"Transition..." - By Bishop G

…the act of passing from one state or place to the next…conversion…change

Dear Friends,

              Sometimes we can’t see what’s changing, and sometimes we can.  Sometimes change is only visible looking backwards.  Sometimes change is visited upon us like an earthquake, and we feel utterly out of control.  Jesus promises to be with us no matter what our particular change brings us.  God promises grace, and our goal is to cooperate with grace when we can, with faith and trust. As we follow Jesus, God is changing us in little and big ways to be more like Christ every day.  Maybe each little transition simply prepares us for much more.

              It is no secret that my time as your Bishop will end in June 2026, when we will consecrate and seat the 13th Bishop of Alabama.  Between now and then, we’ll interview all the candidates on our slate on January 3 and hold an election to select this new Bishop.  More information will be shared about each important step soon.

              In January 2022, Bishop Brian Prior joined me in this ministry as my Assisting Bishop.  Now, as part of our leadership transition, Bishop Prior’s ministry with us will end on December 31.    Bishop Prior has been a thoughtful and encouraging leader who has walked with me faithfully, helping to guide and build Camp McDowell, assisting with parish visitations and representing Alabama in the House of Bishops and many other national meetings.  I am deeply grateful to him and to his wonderful wife, Staci, for their tireless, dedicated service to our Diocese.  I am grateful to God for leading them to us during this season.  We will miss seeing them in this part of the vineyard, but they will always remain in our prayers as they continue to love and serve the Lord wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

            In scripture, the apostle Paul talked constantly about conversion, transformation, and change.  Paul writes: “Be no longer children, but grow up in Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15).  Paul lived his life faithfully, expecting to change and be changed by God’s love and Spirit.  He expected and encouraged followers of Jesus to “build each other up” in love, sharing food, shelter, hope, prayers, and patience as the Body of Christ.  The love of Christ always goes out ahead of us, leading us and walking with us.

Please join me in giving thanks for the ministry of Bishop Brian and Staci Prior, for the many blessings received from their service.   Thanks be to God!  May our love and God’s blessings go with them always. 

I hope I see you somewhere soon at church,

Blessings,

+G