When I was ordained in 2000, the rhythm of church life felt different. Summers were generally slower with less activity and often fewer people as folks went away on vacation, took advantage of sunny days to go to the beach (this is southern California after all) or other daytime activities, and generally relaxed more. However, … READ MORE…
In her book Radical Welcome, Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation,15th Edition, the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers defines “radical welcome,” in part as follows: Radical welcome is first and foremost a spiritual practice. It combines the Christian ministry of welcome and hospitality with a faithful commitment to doing the … READ MORE…
As I mentioned a while ago in a sermon, one of the things that struck me the first time I came to the Cathedral some 35 years ago was seeing a gay couple in the pews a couple of rows ahead of me, sitting next to an older woman, with her grandson sitting next to … READ MORE…
Last Sunday Canon Richard Hogue announced that an event that benefits Comunidad de Luz, “An Evening of Music and Hope,” on August 7 and 8, needs volunteers. Because the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and by extension, the Cathedral, is involved in so many things it is not always easy to keep up with all … READ MORE…
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego was formed in 1973, having originally been part of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The area that would eventually become the Diocese of San Diego was developing its own identity and the need to create a new diocese became apparent. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bankers Hill became … READ MORE…
Some 25 or so years ago I, along with other folks from St. Paul’s, went on a pilgrimage of British cathedrals organized by the Rev. Canon Anne Chisham and Lanita Carroll, and “narrated” by Dean James Carroll, our first dean. It was an amazing trip that took us from York Minster Cathedral at the north … READ MORE…
Hello St. Paul’s! First off I just want to thank you for the gracious welcome you have extended to me in my new role at the Cathedral. As I said in my sermon on Sunday, I certainly was not expecting to be in this role, as I was happily retired, but that being said, I … READ MORE…
Hello St. Paul’s, What do I say about twelve plus years as your Dean? Really, there is nothing left to say except thank you. Thank you for calling me to serve this extraordinary, vibrant, open-hearted community. Thank you for the warm welcome you extended to me when I arrived. Thank you for the many, many … READ MORE…
Hello St. Paul’s, As you are probably aware, we hosted the annual conference of the North American Cathedral Deans last weekend. We welcomed some 43 deans and a dozen spouses for the weekend, coming from all over the US and Canada, plus the Bahamas and even the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral in Brasilia, Brazil … READ MORE…
Hello St. Paul’s, By now we are well into Holy Week, the center of our year and our faith. We have celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and we have meditated deeply on the mystery of his Passion, as recounted by St. Matthew. Now we turn to the Triduum, the three holiest days. … READ MORE…