Bishop David Reed blesses the Reed Outreach Center - the ROC - at St. Alban’s, Harlingen on November 21, 2014. See full story on page 4.
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january / february 2015 The newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
Inside this issue
The 111th Diocesan Council will be held February 26-28 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. See pages 7-10.
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St. Barnabas’ Non-Event Delivers Funding for Health Worker
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Continuing Education Conference for Clergy in Northern Mexico
Empowerment through Education: Veterinary Mission to SE Mexico
The Rt. Rev. David Reed: Bishop CoadjutorElect
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News and Features 2 On the Bishop’s Mind: Dark Nights Give
Way to Glory 4 The ROC: Open for You 5 St. Barnabas’ Non-Event 6 Inaugural Continuing Education Conference in Northern Mexico 7 Special Section: 111th Diocesan Council 11 Empowerment through Education: Veterinary Mission to SE Mexico 12 The Rt. Rev. David Reed: Bishop Coadjutor-Elect
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3 From the Editor 14 Around the Circuit 16 Calendar Cover photo by Laurie Simmons. the Church News is published four times a year by the Dept. of Communication, Diocese of West Texas of the Protestant Episcopal Church P. O. Box 6885 San Antonio, Texas 78209 Editor: Laura Shaver Laura.Shaver@dwtx.org Deadline for news and advertising is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Periodicals Postage paid at San Antonio, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Church News P.O. Box 6885 San Antonio, TX 78209
Volume 72 Number 1 January/February 2015 USPS 661-790 The Diocese of West TX is a family of 26,000+ members in 89 congregations across 60 counties and 69,000 square miles in South Central Texas. Bishop of West Texas: The Rt. Rev. Gary R. Lillibridge Bishop Coadjutor: The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed The Bishop Jones Center 111 Torcido Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78209 Telephone: 210/888-8245387. FAX: 210-824-2164 general.mail@dwtx.org www.dwtx.org
Communication Department Staff: Marjorie George: editor, Reflections Magazine and ReflectionsOnline Laura Shaver: communications officer
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On the Bishop’s Mind The Rt. Rev. gary lillibridge Bishop of the Diocese
May Dark Nights Give Way to Glory
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n Christmas Eve, I was celebrating the Eucharist at the Bishop Jones Center for our usual weekly Wednesday morning worship service. Of course, we were singing Christmas carols as part of our worship, and the following words seemed to leap off the page to me as we sang, “O little town of Bethlehem:” “... where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door, the dark night wakes, the glory breaks...” (Hymn 79, verse 4). In worship, a phrase or word often speaks to me from an unexpected place. Such was the case with the words from this verse. I suppose I have sung this familiar carol hundreds of times, but on that particular day, these words of verse four had my special attention. The year 2014 continued a troublesome and pain-filled global pattern seen over the last several years of increasing anxiety, violence, anger, and suffering. Another phrase from this same verse gets to the point: “...where misery cries out...” There is plenty of misery “crying out.” Sometimes I wonder if the human race is making much progress. Certainly we are making progress in medicine, science, technology, and other fields, but what about progress in something as important to life as basic human decency? We all need to give some thought and action to this in our own lives. I know I certainly do. The words in verse four had me wondering where exactly in my life “charity stands watching.” And by this I mean attitude toward others, especially where misery is “crying out.” It is so easy to become wrapped up in our own busyness and our own needs that we often don’t put into action the very sound, Christological advice of Paul: “Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 2.4-5). Basic human decency is born in such wisdom. In 2015, the diocesan theme is “Called to Serve.” This theme is a foundational message of Jesus, and a few of the citations which will guide our ministry this year on this theme include Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 20:26-28; and Philippians 2:3-5. There are many others references which also “call us to serve.” Most of them are accompanied by a subtle, or often not so subtle, call to humility. In this edition of The Church News, you will find much information about our upcoming annual Diocesan Council in February. The activities, reports, music, liturgy, and everything else will occur under the banner, “Called to Serve.” It is my hope and prayer that you will personally carry this simple phrase with you throughout the year, for it has life-giving implications for you and for those you will serve. I will have much more to say on this subject in my address to Council, but let me return to where I began this article: “...where charity
stands watching and faith holds wide the door, the dark night wakes, the glory breaks...” When our lives and our attitudes embody “charity standing watch” and “faith holding wide the door,” we become partners with God as dark nights give way to glory having the opportunity to dawn in someone’s life—maybe even your own. May 2015 be a blessing to you as you devote yourself to being a blessing to others; and may you find many ways in the coming year to exercise basic human decency, which is really the image of God becoming activated in your life.
“Charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door...” Happy New Year.
From the editor Laura Shaver
Worth the Wait
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e practiced a lot of patience in our home during Advent, so much that our four-year-old son, Casey, wondered, “Why are you always talking about waiting?!” We gathered nightly to light the Advent wreath and read our devotion, which by the way, included two prayers, not just one. After the closing prayer, our sons opened a specific box or bag that contained an Advent surprise, usually a piece of candy or stickers. But waiting to open their surprises was long and hard to endure. And waiting to light the white candle, well, that just about did them in. “That candle is for Christmas,” I told them. And Casey would inform us the number of days left till the blessed occasion. When Christmas Eve arrived, we gathered around the wreath and my husband lit all four Advent candles and the Christ candle, the “Christmas white one.” The boys celebrated with unbounded joy, and it was clear the wait was worth it.
Let’s celebrate and support our camping ministries together by singing camp songs, sharing our favorite memories, and wearing our camp T-shirts. On Camp Sunday, offertory gifts go to the Camp Scholarship Fund and help people of all ages attend our camps, where they experience God’s love. For more information, liturgical resources, and an online giving opportunity, visit www.dwtx.org/campsunday. With questions, contact Laura Kean at laura.kean@dwtx.org or 888/210-824-5387.
