Online Church Learning with ChurchNext.tv |
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Are you looking for ways to connect with others while learning about your faith and growing in Christian discipleship? ChurchNext.tv is an online Christian learning platform which offers courses on scripture, liturgy prayer, family, self-care, church history, theology and more, all taught by expert teachers. Many congregations are finding that ChurchNext allows for people to gather for online learning while also being connected to their community. These courses provide perfect content for your discipleship group or formation gatherings, and can be used both in person and in conjunction with online videoconferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts!
If you would like to take advantage of the diocesan license purchased by EDSD, just ask your clergy leaders to reach out to [email protected] to complete their setup!
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Camp Stevens Open to Family Groups |
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A Peaceful Place Apart: Even During Coronavirus
Camp Stevens, an Episcopal camp and retreat center just outside of downtown Julian, has shifted gears this year—instead of summer camp for 100 kids every week, the facility now offers day use for hiking, swimming, meditating in the outdoor chapel, as well as small overnight retreats for individuals and families. Nestled on 256 acres of wild land, the camp prides itself on ecological sustainability and a respect for nature. Healthy, delicious meals served by masked and gloved staff on an outdoor patio provide sustenance in the midst of recreation.
“We have always been a place where people can relax, retreat and find a space to heal,” said Executive Director Kathy Wilder. “That hasn’t changed because of COVID. We hope people still come here and know that we’re taking extra care and concern with safety and precautions. We listen to people’s needs and help them have a restorative time when they’re here.” Read More
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Church Publishing Offers More Latinx Resources |
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[Episcopal News Service] The diversity of the Episcopal Church’s Latinx membership was on full display recently when more than a dozen representatives met alongside Church Pension Fund and Church Publishing Incorporated staff to discuss new resources for Spanish-speaking Christians.
Among the ongoing commitments discussed at the meeting were translation plans (from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish) for existing materials; seeking and supporting Latinx authors to develop books for children, youth, and adults; resources for seminaries and students, and materials for individuals and parishes. In addition, a consultation group to encourage new authors and advise editors is being formed. Read More
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Episcopal Relief Efforts after Explosion in Beirut |
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[Episcopal News Service] In the aftermath of the devastating explosion that caused widespread damage across Beirut, Lebanon, on Aug. 4, Episcopalians are reaching out to their Anglican counterparts in the region to assess their needs and offer assistance. The explosion, which killed at least 135 people, injured more than 3,000 and left 300,000 homeless, leveled much of the city’s port when a fire ignited a massive amount of explosives that had been warehoused there for six years. Read More
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St. Margaret's Welcomes New Rector |
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Sunday, July 31, over 300 cars formed a steady stream of locals intent on delivering a big in-person welcome to the new head priest of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, CA. Cars brought bags and boxes of canned goods to the parking lot of the church’s hillside campus as donations for Neighbors4Neighbors, a food distribution outreach of St. Margaret’s, in honor of new priest The Rev. Andrew Butler.
More than 3,500 pounds of food was safely dropped off in a No-Touch zone run by volunteers.
“I am grateful that even in these difficult times so many members of St. Margaret’s came out to support their hungry neighbors. They are living out the ideal that Jesus asked of us.” said Butler. Read More
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School For Ministry Registration is Now Open |
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Dates to remember:
Registration closes 8/24/20
Orientation 8/29/20
Courses begin 9/5/20
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Commission on Ministry: Day of Information |
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As you listen to God’s voice in your life, do you believe God may be calling you to service as a deacon or priest? Have you spoken to your clergyperson about a possible vocation to ordained ministry? If so, you will want to attend the EDSD Day of Information, offered by the Commission on Ministry, on September 26th from 9 AM until noon.
This virtual meeting will provide the opportunity to explore the orders of ministry in the Church; lay, deacon, priest and bishop. The meeting will provide an overview of the latest information on the discernment and formation process in our diocese as well as a presentation of the various options for educational formation for ministry. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the morning.
The Day of Information is designed for serious inquirers, their spouse/significant other and their sponsoring clergyperson. Registration is required.
Questions? Please contact the chair of the Commission on Ministry, The Rev. Brian Fidler at [email protected].
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Sacred Ground Takes Root in EDSD |
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Sacred Ground is part of The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community initiative on racial reconciliation. Unlike other anti-racism programs, Sacred Ground doesn’t require an experienced trainer, only volunteer facilitators. The curriculum is ready to go for any groups that commit to engage with the material and have honest and open conversations about what they learn. And though the curriculum doesn’t prescribe specific real-world responses, it presumes participants will be moved to work for social change in their own ways when they are done. Read More
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Join the Diocesan-wide Worship Service, Sept 6 |
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Bishop Susan Brown Snook will offer a Diocesan Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 6. It’s a time for the diocese to come together in worship, and for clergy to have a break if they choose, and join with other Episcopalians throughout our diocese for worship. Congregations may stream the service from their congregational channels, or individuals may access it from the Diocesan Facebook page. Bishop Susan will preside and preach, recording from St. Paul’s Cathedral. Music and prayers will be in English and Spanish, with a bulletin available in both languages. It’s a day for our diocese to come together in worship and thanksgiving! If your community would like access to the recording for your own communication channels, please contact the Director of Communications, Chris Tumilty, for access.
