I write with news that the Rev. Dr. Robert Phillips, Canon for Leadership Development and Congregational Care, will retire from diocesan staff at the end of January 2025. Canon Phillips has a broad ministry portfolio. It includes the ordination process, support of clergy in new calls and interim ministries, guiding congregations through leadership transition, and conducting vestry retreats and clergy reviews.

We’re coming up on the end of summer and our thoughts are turning back to work (maybe… maybe not). Either way, hopefully by now, you’ve seen the invitation to Healing Histories: A Reparations Dialogue in your parish bulletin, the reparations event that will take place on 28 September at St. Luke’s, DC Episcopal Church from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. As we noted in “A Reparations Retrospective” last month, this gathering is intended so that Black parishioners in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington may have honest conversations with Bishop Mariann around chattel slavery and reparations.

What is it like to experience a “call” from God? This is a great question. Noah knew to build the ark and gather the animals. Moses had to know something was up when the bush burst into flames. But for most of us, it is not always so easy to recognize a call from God. How do we know? Who do we rely on to help and understand? Come to the Deacon Discernment Workshop Day for information and answers.