Bishop
Episcopos
Nov 01, 2010
The consecration of a new bishop in The Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande is a perfect time to discuss what a bishop is. The Episcopal Church, of which Grace Episcopal Church is a part, is organized around bishops, and, as in the New Testament Scriptures the word translated into English as “bishop” is the Greek word episcopos--it becomes evident where the word “Episcopal” comes from.
Fr. Michael Vono+ was consecrated +Bp. Michael Vono on October 22, 2010, the sixth bishop of our diocese. As our bishop he is now shepherd of all the people of God in our diocese and pastor’s pastor to the clergy. The historic theology of the office of bishop, or episcopal office, is known as apostolic succession. That is, in the truest Gospel sense of the word, a bishop is a successor to the apostles of Jesus who entrusted the church to able ministers who were to perpetuate the mission and teaching of the church.
So in reality a bishop is much more than someone who visits our parish once or twice a year and much more than someone who ordains and confirms from time to time. A bishop is a representative of Christ in the same office as the original apostles who walked the countryside of Judea and beyond 2000 years ago. +Bishop Vono is just such a person among us.
As he continues the ministry of the apostles' teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2.42), we have a window into the ancient-yet-living tradition of the church through the millennia. As St. Paul said to his successor St. Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus (in 1 Timothy 5.11, 12), so also, the call echoes through history to our new bishop and his flock in the Rio Grande, “But as for you, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod+
Fr. Michael Vono+ was consecrated +Bp. Michael Vono on October 22, 2010, the sixth bishop of our diocese. As our bishop he is now shepherd of all the people of God in our diocese and pastor’s pastor to the clergy. The historic theology of the office of bishop, or episcopal office, is known as apostolic succession. That is, in the truest Gospel sense of the word, a bishop is a successor to the apostles of Jesus who entrusted the church to able ministers who were to perpetuate the mission and teaching of the church.
So in reality a bishop is much more than someone who visits our parish once or twice a year and much more than someone who ordains and confirms from time to time. A bishop is a representative of Christ in the same office as the original apostles who walked the countryside of Judea and beyond 2000 years ago. +Bishop Vono is just such a person among us.
As he continues the ministry of the apostles' teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2.42), we have a window into the ancient-yet-living tradition of the church through the millennia. As St. Paul said to his successor St. Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus (in 1 Timothy 5.11, 12), so also, the call echoes through history to our new bishop and his flock in the Rio Grande, “But as for you, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod+
Farewell and Welcome
Sep 01, 2010
+Bishop Frey will be with us on Wednesday, September 22 at 5:30PM to receive new members into Grace Church and The Episcopal Church. Please mark your calendar and plan to be with us. Following the service will be a farewell reception for +Bishop Frey and his wife Barbara as this will be their last visit to Grace before their assignment in our diocese is complete. At this reception we will also celebrate and welcome those received that evening as the newest members of our Grace Church family.
Soon we will also be welcoming our new bishop into the diocese. Bishop-elect Michael Vono will be consecrated Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande on Friday, October 22 at 11:00AM. The consecration service will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Albuquerque and a reception will follow at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque.
In conjunction with the consecration eucharist, the diocesan convention will begin one day prior on Thursday, October 21; the Grace delegation will arrive in Albuquerque on Wednesday (10/20)--the evening before the beginning of the convention business sessions. Our parish convention delegates will also represent Grace Church at the consecration.
If you would like to travel to Albuquerque to attend the Friday service, please RSVP at Diocesan House, Albuquerque at 505-881-0636 on or before October 8.
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod+
Soon we will also be welcoming our new bishop into the diocese. Bishop-elect Michael Vono will be consecrated Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande on Friday, October 22 at 11:00AM. The consecration service will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Albuquerque and a reception will follow at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque.
In conjunction with the consecration eucharist, the diocesan convention will begin one day prior on Thursday, October 21; the Grace delegation will arrive in Albuquerque on Wednesday (10/20)--the evening before the beginning of the convention business sessions. Our parish convention delegates will also represent Grace Church at the consecration.
If you would like to travel to Albuquerque to attend the Friday service, please RSVP at Diocesan House, Albuquerque at 505-881-0636 on or before October 8.
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod+