news article
Bishop Webb’s farewell gathering
November 30, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dozens of people across the Conference attended the Nov. 19 gathering to bid farewell to Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, and his wife, Jodi. Bishop Webb’s official retirement date is Dec. 31, 2022.
Folks across the Conference were able to connect for a time of fellowship before and after a one-hour formal farewell.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Allen, Chair of the UNY Episcopacy Committee MCed the formal farewell ceremony. The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, UNY Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop, acknowledged what a blessing Bishop Webb and Jodi were to the staff, mentioning that Jodi is the person responsible for the warm and modern feeling of the Conference office décor.
Jessica White, the UNY Lay Leader thanked Bishop Webb for how he empowered UNY lay leaders to be bold for Christ.
Susan Hardy thanked Bishop Webb for how he teaches people the power of connection in trials and joy.
The Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, District Superintendent of the Adirondack and Albany Districts expressed gratitude for his guidance to the UNY Cabinet.
Ellen Knudson, Executive Director of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation, gifted the Conference $10,000 to the Buffalo 10 Scholarship Fund.
Bishop Webb auctioned off a random dish with his bobblehead, titled “Prelate on a Plate,” raising an additional $2,000 for the Buffalo 10 Scholarship Fund.
Bishop Webb and Jodi were gifted a beautiful glass with shades of blue and green made from Corning Glass from the episcopacy committee on behalf of the Conference. Rev. Dr. Allen said, “the glass represents the inner strength as it was made with fire. The round shape is like the world because you meant the world to us.”
The ceremony ended with Bishop Webb expressing what a blessing it has been to be the UNY Bishop for the past 10 years, expressing thanks to the Cabinet, clergy, laity, and staff. He also provided five tips to prevail as a Conference in the coming years.