, and Mr. Steve Florman.
Yours, in Christ,
Respectfully submitted, Andy Waters, Chair
Leadership and Congregational Development Committee
The Leadership and Congregational Development Committee tracks and reports status on three Executive Council committees – Transformational Leadership; Congregational Consultants; and Human Resources, Compensation, and Benefits.
Transformational Leadership. The transformational leadership model for rectors developed by this committee in 2021 is now being used to identify transformational leaders in the ordination discernment process and the clergy call process.
Congregational leadership development. In June, a group of leaders from two congregations plus Canon Gwynn Lynch and Charlette Preslar from the Diocesan Office attended the College for Congregational Development (CCD) for a week. The program involves a second week-long session in 2024. The EDSD participants will be assessing the CCD program’s effectives throughout this year and next with the goal of making the training widely available to EDSD congregations. This includes putting their learnings into practice in their congregations and the diocese. The effort to recruit new and diverse clergy and lay leaders at the congregational and diocesan levels commenced with the first step of identifying obstacles to welcoming and incorporating diversity.
Strengthen congregational leadership. A new Fresh Start program was started for newly ordained clergy and clergy new to EDSD. This is an ongoing program. The committee is developing a policy requiring the completion of LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) training for clergy, EDSD staff, and congregational leadership. An effort is also underway to improve the accessibility of policies on the EDSD website so they can be a more effective resource to congregational leaders. Several Roundtables have been held for congregational leaders on a variety of topics, including Vestry 101 and treasurer basics. These will continue in 2024. Finally, the Leadership Academy will return in January 2024.
Congregational Consultants: The team of diocesan consultants have been active helping several congregations, especially with financial challenges. Their activities include aiding Action Plan Parishes (APP), conflict mediation, and facilitating the development of strategic plans.
Safe Church. New Safe Church policies were adopted and training on these new policies will start in the coming months. The committee will also develop guidelines that apply to volunteers.
Human Resources, Compensation, and Benefits: The new clergy compensation guidelines were made available, and they underwent revision to address practical inconsistencies. The guidelines were also updated so that compensation for curates and associate priests would be fairer. The HR committee is currently working on a new employee handbook for EDSD and mission staff.
Year of Leadership in 2024. This coming year has been designated as the Year of Leadership for EDSD. The committee is developing plans to highlight leadership development opportunities and celebrate past and present leaders in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. The plans will incorporate the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church.
RefugeeNet
2023 Report Diocese of San Diego (October 2022 – August 2023)
We are grateful to the Diocese of San Diego and local parishes for the support they provide to enable us to provide the core, essential programs of Food Distribution and Tutoring which in turn provide access to refugee families for Case Management and other services such as finding jobs and transportation.
A quick snapshot of successes the last year:
Grant provided a new van to assist in transportation.
Partnered with Kupanda for family onsite support at Marshall Elementary School, City Heights.
Serving 150+ families weekly with food supply
Serving families/individuals from Darfur, Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, China, Egypt, Mexico, local neighbors , Haiti, Syria and A quick snapshot of challenges the last year:Iran
20+ new families have been identified as arriving from the Congo, Darfur, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Afghanistan and Haiti
30 Students a week are receiving tutoring support
Provided Covid Vaccination education through a grant to all food recipients
15 students attended a Robotics Camp (1 week) with support from Bishops School
Swimming classes were held for 40 students including a toddler & infant class
20 students attended Camp Stevens on scholarship
34 students received Backpacks
Here are some of our challenges this year:
Suspended Mama Africa Catering, a job opportunity for refugee women, due to lack of capital and operating funds
Reduced staff (Development & Communications, 1 caseworker)
Reduced Tutoring available (space restrictions)
Constrained in specialized services by lack of expertise and funding
How you can help:
Volunteer
Donate items - housewares and clothing, gift cards, canned foods.
Hire a refugee.
