‘Rising Joy’

By The Rt Rev’d Jennifer A. Reddall, sixth bishop of Arizona

Our diocesan staff is eagerly getting ready for our Convention on Saturday, October 19. So are the good people of Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson, who are hosting us!

Amidst the frenzy, I am spending some time reflecting on our convention theme: Rising Joy. 

Easter morning, the women went to the tomb with so many experiences that are familiar to us today: fear, political violence, grief, and uncertainty about what the future would hold. 

And in that moment, they couldn’t solve all the problems. They couldn’t fix everything. So they did the one thing they could: they went with spices to anoint the body of Jesus to give him an honorable burial. 

And then it all changed. Because they took the time to do the one thing they could, they discovered a joy beyond all imagination. The Diocese of Arizona does not have the capacity to solve all the problems of the world. But like the women—we can do the one thing that is given to us. And by doing so we will be in the place we need to be where we can see the risen Jesus and discover boundless joy. 

What is your “one thing”? What is the ministry–the passion–through which you are called into loving service?

The Business meeting and Eucharist will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel with links to it on our Facebook page.

Visit our 2024 Diocesan Convention page to learn more and stay up-to-date on all activities.