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Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2011
Bishop's Monthly Video Reflection
Bishop Lillibridge January 2011 from Nancy Stinson on Vimeo.
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In this Issue
(scroll down to read all the news)
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The Wider Diocesan Council
Even as congregations elect and prepare their representatives to attend the annual Diocesan Council in February, Council planners continue to organize a number of events that are open to everyone. Council convenes February 17-19 in San Marcos at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center.
The annual gathering undertakes to conduct the business of the diocese, such as approving the budget, receiving reports, and electing leadership. But Council is also an opportunity for fellowship, worship, and the gathering of resources for congregations to take home for their own ministries. The 90 churches of the diocese are each represented by anywhere from two to 18 delegates, the number dependent upon a church’s average Sunday attendance.
But four Council events are specifically arranged for the wider diocese: workshops, Youth in Action, Council in Action, and Council Live.
Workshops
Ten workshops on Saturday morning will present a variety of ideas and examples for local church leadership to take home and implement in their own congregations. Full descriptions of the workshops are on the Council website at www.council-dwtx.org; below is a synopsis of each:
Being the Church in Our Communities, a two-part workshop
Several of our congregations who are expanding God’s welcoming kingdom into their communities will present what they are learning as they engage their neighborhoods and create collaboratives with schools, apartment complexes, local businesses, homeowners’ associations, and helping agencies.
Elements of Anglican Worship, a two-part workshop
This two-part workshop will help participants “think through” planning and offering worship that is true to our Anglican heritage and also true to our calling to be engaged with our surrounding culture.
From Poverty to Productivity
Good Samaritan Community Services will present their after-school and summer programs that have successfully bridged the achievement gap and taken students to college and productive careers.
Empowering our Mission Partners
The workshop looks at helping our mission partners to better their own lives. Our part is to help them see their opportunities and provide seed money and education for them to be able to move forward.
Living the Book of Ephesians
The workshop will introduce this year’s diocesan Bible study on the book of Ephesians and invite conversation on ways to present the study in your congregation.
Sabbath Time
How do we slow down long enough to take in what God is offering, especially on our stated “Sabbath day”? The workshop will look at four requisites for Sabbath time.
Crossing the Threshold
St. Stephen’s, Wimberley, will present their program that seeks to dispel the fear and discomfort newcomers experience when coming to church for the first time, or maybe the first time in a long time.
The Care and Feeding of Today’s Young Adults
Today’s young adults don’t look like yesterday’s young adults, and many are suspicious of institutional religion. The workshop will gather those in young adult ministry for some practical advice.
There is no cost for any of the Saturday workshops, but pre-registration is required (go to the Council website, www.council-dwtx.org.) Childcare will be provided; lunch will not. For those attending Saturday only, check-in begins on-site at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19.
Youth in Action
All 6-12 graders can be a part of Council through the Youth in Action event, Friday evening through Sunday morning, Feb. 18-20. This year the young people will do service projects at the San Marcos Housing Authority, The Women’s Shelter, and the Greater San Marcos Youth Council. Projects will range from landscaping and grounds clearing to building ramps and doing light construction and repairs.
All 6-12 graders can be a part of Council through the Youth in Action event, Friday evening through Sunday morning, Feb. 18-20. This year the young people will do service projects at the San Marcos Housing Authority, The Women’s Shelter, and the Greater San Marcos Youth Council. Projects will range from landscaping and grounds clearing to building ramps and doing light construction and repairs.
The teens will bunk down in Christ Chapel (former home of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church) adjacent to the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos Friday and Saturday nights and will have Eucharist together Sunday morning before departing for home.
Cost is $30, and teens need to be accompanied by youth ministers or other adult sponsors (one adult for every six teens). Register for Youth in Action at www.council-dwtx.org.
Council in Action (CIA)
For the fifth year, Council steps outside of itself to be the Gospel in action in the wider community. Previous projects have included collecting emergency supplies for victims of flooding, hurricanes, and other disasters; collection underwear for Salvation Army clients; stuffing backpacks for underprivileged school children, and raising money to send children from the Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) neighborhood to Camp Capers.