Financial support to RefugeeNet monthly
Retired Clergy Ministry
This ministry is conducted by chaplains appointed by the diocesan bishop in coordination with the Church Pension Group (CPG) to pastorally support the more than 200 retired clergy living within the diocese. The Office of Pastoral Care at CPG provides a detailed list of retired clergy and their spouses/partners /survivors enrolled with CPG to the appointed chaplains throughout The Episcopal Church, and administers educational programs and conferences for the constituency as well as training for the Chaplains. A large number of retired clergy live in this diocese but remain canonically members of other dioceses. Also, many retired clergy participate in part time ministry through supply work, interim service, and assistance at local parishes. This past year we said goodbye to Mrs. Stephanie Smith with thanks for her many years on this ministry team and welcomed three new chaplains to this ministry: The Reverend Andrew Green, the Reverend Susan Green, and the Reverend Cindy Campos. Continuing chaplains for our diocese were the Reverend David Burgdorf, primarily serving in the Coachella Valley, the Rev. Edward Busch and the Rev. Babs M. Meairs. Contact with our charges is made by phone, email, and, when possible, personal visits. Our team responds to referrals from the diocese and other retired clergy, including welcoming new retired clergy. A Province VIII conference for Chaplains to the Retired was held in Seattle, Washington, in May, for updates, encouraging and informative sessions, and mutual support in carrying out our ministry. This was attended by Chaplains Burgdorf, Smith, Busch and Meairs. Healthcare coverage and Fraud Prevention have been major topics and were also the subjects of a Province VIII conference for retired clergy and spouses sponsored by CPG in February in La Jolla. Reports of contacts with our constituency are submitted to CPG twice a year. During the period of January through June of 2023 over 1500 contacts were made to provide support to our retired clergy and spouses, widows and widowers. In this diocese we continue monthly virtual meetings with interested clergy and spouses via ZOOM, exploring various topics in community. The highlight of the year was lunch with the Bishop, the first in person sharing since before the Covid pandemic. Bishop Snook led two luncheons in April, one held at the Cathedral and one at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert, with a combined attendance of around forty retired clergy and spouses. This ministry team continues to make our ministry available to our constituency, to provide information and support when appropriate, and to work with parishes on identifying the activities and care involving our retired clergy and their families. Another in person gathering with our Bishop is planned for April next year.
Submitted by The Rev. Babs M. Meairs
service and Advocacy committee
The Service & Advocacy Committee includes the Advocacy Committee and the Service & Justice Coalition.
Advocacy Committee: Within the Advocacy Committee there are various working groups, task forces, and communities addressing the following topics of interest and are open to any interested members of the Diocese.
I. Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force:
a. Sacred Ground (SG) activity: Since Oct. 2022 the diocese has had 8 circles and 60 participants, representing 15 Episcopal, 2 Lutheran, as well as 1 ECS, 1 Catholic Newman Center and several non-affiliated churches and organizations. Diocesan sponsored circles have engaged participants from six churches which have not yet sponsored congregational circles. One of the goals of offering Diocesan sponsored circles is to seed new local circles. Two additional EDSD circles begin in the fall, and 2 or 3 church facilitators have plans to offer their own circles which will be open both to their parish and the diocese. A couple Sacred Ground extension courses will cover the new and enhanced material and are intended to re-engage past SG participants.
b. Good News Festival: Dec. 2022 the RJRTF offered a well-attended workshop on “Beyond Land Acknowledgement” by Stan Rodriguez, Kumeyaay Community College Professor and Board Member, and Robbi Ewell, who led the San Diego City College’s Land Acknowledgement Initiative. An information table shared action opportunities and identified additional Sacred Ground participants and facilitators.
c. LARK (the workshop on Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) tells the stories of people of color within our diocese. Under development since Spring 2022, LARK officially launched in October at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert using a two-day Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon format. Thanks go to the 23 active participants in the alpha and beta tests of this new workshop. The lead facilitators are Mae Chao and Thérèse Carmona. Additional facilitators are coming on board.
