Border Ministries Summit: November 20-21
Join us for the Virtual Border Ministries Summit 2020 and hear from those at the center of the immigrant community in San Diego. Our focus will be on Christian Peacemaking in a World of Conflict. Learn from undocumented people, deportees, first generation immigrants and Christian leaders who live in Tijuana and San Diego.

We will hear from Episcopal / Anglican Bishops and other leaders on both sides of the border, as well as from the Border Patrol and legal experts. We will not only learn about immigration but will be equipped with tangible Christian Peacemaking practices to live out in our own contexts as Everyday Peacemakers. The pain is real and the opportunity for transformation and healing is as well.

This is the Third Annual Border Summit, designed for Episcopal and other Christians wanting more information about the US-Mexico border, and for those who want to learn the basics of becoming Christian Peacemakers in this time of deep division. Learn More
Delegate Training for Convention
For the first time in the history of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, Diocesan Convention will be held completely online. Utilizing a new event management platform, Whova, delegates and visitors can look forward to a clear agenda, ways of connecting with each other, exhibitor space, workshops, and more. Due to the technological hurdles of a virtual convention, we are asking that ALL delegates attend one of three online training sessions to prepare for convention. Each session will have an overview of the Whova platform, voting, budget, and more. Register at conventionEDSD.org or by clicking one of the images below.
Diocesan Convention Youth Track
This year's youth track at convention addresses the way we walk in the world; the way we live, breathe, and strive for justice and peace among all people.
 
 
Who: Youth in grades 6-12
What: A multitrack exploration of concepts that affect our world and each other. Participants in each track will work together to present their takeaways to the entire group and help to shape the focus of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego's youth ministry program for the next three years. 
When: November 7, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Whova -- online. 
Cost: $0
 
Convention is virtual this year, but the conversation will be rich and real. Come be part of it.
 
Registration Opens: Monday, October 12, 2020
A full list of speakers and times will be published October 16th.
Registration Closes: Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Call to Convention, Exhibitors, and More
In accordance with Article V, Section 1, of the Constitution and Title I, Canon 6, of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, I have the honor to notify you that, God willing, the 47th Annual Convention of the Diocese will gather virtually on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, 2020.
 
Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. 
 
All convention materials are posted on the convention website at conventionedsd.org. This website will be updated as new materials are finalized. Currently, you will find the following materials on the website:
 
Please have your phone or tablet, and your computer, available to participate and vote at convention. We will use the same system we have been honing for several years. If you have questions, contact Keren Mondaca, kmondaca@edsd.org. 
 
This letter is also being sent to members of the clergy who are not canonically resident in the diocese. Convention will be asked to give them, as well as various diocesan officers, seat and voice (no vote) at convention.
 
If you are a lay delegate and will not be attending convention, please see that this information is passed on to the alternate who will be certified in your place.
 
Faithfully,
Mr. Ruben Rodriguez
Secretary of Convention
Novena of Prayer for the Election
Please join the Bishop and the Diocese in nine days of intentional prayer for our nation as we approach the election. Our Novena is based on the work offered by Forward Movement and will begin on October 27 and continue through November 4.

Each evening there will be an English-speaking service at 7:00 p.m. and a Spanish-speaking service at 7:30 p.m. Congregations around the Diocese have volunteered to host each evening’s offering. In addition to the prayers, there will be a scripture passage and music (in most cases). Each congregation will be creating their prayer service as the Spirit moves them.

These will be available on the Diocesan Facebook page and on our YouTube channel.
Praying for Justice & Peace
EDSD Diocesan Staff, with faith communities and secular leaders across San Diego County, are assembling in small groups, socially distanced, to Pray for Justice and Peace on Tuesdays at Noon. These gatherings will take place each Tuesday afternoon through election day and possibly beyond. More here #prayforjusticeandpeace

Our prayers will culminate prior to the election in a larger, safe, and distanced outdoor gathering on Sunday, November 1st at 2:00pm at Waterfront Park in San Diego for an Interfaith Pre-Election Prayer and Peace Vigil with Bishop Susan Brown Snook and interfaith leaders from around the area speaking and leading us in prayer. Join the service virtually on the Diocesan Facebook Page for a live broadcast. 

This is a time to come together as people of faith and to raise our voices and prayers together in a unified way as we witness to justice and peace.  
Building Intentional Small Groups 
The purpose of an intentional faith-based small group is to build trusting relationships with God and one another. When we meet each other for conversation, practice, and prayer, we learn how to love. Call it a small group, discipleship circle, neighborhood group, life group or cell gathering – whatever the name, a small group provides space for prayerful support and accountability as we seek to live the Jesus Way.

Your small group may be a new discipleship group or you may decide to add a new level of intention to a circle like the vestry, Bible study, youth group, altar guild, choir, or chapters of the Episcopal Church Women, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, or Daughters of the King. The goal is to open the door for God to works on us, in us, and through us, in powerful ways in the context of a small, intentional, dedicated group of disciples. 

In order to help encourage this kind of discipleship, The Episcopal Church has created a comprehensive small group guide, entitled "Building an Intentional Small Group Ministry." This resource, as well as others, can be found at DiscipleshipEDSD.org

If you would like to know more about small group discipleship, or would like assistance starting a small group ministry in your congregation please email Canon Christian Gillette at cgillette@edsd.org
Clergy Transition
The Rev. Martha Anderson has accepted a new position as the Chief of Staff for the Dr. Cheryl Anderson, Dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UCSD. Rev. Martha's ministry at St. Peter's continues as a part time priest.

