It seems like just the other day that I became your bishop in Pittsburgh in January of this year. So much as happened as we’ve worked together to begin to build the rebuilding process for our diocese. Now, we’re well into October and I will end my tenure with you in a few days upon the affirmation of the Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price as your Provisional Bishop at our annual convention.
Beginning and ending, it was exciting for me as we shared our gifts in ministry with each other in the ongoing task of the rebuilding ministry to which we’ve been called. I’ve enjoyed parish visitations, youth conferences, clergy gatherings, diocesan leadership days, in and out of the office appointments, and all the other things bishops do on a day to day basis. Our diocese is full of warm committed, and gifted Christian men and women (clergy and lay), and I will miss being with you. In my heart, however, I am ready to let go and move onto the next phrase of my active retired life with Julie.
Yes, beginnings and ending are important. My new beginning with Julie is to live into the next chapter of our lives with hope and anticipation of what God has in store for us. Your opportunity will be similar – to live into the next years of life and ministry in this diocese, with Bishop Ken Price and Mariann, eager for the continued opportunity to keep rebuilding the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.
As I depart, I leave with you a quote that has meant a lot to me over the years. It is from Dag Hammarskjöld, distinguished Swedish diplomat who once was the Secretary General of the United Nations:
“For all that has been – Thanks!
To all that shall be – Yes!”
May God continue to bless and strengthen us all in our lives and ministries.
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