Sooner than anticipated
I learned earlier this week – via Facebook, of all places – that Father John and Mother Judy Spruhan are retiring at the end of the month and will be relocating to VA by mid-December.
Those of us who have worked with them over the years know how dedicated this clergy couple was to the people on Rosebud and how much their presence will be missed.
A retirement blessing for John and Judy:
Thank you for your insight, your guidance, your companionship, your integrity and for all the sacrifices you have made.
May God bless the path you take.
May God bless your future labors with success.
May your newly found freedom bring you great pleasure and deep satisfaction.
May God bless your bodies with health and your souls with joy.
May your work on the reservation continue to flourish in your absence.
May God watch over you and shield you from harm.
May your prayers for the next phase of your life be answered.
May you enjoy the future God has in store for you.
I’m including below a letter which was sent on behalf of the Adult Mission Trip to Bishop Tarrant in the Diocese of South Dakota offering our prayers and willingness to be lead to new ministries on the reservation as he and the Holy Spirit may see fit.
Dear Bishop Tarrant,
Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ within the Diocese of Missouri!
I am writing to you with a dual purpose.
The first is to say “Congratulations” to the Diocese of South Dakota and Rosebud Mission for being named the 2010 Sicangu Tikaga Okiciyapi Chapter /Habitat for Humanity’s Partners of the Year.
As a member of the Steering Committee for the group that received this honor last year- Emmanuel Episcopal/Christ Lutheran Adult Mission Trip- I truly wish a contingent of us could be present in Sioux Falls later this month at the honoring ceremony and dinner to help celebrate your recognition.
Please know we will be with you in spirit.
We were all very encouraged to read of your personal pledge of continuing support for this vital ministry to the Lakota people.
Our parish groups (both Adults and Senior High) have been actively involved on Bishop Hare grounds and throughout the Rosebud reservation for two decades, working not only with HFH but the Reverends John and Judy Spruhan and Frank Gangone with the Jubilee Center. Our adult group built the ball field and arbor on Bishop Hare grounds, helped prepare for Convocation 2000 and was invited to attend the Niobrara Convocation in 2009 during which you were introduced as Bishop.
All of which is to say that our brothers and sisters in South Dakota, especially those on the reservation, have long held a special place in our hearts.
The second reason for writing at this time is that we are aware there are many anticipated changes, both in clergy leadership, with Father John and Mother Judy retiring at the end of the month, and with the ongoing financial constraints of the HFH chapter and possible resignation of its Director.
Please know that if there is any way in which we can be of service or support to you and the congregations comprising the Rosebud Mission, we would love to be informed.
Our Missions Committee and our Rector, Dan Appleyard, have pledged their support in seeking and responding to any additional avenues of service you might identify.
We have many of the constraints facing any congregation in these troubled financial times but we’ve also been blessed with many gifts as well and our commitment to serve, to build homes and to strengthen community on the reservation continues unabated.
It goes without saying that you are all being upheld in our prayers during this time of transition.
We look forward to hearing from you about other ways in which our care and concern can find appropriate expression.
Fellow "Trippers", in this time of transition, please keep all those impacted by changes in South Dakota in your daily prayers.
I’m including below a letter which was sent on behalf of the Adult Mission Trip to Bishop Tarrant in the Diocese of South Dakota offering our prayers and willingness to be lead to new ministries on the reservation as he and the Holy Spirit may see fit.
Dear Bishop Tarrant,
Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ within the Diocese of Missouri!
I am writing to you with a dual purpose.
The first is to say “Congratulations” to the Diocese of South Dakota and Rosebud Mission for being named the 2010 Sicangu Tikaga Okiciyapi Chapter /Habitat for Humanity’s Partners of the Year.
As a member of the Steering Committee for the group that received this honor last year- Emmanuel Episcopal/Christ Lutheran Adult Mission Trip- I truly wish a contingent of us could be present in Sioux Falls later this month at the honoring ceremony and dinner to help celebrate your recognition.
Please know we will be with you in spirit.
We were all very encouraged to read of your personal pledge of continuing support for this vital ministry to the Lakota people.
Our parish groups (both Adults and Senior High) have been actively involved on Bishop Hare grounds and throughout the Rosebud reservation for two decades, working not only with HFH but the Reverends John and Judy Spruhan and Frank Gangone with the Jubilee Center. Our adult group built the ball field and arbor on Bishop Hare grounds, helped prepare for Convocation 2000 and was invited to attend the Niobrara Convocation in 2009 during which you were introduced as Bishop.
All of which is to say that our brothers and sisters in South Dakota, especially those on the reservation, have long held a special place in our hearts.
The second reason for writing at this time is that we are aware there are many anticipated changes, both in clergy leadership, with Father John and Mother Judy retiring at the end of the month, and with the ongoing financial constraints of the HFH chapter and possible resignation of its Director.
Please know that if there is any way in which we can be of service or support to you and the congregations comprising the Rosebud Mission, we would love to be informed.
Our Missions Committee and our Rector, Dan Appleyard, have pledged their support in seeking and responding to any additional avenues of service you might identify.
We have many of the constraints facing any congregation in these troubled financial times but we’ve also been blessed with many gifts as well and our commitment to serve, to build homes and to strengthen community on the reservation continues unabated.
It goes without saying that you are all being upheld in our prayers during this time of transition.
We look forward to hearing from you about other ways in which our care and concern can find appropriate expression.
Fellow "Trippers", in this time of transition, please keep all those impacted by changes in South Dakota in your daily prayers.
I'll keep you posted should we receive a reply from the Bishop.
Comments
Post a Comment