For the fifth year, Council steps outside of itself to be the Gospel in action in the wider community. Previous projects have included collecting emergency supplies for victims of flooding, hurricanes, and other disasters; collection underwear for Salvation Army clients; stuffing backpacks for underprivileged school children, and raising money to send children from the Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) neighborhood to Camp Capers.
Last year we were able to send 114 children from the GSCS neighborhood for week-long camping experiences where they were nourished emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The 2011 CIA continues that success by once again collecting money for GSCS children to attend Camp Capers summer sessions.
Each church in the diocese has been provided with information posters and collection boxes. Full information about the project is on the Council website at www.council-dwtx.org, and your Council delegates will be able to facilitate your church’s efforts.
A second Council in Action event is being undertaken by the host church, St. Stephen’s, Wimberley, as they gather donations for their annual Jubilee Free Sale. A “free sale” is like a garage sale except that items are given away, not sold.
Council delegates have been provided with HEB bags for the collection of clothing, household goods, and the like by each congregation. Specific items needed are listed on a flyer on the HEB bags. The bags are to be brought to Council and deposited at a collection point. More information about this CIA project is on the Council website at www.council-dwtx.org.
Council Live
Even if you can’t attend Council this year, you can keep up with it all at www.council-dwtx.org. Beginning Thursday afternoon, Feb. 17, the site will carry regular reports of the on-going action, along with photos and selected audio files. The Council Eucharist sermon delivered by Bishop David Reed will be recorded and available for listening Thursday evening, and the Bishop’s Address by Bishop Gary Lillibridge will be recorded and available for listening by Friday afternoon, Feb. 18. If you would like to receive regular reports by e-mail, sign up at www.council-dwtx.org.
~ Marjorie George
One Hope in Christ's Call
From the mosaic altar to each bishop’s stole, bright colors warmed the sanctuary at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church during the ecumenical service held on a chilly Wednesday evening, January 12. The bishops that lead three mainline denominations in the San Antonio and South Texas areas came together in unity to worship, preach, and celebrate Holy Communion. Diocesan Bishop Gary Lillibridge and Bishop Suffragan David Reed were joined by James E. Dorff, bishop of the Southwest Texas and Rio Grande Annual Conferences, United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Dr. Ray Tiemann, bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The diocesan Ecumenical Commission, headed by the Rev. Rick Dunham, hosted the event, and Dunham joined in the celebration, as well as the Rev. David Read, rector of St. Luke’s. Laura Lincoln, executive director of the Texas Conference for Churches, which builds relationships among all Christian churches in the state, participated in the service with the bishops.
In his homily, Dr. Tiemann began with an acoustic chorus of “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” He then asked, “But what will they know if we don’t show love?” Dr. Tiemann emphasized that by truly loving our neighbors in Christ and extending that love to others we are joining in unity, the unity to which Christ calls us. He acknowledged the divisions between denominations, churches, and even individual hearts, but said, “Beauty is in diversity; unity does not require uniformity.” Extending our Christian love past divisions is our biggest witness and our biggest challenge, and Dr. Tiemann reminded the congregation that “We are at the foot of the same cross.” Jesus calls us into this place. John 17:20-21 states, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” The ecumenical service was a step, and Christians need to continue to walk to come together for the sake of the world.
Laura Lincoln led the Prayers of the People. Prayers were offered for the families and victims of the acts of violence in Tucson, Arizona, during the past week, and prayers were offered for our neighbors in Haiti, as this evening marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake. The offering collected during the service was designated for Haiti relief.
“I appreciated this expression of ecumenical cooperation and fellowship,” said Bishop Lillibridge. “Our baptismal proclamation states there is ‘one hope in God’s call to us; one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.’ Sharing the Eucharist with Bishop Reed, Bishop Dorff, and Bishop Tiemann, as well as members of our Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopal congregations, is a celebration of our common call to mission and I am grateful for this opportunity.” The bishops of the three denominations, joining together at one altar, signified Christ’s call for unity.
