Dear Friends,
For the past three years we have been blessed by the ministry of the Rev. Canon John Crosswaite, serving our diocese as my Canon to the Ordinary. I write now to share with you that John will be entering into a new phase of semi-retired ministry; his last day on the diocesan staff will be December 31, 2019. John has long held a desire to serve as a spiritual director and to help people seek God on retreat and in prayer. As he explores new opportunities, he plans to stay engaged in the Diocese through part-time parish ministry as well. This is the right time for John to explore these yearnings, and so I have faith that this is also the right time for our diocese to explore new opportunities for ministry.
I am deeply grateful for John’s faithful service and the many ways he has helped all of us in the Diocese grow in our faith and in our shared ministry. His leadership in developing the Learning Communities Initiative has been invaluable, as has his nurturing of so many who are discerning a call to ministry. There is no doubt that God has been at work in our midst through John, helping us to establish a stable foundation for this next phase of ministry.
This week I will begin a search for a new Canon to the Ordinary for Mission Development. This individual will assist our growing ministries and help us deepen our commitment to our developing diocesan Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and Rule of Life. Working collaboratively with the Rev. Canon Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, the Canon to the Ordinary for Mission Development will continue to support our commitment to social and economic justice, building partnerships in ministry beyond church walls, and assisting all of us in becoming more vital to the communities in which we serve.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Way of Love, is as necessary and relevant to our world today as at any time in the past. God’s call for us is new every morning; we are a new creation formed in the living of each day. In this time of transition, we rejoice and give thanks for having shared this journey with Canon John, and we wait expectantly to see who God has called to come and join us in ministry in the Diocese of Central New York.
I invite you to join me in prayer for Canon John in this transition, that he will feel supported and encouraged as a new chapter begins. I also ask for your prayers in this time of transition for the Diocese. May we have ears to hear God’s call, and courageous hearts to respond, as we continue together on this journey of faith.
Blessings on the Way of Love,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York
