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Dear Friends in Christ, At the end of this month I will have completed my final year as your bishop. It has been an honor for me to serve as shepherd of the synod. It has been an extraordinary privilege for me to walk the journey of faith and service in and through the church with you. I will miss those opportunities to be with you in celebrative and challenging times. |
I-K Synod Bishop James R. Stuck |
One of the truths that I learned from my father and father-in-law (who were both pastors in the church) was that the Call in ministry is for a “time and a place.” My time to be your bishop has ended and I look forward to what my next Call might be in the church.
I look forward to what God is doing: He continues to provide leaders to meet the needs of the church. I am encouraged by the missional leadership I see emerging; God is blessing us with faithful, bold and courageous leaders. I am grateful for our mission-minded synodical leadership and our newly elected bishop, Bill Gafkjen. I am grateful for you and your commitment to be in mission in the world for the sake of the Gospel.
At the assembly I was honored for my service as your bishop. It was humbling and heart-warming. I am grateful for the expressions of love and appreciation and the generous donations to the Freed to Lead Fund and a Camper Scholarship Fund through Outdoor Ministries. I give thanks to God for you all and am grateful for your support of me and the church. Thank you for your prayers and may God continue to bless you richly. And may we continue to share the Good News of Jesus with the world.
Your brother in Christ,
Bishop Jim Stuck