Bishops Address to the 72nd Convention of the DRG 2024

72nd Diocesan Convention: Strengthening the Future of the Episcopal Church in Rio Grande

Join us as we dive into the 72nd Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, featuring insights from St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Bishop Michael Hunn shares reflections from his travels and discusses the unique challenges faced by the diocese. Learn about the importance of supporting small congregations, our shared values of liturgy, inclusivity, and tradition, and the detailed findings from Phase One of the diocese’s strategic project. Discover our new youth and family programs, campus ministries, and the strength of our relationships with neighboring dioceses and the wider church. This video emphasizes the critical need for transparency, collaboration, and leveraging our generosity to ensure the thriving of the Episcopal Church throughout New Mexico and far West Texas.

00:00 Welcome to the 72nd Diocesan Convention

00:10 Reflections on St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians

01:11 Visiting the Eastern Part of New Mexico

03:17 Challenges Facing Our Episcopal Churches

04:52 Phase One: Understanding Our Episcopal Identity

06:39 Shared Values: Liturgy, Inclusivity, and Tradition

10:08 Community Outreach and Social Justice

10:57 Supporting Our Clergy and Transparent Communication

16:02 Youth and Family Programs

20:03 Partnerships Beyond Our Diocese

30:49 Financial Transparency and Future Planning

39:18 Paul's Metaphor of the Body and Our Diocese

42:36 Conclusion: Strengthening Relationships for the Future

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Good evening, Diocese of the Rio Grande, and welcome to the 72nd Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of the Rio Grande.
I take as my text this year, St.
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 12 and following. 4 00:00:18,639.999 --> 00:00:18,919.9985 St. 5 00:00:18,919.9985 --> 00:00:30,169.998 Paul writes, For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 6 00:00:31,94.999 --> 00:00:42,594.999 For in one spirit we were all baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all made to drink of one spirit. 7 00:00:43,634.999 --> 00:00:48,484.999 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member, but of many. 8 00:00:49,474.999 --> 00:01:01,234.999 God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, that the members may have the same care for one another. 9 00:01:02,114.998 --> 00:01:05,354.998 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it. 10 00:01:05,934.999 --> 00:01:09,664.999 If one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 11 00:01:11,404.999 --> 00:01:20,075 In my recent travels across the Diocese of the Rio Grande, I visited the eastern part of New Mexico Clovis, Portales, and Tucumcari.

(01:20):
Out on the plains of New Mexico, close to Texas.
While there, I met two of the youngest members of our diocese, both less than a year old, and each one of them will steal your heart in an instant.
The parents of both of these infant girls are leaders in our church and in our diocese.
.999As I met smiled at these little ones, I was thinking about our Episcopal churches, St.

(01:44):
Michael's in Tucumcari, St.
James in Clovis, and Holy Trinity in Portalis.
Friends, it is vitally important that these Episcopal churches still be there for these little ones as they grow up.
And equally important that we support their parents as they lead our church into the future.

(02:05):
.999The mother of one of these girls is the Senior Warden at St. 21 00:02:08,449.999 --> 00:02:09,600 Michael's in Tucumcari.
And she has done an incredible job leading the congregation since the death of their vicar, the Reverend Mark Lake.
Kylie, the senior warden in Tucumcari, is by far the youngest adult in the congregation, and she recently gave birth to her daughter. 24 00:02:26,504.999 --> 00:02:29,535 And I've been thinking about her and her daughter and the people of St. 25 00:02:29,544.999 --> 00:02:30,695 Michael's a lot lately.

(02:31):
Tucumcari is an hour a half from Clovis.
the nearest Episcopal church, and two hours from Edgewood, the next nearest.
Kiley and St.
Michael's deserve the support of a priest.
And I want to ensure that the Diocese of the Rio Grande supports her and her leadership, and supports her daughter as she grows up.

(02:54):
.9995likewise in Clovis, New Mexico, the rector of St. 32 00:02:57,664.9995 --> 00:03:00,934.999 James and his wife have also recently welcomed a daughter.
I want to make sure that the Episcopal Church is there for her too, as she grows up.
And not just in Clovis.
Not just in Portalis and Tucumcari, but also in Raton, Las Vegas, and Deming, in Marfa and Fort Stockton.

