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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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Barn Owl by Steven Chapman of Lorenzo, TX
As depicted in the pectoral cross of Bishop J. Scott Mayer, the stars, moon, and sun are representative of the beauty one may find in this region of Texas. 
The landscape, covering 77,000 square miles is as diverse as the cities and people, with the canyons and rangelands of the Staked Plains; agricultural fields abounding; and the rough and ready country of the Rolling Plains and Permian Basin. The people here are known for their warm and friendly smiles, making one feel like an old and trusted friend.
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 Noteworthy News from Northwest Texas |
On Sunday, February 15th, 2015, a Burial Service was held for the Reverend Harland Bryan "Steve" Birdwell at Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Big Spring, Tx. He died on Thursday, February 5th, in Big Spring after a long and fruitful life.
A retired Episcopal priest, accomplished jazz trumpet player and lover of all animals, Fr. Steve spent a lifetime serving God's people in Colorado City, Texas, Sweetwater, Texas; Big Spring, Texas; Roswell, New Mexico; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Albany, Texas and Abilene, Texas. He also served as the Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande.
Fr. Steve is the father of Cynthia Marshall and father-in-law of Deacon John Marshall who serves at St. Mary's, Big Spring.
The family suggests memorials to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1001 S. Goliad St., Big Spring, Texas, 79720, or to the humane society of your choice.
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 The diocese also mourns the death of Deacon Don Webb. Deacon Don died Monday, February 16, 2015, in Abilene, TX. Deacon Don was ordained in 1999 at Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene during Diocesan Convention. He has served the diocese faithfully at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Colorado City, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Albany. He also served for six years at Holy Trinity in the Diocese of Ft. Worth. An article about Deacon Don was published in the Diocesan Newsletter in February of 2012. You may view the article by following this link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs022/1103295952624/archive/1109301069156.htmlA Service of Burial will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 2:00pm at The Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene. His obituary may be view by following this link.
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May their souls, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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LENT
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Lent is "a journey that is about enlightenment if we're willing
to think about it that way."
[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release]
 "That cross that comes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is a reminder of the cross that's put there at Baptism," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said in her Lent Message 2015.
Lent is a season of Christian reflection that begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and concludes on Easter (April 5).
The Presiding Bishop also noted Lent is "a journey that is about enlightenment if we're willing to think about it that way."
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SSJE - Time
 The Society of St. John the Evangelist's Lenten video series and workbook is available at ssje.org/time. The series asks people to think about how they relate to "time" in their life and begins Ash Wednesday through Palm Sunday. In a series of short, daily videos over five weeks, the Brothers of SSJE invite us to recapture time as a gift. Join the Brothers daily as they wrestle with questions of time and discover how to experience the joy of the present moment. Follow @ssjeTime on Twitter or Instagram to participate and use #SSJETime to share your thoughts to the daily video offerings.
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Lent Madness
Founded in 2010, Lent Madness pits thirty-two saints in the "holy smackdown" for the prize, and we decide the winner of the Golden Halo. It's a fun and engaging way to learn about the men and women on the Church's Calendar of Saints during Lent. According to the Lent Madness website, the format is straightforward: thirty-two saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. Sixteen saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. "As Lent Madness continues to grow and evolve, what won't change is the essence of Lent Madness: allowing people to get to know some amazing people who have come before us in the faith and reminding one another that there's no reason for a dreary Lenten discipline. If this helps people connect with the risen Christ during this season of penitence and renewal, and have a bit of fun in the process, then it continues to be worthwhile." You may find more information, as well as the Lent Madness bracket on their website or by following their Facebook page.
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Conference Opportunity
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 | | Dan Webster Talks About BFNT |
Buildings for a New Tomorrow
April 13-15
in Raleigh, North Carolina
Don't delay, register today by following this link:
http://www.ecbf.org/bfnt/
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Spotlight on Ministries - Daughters of the King
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 You're invited... to spend some quiet time with our Lord.
Quiet Day (Hosted by St. Brigit's Chapter, Order of the Daughters of the King, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lubbock) The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Holder - Canterbury Chaplain will lead the retreat. Saturday,February 21st Hulsey Episcopal Center,1802 Broadway, Lubbock Registration will begin at 9:30a.m. Program 10:00a.m.--3:00p.m. Boxed lunch provided for registered participants ($10.00 donation requested for lunch) For more information or to reserve a place for you to reflect and meditate, call or text AnnaMarie Wanasek, 806-470-0517 or email her at amwanasek@sbcglobal.net. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! ++++++++++++  Daughters of the King Diocesan Assembly Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 2807-42nd St., Lubbock, TX Brenda Amos, Province VII DOK President will be a special guest.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist will be held at 10:00 a.m.
