Nominating Committee chosen for bishop suffragan election; Mildred Robinson named to panel

As you may know by now, Bishop David Jones will be retiring in a year as our suffragan bishop, and we will be electing a new bishop on April 21, 2012.

The bishop suffragan does not have the authority of a diocesan bishop (who for us is Shannon Johnston), but nonetheless bishop suffragans have great responsibility and are full members of the House of Bishops.

The election of any bishop is a major event in the life of the The Episcopal Church, made more so because the Diocese of Virginia is the largest domestic diocese in terms of membership. Elections begin with a nominating committee that vets potential candidates and proposes a slate for election.

I am very pleased to report that our own Mildred Robinson has been chosen to be on the Nominating Committee. Here is a letter from Bishop Shannon Monday reporting his appointments to the two committees that will guide the election:

Dear Diocesan Family, As we prepare for Bishop Jones' retirement at our next Annual Council in January 2012 and a celebration of his ministry, we will undertake the search for a bishop suffragan. I'm writing today to encourage us all to embrace this opportunity, and to recognize it as such: an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for Bishop Jones; an opportunity to examine our health and needs as a diocese; and an opportunity to welcome new episcopal leadership to the Diocese of Virginia. The election process is watched over by two committees. First, the Nominating Committee is charged with engaging the Diocese of Virginia in a discussion about who and where we are as a diocese, and then to undertake faithful, prayerful discernment to identify a slate of not less than four nor more than six nominees to stand for election. Once the nominees are announced, the Transition Committee takes the lead in the process. They are charged to introduce the nominees to the Diocese through the "walkabout" process. The committee then serves as a liaison to the nominees during the election. They also assist in organizing the consecration. The Transition Committee will continue as a resource for the new bishop as he or she begins this new episcopal ministry. Most importantly, the members of the Transition Committee provide pastoral support to the nominees and their families through and after the election. With the thoughtful advice and unanimous consent of the Standing Committee, I have appointed the Nominating and the Transition Committees as requested by resolution at Council. Two gifted members of our diocese will lead these committees: Ms. Allyson Getlein of St. Andrew's, Richmond will chair the Nominating Committee and the Rev. Jim Dannals, rector of St. George's, Fredericksburg, will chair the Transition Committee. The members of these committees have accepted a call to serve, first and foremost. I have every confidence in their collective ability to lead us through the search and transition process with sound wisdom and faithful judgment. The job set before these two groups is not a small task. The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones, our bishop suffragan, leaves a legacy of profound excellence in ministry. These committees will seek not to replace Bishop Jones, but to honor his ministry by seeking out candidates who are well equipped to live out the tradition of dedication and gracious spirit established by Bishop Jones in his 17-year ministry as a bishop. In the weeks to come, both committees will start their work, spend time in prayer and retreat, and start producing search process materials that will be made available on the diocesan Web site. The key dates are these: the Nominating Committee will announce nominees shortly after Annual Council in 2012; the walkabouts will occur in March and the election will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012. The consecration will occur on July 28, 2012, with the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori joining us to celebrate that wonderful day. More details will be forthcoming in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, I ask for your prayers during this time of transition: prayers for Bishop Jones as he continues his faithful ministry amongst us this next year; prayers for a spirit-filled search process; prayers for our dedicated Nominating and Transition Committees, named below; and, as always, prayers for our diocese. Faithfully, The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston Bishop of Virginia

