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Bishops Corner

Bishop's Weekly Message

Dec. 27—Staff Updates

As we move toward the end of 2023, there is much to share. We are beginning a new season as a diocese, and we have new staff arriving, search processes under way, and a departure to note. It seems appropriate that as we prepare for 2024, we are getting ready to welcome some new people and to expand our support for congregations, clergy, and lay leaders.

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Other Recent Messages

Dec. 25—Good News of Great Joy

“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 NRSV Dear Friends, I’ve always loved

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Dec. 17—Summary of the Special Meeting of the Convention

Dear Friends, Last Saturday morning (December 9), we gathered online as a diocese for a Special Meeting of the Convention to consider and pass the budget for 2024. When we gathered for the 239th Diocesan Convention back in March, Bishop Stokes observed that, with an upcoming transition in the episcopate,

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Bishop's Weekly Message

Nov. 23—Thanksgiving Blessings

Almighty and gracious God, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in

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Bishop's Sermons

Other Recent Sermons

Dec. 9—Sermon and Address to the Special Convention

Our first reading is from the prophet Amos and includes that wonderful line “let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” It comes in the context of a prophetic condemnation, a charge to the people of Israel who have not done what God has asked of them, and it is a powerful reminder for us of the call to live lives of righteousness and faith. For a special convention focused on our diocesan budget, it is perhaps especially important as a reminder that our work with the financial resources entrusted to us is not about us—it is about God, and we are called not to be comfortable, but faithful, to do God’s work, with justice, compassion, and mercy.

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Proper 22, 2023 Clergy Day Sermon

The Chief Cornerstone was the first part of the building that was set. It’s the very first stone that went into the ground and everything else in the building took shape from that first cornerstone. If the other stones were not properly lined up with the cornerstone, then the building wouldn’t stand.

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Oct. 23—Stewardship Sunday 2022 Sermon

It’s all about God…All about God and God’s grace in Jesus Christ. We are what God has made us. The good works we do, including our financial stewardship, including our giving of time and talent, we do because God made us for these, we do them by God’s grace as our thankful response to the love God has so abundantly and freely bestowed on us. To God be the glory in our serving. To God be the glory in our loving. To God be the glory in our giving. To God be the glory in our living and whenever that day comes, to God be the glory in our dying.

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