I’ve done a fair amount of waiting in my personal life, as well, the most pertinent period being the waiting to conceive a child. And there are other situations, some in the present, when it seems God may never see to it that details and relationships come together harmoniously, as I prefer.
of those around me. I give thanks to him in all things, because I know he will come around.” I know the hardships this woman has endured, and her response left me in awe. That same morning I had read an Advent devotion from Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp that said, “No matter what your day looks like, no matter what happens, no matter how bad things get, your very big God can make anything, no matter how bad, into a gift... Sometimes the falling apart is a falling into love, everything falling a bit more together.” Even the ugliest packages - like a rough road of imperfect patience - produce the greatest gifts. I knew this woman was a gift to me, as well. The wait is almost always worth it. I knew Casey recognized this when in the days following Christmas, he walked around the house saying, “Our king and saviour draweth nigh, o come let us adore him.” We adore him, and we thank him for the gift of hope.
A wise and faithful woman was counseling me one recent morning as I moaned and groaned about circumstances beyond my control. She said, “I have always loved to sit back and watch how God will work in my life and in the lives the Church News
January / FEbruary 2015
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Featured News
The ROC: Open for You
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large part of the Imagine More capital campaign of St. Alban’s Church and Day School, Harlingen, the Reed Outreach Center, known as the ROC, was dedicated and blessed on Friday, November 21. The center is named in honor of Bishop David Reed, assistant rector of St. Alban’s from 1983-1987 and rector from 1994-2006, who shared a large part of the vision of the church and school over the last several decades for a multi-purpose building to enrich the needs of the students and to reach out into the community and beyond. “When we began to dream about what this space might look like and what we might call it, it was a simple choice. If you build a space designed to show God’s children what love looks like and then reach out and share that love with others, why not name it after someone who models that love and service better than anyone I know,” said the Rev. Scott Brown, rector of St. Alban’s. The ROC is an incredible space with a full-size gym, stage, kitchen, showers, and meeting and/or bunking spaces. “It is named an outreach center on purpose, to frame its intention,” said Brown. “This space will be used every day by the school students, and also by our church youth group. We will open it up to the community
| By Laura Shaver
to host various needs, such as the city’s food pantry, and we hope to host various mission teams here, as well.” Brown especially wants the Diocese of West Texas to know that this is your space, too. “Bring your youth groups, bring your mission teams,” Brown said. “You have a place to stay with the amenities you’ll need.” The dedication took place during Grandparent’s Day at the school, as over 300 visitors gathered on the gym floor, utilizing and enjoying space they had never had before. “All other years you have crammed into the chapel, grandparents,” said Brown. “Let’s have a moment of gratitude for this space doing what it is meant to do – to welcome people to St. Alban’s.”
“This is your space, Diocese of West Texas. Bring your youth groups, bring your mission teams. You have a place to stay with the amenities you need.” - The Rev. Scott Brown
Photos by Laurie Simmons.
Reed shared his thoughts with the St. Alban’s community before officially dedicating the ROC. “A great time of my ministry was spent here at St. Alban’s,” said Reed. “I watched my own children grow up at the Day School, and I treasure those memories.
Bishop David Reed was honored at the donor celebration dinner for the ROC the evening before the dedication.
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“There are great things for this community to do – great things for the ROC to offer,” said Reed. Reed acknowledged Brown’s leadership role through the Imagine More campaign and within the church’s and school’s ministries. “He is not fully responsible for this completion,” said Reed of Brown. “But he dreams big, and he imagines more. We celebrate the way he loves our Lord and seeks to follow Jesus.”
Avery and Bronson Burke, students at St. Alban’s Episcopal Day School, cut the ribbon on the Reed Outreach Center.
Following the blessing, the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce assisted in the ribbon cutting. The official cutters were Avery (9) and Bronson (7) Burke, students at St. Alban’s Day School. Also on November 21-23, the ROC hosted its first outreach event, as over 80 youth gathered for Happening #129 at St. Alban’s. Happening is a spiritual renewal weekend for high schoolers in grades 10-12, and three are held each year within the Diocese of West Texas. In March, three Episcopal college groups, including students from the University of Texas and Texas A&M University, will sleep and gather in the ROC while spending their spring break serving in the Rio Grande Valley. For more information on the ROC and the Imagine More campaign, please contact the St. Alban’s church office at 956-428-2305.
St. Barnabas’ Non-Event Delivers Funding for a Community Health Worker By Laura Shaver
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t began as a vision for St. Barnabas, Fredericksburg – to go out and be the church, to make a difference in their community. The vision was for a project that the entire congregation would rally around and become involved. After some research at local non-profit and social agencies, St. Barnabas decided to partner with the Good Samaritan Center in Fredericksburg, a charitable medical and dental clinic for low-income families that do not have health insurance. (The Good Samaritan Center is not affiliated with Good Samaritan Community Services in San Antonio and throughout the diocese.) The Good Samaritan Center was founded in 2004, and since its inception, the directors have shared a desire to employ a social worker to go into the community and promote healthy ways of life, proactively meeting and engaging people in their homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces to educate on multiple areas of wellness. When John Willome became the director of the Good Samaritan Center in 2006, he couldn’t get the program started. “We didn’t have the funds, and we didn’t have the right person for the job. Extra funding was going toward a part-time dentist on staff to triple our capacity; we were handling our services as we could, but we still didn’t feel we were offering enough proactive services.”
