Diocesan Convention
Bishop’s Report to Convention
Welcome to the 2026 Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego! It is a joy to gather with you to reflect on the remarkable work God is doing through our congregations, diocesan leadership, and staff. I’ve been your bishop for just over seven years now, and I continue to marvel at the powerful ways Christ is working through our Church to bring God’s love to the world around us. In a time of deep division and anger in the wider world, our Church continues to focus on Christ’s Courageous Love and transformation.
This is a transition year for our diocese. At the end of 2025, our five-year Courageous Love strategic plan came to an end. At this convention, you will hear about some of the inspiring outcomes of that plan. We are currently working to create our new Transforming Love strategic plan for the years 2027-2032. That plan will be launched next spring. (Mark your calendars for launch events to learn more – April 3 at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert and April 10 right here at St. Bartholomew’s, Poway.) In the meantime, this convention is an opportunity for you to get a preview of the kind of dedicated work we are planning for the next five years as we follow Jesus into our communities, sharing the good news of Christ’s love for this world.
I am truly proud of the ministry being done across our diocese. Our congregational leaders, lay and clergy alike, continue to reach out in new ways, expanding their ministries and building relationships that bring hope and healing to their communities. From planting new churches to engaging in evangelism, Latino ministries, and campus outreach, to serving vulnerable people across our region, we are stepping boldly into God's future, living into our mission to grow, strengthen, and serve.
As we begin this year's Convention, let's celebrate how far we've come and renew our commitment to the journey ahead. God is working through us in extraordinary ways, and together, we are building a future grounded in our values: love, diversity, transformation, evangelism, and courage. Thank you for your ministries, your prayers, and the hope you bring to our diocese and beyond.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook
Bishop Diocesan
Diocesan Convention
Reports to Convention
Advocating for Service and Justice Committees
Throughout the Diocese, Committees and Working Groups with representatives from different congregations have been addressing Service and Justice priorities:
The Gun Safety Working Group promoted Wear Orange and the Sandy Hook Prayer Vigil, provided advocacy alerts and educates on gun safety and violence prevention and worked with other community and national partners on gun violence prevention activities.
Racial justice engagement: Sacred Ground is launching a 2.0 revised curriculum. Both LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) and Sacred Ground offerings continue to promote ongoing education and Racial Justice engagement. Several congregations are actively supporting the SDOP (San Diego Organizing Project) advocacy activities.
The Creation Care Community Education Committee is currently planning a Lenten book study: The Fossil Fuel Reduction. The Committee will present the Empowering Mission pilot proposal to the Property Committee; and a future CCC Roundtable will include Climate Resilience for Congregations.
The Immigration and Border Ministry connects our congregations with the realities of migration, strengthens partnerships across faith communities and organizations, and stands alongside migrant individuals and families with dignity, compassion, advocacy, and hope.
The Homelessness Task Force held a Diocesan-wide book study on Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness by Kevin Nye. About 12 participants discussed misperceptions about our unhoused neighbors and shared insights about how the church can address this issue. For the final session, the author joined adding additional guidance for us. It will meet on a monthly basis to build on action items.
The Diocesan Service & Justice Coalition of parish leaders in Outreach/Service, Peace & Justice continue to meet regularly on Zoom. It supports Diocesan Racial Justice (especially Sacred Ground Circles, LARK), Creation Care, Gun Safety and Migration task forces, promoting Voter participation, Episcopal Community Services (CERRC Recovery Luncheon, Family to Family) and RefugeeNet, besides responding to requests for help with backpack drives and homeless outreach.
Recognizing the intersectionality of the issues addressed by the various groups, moving forward there is a commitment to meet at least quarterly to enable advocacy collaborations and united actions.
Archivist
This past year, my work as Diocese Archivist began in April, as I was unable to start earlier due to illness. After touring the archive room, I realized we were out of space and requested a scanner and laptop so I could digitize many of the records. While waiting for the equipment, I reviewed the records on file for each parish to identify what was missing, and I found significant gaps. Many parishes have not sent files to the archives since the pandemic. I also went through 11 boxes of records donated to the diocese by the Society of St. Paul, assessing their contents and relevance to our collection. When the new equipment is in place, I am prepared to begin scanning and preserving these materials and to work with the parishes to bring their records up to date.
Audit Committee
Leaf & Cole, LLP conducted the recent audit of EDSD’s 2025 financial statements. The Audit Committee met with the Audit Partner LaTonya Knox September 18th, 2026 to review the results of the audit and the draft audited financial statements. The firm issued an unmodified opinion, the highest opinion you can receive, otherwise known as a clean report, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
The Audit Committee members met separately with LaTonya Knox, Audit Partner, after reviewing the financial statements, the letter to the Audit Committee and other supporting documents. LaTonya was very complimentary of CFO Jeff Martinhauk and staff for the quality of the work done, the timely receipt of information requested and prompt followup on any questions the auditors had. Overall, there were no difficulties encountered and there were no disagreements with management. There were only a few minor adjusting journal entries needed. There were no management recommendations and no issues noted.
