Every year I take time while in Iowa visiting family at Lake Okoboji (photo taken there, not in my office) to write a note to the newly elected bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is part of welcoming them to this work as well as a prayer practice as I can take time to learn names and synods as well as pray for them.

Due to the number of newly elected bishops it took me a bit longer to complete this year and I wrote the last at my desk (and not this beautiful setting on the lake) at the NT-NL Synod, ELCA offices at Briarwood Retreat Center/Briarwood Leadership Center. But I got them in the mail and look forward to welcoming these 13 new colleagues to our work of learning and leading. #NTNL #ELCACoB #InMissionTogether