Hammond took that idea to the St. Barnabas Vestry, and the church committed to funding the first year’s salary of the new social worker, a total of $40,000. “I liked the idea because I know the Good Samaritan Center has a lot of credibility in Fredericksburg, and that they are good stewards. Also I knew we, as the church, could stand behind Delia and pray for her and her work every week. But I was terrified we weren’t going to be able to deliver. I was ye of little faith,” said Hammond. Instead of planning a fundraising event, two members of the congregation, Jenny Weiser and Pris Williams, suggested a Non Event. The church printed invitations to the Non Event fundraiser that stated reasons for giving – the goal of funding for a Community Health Worker and the need for one – and asked for support, stating, “Just imagine: no formal attire required, no babysitter to schedule, no auction to bid on, and no valet parking.” “You just never know how God is going to move through your efforts. This idea really resonated with people,” said Hammond. Each member of the congregation was asked to mail at least five invitations to their personal acquaintances with a hand-written note. The donations quickly followed. As of December, St. Barnabas had received over $70,000 to fund this program. “It is amazing; I still can’t believe it,” said Hammond. Funds have come in small and large gifts from members of the congregation and from over 200 people not affiliated with the church. “We are so thankful,” said Willome, “and this job is working better than we ever imagined.”
In the summer of 2014 the board of the center finally put the plan into action. A current staff member, Delia De La Cruz, was considered just right for the position. All the center needed was a good plan for funding.
De La Cruz started full-time last summer. The amount of $40,000 funds her first year’s salary, training and certification, and the weekly travel to San Antonio for the training. “She is nailing the training, making all As on her work,” said Willome. In February of this year, De La Cruz will take her state social worker certification exam.
At this time, the Rev. Jeff Hammond, rector of St. Barnabas, stopped by to visit with Willome to share the church’s vision and to see about a community partnership. “After offering several community projects I knew of, I mentioned our desire to hire a community social worker,” said Willome.
In her new position, De La Cruz is meeting with other entities in Fredericksburg that also work with the Good Samaritan Center’s clientele. She has formed a working relationship with the local youth juvenile officer and has met with area young people and their families to talk about
The only cost for St. Barnabas in raising funds for a community health worker was the printing of the Non-Event invites.
drug addiction and sexual behavior. She recently provided education on insulin and its structured need to a family who had accidently overdosed their diabetic grandfather. The grandfather was treated and is recovering. “Her efforts are reaching far beyond diabetes and weight control,” said Willome. “There is just so much going on out there, and by becoming proactive, we are turning over new stones.” As the funds received far surpassed the goal of $40,000, both St. Barnabas and the Good Samaritan Center are in conversation about how to best use the remaining balance. “There is the idea to fund the second year or to fund a special part of our program, such as hiring one or two more community health workers, getting them trained, and having them work for a stipend under De La Cruz to leverage our program,” said Willome. “We wanted to do something that was not about us at all,” said Hammond. “We wanted to do something for our town; not just perpetuate our own existence. We are receiving a lot of good feedback and appreciation, and I still can’t believe our success; we are forever grateful.”
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January / FEbruary 2015
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Featured News
Inaugural Continuing Education Conference by Frontera Unida and World Mission | By Dr. Duane Alexander Miller One year ago a committee chaired by The Rev. Scott Brown, rector of St. Alban’s, Harlingen, began planning a long-term continuing education program for clergy in the Diocese of Northern Mexico. Members of Frontera Unida (diocesan border ministry with clergy in Northern Mexico) and the diocesan Department of World Mission met regularly in strategy sessions, and Drs. Duane Miller and Antonio Alvarez, both seminary professors, came on board to develop the curriculum. On Sunday, October 5, 2014, the program began in Reynosa at Fr. Benjamen GuiterrezDelgadillo’s church.
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n Sunday night at the Anglican Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Reynosa the team from Frontera Unida was welcomed with a wonderful feast of taquitos and menudo. After this the team, along with eight clergymen from the Diocese of Northern Mexico, drove to the hotel where the continuing education workshop took place. The next morning started with breakfast and morning prayer in Spanish. After the first teaching session, the delegation from Frontera Unida and the diocesan Department of World Mission, led by the Rev. Scott Brown and Dr. Marthe Curry, respectively, departed for the USA.
Photo submitted by Marthe Curry.
After this, the clergy of the Anglican Church in Mexico and the two professors got to work in earnest. The purpose of this four-day workshop was to provide ongoing education and training for the clergy of the region. Both professors were able to teach their material in Spanish. Alvarez, a native of Mexico, was scheduled to teach on hermeneutics (interpretation), covenant, and exile. He humored the students with his knowledge of Mexican folklore and connected with them on a personal level. Duane Miller taught on the fall of man in Genesis chapter three and Moses’ call to ministry in Exodus chapters three and four. Aware of the problem of rampant violence in the region, Miller decided to teach on Habakkuk, a book that contains the word “violence” six times in three chapters. He 6
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taught through the first two chapters, verse by verse, and then concluded, asking the students to read the final chapter on their own. An optional session to conclude the book was offered in the evening, and every single person stayed for it. Some of the most fruitful work happened during conversations over meals, which were enjoyed in community. Miller challenged these clergy to outline a positive and hopeful vision of who they want to be and can be through the power of God’s Spirit. These clergy face many challenges, from churches in disrepair and a lack of funds, to animosity from the Roman Catholic Church. These complaints were acknowledged by various clergy—What was their identity as Anglicans in Mexico? Some were more Protestant, others understood themselves as Catholics, just not Roman. The clergy were not told which spirituality was ‘correct’ but were challenged to discern among themselves who they are and how they want to portray themselves. After chanting the Great Litany, the workshop concluded on Wednesday. The clergy are clearly looking forward to the next workshop sponsored jointly by Frontera Unida and the Department of World Mission. The next continuing education workshop is planned for this spring. In future workshops, the clergy will be accompanied by laypersons from their churches who will participate in concurrent classes on lay leadership, stewardship campaigns, and spiritual formation. Both the U.S. and Mexico delegations of Frontera Unida are very pleased with the outcome of the first conference and are excited about the future. The entire program stands resolved to continue to strengthen bonds across the border.
The first workshop in a continuing education program for clergy in Northern Mexico was held last October, facilitated by Frontera Unida and the Department of World Mission.
Special Section: Diocesan Council
Diocesan Council February 26-28, 2015 Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center 1001 E. McCarty Lane San Marcos, TX 78666
Hosted by St. John’s, New Braunfels
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘For even I, the Messiah, came not to be served but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.’”