Based on our review, we recommend Executive Committee accept EDSD’s audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsey Monsell, Chairperson
Judy Brown, Member
Anastasia Rechif, Member
Agape Campus Ministry at SDSU and UCSD
by the Rev. Darin Johnson, Campus Pastor and Executive Director
Diocese support for campus ministry program and half-time staff, currently served by Greg Tuttle, has helped Agape expand from SDSU to UCSD and this fall to add a new worship service at each campus! Sunday evening Eucharist has begun for the UCSD community at Good Samaritan, thanks to the leadership and commitment of Rev. Paul Klitzke, who shows up on campus regularly to care for students and bridge the parish to campus. And Monday Evening Prayer at SDSU engages students to worship outdoors in public around a warm hearth. Our midday outreach feeds 50-100 students each week, and semiannual faith formation retreats at Camp Stevens deepen student involvement from pastoral care to life in faith community. Follow Agape e-news at agapesandiego.org or Instagram / Facebook @agapesandiego.org.
Camp Stevens Report - 2026
For almost 75 years, Camp Stevens has been a welcoming home for summer camps, churches, family camps, schools, and other groups. Located in the mountain town of Julian, California, we are a ministry of the Episcopal Dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego. Rooted in the Episcopal Church and our natural world, Camp Stevens’s core values are Openness, Connection, Gratitude, and Wonder.
2026 Highlights
· Hosted 4 weeks of summer overnight camps with over 300 youth including 30 students from an Episcopal School in Japan.
· Hosted 1 week of day camp for over 100 youth in partnership with local nonprofits.
· 16 volunteer chaplains led spiritual development and provided loving pastoral care for campers and staff.
· Provided direct financial assistance to 44 campers, including 24 from St.Lukes/RefugeeNet. Provided sliding scale tuition to an additional 93 campers.
· Welcomed over 4500 retreat guests for connective camp experiences with their church, school, or group.
· Began planning our our 75th Anniversary for 2027 with a committee representing alumni and supporters from across both Diocese.
· Launched a search for our next Executive Director with a committee representing Board and Diocesan leaders from both Diocese.
· Partnered with EDSD Staff to support formation programs for youth on and off site
Join us in 2027 for our 75th year! We’ll be celebrating all year long with special events, 75th anniversary swag, volunteer opportunities, and special initiatives to support our ministry’s next 75 years of wonder and belonging!
Campus Missioner CSUSM
For the last year, Campus ministry at CSUSM has been on pause due to difficulty gathering enough students for a consistent group. So this fall, we decided to refocus and broaden the group to include any college-age young adults in the diocese, centered on but not limited to North County. On October 29th, we had our inaugural gathering, throwing a Halloween party with five young adults. We are quickly gathering more interested in future gatherings, and we are looking forward to meeting weekly on Thursdays around faith, fellowship, food, and fun!
Canon to the Ordinary for Leadership Development Report 2026
It has been an honor and a joy to join the Diocese of San Diego this year as a part of the Canons team, beginning in February. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch for my first several weeks as I learned about the people, congregations, cultures, and practices of our Diocese.
Most of my portfolio overlaps with Canon Gwynn’s, particularly with regard to clergy and congregational transitions, congregational development and consultation, diocesan liturgies, and Convention coordination. It is a holy privilege to walk alongside so many of you in moments of challenge, joy, curiosity, and transition, and I thank God for this ministry with you all.
Transition highlights from the last year include:
We welcomed new clergy-in-charge at St. Matthew’s, National City; Trinity, Escondido; St. Thomas, Temecula; and will soon do so at Christ Church, Coronado.
We said thank you and goodbye to clergy-in-charge at St. Matthew’s, National City; St. Andrew’s, Encinitas; St. Mary’s, Ramona; St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego; St. Brigid’s, Oceanside; Sts. Peter and Paul, El Centro; and will soon do so at St. David’s, Clairemont.
At time of writing, five congregations are actively engaged in the search for new clergy-in charge: St. Andrew’s, Encinitas; St. Mary’s, Ramona; St. Andrew’s, Pacific Beach; St. John’s, Chula Vista; St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego.
We ordained three new deacons and one new priest, and welcomed one priest back to ministry in the Episcopal Church. In the next six months we expect to receive three priests from other Christian traditions and ordain four more deacons.
(The full roster of clergy and congregational transitions since last Convention will be shared during Convention and recorded in the minutes thereof.)
A significant focus of my first months with the Diocese has been working with co-chairs Mae Chao and Lori Thiel as well as consultant Carsten Hennings to shepherd the work of the Strategic Planning team. This group has worked long and hard to listen well, dream big, and come up with effective and exciting plans for our next five years as a Diocesan community.
The arrival of new staff also often brings shifts in staff responsibilities across the board. I am now privileged to share with Canon Jason Evans in supervising the formation and registrar staff as we all work together to keep aligned with the mission and vision you identified in the Courageous Love strategic plan for the last five years, and beginning to discover what it will look like to launch and live a new Transforming Love strategic plan over the next five years.
