The Bishop Search Committee met on February 27, joined by our consultant, Judith Stark.  We selected candidates who will continue in the next stage of our discernment together.  During the month of March, we will be checking references for these candidates.

We give profound thanks to everyone who has nominated a candidate, who has entered the process, and who has prayerfully discerned that this is not the right call at this time. The Holy Spirit is indeed at work in all our hearts, and it is no small act of courage to contemplate “walking this tightrope.”

Many congregations are using the  Lenten Study Program that is available, with a Leader’s Guide, at the “Education” link. Drawing upon the Scripture lessons for the five Sundays in Lent and historical portraits of bishops who have served in different periods in the history of the church, this program introduces participants to different questions in the election of a bishop:
Week #3 – What is the process of becoming a bishop?
Week #4 – What is our Profile and the mission of the diocese?
Week #5 – What do we see to be the Mission of God in this diocese?
Each session begins with a prayer that highlights the theme of the day, followed by questions for discussion in response to brief biographies of two bishops and a Scripture passage, and ends with two questions:
• In everything we have talked about today, what one thing do we take away as an important spiritual insight for our own lives?
• What one thing would we like to offer from this discussion as an important piece of wisdom for our next bishop?
This program is most suitable for adults and teens. Because a children’s program will be more effective and useful nearer the time of the election and consecration, the Education Team will prepare a program for youth and children that will be available next fall.

Learning, reflecting, praying: By sharing in this preparation together, we will not only be ready to greet our new bishop, but we will also become the diocese our new bishop is called to lead. Our shared purpose is to be open to the Holy Spirit who guides all that we do:
Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously upon your church and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this diocese, and those who offer themselves as candidates, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.