5 By Drusilla Grubb, parishioner at All Souls’, Point Loma I


f you’re looking for the frozen chosen, don’t bother going to St. Alban’s, El Cajon.


St. Alban’s, El Cajon: Radical Welcome clothe and educate orphans.


A diverse parish culturally, socio-


“You’re welcome today; we want you here. Please, come as you are.”


economically, and politically, parishioners at St. Alban’s share an abundance of the fruits of the Spirit. They come together to experience the risen Christ in the refugees they embrace, and they find real unity in Jesus.


To worship at St.


Alban’s is to be enveloped in love, and peace. People there don’t argue about minutia, at least not much, and their worship reflects the joy they share.


As a small church in an impoverished area, it is amazing that St. Alban’s does and gives so much to so many. Even the most marginalized children of God find refuge there; people keep their hearts, minds, and arms wide open, embracing as brothers and sisters those who are about as “other” it gets.


Their mission statement? “Equipping everyone to celebrate and share God’s love.”


Parishioners routinely help those in crisis who drop by needing food, clothing, or referrals. They partner with the Episcopal Refugee Network to provide food, education, and translation services as well as tutoring and homework assistance. One Saturday a month they feed the hungry and offer toiletries and clothing to the needy. They provide significant ongoing spiritual and financial support for Kenya Kids, a program to feed,


Episcopalians held their first service in El Cajon in 1889; two clergy and three laymen from San Diego grabbed camping gear and headed east. They got to El Cajon at sunset and led 30 communicants in worship that night. Six years later, on a plot deeded by a vineyard company, area residents built a church.


It’s a parish with a long history of not taking itself too seriously. Photos from the 1953 Christmas party show the good men of St. Alban’s in dresses and nightgowns sporting ample bosoms.


St. Alban’s has a long history of support to refugees and the disenfranchised. After World War II, they cared for Indonesians who had been prisoners of the Japanese.


In May of 2002 it became clear that El Cajon’s city council would not provide housing for East County’s homeless. By October, a tent city had sprung up on the grounds of St. Alban’s providing for 120 people including women and children. Despite threats from neighbors and City Hall, the vestry voted to support the camp until the city had alternative housing, and to donate one percent of their operating budget for camp expenses. They refused to disband it until January, 2003 when the city finally opened a shelter.


Today, despite advice to the contrary, St. Alban’s welcomes Iraqi refugees rebuffed by other Christian churches. The Rev. Rebecca Dinovo, rector of St. Alban’s, says, “We have been told not to be ‘public’ about the fact lest we suffer reprisals. We ignore that.”


Fundraiser Benefits Refugees By John McLevie, PhD and president of the Episcopal Refugee Network board P


eople from throughout the diocese came together to support the Episcopal Refugee Network at a lively fundraiser


on Saturday, April 30, at the site of the Good Samaritan jungle and savannah lands! The décor included live palm trees and displays that recalled the African savannah and Asian rainforest that many of our refugees come from. As thousands of refugees arrive in San Diego, the Episcopal Refugee Network is playing an ever-increasing role in supporting them to make a new life among us.


Did you know the United States resettles more refugees than any other country in the world? Did you know City Heights and El Cajon are home to more than 90,000 refugees? Did you know


The ERN is asking churches throughout our diocese to hold donation drives for food, clothing and hygiene items. Representatives from the ERN are available to come to your church to speak and/ or help organize a donation drive. For more information: refugee.inquiries@gmail.com.


the Episcopal Refugee Network of San Diego distributes over 1,500 pounds of food and


tutors more than 60 refugee children each week? None of this would be possible without support from churches and private donors.


The gala raised $15,000. Two hundred people attended and participated in the auctions of the evening. Star performers were the Karen teenage boys and girls who danced the traditional festival dances of the timeless culture of their mountain homes. A lovely counterpoint was the singing of the St. Luke’s Sudanese Choir in Arabic with unmistakable


A Warm Welcome: Refugees receive a special welcome at St. Alban’s, El Cajon with the assistance of the Refugee Network. Since its inception, the congregation has dedicated itself to helping all who seek solace.


One Sunday morning not too long ago an Iraqi woman walked by. She asked in broken English what kind of church it was. Someone explained and the woman said she’d like to come back another Sunday for worship when she could be dressed properly. A parishioner opened her arms and hugged the woman saying, “You’re welcome today; we want you here. Please, come as you are.” Tears welled up in the woman’s eyes as she walked into the sanctuary and joined in worship. She came back the next week with a friend. When the rector greeted them, the woman said, “I told my friend that Jesus is here.” X


“hallelujahs” interspersed. Board president, John McLevie, Ph.D., and board member, Joyce Justus, Ph.D., thanked the gathered supporters for their enthusiastic participation in the event. They also told stories of the kinds of personal assistance given to clients.


More Than a Dance: Refugees whose lives have been sustained and enriched by the Episcopal Refugee Network danced in traditional garb at the gala dinner in April. These dances are more than recreation; they're a connection to a faraway, beloved, war-torn homeland. Another gala is planned for April 2012.


The Network is grateful to all people of the diocese who attended and to Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Univeristy City for the use of their facility. Next year’s planning team has already reserved Saturday, April 28, 2012 for this fun event. All are welcome! X


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