Respectfully submitted,
the Rev. Canon Beth Scriven
Canon to the Ordinary for Mission
In 2026, much of my work as Canon to the Ordinary for Mission has focused on helping congregations become healthier, more engaged with their neighborhoods, and better equipped to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This has included working alongside congregational leaders on evangelism, discipleship, community engagement, and the challenges that come with congregational transitions. We have continued developing new churches and worshiping communities, including our work in Bonita and Menifee, while also supporting established congregations as they discern what faithful and sustainable ministry looks like in their contexts. Through the Consortium for Congregational Vitality, Leadership Academy, and other training opportunities, we have helped clergy and lay leaders develop practical ministry skills. I've also worked with diocesan teams to expand our presence in campus and military ministry, support congregational responses to homelessness and other neighborhood needs. At Resurrection in Ocean Beach, I've continued to see what can happen when a congregation builds its life around relationships, belonging, and engagement with its neighbors. Finally, I've been grateful to help develop our diocesan strategic plan, which has brought together people from across the diocese to imagine how we might grow the Church, strengthen our congregations, and better serve our neighbors in the years ahead.
Canon Jason Evans
Chaplains to Retired Clergy and Spouses
Dear Retired Colleagues!
We enjoyed an excellent training session in San Antonio and had the opportunity to meet our Province Eight colleagues and others who serve retired clergy. The speakers were excellent, and we hope to bring one of them to San Diego for a Spring event.
In the meantime, we are getting to know our fellow retired clergy on pastoral visits.
The desert clergy holds a monthly lunch gathering at a local restaurant. A monthly lunch gathering is in formation for central San Diego.
Please keep in touch and contact us about fellow clergy who may need a visit or a phone call.
Faithfully,
Susan Astarita - astacom@aol.com
Mark Spaulding - mark@garageshop.org
Chief Financial Officer
As of 10/21/26
The diocese continues to hold a strong financial position in the first nine months of 2026.
The operating fund has a surplus through August. The adjusted operating surplus for the first 9 months of the year are:
Actual Budget
Net Operating Revenue (Deficit) 39,941 (140,669)
Plus donated legal services 595 0
Plus Budgeted Investment Earnings 163,943* 163,943
Adjusted Net Operating Surplus 204,479 23,274
*Investment earnings exceeded budget, but the excess earnings are reinvested in the long term reserve.
The diocese had additional unrestricted investment income of $185k, and depreciation of $93k.
The diocese holds about $16.1 million in investments. The diocese continues to hold two endowment funds managed by Episcopal Church Foundation, a traditional portfolio and an ESG weighted portfolio. Both of these endowments are available for congregations to invest in. The diocese continues to hold another portfolio with Corient, which is not available for congregational investing. Investment returns in have been positive in 2026, despite some volatility from month to month.
The diocese received about $580k in restricted gifts. Those consisted mostly of grants for mission real estate and church plants.
Children and Youth Missioner
In Fall 2025, 14 youth participated in EDSD Collaborative Confirmation, with confirmation services taking place from December 2025 through the Summer of 2026. The beginning of 2026, EDSD continued to host annual Children’s Camp and Youth Retreat at Camp Stevens, as well as the Nightwatch Lenten overnight for youth. Over the summer, 15 youth delegates participated in the Province VIII Pilgrimage to Hawaiʻi. Graduating seniors were recognized through a Senior Lunch and Sending Service with Bishop Susan. The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) included 14 members representing nine congregations in 2025–2026 and has welcomed 15 members representing nine congregations for the 2026–2027 year.
In response to youth continued requests for mentorship, EDSD launched Wayfarers, a diocesan initiative focused on leadership development and discipleship for youth. The inaugural cohort includes 34 youth in grades 10–12 and nine adult mentors, with the first retreat held in October 2026. Planning is also underway for Service and Surf, a service-learning initiative scheduled to launch in 2027 in partnership with outreach ministries at congregations across the diocese.
Together, these efforts strengthen a connected community of young people across the diocese, inviting them to grow in faith, lead with courage, engage meaningfully in the life of the Church, and put courageous love into action.
Leighton Jones, Children and Youth Missioner
Commission on Ministry
The Commission on Ministry (COM) is appointed by the Bishop to oversee, support, and guide the discernment and formation processes within the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. In strict accordance with the canons of the Episcopal Church, the commission's primary mandate centers on accompanying individuals as they explore a call to holy orders—either the priesthood or the vocational diaconate.
A central responsibility of the COM is managing the formal, multi-year pathway for individuals discerning ordained ministry. The commission carefully tracks discerners through four critical, canonically mandated milestones: Inquirer (the foundational phase focused on initial tracking, exploration, and structured, prayerful discernment); Nominee (the stage formalizing the discernment process following comprehensive evaluations by the individual's local faith community and Parish Discernment Committee); Postulant (a period dedicated to formal theological education, field formation, and mandatory psychological and background assessments); and Candidate (the final assessment phase focused on verifying overall readiness for ordination to holy orders).
