Dear friends,
I hope this message finds you well, and perhaps this summer you have been finding ways to live into what poet John O’Donohue has called “slow time.” Especially when we may be feeling weary, lonely, anxious, or disconnected, we can remember that God invites us to slow down, to pray, and to turn again to God’s gentle and sustaining love.
On August 1st I will begin my own vacation, and at the end of that time, on August 25th, I will undergo shoulder surgery. Following that procedure I expect to be on leave through mid-September. I pray that in this time you too will have opportunities for quiet reflection, time with loved ones, care of your body, and renewal in the Holy Spirit. I will be grateful for your prayers for healing and recovery, and I will be holding our congregations and each one of you in prayer as well.
As we look ahead to the fall, I want you to be aware of a transition on my staff. As in many of your congregations, COVID-19 is requiring diocesan leaders to make difficult decisions as we endeavor to steward the resources entrusted to us. As diocesan staff will continue to work remotely, and as the ministry of our Diocese continues to adapt, we have eliminated the position of receptionist.
For many years, Debbie Nettle has been the face and voice of God’s love and hospitality for our community. I am deeply grateful for her kindness, compassion, and her faithful and caring service to the Diocese. As her tenure in the Diocese concludes this week, please hold her and her family in prayer. You may address messages of thanks and good wishes to Debbie in care of the diocesan office (office@cnyepiscopal.org or 1020 7th North Street, Suite 200, Liverpool, NY 13088).
Next week will mark the beginning of the fifth year of our shared ministry. Every day, I am humbled and grateful that God has called us together. Dear friends, may the blessing of God be with you over these next few weeks. I invite you to join me in praying now the Prayer for Quiet Confidence from page 832 of our Book of Common Prayer:
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength. By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings of peace for the journey,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York
[…] This is the last of the bishop’s weekly video updates for the summer; updates will return in the fall when the bishop has returned from recovery for her scheduled shoulder surgery. […]