March 6, 2026

Bishop’s Statement After the Attack on Iran

by Susan Brown Snook


Beloved in Christ,


Like many of you, I awoke this morning to the news that the United States and Israel had launched military strikes against Iran.

Amidst deep concern about the possibility of a wider conflict in the Middle East, I ask for prayers for all those affected by the current conflict: innocent civilians in several countries who are at risk of harm; members of the military who have been deployed to the area to support the strikes (including the crew of the San Diego-based aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln); and also a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land from the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut who are reportedly sheltering at St. George’s College in Jerusalem while missile alarms go off around them.


Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Primate of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, asked for “urgent, unceasing prayer” in a pastoral letter today, and called for Christians to “let our message be the unchanging promise of Christ’s peace: to build each other up (1 Cor. 8:1),” and for Christians to be bridge builders and reconcilers in this conflict. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe wrote today to ask the church for prayers especially for the people of the Diocese of Iran and for all of the Iranian people, saying, “In recent weeks, we have mourned as the regime in Iran has killed peaceful protesters, and watched with alarm at both its increasing repression of the Iranian people and the escalating response of the US government.”


I ask all our congregations and people to pray for a quick end to this conflict and for protection of all innocent people who are in harm’s way. I join you in prayer that the conflict may not widen to encompass other countries and peoples.


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I offer this prayer, which was sent out this morning by the Rev. David Madsen and the Rev. Michael Plekon, the priests at St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs:


Heavenly Father,


You call us to be people of peace—steadfast, courageous, and grounded in your love.



Even as we seek to walk the way of peace, our hearts are heavy for all who live in danger today.


We pray for the people of Iran and the people of Israel.


We pray for the service women and men of the United States.


And we pray for every person, in every land, who finds themselves in harm’s way, whether by conflict, fear, or circumstance beyond their control.


Hold them in your light.


Guard their lives.


Guide the leaders of nations toward wisdom, restraint, and compassion.


And make us instruments of your peace—steadfast in hope, generous in mercy, and committed to the flourishing of all your children. Amen.


