FAREWELL FROM OUR BISHOP:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ in the Central States Synod,                                                                                          August 29, 2019
      “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
 
This passage came easily to mind as I began packing up my office in preparation for retirement.  It truly has been a joy to serve as your Bishop these last six years as together we have proclaimed and lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our two states and well beyond.  The time has flown by, and I have gotten to know Missouri and Kansas far more thoroughly than I ever would have imagined: from the rugged beauty of Western Kansas through the rolling Flint Hills through the vibrancy of Kansas City, the lush landscape of the Ozark foothills, the Eastern vibe of St. Louis.  And it never occurred to me that Wichita was hip and cool, until now.
 
As I pack up my office there is much for which to be grateful, and what tops the list is your ongoing faithful witness to the Gospel that has claimed us, this story on which we’ve staked our lives.  In worship and fellowship and service to the wider community and world you have consistently stepped up to carry out the ministries to which God has called you, and your faithfulness continues to inspire me.  We are truly people of hope.
 
So let me leave you with a blessing of encouragement.
 
When I was installed as Bishop six years ago I was given a gift.  It’s a 2½-by-4-inch plaque into which is embedded three words.  I positioned the plaque near the center edge of my desk so I would look at it numerous times on those days I was in the office.  The gift was given to me by my spouse, and you’re probably thinking you know those three words.  No, those aren’t the ones.
 
The three words are PLAY YOUR GAME.  That’s my encouragement to you.
 
God has given each of you the gift of bearing witness, sometimes with words, sometimes with action, sometimes with prayer.  That gift is tailored uniquely to you, to be used to carry out God’s mission to love and bless the world.  There’s no one “right” way to bear this witness; there is only your way, in your setting, with your gifts, all provided by our gracious Creator.
 
I leave this office confident that your new Bishop, the Rev. Susan Candea, is a Spirit-led shepherd well-suited to this oversight role.  She and her leadership team have my full support, and I will keep her and her administration in my prayers.  My prayers will also include you: “And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight ….”  (Philippians 1:9)
Thank you, dear Church, for your partnership in the Gospel,