(03:17):
So here's my first point tonight.
We can no longer take it for granted that the Episcopal Church as we know it will continue to exist in places like Tucumcari. 38 00:03:27,849.999 --> 00:03:34,299.999 are places that have had the ministry of a priest before but may no longer be able to sustain it on their own. 39 00:03:35,329.999 --> 00:03:37,259.999 We need to work on that as a diocese. 40 00:03:37,609.999 --> 00:03:39,79.999 We need to figure that out. 41 00:03:39,849.999 --> 00:03:48,599.999 Yes, there are other non episcopal churches in Tucumcari, just as there are other churches in Clovis, Portalis, Deming, and Marfa. 42 00:03:49,449.999 --> 00:03:57,599.999 But as your bishop, I believe our Episcopal Church has a unique identity and a unique charism, a gift that the world needs. 43 00:03:58,599.999 --> 00:04:11,439.899 And I think it's critical that we as the Diocese of the Rio Grande work together to figure out how to make sure the smaller churches in the far flung parts of our diocese do not close because we didn't help them out. 44 00:04:12,789.999 --> 00:04:17,469.999 This is what the four phase project we've been working on together is really about. 45 00:04:18,389.999 --> 00:04:29,719.999 We are working together to develop a common strategic intention for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, a shared vision for the Episcopal church here in Far West Texas and New Mexico. 46 00:04:30,769.999 --> 00:04:35,989.999 That's why I asked you all to participate in phase one of the four phase process. 47 00:04:36,629.999 --> 00:04:42,299.999 I wanted us all to take some time and remember what it is about the Episcopal Church in particular. 48 00:04:42,834.999 --> 00:04:51,204.999 That is worth keeping, worth preserving, and worth making sure continues to exist throughout New Mexico and far West Texas. 49 00:04:52,844.999 --> 00:05:00,144.999 Tonight, I want to share with you the data from Phase One, in hopes that it will rekindle your commitment to the Episcopal Church. 50 00:05:01,84.999 --> 00:05:45,599.999 Even if you've been part of this church for a long time, and even if you're feeling a little tired these days, I hope that you'll be inspired by this data to roll up your sleeves and work with me to figure out ways to support the Episcopal Church, For those two young infants growing up in small towns, so it will continue to support the Episcopal Church So it will continue to exist for those two young infants and for many others growing up in the small towns in Texas As you know, we asked every congregation in the diocese to participate in a 90 minute congregational meeting in Phase 1. 51 00:05:46,259.999 --> 00:05:50,259.999 During those meetings, we asked each congregation to answer four questions. 52 00:05:51,339.998 --> 00:06:01,580.097 In every congregation, energy surged as you shared stories about your experience in the Episcopal Church reflections on what the faith means to you. 53 00:06:03,360.097 --> 00:06:09,480.097 We took that data, photographs of sticky notes filled with your answers, and converted it to text. 54 00:06:09,970.097 --> 00:06:13,750.096 Then, we used ChatGPT to help analyze the data. 55 00:06:14,840.096 --> 00:06:22,900.097 When we had our recent clergy conference, I invited the clergy of the diocese to answer those four questions as well, and we recorded their answers. 56 00:06:23,450.097 --> 00:06:28,890.097 So now we have two datasets, one from parishioners in the diocese, and one from the clergy. 57 00:06:29,650.097 --> 00:06:38,20.097 What I'd like to share with you is the analysis of that data, which highlights what we value about the Episcopal Church across the diocese. 58 00:06:39,400.097 --> 00:06:41,280.096 So here's what ChatGPT found. 59 00:06:42,350.096 --> 00:06:52,16.58271429 Comparing the answers from clergy and parishioners about what they value most in the Episcopal and Anglican tradition reveals both shared values and distinct emphases. 60 00:06:52,16.58271429 --> 00:06:58,620.097 There are three main values that clergy and parishioners in the Diocese of Rio Grande share. 61 00:06:59,380.097 --> 00:07:01,70.097 Number one, liturgy. 62 00:07:01,950.097 --> 00:07:05,410.097 Both clergy and parishioners deeply value the Episcopal liturgy. 63 00:07:06,405.097 --> 00:07:16,765.096 The Eucharist, the Book of Common Prayer, and the regular use of Scripture are central to both groups who find comfort and meaning in familiar practices across the churches. 64 00:07:17,775.096 --> 00:07:24,545.097 This shared appreciation highlights the role of liturgy in uniting our community through a consistent worship experience. 65 00:07:26,755.097 --> 00:07:31,255.097 The second thing that we all experience is inclusivity. 66 00:07:32,175.097 --> 00:07:41,605.097 The clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of the Rio Grande emphasize the church's openness to all people regardless of their background, lifestyle, or beliefs. 67 00:07:42,805.097 --> 00:07:56,50.096 both groups celebrate the church's welcoming stance, its support, for LGBTQ plus inclusion and the strong support for the ordination of women and women's leadership at every level of our church. 68 00:07:56,990.097 --> 00:08:06,560.096 This inclusivity fosters a strong sense of belonging and aligns with the church's mission to embody Christ's love for all people everywhere. 69 00:08:08,130.097 --> 00:08:14,575.097 The third point we all share, clergy and parishioners, is tradition and continuity. 70 00:08:15,505.097 --> 00:08:25,305.097 The continuity of the Episcopal tradition and its deep historical roots, and its connection to the ancient practices, resonate with both clergy and parishioners across our diocese. 71 00:08:27,135.097 --> 00:08:38,265.097 We all value the stability and connection to past generations that our tradition provides, as well as our church's ability to evolve while maintaining our traditional foundation. 72 00:08:40,315.097 --> 00:08:49,915.097 These shared values, liturgy, inclusivity, and tradition reflect what clergy and parishioners in the diocese love about our Episcopal Church. 73 00:08:51,265.097 --> 00:08:58,615.097 But let's look a little deeper into the data, and as we do so we will find some points of contrast between the clergy and the parishioners. 74 00:08:59,765.096 --> 00:09:06,985.097 These contrasts reflect the different roles and perspectives within our church, and they're important no matter what their background. 75 00:09:08,35.097 --> 00:09:22,425.097 While both groups celebrate inclusivity, the clergy tend to connect it with broader social and theological ideals, while parishioners often describe inclusivity in terms of personal belonging and feeling welcome in their local church. 76 00:09:24,125.097 --> 00:09:31,925.097 ChatGPT summarized these findings clergy and parishioners highly value the Episcopal Church's liturgy, inclusivity, and continuity. 77 00:09:32,615.097 --> 00:09:45,665.0975 However, the clergy place more emphasis on intellectual engagement, theology, and the Church's broader mission, while parishioners focus more on personal experiences, community, and practical expressions of inclusivity. 