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Winter 2010 Quarterly Magazine of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego


Sabbath in the Season of Advent T


he weeks leading up to Christmas are a fun and joyous time, but


finding Sabbath in the midst of the materialistic frenzy and holiday stress isn’t easy. Taking time to step away from shopping, entertaining friends and writing cards is one thing that can bring more meaning to our experience of Advent and Christmas, and more peace to our lives. But just how can we find the calm buried beneath the Christmas wrappings?


One answer is to understand the concept of Sabbath, which dates back to the Biblical account of creation:


“On the seventh day God rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy,” (Genesis 2:2-3). Ancient Israelites set aside the seventh day of the week, and every seventh year, to do nothing but rest.


Sabbath can be as simple as slowing down, getting comfortable with silence and being present to the world around us. Simple, but not easy. Our culture rewards us for moving faster and encourages us to seek diversions from being still and silent with ourselves.


A Peaceful Place Apart: A hike at Camp Stevens is just the respite this soul needs during the hectic holiday season. Visit campstevens.org to learn more about our diocesan camp in Julian.


We hope this issue helps you figure out how to make the busiest weeks of the year more restful and nourishing. A personal reflection about a trip to a monastery lends insight into how that type of retreat benefits a soul (page


IN THIS ISSUE:


Bishop’s Letter


Page 2 Ten


Ways to Connect with God


Page 4 St.


Mark’s Mission


Page 5 Holy Trinity Page 8


3). An article by Terry Hershey teaches us the value of “waiting for the soul to catch up,” (page 4). Forward Movement provides ideas for small changes to help us honor Sabbath time (page 6). Bishop Mathes’ letter explores what it means to keep the Sabbath as a bishop (page 2).


This issue also includes information about our upcoming diocesan convention, a closer


look at St. Mark’s in City Heights and a special announcement about Holy Trinity in Ocean Beach.


As we live into this holy season of Advent, let us set aside time for Sabbath moments every day, which will, in turn, allow the love and spirit of Christ to dwell in us, incarnating him into our lives and our world. X


Vicki Bergstrom


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