II. The EDSD Creation Care Community “empowers individuals and congregations in the diocese to love the Earth and All God’s Creation; promote environmental justice for all as part of our spiritual life and practice through education, advocacy, and action; and reduce our carbon footprint by living more humbly upon our common home." The CCC is currently working with twenty congregations. This year, forty-six participants from fifteen congregations across the diocese attended three virtual Roundtables. Worship, educational events, community collaborations, and advocacy opportunities were shared within and among churches and the community throughout the year.
III. Land Acknowledgement and Beyond Task Force: As endorsed by the EDSD Advocacy Committee in March, 2023, several congregations have been meeting to plan support for the “continued Remembrance, Recognition and Reconciliation with Native American and Indigenous peoples" within the EDSD, and have created a resource document for interested individuals and churches.
IV. EDSD Gun Safety Working Group Launches! In July, 2023 the Gun Safety Work Group launched with a planning meeting attended by 14 people representing 4 diocesan Episcopal churches (St. Bart’s, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Margaret’s, and St. Mark’s), Incarnation Lutheran, and the EDSD. Two co-conveners stepped up (Paul Conry, St. Bart’s and Mary Ann Eckman, St. Margaret’s). A second meeting was held in August and more are scheduled for the fall.
Diocesan Service & Justice Coalition:
Parish leaders in Outreach/Service & Justice continue to meet on Zoom bi-monthly on the 3rd Saturday. During the Church Roundtable, they hear what each parish has been or is doing, and it is always inspiring. Reports from the Racial Justice and Creation Care Task Forces, ECS, RefugeeNet and Sacred Ground are shared. This past year the Coalition encouraged congregations to participate in the Good News Festival and Marketplace, to support the Bishop’s Diocesan-wide quarterly projects (Theology of Service webinars, Creation Care projects, Immigration & Refugee services, and Military/Veterans services), and to consider connecting with local indigenous tribes to learn about land acknowledgement. Many churches helped ECS with their Fall Harvest Festival in Chula Vista, Thanksgiving lunch for CERRC clients and Christmas gifts for families. They also supported St. Mark’s Christmas Eve lunch, Maundy Thursday foot washing and lunch for the unhoused, and the Back2School Backpack event for school children. The Coalition has a webpage on the Diocesan website. New participants are welcome. Just contact Debby Park at rayandeb@gmail.com.
Standing Committee
The Standing Committee is a canonically required committee comprised of four lay and four clergy members on successive four-year terms who meet monthly with Bishop Susan.
We review and make recommendations to the bishop concerning
Candidates for ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood
Agreements that might affect the ownership of diocesan property
Mission and parish bylaws
Parishes in APP status
Consents to the election of bishops across the wider Episcopal Church
In addition, we serve as a confidential space for the bishop to reflect on issues of particular complexity and sensitivity that arise from time to time.
Treasurers REport
The diocese continues to hold a strong financial position in the first eight months of 2023.
While the year-to-date net operating income shows a loss, it is largely because of cash moves to designated diocesan funds taken by Executive Council to strengthen the diocese’s financial future:
Net Operating Income (Loss) as of 8/31 $(383,028)
Transfer out of oper. inc, Resolution 2023-06-01 $536,983
Transfer out of oper. inc, Resolution 2023-06-02 $50,000
Adjusted Net Operating Income as of 8/31 $203,955
The two resolutions moving funds out of the operating fund both designated those funds for specific purposes in the future. Resolution 2023-06-01 designates principal payments on loans received in the past few years to be set aside and used for congregational capital support in the future. Resolution 2023-06-02 set aside $50,000 of unrestricted reserves to begin the diocesan Mission Real Estate program (additional funding is pending a grant request).
The large surplus as of 8/31/23 is expected to shrink and approach budgeted levels as we enter the fall, convention expenses, and other scheduled program start dates.
