Evangelism

In my non-work, non-family time, I volunteer for various Episcopal church organizations.
As part of my Christian tithe of time-treasure-and-talent, I donate my time and
talent to being the Convener
of DIEM
(the Department of Intercultural Evangelism and Mission). The
Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real (ECR) stretches
from just south of San Francisco to just north of Santa Barbara. DIEM runs the
missions or church start-ups for ECR.

DIEM is now working with fifteen active and growing congregations and their clergy,
many of whom come from a variety of cultures and traditions. These new church plants,
bishop’s congregations, and missions often celebrate God in languages other than English.
DIEM provides administrative and financial oversight, planning, and goal-setting with mission congregations. This means that DIEM meetings balance a sense of celebration with the hard
work of addressing the challenges all new organizations face.

Tomorrow, we have our monthly DIEM meeting at St. Mark’s in King City, about two hours’
south and 144 miles from where I live. It is always fascinating to work with new and
growing organizations. It is especially fulfilling to support groups which are making a
profound contribution to the spiritual and physical well being of their communities.

The mission I work with most closely (for which I am DIEM’s liaison) is
Santa María Virgen in Milpitas.
Santa María Virgen is a vibrant and growing congregation of the Episcopal Church with
many outreach projects of its own. These include sponsorship of the Ballet Folklorico
Milpitas dance group for Hispanic children and young adults, and an English language
coaching program.