Nominating Committee Ms. Allyson Getlein, Chair St. Andrew's, Richmond Mr. Sam Bridges St. Francis', Great Falls Ms. Ellyn Crawford St. George's, Arlington The Rev. Ross Kane St. Paul's, Alexandria The Rev. Lucia Lloyd St. Stephen's, Heathsville The Rev. Alexander MacPhail Beckford Parish (Emmanuel, Woodstock & St. Andrew's, Mt. Jackson) The Rev. Cuthbert Mandell Aquia Church, Stafford Ms. Kendall Metz Grace Church, Alexandria Mr. Russell Randle Christ Church, Alexandria Ms. Mildred Robinson St. Paul's Memorial, Charlottesville Mr. Alex Slaughter St. James's, Richmond The Rev. Sven vanBaars Abingdon, White Marsh Transition Committee The Rev. Jim Dannals, Chair St. George's, Fredericksburg Mr. Robert Allen St. Stephen's, Richmond The Rev. Dr. Don Binder Pohick Church, Lorton The Rev. Kate Chipps St. Margaret's, Woodbridge Ms. Joan Inger St. Paul's on the Hill, Winchester Ms. Barbara Maniha Holy Comforter, Vienna The Rev. Daniel Robayo Emmanuel, Harrisonburg Mr. Joseph Royster Meade Memorial, Alexandria The Rev. John Sheehan Church of the Redeemer, Aldie Mr. Dick Shirey St. James the Less, Ashland Ms. Mareea Wilson St. Barnabas', Annandale The Rev. Deacon Barbara Ambrose St. Andrew's, Richmond

News update: Bishop Jones to retire

RESTON, VA-- A quick update from our annual diocesan Council (or convention): Suffragan Bishop David Jones announced his retirement in a year. Bishop David has served in this role for 17 years, visiting parishes and much wisdom to the Diocese of Virginia. Suffragan bishops have all of the sacramental authority of bishops, but their duties are set by the diocesan bishop.

In the short time I have been here, I have found Bishop David to be a caring pastor and a wise counselor. He will be very missed.

After the retirement announcement, our diocesan bishop, Shannon Johnston, then called for an election of a new suffragan bishop on April 21, 2012. In the intervening year, candidates will be nominated and a diocesan profile will be developed.

In other news, our own Mildred Robinson was elected 4th alternate deputy to the 2012 General Convention (our national governing body) amidst a crowded field of candidates. The practice of the Diocese of Virginia has been to include alternates in all discussion of issues, so Mildred's elections puts her into the loop of how our diocese works through national and international church issues.

Retired bishop of Kentucky appointed to assist in Virginia

In case you missed this, a emailed letter came across the desk this afternoon from Bishop Shannon Johnston announcing that he has appointed Edwin "Ted" Gulick, the retired bishop of Kentucky, as his assisting bishop. This is very good news because Bishop Shannon will now get reinforcements in making visitations to the 180 congregations of our far-flung diocese.

Bishop Gulick will join Bishop David Jones on the road, preaching and conducting confirmation and other sacramental duties. Assisting bishops do not have the same power and authority as the diocesan bishop -- all that still rests with Shannon Johnston. But this will help Bishop Shannon to focus on the vision and ministry he is called to do with our diocese. Here is his letter and a photograph of Bishop Gulick:

July 15, 2010 Dear Diocesan Family, It is with great pleasure indeed that I write to tell you that the Rt. Rev. Edwin "Ted" F. Gulick Jr. has accepted my appointment as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Virginia. This is the culmination of a series of discussions I've had with Bishop Gulick since 2008 leading up to this call. As I met with the Standing Committee to discuss this appointment, we all sensed a profound call in the intersection of Bishop Gulick's deep roots in this diocese, his gifts and passion for his continuing ministry, and our common sense of how he can complement and support the vision for ministry here. The Standing Committee unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed this appointment. A native Virginian, Bishop Gulick grew up as a member of St. Stephen's, Catlett. As a youth he attended St. George's Camp at Shrine Mont and served there as a staff member. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Lynchburg College and a master of divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. Bishop Gulick served as a parish priest for 20 years before he became the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky in 1994. His episcopate is one that has been marked by a dedication to outreach, youth and young adult formation and ecumenical ministries. He was a nominee for presiding bishop in 2006. Bishop Gulick will begin as our assistant bishop effective January 1, 2011. Before that time, Bishop Gulick has very graciously agreed to visit a number of congregations around the Diocese as a visiting bishop. Once he becomes assistant bishop of Virginia next year, he will assume a full schedule of visitations, as well as focusing particularly on pastoral care and response, especially for our clergy and their families. I know that you will join me in welcoming Bishop Gulick back home to Virginia. This is an exciting new chapter in our common life, and I look forward to our future ministry together. Faithfully, The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston Bishop of Virginia