The diocese holds about $10 million in investments. The diocesan investment committee allocated $1.3m to a new investment manager in 2023 to comply with General Convention’s request to invest missionally and responsibly in accordance with the values of the Church. The new manager, Church Investment Group, was approved for a one-year trial with a $1.3 pilot investment and uses a variety of Church-approved screens to make investments. The diocese continues to hold portfolios with two other investment managers as well. Investment activity in general has been positive in 2023, and about half of the losses sustained in the 2022 downturn have now been recovered (as of the time of writing).
Expenses are largely under budget, except for repairs and maintenance at the Episcopal Church Center. Termite treatment and HVAC maintenance of $18k required the diocese to delay installing a new roof on the diocesan center. The maintenance funds were taken from the reserve account for deferred maintenance and so did not affect the operating budget.
Other expenses in 2023 included budgeted investments in the strategic plan, such as planting a new congregation in Oceanside, sustaining campus ministry at SDSU, and beginning a new church plant in Ocean Beach. Strategic expansion projects are largely funded by the Courageous Love fund outside of the operating budget.
2023 saw great progress in the Mission Real Estate project, which we expect to be of strategic importance both in connecting local communities to the mission of the local congregation and in restructuring congregational finances. The project seeks to build development projects on used church land which will enhance the local mission and finances of the church. The project looks to be staffed in the fourth quarter of 2023, with full resources dedicated in 2024.
Vida Joven
Vida Joven is a San Diego-based nonprofit serving at-risk children and their families in Baja California, Mexico.
This year, thanks to the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and to donors across the US, we have been able to provide financial, relational, and material support to four orphanages in Tijuana and Ensenada.
The children in our orphanages are safe and cherished. Education is a top priority in these orphanages. In 2023, we have been especially honored to support the continued journeys of two young women ages 20 and 23. These young women grew up in our orphanages and are now on track to become a flight attendant and an attorney, respectively.
This fall, our U.S. Board of Directors is working to articulate a sense of mission and vision that will carry us into the future. Vida Joven was born in 1996 in order to care for children in danger. There are still far too many children living in danger in Baja. Thus we are seeking to discern how God might be inviting us into "more" for the sake of these precious children.
Thank you, EDSD, for tenderly holding the children of Baja, Mexico in your hearts. Thank you for lifting these children up to the light of Christ. And thank you for sharing your financial resources in order that the children might be loved, protected, and educated.
West Coast Collaborative
Two years ago, the bishops and school for ministry deans of the dioceses of San Diego, El Camino Real and Northern California began a conversation that led to the creation of the West Coast. Our dream of a combined school of formation was realized through the launching of these modules:
Diaconal Formation: For those admitted by their bishops for formation ass deacons. (Begun in February)
Lay Preaching: For lay persons seeking a license in preaching. (English Language Track begun in February; Spanish Language Track begun in April).
Anglican Studies: For ministers coming from another denomination studying for priestly formation. (Begun in September)
We are fortunate to have as our partners the Iona School based at the Seminary of the Southwest, which provides abundant resources for mentors who shepherd each module. In the past year, the Rev. Susan Latimer (Spirituality), the Rt. Rev. Jim Mathes (Spirituality), and the Rev. Roberto Moldonado (Lay Preaching) have served as mentors. Our diocese has 8 students participating in modules, 2 in diaconal formation, 1 in the English Language Lay Preaching Module, 2 in the Spanish Language Lay Preaching Module and 3 in the Anglican Studies Module.
In January, we will continue to offer our one-year course in lay preaching in both Spanish and English, and the first and second year of diaconal formation. Individuals interested in lay preaching, contact the dean of the San Diego, School for Ministry at DeanSfM@edsd.org
I am grateful to the Rev. Susan Latimer for her willingness to take over as dean. Our formation programs are in good hands. Thank you to my collaborators on this project, the Rev. Kathy Lawler (Northern California) and the Rev. Katherine Doar (El Camino Real). It has been a joy to work with them. And finally, many thanks to Bishop Snook for giving me this chance to serve. It has been a nice way to re-settle into our diocese and into retirement.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Dean of Studies, School for Ministry