House of Bishops Blog: Day 7--HOB

Yesterday the bishops scattered over the Diocese of Arizona and went to various Episcopal Churches. Bishop Jay Magness, Bishop of Federal Ministries (and a Western North Carolinian), and I went to St. Peter's Church in Casa Grande, an hour south of Phoenix. We had a great time meeting people and learning about what it means to be an Episcopalian in a small town (45,000) in Arizona.

What struck me is how similar our situations are. As you know, WNC is a diocese of small churches. Like Arizona, our fastest growing populations are retired and Spanish Speaking folks. Like Arizona, our economy is struggling outside the major metropolitan centers.

I was very heartened by the enthusiasm the people of St. Peter's have for their Church and for their confidence in their future. They are determined to be about their calling despite the demographics. Even with small numbers, they have Sunday School and Christian Formation as well as run a Food Bank. This simply reminds me of how much work for Jesus Christ goes on in the daily life of churches like St. Peter's and everywhere else, including WNC. They won't make the news services, but they already make a difference.

In the evening, the bishops discussed the Pastoral Letter on Immigration which will be issued at the meeting's end. The letter itself will be short but there is a lengthy teaching document that is attached. Clearly this is not the final word but a step. The issue is so complex that it demands ongoing engagement. One of the missing pieces is a full exploration of the economics involved but that is work that will take time to do.

Today we focus on Evangelism and then tonight on the environment.

Keep us in your prayers as I keep you in mine.