A Visit From the Bishop

After conferring with the conference superintendent, a pastor should always put in writing any invitation extended to the bishop, suggesting choices of dates and the nature of the occasion.

Evening events should be concluded no later than 9:00 p.m.

To request an appearance, click here.

Bishop Julius C. Trimble will consider coming to any congregation at the invitation of the pastor, with these considerations taken into account:

• The nature of the occasion.
• Whether or not he has visited that church or community recently.
• If the bishop’s calendar permits.
• Once an event is scheduled, do not surprise the bishop by adding an event or meeting or by changing the format. Review changes with the Executive Assistant to the Bishop prior to his arrival.

• Alert the Episcopal Office and the Communications Office if members of the press might be present at the event and do not schedule a press conference without approval from the Episcopal Office.
• The Episcopal Office will provide an informational profile and a photograph of the bishop for local use when requested.
• Consult with the Conference Communications Office to determine if a member of their staff will be present for the event. If they will not be present, arrange for a photographer to take and send marked pictures with a brief explanation to the Episcopal Office. (Note: Not all events can be highlighted in Conference publications.

• A copy of the order of service, one week prior to the event.
• Specific driving directions from Indianapolis, including approximate driving time. Include instructions on how to reach the church. (The Episcopal Office will make all hotel/motel arrangements if necessary.)

• Reserve a parking space when possible. It will save valuable time.
• Assign a site coordinator in advance if the pastor is not going to be available for this role.
• Give the coordinator specific instructions on where the bishop may go for a moment to relax, reflect and be refreshed in preparation for the worship occasion.
• Allow time prior to the service for a rehearsal of each person’s role.

Our bishop normally wears a robe for worship experiences and the stole of the liturgical season. If he is not to robe, or another stole is considered, please consult with the bishop.

• If the bishop is not speaking from the pulpit, provide a lectern for a manuscript or notes.
• Please provide bottled water.

• Make it short and simple. Avoid flowery speeches.
• In the worship service, make the introduction before a hymn, anthem or elsewhere to provide a ‘break’ between the introduction and the sermon or address.
• Introduce the episcopal family when present at some appropriate spot during the occasion.

• Remember that the bishop is not a guest, it is appropriate that he is presented, not introduced.
• If the conference superintendent is present with the bishop, it is customary for the conference superintendent to present the bishop.
• If the conference superintendent is not present, make it short and simple. Avoid flowery speeches.
• In the worship service, make the presentation before a hymn, anthem or elsewhere to provide a ‘break’ between the presentation and the sermon or address.
• Start with presenting First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble at some appropriate spot during the occasion.

Some occasions provide the opportunity for Bishop Julius C. Trimble and First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble to greet persons. If a receiving line is planned, please see that he and his family are escorted to the line and are directed to the appropriate spot. Both Bishop Julius C. Trimble and First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble welcome the opportunity to meet and greet the people.

Both lay and clergy persons should share these responsibilities. Pastors may have details or interruptions to which they must attend. So pastors should feel free to ask lay persons to help the bishop/family to feel at home in unfamiliar surroundings.

Inquire if First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble plans to be in attendance. If so, hosts or hostesses should be provided to assist her in knowing where to go for relaxation and for refreshment following the trip. Please help her to appropriate seating.

• The bishop will serve as celebrant or the presider for any sacramental acts to be done as part of worship or celebration.
• The bishop will give the benediction in a worship setting or on other occasions when the bishop is present for an official visit.
• Custom indicates that the bishop is the last person in the processional and recessional.

Please be aware that Bishop Julius C. Trimble has other commitments, so feel free to inquire as to when he needs to depart and assist him in taking leave as appropriate.

• Always recognize the presence of the bishop. A simple and short statement is appropriate.
• Invite the bishop to join the pastor in greeting the congregation following the worship.
• The conference superintendent is an extension of the office of the bishop. Your conference superintendent and family member(s) should be provided all the courtesies and privileges of the bishop when he/she is invited to participate in worship or other events, in the absence of the bishop. When the bishop and conference superintendent are present, the bishop is the Chief Pastor and the conference superintendent is granted special recognition as an extension of the Office of the Bishop.

If a meal invitation is presented and the bishop has accepted, special arrangements need to take place. Bishop Julius C. Trimble has several allergies. If you are or your group will be providing a meal or refreshments, please make certain that you contact the bishop’s office for a list of these allergies.