Keep an eye on your mitre, Bishop!
Posted by Brian October 13, 2006
Tonight there is a special Eucharistic celebration and reception in honor of the retiring bishop of Arkansas, Larry Maze.
David and I are going. Bishop Maze administered the sacrament of Confirmation for us when we joined the Episcopal Church a few years ago. And Bishop Maze’s yearly “visitation” to St. Michael’s is always at the Easter Vigil, so he’s always the first one to say “Christ is risen!” to us every year. So, I’m sorry to see him go.
David has warned that Maze’s mitre might turn up missing tonight. He’s coveted that folding hat ever since he first saw a bishop! 
(Update: I’m happy to report that David did NOT steal the mitre!)
One of the nominees for the next Bishop of Arkansas will be elected in November. That means, God willing, that our next bishop will probably be the first to be consecrated by the new Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts Schori. That’s sort of exciting.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall nominate and those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese; and so give the gifts of wisdom and hospitality to those who are preparing us to ordain and welcome our new bishop, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
God willing we’ll beat you to it. We’re supposed to elect a bishop this month (Tenn.). But we have a history of being unable to agree so you’ll probably beat us to it.