Dear Friends in Christ,
I have received the call and am in surgery for a lung transplant. I ask for your prayers. I am currently at the University of Washington Hospital and know that I am in the care of skilled and dedicated doctors and nurses.
What does this mean now?
The plan already in place for this moment is being activated. Canon Susan Cleveley is reaching out to the Presiding Bishop to let him know. My staff will continue their work, and I have complete trust and confidence in each one of them. All of our diocesan committees and commissions will continue to function as normal. Our congregational life continues. What this means now is that I am temporarily unavailable. Our mission and ministry continue, and while I ask that you keep me in your prayers, please know that I will also be keeping all of the diocese in mine. Meanwhile, Canon Susan will be in touch with me as needed and as I am available. I am grateful for her leadership and her ministry.
Updates will be coming out from the office as they are available.
In this time of both uncertainty and hope, let us all remember that the Diocese is in good hands, that we follow Jesus, and that God has blessed us and will continue to walk with us in our journey.
Faithfully,
+Gretchen
To stay connected and to view updates, please follow this link to Bishop’s CaringBridge page:
https://www.caringbridge.org/site/0921eff9-b529-11f0-9375-472d60ab127c?from=%2Fsearch&fname=Gretchen