~ Laura Shaver
Brown Bag Luncheons
On the second Wednesday of the month, the Diocese of West Texas communicators gather at the Bishop Jones Center, or an area church, for a brown bag lunch and roundtable discussion of a selected topic within the field of church communications. Topics range from designing and writing church newsletters to keeping an up-to-date website to privacy rights. The church communicators are defined as those in the position with “communication” in their titles and those that serve as the rector’s right hand in communicating to the parish. Valuable information is distributed and shared at each meeting, as fresh ideas and new outlooks are often needed as resources.
The invitation to join the monthly Brown Bag Luncheon is open to church staff, church leadership (clergy included), and active volunteers interested in learning more about church communications and publications. The following is a glimpse of the 2011 topics and dates for the Brown Bag Luncheons. We meet on the designated Wednesdays at noon for about an hour, and locations are listed.
February – no meeting due to Diocesan Council, Feb. 17-19, Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, San Marcos.
March 2 – Signage around your church campus (meeting a week early due to Ash Wednesday). We will meet at the Bishop Jones Center, 111 Toricdo, 78209.
April 13 – Privacy and copyright with Owen Duggan, minister of music at Christ Church. We will meet at Christ Church, 510 Belknap Place, 78212.
May 11 – Audio and video recording the sermons. Terry May, Director of Communications at St. Matthew’s, will show us how he sets up each week and posts the videos of the sermons on the church website. We will meet at St. Matthew’s, Universal City, 810 Kitty Hawk, 78148.
June 8 – Church branding and consistency throughout the ministries with logo use, etc. We will meet at the Bishop Jones Center, 111 Toricdo, 78209.
July – no meeting for summer break.
August 10 – CASE study (copy and steal everything). We’ll copy, ahem, share some of our publications to help foster ideas for others. We will meet at the Bishop Jones Center, 111 Toricdo, 78209.
September 14 – Placing your newsletter online using www.issuu.com. We will meet at the Bishop Jones Center, 111 Toricdo, 78209.
October 12 – Topic open for now.
November 9 – Topic open for now.
December 14 – Conversation with the bishop. We will meet at the Bishop Jones Center, 111 Toricdo, 78209.
Please c ome and join us, and help us to grow this vital resource. For more information, please contact Laura Shaver at 824-5387 or laura.shaver@dwtx.org.
From Our Churches
Honoring "Father Owl"
The new school building at Trinity by the Sea Day School in Port Aransas was dedicated in honor of the late Rev. Al Leveridge, "Father Owl," on Sunday, January 9. While serving as vicar at Trinity for seven years, Leveridge's office was directly across from the pre-kindergarten classroom, and he kept his door open at all times to enjoy and interact with the children. "Father Al" was transformed by some of the younger children to "Father Owl," a moniker that Leveridge cherished. At the dedication ceremony, his widow, Judy, was excited to see the plaque that now graces the school building, particularly the special nickname. Leveridge dedicated much of his service to the day school, leading chapel each week and visiting the classrooms often. He also continually supported the fundraising efforts and the acquisition of the building. Leveridge died this past year on February 28, 2010.
Concert Series at St. Mark's
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, San Antonio, presents their Music 2011 Concert Series - to view concert series, click here. Free parking is available in the lot on the corner of Jefferson and Pecan Street. Concerts begin at 4:00 p.m. and are free of charge. For questions, contact 210-226-2426 or www.stmarks-sa.org.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, San Antonio, presents their Music 2011 Concert Series - to view concert series, click here. Free parking is available in the lot on the corner of Jefferson and Pecan Street. Concerts begin at 4:00 p.m. and are free of charge. For questions, contact 210-226-2426 or www.stmarks-sa.org.
Piedras Sin FrioIn December, the World Mission Department at the diocese began to request blankets, or a $7.00 donation for a blanket, to send to Piedras Negras. Since their request, Padre Miguel Cristerna, rector of Iglesia Buen Pastor in Piedras Negras, and the Rev. Mariaelena Cristerna, vicar of Church of the Redeemer, Eagle Pass, have received and distributed 1,400 blankets to those in need in both cities. "The 'Piedras Sin Frio' (Piedras without cold) project has provided warmth for many this winter, even the newspaper boys who deliver every morning in near freezing temperatures," said Betty Chumney, world mission officer. "The World Mission Department would like to say thank you to all the churches who have donated blankets, and to St. Thomas, San Antonio, whose blankets will be delivered next week."
