|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Autumn's Glory
Photographer Unknown
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diocesan Convention Wrap-Up ~ "GO!"
| The 57th Annual Diocesan Convention is over, but fond memories of those who have retired, and the inspiration from the wonderful presentations and addresses will live on. The theme of this year's Convention was Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Diocesan Convention opened with a lovely Evensong and reception at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Lubbock. St. Stephen's served as the host parish for this year's events. Friends and delegates gathered in the candlelit nave for a time of prayer, singing, and reflection as the setting sun streamed in through the west windows of the nave.
Following the service a reception of hors d'oeuvres and wine was held in the parish hall. The noisy gathering could be likened to a family reunion as diocesan friends greeted one another with hugs and laughter.
The Convention convened on Friday morning at the Overton Hotel. Following opening remarks, Bishop Scott Mayer's Convention Address echoed the Convention theme by quoting the Presiding Bishop-Elect, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, in his sermons from the 2012 General Convention and the 2015 General Convention. As Bishop Mayer stated, "We are part of a movement - the Jesus Movement. And our context calls for a new interior posture - a shift from "come and see" to "Go!" Go! Make Disciples." The term Jesus Movement has become a cornerstone of Bishop Curry's vision for the Church, in which he urges us to become "crazy Christians" in order to change this world we live in. As Bishop Curry says, "this brother (Jesus) didn't come into this world to leave it the way he found it. He came to change it. The final statement of his address restated, "Go! Make disciples. Change the world.' I think we are about to be in for a ride: the Jesus Movement. Who knows, we may restore some words to our lexicon, words like 'evangelism,' and 'discipleship' - maybe even 'saved.' Now, to paraphrase Bishop Curry - and Jesus of Nazareth - "Let's Go!"
As a means of encouraging the delegates at Convention, the guest speaker, The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle, Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, spoke about a concept in his recently published book entitled Church: A Generous Community Amplified for the Future. As Bishop Doyle tweeted on Twitter, "The Church changes because that is the only way to preserve itself. A paradox indeed. Change is the only constant." The Convention was shown a wonderful presentation about the concept of "amplified Church" in which the delegates were encouraged to think"outside the box" by taking worship and mission into society rather than remaining confined to the four walls of our church buildings. In fact, Bishop Doyle went so far as to say parishes who refuse to extend worship and ministry to the world around them will die. Church as we have come to know it throughout the more recent centuries is not the way Christianity has functioned since the time of Christ. It is a more recent creation, however, as society changes we must be able to change with it in order to continue advancing the Kingdom of God. He described congregations sprouting up in bars, reading clubs, and even yoga classes. Yes! Yoga classes! He stated he has given permission for the first yoga Eucharist in the Diocese of Texas. His presentation inspired the crowd and left everyone with a feeling of infectious enthusiasm.
 The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle - Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas
In other business:
- Three people were honored for their service to the diocese as they retire. The Rev. Edson Way, of St. Christopher's, Lubbock, retired last spring; Carolyn Hearn, who retires effective January 1; and the Rev. Jo Roberts Craig, of St. Andrew's, Amarillo, who will retire at the end of May 2016.
- Elections were held in which the following persons were elected to office:
NW Texas Episcopal Board of Trustees to 2020: Mr. Frank Deaderick. Executive Council to 2018 (Clergy): The Rev. Jennifer Holder. Standing Committee to 2018 (Lay): Jane M. Wolf, St. Nicholas, Midland
Standing Committee to 2018 (Clergy): The Rev. Claire Cowden, St. Andrew's, Amarillo
Executive Council to 2018 (Lay): Yvonne Batts, Heavenly Rest, Abilene  L to R - The Rev. Claire Cowden, Yvonne Batts, and Jane Wolf - The $1.19 million 2016 Budget was presented and discussed by the Rev. Canon Michael Ehmer, standing in for the Diocesan Treasurer Carroll Holley. It was unanimously accepted.
- Special guests in attendance were the entire staff of the Diocese of Ft. Worth; Ms. Tara Holley, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement at Seminary of the Southwest; and Bronwyn Clark Skov, Missioner for Youth Ministries for The Episcopal Church.
- Reports were presented by the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Renee Haney; the General Convention deputation, led by Chair of the Deputation, Jackie Batjer; Canterbury Campus Ministry at Texas Tech by President Sam Pixley, and the Rev. Chaplain Jennifer Holder; and the Rev. Robert Pace for University of the South.
Following the day's business, our Bishops from Northwest Texas, the Rt. Rev. Sam Hulsey, the Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl, and the Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer spoke about their memories and experiences serving the diocese with Carolyn Hearn, the retiring Bishops' Executive Secretary. Carolyn served during the episcopacies of four of our five Bishops. The crowd laughed with them as they recounted funny stories, as well as recollections of many years with Carolyn at their sides. Afterward, Carolyn addressed the Convention, giving thanks to the many friends she has made during her thirty-seven years with the diocese. A beautiful gift was presented to Carolyn in the form of an exquisite silver decorative bowl with brass stem and leaf trim. A memory book created by diocesan Communications Director Nancy Igo was also presented as a gift from the diocese and the staff. Finally, Carolyn received a monetary gift for her retirement from a special collection given by her many friends in the diocese and beyond.
The day closed with a social hour and a dinner dance, during which a slideshow of photos from both Carolyn's life and times with the diocese flashed on two large screens in the corners of the room. Dance music was provided by the band Element, with fun times and dancing continuing to 10:30pm. A photo booth located in the back corner of the room provided special fun for the crowd as they posed for silly photos with their friends.
