Dear Ones in Christ Jesus,
We just received word from Fr. George Parmeter that Fr. Richard Zephier, Rector of St. Mark's, Aberdeen, and Itanchan of the Niobrara Deanery, made his journey early this afternoon, surrounded by his family. Please join us in giving God thanks for Fr. Richard's life, gifts, and ministry. Please pray, too, for his family, for the community of St. Mark's, for the Niobrara Deanery, and for the clergy members of our Northeastern Deanery who have had to say "Farewell" to yet another clergy colleague in a short period of time. Arrangements are pending.
Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and thanksgivings for Fr. Richard whom we remember this day; fulfill in him the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with him, to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May Fr. Richard's soul rest in peace, and rise in God's greater glory.
Faithfully,
Bp. Jonathan