Pre-Council Meetings
(paraphrase of Mark 10:42,45)
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esus’ ministry was dedicated to service. He healed, he taught, he formed, and he loved. He demonstrated God’s deep caring for all people in listening to their concerns and in reaching out to them in whatever way was appropriate for their particular situation. Therefore, as St. Paul reminds us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:5 and 4).
All meetings, except the Central Convocation (San Antonio), will begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m. The Central Convocation meeting will begin with refreshments at 6:15 p.m. Presentations begin at 6:45. Pre-council meetings are essential to a delegate’s preparation for Council. Many details of the diocesan budget, which Council is responsible for establishing, will be presented at Pre-council meetings and not be repeated on the floor of Council.
Each time we renew our baptismal vows, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called, as the body of Christ, to serve Jesus by serving others. The 2015 diocesan theme “Called to Serve” reminds us of our mission as individuals, as churches, and as a diocesan family.
Eastern Convocation: Tuesday, January 20, at Trinity, Victoria
We are called to serve our neighbor in many, many ways. Jesus provided us with a partial list of ways to serve others, even as these words represent a complete approach to life: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40).
Western Convocation: Thursday, January 22, at St. Philip’s, Uvalde
As a diocesan family, we join together to serve those in our own communities of all sizes. We are called to serve those with whom we live, work, go to church, and volunteer, as well as those persons who live outside our comfortable boundaries just as Jesus himself reached out to those on the margins of society.
Southern Convocation: Monday, January 26, at St. Mark’s, Corpus Christi
In this community of faith, ministry opportunities abound and continue to be formed so that each one of us can serve. Formation takes place in our community, where we learn to be disciples and apostles, and we allow our own voices to encourage others to be followers of Jesus Christ. In community we are challenged to fulfill our call to serve, to reach beyond ourselves and leave behind our own desires: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2.3). This is the gift of a community of faith – a gift of unconditional love. At the 111th Diocesan Council and throughout the year, we will explore how we are called to share that gift with others. the Church News
Valley Convocation: Sunday, January 25, at St. John’s, McAllen
Northeastern Convocation: Tuesday, January 27, at St. Stephen’s, Wimberley Northern Convocation: Thursday, January 29, at St. Peter’s, Kerrville Central Convocation: Monday, February 2, at St. Mark’s, San Antonio January / February 2015
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Special Section: Diocesan Council
Registration is open online for • Churches (clergy, delegates, alternates, clergy spouses) • Individuals (visitors, volunteers) • Childcare Visit http://council-dwtx.org. Registration will close on February 13.
Worship Saturday, February 28 10:00 a.m. 1001 E. McCarty Lane San Marcos, TX 78666 This year, the Council Eucharist service will be held on Saturday morning, February 28, at 10:00 a.m. instead of the customary Thursday evening time. All members of the Diocese of West Texas are invited to attend the worship service, as the ministry of Bishop David Reed as Bishop Coadjutor-Elect is formally recognized. For this celebratory occasion, visiting bishops from around The Episcopal Church will be in attendance, as well as the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. Visitors planning to attend only the Saturday morning worship service do not need to purchase a visitor ticket to Diocesan Council. Clergy, please vest in purple stoles. To read more about the Bishop Coadjutor election held in October and Bishop Reed, see pages 12-13.
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Summary of Fees: Clergy, Delegate, Alternate (banquet included) $125 Clergy Spouse (banquet and Friday breakfast included) $80 Visitor (meals not included) $35 Thursday Christian Faith in Action luncheon $25 Thursday Christian Education lunch $18.50 Friday Bishops’ Luncheon $30 Friday Mission Churches Dinner $25 Extra Banquet ticket $40 Childcare (per day per child; $30 family max per day) $10
Called to Serve & Called to Action Council in Action returns this year. The Department of World Mission will be collecting Mommy Kits for the birthing center in Siguatepeque, Honduras.
One Mommy Kit: • 4 cloth diapers • 2 safety pins • 1 blanket • 2 newborn outfits • 1 pair of booties • 1 newborn hat
In 2009, the Siguatepeque Birthing Center became a reality in this small town midway between Honduras’ two largest cities. Prior to launching this ministry, members of our Honduras Veterinary Team observed that women with at-risk pregnancies living in rural areas had to ride a bus for an hour or more to a hospital to have their babies. These mothers were mostly young and very poor with few resources. The Vet Team was determined to do something when they returned home. In cooperation with their home churches and supported by the diocese, they raised funds to build and open a state-of-the-art prenatal care center for mothers and their new babies. Medical students, attracted to the center because of the beautiful facility, have filled staffing needs, and up till now St. David’s, San Antonio, has supplied these Mommy Kits. But the supply is now critically low. That’s where you can help.
Please take the list above and make a handful of Mommy Kits to bring to Council. Or invite your Prayer Shawl ministries and others who knit or crochet to create the tiny hats and booties. You’ll put smiles on the faces of many grateful families and know that you have answered the call to serve.