The Rev. Edson Way, Celebrant
Lunch will be provided.
To be discussed: Election of officers for next triennium; and grant requests for worthy outreach ministries from NWT chapters should be submitted for consideration.
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A Humorous Thought
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by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham
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Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Posts
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God, Jesus, the Bible and Change 
by Jeremiah Sierra on February 16, 2015
When I was in the sixth grade or so, I read through the entire Bible chapter by chapter. I especially remember reading the Gospels and finding Matthew, Mark, and Luke difficult. In those Gospels, Jesus was a little more enigmatic, a little harder to grasp. I loved John, however. John confirmed my beliefs and comforted me.
Now, a few decades later, I am writing a series of reflections for Forward Movement, which requires me to read many passages from the Gospel of John again. I've found the task more difficult than I expected. I miss the elliptical storytelling and the ambiguity of Mark and Matthew and Luke. John's Jesus challenges me. His pronouncements about heaven and the bread of life now trouble me more than they comfort me. I can't say that I'm enjoying it all that much.
The Scriptures, as we all know, contain a multitude of voices and surprises. Not only are the lessons found in the Bible varied, but what we take from them will change as we change. Something that once reassured us can later shake our understanding.
In this way, my relationship with God, with Scripture, and with Jesus is like any other relationship: It changes over time.
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Health Notes
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February is American Heart Month 
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? February is American Heart Month and is dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease and increasing your knowledge about prevention. Each year on the first Friday in February, thousands of hospitals, small businesses, multinational corporations, news broadcasters, schools, individuals and even landmarks "Go Red" to help raise crucial awareness and significant funds in the fight against heart disease.
Start changing your life NOW by checking out the American Heart Association website for more information about diet, exercise, and other methods of prevention. You will find abundant resources concerning Getting Healthy, Conditions, Healthcare/Research, Caregiver information, Educator information, CPR & ECC, or shop for items related to heart health.
If you or someone you love is affected by heart disease, start making changes this month, and be more heart healthy in your lifestyle and your choices. It's never too late to be heart healthy!
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Seminary Updates
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Seminary of the Southwest - Austin
Save the Date - Central Texas Colloquium on Religion Research Conference: February 21, 2015
- Southwest Showdown Barbeque: March 7, 2015
- Harvey Lecture: March 23, 2015 featuring Bishop James Tengatenga
- Commencement: May 12, 2015. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde preaching
- Southwest at General Convention: June 23 - July 3, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah
- Nuevos Horizontes: August 10 - 12, 2015. Theme of the conference is "ConeXiones: Ministering to U.S. Multi-Generational Latinos"
Details on these and other special events in 2015.
 University of the South at Sewanee - School of Theology The Beecken Center Spring 2015 Conference Reimagining Mission: Building a Stronger Church, One Circle at a Time, April 8-10, will focus on reimagining faith, mission, and ministry through the use of innovative, small-group programs for congregations and communities. The Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner, founder of Living Compass, and coach and educator Dr. Frances Baldwin will deliver keynote addresses. Participants will immerse in the programs offered by The Beecken Center and its partners, including Education for Ministry (EfM), VocationCARE, SUMMA, Living in the Green, The Essential Practices of Christian Disciples, Living Compass®, and Godly Play®. Register here. Please click the graphic below to view this month's edition of Theology Monthly:
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Diocesan Events Calendar
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FEBRUARY
18 ASH WEDNESDAY
19 DNWT Trustee Meeting, HEC, 10:00am
20-22 Middle School Youth Event, Odessa 21 Daughters of the King Quiet Day, 9:30am - 3:00pm, HEC, Lubbock (see article above) 22 Visitation, St. Mark's, AbileneMARCH5 Executive Council, 10:00am - 2:00pm, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1101 Slide Rd., Lubbock, TX 6-8 School of Ministry, HEC, Lubbock 8 Visitation, St. Paul's, Lubbock
12-17 House of Bishops, Kanuga Camp and Conference Center, Hendersonville, N.C.
13 Commission on Ministry, 10:30am, HEC, Lubbock
(Items in purple indicate Bishop Mayer's presence.)
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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
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