Reflections from Canon Ehmer

In the diocesan news release of January 23rd, announcing my retirement at the end of June, I said, “These past (almost) twelve years have truly been wonderful. I feel I’ve made a positive difference for Bishop Mayer, the Diocese of Northwest Texas, and The Episcopal Church, while at the same time having as much fun as possible.” I’d like to expand on that statement.

Undoubtedly, the best part of my work has been the people. Not many individuals have an opportunity to work for a good friend, but that has been my great fortune since July 2012. I’ve counted Bishop Mayer as a good friend since well before he was elected bishop, and I will continue to do so long after I retire.

The other people who have worked in the Hulsey Episcopal Center (HEC) over the years have also become friends. I had worked with Carolyn Hearn in my previous stint in that building. She was a big part of feeling that I had “come home.” I had met Nancy Igo at a few churchwide meetings during my time away, so she was also familiar. Both of those fine women retired in the earlier part of my time back. Anna Mora has been an essential part of our diocese since shortly after I departed the first time. And Elizabeth Jones began as Carolyn departed. Anna, Elizabeth, and I have been the bishop’s staff in the HEC ever since. I could not ask for better workmates! Our individual gifts and talents have blended extremely well to serve this outstanding diocese. I am truly grateful for their friendship and for making it a pleasure to come to work each day.

Even though the Canterbury chaplain at Texas Tech doesn’t office out of the HEC, we’ve normally considered that person an adjunct part of the group. Pat Russell, Jennifer Holder, Jim Haney V (along with St. Paul’s on the Plains), and Leann Wigner have each held that position since my return. Each person possessed their own set of strengths, and each contributed greatly to the success of the Canterbury program. In doing so, they made my job easier, for which I give them great thanks.

I can say the same thing about Renee Haney, who has produced our outstanding summer camp program since before my return. It’s extremely rare to hear anything but glowing remarks about her work, for which the entire diocese is grateful.

Although he never worked in the HEC, Carrol Holley was one of the people I missed most when I departed in 2007 and he was one of the main reasons for my return in 2012. I have enjoyed working with Carrol for as long as I’ve been in this diocese, and I am honored to call him a good friend as well.

There are so many other people around the diocese with whom I have worked over the years. I can’t possibly list them all in this short reflection. But it’s difficult to think of anyone I didn’t enjoy. I interacted with most of you through one of our ministry areas, including the Board of Trustees, the Executive Council, the Standing Committee, the Commission on Ministry, the Constitution and Canons Committee, Diocesan Conventions, Transition Ministry, Fresh Start, Congregational Development, and general diocesan matters. I have truly enjoyed working with everyone with whom I have had the pleasure to serve. There is no doubt that I’ve had “as much fun as possible” in this job. I trust I’ve made “a positive difference” as well.

It’s also been my good fortune to work at the churchwide level over my time in this diocese. Later this month, I’ll attend my fifth General Convention as a deputy from Northwest Texas. For most of that time I’ve been assigned to the budgeting process of The Episcopal Church. I even had the honor of chairing the committee overseeing that work for the 2022 General Convention.

As I’ve spent time with the wider church—with people from dioceses across the country and beyond, with individuals from large and small dioceses, with folks from urban and rural dioceses, with people from wealthy dioceses and those struggling financially—I have always been struck by how much I really appreciate being a part of the Diocese of Northwest Texas working for Bishop Scott Mayer. It’s where I fit! It’s where I belong! You have truly been the brightest part of my working career, and it has been my very distinct honor to serve you.

Shalom, my friends,

Mike+