Dear People of Southern Ohio,
On Thursday, we learned that Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has been released from the hospital after his most recent surgery and will continue his recovery at home. I give thanks for his continued healing and ask you to join me in praying for him, for his family, and for all those who love and care for him.
I also give thanks for the news that the Presiding Bishop’s office has asked the Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., assisting bishop here in our diocese, to serve as chief consecrator at my ordination on February 17. I have been privileged to know Bishop Gibbs since we served together many years ago on the Seabury-Western board — him as bishop of Michigan and me as student body representative. I remember well his care for students and our entire seminary community, and the chance to renew our connection has been a gift to me since I arrived in Southern Ohio. I am grateful both for the blessing he brings by serving as chief consecrator and for Karlah Gibbs’s continued service on our Transition Committee.
I hope that you will be able to attend the ordination either in person or via livestream on the diocesan website. You can RSVP and reserve childcare using this link and sign up to volunteer or sing in the choir. Singers are especially asked to sign up by January 15. Answers to many frequently asked questions are posted on the website to help you make your plans.
I give thanks for all of the leaders and staff who are working so hard to make the ordination service a celebration of our new ministry together, and I look forward to seeing you next month in Columbus.
In Christ,
