Letters from the Bishop

Gulf Atlantic Diocese - small Thank You!

February 27, 2010

Dear brothers and sisters in the Gulf Atlantic Diocese ,

Grace to you and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ!

I want to thank all of you who joined us at the Celebration of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese and my consecration on February 13th and all who prayed for that event. It was a glorious day with so many signs of what the Lord is doing among us. Over a thousand of you attended the service that was standing room only! Many have shared with me that they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in powerful ways during our afternoon together. I personally was deeply encouraged by seeing the Lord ' s love through all of you.

There are too many to thank by name, but let me mention a few specific people and groups who worked so hard to make the day memorable:

  • My wife Marcia for her partnership in life and ministry.

     
  • The Rev. Jim McCaslin and the consecration committee he chaired, and Harris Willman for all his administration.

     
  • The Rev. Eric Dudley and his remarkable staff and team from St. Peter ' s in Tallahassee , for all their work on the liturgical support and the worship booklets.

     
  • Mark Williams and the amazing choir and bell choir from Christ Church , Savannah.

     
  • Steve MacDonald and all the volunteers from Redeemer.

     
  • Lynne and Bob Ashmead for all their logistical support.

     
  • My children for their lives and musical contribution.

     
  • Jackie Howland and her reception team.

     
  • All the bishops and clergy who came to show their support of our ministry here, especially Archbishop Duncan and my co-consecrators, including Bishop Joel Obetia from Uganda and our preacher, Bishop John Guernsey.

     
  • The readers and witnesses who made the day so special - Pastor Leon Key, Elizabeth Reilly, Joan Jecko, Pat Mierse, Marcia, Johnathan Ross and The Rev. Sally Lufburrow.

     
  • All the participants in the service too numerous to name- vergers, acolytes, banner bearers, servers, etc.

     
  • Bishop John and Karen Howe who led me to Christ 42 years ago.

     
  • All those who gave special gifts.

     
  • And finally, Father Greg Fay and Holy Family Catholic Church who hosted us so well.

And that is the short list. Thank you all!

Most of all, I praise the Lord for all He has done to bring us to this new beginning, and for all the good plans He has for us to walk in together. All glory, praise and honor belong to Him!

Please keep me in your prayers as I begin to learn about this new calling, that I may be faithful to Him who is always faithful to us.

Sincerely in the Messiah,

+Neil

The Rt. Rev. Neil G. Lebhar
Bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of the Anglican Church in North America www.gulfatlanticdiocese.org
Bishop in Residence, Church of the Redeemer, Jacksonville , Florida www.redeemerlives.net