Message of Gratitude Celebrating 10th Anniversary as Bishop

Dear Friends and Neighbors in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast,

“In the fullness of time.” Paul uses this particular phrase in his letter to the Galatians to describe that moment in history when God sent his Son into the world—the Word made flesh, Jesus. I’ve always been intrigued by that phrase: the fullness of time. I’ve wondered what it truly means. And while I may not be able to define it, I think there are times in my life that I have felt it and known it. The past month of my life has been such a time.

In June, my mother died. She was 96 years old—a proud lifelong member of the Altar Guild, and 4 feet 11 inches of opinions, spunk, sparkle, and love. Truthfully, the last three years of dementia had slowly taken her from us. And yet, even in these final years, there were still moments of recognition, tears of love, and laughter. I think those were moments of the fullness of time.

I have been deeply moved and grateful by the outpouring of love expressed by your calls, cards, and notes. Your care and kindness have filled me up. And in that, again, I feel the fullness of time. So, thank you.

And now, there is today. This is the tenth anniversary of my ordination as your bishop. More importantly to me, it marks the return I made ten years ago to our diocese—I came home to serve the people who first formed me as a child of God and sent me forth to be shaped as a priest.

Just a few weeks ago, I was making my visitation to Saint Paul’s in Foley. As I stood at the altar, I was unexpectedly overcome with emotion. It was there, in 2015, that I presided over my first service of confirmation as bishop. That memory, and so many others, have gently surfaced in these recent days. And each one has filled me with deep gratitude. Just as you shaped me into a priest, you have shaped me into your bishop. Thank you for your letters, notes, and calls recognizing this moment in our shared ministry. You have reminded me of moments I had forgotten, and you have humbled me with your words of affection and encouragement. And thank you, too, for responding to my invitation to mark this moment, not with a party or festivities, but with acts of kindness and service. Your faith in action inspires me to keep going.

“In the fullness of time.” That’s what this time in my life feels like—so filled up by life’s joys and sorrows that I am, quite simply, full. And maybe when we are full, something wonderfully new is about to begin, to be born, so to speak. If that is so, I look forward to discovering that new thing with you—in my life and in our shared life as the people of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

As always, may the grace and peace of God be with you. Thank you.

+Russell