Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer Announces Planned Retirement

The following is a message sent out to the diocese on January 23.

Dear Friends,

I write to inform you that I will be retiring effective July 1, 2024, which will be the 25th anniversary of beginning my active ordained ministry. It will also be the 12th anniversary of beginning my current position as Canon to the Ordinary. I’ve made this decision in consultation with Bishop Mayer and my fellow staff members at the Hulsey Episcopal Center, Elizabeth Jones and Anna Mora.

I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed every position I’ve held during my working career, which includes 21 years as an Air Force officer, three years as a seminary student, and (soon) 25 years as a priest. But I definitely saved the very best for last! These past (almost) twelve years have truly been wonderful. I feel I’ve made a positive difference for Bishop Mayer, the Diocese of Northwest Texas, and The Episcopal Church, while at the same time having as much fun as possible. Who could ask for anything more?!

Of my (almost) 25 years as a priest, 20 of those years have been in Northwest Texas. First, as a missioner to three mission congregations (St. John’s, Lamesa; Good Shepherd, Brownfield; and St. Luke’s, Levelland), then as the Canon to the Ordinary to Bishop Wallis Ohl. My five years away were in Memphis, Tennessee, working for an agency of the Church Pension Group. But as nice as Memphis was, Sue-Ann and I jumped at the opportunity to return to Lubbock and the Diocese of Northwest Texas, working for Bishop Mayer. It was definitely the right decision!

While I will miss serving in this capacity, I am not going away. Sue-Ann and I plan to remain in our current home in Lubbock for the foreseeable future. So, we’ll have the good fortune of staying in touch with the fine clergy and laity of Northwest Texas.

In the meantime, I look forward to continuing my full-time participation and service in the diocese through June.

Shalom,

Mike Ehmer