The Bishop's Corner
May 2008
Dear Friends:
I hope you all had a Glorious Easter!
Please join me in welcoming The Rev. Canon José McLoughlin as our new Canon to the Ordinary. Canon McLoughlin, Laurel and family arrived in Oklahoma the first week of April and have begun to settle into their new home. During his first couple of weeks, Canon McLoughlin will be attending the Conference for Diocesan Executives and the Diocesan Deployment Officers training. Canon McLoughlin will be installed as the new Canon at our Convention Eucharist in November.
Recently I had the opportunity to be in the southern part of our state visiting congregations. I want to thank all the people of the South-East Region at St. Peter's, Coalgate; St. John's Durant; St. Luke's, Idabel; St. Mark's, Hugo; St. James', Antlers and St. Barnabas, Poteau for your wonderful hospitality. I am excited by the enthusiasm and faithfulness of all at these congregations; and I am encouraged by the willingness to address the challenges of being part of the Episcopal Church in these rural parts of Oklahoma.
In the weeks and months ahead I will be spending time in other regions of our diocese with the goal of visiting every congregation by the one year anniversary as your Bishop.
In May I will be attending the College of Bishops "Living Our Vows" conference in Ashville, North Carolina. This is a three year program, now required of all new bishops in the Episcopal Church. The goal of the program is to promote healthy transitions of bishops as they begin their new ministry.
Some have asked if any information is available about what might be addressed at the Lambeth Conference this summer. We have not yet received any specific information other than some basics, but should other information become available I will publish it. For those interested is a web page at www.lambethconference.org.
As we continue this time of transition I want to thank all you for your words of support and encouragement; and especially your prayers. Debbie and I are blessed to be in the midst of you and give thanks everyday.
God bless you!
+Bishop Ed
