Bishop Doyle Announces Plan to Navigate Proposed Rite
Yesterday, Bishop Doyle presented his plan, entitled Unity in Mission, to allow congregations in the Diocese of Texas to choose whether or not they will bless same-gender covenants later this year following the likely approval of a rite at General Convention in July. His 120-page paper on the subject, his sermon to clergy and a press release are available online at epicenter.org/unity. Bishop Doyle outlined his plan to help unify the Diocese of Texas, addressing both liberal and traditional congregations’ positions at the clergy gathering at Camp Allen April 24.

Reminder! Sharing Faith Dinners are Tomorrow, April 26 
Thanks to everyone for registering or volunteering for Sharing Faith Dinners. We hope you have a terrific experience! Click here for details of the event.

Bishop Suffragan Walkabout Rates Go Up on May 1
The early registration period for the Bishop Suffragan Walkabout at Camp Allen ends on May 1. Rates will rise from $18 to $25 at that time. Click here to register.

If you would like to attend the Election of the Bishop Suffragan on June 2 at Christ Church Cathedral, click here for details and registration information.

Icon Painting Classes to be Held June 2-23
Iconographer Vivian Karayiannis will offer summer classes for beginners. Each participant will create an icon using the traditional Byzantine technique of egg-tempera and 23K gold leaf. Students will practice the oil gilding technique. Due to small space, the class will have maximum 5 students. When: Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Click here to download a flyer and registration form.

Luau at Good Shepherd, Tomball, Promises to be Great Fun
Come enjoy food, games, and silent and live auctions at the annual Good Shepherd Luau on April 28 from 4-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 11 and under with a maximum of $35 for a family. The activity pass for the games is $10 a person with ages 3 and under free and a maximum of $35 for a family. The profits from the luau go to support Good Shepherd programs, especially youth programs and outreach. GS is located at 715 E. Carrell St. in Tomball. 

St. Martin's to Host Interfaith Service of Prayer on May 6
A variety of clergy and spiritual leaders will gather for a service of prayer and music to call our communities of faith together and pray for one another, our nation, and our nation’s leaders. A free will offering will benefit the Houston Food Bank, which feeds more than 137,000 individuals each week who are hungry or food insecure. Visit stmartinsepiscopal.org for more information.

Join St. Mary's, West Columbia, for Nash Prairie Tourist Day
On Sunday May 6th, from 1-5 p.m. the Nature Conservancy's Nash Prairie Preserve will be open to the public as part of West Columbia's, " BE a Tourist in Your Home Town". Learn more here.

Holy Comforter Spring to Celebrate 40th Anniversary
Holy Comforter, Spring is inviting everyone to attend the 40th Anniversary of the founding of their church on Sunday, May 6, at 10 a.m. There will be a lunch reception following. RSVP: 281.353.9169 by May 1. Click here for the invitation.

Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty to Hold Film Screening on May 8 in Austin
Watch one family’s journey to forgiveness and reconciliation following the murder of their loved one. After the screening, a discussion will be led by Ellen Halbert, the professional mediator who helped make this real-life mediation possible. Click here for more information.p>

Join the ECVA at the Artisan's Market, May 12 at Palmer, Houston
Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church will be hosting an Artisan's Market on Saturday May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be all types of selections to chose from including fiber art, original paintings, jewlery, homemade greeting cards, and wooden crosses. Click here to learn more.

Only 1 Month Left Until the Bishop’s Family Music Festival at Camp Allen, May 18-20
In addition to a weekend full of family activities, jam sessions, and a sneak peek of Camp Allen's new Lakeside Meeting Center, the Family Music festival will feature a Saturday evening performance by the Austin Lounge Lizards. As five-time award winners at the prestigious Austin Music Awards, their music has been featured on radio programs and film. To register or to learn more, visit campallen.org or call 936.825.7175. One night packages are now available!

Harry Ransom Center at UT-Austin Hosts King James Bible Exhibition
Four centuries after its first printing, the King James Bible (1611) remains one of the most influential books in the English language. The Harry Ransom Center, with the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford, presents the compelling story of how this translation came into being and its profound effect on our language and culture. Click here to learn 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. 

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. 

Need a Job? 
The Diocese of Texas' employment page has several new open positions including associate rector of St. David's, Austin.

Upcoming Events 

Bishop Suffragan Walkabout at Camp Allen - May 12

Bishop Suffragan Election - June 2

View more events on the diocesan calendar. 

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