Vows renewed, feet washed - and a drive up Highway 29

The Great Three Days, the Easter Triduum, began yesterday, the holiest of holy days on the Christian calendar. I had an unusual sense of calm throughout the day. Many hands, both staff and volunteers, have labored long in planning a series of worship services that we hope and pray will be meaningful and life transforming. We are ready.

So the best thing for me Thursday was to get out of town.

Associate Rector Ann Wilms and I drove an hour north to Culpeper and a gathering of clergy with Bishop David Jones for the renewal of our ordination vows.

The drive up Highway 29 is not usually the prettiest of drives in Virginia, with all of the strip malls and gas stations. But yesterday under a bright blue sky with the trees beginning the bud, the drive was gorgeous.

We gathered with Bishop Jones, he washed a few feet, we renewed our vows, he blessed chrism oils, and we went on our way.

A few of my friends recently have pointed out that these the annual Maundy Thursday gatherings with bishops are too clerically focused, and should instead become a larger gathering for the renewal of baptismal vows by everyone. I am inclined to agree with them. Yet, I find the renewal of ordination vows to be an important reminder to myself of the call to servant ministry, and the connection I have with others in ordained ministry in different places.

And I enjoyed getting out of town and driving. We even put on the air conditioner (weren't we just buried under a blizzard a few short weeks ago?).

In the evening at St. Paul's, we held the traditional Maundy Thursday worship with the washing of feet. I was quite moved at how many people came forward to have their feet washed. No one needed to be cajoled ahead of time to come forward. They simply came.

We celebrated our last Eucharist before Easter, and Deacon Heather Warren took consecrated bread to the chapel where it is remaining "in repose" until this evening when we will distribute it in silence. Good Friday and the Cross awaits.

Collect for Good Friday

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your
family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be
betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer
death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Liturgical notes: Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion, is called "good" because Jesus comes to us where we suffer to show us the way out. At St. Paul's we will be holding four services on Good Friday. At noon we will gather for the three hours tradition holds that Jesus hung on the Cross. This year we've added reflections by seven people on seven characters in the passion story (Mother Mary, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Pilate, John, Herod, and Judas). We end this service at 3 pm with the tolling of the bell and we leave in silence.

We gather again at 5 pm for the Solemn collects of Good Friday, and I will be giving a homily. At the end of this service, we will distribute, in silence, the bread (wafers) that we have reserved in the chapel from Maundy Thursday.

The Stations of the Cross will be offered at 6:30 pm in the nave.

Then at 8 pm, we gather again for Tenebrae, a contemplative service of readings from Lamentations and chanted psalms from our schola choir. The word "Tenebrae" means shadows, and we will sit in the dim light of the evening for this moving service.

We are also offering the opportunity for private confessions (Reconciliation of a Penitent) between the services. No appointments are necessary. Please come to the chapel if you'd like to make a confession.

May you have a holy and live giving three days.

Come Holy Spirit our souls inspire: Thanksgiving for new priests made today

Today will be an amazing day as we celebrate the ordination of new priests into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Several of my friends in the East and the West will be ordained today by their bishops.

Here in Virginia, many of us from St. Paul's have rented a bus to go to Trinity Church, Fredericksburg for the ordination of Ann Willms, our associate rector. We will pray and sing and bear witness with her as she is ordained into the priesthood. Others will get there in their own cars, and we will fill up the church.