Quiet Day at St. Helena's
Saturday, February 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Daughters of the King from St. Helena's, Boerne, invite all men and women to join them for a day of prayer and reflection based on 1 Kings 19 - Elijah Meets God at Horeb. Retreat leader will be Carrie Allport; bring a Bible and a journal. Lunch will be provided; contact Linda Horton at lkhorton@gvtc.com or 830-755-5332; or Kathy Ward at wkwkaw@aol.com or 830-698-3421 for additional information. Click here to visit the diocesan website and to view the full brochure.
Saturday, February 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Daughters of the King from St. Helena's, Boerne, invite all men and women to join them for a day of prayer and reflection based on 1 Kings 19 - Elijah Meets God at Horeb. Retreat leader will be Carrie Allport; bring a Bible and a journal. Lunch will be provided; contact Linda Horton at lkhorton@gvtc.com or 830-755-5332; or Kathy Ward at wkwkaw@aol.com or 830-698-3421 for additional information. Click here to visit the diocesan website and to view the full brochure.
St. Andrew's 25th Anniversary of Mission in Honduras
St. Andrew's, Seguin, celebrates their 25th anniversary of missions in Honduras in 2011. Medical and dental as well as veterinarian teams from St. Andrew's have been going to Honduras since 1986, delivering medication, medical supplies, and care. Everyone is invited to attend their annual Honduras BBQ and Silent Auction on February 25, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seguin Guadalupe County Coliseum. This is a culmination event of their celebration and an opportunity to raise funds, of which 100 percent supports the work done in Honduras. Meal tickets are $8/adult and $5/child and can be purchased beforehand or upon arrival; contact the church office for purchasing details at 830-372-4330. Children will have an area to run and play, leaving parents and guardians time to view the silent auction items. Through their 25 years of service, strong relationships have formed between the teams and the people of Honduras. Funds raised in prior years have also helped to send five Honduran teens to a university, teens who would have never had the chance to consider furthering their education. Come and join St. Andrew's in their great cause for a celebration.
St. Andrew's, Seguin, celebrates their 25th anniversary of missions in Honduras in 2011. Medical and dental as well as veterinarian teams from St. Andrew's have been going to Honduras since 1986, delivering medication, medical supplies, and care. Everyone is invited to attend their annual Honduras BBQ and Silent Auction on February 25, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seguin Guadalupe County Coliseum. This is a culmination event of their celebration and an opportunity to raise funds, of which 100 percent supports the work done in Honduras. Meal tickets are $8/adult and $5/child and can be purchased beforehand or upon arrival; contact the church office for purchasing details at 830-372-4330. Children will have an area to run and play, leaving parents and guardians time to view the silent auction items. Through their 25 years of service, strong relationships have formed between the teams and the people of Honduras. Funds raised in prior years have also helped to send five Honduran teens to a university, teens who would have never had the chance to consider furthering their education. Come and join St. Andrew's in their great cause for a celebration.
Renaissance Faire for All at St. FrancisSt. Francis', San Antonio, will host its second annual Renaissance Faire Saturday, March 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the church grounds. The church will celebrate its Anglican heritage by traveling back to 1565 for a merrie weekend in St. Francis-upon-the-hill, and you are invited to attend. There will be music, dancing, spinning and sword fighting, puppet shows, games for the children, a Maypole, and proper Renaissance food from the Lion and Rose. During the afternoon, local music groups will play a free concert in the church nave. At 10:00 a.m. Sunday, the morning after the Saturday festivities, costumes will be worn again to an authentic Elizabethan Mass in the sanctuary. Admission to the Faire on Saturday is $5; $2 for those in period dress; children 10 and under $1. Proceeds will benefit the joint programs of St. Francis Church and Family Service Association. The planning guild is currently accepting applications from vendors. Booth rentals are $45, $35 if the vendor also demonstrates a 16th-century craft. See the Faire website at www.RenFaireSFCSA.org, or contact Holly Zook at 210-521-0289 or RenFaireSFC@att.net.
Special Events & Registration
Father & Son Retreat at Camp Capers
A first for DWTX: A Father and Son Retreat will be held at Camp Capers on Friday 5:00 p.m. through Sunday 10:00 a.m., February 11-13. Sons ages six to 18 are invited to bring their dads or other male figures in their lives. To get more information or to register, click here.
