from bishop jim

​Well, it is going to happen. Beginning soon you will be able to come to Church, call the Church office, have someone go to the hospital, stop in and visit at the Church during the week and talk to your pastor. And when asked, "who is the priest at All Saints?", you can answer the question simply, "Our Rector and priest is Father Christopher Wilkerson.” Thanks be to God!
 
As most of you know I came a little over a year ago, for three months to be your supply priest. We have been together for the last 12 or 13 months and things have changed from time to time, as my time, your needs and circumstances happened. That always is the case in a Church which is alive. But the one thing that should not always change is the priest. But now it is and I pray you should not have to see another change for a good long time. But other things will change, which will be forward looking and growing, as change happens. As it always does. Gone is the time when some people went to Church “because it is always the same”. We have learned the alive, growing and active congregations are always being changed. Growth can not happen without it and it is the Church’s mandate to grow the Kingdom. And our part is the Church.
 
It has been my honor to serve you in a limited capacity, and it will be an honor and delight to see you all again. But for a while it will not be on a regular basis and I expect no calls for pastoral or liturgical reasons, except for prayer. It was always my conviction, as a Diocesan Bishop, to never allow a priest to appear at a Church they have served, for a goodly period of time when the new priest comes. And then only as the priest and Bishop request. Bishop Matt agrees and so I will see you once or twice before Fr. Wilkerson comes. I have new friends at All Saints and many old friends from when I was around in the 1980s. Stacey and I cherish everyone here at All Saints and we will continue to pray for you and this mission of God’s Kingdom in Appleton.
 
May God’s blessing, mercy and grace be always upon you all. +Jim

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