For those who are being ordained, and for those who have walked the path with them, it will be a day of many mixed emotions. Relief at reaching a milestone that never seemed to arrive; awe in the moment when the bishop and priests lay hands upon the new priest; and a mix of celebration, humor, reverence, humility, and a million other feelings rolled into one.

During the ceremony, Ann will take her place in front of Bishop David Jones, who will ask her a series of questions, including, "Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?"

She has already proven her "yes" among us.

The color of the day is red -- the color of the Holy Spirit. At the moment Ann is made a priest, we will be singing Veni Creator Spiritus -- "Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, and lighten with celestial fire."

In the moment will be made a new priest. But it will more than that: It is about the whole Church, everywhere, and the servant ministry we share together. I hope you can come celebrate, and be with Ann on Sunday morning at 10 am at St. Paul's as Ann celebrates her first Eucharist as a priest.

Please pray today for Ann, and also friends Rod Davis and Deborah Hawkins, to be ordained this day priests, God willing.

Come Holy Spirit, our souls inspire: "Thy blessed unction from above is comfort, life, and fire of love."

Letters from the bishops of Virginia

Our three bishops have each written a letter discussing General Convention, and this just came across in my email. I am reprinting each. Sorry for the length but each is worth reading...

July 22, 2009

A Letter from Bishop Lee Dear Friends,

The most lasting impact of the 76th General Convention is likely to be an increase of initiative and energy in local congregations and dioceses. The sharp budget cuts in the three-year budget of the

 General Church will have a painful impact on some faithful staff members, but will shift the focus for mission to the local church, rather than the local church waiting for initiatives from the General Church.
The emphasis on local ministry is a proper expression of the principle of subsidiarity, whereby mission should occur at the level closest to the people who are called to engage in that mission.

Local mission is also enhanced by resolutions which the secular press has incorrectly interpreted as necessarily damaging our worldwide relationship and as following the agenda of a gay and lesbian lobby. Instead, what the Convention did is to reaffirm that the ordination process is under the control of local bishops and dioceses, while stressing that access to that process is open to all baptized persons.
The Convention also invited local churches and dioceses (as well as churches elsewhere in the Communion) to collect liturgical and theological resources regarding same-gender blessings. Recognizing the unique pastoral needs of those dioceses in jurisdictions where same-gender marriage or civil partnerships are

 legal, the Convention affirmed that a generous pastoral response is needed.

The emphasis on the local did not deter the Convention from adopting both a denominational health plan for the whole Church and a mandatory lay employee pension plan, both of which, in the long run, will strengthen the local church.

Faithfully yours,
The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee
Bishop

A Letter from Bishop Johnston
Dear Diocesan Family,

With the conclusion of General Convention, the beginning of my time as your diocesan bishop fast approaches. Having just returned to the Diocese from the Convention, I want to express to you my thoughts on the two resolutions from the Convention which are garnering the most attention in the media. The first speaks to the current state of our Church's relationship to the Anglican Communion (D025) and the second addresses same-gender unions (C056 substitute).

Resolution D025 strongly affirms not only the Episcopal Church's commitment to its relationship with the Anglican Communion but also our Church's appreciation and support of the roles that gay and lesbian people have in the ministry of our Church-including all levels of ordination. This resolution passed with a 2-1 majority. I voted against it. As I said during the floor debate, I absolutely agree with every word of the resolution itself. Even so, I was convinced that the actual effect of D025 across the Anglican world would be to weaken the bonds of our worldwide Church and, more importantly, to compromise our international mission and ministry in the very places that need us so very badly--and we so need them. The problem for me with D025 was how it would be seen in its implications rather than being understood for what it actually says. Such is the nature of legislative reality, and this is the very reason why I do not believe the legislative process is the best process to address these issues. Still, I have great

 hopes that the Communion will recognize the resolution as it stands--a statement of where we really are as a Church at this time, all the while hoping to build upon and strengthen our ties with the larger Communion.

