“The consecration was wonderful, especially the gift of having the Presiding Bishop here for her first official trip to Idaho,” Thom said on October 13, his first day in the office. “Everyone is very eager for new relationships and continuing ones, because I’ve been in the diocese 17 years already.”
His experience in the diocese will pave the way for new ministry, he believes, adding that he received a number of honorary gifts from congregations”””both serious and whimsical, acknowledging the office and the kind of work that will be happening.”
Among those gifts were a desk organizer, a handcrafted stole, a serving tray, a bag of grass seeds to symbolize new growth, and, from a congregation that is providing space for a heliport for a local hospital, a toy helicopter.
“I know all the clergy,” Thom said. “We are excited about what we can do because we don’t have to spend two years getting to know each other.
“We are very eager to continue building this relationship,” he said. “We are starting in a different place.
So, apart from the handcrafted stole, any other ecclesiastical items to symbolize his RELIGIOUS and SPIRITUAL role in the community? Perhaps a crozier, Bible, Gospel Book, lectionary, or Prayer Book?
Perhaps the new TEC Bishop of Idaho considers such ordinary things as small potatoes…