78 00:09:46,795.0975 --> 00:09:56,895.0975 This illustrates a complementary relationship where the clergy uphold the church's identity and mission, and the parishioners find personal connection and support within that framework. 79 00:09:58,125.0975 --> 00:10:00,785.0975 My friends, this is exactly what the church should be. 80 00:10:01,315.0975 --> 00:10:07,505.0975 A place where the clergy uphold the intellectual tradition and maintain it within our liturgy and our life. 81 00:10:08,225.0975 --> 00:10:13,105.0975 Community outreach and social justice is the third area that we hold in common as our vision. 82 00:10:13,885.0975 --> 00:10:17,445.0975 Both clergy and parishioners prioritize outreach efforts. 83 00:10:17,495.0975 --> 00:10:22,385.0975 particularly addressing issues like poverty, homelessness, and immigration in our diocese. 84 00:10:23,285.0975 --> 00:10:31,175.0965 Parishioners highlight specific outreach initiatives such as services for migrants and seek ways to foster stronger connections with local communities. 85 00:10:32,245.0965 --> 00:10:45,215.0965 The clergy responses suggest a broader framework for outreach, envisioning partnerships with social service organizations and programs to address housing needs and mobile ministries for underserved rural areas. 86 00:10:46,790.0975 --> 00:10:52,360.0975 Within these broad areas, some distinct emphases emerge for both the clergy and lay people alike. 87 00:10:53,500.0975 --> 00:10:57,0.0975 These are things we need to work on in the future together. 88 00:10:57,580.0965 --> 00:11:00,914.9975 one thing we need to improve on is better support for our clergy. 89 00:11:01,775.0975 --> 00:11:13,135.0975 The clergy responses include a desire for better support structures in the diocese, including financial stability for clergy and their families, and stronger collegial connections between the clergy. 90 00:11:13,785.0975 --> 00:11:23,605.0975 the clergy would like us to work on initiatives to address the challenges of bivocational ministry, clergy wellness, and support for clergy in smaller congregations. 91 00:11:25,285.0975 --> 00:11:30,65.0975 We also need to work on transparent communication and accessibility in the diocese of the Rio Grande. 92 00:11:30,65.1975 --> 00:11:38,115.0975 The parishioners want us to focus more on transparent communication and accessibility from diocesan leadership. 93 00:11:38,885.0975 --> 00:11:42,195.0985 you also want clear information on diocesan activities. 94 00:11:42,555.0985 --> 00:11:46,345.0985 and stronger engagement between diocesan leaders and local congregations. 95 00:11:47,525.0985 --> 00:11:59,445.098 As your bishop, I'm a little bit puzzled, because We put out lots of communication, weekly video updates that are available as a podcast, a weekly video, or a text. 96 00:12:00,335.098 --> 00:12:07,445.098 a weekly email shows what's going on in the diocese with click through ways for you to access all sorts of information. 97 00:12:08,585.097 --> 00:12:14,895.0975 We are putting out a lot of information, but it doesn't seem that the information is getting to the people in the pews. 98 00:12:15,135.0975 --> 00:12:16,105.0975 We need to work on that. 99 00:12:17,575.0975 --> 00:12:22,865.0975 Lastly, we envision a transformative impact that we might have as a diocese. 100 00:12:23,225.0975 --> 00:12:25,590.0975 We all want to increase the impact our church. 101 00:12:26,815.0975 --> 00:12:41,255.0975 The clergy responses reflect a vision of a large scale transformation where the Church impacts the broader culture through advocacy, visible public witness, and proactive stances on issues like climate change and social justice. 102 00:12:41,305.0975 --> 00:12:53,885.0975 Our parishioners, while also supportive of outreach, particularly to those who are homeless or hungry, envision transformation on a personal and local level, hoping for a church that fosters genuine community. 103 00:12:54,365.0985 --> 00:12:59,985.0985 where members actively support one another and contribute positively to their immediate surrounding. 104 00:13:00,715.0985 --> 00:13:06,563.69032609 our parishioners share aspirations for a growing, welcoming, and outwardly focused diocese. 105 00:13:11,283.79032609 --> 00:13:21,953.79032609 I also asked ChatGPT to take our data and reflect on what distinguishes the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of the Rio Grande from other churches in far west Texas and New Mexico. 106 00:13:23,163.78932609 --> 00:13:25,323.79032609 Here's what ChatGPT suggested. 107 00:13:26,93.78932609 --> 00:13:31,623.79032609 Three defining characteristics that distinguish the Episcopal Church from other churches in our area. 108 00:13:32,873.79032609 --> 00:13:38,753.79032609 First, the Episcopal Church offers a balanced approach to tradition adaptability. 109 00:13:39,808.79032609 --> 00:13:53,188.79032609 The Episcopal Church manages a unique balance between the ancient liturgical practices our traditions and our ability to adapt to contemporary social issues and face contemporary problems with new ideas. 110 00:13:54,8.79032609 --> 00:14:06,188.79032609 This via media or middle way between Catholic and Protestant traditions allows our church to honor historical continuity while also engaging with current issues facing us today. 111 00:14:07,718.79032609 --> 00:14:11,588.79032609 This combination doesn't exist in the same way in other churches. 112 00:14:12,458.79032609 --> 00:14:15,578.79032609 Here, you can experience the ancient beauty of the Mass. 113 00:14:16,58.79032609 --> 00:14:23,568.79032609 with candles, vestments, and traditional music, while also encountering a contemporary theological engagement with today's problems. 114 00:14:24,488.79032609 --> 00:14:28,258.79032609 Ours is not a tradition that imposes from the top down. 115 00:14:28,918.78932609 --> 00:14:36,218.78932609 Rather, it values open, honest engagement with questions of faith rooted in our traditions from the past. 116 00:14:37,308.88932609 --> 00:14:47,268.88932609 a second thing that distinguishes the Episcopal Church from other churches in our area is our Church emphasizes inclusivity and social action over aggressive evangelism. 117 00:14:48,368.88932609 --> 00:14:58,698.88932609 Our parishioners appreciate that the church demonstrates its faith through acts of love, service, and acceptance, Our way of showing up in our communities is unique. 118 00:14:59,288.88932609 --> 00:15:02,368.88932609 We're not there to make people think what we think or believe what we believe. 119 00:15:02,368.88932609 --> 00:15:09,788.88932609 In fact, we have hearty disagreements within our own community, and that's okay, because we're all on a journey toward God together. 120 00:15:11,88.88932609 --> 00:15:20,108.88832609 Interestingly, the Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church are the only two denominations in the United States where both Republicans and Democrats are equally represented. 