In partnership with the Bishop, the COM currently oversees 22 individuals actively navigating the formal discernment and formation pipeline within the diocese. This group includes 4 Candidates for Diaconal Ordination in their final stages of preparation, 4 Candidates for Reception seeking formal recognition of holy orders from other traditions, 4 Postulants engaged in active theological formation, 8 Nominees formalized by their home parishes, and 2 potential Inquirers beginning exploratory conversations. The diocese joyfully celebrates the advancement of three individuals who completed this formal process since the last diocesan convention: two individuals were ordained to the vocational diaconate to serve the church and world, and one individual was ordained as a transitional deacon and subsequently advanced to the sacred order of priests.
During a summer retreat, the commission evaluated how to align its long-term vision with the pressing needs of the contemporary church, focusing on identifying the spiritual and pastoral attributes required of modern leaders and defining the core ministerial competencies necessary to advance our local mission.
To lower barriers and demystify this path, the COM also hosted a highly successful Ordination Exploration Day (formerly the Day of Information). This gathering drew a robust turnout of individuals seeking clarity regarding their vocational calls, providing a direct opportunity to learn about the diocese's structural discernment steps, educational paths, and formation processes.
The Commission on Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to Bishop Susan Brown Snook for her steadfast leadership and collaborative guidance throughout the year. We are deeply grateful for the parish discernment committees, rectors, lay mentors, and congregations whose sacrificial care, spiritual oversight, and rigorous evaluations sustain this vital diocesan work. Together, we look forward to continuing our work of guiding and preparing the future leaders called to serve Christ in our diocese.
Respectfully submitted by, Doris Christopher, Chairperson
Comunidad de Luz — A Community of Light
Empowering Women and Children Through Faith, Dignity, and Opportunity
At the heart of Comunidad de Luz is a simple but powerful belief: Every woman and child who walks through our doors is a priceless child of God, deserving of dignity, compassion, love, and the opportunity to build a better future.
Our mission goes beyond providing temporary shelter. We strive to empower migrant women and children to build lives of dignity, stability, and self-reliance.
Since opening our doors, we have welcomed more than 60 women and children from different countries and circumstances. Some have stayed only a day, while others have called Comunidad de Luz home for as long as ten months. Each arrives with a unique story, challenges, and hopes for the future.
We measure our success not simply by the number of people we shelter, but by the opportunities they gain and how prepared they become for the next chapter of their lives.
One inspiring example is a Haitian mother who arrived with her three-year-old daughter. During her stay, she received her Visitor Card for Humanitarian Reasons, an important step toward stability in Mexico. But her journey did not stop there. Through training and encouragement, she began developing her own small business, Pláta Fritos, transforming a traditional Haitian fried plantain snack into an opportunity for financial independence. She is learning marketing, pricing, customer service, and business management—skills that can help her provide for herself and her daughter.
That is what empowerment looks like at Comunidad de Luz.
Through vocational training, baking, cooking, embroidery, beauty and barbering programs, entrepreneurship, mental-health support, and other activities, we help women discover and strengthen their God-given abilities. Every small achievement represents another step toward independence, confidence, and renewed hope.
Comunidad de Luz means Community of Light. That light represents the hope and love of Christ—a hope that is accompanied by compassion, opportunity, and action.
We cannot change the hardships these women and children experienced before arriving at our doors. But we can welcome them with love, walk beside them in faith, restore their sense of dignity, and provide the tools to help them create a brighter future.
Our mission is not simply to provide shelter for today, but to offer hope, dignity, opportunity, and the tools for tomorrow.
That is the heart and mission of Comunidad de Luz.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Cursillo
Cursillo means a short course in Christianity. While people were still suffering from the effects of the Spanish Civil War, Cursillo came about as a needed opportunity to learn about Christianity. The heart of the Cursillo three-day weekend is a set of talks called "Rollos." Listening to others share stories centered on Christ helps everyone to grow in their own understanding of the Holy. The atmosphere is one of joy and Christian fellowship, of learning and listening, of reflection and preparation. Participants return empowered to better serve their church, their community, and the world.
Cursillo teaches discipleship by providing lessons in piety, study, and action during the Cursillo weekend. The weekend is designed to deepen a person’s relationship with Jesus and enable them to live out their life as a witness to Jesus in the world. Each person is taught and inspired at a spiritual level (piety), at an intellectual level (study) and a ministry level (action). When we interact with God at all three of these levels, we become better followers of Jesus Christ.
For the year 2027 we will have a Cursillo weekend at the Whispering Winds Camp and Conference Center in the mountains near the town of Julian. The weekend will begin on Thursday evening, February 18th and will conclude on Sunday afternoon, February 21st.
For more information about the upcoming weekend and other Cursillo programs, please talk to your Cursillo parish representative or your priest and visit the San Diego Cursillo website at www.sdcursillo.org
Looking back at what Cursillo has accomplished over this past year, we held a Cursillo weekend last February and we have celebrated multiple Ultreyas in parishes throughout the Diocese. You need not have made a Cursillo weekend to attend an Ultreya; everyone is welcome!