Cursillo #252
There are still openings for candidates to attend Cursillo weekend #252, being held at Camp Capers, March 3-6. Lay rector is Esther Bell, and Spiritual Director the Rev. Randy Melton, both from Messiah, Gonzales. Scholarships are available. To get more information contact Leigh Saunders, Cursillo registrar, at leigh.saunders@dwtx.org or call 888/210-824-5387. To register, click here.
Happening #118
Happening is a renewal ministry for high school students and is held in the Diocese of West Texas over the course of a weekend twice a year. St. Thomas', San Antonio, will host Happening #118 on Friday through Sunday, March 4-6, at St. Thomas', San Antonio. To get more information or to register, click here.
Happening is a renewal ministry for high school students and is held in the Diocese of West Texas over the course of a weekend twice a year. St. Thomas', San Antonio, will host Happening #118 on Friday through Sunday, March 4-6, at St. Thomas', San Antonio. To get more information or to register, click here.
Family Camp on the Beach
Spring Break Family Camp is returning to Mustang Island Conference Center, March 14-17. Bring your family to this four-day retreat for a time of rest, community gathering, fun activities, crafts, and worship. Questions? Contact Lynn Corby at 361-749-1800 or lynn.corby@dwtx.org. For information or to register, click here.
Spring Break Family Camp is returning to Mustang Island Conference Center, March 14-17. Bring your family to this four-day retreat for a time of rest, community gathering, fun activities, crafts, and worship. Questions? Contact Lynn Corby at 361-749-1800 or lynn.corby@dwtx.org. For information or to register, click here.
Four Day Contemplative Christ Centered Prayer Retreat
From Thursday, March 17 - Sunday, March 20 the Rev. Sandy Casey-Martus will lead a four-day contemplative prayer teaching workshop at Mustang Island Conference Center. The workshop will offer an introduction to Christ Centered Prayer for new comers and an expanded schedule for returning students. Private room and bath with meals is $239; a voluntary love offering will be accepted for the program. The Lessons, Vol. 1, by Casey-Martus and Mancari is required for the retreat. Available on Amazon or at the retreat for $25. For more information, call 361-749-1800. To register online, click here.
Clergy Lenten Retreat at Mustang Island
Mark your calendars for the annual Clergy Lenten Retreat at Mustang Island Conference Center, March 27-30. Retreat leader will be Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, Professor of Christian Ethics and Moral Theology at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Scholarships and clergy Continuing Education grants are available; to learn more contact the Rev. Robert Woody at rwoody@churchofreconciliation.org or 210-655-2731. To register online, click here.
Mark your calendars for the annual Clergy Lenten Retreat at Mustang Island Conference Center, March 27-30. Retreat leader will be Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, Professor of Christian Ethics and Moral Theology at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Scholarships and clergy Continuing Education grants are available; to learn more contact the Rev. Robert Woody at rwoody@churchofreconciliation.org or 210-655-2731. To register online, click here.
Vocare #27Vocare is the Latin word, "to call" and is a renewal weekend for college age and young adults. Vocare #27 will be held at Camp Capers April 1-3. Scholarships are available. For information or to register, click here.
Spring Women's Gathering
The next women's gathering will be held at Camp Capers with the Very Reverend Kate Moorehead, Dean of St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville, Florida, as the guest speaker. The topic is "Get Over Yourself: How to be Deeply Joyful." To register online, click here. To learn more about the DWTX Commission for Women's Ministries, click here.
The next women's gathering will be held at Camp Capers with the Very Reverend Kate Moorehead, Dean of St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville, Florida, as the guest speaker. The topic is "Get Over Yourself: How to be Deeply Joyful." To register online, click here. To learn more about the DWTX Commission for Women's Ministries, click here.