Nominations & Voting: Each year at Diocesan Council we elect lay and clergy members to various boards and committees. You can view the nominees for this year’s Council at http://council-dwtx. org/business/nominations. The Council website also features the job descriptions along with the Episcopal Church Canons and the Diocesan Canons that apply. Council will elect new members to the following governing bodies:
• Officers of the Diocese • Executive Board • Trustees of the Episcopal Church Corporation • Trustees to TMI the Episcopal School of Texas • Trustee to the University of the South Sewanee • Standing Committee
Special Section: Diocesan Council
Thursday Christian Faith in Action Luncheon The Christian Faith in Action (CFA) Luncheon, hosted by the CFA Department, will be held in Veramendi Salon C&D on Thursday, February 26, at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25. A panel of clergy and laypersons will present on “Church Ministries within Public Schools.” The goal is to hold up these important ministries and share the ways churches are working with local public schools, the students, and families and are creating inspiration for other congregations to see how their resources can meet the needs of the youth in their communities. Thursday Christian Education Department Lunch New this year, the Christian Education Department will host a small gathering of Christian educators for a working lunch in the private dining room of the Rocky River Grille beginning at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Feb 26. Cost is $18.50/person. Priests, church staff, and volunteers are invited to participate. Space is limited, so register early through the online Council registration at http://council-dwtx.org. The lunch gathering will be an informative one, with experienced Diocesan Ministry Directors sharing suggestions for all-ages curriculum, special seasonal event planning, nursery ministries, and “how to build a ministry from scratch.” Thursday Council Banquet
The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Shori Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Friday Bishops’ Luncheon Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will be a guest of Diocesan Council. Bishop Jefferts Schori will be the keynote speaker of the Bishops’ Luncheon, which will be held on Friday, February 27, at noon. Tickets to the luncheon are $30, an can be purchased in online registration at http://council-dwtx.org/sign-up/registration. Bishop Jefferts Schori will speak on the annual diocesan theme of Called to Serve. Jefferts Schori, previously Bishop of Nevada, is the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. She is chief pastor to the Episcopal Church’s 2.1 million members in 17 countries and 109 dioceses, ecumenical officer, and primate, joining leaders of the other 38 Anglican Provinces in consultation for global good and reconciliation. Jefferts Schori was elected at the 75th General Convention on June 18, 2006, and invested at Washington National Cathedral on November 4, 2006. The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, to be held June 24-July 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah, will elect a new Presiding Bishop to serve a customary nine-year term.
Never leaving the comfort of the hotel, this year’s banquet will be held in the Veramendi Ballroom near the walkway to the hotel and is appropriately themed “Family Reunion,” with background music set to conversation level. The evening will begin with a reception with a cash bar (no credit cards) and then will move inside the ballroom for a seated dinner at 7:00 p.m. Find more information, including the menu at http://council-dwtx.org/activities/ banquet-thurs/. Friday Clergy Spouse Breakfast The annual Clergy Spouse Breakfast will be held in Veramendi Salon D at 7:45 a.m. on Friday February 27. The cost is included in the Clergy Spouse registration price. This is an opportunity for clergy spouses to gather for food and fellowship and welcome the newest spouses to the diocesan community. Friday Mission Congregations’ Dinner Designed for delegations from our mission churches, the Mission Congregations’ Dinner will take place on Friday evening, February 27. Please see the Council website for cost and registration information. This annual event is hosted by Church of the Holy Spirit, San Antonio. Council Worship An Order of Compline will be held Thursday at 9:00 p.m. inside the Embassy Suites Atrium, led by the College Missions music team. Morning Prayer will be offered on Friday morning, February 27, at 8:00 a.m. in the San Marcos River Room, led by Bishop David Reed. The Council Eucharist will take place in the Veramendi Ballroom (E-J) on Saturday morning, February 28, at 10:00. Clergy, purple stoles, please. If your congregation would like to bring your church banner, please do not forget the stand, as we cannot hang banners this year. The preacher is the Rt. Rev. John McKee “Kee” Sloan, bishop of the Diocese of Alabama, and the celebrant is the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. Visitors planning to attend only the Saturday morning worship service do not need to purchase a visitor ticket to Council.
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Council Activities
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Special Section: Diocesan Council
Youth in Worship
The 2015 diocesan theme “Called to Serve” reminds us of our mission. We are called to serve those with whom we live, work, go to church, volunteer, as well as those persons who live outside our comfortable boundaries just as Jesus himself reached out to those on the margins of society. This is the gift of a community of faith – a gift of unconditional love. Clergy and delegates will have a chance to answer some faith questions related to our annual theme at Diocesan Council in February. On May 14, and for the third year, members of our churches across the diocese will gather in local small groups for Sharing Faith dinners and respond to questions about faith that allow us to share our thoughts and remembrances. And for the second year, youth groups are invited to participate and respond to their own set of questions about faith. We will again be joining, in spirit, the Diocese of Texas and other dioceses throughout The Episcopal Church. See the diocesan website for additional information and promotion materials:
www.dwtx.org/sharing-faith
Youth throughout the diocese are invited to join Diocesan Council, visiting bishops, and guests at the Council Eucharist service on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. As Bishop David Reed was elected Bishop Coadjutor in October, the agenda for Diocesan Council 2015 is slightly altered. Bishop Reed’s new title, Bishop Coadjutor will be recognized and formalized at the Council Eucharist. To welcome visitors from across the diocese and beyond, the service has been moved to Saturday morning of Council, rather than our customary Thursday evening worship time. The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will be among the participants at Diocesan Council and the Council Eucharist service. With the revised schedule of Council during this celebration of new ministry for Bishop Reed, there will not be a traditional Youth in Action event in 2015. However, diocesan youth are invited to participate in the celebratory service.
A Youth Band and Choir is forming to
participate in the worship service. If you are interested in participating in the youth band and choir, please email your full name, phone number, and the instrument you play (if applicable) to Meredith Rogers at meredith.rogers@dwtx.org, or contact her by phone, 210-332-3303. She will be in touch with details for the day, including what to wear, songs to be sung, and any other pertinent details. Practice will be held the morning of the service, Saturday, February 28, at 8:45 a.m. Both Bishops Lillibridge and Reed have actively supported youth and young adult ministries for years, and it will bring additional joy to have a significant youth presence in worship. If your church’s youth minister would like assistance planning a trip to Diocesan Council or partnering with another youth group, contact Rogers.
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at http://council-dwtx.org Can’t make it to San Marcos? Log on to Council Live at http://council-dwtx.org (tab at top) beginning Thursday afternoon, February 26. Throughout the three days of Council, the diocesan communications team will be updating the site with news posts, audio reports, and pictures.
Council 2015: There’s an app for that! Each post on the Council Live page will also appear on the Diocesan Council app, which is available for free in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Search for “DWTX Council.”
