From the Dean's Desk
Friday, 11.05.21

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
The Very Rev. Paul J. Lebens-Englund, Dean

As I return to Saint Mark’s from a life-giving sabbatical, I absolutely must express my deep gratitude and sincere appreciation for the amazing Cathedral team that made it possible for me to fully unplug with nary a worry and, in fact, with every confidence they would move the Cathedral forward during my absence. I’m not only privileged but also wildly spoiled to serve with this incredible crew!
 
Thanks to our amazing Ministry Team: Tim Kingsley, Siri Hauge Hustad, Anna V. Ostenso Moore, Rena Koonce Turnham, Mary Lusk, Carrie Thomas, Stacey Clatanoff, Kate Thompson, Tina Tanabe Kraby, Ray Johnston, Kristi Bergland, Terry Erickson, Lowell Johnson, Helen Hansen, Joan Olsen, Carl Bennett, Olivia Greseth, Jeff Miskowic, Cynthia Ruttger Lennie, John Satterberg, Jay Phelan, Jan Wegner Bros, Kent Rahm, Mary Farrell, Linda Istad Brandt, Sarah Hoch, Emmanuel Wilson, Gina Lea Christ, James M Davies, Monica Kruger, Jay Christopherson, Jeanne Hinks, and Chelsea Stanton;
 
To our incredible Cathedral Council: Paul Lakeman, Denise Graber, Ted Sherman, Jeremiah Hackler, Kerry Childe, David Albrecht, Stuart MacDonald, Mike Suhr, Chris Kirwan, and Dick Nowlin;
 
Because good ideas often don’t happen without first becoming policy, additional thanks and praise to Bishop Brian Prior, Bishop IX, and Canon Karen Olson for making sure the practice of Sabbath-taking is in the contract, to Bishop Craig Loya for his encouragement, financial support, and spiritual guidance, and to Fred Moore and the Cathedral Foundation for their financial support and commitment to your Dean’s wellness and on-going formation;
 
And to each of you who care for one another, who make room for guests and newcomers among us, and who commit your time, talent, and treasure to ensure Saint Mark’s vital work and witness in the world are compelling, life-changing, and sustainable;
 
And last, but most certainly not least, NONE of this would have worked without the love and support of my incredible wife and partner in life, Erica, and our two amazing boys, Isaac and Owen, all of whom were enthusiastic cheerleaders along the way.
 
I’m so grateful for the enriching time away and, now, so grateful for this warm homecoming. To re-connect with you during this week of All Saints, in which the veil between past, present, and future is thinnest, reminds me not only how deep our well runs, but also how widely our reach expands – across all time and space, and well beyond the narrow confines of our own self-interest. Life’s power over Death is our faith. Our participation in that Victory is our hope. Loving God, loving each other, and loving the world around us is our practice.
 
For me, personally and professionally, only time will tell what new seeds have been sown. What I do know, with every confidence, is that God is present and active in this place and among this community, and I’m so honored to have the privilege of walking this road with you, here and now. 🌱
 
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Sometimes participating in God’s mission may not turn out the way we expect, or we may be called to change course mid-journey. We cannot fully know the mind of God in the accomplishment of God's will. But that’s okay. All you need to ask God in prayer is 'What’s the next right thing?' And then do that one thing.
-Brother Jim Woodrum, SSJE