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May 2012
The Newsletter
The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northwest Texas
No. 239
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WELCOME!
to the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northwest Texas --a place where the vast open plains are as wondrous as the big sky above! |
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Ministry Quicklinks
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Mission and
Small Parish Gathering
June 8-9, 2012
Hosted by
St. George's Episcopal Church- Canyon
Click on the following links to access additional information:
MEETING AGENDA
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The Annual
Fall Women's Retreat
will be held
September 14- 16, 2012
at Quarterman Ranch. Noted writer, poet, and Episcopal priest Mary Earle will serve as retreat leader.  To learn more about the speaker, visit her website at http://marycearle.org/ You WON'T want to miss this one! ___________________________________
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Don't Forget to
FIND US ON
Click the FACEBOOK icon to go directly there.
See you there!
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A Prayer of Thanksgiving
for Rain
O God our heavenly Father,
who by thy gracious providence,
dost cause the former and the latter rain to descend upon the earth,
that it may bring forth fruit for
the use of man;
We give thee humble thanks that it hath pleased thee,
in our great necessity,
to send us at the last a joyful rain
upon thine inheritance,
and to refresh it when it was dry,
to the great comfort of us
thy unworthy servants,
and to the glory of thy holy Name, through thy mercies in
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
From the Anglican
Book of Common Prayer
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Noteworthy News
from Northwest Texas
Education for Ministry Update
By Katy Hoskins, EfM Coordinator
Education for Ministry has been a part of the Diocese of Northwest Texas for many years, and continues to be a source of education, theology, and individual development for numerous persons in the diocese. Some graduates have continued onto ordination paths, but many more find their ministry developed for service within their churches and communities. Although usually associated with the Episcopal Church, groups consist of members from all denominations and walks of life, and this diversity adds to the unique character of the groups.
This spring, we recognize five new graduates from four parishes:
- Lane L. Thomas from St. Paul's on the Plains (Anna Marie Wanasek, mentor)
- Tammy West from Holy Trinity (Liza Philpy & Rev. Pam Vannoy, mentors)
- Linda Jordan from St. Nicholas (J'Lynn Wheeler and Terry Jolliffe, mentors)
- Betty Jones and Eva Horton from Emmanuel (Katy Hoskins, mentor)
All have completed the four years of theology by extension and will receive their certificates from the Theological Seminary of the South at Sewanee.
These graduates have not only covered the extensive course material, but have spent time discerning their own ministries and how to incorporate those ministries into an intentional and mindful life. We are also pleased to welcome new mentor, Patti Nabors, who will join Deacon John Marshall with the EfM group at St. Mary's in Big Spring.
For EfM alumni, there are opportunities coming soon that will enable you to continue your relationship with Sewanee and the EfM program while helping future students. All alumni should be receiving more information from Sewanee soon!
It has been described by some as 'just another Bible study,' but those who take part in the four-year study - one year at a time - know EfM to be much more than that. There is Bible study, indeed. The first two years consist of study of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Then in Years 3 and 4 'Church History' and 'Theological Choices' are covered. Along with the reading and discussion, theological reflection takes place, and for most, this becomes the most important part of the session each week.
During the 2011-2012 EfM year, there are eight groups meeting in the diocese, with twelve mentors and co-mentors. In addition to the face-to-face groups, we have online groups. Online Education for Ministry is a growing part of the EfM program. When the church or community is too small to support a group, or when there are persons who must travel during the week but don't want to miss being a part of their EfM group, the online format works well.
For more information about Education for Ministry, please go to the diocesan web site at
www.emmanuelefm.org or the Sewanee site at www.sewanee.edu/efm.
EfM Mentors at their recent training
From left to right: J'Lynn Wheeler (St. Nicholas, Midland), Terry Jolliffe (St. Nicholas, Midland), Jennifer Wickham (trainer from Sewanee), Patti Nabors (St. Mary's, Big Spring), John Marshall (St. Mary's, Big Spring), Anna Marie Wanasek (St. Paul's on the Plains, Lubbock) and Tom Watson (Heavenly Rest, Abilene)
Graduation News The Diocese of Northwest Texas has three seminarians who have completed their course of studies and will graduate this month. Robert Pace and Scott Lee graduated in ceremonies at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin on May 8 (see article below in the Seminary of the Southwest update.)
Josh Rodriguez of St. Christopher's in Lubbock has been attending Yale University and will graduate on May 19 from the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Josh will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on June 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Christopher's. His call has yet to be determined.
Congratulations and best wishes to them all in their new endeavors! We are very proud of them!
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TREASURES IN RETIREMENT
This month the Reverend Bill Wright shares his thoughts
on retirement in general.
 One thing I see often in people preparing to retire is a little to a great deal of anxiety about that step in life.
When I retired from active parish ministry seven years ago it was a step into the unknown. My morale was not helped when a child asked me now that I was retired would I be dying.
I consulted with a recent retiree to check on his experience. He said it had been a difficult transition and that after he had been retired for about two weeks he went down to breakfast. His wife handed him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and told him to come back at 6:00p.m.
Actually retirement has been a wonderful time of opportunity, and I hear this from many of the retirees I meet.
First of all, it is an opportunity to connect with family and friends. Often the busy-ness of daily business has taken us away from those we love the most. The time is finally there to open the way for deeper relationships. It also provides time to be involved in church and community interesting and new opportunities.
Also, there is the opportunity to address medical issues. My first bishop required an annual physical for clergy with a doctor who was not the local family doctor. A number of potentially serious conditions were headed off for clergy of the diocese. Often in the demands of life the attention to preventative care has been ignored and will need to be addresses and can be addressed in retirement.
There are also opportunities to do that reading that has been put off. I have finally read books that I had bought to assist in parish ministry, devotional works, Bible study, history and classics. It is a grand time to develop a hobby, to work in the yard as well as around the house, develop new skills and begin exercising in a more consistent manner.
In short, retirement is an opportunity. I did not die right after retirement and have really enjoyed the opportunity to retool to meet the opportunities to come.
Bill Wright +
Retiree
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Speaking of Communications...  As a means of keeping Episcopalians from Northwest Texas informed with up-to-date information, news, and impressions during the 2012 General Convention, the Diocese of Northwest is creating a media hub. "The Hub" will provide links to several sources of information including: - The Episcopal Church Media Hub, with live coverage from the floor of the House of Deputies. (This link will go live at the opening of General Convention 2012.)
- The "Deputies Daily- A Reflection from GC2012", a Northwest Texas blog site developed to provide our Diocese with the daily impressions of our deputation concerning the Convention and the topics of discussion on the floor. It will also have a slideshow of photos taken at General Convention by the various deputies.
- A Picasa Web Album with photos from General Convention. (These photos will feed into the slideshow on the blog site as well.)
Those who prefer to Twitter will be able to follow comments and up-to-the-moment news by following the Twitter conversations under the hash tag #gc2012. Questions concerning access or problems with any of the links or sites may be directed to Nancy Igo, Communications Officer at nigo@nwtdiocese.org. |
SAVE THE DATE!
Back by popular demand! Peter Pearson,
noted iconographer, will return to the Diocese of Northwest Texas for a 4-day workshop.
Please make mark your calendars for October 11- 14, 2012.
The workshop will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1101 Slide Rd., Lubbock.
Information and registration will be available soon! Be sure to watch for workshop updates.
Information on Mr. Pearson and his works is available by visiting his website. Just click the blue highlighted link above.
Get your brushes ready!!
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St. Andrew's Amarillo Offers Classes 
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo will host a Level 2 formation beginning in the fall of 2012 for adults wishing to work with 6-9 year olds in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. We will meet one weekend per month from September through May (primarily all day on a Saturday, but with three "long" weekends across the year which will include 3.5 hours on Friday night and 3 hours on Sunday afternoon as well). Fees for the course will be $300 for the first semester and $300 for the second semester for the first person from each parish or school. The charge for additional people from each parish or school is $250 per semester.
In addition, St. Andrew's anticipates offering a Level 1, Part 1 intensive formation (40 hours) over a one week period this in July of 2012, with a Level 1- Part 2 intensive next summer to complete the course. Anticipated fees for the class are $350 for each semester for the first person from each parish or school, with a price break of $299 for additional participants from each parish or school. This course will only take place if a minimum of 10 participants register before June 1.
Brochures are available for download by clicking the blue highlighted links below:
Brochure1- 2011/2012 Retreat Dates
Brochure 2- 2012/ 2013 Schedule
For more information please contact Kay Brizzolara at kbrizzolara@standrewsschool.org.
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 ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL IN LUBBOCK
PLANS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
FOR NEW HIGH SCHOOL
All Saints Episcopal School is breaking ground on a high school facility. Groundbreaking for the High School will take place on May 22, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. The student body, Board of Trustees, Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas clergy and the Lubbock City Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance. Over the past year, the first phase of a capital campaign was conducted in order to secure funds for the high school and a campus wide expansion project. Information about the campaign is available through the Office of Institutional Advancement, 745-7701.
Groundbreaking Ceremonies will include an address by Matt Bumstead,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, a blessing by the Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, and musical offerings by the All Saints band and choir. Ceremonies will conclude by 8:30 a.m. and will be followed immediately by a Morning Prayer service outside and a reception in the Patriot Learning Center.
All Saints High School will feature a state-of-the-art facility, a college-preparatory curriculum, and opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. High School classes will begin with a ninth grade class on the current campus in Fall 2012, with subsequent grades added in 2013, 2014, and 2015. High School students may participate in athletics, fine arts, and community service activities, and each student will focus on his or her own personal and spiritual growth. Headmaster Dr. Mike Bennett is available for questions regarding All Saints Episcopal High School, and may be contacted directly at 745-7701 or mbennett@allsaintsschool.org.
All Saints Episcopal School is committed to providing a classical education for the whole child, recognizing that each has different gifts, talents, and abilities, while challenging the mind and body and nurturing the spirit. All children who come to us will develop a foundation of academic skills, spiritual awareness, and self-worth that enables them to become intellectual and social contributors to the world.
To view a short video about the building project, CLICK HERE.
For more information, contact Callie Jones at All Saints, or visit their website at http://asesopeningnewdoors.com/.
CONTACT:
Callie Jones
All Saints Episcopal School
806.745.7701
FAX: 806.748.0454
cjones@allsaintsschool.org
www.allsaintsschool.org
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Graduation NEWS Bishop J. Scott Mayer recently attended graduation ceremonies at Seminary of the Southwest. Robert Pace, who was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in December, was among those who graduated. Robert will join St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo next month as their new Associate Rector, and will be ordained to the priesthood June 18, 2012 at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew's.Also graduating this month was Scott Lee, who was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on January 14. Scott has been called to St. James' Episcopal Church in Conroe, TX as their new Associate Rector.
Certificate Program in Christian Formation
Liturgy and Catechesis taught by the Rev. Nathan Jennings
Pastoral Education & Leadership in an Age of Anxiety taught by the
Rev. Charlie Cook
June 18 - 22, 2012
The Certificate Program in Christian Formation is designed to meet the needs of Christian educators, who seek to deepen their understanding of the Christian theological tradition. Working in peer groups taught by seminary faculty, students in the Certificate Program engage with scripture, history, ethics, and practical theology in a sequence of four sessions on the campus of Seminary of the Southwest. Designed as continuing education for practitioners in the field of Christian Education, the program empowers students to be more able ministers through strengthening their ability to speak the language of the Christian community in effective and creative ways.
To view additional information about the course, click THIS LINK. Online registration will be available soon.
Save the Date!
Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive
at Seminary of the Southwest
May 27 - June 1, 2012
Offered by Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest
Details
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Marketing Your Church  On May 9, the School of Theology's Contextual Education Program and the Office of Communications and Marketing co-hosted a workshop with the Rev. Jake Dell, senior manager of digital marketing and advertising in the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication. The workshop covered the most effective ways to communicate with your targeted audience. Church leadership from as far away as Jackson and Knoxville, Tenn. and Atlanta, Ga., came to participate. Seminarians along with local alumni/ae rounded out the audience. The workshop, the first of its kind at the School, was open to anyone interested in learning more about websites, social media, and basic marketing campaigns, and will be offered on an annual basis going forward.
For those who could not attend, all of the handouts may be downloaded from the School's website. For more news from Theology Monthly, please click on the graphic below. 
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Upcoming Diocesan Events
MAY 2012
16 + Board of Trustees, 10:00am, HEC22 + All Saints' School Groundbreaking, 8:00am, Lubbock
24 All Saints' School, 8th Grade Graduation , 6:00pm, School Gym 31 St. Andrew's School, 8th Grade Graduation, 7:00pm JUNE 2012 8 + GC2012 Deputation Meeting, 10:00am, HEC 8- 9 Mission and Small Parishes Gathering, St. George's, Canyon 9 + Josh Rodriguez Ordination, 10:30am, St. Christopher's, Lubbock10 + Visitation, All Saints', Colorado City
16 + Executive Council, 10:00am, St. Stephen's, Lubbock
17 + Visitation, St. John the Baptist, Clarendon
18 + Robert Pace Ordination to the Priesthood, 7:00pm,
St. Andrew's, Amarillo
(Items in purple with a + indicate Bishop Mayer's attendance.)
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Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN |
Contact Info
Newsletter Editor- Nancy Igo
nigo@nwtdiocese.org (806) 763-1370 x. 5 |
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