In closing, thank you to Bishop Susan Brown Snook and all the people in the Diocese who are very supportive of Cursillo!
Your friend in Christ,
The Rev. George M. Calvert
Diocesan Cursillo Spiritual Advisor
Daughters of the King – Nov 2026
Who We Are: The Order of the Daughters of the King® is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. The Mission of the Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world. Membership in the Order is open to women at every stage of life between the ages of 7 and 107 who desire a closer walk with the Lord. It is an International Order of both lay and ordained women.
Vision, Planning, and Leadership: It was an impactful year. Some attended the Province VIII leadership retreat in March. Led by Cynthia McCorick we started with listening sessions and surveys of all daughters to see what was important and how we could make a bigger impact for Christ.
Assemblies: We held a Spring Assembly in May at St. Paul’s of the Desert with daughter from all over our diocese and some from the LA Diocese. Together with Rev. Jessie Thompson we studied the Rosary, celebrated Eucharist and had a lovely potluck luncheon. In October, we held our Fall Assembly at St. Dunstan’s. The theme provided by St. Dunstan’s Junior Daughters, “Be Our Guest”, featured Canon Jason Evans helping us to better understand and practice the concept of noticing in our work of evangelism. Both days gave daughters an opportunity to share, love, and pray together. A quiet day is planned by St. Thomas of Canterbury in December.
Prayers and Information: Diocesan DOK offered a Nehemiah Prayer Vigil to bring hope and healing to this community and our country during the election. Sandi Lanzarotta sent daily prayers to all daughters beginning in October
The Daughters were present at last year’s Convention and are available this year to pray and answer questions about Daughters of the King. If you are interested, please see us in the prayer room.
Moving Forward: In June, we met at St. Bart’s taking the information from our surveys and developed a plan to better support each other and promote the Daughters. Here are our three goals for this year: Forming a Communication Team, revise the monthly chapter presidents’ meeting to a prayer gathering open to all, and contact EDSD Communications Director, Chris Tumilty and the office of Bishop Susan to open discussions about how the EDSD can help us with communication to all women in the Diocese.
For information concerning The Order of the Daughters of the King® or to attend a gathering, please contact Meredith Riffel at meredithriffel5@gmail.com or 619-219-4993.
For His Sake, Karen Nelson and Meredith Riffel- DOK Diocesan Co-Presidents
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
ECW consists of only two chapters. They are St. John’s in Yuma AZ and St Mary’s in the Valley in Ramona CA. The Good Shepard in Hemet CA is a registered chapter, but is not currently active. In addition to being the ECW Coordinator for the Diocese I am the current President of the ECW Chapter at St Mary”s.
St Mary”s holds monthly meetings to address issues that effect the women of the Parish. St Mary’s is a small Mission church and our ECW chapter consists of only 13 core members, This year St Mary’s has enjoyed fellowship through a monthly book study, these studies give us the opportunity, through study to learn, as Christians, what following Jesus really means. In addition the women of the church, through our outreach program, headed by Dawn Kezer have provided the youth of Ramona with the following: School Backpacks, Shoes and Socks program, Winter Jackets,and the Christmas Giving Tree These programs have been made possible through the hard work of our outreach committee, and by grants from local businesses and funds provided by a bequest from a prior member’s estate . As you can see that even though we are a small group, we have been busy.
The greatest accomplishment that ECW has achieved this year is that, with the condenses of St John’s and The Good Shepard, we were able to free up some ECW funds long held by the Diocese to assist the following groups: Comidad de Luz, Vida Jovan, Crisis House, San Diego Family Justice and the Ramona Youth Collaborative. These funds are now benefiting women and children in need.
This is the legacy that the Episcopal Church Women want to leave. The two active ECW Chapters in the Diocese of San Diego are committed to showing God’s Courageous Love through their actions in serving their communities.
I reached out to the ECW chapter at St John’s for input as it pertains to this report and have received no response.
Respectively Submitted
Fern Smith
Executive Council Report to the 2026 Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
During 2026, the Executive Council focused its governance and stewardship on advancing EDSD’s strategic direction, strengthening congregations and ministries, maintaining responsible financial and property oversight, and supporting leadership transitions throughout the Diocese.
Strategic Direction and the Future of EDSD
One of the Council’s most significant areas of work was supporting development of the Diocese’s new Strategic Plan. Following diocesan listening sessions, a landscape survey, and months of discernment, the planning process centered around three pillars: Growing Our Church, Strengthening Our Congregations, and Serving Our Neighbors.
In September, Executive Council formally approved the intended outcomes for the 2026 Strategic Plan, establishing the framework for the next phase of initiatives and implementation. Areas under development included congregational vitality, clergy affordability, social justice, and campus initiatives.
