The San Joaquin STAR provides current reliable information relating to international, national, diocesan, and congregational news and activities. The budgeted amount pays for the editor, layout and printing, labeling and mailing costs, photos, data base address updates, and the major portion of the expense of one national conference. Funding is provided for the attendance of a guild member to attend the National Convention. The committee has been very active to the benefit of the entire diocese. Christian Ed also oversees the dispersal of the Birthday Thank Offering which is used for grants to diocesan churches for various educational programs and materials, and the Church School Missionary offering.
Grants are available to clergy to assist with attendance at various educational opportunities.
In the past these funds have been used to send our clergy for stewardship, evangelism, preaching and church growth seminars and conferences. Annual meetings of the diocesan clergy, clergy wives, and wardens allow the bishop opportunities to meet with the diocesan leadership. Speakers present information important to the ongoing life and work of the local congregation and diocese. Through workshops and conferences the diocesan treasurers and secretaries within the diocese are kept current with ongoing and new procedures. An added benefit is that of developing a network of persons with similar ministries.