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Bishop Tells Rostered Leaders at Annual Gathering
that 'Holy Listening Leads to Radical Inclusion'
Speaking to almost 200 at the Cape Cod Retreat and Conference Center, Hyannis, Mass., Bishop Margaret G. Payne was in a reflective mood Monday as she welcomed rostered leaders from throughout New England to her final bishop's convocation. The gathering is the annual continuing education event for all pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers in our synod. "I've been talking to you for 11 years now," she said, "but some things are worth repeating." Chief among them for the bishop was the synod's "Called to Listen, Called to Live" initiative. She encouraged the group to continue to listen to where God is calling them to be as they partner with others ... especially in places where God is already at work in the world. "We're all in this together," she reminded the audience, "and God helps us find amazing new energy for mission." Indeed, the bishop was pleased to report that congregational support for mission was up this year, which drew the applause of the group.
With characteristic warmth and humor, Bishop Payne fielded questions from the audience, including what she plans to do when she retires. "I made a promise to one husband and 300 cows," she replied. In addition to working on her blog, the bishop will spend her final year in one-to-one conversations, listening to people throughout the synod Quoting one of her favorite authors, Joan Chittister, she said, "not to listen is not to grow." The sermon she preached Monday night echoed the theme of her presentation. "Holy listening enables radical inclusion," Bishop Payne said. She also extolled the virtues of being a lifelong student with the heart of a servant. "To be a student is to be willing to embrace the new things God presents to us with humility and a love of mystery," she said. "We are called to live that way so that others can find life in Christ."
Next week: The keynote convocation address by Pr. Nadia Bolz-Weber, House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, Colo. |
