06/03/2026
A Season of Rest, Renewal, and Trust: Bishop Susan’s Sabbatical Letter
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work. (Exodus 20:8-10)
From the beginning of time, though His words and His own behavior, God modeled for us the vision for a healthy rhythm of work and rest. Sabbath is His intention for all of creation. He designed us as human beings to work on His behalf, but to take periods of rest. As your bishop, I intend to do that this summer. On June 6, I will be ordaining three postulants to the Transitional Diaconate at Christ and St. Luke’s, and at the conclusion of that service, I will begin a period of Sabbatical. My Sabbatical will run from June 6 to September 8.
During the time of Sabbatical, I will be enjoying a rhythm of prayer, reflection, meditation and travel. My travel, accompanied by my family, will be to various National Parks in our beautiful nation with a special intention of grounding myself in the restorative elements of Creation. I will also be focusing on meditation and actions around the discipline of healthy letting go – of spiritual, emotional and physical things that get in my way, of becoming the full, authentic person God intends me to be.
During my time away, my staff remains available to assist you with anything you need. Additionally, we have retained the services of Bishop Susan Goff, former Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of Virginia during their transition and former Assisting Bishop. Bishop Goff will be available to assist and oversee the staff as they carry on the work of the diocese throughout the summer.
Any communication that you might intend for me as bishop, please continue to direct to [email protected]. The Bishop’s Executive Secretary, Leah Sicignano, will monitor those emails and attend to your requests. You may also reach the Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Canon Dr. Carla McCook at [email protected]. Please be advised that any emails directed personally to me will not be received during this time and will not be read by me.
I invite your prayers, and I invite you to go on your own journey this summer, engaging in your own reflections about how you will become the person God intends you to be.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Diocese of Southern Virginia for its gift of this Sabbatical. I look forward to my return and my upcoming work with you in God’s Kingdom. It is a privilege to serve as your bishop.
With every blessing,
+Susan
