Diocese of Montana Newsletter, January 2020
Crossing Over
A blessed Epiphany to all. I had thought to have a grand message for this first reflection of my new ministry with one that gave a broad sweep of my vision for our diocese and state. However… life got in the way. As Bob and I began our physical journey to Montana with Cal the dog, Ruger the cat and miscellaneous plants and clothes, I started to formulate my first blog. The title of it was, and is, Crossing Over. It is yet unfinished, because life got in the way. I think it is still a catchy title, but it has new meaning now. The week of my ordination as your bishop, my husband’s brother-in-law entered hospice with terminal COPD and my father was hospitalized for what would be a fast-moving and fatal aspiration pneumonia. To use a traditional term, both crossed over into eternal life that week. While I was able to Facetime with my Dad that last week of his life and we were able to keep up with Richard through social media, there was the added stress of being a half-continent away from those Bob and I have cared about and prayed for over the years. This past month has been one of becoming further acquainted with you all and working with extended family on both sides as we live into this new reality of not having these two men in our lives. And then there is the promise of eternal life and what that might mean for them, and for us.
Click here to read the complete newsletter, including the following:
- Crossing Over, by The Rt. Rev. Marty Stebbins, Bishop of Montana
- Around the Diocese, with links to the Ordination of Bishop Marty Stebbins, sermons, and interviews.
- Finance Corner, by Barb Hagen, with upcoming trainings
- Episcopal Relief & Development, by Barb Hagen
- Thank you, from the Transition Team Co-Ordinators for Consecration
- Clare Hendricks, delegate to UNCSW
- Ecumenical opportunities
- Gimme Shelter: A Forum on the Affordable Housing Crisis in Missoula, available on MCAT
- Faith, Science & Climate Action: News from the Montana Faith & Environment Coalition
- Website Reminders
- St. James, Bozeman, hiring a Part-Time Youth Director