The House of Bishops met March 11-15, at Camp Allen, in Navasota, TX. There was great  anticipation in the air as they met with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in retreat for the first time. On the first day they opened with Morning Prayer, and moved into small group discussions. They also heard from Bishop Curry about the theological and Biblical foundation for his signature phrase, "the Jesus Movement." Afterward they reflected on how they have experienced the love of Jesus in their own lives, and shared this experience in small groups. They concluded with Eucharist.

Each day follows a similar pattern. The Bishops meet for worship, discussion, and reflection. On Sunday, March 13, the Rt. Rev. Rayford Ray, and our own Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer, led the morning service of Holy Eucharist, with Bishop Ray presiding, and Bishop Mayer preaching. According to a news release from the Public Affairs Office of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Mayer's sermon "focused on the idea of being willing, not to win with Jesus, but do you have what it takes to lose with Jesus - associating with those our world so often dismisses as losers but are really the poor and marginalized. Bishop Mayer's sermon continued a pattern evident during this retreat time in which bishops have explored the integral relationship of personal-story telling, including of individual brokenness with the church's call to reconciliation. This, as our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry urges, is evangelism and results in new life.  The post-communion song caught the tenor of this time: "O take me as I am, summon out what I shall be." Afterward the Bishops continued a time of sabbath, which they so rarely experience on a work-related trip.

Bishop Mayer's sermon may be accessed for viewing and/or downloading by following this link.

MARCH