First Sunday in Lent - Rector's Rambling for February 22, 2015

We welcome today our Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr..  This is our ‘official visitation’, which occurs every three years.  We have been blessed to have him with us more frequently than every three years.

Bishop Gibbs was consecrated into the Episcopate February 5, 2000, and recently celebrated his 15th anniversary of that momentous occasion.  He was enthroned as diocesan in November of that same year.

Shortly after his taking the reins of the diocese I introduced myself with a phone call, asking to meet with him because I was interviewing here at St. John’s. We met the day I interviewed here. later that month. By grace it was obviously a good match, and the bishop assented to my election in January as Rector of St. John’s.  This weekend marks the 14th anniversary of my first Sunday at St. John’s. 

The bishop is the symbol of the unity of the Church, and even though today is the start of Lent and its emphasis on sin and repentance, the bishop’s presence reminds us that we are part of something larger (Diocese, National Church, Worldwide Anglican Communion) as well as something enduring since his apostolic succession connects him, and The Faith, back throughout time.

Welcome Bishop Gibbs!

Video of the Bishop's Visit to St. John's can be found at Our YouTube Channel

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ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.