November 11, 2025

The 52nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

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.



April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
April 4, 2026
A low-cost spay and neuter clinic will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Animal Action League will provide low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. Available services also include vaccinations and microchipping. These services help reduce unwanted litters while supporting the long-term health, safety, and identification of pets in the Borrego Springs area. To make an appointment, call the Animal Action League office at (760) 366-1100 for English or (760) 366-1105 for Spanish. Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
April 2, 2026
A community Fasola (shape-note) sing was held March 29 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs. Singers gathered in the church, where the acoustics supported unaccompanied group singing. Shape-note singing, also known as Sacred Harp, is a participatory a cappella tradition. Singers sit or stand in a hollow square by vocal part, and songs are led one at a time by participants from the group. Music is sung first on the syllables fa, sol, la, mi, then with lyrics. The March 29 sing followed standard practice. Attendees brought tunebooks and called songs by page number. Leaders stood in the center to set tempo and conduct. No instruments were used. The group included both experienced singers and newcomers. The format allowed anyone present to join, regardless of musical background. Reach out if you are interested in attending the next event!
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April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
April 4, 2026
A low-cost spay and neuter clinic will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Animal Action League will provide low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. Available services also include vaccinations and microchipping. These services help reduce unwanted litters while supporting the long-term health, safety, and identification of pets in the Borrego Springs area. To make an appointment, call the Animal Action League office at (760) 366-1100 for English or (760) 366-1105 for Spanish. Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
April 2, 2026
A community Fasola (shape-note) sing was held March 29 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs. Singers gathered in the church, where the acoustics supported unaccompanied group singing. Shape-note singing, also known as Sacred Harp, is a participatory a cappella tradition. Singers sit or stand in a hollow square by vocal part, and songs are led one at a time by participants from the group. Music is sung first on the syllables fa, sol, la, mi, then with lyrics. The March 29 sing followed standard practice. Attendees brought tunebooks and called songs by page number. Leaders stood in the center to set tempo and conduct. No instruments were used. The group included both experienced singers and newcomers. The format allowed anyone present to join, regardless of musical background. Reach out if you are interested in attending the next event!
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