As we wrap up the proverbial "program year" and get ready for some time to relax and enjoy the summer months, I thought I'd offer a few comments and observations in no particular order but speak to why I think this parish is so cool and important to me and hopefully you and this community.

      Thanks to all of you who responded to my call for more volunteers for Family Promise. The existing leadership team has done yeo man's work in overseeing this important ministry and  many of our existing and faithful volunteers were just stretched far too thin.  This new infusion of support is very, very appreciated.

     I was pleasantly surprised that so many folks turned out for this past Saturday's Evangelism training workshop.  Kudos to Fr. Nic for the time and energy he put into bringing this workshop to not only folks from the Cathedral, but others from throughout the Diocese. Nic did a great job of reminding us of how much evangelising we're already doing while not realizing it.  Everyone had at least one takeaway that can be implemented that will bring more attention and energy to our call to be compelling witnesses for Jesus Christ in the Inland Northwest.

     I believe we're incredibly blessed to have such a willing and able group of leaders who are overseeing the call process for our next dean including the work of the Rev. Barb Novak as its chaplain.  I echo Eric Baldwin's request to keep this search committee in your prayers as well as those who through their roles with the Diocese will be assisting the committee and Cathedral Chapter with this process.  Let us also keep Chapter in prayer as they work on the process of selecting the interim clergy person who will serve between Dean Ellis' departure and the arrival of our next dean.

     A huge thank you to those who've committed an amazing amount of time, energy, skill and love as part of the music ministry here at St. John's.  It seems like an embarrassment of riches to have such committed and talented musicians whether they sing or play an instrument in helping us honor God in our worship.  I'm absolutely thrilled that many who responded to the parish survey appreciate the role music plays as part of our liturgies, from Dr. Sievertson's playing of the piano for the casual 5:30 Saturday service to the elaborate choral and instrumental offerings during our Sunday liturgy.  In addition to Billie, I offer thanks to Drs. Westerhouse, Bodinger and McDaniel along with Tamara Schupman for their work with our choral and bell choirs.  When we sing we pray twice and they've helped us to pray well.

     A shoutout to our amazing Cathedral staff: Joan, Michelle, Rosie, Richie, Embali and our many unsung saints of vergers, acolytes and guilds. Our worship and ministry experiences would not be the same without their ongoing selfless offer of time, skill and friendship.  

Everytime I come into this amazing cathedral space I am reminded of all those who gone before us that through their gifts of financial support helped create opportunites for the gathering of the community for both sacred and secular purposes.  For those of you who are able, I would encourage your to consider a gift in your estate plan that will help keep this monument of faith alive and well into the future.  

     A special thank you to Dean Ellis, Fr. Nic, Canon Kristi Phillip, Fr. John Hay, Deacon Barb Novak, Fr. Rick Matters, Bishops Jim and Gretchen along with the Tuesday afternoon Manito Tap House clericus group of the Rev. Bill Osborne, the Rev. Linda Bartholmew and the Rev. Margaret Fisher for being such great models of compassion, leadership, listening and mentorship.  I would not be the person who I am becoming without these healthy and respected relationships.

     I am also very thankful to my wife, Julie, who fully supports my life of faith with you all and the wider Diocese.

     Now finally, my deepest and sincerest appreciation for their friendship and their leadership during these past 11 years to Bill and Beth Ellis.  I've learned so much from them both, especially Bill in his role as our Dean.  His un-anxious spirit, his willingness for us to try new things, his unceasingly clear and consistent preaching, preaching that cuts through a lot of ambiguity to call us all to love God and our neighbor, for sharing his passion for teaching and his encouragement to more fully discern my call to the priesthood, I have have been personally and spiritually enriched.  I am sad at their pending departure but excited for them and for what the next chapter in their lives holds for them.  Plus, it's really not that far to Bend where there are a ton of good golf courses.