A Letter from Bishop Chris

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I find myself “happy-sad” as I write to you today. What is happy-sad, you ask?

Happy-sad is an expression we used with our children to describe something that is both good and also contains grief. For instance, it’s the way we feel when a church friend or family member dies and goes home to be with the Lord. As St. Paul says, “we grieve, but not as those who have no hope.” Instead, we are “happy-sad.”

To that end, I want to let you know that Lynn Milograno will retire at the end of June from her role as Director of Operations for DOMA and Executive Assistant to the Bishop. Lynn is one of our most beloved and mission-critical team members. I am deeply grateful for her faithful service to the diocese and for the steady, grace-filled presence she has been to so many of us - myself in particular. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we celebrate this well-earned new season with joy and appreciation and also with some grief. We are happy-sad!

Moments like this can also bring a tender sense of uncertainty as we look ahead. In those moments, I’m reminded of what God taught Abraham in Genesis 22. When Abraham was asked to place his future on the altar (in the form of his son Isaac) God already had provision on the way. A ram was moving toward Abraham, arriving at exactly the right time. While this powerful moment ultimately points us to Jesus, the Lamb of God provided for the world’s greatest need, it also gently reassures us of something very personal: God faithfully provides what, and who, we need, right when we need them.

Jesus spoke to this promise when He said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). I have seen this truth lived out again and again, both in my own life and in the church. As we honor a treasured colleague and friend stepping into a new chapter, we do so with peaceful confidence—trusting that the same God who has carried DOMA faithfully this far is already preparing what lies ahead.

To that end, I’m pleased to announce that Heidi Reichert has accepted the position of Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Diocesan Administration. She will work with both Canon Tuck and me to manage calendars, communications, and priorities in a shared capacity. In time, we will look to hire a part-time Communication Coordinator.

Canon Tuck, I’m pleased to announce, now serves as the Canon to the Ordinary. This means his role extends beyond the GCC alone and includes greater influence and responsibility within the diocese.

We have posted the job description for the position of Director of Operations for the diocese on the DOMA job’s board and applications may be sent to jobs@anglicandoma.org.

Please keep the diocesan team in your prayers in the coming months and join with me in asking the Lord for the person He is calling to serve in this capacity. And be sure to join me in thanking Lynn for her faithful service to us all. Be sure to let her know that you too are happy-sad at this wonderful news.

Blessings,

+Chris