NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF September 10, 2014

The House of Bishops Gathering

The House of Bishops, the collection of all Bishops of the Episcopal Church, gathers twice a year for prayer, conversation, networking and planning. It is always an opportunity to see what joys and challenges my brother and sister bishops experience, and to share in common mission endeavors. Presiding Bishop Katharine reminds us not to use the phrase "the national church", since The Episcopal Church is located in 17 nations across North, Central and South America, Europe, Micronesia and Taiwan. Meeting with bishops from across the church reminds me that we are indeed a global community of rich cultural variety.

Every several years the House of Bishops gather outside of the continental U.S. as part of our commitment to that global community, and this month the House of Bishops will meet in Taiwan. Kaye and I will be spending the next two weeks in Taiwan and Japan, visiting mission sites, worshiping in parishes, and learning about life in a culture in which Christians are a distinct minority. We leave this Sunday and return September 28. I will carry your prayers and greetings to these neighbors, and ask that in your Sunday prayers you remember the church in other parts of the world, especially in Taiwan.

I am looking forward to this experience. I was not able to attend the Spring HOB gathering due to our family situation, and have missed this connection. Now Avery is well enough to travel, so she is looking forward to some time with her Georgia family. (She is doing well and we are grateful for continued prayers.)

Kaye will be traveling with me, as spouses are invited and encouraged to be involved in the Fall meeting. As part of our own stewardship we will be paying for her portion of the trip and the Japan portion of the trip from our own resources.

The day before we travel I will be participating with many of our diocese at the Mountain Grace conference in Morehead, a program of the Appalachian Episcopal Ministries. As we gather around the table of Christ with those serving small challenged communities of Appalachia, I will be praying for those I am about to meet serving small challenged communities in Taiwan and Japan. I will be thinking of you in both places, and giving thanks to the God who "has made peace with who are near and those who are far off and made them one in the Body of Christ".

Christ's Peace

Bishop Doug

Congratulations to St. Philip's
and Peter Doddema!