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Around Our Diocese

St. Paul’s, Yuma Celebrates

Centennial

At their centennial celebration in October, Bishop Mathes confirmed 11, received three, baptized one, and reaffirmed one. Those numbers reflect the tremendous growth at St. Paul’s in Yuma, a congregation that recently called a new rector, added a Spanish service and plans to open its facilities to adult education classes and child care for the community. St. Paul’s was one of the congregations that suffered a tremendous setback in 2006 when a majority of its members left the Episcopal Church. Thanks to support from around the diocese, this congregation is once again self-sufficient and a beacon of hope and light to its community. X

Top Left: Bishop Mathes lays hands on a young confirmand. Above: Outside the original church; from left, Cantor Naomi Devries Pomerantz, the Rev. Patricia Underkofler, the Rev. Michael Todd, the Rt. Rev. James Mathes, the Rev. William Krieger, and Paulette Krieger. Bottom Left: Bishop Mathes leading Morning Prayer at the original church in downtown Yuma.

Diocesan Ministry Day

November’s Diocesan Ministry Day centered around the timely theme of “Living Abundantly in Today’s World.” Presenters focused on practical ministries for real life. Workshops ranged from how to build a community garden in your congregation to how to attract and retain volunteers. The leadership, staff and volunteers of St. Bartholomew’s, Poway coupled with the leadership of capable chairperson Pamela Wade made the day run smoothly from start to finish. Participants were able to attend workshops, shop in the microcredit market and enjoy a tasty lunch all for a low cost of $25. “I learned a lot in the workshops,” said Gail Jones, parishioner at St. John’s, Fallbrook. “Seeing familiar faces from other churches was wonderful, too.” X

Top left: The Rev. Randal Gardner shares insights into creating life-changing adult education. Bottom Left: A stellar core of volunteers made Ministry Day happen without a hitch. Bottom: The Rev. Fred Thayer, rector of St. Bartholomew’s, shares time in the sun with the Rev. Tom Wilson, associate rector of All Souls’, Point Loma. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8