December 13, 2015
3 Advent/Gaudete
Dear
Members and Friends of St. Stephen’s,
This
afternoon, the congregation of St. Stephen’s met following our regular service
of Holy Eucharist to discuss Bishop Michael Smith’s offer of Delegated
Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) for St. Stephen’s. The meeting, much like
our process of discernment, began and ended with prayer. Following the meeting
and, after hearing feedback from our congregation, our Vestry met to vote on
Bishop Smith’s offer. The vote was unanimous in favor of Bishop Smith’s offer
of DEPO.
With our
acceptance of this offer, Bishop Carol Gallagher will share her ministry and
Episcopal oversight of our congregation, beginning January 1, 2016.
What
does this mean for us as a congregation?
+ This
was a vitally important decision on our part. It means that we, as a
congregation, will continue to live out
the ministry we feel we have been called to do as a congregation. We see this as
an extension of a ministry based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the
Baptismal Covenant of respecting the worth and dignity of all people, as we see
it and have discerned it for ourselves.
+ After
January 1, Bishop Carol Gallagher will now have direct Episcopal oversight of
our congregation. She will visit our congregation on an annual basis.
+ We
will now be allowed to recognize and celebrate marriage rites for all people,
without distinction.
+ All of
our members will be able to pursue their ministries without hindrance.
+ With
this vote, we are NOT “breaking away” from the Episcopal Diocese of North
Dakota. In fact, we will remain a contributing and active presence in the Diocese
of North Dakota. The Diocese will continue in our collective and personal
prayers, as we will in the prayer cycle of the Diocese.
+ We
will continue to have a personal relationship with Bishop Smith, and we will
continue to invite him to share in the life and joys of our congregation.
Your
prayers are requested for our congregation of St. Stephen’s as we move forward
together. I also ask your prayers for Bishop Carol Gallagher, for Bishop Smith
and the Diocese of North Dakota, as well as your continued prayers for the Episcopal
Church. I also ask for your continued prayers for me and for the Vestry of St.
Stephen’s.
Fr.
Jamie Parsley and the Wardens and Vestry of St. Stephen’s
2 comments:
Greetings and Blessings on you, from Trinity Church in Ashland, Oregon.
As a member of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, I hold your parish, Bishop Gallagher and Bishop Smith in prayer with thanksgiving for the gifts your parish offer to so many.
John B. Johnson, Washington, DC.
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