121 00:15:21,38.88932609 --> 00:15:30,38.88932609 Most other churches lean one way or the other politically, but our ability to hold this diversity together is unique, especially in our small town. 122 00:15:30,438.88932609 --> 00:15:42,648.88932609 In summary, the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, as reflected in the data, is a community deeply committed to, including everybody, upholding our ancient traditions. 123 00:15:43,298.88932609 --> 00:15:47,768.88932609 and working to reach out and do outreach to our community. 124 00:15:49,168.88932609 --> 00:16:00,688.88832609 As we look to the future, I'm happy to note three areas where we're already making great strides toward ensuring not just the survival of the churches in our diocese, but the thriving of all of us. 125 00:16:02,148.88932609 --> 00:16:07,778.88932609 The first area I want to focus on this year is our expanded youth and family programs. 126 00:16:08,478.88932609 --> 00:16:11,468.88932609 I'm pleased to report that there is positive news on this front. 127 00:16:12,443.88932609 --> 00:16:19,693.88932609 raising up leaders in the next generation of the church has been a priority for us, and we have adopted an intentional strategy. 128 00:16:20,613.88932609 --> 00:16:33,333.88932609 Recognizing that many of our churches don't have enough young people to form their own Sunday school programs or youth groups, we have created a diocesan network to meet the spiritual needs of young Episcopalians across the Diocese of the Rio Grande. 129 00:16:34,253.88932609 --> 00:16:37,223.88932609 I'm pleased to say that this effort is already bearing fruit. 130 00:16:38,163.88932609 --> 00:16:40,733.8893261 Camp Stoney is at the heart of this strategy. 131 00:16:41,343.8893261 --> 00:16:50,653.8893261 For three weeks each summer, young people gather at Camp Stoney to share their faith in Jesus Christ, to worship together, to learn together, and of course, have a lot of fun. 132 00:16:51,543.8893261 --> 00:16:56,483.8893261 The camp community is led by our young adults who are now in college or have recently graduated. 133 00:16:57,213.8893261 --> 00:17:00,513.8893261 it includes people from high school, middle school, and elementary school. 134 00:17:01,353.8893261 --> 00:17:12,333.8883261 This community draws young people from El Paso and other parts of the diocese, with a strong contingent from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, where the highest numbers of Episcopalians are located. 135 00:17:13,523.8883261 --> 00:17:21,323.8893261 To make camp accessible, we encourage participation and provide transportation to bring people to Bishop's Ridge during the summer. 136 00:17:22,883.8893261 --> 00:17:41,33.8883261 Our young adult missioner, LeAnna Brun, is working to create additional events for the first time, this diocesan convention has a youth and young adult component, and at some point during the convention we will hear directly from our young people about their vision for the future of the Episcopal Church in this diocese. 137 00:17:41,653.8883261 --> 00:17:43,603.8893261 I'm eager to hear what they have to say. 138 00:17:45,63.8883261 --> 00:17:48,83.8893261 We are also making strides with young adult ministry on campus. 139 00:17:49,98.8893261 --> 00:17:54,638.8893261 For the first time in many years, there is now an official group of Episcopalian students on the UNM campus. 140 00:17:55,528.8893261 --> 00:18:02,508.8883261 This group is made up of young leaders who formed friendships while growing up at camp and are now a community at the University of New Mexico. 141 00:18:03,568.8893261 --> 00:18:08,278.8883261 The group is student led, with support from all the churches in the Albuquerque area. 142 00:18:08,933.8893261 --> 00:18:23,333.8893261 I want to thank Richard Malden, who is the president, Madeline Jewell, who's the vice president, and Jake Burns, who's the secretary, and also Eric Enn, who is the faculty advisor and a member at the Cathedral of St. 143 00:18:23,333.8893261 --> 00:18:23,673.8893261 John. 144 00:18:24,273.8893261 --> 00:18:33,633.8893261 We're still working out exactly what the needs of the students are and our priority is for the young adults themselves to tell us what they need from clergy and churches in Albuquerque. 145 00:18:34,733.8893261 --> 00:18:46,613.8893261 This model, working with the young people on campus, asking them what they would like to do and how the local churches can be supportive of them is something that we can apply at other universities in the diocese. 146 00:18:47,193.8893261 --> 00:18:54,913.8893261 Like Sol Ross, UTEP, New Mexico State University, Eastern New Mexico, Western New Mexico, and New Mexico Tech. 147 00:18:56,103.8883261 --> 00:19:02,903.8893261 Our numbers may be small, but they are growing, and the commitment and faithfulness of our young adult leaders is admirable. 148 00:19:03,473.8893261 --> 00:19:06,843.8893261 I can't wait for you to hear from them directly this weekend. 149 00:19:09,133.8893261 --> 00:19:19,813.8883261 Although we may be a small diocese without abundant resources, the Diocese of the Rio Grande is serving as a leader not just here, but across the entire Episcopal Church. 150 00:19:20,833.8893261 --> 00:19:27,793.8883261 Eli Crowley Contreras was part of the official youth delegation to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church this summer. 151 00:19:28,813.8883261 --> 00:19:34,63.8883261 He is wise and articulate and a wonderful voice for both the Church and his generation. 152 00:19:34,848.8883261 --> 00:19:39,458.8883261 He's serving as an assistant secretary for this convention, and we're grateful to him. 153 00:19:40,558.8883261 --> 00:19:44,328.8883261 Sidney Cline has served the diocese as one of our convention deputies. 154 00:19:44,673.8883261 --> 00:19:51,943.8883261 she also has been active in helping teens at risk in Taos and also representing us at the General Convention this year. 155 00:19:52,843.8883261 --> 00:20:02,223.8883261 She has a talent for telling some pretty terrible jokes at Diocesan conventions, but I want to thank her profoundly for her ongoing ministry on behalf of the Episcopal Church. 156 00:20:03,383.8883261 --> 00:20:10,863.8883261 a second area I want to make sure you know about, are the gifts that we receive from the relationships we have beyond our diocese. 157 00:20:12,283.8883261 --> 00:20:16,793.8883261 Our partnership with the Diocese of Navajo Land is one of those tremendous gifts. 158 00:20:17,508.8883261 --> 00:20:20,928.8883261 Navajo land is now officially a diocese of the Episcopal Church. 159 00:20:21,68.8883261 --> 00:20:26,338.8883261 Hallelujah! And we've had a relationship with the Navajo people for over a hundred years. 160 00:20:26,868.8883261 --> 00:20:31,468.8883261 We are honored to continue walking alongside our siblings in Navajo land. 161 00:20:32,838.8873261 --> 00:20:45,958.8873261 They are teaching us the beauty way, and have much more to teach us about walking in harmony with creation, and also about helping us to proclaim a Christianity which is not defined by colonialist ideas of dominance and control. 162 00:20:47,118.8873261 --> 00:21:01,328.8873261 For our part of the relationship, our Canon to the Ordinary Lee Curtis and our Indigenous Missioner Michael Drinkwater have been working with the Diocese of Navajo Land, helping them develop their mission statement and clarify their identity as a diocese. 