“I was called to St. Peter's over six years ago and have been delighted and privileged to serve as your Associate Rector. God has now called me serve God in a new way, one which amplifies my call to ordained ministry. After much discernment and prayer, I have accepted the position of Chief of Staff to Dr. Cheryl Anderson, Dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UCSD. This position will allow my legal experience and theological training to converge and serve God in a new capacity. The school's commitment to justice in health as reflected in its policies and programs resonates with my sense of vocation as a priest by, among other things, developing an inclusive community, creating an anti-racist environment, and furthering wellness for all people.” said Anderson

Rev. Martha's last weekend as the Associate Rector at St Peter's in Del Mar will be November 1. Although Rev. Martha will no longer be Associate Rector, she will still officiate at weekday worship services and participate in the Sacred Ground journey.
Beware of Phishing Attempts
If you receive a suspicious email from an address that seems to be Bishop Susan, but it is not from an @edsd.org email account, it is a phishing attempt. Bishop Susan will never email you asking for funds or financial support by way of gift cards. Nor will the bishop's emails be filled with grammatical errors. Every official email from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego comes from an @edsd.org email address.
Phishing is a cyber attack that uses disguised email as a weapon. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need — a request from their bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company — and to click a link or download an attachment.
Vote Faithfully: Election Engagement Toolkit
“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.” -Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Check out our 2020 Vote Faithfully Election Engagement Toolkit to learn how you can help encourage voting in your community! New resources will be added to this page as they become available.

Early California voting starts in October: Read More

En Español: Vote Fielmente 2020

Resource on voting and homelessness: Tips for registering, requesting an absentee ballot, and voting while experiencing homelessness. If your congregation runs a homeless ministry of any kind, use this as a starting point for voter engagement with that ministry.
Holding on to Hope
A National Service for Healing and Wholeness

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will lead a live-streamed prayer service from Washington National Cathedral,Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness, on All Saints Sunday, November 1, at 4:00-5:30 p.m. EST. In the midst of pandemic, racial reckoning, and a historic election, the live-streamed service will gather Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor. 
 
The service will feature an ecumenical and multifaith array of voices, musical offerings, and prayers. Using a combination of live and visually stunning pre-recorded elements gathered from across the nation, the service will be live streamed in English and Spanish.
 
“The Washington National Cathedral has gathered Americans for prayer at the death of presidents, after terrible tragedies like 9/11, and in moments of joy and hope for our nation and our world,” says Bishop Curry, “As the people of the United States cast their votes for the office of president and many other offices throughout the land, we gather to pray to the God who is the Creator of us all. We pray that we might learn to stand and hold each other’s hands as the children of God.”

A live prayer hotline in English and Spanish will be open during the service, staffed by Episcopal clergy and chaplains, in partnership with Virginia Theological Seminary and General Theological Seminary. The hotline will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST from November 1 to November 5. Watch the service here.
Faith to Go: Your weekly formation resources
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 weekMore Here
Preaching in the Era of COVID19
The Episcopal Preaching Foundation invites practicing parish clergy to register for a Zoom-based Preaching Excellence Program (“PEP II”) that will take a deep dive into preaching in the era of COVID. The schedule, adapted for “Zoom Time” will require only 3 hours per day online between 11 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, January 11-15, 2021. Read More
TENS: Offering of Free Stewardship Classes
The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is offering free virtual gatherings, webinars, and other events to help support your stewardship campaigns.

October 24 10AM PDT Planned Giving Basics, Legacy Societies & Endowments - Learn how to inspire donors to make lasting gifts to fund the mission of your congregation. Click here to reserve your spot.
Revive: A Discipleship Resource for Lay Leaders
Revive is a discipleship resource created by Forward Movement to help active lay leaders—wardens, property and finance officers, committee chairs, vestry members, church school teachers, youth ministers, pastoral visitors, and liturgical ministers—grow in confidence as spiritual leaders. Revive is about transformation through spiritual formation. In just 10 months, this small-group program transforms leaders of practical church ministry into confident spiritual leaders who love God and participate in Christ’s ministry. 

If you would like more information about Revive, or would like to offer Revive to your congregational lay leaders, please talk to your clergy or contact Christian Gillette, Canon for Evangelism and Discipleship​ at cgillette@edsd.org. 
12 Steps to Successful Stewardship
How are you managing your Annual Stewardship Campaign this fall? It’s one of the major program areas of the church that is significantly impacted by the new ways we are operating in the pandemic. Your campaign takes on added significance because, let’s face it, your church still needs money.

In my work in church stewardship and development, I have learned that there are some key concepts for the creation and operation of a solid and successful stewardship campaign. I consider them foundational, especially in times of transition. Here they are with some ideas that I hope will help spark your creativity and planning.Read More
EDSD.org Under Construction
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.
Resources for Emotional Support
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.
Grants Available to Churches
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.
TENS Offers Resources for Virtual Stewardship
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 ctumilty@edsd.org or Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Keren Mondaca, at kmondaca@edsd.org.
Public Statement of our Commitment
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.
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.
How to Brand your Church
Checklist to Resume In-Person Worship
Due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, indoor worship is limited in our diocese. Both the bishop and the state of California have issued guidelines for in-person worship. A congregational checklist that consolidates and simplifies these guidelines can be found here.

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. 
COVID-19 Resources
Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
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.
If you have or need any type of resource that is not listed here, please email Christian Gillette, Canon for Evangelism and Discipleship with your materials or request. 
Diocesan Staff: Working Remotely
holy trinity building
Due to COVID-19 the Diocesan Staff will be working remotely. You can find contact information for each of the staff members here. Feel free, as always, to call Bishop Susan, Canon Gwynn, Canon Christian, Rev. Kirby, or Chris for any reason. Please email the other members of the Diocesan Staff as their cell phone numbers are not listed.