Thank you from Bishop Lee
Dear Friends,
As I often say to congregations on visitations, “I want to say two words to you that we don’t hear nearly enough: Thank you.” Simple but heartfelt. Truly.
I am very grateful to have had the privilege of serving as your bishop provisional over the last couple of years. We’ve been through a lot — from the last acute stages of the pandemic, through staff changes and new models of leadership, to exploring the possibility of a reunified Diocese of Wisconsin. But we have done it together, as friends and colleagues, living limbs and members of the Body of Christ. And that makes all the difference.
The clergy and lay leaders of this diocese have shown me remarkable resilience, faithfulness, and joy. That last word is the gift I think I will cherish most from my time as your bishop. Yes, there has been post-pandemic exhaustion, an accelerating pace of change in church life, and uncertainty about the future, but there is also a kind of fierce joy. In this diocese laughter is not unusual in congregations and in gatherings of clergy. We set a table for everyone, we reach out beyond our walls to the needs, hopes, and heartaches of this world, and we are willing to try new ways of being church. Here we act in ways that make God’s love real. Here there is ample evidence that the Good News is indeed good news.
The Diocese of Milwaukee is in good hands. This church belongs to Jesus Christ. And faithful members of the Body of Christ have been called to serve the diocese with care, competence, and faithfulness. The bishop’s staff is outstanding. The Standing Committee is one of the best I have ever worked with. The Executive Council is thoughtful and efficient in its oversight of diocesan business. You will be well served by Bishop Matt Gunter as your assisting bishop, one of the best pastors I know.
So once again, thank you. God bless you all as God’s future unfolds for this beloved diocese. "Rejoice in the Lord always … Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7.
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee
Bishop Provisional
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee