Diolog E-News: Sharing Faith is Major Success, Teens Host Special Needs Prom, Youth Convergence and More News

Sharing Faith is Major Success

Across the Diocese of Texas on April 26, Episcopalians gathered to share a meal and their faith stories, and in the process, many found new insights from their church community. The event took place at 250 venues with more than 1300 participants. Click above to read more.

To Sharing Faith Participants:
Thanks again to all of you for coordinating, hosting, moderating and sharing. This email is the diocese's weekly e-newsletter, Diolog e-news. Its an award-winning publication, and we'd love for you to continue to receive news from around the diocese. Click here if you'd like to continue to receive the Diolog e-news. Thanks! - EDOT Communications Staff

Want to Sing for the Astros?
The Diocese needs a person, choir, or group to volunteer to sing the National Anthem at Minute Maid Park on Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, September 14. If you would like to sing for the Astros or you know someone with a great voice, email Luke Blount at or call 713.206.1950. We'll give you the details on how to apply. Hurry! We don't have much time choose a person or group.

EDOT Gallery Opens New Exhbition with Caroline Ratliff
Ascension, Houston, parishioner Caroline Ratliff's series "I look to the Hills" is on display at the Diocesan Center from now through June 29. Click here to see an invitation to the artist's reception on Thursday, May 17 from 5-7 p.m.

Emergent Conversations: Building Diverse Communities is May 4-5
Palmer, Houston, is hosting Eric Law and the Emergent Conversations Conference this weekend. Click here to learn more.

Join St. Stephen's, Houston, for a Free Classical Guitar Concert, May 26
Juan Carlos Aguilar and Bruce Brogdon will be in concert at the Havens Center, 1827 West Alabama, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on May 26. Come for an evening of classical guitar, tapas, and wine. Click here for more details.

Reminder to Churches about Whitsunday
Please remember that Canon 14.2 provides that the congregations of the Diocese are to take up a collection for the Episcopal Endowment Fund on Whitsunday. (Whitsunday is Pentecost Sunday and falls on May 27.) Remittances from this collection may be forwarded to the Church Corporation, Attn: Nancy Lennard at the Diocesan Center. The funds will be added to the Episcopal Endowment Fund to support the Episcopate and the names of participating churches published in the Journal.

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.

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.

Are You Coming to 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!

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.

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.

JoAnne Benitez Enters Hospice
Joanne Benitez, wife of the Rt. Rev. Maruice M. Benitez (ret) has entered hospice care in Austin. Please keep the Benitez family in your prayers.

Need a Job?
The Diocese of Texas' employment page has several new open positions including our search for a new outreach coordinator (now called director of common mission).

Upcoming Events

Powerfull Tools for Caregivers, First Class - May 7

The Rt. Rev. Sam Hulsey Lecture on Jung - May 8

Southwest Seminary Commencement - May 8

Bishop Suffragan Walkabout at Camp Allen - May 12

Bishop Suffragan Election - June 2

View more events on the diocesan calendar.

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