Dear St. Andrew's family,


The Rt. Rev. Dr. George Sumner will be celebrating Holy Eucharist at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Famers Branch on Sunday, February 6, 2022 @ 10:00am.


The Rt. Rev. George Sumner was elected as the Seventh bishop for the Diocese of Dallas during a Special Convention in May 2015. His consecration was Nov. 14, 2015. As Bishop he oversees the administrative needs throughout the diocese and is chief pastor for more than 31,000 Episcopalians, 200 clergy and 100 congregations. 


Prior to his election, Bishop Sumner served as Principal of Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada. He was the dean of a growing seminary and was the chief administrator responsible for strategic planning; encouraging young, future priests; stewardship; building relations with Bishops; and overseeing Clergy's continuing education. 


Ordained as an Episcopal priest in western Massachusetts in 1981, Bishop Sumner served in a variety of capacities: youth minister, missionary teacher in east Africa, curate in an inner-city Anglo-Catholic parish, vicar on a native American reservation in New Mexico and Arizona, and rector in a small town. Sumner has a Ph.D. in theology from Yale, and has written a book about priestly calling and a commentary on Daniel. He also has a M.Div. from Yale Divinity School and a B.A. from Harvard College.


Bishop Sumner and his wife, Stephanie, have two adult children.


During his visit to St. Andrew's on February 6, Bishop Sumner will be accompanied by Deacon Mark Hall who coordinates the Cathedral’s pastoral care ministries and who is involved in various outreach ministries.  Deacon Mark Hall received a BA in Political Science from Drake University, a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center, and a Diploma in Ministry from the Stanton Center for Ministry Formation.  He was ordained as a Deacon of the Church and came on staff at the Cathedral in June 2014.


Let us bear in mind that the Bishop's visitation is an opportunity for celebrating specific forms of Christian witness and service in the local community. I encourage you to to think of ways that Bishop Sumner's visit might help St. Andrew's give emphasis and renewed dedication to the our common work together.  We have a great opportunity to engage the broader dimensions of Ministry in and of the Church.


All are invited to be part of this solemn occasion.


Please note that a potluck luncheon will be held immediately after the worship service.


Thanks,

Fr. Thomas+



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