My Heartfelt Thanks

Dear Diocesan Family,

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever"

Psalm 136:1

As the new bishop in our beloved diocese, I simply wanted to write in this Thanksgiving season to express my heartfelt thanks for the ministry and mission that we all share. It has been my privilege in recent months to visit a number of our churches and to witness firsthand the work of our dedicated clergy and committed congregations, who are faithful to the cause of the gospel and to the mission of our diocese, to build biblically faithful, gospel sharing, Anglican churches.

As you gather together in your congregations, along with family and friends this weekend, and 'render thanks to the Lord for the great benefits we have received at his hands', may he bless you richly and give you continuing joy as you serve him. 

The Gospel reading appointed for Thanksgiving Sunday contains Jesus' words to his followers, 'do not be anxious about your life' (Matthew 6:25) Maintaining peace in an increasingly anxious world and holding fast to our confidence in God (Hebrews 3:6) is a vital part of our Christian witness in these days. Trusting in the goodness of God, seeking first his kingdom, and inviting others to submit to his good and gracious will is the way of discipleship held out to us on this Thanksgiving Weekend.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Thanks be to God for all his goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom he has made.

+Mike

The Right Reverend Mike Stewart
Suffragan Bishop for the West