163 00:21:01,693.8873261 --> 00:21:03,683.8873261 as they prepare to call their next bishop. 164 00:21:04,833.8873261 --> 00:21:09,853.8873261 Our relationship together is not based on money, but we are walking together. 165 00:21:10,683.8873261 --> 00:21:22,273.8873261 And we're grateful to have Bishop Provisional Barry Beisner with us this weekend, and also Canon to the Ordinary Cornelia Eaton and the Reverend Leon Sampson, who is now on the board of the Church Pension Fund. 166 00:21:23,83.8873261 --> 00:21:43,963.8873261 I encourage all of you to attend the workshop they will lead on Saturday morning to learn more about Navajo Land and how you and your congregations This weekend, we are also honored to welcome Bishop Ann Ritonia the Episcopal Church's Bishop for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, and Chaplain Jamal Scarlett. 167 00:21:44,893.8873261 --> 00:21:50,813.8873261 For over a decade, the Diocese of the Rio Grande has supported military chaplains who seek to become Episcopal priests. 168 00:21:51,783.8873261 --> 00:22:03,703.8873261 Many clergy have received support and training through our diocese, thanks to the dedicated work of the Reverend Canon Michael Perko, who has been the primary teacher and spiritual guide for each of these military chaplains. 169 00:22:04,843.8873261 --> 00:22:11,763.8873261 As this work expands, we are bringing in additional support for Michael, and I'm deeply grateful for his continued work in this area. 170 00:22:12,768.8873261 --> 00:22:27,758.8873261 Chaplain Scarlett is a priest who came through our priestly formation process, and I'm eager for you to hear from him and Bishop Ritonia about how your congregation can more fully engage the support of active military personnel and veterans in your area. 171 00:22:28,748.8863261 --> 00:22:30,808.8863261 Again, this ministry is not about money. 172 00:22:31,178.8873261 --> 00:22:32,608.8873261 You won't find it in our budget. 173 00:22:33,198.8873261 --> 00:22:35,918.8873261 But it's all about our sharing ministry together. 174 00:22:37,528.8873261 --> 00:22:45,878.8873261 Additionally, we receive a tremendous amount of support from the wider Episcopal Church, not just money, but in expertise, advice, and help. 175 00:22:46,728.8873261 --> 00:22:50,838.8873261 Katie Mears is with us this week from Episcopal Relief and Development. 176 00:22:51,548.8873261 --> 00:23:01,278.8883261 ERD has been a vital resource, actively supporting our congregations in Las Vegas, Ruidoso, and Roswell in responding to fires, floods, and other challenges. 177 00:23:02,28.8883261 --> 00:23:09,508.8883261 Katie, on behalf of this diocese and our people, I want to thank you personally for your ministry and for the work of Episcopal Relief and Development. 178 00:23:10,258.8883261 --> 00:23:15,668.8883261 Your expertise, your big heart, and your generous support have been a tremendous blessing to us. 179 00:23:16,548.8873261 --> 00:23:25,898.8873261 in addition to these three workshops that you can attend on Saturday, there will also be a fourth workshop led by our border chaplain Ana Reza. 180 00:23:26,628.8873261 --> 00:23:30,728.8863261 This workshop will explore how you can get more involved in our ministry at the border. 181 00:23:31,518.8873261 --> 00:23:39,8.8873261 As you may know, 40 percent of the U S Mexico border is in our diocese, and we are responsible for ministry all along it. 182 00:23:39,598.8873261 --> 00:23:44,358.8873261 But you won't find that in our budget because that effort is entirely funded by donations. 183 00:23:45,458.8873261 --> 00:23:51,308.8873261 Our diocese is thriving, my friends, and we are actively engaged at every level of the church. 184 00:23:51,898.8873261 --> 00:23:58,238.8863261 We are finding ways to contribute because of the strength of our relationships and what we have to share. 185 00:23:59,108.8863261 --> 00:24:01,268.8873261 Still, we face challenges ahead. 186 00:24:01,638.8873261 --> 00:24:10,248.8873261 And as we look to the future, one of the most common concerns I hear across the diocese is that we don't have enough priests to serve all of our congregations. 187 00:24:11,288.8873261 --> 00:24:12,898.8873261 But it's not just priests that we need. 188 00:24:13,368.8873261 --> 00:24:15,78.8873261 We need lay leaders as well. 189 00:24:16,58.8873261 --> 00:24:26,718.8863261 At today's diocesan convention, we have many leaders, both clergy and lay, who grew up in this diocese, attended Camp Stoney, and are now still leading here. 190 00:24:27,448.8863261 --> 00:24:31,558.8873261 I'm talking about people like Mary Jewell and our treasurer, John Perner. 191 00:24:32,178.8873261 --> 00:24:36,268.8873261 I'm talking about lay delegates to the general convention like Kathy Bailey. 192 00:24:36,678.8873261 --> 00:24:40,538.8873261 who has also helped lead our Diocesan Vitality Initiative work. 193 00:24:41,328.8873261 --> 00:24:45,98.8873261 And I'm talking about clergy like Mandy Taylor Montoya and myself. 194 00:24:46,148.8873261 --> 00:24:58,298.8873261 Growing up in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, going to Camp Stoney, and being loved and nurtured in the Christian faith has a decades long impact on a person's life and on the Diocese of the Rio Grande. 195 00:24:59,148.8873261 --> 00:25:07,8.8873261 I'm happy to say that another generation of Episcopalians in the Diocese of the Rio Grande is experiencing that same nurturing environment. 196 00:25:08,33.8873261 --> 00:25:16,293.8873261 Those leaders that are currently in elementary school, middle school, and high school will serve us very well in the future. 197 00:25:17,303.8873261 --> 00:25:31,928.8873261 and while there is a serious clergy shortage in the Episcopal Church, We have adapted our diocesan discernment process to raise up clergy and lay leaders to meet the needs of our diocese in the near future. 198 00:25:32,908.8873261 --> 00:25:38,308.8873261 I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to the Reverend Sylvia Muller Mutia. 199 00:25:38,853.8873261 --> 00:25:56,373.8863261 For her outstanding work in transforming our diocesan discernment process during her term as the chair of our commission on the ministry of the baptized, the canons of the Episcopal church require each diocese to create a process for discernment and training for ministry. 200 00:25:56,888.8873261 --> 00:25:58,918.8873261 Lay and ordained ministry. 201 00:25:59,428.8873261 --> 00:26:03,478.8873261 And that is what Sylvia has accomplished over the last few years. 202 00:26:05,178.8873261 --> 00:26:17,568.8873261 Now, during Lent each year, anyone in the diocese who wants to know more about God's call on their life, who wants a deeper personal relationship with God, can join our Lenten discernment process. 203 00:26:18,418.8873261 --> 00:26:24,328.8873261 we offer five online classes, available to anyone in the Diocese, on the nature of discernment. 204 00:26:25,158.8873261 --> 00:26:29,288.8863261 This program's emphasis is not simply on becoming a priest or a deacon. 