7 Redeveloping parish calls leader


New Faces in Fallbrook: The Rev. Mark Woodsum, two of his children (above), and his wife, Claire, moved from Maine to Fallbrook in August. Welcome to our diocese!


Woodsum to the neighborhood on September 12. The congregation invites everyone to attend the 10:00 a.m. service and following reception.


S


t. John’s, Fallbrook officially welcomes the Rev. Mark E.


Father Woodsum is not your typical clergyperson. His resume reveals time working for the Department of Defense, where he was involved in hostage rescues and counter-terrorist operations; serving as a diplomat with the Department of State specializing in nuclear proliferation issues; and as co-founder and CEO of an Inc. 500 home furnishings business that expanded


throughout the United States, India, China and Indonesia.


His humble, quiet nature belies his long list of achievements. In person, Father Woodsum


“I always knew that I would know the right place when I saw it,” said Father Woodsum. “I knew that if I listened to the Spirit, I would be led to the right place for me at this time in my life.”


ABUNDANCE Continued from Page 1


“I knew that if I listened to the Spirit, I would be led to the right place.”


is demure and unpretentious and views his own success as secondary to his relationship with God and others.


“We live in a society that places an enormous emphasis on achieving things, both in material accomplishments and in moving up the ladder of success,” said Father


Woodsum. “I place more focus on letting go of things and moving toward greater levels of humility and oneness with God and our sisters and brothers in Christ.” X


Nancy Holland volunteers once per week. Initially she served as a receptionist, welcoming people into the office and offering hospitality; however, through her commitment, and skills with spreadsheets, she has become an integral part of operations in the bishop’s office.


“I have a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, how the diocese undergirds the important work carried out by congregations,” said Holland. “I am interested in the role of the diocese in building up the body of Christ, through mission outreach, worship, communication and fellowship.”


This summer, the office enjoyed additional support from Joey Freund, parishioner at St. Bartholomew’s. Twice per week, Freund answered phones, puzzled over various projects and greeted visitors with a smile.


Friday night gala dinner.


“My wife, Elaine, and I believe that we ought to be generous with our thanksgiving as God has been generous with us,” said Turnbull.


“We serve from a position of abundance and therefore can share with others. My friends know my personal philosophy is pegged to John 21:15-17. Jesus asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ Peter replies three times that he does. And each time Jesus tells Peter to ‘feed my sheep.’ I can really connect to that. It inspires me. Taking care of things is what I think Jesus is calling me to do.”


“Taking care of things is what I think Jesus is calling me to do.”


As a member of the Standing Committee, Turnbull is part of a group that exercises significant authority, ranging from granting consent to candidates for ordination


“I enjoyed working in the Office of the Bishop this summer,” said Freund, currently a junior at Arizona State University majoring in chemical engineering. “I gained experience in a professional setting and the office benefitted from my problem-solving skills. It was a win- win situation.”


Another faithful steward who gives his time to many diocesan committees is Steve Turnbull, parishioner at St. David’s in San Diego, and a member of the diocesan Standing Committee. In addition to the time and expertise Steve gives to the diocese, Elaine gives generously during Convention season when she plans and orchestrates the


to offering general advice to the bishop. He also serves on the Investment Committee and has served on Corporation and the Budget Committee in years past. Beyond the bishop’s office, Steve serves on the board of directors of the Episcopal Refugee Network.


“My faith in Jesus Christ gives my life purpose. I feel compelled to serve the Church in thanksgiving for so many things that God has given my family and me. We have been blessed but we have had our tragedies, too, like the loss of our son, Patrick. But through it all, God’s love and grace have been ever- present.”


In response to that encompassing, loving presence, the Turnbulls are faithful stewardship with all they have because they view everything as gifts from God.


The End of an Era T


he mission congregation of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection held its last service on


May 30. The Rev. Joseph Mai served Resurrection for more than 20 years, coming to the Diocese of San Diego under Bishop Morton’s leadership. The congregation of Resurrection worshipped as part of several different congregations over the years, among them Good Samaritan, St. Mark’s, and most recently, St. Elizabeth’s in Linda Vista. Resurrection was the primary congregation in Linda Vista when St. Elizabeth’s closed in 2008.


“Father Mai served The Episcopal Church and the Vietnamese community faithfully for over 20 years, for which I give thanks,” said the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, bishop. X


Bishops Bless New Chapel: Los Angeles Bishop Bruce (left) and Bishop Mathes bless the new outdoor Chapel of the Transfiguration at Camp Stevens in Julian. God’s generosity is readily apparent in the beautiful surroundings of our diocesan camp, which is dedicated to ecologically responsible living and an excellent example of good Creation stewardship. Learn more: campstevens.org


“Thanksgiving is an essential element in our relationship with God. We recognize on a daily basis the perpetual gifts we have received. As we plan our annual household expenses, we set our tithe as our first consideration; everything else is secondary. We always seem to find a little more to share whenever God speaks to us about the needs of others.”


As much as their volunteerism requires time and commitment, Turnbull feels blessed by his service to others.


“Recognizing the source of our gifts frees my spirit and gives me the energy to serve God. All of our volunteer activities are important and rewarding work for me. Doing God’s work lifts my heart.”


Steve and Elaine Turnbull are people committed to the life and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, not only with traditional support in the form of dollars, but also with their talents and experience. They are living out the truth that giving to others feeds their own spirits.


“Our diocese benefits greatly from the time and expertise of Steve and Elaine Turnbull,” said the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes. “On behalf of the entire diocese, thank you.”


Through relationships built around projects, through sharing service time on committees and governing bodies, the diocese strengthens its bonds across congregational lines. These examples of people who volunteer their time as a way to give back to God inspire us as we begin to think about stewardship as a year- round, life-encompassing phenomenon. X


Photo: Blair Shamel


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