See
• Council Eucharist sermon • Bishop’s address
Hear
• Committee reports
Read • • • • •
Bishop’s address Nomination results Resolutions Diocesan budget and more
Also on the app:
• The Council agenda • Activities displayed by day • A list of exhibits and their locations in the Embassy Suites • All the “Go Green” documents
Going Green Again
Every handout that is delivered by pages throughout the days of Council will be available for download under the “Go Green” tab of the Council website at http://council-dwtx.org and on the app under “Go Green.”
Empowerment Through Education: Veterinary Mission to Southeast Mexico By Valerie Kirk, DVM
T
he Veterinary Mission to Southeast Mexico is working in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Southeast Mexico to empower people in rural communities through education in animal care. Our goal is to improve animal health by providing tools for self-sufficiency rather than dependency. Education to raise the quality of animal care is accomplished through hands-on teaching, textbooks, and videos. As we vaccinate the animals and treat for internal and external parasites, we explain what we are doing and why it is important. By offering opportunities for the people to try it themselves under our supervision, they gain valuable hands-on experience. We are bringing books to each of the villages where we work and are creating a parish library. Each village has been provided two copies each of a large book entitled
Where There is No Animal Doctor and animal husbandry books outlining the proper care of goats, poultry, swine, and rabbits. All books are in Spanish. The large book covers many topics, including animal first aid; birthing assistance; restraint techniques; disease prevention, control and treatment; and animal nutrition. The objective is to educate the people in what they can do themselves and how to recognize when to call for help from a veterinarian. This year, each village was given a copy of a two-part DVD on large animal care. The multi-lingual DVD is a companion to the animal doctor book. A Spanish speaker can mute the English and translate into any native tongue. (Conversely, Spanish can be muted for bilingual speakers of English and any other language). The DVD shows video footage of animal care techniques on live animals. The Diocese of Southeast Mexico recently
purchased a video projector, which will allow these DVDs to be viewed by a much wider audience than was originally anticipated. As a companion to the education being provided through the books and DVDs, we will be supplying an emergency animal care kit to each parish. The kits include medications and instruments for treating the most common emergencies encountered by the layman. God’s grace, direction, and provision has empowered us to be able to work with the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and the local parishes to raise the level of animal health and thereby the standard of living for rural families. The Veterinary Mission is sponsored by the Department of World Mission of the Diocese of West Texas. For more information, contact Marthe Curry at mcurry09@sbcglobal.net.
Dr. Valerie Kirk and a local resident work together to treat a burro in La Esperanza, Oaxaca, congregation of Jesús de Nazaret. Photo by Dr. Celeste Hill.
With instruction and supervision by Dr. Valerie KIrk, Mario (center) vaccinates and de-worms the majority of the 42 horses in the community of La Esperanza, Oaxaca. Photo by Eigner Juárez.
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Photos submitted by Dr. Valerie Kirk.
The Rev. David Chalk (rector, St. Francis-by-theLake, Canyon Lake) works with several of the children of Santa Cruz congregation in La Joya, Oaxaca, to improve their English. They began with Christmas songs, and then translated prayers from Spanish to English. Photo by Dr. Celeste Hill.
Featured News
The Rt. Rev. David Reed: Bishop Coadjutor-Elect By Laura Shaver
he was elected Bishop Coadjutor of West Texas in 1975. Reed is also the first diocesan bishop elected on the first ballot since 1943, when Bishop Everett Jones was chosen.
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n Saturday, October 25, 2014, the Diocese of West Texas gathered at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas in San Antonio with one item on the agenda of a Special Council: to elect a Bishop Coadjutor. On the first electing ballot, the clergy and lay delegates, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, chose the Rt. Rev. David Mitchell Reed as Bishop Coadjutor-Elect. Reed, age 57, is currently the Bishop Suffragan of the diocese and was one of six nominees. Pending necessary consents from bishops and Standing Committees from around the country, Reed will continue, in his new ministry, to serve alongside Bishop Gary Lillibridge. Upon the retirement of Lillibridge in 2017, Reed will become the tenth bishop of the Diocese of West Texas.
Photos by Laura Shaver.
Reed is the first Bishop Suffragan of West Texas to go on to serve as Diocesan Bishop, though Bishop Scott Field Bailey was Suffragan in the Diocese of Texas when
Reed was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, and is a son of the diocese. The third of six children born to William Wesley and the late Olive Polley Reed, he was baptized and confirmed The bishops assemble for the opening worship service procession on at Church of the Saturday, October 25. Left to right: Bishop David Reed, Bishop Bob Hibbs, Advent, where he Bishop Bill Frey, Bishop John MacNaughton, Bishop Gary Lillibridge, and was active in youth Bishop Jim Folts. group and served as an acolyte. After 23 years in parish ministry and seven He first attended years as suffragan, Reed opened himself up Camp Capers for a Mid-Winter retreat when to God’s calling and allowed his name to be he was 15 years old. A shy and reserved submitted as a potential nominee for Bishop teenager, Reed found himself at the weekend Coadjutor last spring before going on a preretreat without any of his good friends from planned four-month sabbatical. Brownsville. But, he remembers, “There was this guy on that first night – an Alamo “I received a lot of encouragement from Heights football player serving as a counselor many people around the diocese, lay and – that saw my awkwardness and drew me in ordained, to consider the movement of and made me feel welcome.” If not for “that the Holy Spirit and to say ‘yes’ to letting guy,” Reed may not have returned to camp. my name go forward,” said Reed. When elected suffragan in 2006, he figured there He did return, however, serving as a would be no more ministry changes. “Gary summer camp counselor, and came to love announcing his retirement wasn’t part of my Camp Capers and the pattern of Christian plan,” he said. But noting the significance of community and service lived out there. the encouragement he got, Reed said, “Patti, It was the first place he began to make my wife, pointed out that we’ve been part of diocesan connections and form lifelong many things that weren’t what we planned. friendships, including one with Lillibridge She said, ‘God has brought us through so when they met while serving together over many times, and with him, we’ve always several summers. It was also there in St. been okay.’” Francis Chapel, when as a college student, he first heard God’s call to ordained ministry.