Resolution C056 calls for gathering theological and liturgical resources with respect to offering the Church's blessing for same-gender unions, which will be brought to the next General Convention in 2012 for study and consideration. The fact is that several states have legalized gay and lesbian unions, and others will likely follow suit. This resolution responds to that reality. It also allows bishops the exercise of personal discretion in providing for a "generous pastoral response" for gay and lesbian persons in the Church. I voted in favor of this resolution because I am convinced that it is both realistic and right. Monogamous same-gender unions are now a reality, and we should provide for the Church's response, with blessing or without. The resolution allows for either. Bishops must also have the ability to respond to what is actually true in all the various locales and contexts in which this Church ministers. It is important to remember, however, that no official rites of blessing that wholly sanction same-

gender unions have been approved for the Church. In fact, it would take years to develop such rites.

It is not so much the actual content of these two resolutions that may be problematic. The potential for difficulty follows from interpretation of the resolutions. The plain reality is that very little is actually changed by either one of the resolutions in themselves. Both statements address what is already true in the life and witness of the Episcopal Church. The Convention is overwhelmingly of the mind that the Episcopal Church will be the stronger for the realistic and clear perspective of these resolutions.

Just how that will be so is now put to each diocese. Together, you and I will explore what these resolutions mean more precisely for the Diocese of Virginia. I look forward to the way ahead, and I welcome your input. Most importantly, I treasure your company in the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. I remain,

Faithfully yours,

The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston
Bishop Coadjutor
A Letter from Bishop Jones
Dear Friends,

It might appear that the Episcopal Church has radically changed course with various interpretations of General Convention actions. I do not think so.From my perspective, the Episcopal Church has remained on the same course it has followed for at least 40 years - one that has "stretched every nerve" as we have sought to live into the Baptismal Covenant.

What has not changed is a significant commitment to making the Church a safe place for all people all of the time. A major shift in our disciplinary canons (Title IV) was adopted by a voice vote in the House of Bishops with little or no debate. This new canon significantly raises the bar of conduct expected of clergy.

What has not changed is a genuine desire to live into the meaning of our baptism. Throughout my ministry in the Episcopal Church, I have seen the Church push the edges at Convention regarding who is to be included. The General Convention of 1970 opened reception of Holy Communion to all baptized persons. In 1973, a significant change in the marriage canon made possible, with the bishop's permission, the remarriage of divorced persons. In 1976, we approved the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate and then in 1979, we adopted a new Book of Common Prayer with the Baptismal Covenant. Through all this time, we have addressed issues of racism and encouraged racism training. And from the 1970s until the present day, we have been hearing the call of our own members who are gay and lesbian to recognize committed relationships and to fully include them in the life of the Church.

What has not changed is a passion for mission. In fact, our world view has significantly expanded over these 40 years. Our eyes have been opened to human need at home and abroad and our congregations have responded in significant ways. Convention approved a strategic plan for Latino/Hispanic ministry that focuses on opportunities for mission in changing neighborhoods with declining populations. The Millennium Development Goals were emphasized as goals for mission. And the presence of primates from around the Communion reminded us of our worldwide connections. The mission of Christ was at the heart of Convention.

Another aspect of Convention that was central to who we are as a Church was the gracious and generous concern I witnessed during a conversation with fellow bishops to discuss C056, which initially called for the development of liturgies for the blessing of same gender unions to be included in the Book of Occasional Services. The House of Bishops postponed consideration of that resolution to allow for a period of voluntary conversation, in which I participated. Twenty-seven bishops, including myself, gathered using the Indaba process of discussion and sharing learned at Lambeth. Together, we drafted a substitute resolution that could enjoy broad acceptance. I participated in the writing group. The substitute did not call for rites to be presented for approval or for use. It did request the collection and development of liturgical resources.

In the House of Bishops discussion on the substitute, we recognized constitutional problems with approval of liturgical rites of blessing. The rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer have the force of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church and they clearly say that marriage is intended for a man and a woman. We did not reject B033 (2006 Convention) which called for restraint in the confirmation as bishops of individuals whose manner of life would be problematic to the wider Church.

