March 17, 2022

“The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Dakotas Annual Conference,

Grace and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I write this midway through this second week of Lent, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to come alongside you in vital ministry. Every day I am filled with wonder at the many ways in which you let your light shine by embodying and sharing the love of Jesus not only in the Dakotas Conference but around the world.

You may be aware that on Wednesday, February 16, I went out for a run in the morning near the episcopal residence in Clive, Iowa, and had a hard fall on black ice. I was knocked unconscious and suffered a fractured right wrist and a concussion. I do not remember the accident or several days following, but I am grateful for the three people who stopped and gave me aid. I have had surgery on my wrist and will begin concussion therapy next week.

Following the instructions of my concussion specialist, I am to refrain from almost all work, including writing my blog. I know that having space to heal is best. I thank you for your understanding because, in all honesty, not working is very difficult for me! As concussion protocols limit my work, I give thanks to the Cabinet and conference leadership for continuing to lead and support our ministries in the Dakotas and around the world. I also want to thank each one of you for the innumerable ways in which you embody the love of Jesus and let your light shine. Hundreds of cards have arrived at the episcopal residence, and I have cherished each one.

My invitation to you is to embrace Lent as a time for repentance, fasting and preparation for the celebration of Easter. I encourage you to be difference-makers by supporting the United Methodist Committee On Relief on UMCOR Sunday, March 27. Because of your generous support of UMCOR, when you give to tornado relief, support for the people of Ukraine, or on-going earthquake relief in Haiti, 100% goes to that cause.

We are God’s people called to serve all those who need our love and support. I invite your prayers that we would be God’s hope for the world as we do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.

Blessings,
Bishop Laurie