Walking with you toward the cross
A message from Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
My sisters and brothers, another Holy Week is almost upon us, with yet one more opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and relive this journey of passion. It is overtly about the suffering of Jesus, yet it is also the expression of God’s passionate love for all humanity and all creation. We are Jesus’ companions on this journey, walking wholeheartedly to the Wall that divides us from true freedom. 

Some of us will gather with members of the Diocese of Los Angeles and literally go to the border wall with Mexico, proclaiming that as God’s children, we are one with all humanity, wherever we live or work or have our being. The Christ came among us to tear down those boundaries and walls between us. 

We walk the Way of Jesus in Holy Week seeking strength for the long journey toward loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, the journey toward God’s justice, which alone will bring peace to this world. The cross we revere and even kiss on Good Friday is stark reminder that the Way of God’s love is costly, yet is the only path toward true life for all.

May you find renewed strength for the journey, even in the face of fear and grief. May you find renewed solidarity with the world’s least and lost and left out. May you find the courage to share what you know of God’s passionate love for all. And may the walls fall before us and between us. Even though it remind us of our own weakness, may our journey this week be holy, and grant us deepened confidence in God’s abiding love.
            
News & Notices
Report Sexual Misconduct Notices
Please place this notice in your bulletins, newsletters and other visible places:

Report Misconduct
The Episcopal Church has suspended the statute of limitations for reporting clergy sexual misconduct. Until December 31, 2029, persons who believe they have been a victim of misconduct at any time in the past in our diocese may file a report with our intake officers: Equilla Luke, aequilla@icloud.com, or John Seitman, jseitman@edsd.org. If you believe you have been harmed, please make a report. Our diocesan task force on compassionate care is available to support you. Speak with the intake officers for more information.


One Book, One Diocese
Our bishop elect, the Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook, wrote God Gave the Growth: Church Planting in the Episcopal Church. The book takes an honest look at the work required to plant and grow an Episcopal church in the 21st century. Consider reading it during the month of April.
Clergy Sabbaticals
Funds are available to clergy members of our diocese for the purpose of sabbatical support. An anonymous donor has contributed for this specific purpose. For more information, please contact the Rev. Canon Nancy Holland.
Sign up for the Province VIII newsletter
As you most likely know, our diocese is part of Province VIII, a region consisting of 900 congregations in 17 dioceses and Navajoland Areas Mission. Our province aims to encourage collaboration, strengthen ministry, provide training and foster personal connections. If you would like to opt out of receiving a new Province VIII newsletter, please let us know by April 15. Email Hannah Wilder to opt out.
Good Friday Offering
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry requests your support for Christians in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Please designate the Good Friday offering at your church for those who keep the faith in the land Jesus called home. To make a donation to the Good Friday Offering, please write a check payable to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, write "Good Friday Offering" in the memo line, and mail to: DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US, P.O. Box 958983, St. Louis, MO 63195-8983.

Upcoming Events
Renewal of Ordination Vows
Tuesday, April 16, 10:30 a.m. @ St. Andrew's, Encinitas

Renew your ordination vows on Tuesday in holy week alongside our Lutheran friends. Hear about joint ministries between St. Andrew's and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Bishops will bless and distribute chrismation and healing oils. Please wear purple stoles. No need for albs. Luncheon to follow. Email Registrar Alyson Terry to RSVP.
Small Church Roundtable
Saturday, May 4 @ St. Timothy's, Rancho Penasquitos

Connect with other small church members. Share resources, challenges, best practices, and insights. What keeps you awake at night? Bishop Katharine and Jan Romerdahl, among others, will guide the conversations.

United Thank Offering Ingathering
Sunday, May 5 @ All Churches

All churches in the diocese are encouraged to hold an ingathering of people's thank offerings. Contact UTO Coordinator Jamie Wood if you need help with any apsect of this.
Diaconal Ordinations
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. @ St. Paul's Cathedral

Pending approvals, the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will ordain Chris Craig-Jones and Hannah Wilder to the diaconate. Your presence and prayers are requested at the service and reception following. Red stoles.

Eucharistic Visitor Training
Saturday, May 11 @ St. Thomas, Temecula

A one day training for those who feel called to bring the bread and wine made holy to people who cannot make it to church services. Learn the history and art of this meaningful task.

Consecration and Ordination of our Fifth Bishop
Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. @ St. Paul's Cathedral

Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming consecration and ordination service of Bishop-elect Susan Brown Snook.