Renewed Stay at Home Order Issued
Dear Congregations, 

You are in my prayers as some of our congregations are planning to restart in-person worship on Sunday. I am continuing to monitor the increase in COVID cases in our diocese, and watching the metrics closely. 

Just today, San Diego County issued a renewed stay-at-home order , which is effective at noon today (June 19). It still allows an exception for church services as long as state guidelines are followed, but STRONGLY encourages such services to be held outside if at all possible. 

For those of you who are planning to restart in-person worship this week, I ask you, if possible, to hold your worship outside. Gathering outside with social distancing and   the other precautions we've previously provided  ​​will help provide increased safety for our members.

Congregations located in Arizona and Imperial County should not be meeting in person due to high levels of disease in those areas.  
 
I am praying for all of you in a time that is difficult for Christians. We all yearn to be back with our people again, standing at our altars, joining in beautiful song. Unfortunately, it is possible that our guidelines may have to grow more restrictive if the COVID situation gets worse in our local areas. Please pray for an end to this public health emergency, as I pray for all of you.
In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
Episcopal Leaders Hail Supreme Court
Episcopalians and church leaders are cheering the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 15 ruling that protects gay and transgender Americans from workplace discrimination, a groundbreaking decision that follows decades of church advocacy for greater LGBTQ rights. Read More
Episcopal leaders on June 18 welcomed the  U.S. Supreme Court’s surprise decision  preserving protections for about 700,000 immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children. Even so, The Episcopal Church remains focused on advocating for legislation that will offer them permanent protection from deportation and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. Read More
Mask Give Away - Coming June 27th
Bishop Susan: Episcopal Community Services
Watch Bishop Susan Brown Snook's address at the Episcopal Community Services Annual Meeting. Click on the video below for the full video.
Eucharistic Visitor Training: Two Opportunities
As we prepare to return to in-person worship, it is clear that many in our congregations will not be able to or will not wish to return. Small group worship and Eucharistic Visitors can assist in extending the Eucharistic table to those who are not in their midst. To that end, the latest offering from the EDSD Lay Ministry Series is a 2-hour session that includes the Eucharistic Small Group Visitor Workshop and the Small Group Leader Workshop. Read More  
Checklist to Resume In-Person Worship
Our bishop has authorized in-person worship to restart in our diocese as of June 21 (assuming we do not see another spike in COVID-19 cases which might push the date back). Both the bishop and the state of California have issued guidelines for in-person worship. A congregational checklist that consolidates and simplifies these guidelines can be found here .

Some counties have also issued separate guidelines and requirements, so please check your local county guidelines. Please note that San Diego County requires that a Reopening Plan be posted in a public place. The template for the plan can be found here . 
Camp Stevens Virtual Solstice 5k Walk & Run
What is a Virtual 5K?  Participants will complete the 5K close to home or in your home! You can join in with us live at Camp Stevens on the 21st at 9am or do the mileage during a time that works best for you. We'd love it if you'd take lots of pictures and video to share on social media
- Tag us using #campstevens5k2020!

Youth: Dismantling Racism this Summer - SOLD OUT
More opportunities will soon be available to participate in this program.

This Summer, Diocesan Youth will journey through The Dismantling Racism Curriculum for Youth created by the Diocese of Atlanta and Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing. This six-unit virtual discussion group is open to youth grades 7-12 willing to engage in tough conversations to deepen their understanding of racism, identity, privilege, and healing as part of the life-long work of dismantling racism. This series will be held virtually.

For more information, or to register, please visit www.edsd.org/dismantlingracism  
Sermon PowerPoint Slides that Work
Explore Cursillo
Cursillo is a movement and an effort in the church that is designed and intended to help us to grow in a deeper and more personal, more committed relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord, and Friend.
 
I made a Cursillo some years ago when I was bishop of North Carolina. It was not only a moving experience, but a significant part of my own faith journey. As a follower of Jesus, one who seeks to be committed to His teachings, and to His way of love, Cursillo has been an aid to me on that journey, and I know it's an aid to many others on a similar journey.
 
Some years ago, in 2008, I attended the Lambeth Conference of Bishops. And one of the speakers whose name I don’t actually remember, one of the speakers was talking about sharing the gospel and living the gospel of Jesus in our own lives. And at one point, he paused, you could tell he was about to pivot to something. He paused and he said, “you know, the truth is people who’ve committed their lives to Jesus of Nazareth, and to actually trying to live out what He taught us, they are different. They may not be perfect, but they are different, and they make a difference in the world.” He’s right. Those who have made a commitment to Jesus of Nazareth, and have committed to try to live his teachings, what he taught us, and the power of His Spirit, there is a difference. And we do make a difference. We’re not perfect, but we make a difference.
 
I encourage you to explore Cursillo to look at it as one way that you might grow deeper in faith and in following Jesus of Nazareth, and His way of love. The way of love, which is indeed the way of life.
 
God love you.
God bless you.
May God hold us all in those Almighty hands of love.
 
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Litany for the Sins of Racism
Provided by St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
Faith to Go: Your weekly formation resources
A Weekly, On The Go Resource for Parents and Non-Parents Alike

Hosted by the Faith To Go team in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, David Tremaine and Charlette Preslar. Joined each week by a special guest, the Faith To Go team highlights themes from the Sunday Gospel reading for you to take into your faith discussions and reflections throughout the week .  More Here
COVID-19 Resources
Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is here to support you through this difficult time. The sudden impact of COVID-19 on our community-life does not mean we need to give up community. Find a list of resources that can help here : including a bulletin for Morning Prayer, resources for online giving for your congregation, help in setting up video meetings, Faith at Home resources, and more .
If you have or need any type of resource that is not listed here, please email Christian Gillette, Canon for Evangelism and Discipleship with your materials or request. 
Diocesan Staff: Working Remotely
holy trinity building
Due to COVID-19 the Diocesan Staff will be working remotely. You can find contact information for each of the staff members here. Feel free, as always, to call Bishop Susan, Canon Gwynn, Canon Christian, Rev. Kirby, or Chris for any reason. Please email the other members of the Diocesan Staff as their cell phone numbers are not listed.