205 00:26:29,938.8873261 --> 00:26:36,98.8863261 It's about discovering who God is calling you to be, and what work God is calling you to do. 206 00:26:36,868.8873261 --> 00:26:42,438.8873261 That's what discernment truly means for all of us, and that is the heart of our current discernment process. 207 00:26:43,558.8873261 --> 00:27:07,348.8853261 After you complete the five Lenten classes, those who want to can continue in the process by joining a nine month discernment cohort during that nine months, discerners work in their local congregation, supported by their priest and their vestry, while they also meet with an online cohort each month to discuss God's call on their life. 208 00:27:07,593.8853261 --> 00:27:10,693.8853261 and clarify the person God is calling each of them to become. 209 00:27:11,713.8853261 --> 00:27:16,883.8853261 we're still refining this nine month part of the process, but we're improving it each year. 210 00:27:17,823.8853261 --> 00:27:28,253.8853261 After the nine months, I meet individually with each discerner to hear their insights, and invite them to a discernment retreat, in January or February of the following year. 211 00:27:28,973.8853261 --> 00:27:35,968.8853261 At that retreat, The Standing Committee, the Commission on Ministry, and myself meet with every one of the discerners. 212 00:27:36,168.8853261 --> 00:27:51,568.8853261 And after that retreat, I have another meeting with each discerner in order to share with them what the church feels they are called to do, and to offer them the support of their church as they train to be prepared to do that important ministry. 213 00:27:53,108.8853261 --> 00:27:58,228.8843261 For those discerning a call to lay ministry, we outline what that ministry might look like. 214 00:27:58,543.8853261 --> 00:28:02,513.8853261 and discuss how the church can support them in preparing for that ministry. 215 00:28:03,213.8853261 --> 00:28:09,653.8853261 If it's a call to the diaconate or the priesthood, we share a proposed path of formation for that ministry. 216 00:28:10,813.8853261 --> 00:28:16,143.8853261 Each year I'm deeply moved by the commitment to faith and service of each of our discerners. 217 00:28:16,853.8853261 --> 00:28:18,853.8853261 This process is already bearing fruit. 218 00:28:18,943.8853261 --> 00:28:29,103.8853261 We have so many lay leaders interested in preaching and leading worship that our Bishop's School for Ministry is now going to offer new tracks of training. 219 00:28:29,438.8853261 --> 00:28:31,658.8853261 for lay preachers and lay worship leaders. 220 00:28:32,978.8853261 --> 00:28:36,548.8853261 Lay ministry, however, is not primarily about leading worship. 221 00:28:37,138.8853261 --> 00:28:50,508.8853261 Lay leadership is about bearing witness to Christ in your own life, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and putting your skills, talents, and interest at the service of the church for the glory of God. 222 00:28:51,988.8853261 --> 00:29:01,738.8853261 This process has also yielded candidates to the Diaconate and the Priesthood who want to come back to the Diocese of the Rio Grande in order to serve the Diocese here. 223 00:29:02,598.8853261 --> 00:29:09,623.7858261 we have people training for the Priesthood who are in their early 30s and people in their 60s and 70s. 224 00:29:10,823.8858261 --> 00:29:20,663.8858261 This reminds us that all of us are being called by God, that God calls us all in the present tense and there is more work for us all to do. 225 00:29:21,833.8848261 --> 00:29:27,393.8858261 God is always offering us ways to minister in God's church and to God's world. 226 00:29:28,633.8858261 --> 00:29:41,233.8868261 In total, we have nine postulants, two deacons, four priests in the Bishop's School, three military chaplains, and one other who is coming to us from another denomination, seeking to be a priest in the Episcopal Church. 227 00:29:41,953.8868261 --> 00:29:47,743.8868261 We also have five in priestly formation at residential seminaries, four at the Seminary of the Southwest. 228 00:29:48,148.8868261 --> 00:29:50,448.8868261 and one at Virginia Theological Seminary. 229 00:29:51,408.8868261 --> 00:29:59,298.8868261 That's a total of 12 clergy who, God willing and the people consenting, will be ordained in the next three years. 230 00:29:59,718.8868261 --> 00:30:01,438.8868261 Two deacons and ten priests. 231 00:30:01,648.8868261 --> 00:30:05,568.8858261 And they all want to come back and serve here in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. 232 00:30:06,888.8868261 --> 00:30:20,268.8868261 But here's our challenge, While I know we need priests throughout the diocese, and while there is certainly a huge clergy shortage throughout the Episcopal Church, Our problem is not that we need priests. 233 00:30:20,738.8868261 --> 00:30:31,518.8878261 Our problem is that we currently do not have 10 paid positions open that would offer a living wage for those priests to work in the service of God in the diocese. 234 00:30:32,718.8878261 --> 00:30:33,698.8873261 we need to work on that. 235 00:30:33,838.8873261 --> 00:30:38,828.8873261 We need to work together to create positions for those clergy in the next three years. 236 00:30:39,758.8873261 --> 00:30:42,238.8863261 Our problem really is not the number of priests. 237 00:30:42,788.8873261 --> 00:30:48,158.8873261 It's our ability to pay them a living wage to minister here in the Diocese of Rio Grande. 238 00:30:49,158.8873261 --> 00:30:53,468.8873261 And that brings us back to the four phase project we've been working on together. 239 00:30:54,818.8873261 --> 00:31:02,538.8873261 Phase one involved a congregational meeting which you all participated in, inviting us all to think about what we love about the Episcopal Church. 240 00:31:03,718.8873261 --> 00:31:15,728.8873261 Phase two invites each congregation, through its Bishop's Committee or Vestry, to assess its financial health, not only now, but for the next three, five, eight, and ten years. 241 00:31:16,618.8873261 --> 00:31:40,588.8873261 The goal of phase two is for each congregation to honestly examine its financial vulnerabilities and share this information, allowing us as a diocese to work together as we develop a strategy that will strengthen us all and enable all of our congregations to thrive while making sure that the ministry of the Episcopal church continues to be available throughout our geographical territory. 242 00:31:41,788.8873261 --> 00:31:57,613.8873261 When I became your bishop, there were significant concerns about Financial Transparency at the Diocesan Level Together, over the last few years, we have clarified our financial picture at the Diocesan level and made some difficult financial choices together. 243 00:31:58,813.8863261 --> 00:32:04,433.8873261 However, there is now a lack of transparency around the financial health of our congregations. 