Following is a letter of thanks to the diocesan community from Bishop Bud Cederholm.
November 2011
Dear Friends,
Words cannot express what is in my heart following these last several months of well wishes, love, cards, congregational gifts, notes on the diocesan Web site, blessings and prayers from so many of you. It all culminated in an awesome reception and dinner with young and old and Wally at
Fenway Park, and an emotional closing Convention Eucharist when I handed my staff to Bishop Tom and left with Ruth Ann, as always, by my side, Jesus in all our hearts and dreams for God’s church and mission our common hope for the future dancing in our imaginations. Ruth Ann remarked in the car that this was more about the love we all share than about being your retiring bishop suffragan. She is right on.
I was deeply touched by the clergy of this diocese who, with Bishop Tom and the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center Board, announced $70,000 raised thus far for the rebuilding of a green retreat house at the camp for clergy, clergy couples and families in thanksgiving for my pastoral care for clergy wellness and, with Ruth Ann, for clergy spouses and children. Thank you, my dear colleagues and friends, for your generosity, friendship and the many ways you have helped form me as a Christian leader among you in Massachusetts for 28 of my 40 ordained years.
Then at convention I was awestruck by the gift of a brick that will be placed in a walkway at Fenway Park, commemorating its 100th anniversary. The brick will have my name on it, that of our diocese and, somewhere, the word "Believe!" We all know that "Believe" doesn’t just mean belief in the Sox; it will also mean our belief in Jesus, his belief in us and our belief in each other.
At the dinner, following an hour of deeply moving words, music and humor from friends, colleagues and Ruth Ann, my grandson Shane came running up to me and said: “Papa this was sooo long and all people talked about was YOU.” I only wish I too had an hour to talk about how much I love the people, congregations and diocesan staff of this amazing diocese and how deeply grateful I am for your belief in me, your support, prayers and friendship.
Earlier, grandson Jack asked Bishop Tom: “Do you work for my grandfather?" Tom of course smiled and said “Sure." No, Jack, he doesn’t work for me, I work for and with Tom, an extraordinary friend, bishop, mentor, spiritual companion, visionary, pastor and prophet who has blessed me and this diocese as our bishop for 18 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better colleague and friend.
I am humbled to have had the honor to serve the churches and people of this Spirit-led diocese with God’s grace and help and yours. I look forward to the next three months of rest and learning how to retire before returning to serve with you a couple of days a week as needed by the congregational development team, at Family Camp and time with you in caring for and healing God’s creation.
I was and am overwhelmed by all that has been such a gift to me these past 11 years. Thank you, for the good times, which indeed were “so good, so good, so good” and which far outnumbered the difficult times. Thank you for reaching out in Christ, touching my hands and heart, for letting me into your lives, ministries and congregations so I, in Christ, could touch yours and TOGETHER answer God’s urgent call, then, NOW and in the future.
God’s Peace in Christ to each of you and all of God’s creation,
+Bud