I love autumn, the hues of color, burnt orange, burgundy, deep green and shades of brown. The turning of the seasons is a brilliant reminder of the cycle of life.
Birth.
New growth.
Fullness.
Letting go.
Death.
As humans we live in this cycle every year, every day. Every year, even in winter when we’re blanketed in cold, we all know the promise of new life.
Late October is a special time for the church. Reformation (or re-formation) and All Saints Day are important reminders.
Reformation Day, calls us to remember our formation and that we are a church in flux. We, the church, are not static; we respond constantly to the needs of those around us. At the same time as we’re always changing, our communities and the wider world are also always in the cycle of birth, new growth, fullness, letting go and death.
All Saints Day calls us to remember the great communion of saints that surrounds us. Look at the communion of saints that surrounds the church!!
As I begin to serve as Bishop of the Eastern Synod, I want to acknowledge Bishop Michael Pryse with deep thankfulness for the leadership, faithfulness, guidance and inspiration he has embodied during many years of leadership. Bishop Mike, you have formed a solid foundation for the Eastern Synod. Thank you.
Additional thanks to the officers, council members, Synod staff, rostered leaders and lay leaders who have worked tirelessly to forward God’s work in this Synod over many years. I look forward to sharing in ministry with you.
I started my life in this wide church of ours at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (Martin Lutheran University College) in 1990. Two of our children were born in Waterloo, while I was in Seminary, and while Brent taught in Mississauga. It feels like a full circle to return to the Eastern Synod and become your Bishop. I am deeply humbled as I step into this role.
One of the items the Bishop-elects are asked to acquire is a bishop’s ring.
Since I appreciate upcycling, I asked Regina artist, Megan J. Hazel, to design and craft a new ring from old rings. With a daughter’s ring from forty years ago, my wedding band and my mom’s wedding band, Megan created the most beautiful ring. A new ring made from sixty plus years of past woven into the future.
When I addressed the Synod Assembly in August, I talked about Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s analogy relating children’s literature to “Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Glass Doors.”
How like the church!
Windows to see other perspectives.
Mirrors to see ourselves.
And sliding glass doors through which to take one step at a time into possibilities for the future.
I give thanks for the opportunity and privilege to journey with you. I invite you to join me in looking forward with a great deal of hope and optimism for the future of this Synod. Because we are God’s church, and God will guide and inspire us in brilliant partnership!