Results of the first ballot, on which Bishop David Reed was chosen Bishop Coadjutor-Elect.
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Reed’s time on sabbatical was one of rest and renewal, and he returned in early October energized for his current role and the possibilities ahead.
On making the transition from Suffragan Bishop to Diocesan Bishop, Reed said it is a time of great change without making a physical move. “Many of us go through incredible changes in our lives without physically relocating,” he said, “but my role will be to continue to pastor and shepherd the diocese, with more focus on and responsibility for the longer term and the bigger picture.” In his homily at the Special Council in October, Lillibridge assigned three areas of his ministry to the Bishop Coadjutor, as required by the Canons of the Episcopal Church. Those included discernment for potential seminarians, deployment of clergy within our congregations, and congregational development. Though Reed is already involved in each of these areas, he and Lillibridge hope to use the transition to
Bishop Lillibridge gives Bishop Reed a congratulatory hug immediately following the announcement of Reed’s election.
Reed said he considers the call to the priesthood to be very internal in the beginning; one that stirs the soul of an individual and is later validated by the church’s support. The call to be a bishop, though, looks and feels very different. “Both times (Suffragan and Coadjutor) all I could do was try to remain open, without a clear sense that this, indeed, was of God. I was encouraged by those who encouraged me, and I had some confidence I might serve well as diocesan bishop, but the clarity didn’t come until the election,” said Reed.
develop and implement some new initiatives that can be in place by the time he becomes Diocesan Bishop. The Diocese of West Texas is strong and does a lot of things right, according to Reed. The priority of the diocese is on the life and mission it shares in Christ. “I am proud of the people and the clergy of this diocese,” said Reed. “We are committed to be part of God’s mission together. We declare the mission we’ve been given by Christ as the heart of our identity and as central to how we shall live together.” “I love this diocese,” Reed said, “and nobody knows the weaknesses, challenges and sins of a diocese more than a bishop. Still, as Bishop Lillibridge and I often say, we wish everyone could see what we see as we travel the diocese. Jesus is on the move, Good News is shared, people gather to worship and go out to serve. There is so much to be done, in the name of Christ, but we seem to be in a moment of renewed hope and courage.” Bishop Reed’s new ministry as Bishop Coadjutor will be formally recognized during the Diocesan Council Eucharist service on Saturday, February 28, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in San Marcos at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend. See page 8 for more details.
“The priority of this diocese is on the life and mission it shares in Christ, and I am proud of the people and the clergy of the Diocese of West Texas.” - The Rt. Rev. David Reed
Bishop Reed stands with his family (left to right) sister-in-law Carol Kopec, wife Patti, son Jon, daughter Kaitlin, and sister Teresa Hoskins.
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Around the circuit
Lillibridge Hall at St. David’s
Moser-Keeler Retreat House & Fischer Commons Dedication
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t. David’s Church and School, San Antonio, is pleased to announce that the new school building (under construction) will be named “Lillibridge Hall” in thanksgiving for the ministry of Catherine and Gary Lillibridge to St. David’s Church and School and to the Episcopal churches and schools throughout the Diocese of West Texas. Lives of children and adults from all over will experience God’s love in Lillibridge Hall for generations to come. Lillibridge, bishop of the diocese, served as rector of St. David’s from 1998-2003.
he recently completed Moser-Keeler Retreat House at Mustang Island Conference Center (MICC) was dedicated on Saturday, December 6, during a celebratory service on the island. The new building, which features ten bedrooms with two queen beds and a private bathroom in each, as well as a full kitchen and two meeting areas, and expansive porches, was named in memory of Margaret and Bill Moser (St. Philip’s, Beeville) and Cora and Tom Keeler (Church of the Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi). Members of each family were in attendance as both Bishop Lillibridge and Bishop Reed dedicated and blessed the retreat house.
The new Moser-Keeler Retreat House at Mustang Island Conference Center.
The land on which MICC was built was given originally to the Church of the Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi, by Jerry and Alice Ann Fischer in 1988. In 1994, Good Shepherd offered the land to the Diocese of West Texas with the expectation that something worthwhile would be built, such as a retreat center to serve the southern area of the diocese. The center was constructed, and the first full summer of Family Camp sessions was held in 2003.
A rendering of Lillibridge Hall.
As part of the retreat house dedication service, the main conference room of the original buildings was named Fischer Commons in honor of Laura, Mark, Bill, Alice Ann, and Jerry Fischer, and it was re-dedicated to God’s glory. Jerry Fischer was not informed of the honor until the service began with an announcement by Bishop Lillibridge. With Alice Ann sitting at his side, both beamed with appreciation, along with their family members. “This is a great celebration,” said Gregg Robertson, chair of the diocesan Development Committee. “Today is a commemoration of the first gift for this mission and the latest - but not the last. We give thanks to God for the succession of benefactors.”
MICC serves mostly adult groups each year from September-May, hosting various conferences and Bishop Lillibridge dedicates the lodging rooms in the retreats for nonMoser-Keeler Retreat House. profit organizations from across the nation, as well Episcopal entities and those of other denominations. Twelve sessions of Family Camp are held each summer, fourday long retreats for families that offer family beach time, worship, fabulous meals, and fellowship with other families.
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The Fischer family, Mark, Laura, Jerry, Alice Ann, and Bill, stand in front of the beautiful plaque naming the main conference room Fischer Commons.
Photos by John Gaskins.
In his homily, Bishop Lillibridge referenced the wind often felt on the island - from the strong winds a storm brings to the gentle sea breezes that accompany most days. “There is a gift of wind on the island, much like the gift of the breath of God that we received at Pentecost,” he said. “This wind is the breath of God pouring over our efforts of outreach at Mustang Island Conference Center.” He said the center is one of the “thin places on earth,” a sacred space, where rest, refreshment, joy, and healing are found and a place where many are sent forth by the breath of God.
