You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

That well-known phrase should be the theme of my first couple of weeks in the synod office: first impressions. I’m happy to report that they are very positive! Here are some of those first impressions:

• Your synod office staff is a group of highly competent and devoted individuals! As I told them in a recent staff meeting, the learning curve is steep and long, and I feel like I’ve maybe climbed a tenth of the way up that curve. With much wisdom, grace, and patience, synod staff members have answered every question I’ve asked thus far.
• The inbox stays full. Though our tech company activated my inbox on August 1, I did not actually have access to it until August 18, after my family and I returned from vacation. By then, it was already full! I think I’ve worked through it by now, but if you’ve sent me an email and have yet to hear back, please know I’m working on responses as diligently as I can.
• The calendar also fills up quickly! I know many of you have submitted calendar requests. I’m slowly working my way through them and confirming my availability. Please continue to use the request form, as that’s the easiest way for me to keep track of those requests for the time being.
• The pace is rapid. I’ve found myself bouncing from task to task and, not unlike parish ministry, the work never seems complete; there’s always more to do.
• The work is FUN! I have enjoyed seeing new worship spaces and becoming acquainted with individual congregations and ministries. I’ve also enjoyed the variety of work: call process, rostered ministers, committee meetings (yes, I’ve even enjoyed those!), and the collaboration with agencies and institutions.
• It’s an honor. It remains a bit surreal that I now serve as your bishop. It truly is a great honor, and I ask for your prayers as I become acclimated to the office. Please know that I will also continue to pray for you.

So, those are my first impressions. Undoubtedly, you are also forming your first impressions of me. I pray that I can be faithful in my call in service to God and our church.