Mid-City Christian: The Theology of Service by Bishop Snook

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

The Theology of Service by Bishop Snook

The Theology of Service

By: Bishop Susan Brown Snook

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce….But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:4-5,7

[Excerpt from the Bishop’s Address 2022] Jeremiah is speaking to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, telling them that God has a mission for them in the place where God has placed them. We Episcopalians are not in exile, but we are placed by God in communities, and God calls us to seek the welfare of the communities where we are planted. That means getting to know our neighbors. I have declared 2023 as our diocesan Year of Service, and throughout the year our diocese will learn about and practice what it means to seek the welfare of the communities we inhabit.

I believe that every church is placed by God in a particular community for God’s reasons – because God has a mission in that community. Read More

Diocesan Staff Announcement

We are pleased to announce the call of a new Missioner for Multicultural Ministries in our diocese – Ms. Rachel Ambasing. Rachel is a familiar face in our diocese, as she has served as a General Convention Deputy and as a lay leader at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in National City for the past several years. Rachel's new role at the diocese will focus on

the development and promotion of ministries among people of diverse cultural backgrounds to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our diocese. Rachel will begin her new role in January. Bishop Susan Brown Snook said, “I am very excited to have Rachel as the Diocese's new Missioner for Multicultural Ministries. Rachel's leadership, passion, and faith will help guide us to a new understanding and appreciation for each other's lives in Jesus Christ.” Welcome to Rachel Ambasing in her new role!

Theology of Service Webinar

Join Bishop Susan Brown Snook and leaders from throughout the church for this four-week webinar series on the Theology of Service, beginning January 18 at 6:00pm.

Ordination to the Diaconate

God willing and the people consenting, the Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook will ordain Heather Lawrence, Christina Miller, and Dawn Stary to the Holy Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 18, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Beloved: Youth Epiphany Retreat

Join youth from across the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego for campfires, games, activities, worship, friends, laughter, and more Feb. 3-5, 2023. This annual gathering is one of the highlights of the program year!

Community Engagement Cohort

Join EDSD’s 2023 Community Engagement cohort and kick off the new year getting to know your neighbors!

Sacred Ground Circles Starting

EDSD Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force will offer two Sacred Ground circles. One on Mondays 3-5 pm starting Feb 13, and one on Fridays 6-8 pm starting Feb 17. Info sessions coming in January.

Creation Care Roundtables

The EDSD Creation Care Community will hold two roundtables on Thursday, Jan 26 (6:30pm - 8pm) and Sunday, Jan 29 (2pm - 3:30pm) to learn more about climate resilience in addition to many new ways to practice care for creation.