Dearest Colleagues and Family in God,

My joy in serving our great diocese grows as each day passes. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I was able to take a two week break recently and the time was useful not only as respite but in assisting my thinking around strategy and mission.

The latter now takes in Bishop Allan Ewing’s recent resignation. Bishop Allan and Tricia have faithfully served our Lord (in this diocese) for 25 years. Bishop Allan has worked in a wide range of situations and has exercised an equally varied suite of responsibilities. I am deeply grateful to him for his encouragement, support and care. Bishop Allan will continue his doctoral work (in 2009) and complete some ministry assignments for me in the course of the year. A farewell celebration Eucharist will take place in the Cathedral towards the end of this year. Bishop Allan, whilst continuing to reside in the diocese (for a period), will formally step down from the Episcopal team on 31 December 2009. Do pray for Allan and Tricia in this period of transition.

I have invited Bishop Trevor Edwards to serve with me as full-time Assistant Bishop. Bishop Trevor will be based in Jamieson House and will take on the Ministry Training and Development portfolio. +Trevor will step down as rector, St. Matthew’s Wanniassa in the first quarter of 2010 and will take up his new role shortly thereafter. The people of St. Matthews have been very generous in releasing +Trevor for Episcopal duties and we need to uphold them as they come to terms with the news of +Trevor and Ruth’s departure. Please also pray for St. Matthews as they begin to consider options for a new rector.

I’ve given notice of my desire to appoint Regional Archdeacons and Portfolio Archdeacons. I am now delighted to advise you that the following people will be collated at the upcoming Synod service: The Reverend Dr. Mark Short, continuing as rector, Turvey Park and to become Archdeacon, Wagga Wagga and the North West Region. The Reverend Genieve Blackwell, continuing as rector, Yass and Portfolio Archdeacon, Rural Ministry and to become Archdeacon, Goulburn Region. The Reverend Susanna Pain, continuing as rector, Jamison, and to become Archdeacon, North Canberra Region. The Reverend Anne Ranse, continuing as Archdeacon, Household of Deacons, and to become Archdeacon (Portfolio), People with Disabilities ministries. The Reverend Ian Palmer, continuing as rector Queanbeyan and District Anglican Church, and to become Archdeacon, Queanbeyan and South Canberra Region. The Reverend Ian Lambert, continuing as rector, Batemans Bay, and to become Archdeacon, the Coast and Southern Monaro Region. The Reverend Chris Short, continuing as rector, Bega, and to become Archdeacon (Portfolio), Chaplaincy ministries.