Our annual time with our Bishop is fast approaching, and I am anticipating a wonderful weekend. Let me share with you the frame for the weekend:
On Friday night, Bishop Steve will have dinner at our home and spend the evening with Janis and myself (It is a great kindness to me at this stage of my ministry not only to have a godly bishop, but one whom I consider a great friend as well. I do not take that lightly). It will be good to spend some time with my pastor and friend.
On Saturday morning Bishop Steve will spend time with our Leadership Council (9:00 am through lunch). Last year the bishop helped crystalize our reflection on our situation, and then guided us in setting the agenda for the work we have been doing this past year. We are eager to share with the bishop our new ‘3-5 Year Goal’, and seek his help in developing the strategy that will see it fulfilled. I ask your prayers for this time of reflection and deliberation.
Then, on Saturday afternoon and evening, Bishop Steve will spend some time with our 13 Confirmands (ending with dinner). Our bishop takes the ‘laying-on-of-hands’ seriously, and believes that these sacramental rites are truly milestones in people’s lives and catalysts for growth. Again, I ask for your prayers for those who seek God’s grace for this time in their lives.
Sunday morning Bishop Steve will address our community at our special ‘Discipleship Hour’. We will pause our two classes and invite all associated with Christ the Redeemer to come at 9:00 am to meet and greet the bishop, hear his heart for the churches of the diocese, and ask any questions you may have about our common life. I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity.
Then, following the Confirmation and Communion service, we will end the visit with a special Reception during Coffee Hour, and send off Bishop Breedlove with our prayers.
A full weekend, no doubt, but one of immense importance for our life and witness.
Here is how you can help make the weekend the best it can be:
First, commit to pray for the Bishop, the leadership of the church, the confirmands, and all involved in the service, that we would all be open to the Spirit’s speaking and guiding.
Second, plan on coming to the ‘Discipleship Hour’ to meet and greet the Bishop.
Third, consider helping out with the reception. We will purchase a cake for the ‘Confirmands’, and the Gyorfi Home Group is coordinating the food. If you would like to supplement their offering, please let Lauren know what you will bring– lauren_g_smith@yahoo.com).
Fourth, if you cannot be present at the Discipleship Hour please make sure that you are on time for the worship service. We will begin with a Procession at 10:15 sharp.
Looking forward to worshipping with you all on Sunday.
