Bishop's Blog

Just over a year ago friend, colleague and Bishop of Colorado Rob O’Neil was out doing something we both passionately enjoy – cycling. On this beautiful day he was, as he freely admits, “riding very aggressively.” As the saying goes, the next thing he knows… he is laying on the ground having done significant damage to his hip.

Last summer, Gretchen Roeck, associate priest at Trinity, Excelsior decided that she would take up cycling. Along the way I shared my passion and encouragement. Then one day I received the phone call: Gretchen had crashed on her bike and done some major damage to her elbow.

This last week I had the opportunity to spend time with both of them. Considering the severity of their accidents – surgeries, hospital stays, long rehabs – it would be easy to assume that they would not be interested in “getting back in the saddle.” You might be surprised to know that both are back on their bikes.

I would not describe Rob or Gretchen as thrill junkies. Rather, I think both know first-hand the inherent risk in what they are doing. They are taking the necessary precautions, and are still willing to get back in the game.

This last Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending the inaguaral Spanish language service at St. Nicholas, Richfield. After months of conversations, planning and preparations these courageous folks set sail on a new adventure. Was it a huge crowd? No, but it was a good size gathering. Will the place at some point in the near future be filled to the rafters? Don’t know. What I do know is that all involved are committed to giving it their best shot.

As we have heard in our recent readings from the Gospel the disciples were very fearful following the crucifixion of Jesus. Yet, amidst that Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” We, too, can be easily seduced by our fears. Not the least of which is our fear of failure. And as such, we try to find our own safe place to hide. This, however, is not our calling, particularly as witnesses of the resurrection.

We are called to not become paralyzed by fear but rather to boldly live by faith. Willing even amidst setbacks, or unmet expectations to keep stepping forward, keep getting back on the saddle, knowing we do not do so alone but that Jesus walks – or in some case rides – with us.

Like a number of others from the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, I was blessed last week to spend part of the day with author and speaker Parker Palmer. The room was filled to capacity with folks from various faith traditions,  education, health care, social services and those invested in the political process.

Many present were clearly long-time admirers of Parker Palmer. His earlier writings, particularly Let Your Life Speak and The Courage  to Teach, have been widely acclaimed in both the education and religious communities. Yet, most were here on this day to hear the author expand on the themes in his most recent book, Healing The Heart of Democracy : The Courage to Create  a Politic Worthy of the Human Spirit.

Palmer’s  message to me is not one of ‘sound bite’ blame,  but rather a passionate plea that deep within our corporate soul and deep within each of us we must learn how to walk together.  As he stated, “We must move from argumentation to inquiry.” For Palmer it’s absolutely critical that we truly hear each other’s story.

Thanks to our Native American brothers and sisters of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, one of the great blessings for me is our grounding in Gospel Based Discipleship. When we place the Gospel story in our center and then prayerfully listen to each others’ stories, we begin to see the other as a child of God and not as an ‘issue’ or a ‘position’.  And find new ways to live into our promise in the Baptismal Covenant to ”Respect the dignity of every human being.”

They could not have been more excited. Fidgeting, squirming, giggling all the while trying to put on their acolyte robes. Was it because the Bishop was there today? Was it because it was a special service? Or was it that they were just totally fired up about being able to be a part of the church  celebration?!

Acolytes at Breck School

The day before this I was able, albeit too briefly, to spend time with three groups of high school students. Each group had committed a significant portion of their weekend to being involved with a church activity.  All, without question, did so with great enthusiasm.

I later had the privilege of making a quick trip to Indianapolis to be part of training the General Convention Official Youth Presence.  These 18 young folks from across The Episcopal Church, including Emma Grundhauser from the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, will spend close to two weeks this summer immersed in the governance of our church.  They are not only doing so with great excitement but also with incredible passion.

This Saturday at St. Mark’s Cathedral we will be having our 2nd Annual Bishop’s Family Day. Last year this intergenerational gathering brought folks from throughout the Episcopal Church in Minnesota to Minneapolis for a fun-filled day of  music, activities, learning and worship for all.  For me, one of the most memorable parts of this gathering last year, simply put, was the infectious energy the young people displayed for all they were engaged with.

Folks often ask me if I am anxious for the future of the Church.  All I can say is that almost daily I am filled with Easter hope for the new life I experience with the young people of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota and beyond!