244 00:32:05,153.8873261 --> 00:32:12,733.8873261 Many parishioners don't understand the finances of their own congregation and very little is shared diocesan wide. 245 00:32:13,523.8873261 --> 00:32:25,103.8863261 Historically, I understand that this lack of transparency was rooted in concerns that the diocese might try to sell church buildings or repurpose funds for projects the bishop wanted to do. 246 00:32:26,258.8873261 --> 00:32:33,518.8873261 Some of our congregations have created foundations to shield certain of their income from the fair share assessment. 247 00:32:34,378.8873261 --> 00:32:40,588.8873261 Others rely on a complicated series of designated funds to avoid fair share calculations. 248 00:32:41,598.8873261 --> 00:32:53,808.8873261 This has created a system that lacks transparency about the true financial health Well, my friends, it's time for us all to be transparent at all levels of our church. 249 00:32:54,378.8873261 --> 00:33:03,278.8873261 We need to be honest with each other about where we stand financially so that we can work together to ensure that every congregation has what it needs in the future. 250 00:33:04,698.8873261 --> 00:33:20,278.8873261 Our Phase II process is designed to give every congregation an accurate picture of its financial position, which will be shared with the congregation, and diocesan wide, so that we can build a collaborative system that promotes the thriving of us all. 251 00:33:21,633.8873261 --> 00:33:28,663.8873261 I understand that some of you may be worried that this is just another attempt by the bishop to find ways to take money from the congregations. 252 00:33:29,473.8873261 --> 00:33:33,833.8873261 So I want to say this clearly, that's the opposite of my goal. 253 00:33:34,423.8873261 --> 00:33:39,83.8863261 I don't want to close any of our congregations and I don't want to sell any buildings. 254 00:33:39,583.8873261 --> 00:33:47,373.8873261 The point of doing this is to make sure our congregations continue to thrive in a time of financial uncertainty. 255 00:33:48,373.8873261 --> 00:33:50,953.8873261 The fact is, if we don't make changes. 256 00:33:51,423.8873261 --> 00:34:00,903.8873261 I will have no choice but to close buildings and congregations that cannot support themselves because the diocese doesn't have the funds to cover those expenses. 257 00:34:02,563.8873261 --> 00:34:08,583.8863261 We are now in a situation where the existence of the Episcopal Church in certain parts of our diocese is at risk. 258 00:34:09,543.8863261 --> 00:34:17,813.8873261 Many of our congregations, over half in fact, face financial challenges that could impact them drastically within the next five years. 259 00:34:18,888.9498261 --> 00:34:35,298.9503261 We don't have time to dwell on the past, and we have to let go of our unhealthy past financial behavior so that we can move boldly into the future trusting one another, being honest with each other, and working together to secure a future for all of us. 260 00:34:35,968.9503261 --> 00:34:38,818.9503261 this is what Phase 2 is designed to accomplish. 261 00:34:39,378.9503261 --> 00:34:44,468.9503261 A clear understanding of our financial realities in every congregation throughout the diocese. 262 00:34:45,683.9503261 --> 00:34:52,153.9503261 Some of our congregations may turn out to be stronger than we think, while others may be more vulnerable than they appear. 263 00:34:53,453.9503261 --> 00:34:56,643.9503261 We need this information as we plan for the future together. 264 00:34:58,233.9493261 --> 00:35:06,893.9503261 and I need to be honest with you, it is possible that in 10 years we may not have as many church buildings as we do today, particularly in our urban areas. 265 00:35:07,923.9503261 --> 00:35:19,283.9493261 While I hope we will have more congregations in the future, perhaps even be able to reopen ones we've closed over the past two decades, Our financial situation may actually prevent that. 266 00:35:20,553.9493261 --> 00:35:32,223.9493261 We may need to sell some of our buildings to keep the Episcopal Church present in the more remote areas like Raton, Tucumcari, Deming, Fort Stockton, and Gallup. 267 00:35:34,613.9503261 --> 00:35:43,513.9493261 When I came here as your bishop in 2018, and I traveled around the diocese, I often heard the phrase, Bishop, you know we're a poor diocese. 268 00:35:44,653.9493261 --> 00:35:47,463.9493261 And I realized that in a sense, that is true. 269 00:35:48,233.9493261 --> 00:35:54,633.9493261 We don't have congregations with large endowments, and as a diocese, we don't have a large endowment. 270 00:35:55,723.9493261 --> 00:35:58,173.9493261 We live pretty hand to mouth around here. 271 00:35:58,903.9493261 --> 00:36:03,453.9493261 80 percent of the diocesan operating budget comes from the fair share each month. 272 00:36:04,393.9483261 --> 00:36:07,433.9493261 We don't have a lot of cushion, or a lot of room for error. 273 00:36:08,353.9483261 --> 00:36:11,93.9493261 But I want you to know something, Diocese of the Rio Grande. 274 00:36:11,898.9493261 --> 00:36:16,828.9493261 I want you to know that we are one of the most generous dioceses in the entire Episcopal Church. 275 00:36:17,938.9493261 --> 00:36:19,498.9493261 The statistics make it clear. 276 00:36:20,338.9493261 --> 00:36:35,928.8493261 From 2018 to 2022, our average pledges are at the same range as California, Colorado, and Lexington, Kentucky, all three of which are areas with lots more money than New Mexico and Far West Texas have. 277 00:36:37,8.9493261 --> 00:36:41,938.9493261 Our average pledges are higher than all of those in Province 1. 278 00:36:42,328.9493261 --> 00:36:46,768.9493261 and Province 2, and most of Provinces 5, 6, and 8. 279 00:36:47,858.9493261 --> 00:36:51,808.9493261 There is a distinct generosity of spirit in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. 280 00:36:52,868.9493261 --> 00:37:03,288.9498261 What makes us different from other, more wealthy dioceses is we don't have as many members, we don't have as many churches, and we don't have large endowments to bolster our operating budgets every year. 281 00:37:04,8.9498261 --> 00:37:11,638.9498261 But we are a generous diocese, a giving diocese, and we give a lot outside of our churches as well. 282 00:37:12,343.9498261 --> 00:37:20,423.9498261 We contribute to our towns and communities and to the wider church in ways that are much bigger than our size would suggest. 283 00:37:20,813.9488261 --> 00:37:25,503.9488261 I want you to be proud of that as we face the future and talk about Phase 2. 284 00:37:26,493.9488261 --> 00:37:48,8.9488261 as we talk about Phase 2, the question I want us to think about together is, How can we leverage that generosity of spirit, that scrappiness that's characteristic of the Diocese of the Rio Grande? How can we leverage that as we face the financial challenges to come? our relationships across the diocese will be key. 285 00:37:48,728.9478261 --> 00:37:53,738.9488261 Strengthening those relationships and working together are the only way forward. 286 00:37:54,743.9488261 --> 00:38:10,983.9488261 If we really have strong relationships with nearby congregations, if we have relationships with the clergy from around the diocese and with other lay leaders around the diocese, we will have the better possibility of having better strategic plans and ideas. 