Around the circuit
The Tilted Cross Have you ever wondered who creates these wonderful artistic interpretations (the logos) for each year’s diocesan annual theme? For the past few years it has been Eli Flores from Eli Design (www.elidesign.com). Below is Eli’s story of the tilted cross, represented in our 2015 theme, “Called to Serve.”
W
e all recognize the image of the cross, and we are well aware of its significance. We see it in paintings, on tapestries, sculpted into jewelry, and decorated to fashion any home. But have we ever really felt the weight of the cross? One scorching hot summer day, I had the duty of repairing our wooden deck. A large hole had burned through the wood the evening before, when I had left simmering coals in our grill. I saw an ember fall to the deck below while I was cooking, but in the midst of preparing dinner for the family and then sitting down to enjoy our meal together, I forgot about it. I made several trips to the hardware store to pick up the right amount and the right shade of lumber. Ending up with 2×4 posts of pine, I made the 40-foot journey from my truck to the backyard hauling three posts at a time. It was grueling, as I heard my body crack and moan, and as the sun poured down on my back and sweat continuously dripped off my face. As I was cleaning up the sawdust and picking up my tools after hours of labor, the most peculiar feeling came over me. The deck looked pretty good, and everything was back in place, but would anyone know what it took to get it like this? Then it dawned on me. If I could hardly carry a few 40-pound, six-foot posts over 40 feet of ground, what a challenge it was for Jesus to carry his cross.
Summary of apportionments through December 26, 2014.
Suddenly, I heard voices clamoring, shouting, crying, the sounds of anger and sorrow all at the same time. The heat outside increased, and the scenes in my mind became more vivid. Jesus was not only persecuted on the cross, he carried it physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I caught a glimpse of a tilted cross, moving slowly from one side to the other. It only exists because He carried it on his shoulders. It only exists because He was fulfilling our destiny. It only exists because He was called to serve.
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Episcopal Diocese of West Texas P. O. Box 6885 San Antonio, TX 78209 www.dwtx.org Send address changes to The Church News, P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, TX 78209
the
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calendar of events
Diocesan events February
Jeremy Begbie Lecture Series Jeremy Begbie is coming to San Antonio for a one-of-a-kind lecture series, “More than Meets the Ear: What does Music have to do with God?” Dr. Begbie is the director of Duke University’s Initiatives in Theology and the Arts. Lecturing from behind a piano, Dr. Begbie will demonstrate and discuss unique ways in which we can know and express God through music. This lecture series is not just for the church musician but for anyone with an interest in theology and/or music; and will take place on Friday-Saturday, February 6-7, at St. Luke’s, San Antonio (11 St. Luke’s Lane, 78209). This event is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas’ Commission on Liturgy and Music. Registration is online at www.dwtx.org/events. Father-Son Retreat The annual Father-Son Retreat at Camp Capers will be held Friday-Sunday, February 6-8. Boys ages six to 18 are invited to bring their fathers or a fatherly guardian along to camp. The weekend will strengthen relationships, equipping dads, and empowering sons. The weekend will be lead by the Revs. Scott Brown, Brad Landry, and Ripp Hardaway. Cost is $120 per adult and $80 per child; all meals are provided from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events. Sunday Night Live Sunday Night Live (SNL) will be held on Sunday evening, February 8, from 5:007:00 p.m. in the Mission Room at the Bishop Jones Center (111 Torcido, 78209) in San Antonio. SNL is a gathering for high schoolage youth in the San Antonio area and is led by students that participate in the diocesan College Missions programs on various college
campuses. The evening includes worship, a talk, small groups, fellowship, and dinner. For more information contact the Director of College Missions, Greg Richards at greg@stirflux.com.
Spirit of Water Retreat The “Spirit of Water” retreat at Mustang Island Conference Center with the Rev. Ben Nelson, rector of St. Mark’s, San Marcos, will be held Friday-Sunday, March 6-8. This retreat is designed to combine traditional church teaching on baptism, language from Hawaiian culture, and an experience with nature. By using these three very different lenses, a participant is given the opportunity to go deeper spiritually and find God even more present in our daily lives. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events.
Food for the Soul The annual Food for the Soul weekend at Mustang Island Conference Center will be held February 13-15 and will include cooking classes with Kathy Jansen and her staff, along with worship and fellowship. The weekend kicks off with dinner on Friday evening and concludes with brunch on Sunday morning. Diocesan events: www.dwtx.org/events The Rev. Lisa Mason from St. David’s, San Antonio, will serve as chaplain. Food for the Church events: www.dwtx.org/church-events Soul explores the presence of Jesus in food, fellowship, and fun. Cost per person is $245 double occupancy and $295 single occupancy. The Diocese of West Texas Register online at www.dwtx.org/events. Online Questions? Call Mustang Island Conference Center at 361-749-1800.
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111th Diocesan Council The 111th annual Diocesan Council will be held at the Embassy Suites and Conference Center in San Marcos, Thursday-Saturday, February 26-28. The host church is St. John’s, New Braunfels. Details are on the Council website: http://council-dwtx.org or see pages 7-10 of this issue.
March
Cursillo #267 Cursillo #267 will be held at Camp Capers, Thursday-Sunday, March 5-8. The Rector for the weekend is Caroline Mowen from St. Luke’s, San Antonio, and the Spiritual Director is the Rev. John Badders, also from St. Luke’s. Cursillo is a spiritual renewal weekend for adults. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events.
Read ministry stories from our churches in between issues of The Church News. The blog also features current news, national news, and diocesan ministry updates.
ReflectionsOnline
The diocesan spiritual formation blog, ReflectionsOnline offers weekly reflections and resources for your spiritual journey. www.reflections-dwtx.org “Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Bishop Jones Center” @DioceseWestTX