Dear Friends,

         After 18 fruitful years of ministry, Tim Geske, the long time Director of St. Columba Conference Center, is retiring. Tim and his wife Normie are excited about the impending move to their Florida home. In making these plans, Tim has expressed repeatedly his joy and pleasure in working with the countless youth, families, and groups during his tenure. He has watched children grow up in the Episcopal Day Camp program and become leaders in the Diocese. He and his whole family treasure the vital ministry and time they have shared at St. Columba with so many. The Geskes’ last day at St. Columba will be September 1, 2010.

         In recognition of the Geskes’ leadership in The Diocese of West Tennessee, not only at St. Columba but also in ministry to youth, a purse will be gathered and presented to Tim and Normie. This announcement to the Diocese is our first attempt to invite contributions to the purse. Please assist us by notifying persons in your congregation or diocesan organizations that contributions should be sent to the Diocesan Office (692 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105, made payable to The Diocese of West Tennessee and marked “Geske”).        

A larger article celebrating their work and ministry among us will be featured in an upcoming issue of Church News. Please join us in celebrating with them as they anticipate this new stage in their life and ministry. We wish them Godspeed.

Blessings,

The Rt. Rev. Don E. Johnson
Bishop of West Tennessee