Supporting Congregations, Leadership and Mission
Throughout the year, Council maintained oversight of and received regular reports on clergy transitions, congregational development, leadership formation, evangelism, and emerging ministries. Numerous congregations progressed through rector searches, calling committees, interim leadership, and new clergy calls. Leadership development also continued through the Leadership Academy, Commission on Ministry, discernment activities, and direct support to congregations in transition.
Council also remained engaged with the Diocese’s expanding mission priorities, including church planting and revitalization in Bonita and Menifee, the Consortium for Congregational Vitality, Comunidad de Luz, campus and military ministries, and ministries addressing homelessness, community engagement, gun safety, and immigration. By September, the Center for Church Renovation had awarded $100,000 for Menifee and $50,000 for Ocean Beach, while Good Shepherd, Bonita reported 27 new congregants following the arrival of its new Vicar.
Investing Diocesan Resources in Mission
Executive Council took several significant actions directing diocesan resources toward congregational and community needs. Council authorized $2,500 for St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs and $6,348 for St. Andrew’s, Pacific Beach through Courageous Love Service Grants, supporting emergency cooling assistance in the Borrego Valley and ministry to unhoused neighbors in Pacific Beach.
Council also authorized the remaining $48,391.72 in the Coachella Valley Fund for parking lot repair or replacement at St. John’s, Indio, and authorized a shared-appreciation loan of up to $200,000 to support Trinity, Escondido in its search for its next rector.
Strengthening Financial and Administrative Stewardship
Council continued strengthening diocesan governance through financial, human resources, investment, and administrative policies. Significant actions included adoption or revision of parental leave, expense approval, gift acceptance and investment policies, as well as approval of the Diocese’s 2027 health-plan selections and employer contribution requirements.
Financial reports throughout the year reflected generally favorable operating results. By September, the Treasurer reported approximately $150,000 in operating surplus, successful fundraising, completion of the audit, and a favorable labor variance. Council also accepted a $239,000 California State Nonprofit Security Grant and authorized use of the funds for approved security enhancements.
Stewardship of Property and Diocesan Assets
Property and Mission Real Estate remained important areas of Council oversight. The 2026 Council began its work following authorization to sell the former St. Columba’s property, with $850,000 of the proceeds designated for the property reserve to address deferred maintenance and remaining proceeds designated for Mission Real Estate.
During the year, Council continued receiving Property Committee and Mission Real Estate updates and authorized the sale of the Diocese’s interest in the Del Mar Inn for no less than $196,000, supporting responsible management of diocesan assets.
Looking Ahead
The work of 2026 reflects an Executive Council focused not simply on conducting the business of the Diocese, but on positioning EDSD for its next chapter. Through strategic planning, careful stewardship of diocesan resources, investment in congregations and ministries, and support for emerging and transitioning leadership, the Council helped move discernment toward action.
As EDSD enters 2027, this work provides a strong foundation for our shared commitment to Growing Our Church, Strengthening Our Congregations, and Serving Our Neighbors.
Finance Committee/Stewardship
The finance committee of the executive council is responsible for providing financial support to the council. Its primary responsibility is to oversee financial matters and the financial condition of the diocese and to make recommendations to the Executive Council. Additionally, the property committee, investment committee, and budget committee report to the finance committee. The finance committee currently consists of eight members.
The committee continued its mission of ensuring that the diocese stayed within budget limits and maintained the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. This involved monthly review of revenue and expenditures relative to budget and extensive work with the budget committee on planning for future years.
The finance committee conducted many reviews before making recommendations to the Executive Council. Additionally, reviews were conducted on property sales agreements, bank signers, designated gifts, Mission real estate requests, real estate sale proceeds, outreach funds, capital campaign plan, policies and investing. The finance sub committee of financial consultants continues to work with congregations facing difficult financial challenges.
Please join me in extending thanks to the members of the finance committee, Andy Waters, Guin Kerstetter-DeJarnett, Terry Farrelly, Adam Trambley, Chris Christopher, Jamie Glorieux, Joe Lopez, and Rev Jeff Martinhauck. We miss Pat Carson(deceased) as a team member but more importantly as a friend! As we look at the upcoming year, we face the very difficult challenge of replacing the best CFO EVER! A special thanks to Jeff for all of his amazing accomplishments, consultations and “can do attitude”.
Yours in Christ,
Respectfully submitted, Jan Romerdahl, Chair
Human Resources Committee
The Human Resources Committee is responsible for:
· Recommending HR policy to the Executive Council for approval.
· Reviewing and recommending policy to Executive Council for diocesan staff and mission congregations.
· Reviewing and recommending clergy compensation standards for the diocese, although it is non-binding for parishes except for at time-of-hire as may be required by the bishop’s office.
· Reviewing and recommending minimum benefit standards for clergy and lay employees of the diocese. As approved by Executive Council, all diocesan staff, missions, and parishes must provide the minimum coverage approved, although parishes may choose to provide more coverage than the diocesan minimum.
· Maintenance of the Diocesan employee handbook.
