This last weekend, I was in the Sisseton Episcopal Mission that is wonderfully served by the Rev. Charley Chan (Superintending Presbyter), the Rev. Conrad Ciesel, the Rev. Bitsey Ciesel (Deacon), and the Rev. George Parmeter. (Fr. George was with his extended family this weekend, celebrating his grandson's graduation from high school, for which I extend my congratulations!
Four services were conducted over this weekend. We all began on Saturday with an 11:00 AM service at St. James, Enemy Swim, followed by a great lunch and conversation with different parishioners. Then, at 5:00 PM, we had another service at St. John the Baptist, Browns Valley. On Sunday morning, the four of us met again at Gethsemane, Sisseton, at 9:00 AM, followed by coffee and donuts -- and then we traveled to St. Mary's, Old Agency, for the final service of the weekend, which began at 11:00 AM followed by yet another wonderful meal!
At all four church visits, the laying on of hands and the sacrament of unction was offered and received by many. During our time of fellowship, the value of formation and partnerships with other congregations/dioceses of the Episcopal Church was stressed, and various questions, joys, and concerns were addressed. Of particular note, this Sunday was the first time that St. Mary's, Old Agency, worshiped in their older church building which they have worked on mightily! Their work inside that church shows, and it was wonderful to be able to have our service there.
My thanks go out to all four churches for their hospitality and good work, and I wish to extend my gratitude to the clergy who serve our Lord and His people in this wonderful part of God's kingdom! A special word of thanks to Jamie German for taking and supplying the great pictures!
Faithfully,
Bp. Jonathan