May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook


March 23, 2026
In Loving Memory of Jan Jones Jan Jones was a longtime member of St. Barnabas and a dedicated presence in the Borrego community. As chief nurse practitioner at Borrego Clinic for many years, she cared for countless individuals, examining, diagnosing, and guiding them toward healing. She was truly a healer. Jan also shared her gifts within the church, singing in the choir and serving on the vestry. Even as her own health declined, she continued to care for others, including Wendy Quinn during her illness. We remember Jan for her warm smile, gentle humor, gracious spirit, and deep care for those around her. A memorial service will be scheduled and shared soon. May the Lord receive her into the communion of saints, and may her memory be eternal.
March 16, 2026
Palm Sunday Palm Sunday recalls the joyful parade of Jesus, seated on a donkey, into Jerusalem. This was a way of celebrating great warriors, heroes, leaders and when people shouted out Hosanna or hurray to the Son of David, Jesus, they were doing just that. It was also part of the celebration to wave branches of palm trees, flowers, perhaps even throw down clothing as a sign of regard for the one being welcomed. What a contrast this scene is to the Jesus who will do a servant’s work of washing feet at table, to the battered remnant of a man pushed along the road to be crucified. For a moment it seems Jesus is welcomed and loved by the people. So today we received palm branches that are blessed and hold them up as the gospel is read.
March 11, 2026
Margaret Liggett March 1939 – February 2026 Margaret Liggett died in February 2026. She was born on March 18, 1939, in Colorado and was recognized as gifted from an early age. After high school, Margaret entered the Community of St. Mary, the oldest Episcopal order of sisters. Following university, she taught at the women’s preparatory school run by the order and later served as School Head, as well as both a local and regional superior. After leaving religious life, Margaret’s administrative and technical talents led her to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and later in information technology at Digital Wizards in San Diego. For many years, Margaret was a devoted member of the community at St. Barnabas. She served as senior warden and office administrator, and much of parish life passed through her hands. She edited the Carillon, managed stewardship campaigns, maintained membership and email lists, organized continuing education, and helped keep parish life running smoothly. Margaret was present at potlucks, parish meetings, celebrations, and the quiet, ongoing work that holds a church together. At her memorial, those who spoke made clear just how deeply her life was woven into St. Barnabas. It was said that she loved worship, loved Sunday services, and that it was fitting to remember her there, in the church that had become so much a part of her life. She was also honored for the many ways she served God and the church over the years. Among those present was the Reverend Canon Gwen Lynch, Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, who shared Bishop Susan’s prayers of thanksgiving for Margaret’s life and faithful service.  Clergy and parish leaders including the Rev. Dave Madsen (Rector), the Rev. Michael Plekon, Louise Jee, and Jan Naragon were part of the service, along with multiple friends and family members who joined by Zoom. Margaret lived for a number of years with her companion, Mary Pickering, in Mission Bay and was active in litigation with the City of San Diego over eminent domain actions affecting their mobile home park. Later she moved to Borrego Springs intending a quieter life of reading, contemplation, and prayer. Instead, she quickly became deeply involved in parish life and soon became closely identified with the St. Barnabas community. Those who knew Margaret remember not only her intellect and faith, but also her wit and humor. At her service, one speaker described her as “a giant figure in a frail body,” while another recalled her as a person with “an incredible sense of lightness about everything, including God.” She was remembered as stoic on the outside, but with a deeply humorous heart. Others shared memories that widened the picture of her life. One recalled Margaret’s childhood on a farm outside Rifle, Colorado, where she and her sister rode horses into the hills after finishing their chores. Another remembered hearing, before ever arriving in Borrego Springs, that Margaret was the finest tutor someone at St. Mark’s had ever known. Speakers also noted her scientific accomplishments, including published work and dedicated service with the Paleo Society, where she was praised for her vigor, intelligence, loyalty, and care for others. One story shared at the service captured Margaret especially well. In a local comedy performance, she made her way across the stage with perfect comic timing, declaring herself “as swift as a gazelle,” then adding, “an old one,” “with arthritis,” and “run over by a Land Rover/” "A week ago" It was a moment people still remembered, and it reflected the good sport and sharp humor that stayed with her through difficult years. In the last couple of years, her health declined, and she moved to a care facility in San Marcos. Even as her body grew weaker, those around her continued to speak of her strength, loyalty, intelligence, and faithful presence. Margaret’s life was marked by faithful service, friendship, intelligence, and humor. She was a true servant of Jesus and a steadfast friend to many. She is survived by many family members, friends, and parishioners whose lives she touched.
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March 23, 2026
In Loving Memory of Jan Jones Jan Jones was a longtime member of St. Barnabas and a dedicated presence in the Borrego community. As chief nurse practitioner at Borrego Clinic for many years, she cared for countless individuals, examining, diagnosing, and guiding them toward healing. She was truly a healer. Jan also shared her gifts within the church, singing in the choir and serving on the vestry. Even as her own health declined, she continued to care for others, including Wendy Quinn during her illness. We remember Jan for her warm smile, gentle humor, gracious spirit, and deep care for those around her. A memorial service will be scheduled and shared soon. May the Lord receive her into the communion of saints, and may her memory be eternal.
March 16, 2026
Palm Sunday Palm Sunday recalls the joyful parade of Jesus, seated on a donkey, into Jerusalem. This was a way of celebrating great warriors, heroes, leaders and when people shouted out Hosanna or hurray to the Son of David, Jesus, they were doing just that. It was also part of the celebration to wave branches of palm trees, flowers, perhaps even throw down clothing as a sign of regard for the one being welcomed. What a contrast this scene is to the Jesus who will do a servant’s work of washing feet at table, to the battered remnant of a man pushed along the road to be crucified. For a moment it seems Jesus is welcomed and loved by the people. So today we received palm branches that are blessed and hold them up as the gospel is read.
March 11, 2026
Margaret Liggett March 1939 – February 2026 Margaret Liggett died in February 2026. She was born on March 18, 1939, in Colorado and was recognized as gifted from an early age. After high school, Margaret entered the Community of St. Mary, the oldest Episcopal order of sisters. Following university, she taught at the women’s preparatory school run by the order and later served as School Head, as well as both a local and regional superior. After leaving religious life, Margaret’s administrative and technical talents led her to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and later in information technology at Digital Wizards in San Diego. For many years, Margaret was a devoted member of the community at St. Barnabas. She served as senior warden and office administrator, and much of parish life passed through her hands. She edited the Carillon, managed stewardship campaigns, maintained membership and email lists, organized continuing education, and helped keep parish life running smoothly. Margaret was present at potlucks, parish meetings, celebrations, and the quiet, ongoing work that holds a church together. At her memorial, those who spoke made clear just how deeply her life was woven into St. Barnabas. It was said that she loved worship, loved Sunday services, and that it was fitting to remember her there, in the church that had become so much a part of her life. She was also honored for the many ways she served God and the church over the years. Among those present was the Reverend Canon Gwen Lynch, Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, who shared Bishop Susan’s prayers of thanksgiving for Margaret’s life and faithful service.  Clergy and parish leaders including the Rev. Dave Madsen (Rector), the Rev. Michael Plekon, Louise Jee, and Jan Naragon were part of the service, along with multiple friends and family members who joined by Zoom. Margaret lived for a number of years with her companion, Mary Pickering, in Mission Bay and was active in litigation with the City of San Diego over eminent domain actions affecting their mobile home park. Later she moved to Borrego Springs intending a quieter life of reading, contemplation, and prayer. Instead, she quickly became deeply involved in parish life and soon became closely identified with the St. Barnabas community. Those who knew Margaret remember not only her intellect and faith, but also her wit and humor. At her service, one speaker described her as “a giant figure in a frail body,” while another recalled her as a person with “an incredible sense of lightness about everything, including God.” She was remembered as stoic on the outside, but with a deeply humorous heart. Others shared memories that widened the picture of her life. One recalled Margaret’s childhood on a farm outside Rifle, Colorado, where she and her sister rode horses into the hills after finishing their chores. Another remembered hearing, before ever arriving in Borrego Springs, that Margaret was the finest tutor someone at St. Mark’s had ever known. Speakers also noted her scientific accomplishments, including published work and dedicated service with the Paleo Society, where she was praised for her vigor, intelligence, loyalty, and care for others. One story shared at the service captured Margaret especially well. In a local comedy performance, she made her way across the stage with perfect comic timing, declaring herself “as swift as a gazelle,” then adding, “an old one,” “with arthritis,” and “run over by a Land Rover/” "A week ago" It was a moment people still remembered, and it reflected the good sport and sharp humor that stayed with her through difficult years. In the last couple of years, her health declined, and she moved to a care facility in San Marcos. Even as her body grew weaker, those around her continued to speak of her strength, loyalty, intelligence, and faithful presence. Margaret’s life was marked by faithful service, friendship, intelligence, and humor. She was a true servant of Jesus and a steadfast friend to many. She is survived by many family members, friends, and parishioners whose lives she touched.
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