$100 Activity Credit for Groups Attending Bishop's Family Music Festival
Due to several group requests, Camp Allen will give an activity credit of $100 for each parish or group that regisers at least 10 people before April 20 to attend the Family Music Festival, May 18-20. The activity credit can be redeemed during the weekend for any of the fee-based activities: horseback riding, skeet shooting, or massages. In addition to music performances, other activities will include the Giant Swing, canoeing, guided nature hikes, archery, and fishing. Register at campallen.org and check "GROUP" under accommodation options. 

Think About "Ditching Youth Sunday"
Do you follow the EDOT Youth Ministry Blog? Our own Matt Blank, mission for youth and young adults, edits this terrific blog on our webiste. His most recent post is "Ditching Youth Sunday." Click here to read more.

Mission Funding Deadline is April 30
To complete a submission form for an existing ministry, click here. 
To complete a submission form for a Cooperative Project, click here. 
To submit a request for a new ministry, click here. 

Fundraiser for Down Syndrome Research Coming to EDOT's Garden on April 22
The "Butterfly Flutter By" is an event hosted by the Changing Minds Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding awareness and research for treatments of Down Syndrome. 1000 butterflies will be released in Nancy's Garden at the Diocesan Center in Houston on April 22. Click here for more details or to sponsor a butterfly for just $21. 

ECW Spiritual Growth Retreat Registration Ends April 13
This year's ECW Spiritual Growth Retreat, "DENIM & DIAMONDS," will focus on how God sees each of His children through His son Jesus Christ. The speaker this year will be Carla McDougal, CEO and founder of Reflective Life Ministries.  For a detailed description and registration information click here.

HIPAA Clarification for Churches
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Some local churches have been confused about the implementation of the act. To clear up the confusion, click here. 

Dine Out, Share Your Faith
Sign up for Sharing Faith: Dinner Conversations on Thursday, April 26 and go out to dinner with thousands of Episcopalians across the diocese. Register online at sharingfaith.epicenter.org

EDOT College Retreat Filling Up
The EDOT College Retreat is approaching on April 13-15 and spots are quickly filling up! This retreat will take place at Camp Allen and all college or college-aged students can attend regardless of previous attendance in the Vocare program. The deadline to sign up is Friday, April 6. To learn more or sign up, click here.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew Hosts Annual Golf Tournament May 2
The "Touch of Sanctuary" Golf Tournament will be held on May 2 at Cypresswood Golf Course in North Houston. Proceeds from this event help fund the Assembly's annual Fall Retreat at Camp Allen. This retreat is an event that ministers to boys in grades 4-8. With emphasis on "at risk" boys, the retreat is designed to bring Jesus Christ to boys who may have never experienced God's love. Click here to download a brochure

Starry Nights and Campfire Lights Scheduled for May 10
Help Camp Allen raise scholarship funds for Camp Allen summer campers and Discovery students. This gala will feature a live auction, Tex-Mex dinner, live music and a presentation honoring three stars in Austin: The Rev. Robby Vickery, Carrielu Christensen and George McGonigle. Click here to learn more. 

Lenten Resources Online
Check out a video of children reciting the Stations of the Cross. Click here to see what's new.

Need a Job?
The Diocese of Texas' employment page has several new open positions including a Head of School position at St. Stephen's in Houston.

Upcoming Events 

Wednesday Parenting Teenagers Course - April 11-May 9

El Buen Samaritano 25th Anniversary Gala - April 20

Building Diverse Communities...Emergent Conversations - May 4-5

Bishop Suffragan Walkabout at Camp Allen - May 12

Bishop Suffragan Election - June 2

View more events on the diocesan calendar. 

UPDATES & CHANGES

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Safe Church Training | Supply Clergy  | Update Information | People & Places

Austin Convocation to Host Hymnfest [more]

Holy Apostles Plans Return to Uganda [more]

Austin Church Designated Certified Wildlife Habitat [more]

St. David's Keeps Rockin' at SXSW [more]

Trinity Students Cast Net to Save Lives [more]