Dear friends,
As 2020 was drawing to a close, I was on the brink of my new ministry as your diocesan bishop. At the time, I was preparing for this new beginning in a variety of ways. I participated in a Zoom orientation session for new and incoming bishops. I spent some time apart for retreat and prayer. I started packing things to take to my new office. I prepared to say farewell to a Parish I loved. In the midst of it all, and with the guidance and contributions of a great team, I began planning for the official beginning of my ministry – the service of Consecration and Installation on St. Andrew’s Day.
As life unfolded, however, things got more complicated. The number of Covid-19 cases began to rise in Nova Scotia, and it was clear that things would not go as we had hoped for that service. And yet, in spite of all the changes we’d had to make, everything still seemed okay, until the rehearsal.
Gathering there in the Cathedral with former diocesan bishops (Archbishop Ron Cutler, Archbishop Arthur Peters, and Bishop Sue Moxley), Dean Paul Smith and a small tech crew, with screens in front of us and no one else around us, the reality finally sank in. I’ll admit to feeling a bit discouraged. Even after the service began, it all felt very strange. This was not what any of us was used to at all. Then, at the appropriate time in the service, I moved in place in front of Bishop Sue to make my vows, and everything felt different. I was no longer looking at a camera, but a real person. I was no longer facing an empty Cathedral, but the high altar. In that instant, my perspective changed.
While I realize that there are many challenges ahead of us as we are trying desperately to
figure out the way forward, I also know that we can count on God’s guidance and grace as we journey onwards.
We have all had to face huge changes in our lives and in our expectations as a result of this global pandemic. It has affected our ability to be with our families and friends, to attend worship, and to travel, among other things. By the time you’re reading this, Covid-19 will also have affected how we’ve experienced Christmas. What Covid-19 will not affect, however, is the reality of the incarnation – God taking human form and coming to be among us in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God-with-us.
I suspect there are times over the past nine months when we have all have felt discouraged or lost or lonely or forsaken in some way. In those moments it’s important to reorient ourselves to the story of our faith. We are still living in the Christmas season (at least until the feast of the Epiphany on January 6th). More importantly, we are still living in incarnational times. God is still with us. Christ still walks with us. The Holy Spirit still guides us. We are never alone. God’s love and presence surround us always.
I became acutely aware of that yet again on the night of myConsecration. The Cathedral may have looked empty but it was filled with the power and presence of God as we were held in prayer and celebration throughout this Diocese and beyond. I want you to know that I feel humbled and blessed to be serving as your bishop in these strange times and I am hopeful about the future. While I realize that there are many challenges ahead of us as we are trying desperately to figure out the way forward, I also know that we can count on God’s guidance and grace as we journey onwards. As the Rev Dr. Joanne Mercer reminded us in her sermon on that night: we have everything we need.
As I begin my episcopal ministry among you, I am glad to know that this ministry is one that we share. All our gifts are needed. Thank you for everything that you contribute to the life of our Diocese. I am curious to see how God will use the “loaves and fishes” that we all offer for the building up of God’s kingdom in this place.
Blessings and peace,
+Sandra