In light of all this, have we changed or are we trying to be faithful to a changing landscape in a rapidly changing world? Having fully participated in this process, I sense that we are striving to be faithful.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones
Bishop Suffragan

Sunday with Bishop Jones and my early-bird sermon

We had a great official visitation with Bishop David Jones today, with many confirmations, reaffirmations  and receptions (OK, I lost count). We have posted the audio of Bishop Jones' sermon on the main St. Paul's website, and we will put the text there as soon as we get a copy. Meantime, and I don't do this too often on the blog, I thought I would sharre my 8 am sermon from this morning here:

Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

By James Richardson

Isaiah 40:21-31

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 

Mark 1:29-39

“Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

I like to think that those words of the prophet Isaiah lift up Jesus on wings like eagles as he goes about the tasks before him today:

He is at the home of Simon and Andrew, and he heals Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever. Then more and more people show up who are sick and possessed of demons. Jesus heals them and casts out the demons. Then after a very long night of this hard work, Jesus gets a little sleep, and then he is up early to pray.

There are a few of things I’d like you notice here besides the part about Simon’s mother-in-law rising up from her fever to cook dinner for the men.

First, notice the demons. Certainly the people who wrote the Bible knew nothing of bacteria and viruses as a reason for disease. They saw demons behind everything. In our scientific frame of mind we rightfully discount demons and demonology as an explanation for disease and malady.

Yet we ignore at our peril that just as there are forces for good in this world, there are forces of evil. Not everything yields to rational explanation. Call it demons, call it evil, the forces of wickedness are all around us.

And if we are to live a life as followers to Jesus, we are called to stand up to evil when and where we find it, both big and small. It is one of the reasons we are in this faith community so that we can have the strength together to fight evil.

The Church, at its holiest through the ages, is at its best when it takes a prophetic stand against evil, whether it is against the Nazi ovens or racial segregation or the evils of greed, hatred and violence in our own age.

The Church is at its worst when it condones or even creates evil whether through persecution, or exclusion, or apathy.

Next, please notice something curious about the gospel lesson: the demons know who Jesus is. Merely knowing Jesus is nothing special, even the demons know him.
Jesus doesn’t need the demons or their chaos to proclaim anything about him. He tells them to be quiet.

In our world, we live amidst much religious noise and chaos, done in the name of Jesus, with religious charlatans of all manner telling us to live a certain way, or exclude certain people, in the name of Jesus.

We even have a brand of extreme Christianity that would have us ignite the final war in the Middle East so as to bring about the Second Coming. I believe Jesus is telling them to be quiet.

Finally there is this: Notice what Jesus does after a long night of healing work? He goes to a deserted place, a quiet place, and he prays. He withdraws, he finds a way to rest – not just sleep. But to rest and renew.

When you read the New Testament stories about Jesus, there is always this pattern: Jesus teaches, Jesus heals, Jesus casts out demons, and then he withdraws, and prays and renews. The cycle of work and renewal repeats over and over, even into the tomb and beyond to the Resurrection.

For us to truly live the way of Jesus is to live in that cycle: it is to do our reconciling work, whatever that may be, and then find our rest and renewal and prayer.

It is my hope and prayer this Sunday for each of us that we will find the work that fulfills us, and also find those places of rest and renewal and prayer that feeds us.

This coming Lent, soon to be with us, will be a good time for each of us to discover anew what makes us whole. Our own David McIlhiney will be teaching a course on living simply, and that may be a good place to begin again, to find our balance and to still the chaos around us.

So I return where we began: After Jesus’ early morning prayer, the disciples find Jesus and tell him everyone is searching for him. He is renewed, ready, and Jesus tells them, let’s get going, off to the next town. There is work to be done.

And so it is with us. There is work to be done, but first prayer, and renewal. And then, let’s get going. Amen.