Webmaster's Note: Bishop Mathes has given permission to print his notes to the clergy of his diocese. The Bishop writes regularly to his clergy in order to inform, to teach, to share his joys and sorrows, and to encourage the clergy to likewise share with him. We are grateful to Bishop Mathes for allowing us to share these notes with you.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, I want to thank you for the notes and emails that I have received from many of you regarding St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. As I worked with those departing, including Russell Martin and Larry Eddingfield, I found myself in uncharted territory once again. Because of the way the departure of the clergy and some members of St. Timothy's developed, I saw an opportunity to try to care for people in the midst of separation that the previous incidents had not given us. Using the service for ending a pastoral relationship, we created a measure of space and closure that I hope will give greater healing for those who stay and those who go.

In my homily that evening, which should be available for the website early next week, I ended with four things that I needed to say. I asked for forgiveness from the community for any ways that I hurt or did not meet their expectations; I offered my forgiveness in return for ways that they had hurt or disappointed me. I assured them of my love. And finally, I said, "Goodbye.

I am aware that as we found a way to accomplish this space and closure in some manner for St. Timothy's that we as a clergy community have not had with the clergy who have departed. Early next year, I will be developing a similar liturgical event in which we can say goodbye to those who have departed. Obviously, there is a level of awkwardness and cautiousness borne out of canonical issues. However, it simply feels like the right effort to make. If those who have departed do not need nor wish to participate, we should accept that. Yet, we can still do that work that we need to do for ourselves and on their behalf

Finally, in these challenging times, I want to let you know how hardworking your diocesan staff has been. Everyone on our team has taken on greater burdens with a spirit of dedication and cheerfulness. But they too feel the burdens and the pains of this season. I particularly want to give thanks for Canon Howard Smith and the Rev. Canon Jenny Vervynck. They have been an indispensable gift to me, and in ways that you do not know, a blessing to our Diocesan family.

Advent blessings to you and yours.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop