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Dear Ones,
Well, what a ride these last few months have been. I was so blessed, honored, and humbled to serve as Bishop of Olympia for over 15 years. I ended that officially on January 31st, 2023. Very soon after I moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to take up a new residence and some new vocations as well. Just this past Tuesday, Holy Tuesday, at the Chrism Mass held at Trinity Cathedral, Miami, I was graciously and beautifully welcomed into this new diocese and installed as Assisting Bishop to Bishop Peter Eaton and and the good people of Southeast Florida. This is an area I have long loved, having vacationed here many times over the years. I am so excited to be living here now. I am also serving as the Lightline Pilgrimages North American representative, and my new home is serving as our new office in the US as well. I hope to become active again on this blog, for those few who might actually frequent it. I will be making visitations once again and I will be posting those as they become clear on the Visitation page of this site. Blessings to all of you, and if you are in Olympia, thank you so much for the best 15 years I could have ever hoped for. We miss you all. And if you are in Southeast Florida, we are so excited to be amongst you and working with you to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in this part of the vineyard. +Greg
38 Comments
Sally Curnutt
4/7/2023 04:22:47 pm
We are so pleased that you are associated with Lightline! Have you replaced Dominick? We will certainly let you know if we are in Florida!
Betty Anne McCoy
4/7/2023 04:39:38 pm
The Best to you Bishop Gregg - we miss you here, but are so happy you have found a good fit for your retirement. Your gifts will be so appreciated there. Betty Anne McCoy, Christ Church Anacortes.
Walter Holder
4/7/2023 04:42:30 pm
Congratulations and best wishes on your new venture!
Robert W. Rhodes
4/7/2023 05:02:47 pm
It is so good to hear from youj Bishop and to know that you are thriving with a new environment and new ministires. Blessings, Bob
Eric Matthews
4/7/2023 05:06:12 pm
All the best in your new adventures!!! Blessings, Eric
Tom Sramek, Jr.
4/7/2023 05:11:33 pm
Enjoy the warm Florida weather! The Pacific Northwest remains rainy and cold, with a few “sunbreaks” along the way. Blessings on your new ministry!
Brian J Thom
4/7/2023 05:14:27 pm
Mazel Tov!
Maitland McKenzie
4/7/2023 05:24:40 pm
Thank-you for the update and how things are going for you. I think you will do well in your role representing Lightline Pilgrimages in North America. You stay in my prayers each day my Friend. Thank-you for your leadership in the Diocese of Olympia.
CharlesHood
4/7/2023 05:44:58 pm
Looking forward to seeing your blog. Hope you enjoy your retirement in Florida. 4/7/2023 06:52:38 pm
Couldn't you find a more contenious venue? Close enough to Mar a lago. I'll keep praying for your good health and safety.
Denice Patrick
4/7/2023 07:48:48 pm
Good to read you are settled in your new home and job. I hope they appreciate you. 4/7/2023 08:09:01 pm
Hi Greg - you may not remember me - I served for a few years at Our Saviour, Monroe from 2008-2011. I’m now on west coast of Florida but travel to east coast (West Palm Beach area) during the winter when my daughter relocates from New Hampshire. She’s just returned to NH so I won’t be back your way until December but when that happens I’d welcome the chance to reconnect. You were the finest bishop I’ve served with, and there have been quite a few! We have a new bishop here in SW Florida, as you know, and I see a lot of the same gifts in him that you possess and that gives me great hope. Blessings on this new chapter in your life and ministry Greg. Until our paths cross again, God’s peace. Peter
Sissy Cole
4/7/2023 08:39:36 pm
Enjoy your new vocation!
Mary Louise Allen
4/7/2023 09:34:08 pm
+Greg! Sorry to have missed you while we were on the same coast. But now you're in a warmer clime with warmer water in wg high to surf. AND you're working with another old friend of mine. Give +Peter my love. My love to you and Marti too.
Tom and Melinda Kmitta
4/7/2023 11:34:29 pm
blessed you both
Kathleen Nyhuis
4/8/2023 01:10:54 am
Lovely to hear from you. Saw notice of your new post in Episcopal News and am thrilled that you and your bride are happily ensconced in a familiar, welcoming place.
