Bishop-designee Phyllis recently wrote the Diocese:
On Aug. 1, I officially began my time at the Diocese of Utah. The time between now and the consecration on Sept. 17 is truly liminal time. As I have prayed into how I want to use this time, the idea came of inviting the Diocese to join me on a “Pilgrimage to Consecration”.
By this, I mean that over the course of four weeks, I will travel to each church in the Diocese for a brief (less than an hour) time of conversation and prayer.
The ground rules are this:
Only those who can attend need attend. Clergy or leadership with conflicts are not expected to change plans. Those present are the one who will join me in prayer. If I arrive and no one is present, know your church will be prayed for on this pilgrimage.
Any who are able will meet with me outside on the grounds of the church – you will know best whether to bring a folding chair. I will enter the churches soon enough as the bishop, but for now I am a pilgrim on a journey through the Diocese.
No food or planning should take place. This is purely for conversation and prayer.
All ages are encouraged to come, as are friends of the parish or ministry partners.
No need to clean up or get spiffy – just come as you are, even if it is straight from the garden or the pool!
FYI: I will travel with my dog Samson, a 90 lb. Dutch Shepherd mix, who is accustomed to all manner of people but is still finding his manners around small dogs.