Following Francis (of Assisi)

When desert temperatures soar in Borrego Springs, heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous.

Residents of Borrego Springs can sign up for the upcoming Animal Action League Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic on Monday, December 22, 2025 , at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church , 2680 Country Club Rd. Appointments are required and space is limited. A $30 suggested donation helps cover surgery costs. To schedule, call 760-366-1100 , press option “0,” and leave a message including “Borrego Springs Resident.” This event provides an affordable way to help control the pet population while keeping local cats and dogs healthy and safe. If you missed this clinic, check back for future Animal Action League events in Borrego Springs.

Commander, members of the Post, veterans and all of you assembled here. My thanks for inviting me to talk on this Veteran’s Day. I am Fr Michael Plekon, assistant priest at St Barnabas Episcopal Church here and co-chair of the BMA . I want to share with you the story of a 26 year old who was there in the first wave of Army Engineers on D-Day at Omaha Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944. He was born Hrihori or Gregory Plekon in Nanticoke PA May 17, 1918. He died January 6, 1991. He was my father. Since the teacher could pronounce Hrihori, he became first Harry, which he didn’t like, then later Henry. One of four brothers, like most of them, left the coal region as most of them did. On Easter in 1940, in Yonkers NY, my maternal grandmother heard a young priest chanting the service in church, went to him afterwards and found he was the son of a boy she’d grown up with in the village of Burkaniew in what’s now western Ukraine. She invited the priest over for dinner and he brought his brother Henry, who immediately fell in love with my grandma’s remaining daughter, Helen. But Henry and Helen had been waiting to do so since he enlisted in the Army when war broke out in 1941. The real story today is that of my father’s courageous service. Like thousands of other soldiers, he was part of the long training in England for months. The ultimate goal was a massive invasion of occupied France, the largest attack in history. Which brings us to June 6, 1944. The Army Engineers, who still do huge projects like clearing and demoing burnt structures in burned out Pacific Palisades, were the first line of the assault, there to clear barbed wire, and other structures on the beach that would block the infantry, tanks, jeeps and trucks. My father hardly ever spoke of that day or any other day in his service in WWII. But on the 40th anniversary of D-Day in 1984 he spoke to a local newspaper reporter. He was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat and the Silver Star. Here is the citation attached. My father rejoined his 121st Engr Bn to rebuild bridges in Germany, liberate towns and I believe a concentration camp. He returned to his beloved, they married in May , 1946 and I came along in 1948, with two brothers to follow. My father bore within the scars of what had happened to him, the suffering and death he’d seen. We only realized this much later in his life. He was in family life as he was in the service: quiet, humble, hard working. He and my Mom said our evening prayers with us. We were in church every Sunday, why I have been a priest for over 40 years. Today we give thanks for his service and that of so many other courageous women and men. In Ukraine, during the struggle now against Russian invasion and oppression, there is a cry that is also a prayer and it is most appropriate for Veterans Day: Slava Hero’iim. Glory to the heroes, those who suffered and died to keep us free. May they inspire us to continue the struggle for our democracy and freedom in this Land. Amen.

By Fr. Michael Plekon The 52nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego was held at St. Dunstan’s Church, San Carlos, on Friday and Saturday, November 7–8, 2025. Fathers David Madsen, rector of St. Barnabas, and Michael Plekon, along with delegates Beth Sanderson and Joan Leopold, Jan Naragon, and Andrea McKenna represented our Borrego Springs parish. Nearly sixty clergy were present and voting, with twice as many lay delegates. Bishop Susan Brown Snook, head of the diocese, presided over all business sessions with Canon Jason Evans and the diocesan staff. She also preached and presided at the Eucharist that opened the convention on Friday. There was a remarkable sense of community and friendship among the delegates from more than forty congregations across San Diego County, extending as far as Yuma. The youth of the diocese gave an impressive presentation of their work and even assisted in conducting the elections for delegates to the 2027 national church convention and various diocesan boards. The 2026 budget was presented in detail and approved, and several inspiring ministry reports were shared. Among the most notable was the establishment of Comunidád de la Luz (Community of Light) in Tijuana—a former parochial school, convent, and chapel now serving as a refuge for migrants unable to cross the border. Families there receive food, shelter, medical care, and job training. Migrant missioner Roberto Vivar, who has visited Borrego Springs, led this effort. Another highlight was the emergency loaner AC program based at St. Barnabas and supported by the Borrego Ministers’ Association (BMA), funded through a diocesan grant to help Borregans during the summer heat. Also noted was the presence of clergy and laity from Episcopal, Catholic, Methodist, and other churches accompanying immigrants at the San Diego Immigration Court, where individuals are often detained simply for attending hearings or legal appointments. In every report and gathering, the convention reflected how love for God translates into love and care for one another and for our neighbors in need—a true moment of joy and compassion in challenging times.

Craig Johnson, a beloved member of St. Barnabas and the larger Borrego Community died October 30, 2025. He had been in memory care for the last two years. Craig was born and raised in Chula Vista. He was a star in high school football and known for his motorcycles later in life as well as his art. Craig was a big person, not just way over six feet tall, probably 6,6 but big as a generous volunteer at food banks, part of the art circles in town. He had been an elementary school teacher for decades, usually one of the few male teachers. May he rise in glory and rest in the Lord with the saints.

Scrolling through social media lately, I’ve seen too many posts that break my heart, and, I believe, break God’s heart too.

Patrick Grannan interviews Michael Plekon, PhD, on reviving church life through community, authentic faith, and the enduring theme of resurrection.

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Dear members and friends of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs, California, Mr. Patrick Grannan, passed away on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, October 8th or 9th. Patrick was a member of St. Barnabas, served on the Vestry, Finance Committee, and Director of Communications. He also served on the Rectors Search Committee, and was the lead communicator with me during the discernment process of my calling to serve as Rector of St. Barnabas.The Grannan family will take ca [...]