News for You
"The Judas Conspiracy"Dr. Leslie Williams, Yale scholar and wife of a DWTX Episcopal priest (the Rev. Stockton Williams, St. Peter's, Kerrville), has written a thriller in answer to Dan Brown's DaVinci Code. Launched last month at Yale Divinity School, it sold out in 20 minutes. The Judas Conspiracy is a suspenseful story that combines murder, a hunt for a valuable religious manuscript and the evil machinations of a secret ancient sect - the Sethian Brotherhood - with a desperate race against time to stop a plan to blow up the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. To read an excerpt, click here. The Judas Conspiracy is available at www.amazon.com.
DWTX Seminarian Named Morgan Award Recipient
Andy Lobban, who is attending Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, was awarded the Morgan Award in November by the Evangelical Education Society (EES) of the Episcopal Church. Three grantees were commended for their exemplary fulfillment of EES objectives for innovation and gospel proclamation. Lobban worked with classmate Diane Pike to offer a Cursillo-style retreat at a San Antonio homeless shelter in January 2010. They recruited 11 male and female shelter residents for the six-night event and held a follow-up meeting with participants a month later to discuss living the rules of life the participants had adopted at the retreat. To read more about Lobban and Pike's project, please see the July/August 2010 edition of The Church News and the article "Feeding the Souls of the Homeless."
Andy Lobban, who is attending Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, was awarded the Morgan Award in November by the Evangelical Education Society (EES) of the Episcopal Church. Three grantees were commended for their exemplary fulfillment of EES objectives for innovation and gospel proclamation. Lobban worked with classmate Diane Pike to offer a Cursillo-style retreat at a San Antonio homeless shelter in January 2010. They recruited 11 male and female shelter residents for the six-night event and held a follow-up meeting with participants a month later to discuss living the rules of life the participants had adopted at the retreat. To read more about Lobban and Pike's project, please see the July/August 2010 edition of The Church News and the article "Feeding the Souls of the Homeless."
Noted scholar connects spirituality, science at TMIDistinguished Christian philosopher/author Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., spoke Jan. 13 at two events in All Saints Chapel at TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas. Kreeft, a Boston College professor of philosophy, spoke to students in chapel and took part in a panel discussion with TMI faculty about the relationship among faith, reason and science. He also delivered the Daunt Lecture 2011 at TMI that evening on the subject of his book, If Einstein Had Been a Surfer. In this talk, Kreeft drew from philosophy, theology and quantum physics to address the problem of finding a unified theory of existence that takes into account not only scientific description but also our interconnectedness and spiritual experience. "The lecture dealt with a very complicated subject that is at the forefront of our culture today," said the Rev. Nathan Bostian, TMI chaplain, "handled in an engaging, friendly way by someone who is a real master at taking complex ideas and explaining them to teens and young adults. " Students were "greatly challenged to think and rethink their ideas about the relationship between religion and science," said Bostian, "and it led to many fruitful discussions in classes around campus."
-Paula Allen, Director of News and Information, TMI
"An Altar in the World"
On February 4-6, Mo-Ranch Conference Center in Hunt, Texas, will host a retreat featuring author, preacher, and speaker Barbara Brown Taylor. She will discuss her new book An Altar in the World. This event is open to the public. To view details about the retreat, click here.
On February 4-6, Mo-Ranch Conference Center in Hunt, Texas, will host a retreat featuring author, preacher, and speaker Barbara Brown Taylor. She will discuss her new book An Altar in the World. This event is open to the public. To view details about the retreat, click here.
Reggie McNeal at the Seminary of the Southwest
February 10-11, Reggie McNeal, guest speaker at the June 2010 Abide in Me II workshop, and author of Missional Renaissance: Changing the Scorecard for the Church, will conduct a two-day conference entitled "Leading a Missional Movement" on the campus of the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. For information or to register, click here. McNeal's first lecture at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday is focused on "What kind of leader is needed?" The conference resumes on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon dealing with "What shifts does the Church need to make?" and "Fast forwarding your missional engagement." The ecumenical event, designed for clergy and lay leadership, is open to the public at no charge.
February 10-11, Reggie McNeal, guest speaker at the June 2010 Abide in Me II workshop, and author of Missional Renaissance: Changing the Scorecard for the Church, will conduct a two-day conference entitled "Leading a Missional Movement" on the campus of the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. For information or to register, click here. McNeal's first lecture at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday is focused on "What kind of leader is needed?" The conference resumes on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon dealing with "What shifts does the Church need to make?" and "Fast forwarding your missional engagement." The ecumenical event, designed for clergy and lay leadership, is open to the public at no charge.