287 00:38:11,463.9488261 --> 00:38:15,143.9488261 if we have to sell one building, we won't lose our church. 288 00:38:15,503.9488261 --> 00:38:16,693.9488261 We'll just lose a building. 289 00:38:17,743.9488261 --> 00:38:27,778.9488261 If I feel supported by the clergy and lay people across the diocese, then I could move from one congregation to another without losing a sense of my church. 290 00:38:28,358.9488261 --> 00:38:37,398.9488261 If my church is in fact the whole diocese, if I'm a part of a wider network than just my congregation, then my faith can be even more deep. 291 00:38:40,108.9488261 --> 00:38:53,138.9478261 If all I have to rely on is one clergy person in my congregation, that is a much lesser walk of faith than if I have access to resources from across the diocese. 292 00:38:53,668.9478261 --> 00:38:59,988.9478261 Other clergy, other classes, other teachings, other fellowship groups, other outreach projects. 293 00:39:01,18.9478261 --> 00:39:11,178.9478261 If we have access to clergy, teaching, outreach opportunities, and pastoral care beyond our local church, We will build a much more robust network of relationships. 294 00:39:11,878.9478261 --> 00:39:16,118.9478261 This is exactly what each of us needs when facing times of uncertainty. 295 00:39:18,768.9478261 --> 00:39:31,948.9478261 In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes the church as a body with many different parts, where each part is valued for its unique function, and where all the parts work together for their mutual thriving. 296 00:39:33,38.9478261 --> 00:39:38,348.9478261 I'd like to expand on Paul's metaphor with two observations that apply to us as a diocese right now. 297 00:39:39,768.9478261 --> 00:39:42,468.9478261 The first observation is about pain. 298 00:39:43,588.9478261 --> 00:39:54,768.9478261 We've all experienced a hangnail or a twisted ankle, which Even though it's small and affects only one part of the body, can mess up your whole life and make our entire body suffer. 299 00:39:55,658.9478261 --> 00:39:58,478.9478261 The same is true for us in the diocese of the Rio Grande. 300 00:39:59,368.9478261 --> 00:40:03,538.9468261 Right now we have many congregations that are struggling to keep going. 301 00:40:04,418.9478261 --> 00:40:08,758.9478261 Some lack the Eucharist every Sunday or a priest to call their own. 302 00:40:09,318.9478261 --> 00:40:13,298.9478261 Others don't have a deacon and some of our congregations don't even know what a deacon is. 303 00:40:14,348.9478261 --> 00:40:23,528.9478261 Many are barely making it each month and are unable to meet emergency needs like a roof leak or to fix a boiler. 304 00:40:24,188.9468261 --> 00:40:27,118.9468261 While in other parts of the diocese, we're doing just fine. 305 00:40:28,108.9478261 --> 00:40:37,568.9478261 We need to work together to strengthen our relationships and create a network of mutual support so we can share in and heal each other's pain. 306 00:40:37,928.9478261 --> 00:40:45,98.9478261 Distributing our pain across the whole body of the diocese will help the burden be easier for every one of us. 307 00:40:46,118.9478261 --> 00:40:48,618.9478261 Only doing that together can we really grow. 308 00:40:49,958.9478261 --> 00:40:57,548.9468261 The second point I want to make about Paul's metaphor of the, of the body, as a metaphor for the church, is about growth and nourishment. 309 00:40:58,908.9468261 --> 00:41:11,288.9468261 just as the human body distributes nutrients to ensure all parts grow in proportion, our diocese must also distribute resources to ensure the well being of all of the congregations. 310 00:41:12,513.9468261 --> 00:41:27,83.9468261 When it comes to the human body, we know that the brain and large muscle groups, like your quadriceps, require a lot of energy to function, our smaller, more isolated congregations need resources too, for their unique needs and ministries. 311 00:41:28,213.9468261 --> 00:41:36,403.9468261 We need to ensure that our body grows proportionately, with each congregation receiving the nourishment it needs to thrive. 312 00:41:37,413.9458261 --> 00:41:39,713.9468261 To our larger congregations, I want to say this. 313 00:41:40,273.9478261 --> 00:41:44,583.9468261 I'm not asking you to carry the entire financial burden of the small congregations. 314 00:41:45,513.9468261 --> 00:41:49,623.9468261 Large congregations serve vital functions in our diocese. 315 00:41:50,363.9468261 --> 00:42:00,513.9468261 A large congregation that grows by 5 or 10 percent has a tremendous impact by bringing more people into the church and bringing them closer to Jesus Christ. 316 00:42:01,23.9458261 --> 00:42:11,763.9448261 They can host larger youth programs, Bible studies, EFM groups, and a wide variety of other ministries, including a diversity of outreach programs. 317 00:42:12,443.9448261 --> 00:42:15,703.9448261 We need you to continue those ministries and to grow them. 318 00:42:16,623.9458261 --> 00:42:34,213.9458261 But I am asking you to share the wealth of your resources, whether that's in teaching, expertise, clergy, ministry capacity, or financial support, to ensure that our smaller, more isolated congregations also have opportunities to grow and thrive. 319 00:42:36,213.9458261 --> 00:42:41,773.9458261 As we face the future together, we need to reimagine what it means for us to be a diocese. 320 00:42:42,133.9458261 --> 00:42:48,743.9458261 Not just a collection of individual congregations struggling on their own and then paying 14 percent for the diocese. 321 00:42:49,543.9458261 --> 00:42:54,373.9448261 We need to work together with stronger relationships involving more sharing. 322 00:42:55,813.9458261 --> 00:42:58,833.9458261 We have young people already leading us forward. 323 00:42:59,323.9468261 --> 00:43:05,623.9468261 We are a generous diocese committed to the future of the Episcopal Church throughout New Mexico and far west Texas. 324 00:43:06,548.9468261 --> 00:43:12,608.9468261 We have some work to do, but we have the spirit and the resources to figure this out together. 325 00:43:13,648.9468261 --> 00:43:14,68.9468261 As St. 326 00:43:14,68.9468261 --> 00:43:16,988.9468261 Paul reminds us, we are one body in Christ. 327 00:43:17,553.9468261 --> 00:43:22,963.9468261 And we each have a responsibility to ensure the thriving of the whole diocese. 328 00:43:24,73.9468261 --> 00:43:30,363.9458261 As our phase one has showed us, we share a common vision about what our identity is as the Episcopal Church. 329 00:43:30,923.9468261 --> 00:43:41,713.9468261 And I believe we also share a commitment to making sure that Episcopal Church continues to exist not only in large urban areas, but in small rural places as well. 330 00:43:43,113.9468261 --> 00:43:44,793.9468261 So I'm not afraid of the future. 331 00:43:45,323.9468261 --> 00:44:02,978.9458261 I'm curious to see what God is going to do with us I'm grateful to be your bishop, and as we walk into God's future together, I want you to know that our faith will only deepen as we strengthen our relationships and work together for God's kingdom here on earth. 332 00:44:03,668.9468261 --> 00:44:05,418.9468261 God bless you, Diocese of the Rio Grande.