We have enjoyed a delightfully exhausting and deeply inspirational four-day journey around the Diocese of Georgia. Billed as the Magical Mystery Tour, it has offered us an opportunity to immerse ourselves more fully in the Diocese, its people, places, and most of all, its loving welcome. Our able guides Skip Jennings, Louis Miller, Leslie and Jim Parker, Molly Greneker, Joy Fisher, and our exemplary bus driver Marlin Cooley, animated every mile of our pilgrimage through the heart of the diocese.

We have enjoyed gracious hospitality at every turn. We remain deeply grateful to the members of the search committee who gave so fully of themselves to come to know each of us in that initial process. We are thankful also for the transition committee who has ably and lovingly shepherded us through this week.

Along the way the spouses enjoyed their time at St. John’s, Savannah, and the nominees their time at St. Matthews, Savannah, where we also met with the welcoming staff of the diocesan office. That first night of question and answer, the people and clergy of St. Thomas, Savannah, opened their church and their hearts to us with a warm welcome that was a comfort on a night that could have jangled anyone’s nerves.

On Thursday, St. Anne’s, Tifton provided a welcome break on our bus drive west as we enjoyed a filling, relaxing lunch there. A warm welcome from the Albany convocation greeted us at the hotel. Then that night, the congregation of St. Paul’s, Albany made us feel at home with their own gracious hospitality.

On Friday, we enjoyed another relaxed lunch at Good Shepherd, Swainsboro before traveling on to the final night of questions. At Good Shepherd, Augusta, we were greeted once more by a warm welcome and generosity of spirit, by both the congregation and the Augusta Convocation, that we had come to enjoy across the Diocese of Georgia. Every place was unique, but at every stop on this tour, we have felt a common loving care and concern. We are so laden with gifts that we began to resemble a gypsy caravan. At every turn we have been graced by the many people of the Diocese of Georgia. We have felt your prayers and your concern for us. We are grateful.

We each share a common passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a commitment to following him as we serve as leaders of the church. We know this is an exciting time for the diocese, which is blessed with so many wonderful gifts.

We trust God with what comes next. We join you in praying for God’s will for the Diocese of Georgia and know that God will work as always for the good of those not elected.

We twelve are grateful for this time with you all. Thank you for your prayers, your hospitality, and your genuine concern for each of us.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Scott and Kelly Benhase
The Rev. Pat and Kay Gahan
The Rev. Frank and Victoria Logue
The Very Rev. Dean and Jane Taylor
The Very Rev. William and Mary Willoughby
The Rev. Steve and Kathy Zimmerman