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New Developments

Bishop’s Appeal: Join the Circle of Supporters!

Since we began in 2007, the Bishop’s Appeal has raised more than $100,000. 100 percent of that money supports missions, redeveloping congregations and diocesan ministries. This transformational work, made possible by individual donations, has been life-giving to those who have so much less. You can be a part of this important work by making a donation today on our secure website: www.edsd.org or mailing your check to: The Bishop’s Appeal, 2728 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible. Thank you for your generous gift that changes lives throughout our diocese. X

Cursillo Sunday Designated

Our 2009 Diocesan Convention passed a resolution designating one Sunday each year as Cursillo Sunday. After consulting with our Cursillo Secretariat, Bishop Mathes designated January 31, 2010, as our first annual Cursillo Sunday. This is an apt day to celebrate the spiritual development that occurs in the lives of those who participate in Cursillo. The readings for that day include Paul’s epistle of love, “And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” Cursillo is an experience that builds faith, instills hope and mentors love.

The purpose of Cursillo Sunday is to raise awareness of this spiritual weekend. To that end, congregations are encouraged to invite people who have experienced Cursillo to speak briefly in church and to feature table displays with information and applications for the three day weekend at Camp Stevens. Photos and music from past Cursillos may enhance the day as well.

“I trust that you will embrace this day as one of celebration for, and education about, a movement that has infused vitality into the spiritual lives of faithful Christians for more than half a century,” said the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes. X

St. Dunstan’s Calls New Rector

The Rev. Kevin Warner moved to San Diego to take up the rector’s mantle at St. Dunstan’s. Most recently rector of Advent Episcopal Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Father Warner has

a background in music, education and coaching. His enthusiastic teaching style has already won him much favor at St. Dunstan’s as they embark on this new era in their church history. Welcome Father Warner, his wife, Sue, and their four sons! X

Pre-Convention Budget & Resolution Hearings

Bishop Mathes encourages all people of the diocese to attend these meetings during which the proposed budget and resolutions will be discussed. There will be time for your questions.

January 9 St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

January 12 St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

January 14 St. Thomas, Temecula 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

CONVENTION Continued from Page 1

new element to convention and one that the convention committee hopes will both spread goodwill and educate congregations about the good work we’re doing in the name of Christ.

World Class Keynote Speaker

Brian McLaren, world renowned speaker and author will deliver a keynote address during the gala dinner. He will focus his remarks on 21st century evangelism, encouraging listeners to think in new ways about this oft-misunderstood topic. His presence with us molded our theme “More Ready Than You Realize: Discovering God’s Mission in the World.” One of McLaren’s most popular books is titled: More Ready Than You Realize: Evangelism as Dance in the Postmodern Matrix.

McLaren is listed as one of America’s 25 most influential evangelists by Time magazine. Inspiring to some and challenging to others, McLaren’s ideas are thought provoking at a minimum. All are invited to attend the gala dinner and discern their own opinions about this intriguing and controversial speaker.

“Brian McLaren’s presence builds on a growing history of top-notch speakers,” said

Ken Warburton, chair of the convention planning committee.

Two years ago, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, bishop of North Carolina regaled the audience with a motivational message to grow into the diocese God calls us to be. Last year noted author and speaker, Phyllis Tickle from Tennessee spoke about the cosmic shifts in Christian thought and practice, describing them as both wave and particle, and inviting more conversation about the emerging church.

“Evangelism is not a dirty word,” said McLaren at General Convention in July 2009. “For many of us, the word ‘evangelism’ evokes ugly and morally tainted associations with colonialism, religious supremacy, with shabby televangelism … the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ mean for Paul, among many other things, that it is time for a new politics of service in the common good, for new economies of sustainability and regeneration, for new sociologies of reconciliation … and for new psychologies rooted in faith and grace and love – in short, in Christ all things are made new.”

Opportunities for group discussion about his ideas will be available to attendees.

Service Project with ECS

The urban pilgrimage service project is a journey from the convention to a local service site, facilitated by Episcopal Community Services. Last year the group painted and cleaned up a home for mentally ill homeless. A similar project awaits eager workers this year.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people to see the inner workings of our church,” said Howard Smith, Director of Development. “It allows us to live into our shared leadership roles that are so important.”

Convention is the largest diocesan event of the year, one where we share our stories, learn from one another and where, as a diocese, we collectively look to the future.

Most events are open to the public. All are encouraged to attend. For more information about Convention including information about nominees and workshops open to all, visit the diocesan web site: www.edsd.org.

Registration and pre-payment are required and may be found online. X

Winter Calendar

December

24 Christmas Eve – Office of the Bishop Closed

25 Christmas Day - Office of the Bishop Closed

31 New Year’s Eve - Office of the Bishop Closed

January

1 New Year’s Day - Office of the Bishop Closed

5-7 Provincial Bishop’s Meeting, CDSP

8 Deadline for Convention booklet 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Office of the Bishop Closed

26 Deadline for all Convention packet materials

29 Convention registration closes

February

3 Parochial Reports Due 12-13 Diocesan Convention First United Methodist Church, San Diego

15 President’s Day - Office of the Bishop Closed

20 Safeguarding God’s People, St. Paul in-the-Desert, Palm Springs

26 Cross Border Ministry Conversation with Episcopal Relief and Development

March

5-7 Happening, Green Oak Ranch, Vista

5-7 Diocesan Council Retreat, Camp Stevens, Julian

9 Clergy Day 19-24 House of Bishops Meeting, Camp Allen, Texas

30 Renewal of Ordination Vows, St. Paul’s Cathedral

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