Sandy and Emmett Maloof
4/8/2023 04:06:45 am
We are active at Emmanuel on Mercer Island, were at your installation as Bishop and have benefitted from your leadership in this Diocese. We look forward to following you in Florida and on Lightline. We went to the Holy Land in 2016 with Hunt Priest,Rector at Emmanuel and Steve Thomason, Dean at St. Marks. It was a life changing pilgrimage.
Kimberly Toombs
4/8/2023 06:28:28 am
Bishop Rickel! How wonderful to learn you've moved to Florida! My family was part Emmanuel Episcopal on Orcas Island! I have now been in Florida almost 3 years. Amazing. Ft Lauderdale is a bit less than 2 hours south of me now. If you're up in the Melbourne area, say hello! My girls sure have grown from their acolyte days, but we remember you fondly for always having a good bit if fun when visiting. It was an honor to be at convention with you a few years ago as well. Many blessings! Florida is heating up for summer, stay cool! -
Wendy Billingslea
4/8/2023 08:07:16 am
Greg! Welcome to the Diocese of Southeast Florida. I still have many friends in the Diocese, and had the opportunity to meet Bishop Eaton this past fall. Be in touch. We will look forward to visiting with you the next time we head down I95. Our oldest daughter and family are members of St. Philip’s, Coral Gables. Much love and congratulations.
Diane Brownlee
4/8/2023 08:53:31 am
Congratulations to you and Marti!
Kay Collier McLaughlin
4/8/2023 11:31:50 am
What great news! Will be looking forward to your posts. My friend Tim Fleck who was an important part of our Network is there. Have a wonderful Easter. Kay Collier McLaughlin ret from Diocese of Lexington and still working as church consultant
Gen Grewell
4/8/2023 02:32:42 pm
Think of you daily. Miss your presence. So honored and humbled to have served with you these past 13 years. I knew you wouldn’t sit still very long. Congratulations on both counts.
Jeffrey Boyce
4/8/2023 03:51:57 pm
It is a pleasure to hear of your new adventures. I did use your name in my Maundy Thursday sermon. I mentioned the story of you washing the feet at Iona/Olympia of the Deacon Postulants.
Linda Beardslee
4/8/2023 05:49:26 pm
Best wishes for you and all your family! We miss you here in Maple Valley, but our new church is thriving!
Sharon Parker
4/8/2023 09:00:29 pm
Congratulations on your new Assistant Bishop
Evette Hackman, PhD
4/8/2023 09:45:01 pm
I am so happy to learn about your new life in a favorite place. May you continue to have many blessings.
Maurey Miller Gault
4/8/2023 10:41:25 pm
Congratulations on your new life,
Sam loudenslager
4/8/2023 11:33:10 pm
Good to hear this Greg.
Fran Whitmeyer
4/8/2023 11:54:32 pm
May God shine his light on you and your family as you start this new journey. May it be all you hope it will be. Happy Easter!
Ruth Blaney
4/9/2023 01:32:54 am
We miss you! Have a great run serving Florida.
Michael Murray
4/9/2023 10:29:44 am
Sounds great! Austin isn’t Austin anymore so not returning here was probably a good decision. Congrats on your appointment.
Jim McRae
4/10/2023 04:15:07 am
Congratulations on a successful career and best to you on your Florida move.
Barb
4/10/2023 02:39:13 pm
HaHa!!! I’m reading this at the Margaritaville Restaurant in the Ft Lauderdale airport on my way home from Cuba!!! It’s fun knowing you and Marti are maybe close by. Bruce and I love and miss you guys to pieces!
Nancy Coon
4/12/2023 11:14:55 am
Greg, such good news for you and Marti. The people of Florida will be blessed. Rejoice and Renew, my friend!
Rachel Taber-Hamilton
4/22/2023 06:46:04 pm
Congratulations on all of this! I'm so glad to learn that you are the Lightlline representative for North America. Blessings to you on your new ministries.
Kate Cronkite
4/30/2023 11:22:50 am
On the day of the St. James’ mortgage-burning, I am remembering the ground-breaking. And other memories follow—what was the jester’s hat and electric slide all about? Fond good wishes to all of y’all.
The Rev. Nancy Coon
6/13/2023 10:46:40 pm
Greg, good to see you have landed well, and have found some new joy. Love your new vocation. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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AuthorThe Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel is the VIII Bishop of Olympia, the Episcopal Church in Western Washington State. He has been the bishop here since September, 2007. Archives
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