Letter from the Bishop
I have a lilac bush next to my deck.
Year after year, I watch the seemingly dead branches begin to come to life.
Small buds expand, unroll, green shows through, and then blossoms. Fragrant. New life.
It is the season of Easter. We have just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, which brings new life and new hope.
Every day, we witness new life and hope as we carry the resurrection message out into the world, as the first disciples did.
I have served as your Bishop for six months now. I have great appreciation for the deep, strong roots of this church. We have a proud history in our church. I celebrate the seeds that have been planted over the past many years.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on this idea of ‘seeds of hope’, and it inspired me to shoot a few short video clips to share with you. I hope you take a moment to watch, and to reflect on how ‘seeds of hope’ comes up in your life.
Thank you for the many gracious invitations to your communities. I celebrate the beautiful and generous diversity of the growth I see in every visit. There are so many signs of life, new ways of thinking about your buildings, and new partnerships. God’s love is shared in many tangible ways.
Hope is thriving in our communities.
I see the cultivation of generosity, love, inclusion, and kindness. I thank you for your invigorating conversations.
I look forward in the months ahead to many more visits. I visit congregations three Sundays per month and am booked until the end of 2025. I enjoy listening to your joys and your challenges.
I am pleased that the previous administration planned for some fresh paint at the Synod office. Watch for the fresh updates, and an invitation to our Open House in the Fall. Your synod staff work hard supporting you, so you can thrive in the important work of sharing God’s deep and profound love, and reaching out to all in a time of great need. They are an amazing team. We thank you for your prayers. Know I hold you in my heart and prayers daily.
God’s Deepest Peace,
Bishop Carla