The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

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Spring 2010

Quarterly Magazine of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

Health & Wellness: Creation’s Call

Tending Our Earth, Our Bodies and Our Spirits

mentioning the health of the earth. April 22 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which helps raise awareness about the health of our earth and the problems that still plague us: air pollution, climate change, urban sprawl, mercury and other toxins in our communities, and more.

As Christians we have a spiritual calling to honor God’s creation, this fragile earth, our island home. Indeed, every major faith tradition calls on its followers to be faithful stewards of creation.

This Fragile Earth, Our Island Home: An Ecology

Icon Contest winner, this logo was drawn by Alicia Valencia. It represents the Eco-Stewardship Committee at St. James, La Jolla, one of many health and wellness ministries in our diocese.

A

s we head into spring, we enjoy signs of rejuvenation, renewal and new life

at every turn. This time of year lends itself to the many health-related events in our country and in our church. April 7 is World Health Day, a day that focuses on improving health with a particular emphasis this year on urbanization and health. (Learn more: http://1000cities.who.int/) No discussion of health would be complete without

IN THIS ISSUE:

Bishop’s Letter

Page 2

Camp Stevens

Camp Stevens, our diocesan camp, embraces creation stewardship as one of its core values. Unique in its industry, our camp provides healthy, organic food to children during programs. It boasts organic gardens, orchards and a greenhouse, all of which are intentionally a part of the

sustainability curriculum. Visit their web site to learn more: www.campstevens.org.

We ourselves are God’s creation. Our own health matters to God and our faith communities, as well as to our families and loved ones.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

The diocese sponsors a one-day seminar

HEALTH Continued on Page 7

Donor

Recognition Page 3

More Ready

Than We Realize

Convention Recap BY GILLIAN BARR, SEMINARIAN

W

e are more ready than we realize to reach out and engage others in God’s

mission. That message echoed through all the events of diocesan convention on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13 in San Diego. The keynote speeches, workshop sessions, and business meetings all presented ways in which we can, and do, invite others to join us in our work for the kingdom of God.

Agents on a Mission

Internationally known speaker Brian McLaren challenged us in two dynamic keynote addresses to be agents on a mission -- the mission of spreading the kingdom of God on earth -- rather than simply focusing on staying in business as an institution. Conventional church growth programs often merely attract those who are already Christians, but do not attract those outside the Christian paradigm. He challenged us to be “contagiously enthusiastic” agents of God’s kingdom. Often those outside the church are attracted by some parts of Christianity but are repelled by those who loudly proclaim themselves to be Christians.

CONVENTION Continued on Page 5

“We need to be identified as people of faith but we also need to not be jerks.”

Convention Photos

Page 4

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