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Important message from Bishop Paula

August 8, 2024

 

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:9-10)

 

Beloved in Christ,

 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

When I was elected to serve as the bishop of the Allegheny Synod, it was quite a surprise to me. Up until the moment I was told I was elected, I was convinced another candidate would be elected. I took a deep breath and accepted your confidence.

 

Because life is continual discernment, an intentional listening and noticing of God's nudging and the Spirit's movement, I have been listening to God, myself, and others throughout these three years. That listening has brought me to the realization that my physical, mental and spiritual health have suffered in this call. For me, this makes it difficult to make good decisions for my own well-being and the well-being of our Synod. It is for this reason I am tendering my resignation as bishop of the Allegheny Synod, effective October 28, 2024. This decision was not an easy one to make and it is not one I make lightly. This is a necessary decision for my ongoing well-being. I need to step away from the rigors of this call and heal so that I can move toward the future and continue to listen for God’s direction for what lies ahead.

 

When I began this term, I had hoped that together we would rebuild trust, reconnect with each other and revive our sense of call to the hard work of loving each other and this hurting world. I was committed to leading us forward. For a variety of reasons, this vision has been difficult to realize. I still pray this will be the future of the Allegheny Synod.  Some seeds that have been planted have allowed us to make some small strides toward that vision.

 

One of the greatest challenges is that our Synod has well established behaviors and practices that have made it more difficult to model, grasp and live into the original vision. Bridges still need to built, steps toward growth and understanding still need to be made. Each of us are called to be leaders that are seeking to grow communities of faith that are vibrant and living from their giftedness.

 

The work ahead begins with you. I am trusting that you will prayerfully practice your own discernment. What is Christ calling you through your baptism to be for this world and how might you use your gifts to strengthen and support our Synod?

 

In these three years, we can celebrate being able to call two exceptional staff people, receiving a Lilly Endowment grant for Compelling Preaching, ordaining new, gifted leaders to serve you and stewarding the move of the Synod office to a new location.

 

There is more work to do. Christ is with you. You have a dedicated and gifted staff and Synod Council that will help guide you into the future. I will be cheering for you from the sidelines.

 

My last day in the office will be September 30. I will be on vacation through October 28.


Peace be yours,

Bishop Paula Lebo

 

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