When he came and saw the grace of God, [Barnabas] rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion…. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
Acts 11: 23-26
Welcome to the diverse array of ministries by which the Episcopal Diocese of California supports spiritual growth for all ages. From the first century in Antioch — where the first disciples were called Christians — to the 21st century in the San Francisco Bay Area, Christian faith has always been both “caught” and “taught.” That is, passed from person to person by the witness of lives rich in faith and service, and by patient and creative teaching of our tradition. It happens in homes, classrooms, camps, in the everyday commerce of lives and relationships, and in church. Diocesan discipleship ministries for children and families, youth, young adults, and adults complement and enhance the teaching ministries of our congregations, offering resources and opportunities to grow stronger in faith together.
Julia McCray-Goldsmith
Working Group Head for Discipleship Ministries
juliam@diocal.org
415.869.7826
Julia McCray-Goldsmith serves the Episcopal Diocese of California as Ministry Development Officer and Working Group Head for Discipleship Ministries. In this role she is committed to equipping Episcopalians for authentic and joyful ministries in everything from Sunday school to vestry leadership. Her particular passion is teaching the biblical grounding and prayer practices that nourish and sustain Christians for meaningful action in the world. She is a former missionary and professional fundraiser, a graduate of the Education for Ministry program, earned a masters in Theology/Spirituality from Creighton University, and is a current D.Min student at Virginia Theological Seminary and Postulant for Holy Orders in the Diocese of California. By the grace of God, she’s been married to John for 25 years, has two college age sons, and enjoys the blessing of living in intentional community in Emeryville.
Jennifer Snow
Associate for Discipleship Ministries
jennifers@diocal.org
415.869.7815
Jennifer Snow, associate for Discipleship Ministries, has broad experience in campus and young adult ministry. Previously, she was the Deputy Director for Progressive Christians Uniting in Los Angeles, and a writer and trainer on the theology and practice of global mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. After a stint in Chicago, where she helped develop a new young adult spiritual formation program, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner, the Rev. Teresita Valeriano, in 2010. She holds a Ph.D. in religion from Columbia University, and has published on race, religion and immigration policy. Jennifer worships at Christ Church, Alameda, and in her spare time gardens, hikes, and writes science fiction.