Dear siblings in Christ,

Blessed July in this season after Pentecost!

I’ve always found it striking that this stretch of summer is called “Ordinary Time”—even though it’s often filled with extraordinary moments of joy, challenge, and change. I pray this season brings you rest, renewal, and time with loved ones.

In June, many of our ministries participated in Pride events, including a meaningful screening of Mama Bears hosted by St. Paul, Denver and Rocky Mountain Public Media Center. Thank you to all who shared photos, stories, and the ongoing work of living into our Reconciling in Christ commitments—not just this month, but always.

My family and I were grateful to travel in June, including a Footsteps of Paul pilgrimage through Greece and Turkey. Plans to attend a wedding in the Holy Land were interrupted by conflict in the region, and while we returned with heavy hearts, I remain thankful for your prayers for peace and justice.

This week we mourn the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country, including the tragic loss of young lives at Camp Mystic. ELCA Disaster Response is at work on the ground—please join me in supporting their efforts, as you are able, HERE.

Meanwhile, our ministry in the Office of the Bishop continues! We are continuing to accompany rostered and lay leaders and congregations in transition, planning ahead for Theological Conference and Synod Assembly, preparing elected synod voting members for Churchwide Assembly, and much more. This month we gave thanks for Pastor Katie Emery at the conclusion of her call as Synod Minister for Transitions and we are grateful for her continued faithful work with Excellence in Leadership. Her ministry has blessed many—including each of us at the Office of the Bishop.

Our synod council also officially welcomed Ray Ferry as our new Synod Vice President—with gratitude and excitement for his willingness to serve and lead in this role on behalf of our whole synod. Finally, our plans for the future location of the Office of the Bishop have also been developing in exciting and Spirit-led ways—watch this space for an official announcement coming very soon! One thing is certain: in these days, as always, there is no such thing as ordinary time. 

And thanks be to God that Dios está aquí (God is here) in it all—siempre (forever)!

~Bishop Meghan