Dear Friends,

The vitality of any organization is its ability to adapt to the ever-changing surroundings. No one knows this better than the people of this diocese. You have shown an incredible capacity to bend, twist and redirect while never giving up. Your desire to live in the present affords you this understanding of necessity for change.

I remind you of this because one of our leaders will be leaving us to pursue her passion of living freely. Ms. Nell Bolton, Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services, began a conversation with me several months ago about her desire to return to the field, working for peace and justice throughout the world.

To put in writing what Nell has meant to this Diocese and to me would take volumes of paper. She joined the Diocesan team shortly after Katrina and worked tirelessly leading the effort to rebuild our beloved community and to help reshape how we tend the poor. I am grateful for Nell's spirit and her wisdom.

One of the many gifts Nell leaves behind is a very capable staff that has been shaped by her passion to serve. They know the needs of our community and continuously seek new opportunities in which they can facilitate a return to independence. Because of Nell's leadership, their work will continue with zeal.

Nell will continue to work through August. In the meantime, we will be searching for an Executive Director of ECS. If you would like to drop Nell a note, or better yet make a donation to ECS in honor of her ministry, I'm sure she would greatly appreciate your kindness.

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev'd Morris K. Thompson, Jr., D. D.

Bishop of Louisiana

Dear ECSLA Board,

It is a privilege to serve as Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services. I am sincerely encouraged by the momentum that ECSLA has gained towards establishing and fulfilling its multifaceted mission, and am heartened by the wonderful leadership we have on our team, both at the staff and board levels. It is from this place of enthusiasm that I regretfully share with you my intention to resign the position of Executive Director.

In nearly five years at the helm of this organization-first in its iteration as the Office of Disaster Response, more recently as ECSLA-I have been fortunate to work with many amazing people who are transforming countless lives. In recent years, our ministry has grown deeper roots across our Diocese, and has begun to blossom in exciting ways.

I truly believe that ECSLA is in a great place-financial challenges notwithstanding-for fresh energy and ideas to guide us into the next phase of our ministry. As shown by the response we received at Diocesan Convention, our ministry is becoming better known, better understood, and more eagerly received within the Diocese. We have a wide range of partnerships and ministry opportunities upon which to build. And we have accomplished a significant transition from being strictly focused on disaster response to embracing a long-term commitment to community involvement and social change.

This decision comes after much prayer and discernment. While I am not eager to leave ECSLA, I also feel that it is time to heed my deepest vocational call, and return my full-time focus to working for peace and justice in the world. Though the two are related, the commitments and priorities called for by the role of ECSLA Executive Director are different from this vocation.

I will remain at ECSLA through the end of August. A transition plan will be developed, and I stand ready to assist the Bishop and Board with handover as needed.

With gratitude for your support and service, and with hope for the bright future of ECSLA,

Sincerely yours,

Nell Bolton