March 16, 2015
Dear Family and Friends of the Diocese of Eau Claire,
Today marks the second anniversary of my ordination as the Sixth Bishop of Eau Claire. When I have a decision to make or engage in a time of prayer, I reflect upon March 16 of 2013 and the vows I made and that Spirit-filled time.
In these two years I have come to love and cherish my wife, May Ruth, and family as never before. I delight in and love the clergy and clergy spouses we have serving in our diocese and celebrate my time with you, the people of our diocese. It is wonderful visiting the parishes of the Diocese of Eau Claire. I sure have fun being with you!
We have accomplished a number of things as a diocese over these two years. We have reduced apportionments to 10%. This means more money in your respective congregations. We are moving forward in areas of outreach with new initiatives at St. Mark’s Church in Jeanette, Haiti and the Diocese of Harare in Zimbabwe. Right now a wonderful mission trip to Haiti is taking place led by John Meacham of St. Alban’s Church in Spooner.
What excites me most is we have become the Holy Spirit’s laboratory to develop creative ministries and outreach. Since we are small, we are free to experiment. We brainstorm and put ideas into action. The Spirit has clearly chosen our Diocese for a time of “divine dance.” On this anniversary, I thank you for inviting me to be your bishop. You have provided me with the best job anyone could have! With my love and best wishes, I am,
Your brother in Christ,
Jay