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EDSD.org Under Construction |
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404 Error: Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.
EDSD.org is going through some changes. You may find that your bookmarked or saved links are now broken, or that information you're used to finding has been moved.
Please be patient as we work to update EDSD.org to better serve you into the future. If you have questions or come across a broken link, please email Director of Communications, Chris Tumilty. Thank you for your help while we work to better our digital presence.
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Resources for Emotional Support |
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The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us. You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in these circumstances.
You’re not alone!
Find resources to connect with real people that can help, here.
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Vacation Bible School - LIVE at 3pm on Sundays |
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During this unprecedented season of prevention, many members of our diocesan family have made collaborative steps toward producing VBS for our congregations and other ecumenical partners. Using Rocky Railway from Group, we’ll explore Jesus’ role in our lives. Join us for the videos of songs, skits, scripture, and prayers led by church leaders from across our diocese. These 20-30 minute videos will premiere each Sunday afternoon at 3pm. This year's VBS is a great way for families to explore faith together, and continue the conversation during dinner and into the night. Learn More about Virtual Vacation Bible School
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Grants Available to Churches |
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Our diocese is pleased to offer a grants program to support you in enhancing online and outdoor worship. Grants of $250 to $750 will be provided to help cover the cost of sound and online equipment, and may be used to cover purchases dating back to March 15, 2020. To apply for a grant, please click here.
In addition to our technology grants, please remember that we have raised funds under our “For Such A Time As This” campaign to help those who are suffering from the economic downturn. I am happy to help your congregation start a feeding program, support your members who have lost jobs, or otherwise relieve suffering that you know about. To apply for a grant, please send me an email describing the need and the amount you are requesting. I am eager to help.
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TENS Offers Resources for Virtual Stewardship |
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The Episcopal Network For Stewardship (TENS) provides virtual stewardship materials that are free to all congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego via our diocesan TENS membership. This year, TENS is providing resources that help congregations with virtual stewardship campaigns.
TENS member resources are available to all congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego via the diocesan membership. For login information, contact Director of Communications, Chris Tumilty at [email protected] or Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Keren Mondaca, at [email protected].
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United Thank Offering Grant Opportunities |
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DEADLINE AUGUST 14, 2020
The United Thank Offering (UTO) Board is pleased to announce the availability of their 2021 United Thank Offering Annual Grants. For 2021, the focus is Recovering with Love and Gratitude: An Episcopal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Local Contexts.
The United Thank Offering will accept applications in two categories, Sustaining Ministries and Innovative Ministries, at two different funding levels through two granting cycles. The criteria for each category are different. Applicants must demonstrate concisely how the project directly supports the recovery effort. More here.
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Public Statement of our Commitment |
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The Rev. Brenda Sol, rector of St. Andrew’s in Encinitas, and other clergy colleagues in our diocese created a statement of our commitment to our baptismal covenant and Jesus’ call to us during this time of twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice. Any church in our diocese is welcome to use this statement, for instance as a clergy-vestry joint statement, or as an ongoing statement in your bulletin. |
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As part of the Jesus Movement and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, we pledge to love our neighbors and protect the most vulnerable among us, remembering our baptismal vows to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” We live these pledges out by actively engaging in dismantling racism. For many of us, this will mean learning more about our racial identity, listening to those who have experienced racial prejudice, speaking out against racism, and showing up alongside those in our community working to change unjust systems in our society. We also live out this pledge at worship during this pandemic, by wearing face-coverings, respecting distancing guidelines, foregoing the common cup and refraining from congregational singing. |
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Choosing the Right Streaming Service for Your Church |
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Checklist to Resume In-Person Worship |
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Some counties have also issued separate guidelines and requirements, so please check your local county guidelines. Please note that San Diego County requires that a Reopening Plan be posted in a public place. The template for the plan can be found here.
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Faith to Go: Your weekly formation resources |
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A Weekly, On The Go Resource for Parents and Non-Parents Alike
Hosted by the Faith To Go team in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, David Tremaine and Charlette Preslar. Joined each week by a special guest, the Faith To Go team highlights themes from the Sunday Gospel reading for you to take into your faith discussions and reflections throughout the week. More Here
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The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is here to support you through this difficult time. The sudden impact of COVID-19 on our community-life does not mean we need to give up community. Find a list of resources that can help here: including a bulletin for Morning Prayer, resources for online giving for your congregation, help in setting up video meetings, Faith at Home resources, and more.
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Diocesan Staff: Working Remotely |
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