In addition, the HR Committee may be called upon from time to time to assist an individual parish with specific HR needs (consulting). Clergy Letters of Agreement and the hiring process for congregational clergy are not part of the scope of the HR committee’s scope and are managed by the Canon to the Ordinary.
Major initiatives taken on this year by the committee included:
· Making recommendations and decisions on employee benefits.
· Reviewing and making recommendations on employee health plans including enrollment planning and base plans
· Making recommendations on cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for the Diocesan budget.
· Reviewing the diocesan strategic plan with respect to HR issues.
· Developing an updated personal conduct policy.
· Developing a tipsheet for supervisors receiving workplace complaints.
· Making recommendations for a standardized policy for clergy background checks
Please join me in extending thanks to the members of the HR Committee who donated extensive amounts of time in managing the human resources of the diocese: The. Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook, the Rev. Canon Beth Scriven, the Rev. Canon Jeff Martinhauk, Ms. Betsy Vaughn, Ms. Cynthia McCormick, Ms. Alison Lee, and Ms. Karen Sanchez.
Yours in Christ,
Respectfully submitted, Andy Waters, Chair
Investment Committee
The EDSD investment committee is made up of parishioners from throughout the diocese. We meet quarterly to examine the results of our investment portfolio as well as determine if there are any changes that might be warranted. We currently invest with the Episcopal Church Foundation which uses State Street Investment Management, and participation in this fund is available to all churches in the diocese with a minimum investment of $10,000. Within the fund, churches can decide on a mix of equities and fixed income investments. Additionally, there are options for those wishing to invest in socially responsible funds called ESG. Within ESG, there's a fund that allows some investments in a wider portfolio and another that strictly interprets guidelines for socially responsible investing. The diocese holds most of its assets in the general fund and invested a portion in an ESG fund to monitor its results so that we can see if there is a measurable or consistent difference between the two returns. We are still in the evaluation phase. In general, all the funds have been yielding between 6-10% return over a multi-year period.
Additionally, we hold a smaller investment managed by a local brokerage that provides some diversity from the ECF fund. Returns are comparable with those from ECF.
The committee is available to help churches with investment questions or reviewing investment policies. If we can help you in any way, please contact Canon Jeff Martinhauk, diocesan CFO.
The Rev. Kirby Smith
Migration Missioner
The year 2026 has been both challenging and meaningful for our Immigration and Border Ministry. Through visits to congregations, I have provided updates on changing immigration policies and their impact on our communities, answered questions, and shared practical ways congregations can support migrants and immigrant families through accompaniment, education, advocacy, and compassionate response. We have also strengthened our collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, including support for the free marketplace at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Barrio Logan, and expanded our relationship with the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. Under the leadership of its new President, Brother Keith Warner, conversations are also underway to explore the possibility of an Episcopal seminary program through the Franciscan School of Theology, an opportunity that has generated significant interest within our Diocese.
Our ministry continues to bring greater awareness to the realities facing migrant communities on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border. Most recently, we hosted a leadership delegation from the American Academy of Pediatrics in Tijuana, where members met with organizations, healthcare professionals, and municipal representatives serving migrant children and families, providing national pediatric leaders an opportunity to witness firsthand both the challenges and the extraordinary work taking place in our border region. I will join Board President Steve Turnbull in presenting a full report on Comunidad de Luz. As we move forward, our Immigration and Border Ministry will continue connecting our congregations with the realities of migration, strengthening partnerships across faith communities and organizations, and, most importantly, standing alongside migrant individuals and families with dignity, compassion, advocacy, and hope.
Mission Real Estate
Twenty months ago, Mission Real Estate joined St. Luke’s North Park and supporters across San Diego to break ground on a new apartment building. In the next few weeks, the 78 apartments at the Amani—which means peace in Swahili and hopes in Arabic—will become homes.
In many ways, construction is the easy work of the Mission Real Estate initiative. Each of the 12 participating congregations operates within a unique charism and context. To reach that stage, congregations first affirm their mission and values, assess deferred maintenance, examine how to optimize existing facilities and underutilize land, and identify sacred spaces on their church campuses. They engage in adaptive work to explore ways Mission Real Estate can contribute to church growth, ministry within the community, and financial sustainability. EDSD supports each congregation with information about community demographics and plans, land use and zoning, potential partners, and often fluctuating market conditions. EDSD also funds feasibility studies, massing studies, property appraisals, and development partner selection.
Like many community-serving organizations, EDSD has adapted the program to changing federal, state, and local laws and their impact on funding for affordable housing, early childhood education, health care, and senior services. This work includes participating in the Partnership to House San Diego, which convenes landholders to support the development of affordable homes from lower- and middle-income households. In addition, EDSD's efforts to identify long-term sources of public and philanthropic funding kicked off this spring and continue through the diocesan strategic planning process.
