I bring you greetings from the 70th Annual North American Deans Conference at Trinity Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska. The Conference is made up of current and retired Cathedral Deans and their spouses/partners from the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. We began yesterday evening with a dinner at Trinity, followed by Vespers in the Cathedral led by Brother James of the Benedictine Way. Today, we have a busy day. The theme of the conference is A Middle Way in the Midwest, and it focuses on the urgent need to look for new ways forward as the Church in a rapidly evolving time. Today we will hear again from Brother James, as well as our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe. This is truly a wonderful conference in a wonderful city. I look forward to sharing my experience with all of you when I return. Another great part of this conference is the time we get to spend with other Deans, having the opportunity to share ideas and build relationships. This conference is co-hosted by a group we call the Heartland Deans and includes me and the Deans in Topeka, Des Moines, Salina, Hastings, and Omaha.

Many thanks to all who helped in the planning and execution of Bishop Amy’s ordination and consecration. It was a wonderful day, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. Now the real work begins as we enter into a new time and ministry with Bishop Amy. Thank you, as well, to Bishop Diane and all the good she brought to our Diocese. We were blessed to have her for a time.

I ask that you hold all the Deans in your prayers as we are gathered this weekend in Omaha, and please continue to pray for one another, our Cathedral family, our nation, and the world.