DWTX Episcopal Coed Recreation SoftballA new year means it's time to start thinking about softball. The DWTX Episcopal Coed Recreational Softball League will begin playing softball games on Sunday, February 27, at 2:00 p.m. and continue each Sunday through May 15. Churches are invited to assemble a team and join the league. Teams will play at Rusty Lyons Field #1, near the corner of Basse and McCullough. Games will not be played on Easter (4/24) and Mother's Day (5/8). This year's fee will be $100.00 per team. Payment may be made to Steve Rogers, 3203 Woodcrest Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78209. If you have any questions, give Steve a call at 210-829-1168 (home) or 210-601-2787 (mobile). See the Sports in DWTX page for more details.
Community of Hope West Texas Retreat
A Community of Hope retreat will be held Saturday, March 5, through Sunday, March 6, at the Mustang Island Conference Center. Those involved in the Community of Hope ministry in the Diocese of West Texas are invited to attend. Guest speaker, the Rev. Sarah Butler Berlin, is an Episcopal priest and author of Caring Ministry: A Contemplative Approach to Pastoral Care and Contemplative Compassion: Creating a Culture of Care in Faith Communities. Please contact Carol Miller at Christ Episcopal Church, 210-736-3132, for more information on the retreat and registration.
A Community of Hope retreat will be held Saturday, March 5, through Sunday, March 6, at the Mustang Island Conference Center. Those involved in the Community of Hope ministry in the Diocese of West Texas are invited to attend. Guest speaker, the Rev. Sarah Butler Berlin, is an Episcopal priest and author of Caring Ministry: A Contemplative Approach to Pastoral Care and Contemplative Compassion: Creating a Culture of Care in Faith Communities. Please contact Carol Miller at Christ Episcopal Church, 210-736-3132, for more information on the retreat and registration.
Planning for Tomorrow
A two-day conference, Planning for Tomorrow, will be held in San Antonio at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, Friday and Saturday, March 11-12. This event, sponsored by the Church Pension Fund, is recommended for all lay employees of the church who work 20 hours or more. Topics will include life and financial planning, and government benefits; individual life planning consultations will be offered by conference faculty as well. Costs are minimal; $25 per person for meals, and to stay overnight cost will be $50 for one or $75 for a couple. For additional information contact Nancy Stinson at the diocesan office at 888/210-824-5387 or Sean Scheller with the Church Pension Fund at 800-223-6602.
A two-day conference, Planning for Tomorrow, will be held in San Antonio at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, Friday and Saturday, March 11-12. This event, sponsored by the Church Pension Fund, is recommended for all lay employees of the church who work 20 hours or more. Topics will include life and financial planning, and government benefits; individual life planning consultations will be offered by conference faculty as well. Costs are minimal; $25 per person for meals, and to stay overnight cost will be $50 for one or $75 for a couple. For additional information contact Nancy Stinson at the diocesan office at 888/210-824-5387 or Sean Scheller with the Church Pension Fund at 800-223-6602.
Annual Altar Guild Workshop
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas presents "His Table:" an altar guild workshop and spiritual enrichment at Camp Allen, March 23-26, 2011. The invitation to attend is open to all Diocese of West Texas altar guild members. Multiple workshops will be given, including "Basic Linens," "Knotted Rosaries," and "Needlepoint Embroidery," and other group activities are planned. To register and view more information, click here.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas presents "His Table:" an altar guild workshop and spiritual enrichment at Camp Allen, March 23-26, 2011. The invitation to attend is open to all Diocese of West Texas altar guild members. Multiple workshops will be given, including "Basic Linens," "Knotted Rosaries," and "Needlepoint Embroidery," and other group activities are planned. To register and view more information, click here.
"Good Lord, Deliver Us"
Guided by the heart and vision of 32 timeless petitions from Thomas Cranmer's Great Litany and by the wisdom of lessons from Holy Week and the Great Vigil of Easter, authors Leonard W. and Lindsay Hardin Freeman offer strength and encouragement for our walk to the cross as they look at the many ways in which deliverance comes to us. "Our experiences of deliverance send us forth changed, different. Born anew." Good Lord, Deliver Us is available at www.forwardmovement.org for $3.00 per copy; ten or more are $2.00 per copy.