Mission Real Estate Task Force
· Bishop Susan Brown Snook
· Gary Brown (Christ Church)
· Dennis Landaal (St. Dunstan’s)
· Rev. Colin Mathewson (RefugeeNet)
· Michael McHale (St. Paul’s Senior Services)
· Jim McLennan (St. Andrew’s Encinitas)
· Sue Reynolds (At Large Community Member)
· Howard Smith (St. Mark’s)
· Darren Tune (Episcopal Community Services)
· Elizabeth Wilberg (Episcopal Community Services)
· Jason Evans (Canon for Mission)
· Jeff Martinhauk (Canon for Finance/CFO)
· Jessica Ripper (Mission Real Estate Portfolio Manager)
Property Committee
The EDSD Property Committee is responsible for:
Advising the Bishop, the Finance Committee, individual parishes/missions and ultimately the Executive Council (EC) on matters pertaining to land and buildings owned by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) or held in trust for EDSD.
Responsibilities Include:
1. Recommend actions to purchase, sell, lease, secure, or otherwise transact the disposition of Diocesan properties referred to it for that purpose by the Bishop, the Finance Committee or the Executive Council.
2. Contract for Physical Needs Assessments (PNAs) for Diocesan properties.
3. Evaluate PNAs and Safety Reports.
4. Evaluate requests for property-related loans or grants from Diocesan parishes or missions and make recommendations to the Finance Committee and/or EC.
5. Meet monthly and report to the EC.’
6. Review & approve Property Grant Applications from Mission and Action Plan Parishes to resolve property related needs.
During 2026 the Property Committee collaborated with many congregations who sought assistance to resolve a combination of urgent repairs and upgrades. We awarded grants or loans approaching $200,000 to facilitate repairs that optimized the use & comfort of our places of worship.
We were blessed with the addition of several more members to the committee who will help us prepare for deferred maintenance projects in 2027 and beyond.
Submitted by: Joe A. Lopez, Chairperson
RefugeeNet
We are grateful to the Diocese of San Diego and local parishes for the support they provide to enable us to provide the core, essential programs of our Food Distribution and Tutoring programs, which in turn provide access to refugee families for Case Management and other services such as finding jobs and transportation.
A quick snapshot of successes the last year:
· Serving 180+ families weekly with food supply
· Serving families/individuals from Darfur, Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, China, Egypt, Mexico, local neighbors , Haiti, Syria
· 20 Students a week are receiving tutoring support
· Case management serving some ten families a month
· 20 students attended a STEM Camp (1 week) with support from Bishops School
· Swimming classes were held for 60 students including a toddler & infant class
· 10 students attended Camp Stevens on scholarship
How you can help:
· Volunteer on Thursdays from 9-11 am for our food distribution or Wednesdays 4-5 pm for tutoring
· Hire a refugee.
· Financial support to RefugeeNet monthly
Stewardship and Development
David Jay, Director of Development
I am honored to have joined diocesan staff in time to celebrate the completion of the Courageous Love campaign. The generosity of donors across the diocese has made this a stronger, more vibrant place over the last six years. As someone who has been formed by this diocese since my childhood, it is truly a joy to see.
Because of donors to the campaign, college ministry is now more robust on multiple campuses across the region. St. Luke’s is celebrating the opening of the first project in our Mission Real Estate program. This year, congregations were able to take advantage of off-the-shelf Vacation Bible School curricula and materials developed by diocesan staff.
More of you have been generous in your financial support of the diocese this year through your responses to the Bishop’s Appeal and recurring donations. With that support, three congregations were able to help pilot the new Consortium for Congregational Development. Thanks to their experience and feedback, this resource for increasing discipleship, evangelism, and communications will be available to other churches across the diocese in 2027 and beyond.
It has been a joy to partner with congregations to support their giving campaigns and year-round stewardship. At this year’s Leadership Academy, representatives of our churches focused on cultivating generosity as a spiritual practice in a way that moves from one-time asks in the fall to true year-round stewardship. Over the summer, we partnered with The Episcopal Network for Stewardship for a webinar attended by representatives from 15 congregations to build strategies for year-round cultivating, asking, and stewarding that focuses on gratitude and generosity.
Vida Joven
Dear Episcopal Diocese of San Diego,
Vida Joven Foundation is honored to serve God’s orphaned children in Baja, Mexico.
And what a joy it is for us to be one of your ministry partners.
All throughout 2026, we kept showing up to support our seven orphanage partners in Tijuana and Ensenada:
· We build relationships with the orphanage children and staff
· We provide much-needed consistent financial support
· We do everything we can to accompany these orphanages in their work
We have worked especially hard in 2026 to build up our Vocational Program for youth and young adults. Once a young person in orphanage care graduates from high school, we’re making sure they have the supports they need with regard to continued education and housing. And we have a team of caring adults to provide care and accountability for these young people.
A real highlight of 2026 was hosting our first-ever orphanages directors’ retreat. We’ve already scheduled another directors’ retreat for July 2027!
We would love to take your parish or ministry group on an orphanage visit, or to send one of our representatives to speak with your parish. Thanks for opening your hearts to God’s orphaned children in Baja.
Yours for the children,
Beth Beall
Executive Director, Vida Joven Foundation