Acts 29 - Continuing Education
Tuesday, April 5, a continuing education opportunity for clergy will be held at Mustang Island Conference Center. Acts 29 Ministries, led by the Rev. Alan Hansen, will cover a number of topics facing congregations today in his presentation, "Preparing Your Church for Tomorrow Today." Hansen's presentation will offer strategic planning exercises and what indicators are important to be considered in determining a church's vitality and health. Additional information will be available soon, but mark your calendar now, and visit the Acts 29 website at www.a29.com.
Guided by the heart and vision of 32 timeless petitions from Thomas Cranmer's Great Litany and by the wisdom of lessons from Holy Week and the Great Vigil of Easter, authors Leonard W. and Lindsay Hardin Freeman offer strength and encouragement for our walk to the cross as they look at the many ways in which deliverance comes to us. "Our experiences of deliverance send us forth changed, different. Born anew." Good Lord, Deliver Us is available at www.forwardmovement.org for $3.00 per copy; ten or more are $2.00 per copy.
Acts 29 - Continuing Education
Tuesday, April 5, a continuing education opportunity for clergy will be held at Mustang Island Conference Center. Acts 29 Ministries, led by the Rev. Alan Hansen, will cover a number of topics facing congregations today in his presentation, "Preparing Your Church for Tomorrow Today." Hansen's presentation will offer strategic planning exercises and what indicators are important to be considered in determining a church's vitality and health. Additional information will be available soon, but mark your calendar now, and visit the Acts 29 website at www.a29.com.
Episcopal Youth Event
The Episcopal Youth Event 2011 (EYE) will be held at Bethel University, in St. Paul, Minnesota, this year, June 22 to 26. High school youth or adults interested in attending may go to the Youth and Young Adult page on the diocesan website, www.dwtx.org, or just click here for information or to register. Although the deadline has passed, registrations are still being accepted; for information or questions contact Stacy Dowdy at stacy.dowdy@dwtx.org.
The Episcopal Youth Event 2011 (EYE) will be held at Bethel University, in St. Paul, Minnesota, this year, June 22 to 26. High school youth or adults interested in attending may go to the Youth and Young Adult page on the diocesan website, www.dwtx.org, or just click here for information or to register. Although the deadline has passed, registrations are still being accepted; for information or questions contact Stacy Dowdy at stacy.dowdy@dwtx.org.
Kevin Spaeth - Director of Operations of Mustang Island Conference Center
The Department of Camps and Conferences is pleased to announce the hiring of Kevin Spaeth as Director of Operations of Mustang Island Conference Center.
Kevin is a seasoned camp and conference professional who has worked for the YMCA of Dallas for the last 15 years. He is currently the Executive Director of the Collin County Outdoor Center, north of Dallas. The center has an annual operating budget of 2 million dollars and hosts over 25,000 guests a year. Kevin will start at Mustang Island on March 21 and his wife, Kristen and their two children, Kayla and Kyler, will join him this summer. Once Kevin arrives, he will be involved in our process of identifying the individual who will be responsible for our maintenance needs.
Laura Shaver - Communications Officer
Laura Shaver joined the diocesan staff January 3 as the new Communications Officer, following Marjorie George's retirement on December 31, 2010. Marjorie will continue to work part-time as editor of Reflections magazine and Reflections Online.
Laura Shaver joined the diocesan staff January 3 as the new Communications Officer, following Marjorie George's retirement on December 31, 2010. Marjorie will continue to work part-time as editor of Reflections magazine and Reflections Online.
Justin Stokes - Food Service Director at Camp Capers
Justin Stokes is the new Food Service Director at Camp Capers, following the retirement of James "Papa Bear" Barrett, effective December 31, 2010.
Justin Stokes is the new Food Service Director at Camp Capers, following the retirement of James "Papa Bear" Barrett, effective December 31, 2010.
After ten years, Lou Taylor retired from her position of Christian Education Officer on December 31, 2010.