Bishop Scott Mayer and his wife, Kathy.
The Convention Eucharist was held on Saturday morning, October 17th, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. It kicked off with a light breakfast in the parish hall. The cruciform nave was packed for the closing service.
Following the service the business portion of the Convention resumed as the Rev. Edson Way, the Rev. Mary Glover, and the Venerable Chris Wrampelmeier read courtesy resolutions. The three clergy have written courtesy resolutions for a number of years, delighting the Convention with their wit and humor as they bestow thanks on those who have contributed to the diocese through their service and ministry. This year's resolutions were especially witty, leaving the congregation laughing in the pews. The reading of the resolutions is tradtionally a favorite ending to the Convention.
Afterward the retired Bishops of NW Texas - the Rt. Rev. Sam Hulsey, and the Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl; the retired Canons to the Ordinary - the Rev. Canon William Nix, the Rev. Canon David Veal; and the current Canon the Ordinary, the Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer joined Bishop Mayer at the chancel rail to lay hands on Carolyn Hearn and pray a special blessing as she begins her retirement.
Most would agree that this year's Convention was both uplifting and inspirational, and left Convention attendees feeling charged and ready to answer Bishop Mayer's Charge to "GO! Make disciples!"
Links to the Convention photos, Bishop Mayer's Convention Address and Sermon, and Convention Courtesy Resolutions are listed below. Click the blue underlined link to be redirected.
|
 Noteworthy News from Northwest Texas |
 Many of us in Northwest Texas were affected by the torrential rainfall we received last week, some more so than others. One of the missions greatly affected by flooding rains last week is our Hispanic mission, San Miguel Arcangel in Odessa. Water from the flooded streets reached the church building, flooding both the nave and the small rectory next door. Water has caused warping of the sub-flooring and the tile in the church building, water staining on the bases of the pews, and the complete saturation of and damage to the carpeting in the rectory. Additionally, Fr. Alberto Moreno and his family have been displaced by the wet environment in their home. They have taken temporary residence in the office of the church, where they are in close proximity to their belongings, and to their kitchen and bathing facilities.
It is doubtful that insurance will cover much, if any, of the damage since it is due to flooding. At this time temporary relocation possibilities are being explored while repairs and cleaning take place in both the rectory and the church building.
Please keep San Miguel, Fr. Alberto, and his precious family in your prayers as they determine the best course of action during this crisis in the life of the congregation.
Anyone wishing to assist the Morenos or San Miguel may contact Deacon Nancy Igo, the diocesan Benefits Administrator, at nigo@nwtdiocese.org, or by phone at (806) 763-1370, ext.5.
++++++++++++
TRANSITION
Two parishes in Northwest Texas continue their search process for the position of full time rector:
1. St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Lubbock
2. St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church in Big Spring
Parish profiles are available on the parish websites. Follow the blue underlined links above to be redirected.
Anyone interested in submitting a name for either search should contact the diocesan Transition Minister, Canon Mike Ehmer at mehmer@nwtdiocese.org, or by phone at (806) 763-1370 x3.
|
|
Did you know...
|
Helping others helps us live longer? 
Have you ever rushed to help someone only to notice that, not only did it make them feel good, but it also made you feel good, too? In an article that appeared recently in Home Upgrades and Lifestyles entitled " How Doing For Others Affects Your Health," author Mimi Greenwood Knight described that good feeling as the "Giver's Glow" or the "Helper's High." As she stated, it has to do with the flood of feel-good chemicals released into our blood system when we do something good for others. Our immune systems perk up. Our hearts beat healthier, stress levels drop, and our mood lifts. She stated that some researchers believe doing things for others can add years to our lives. The article stated that Dr. Stephenie Brown, Ph.D., associate professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook University in New York is one of those researchers. Dr. Brown stated, "We consistently find that volunteering and helping others is associated with a reduced risk of mortality." In one study in Detroit, 423 couples over the age of 65 were asked if they helped anyone other than their spouse in the previous year. Following them over the next 5 years it was found that those who did help others were twice as likely to be alive. When we reach out to help a complete stranger, it involves a certain level of risk and feelings of vulnerability. To overcome that feeling our bodies release a chemical called oxytocin, known as the compassion hormone, which helps to combat those feelings of stress. It actually helps reduce the stress hormones like cortisol, and increases healthy hormones, which may be one reason why helpers live longer. Even thinking about helping others is beneficial. It causes a specific area of the brain to light up, and causes our bodies to release "feel-good" hormones like dopamine and seratonin. In one study people who worked in a soup kitchen for a couple of hours reported feeling an elevation in mood, a feeling of tranquility and peacefulness, and an increased feeling of trust. Stephen G. Post, Ph.D., author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping, said oxytocin can actually "help cells repair themselves, store nutrients, and grow." Even watching a video of Mother Teresa helping others causes a rise in immunoglobulin A, which helps improve immune levels in our bodies. By reducing the cortisol, or stress hormone levels in our bodies, we also help our hearts. Cortisol is not only detrimental to the cardiovascular system, but it also promotes brain atrophy associated with dementia. In short, helping others helps us as well. Mimi Greenwood Knight left readers with a web address, DaretobeanAngel.com, which offers a list of websites to get us started. Another great place to start is with your parish, or the deacon in your parish for suggestions of ministries to get you started.
|
|
Church Wide News
|  Previous press release from Episcopal News Service
"The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, will occur on Sunday, November 1 at noon Eastern at Washington National Cathedral.
"The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, was elected and confirmed as the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church at the 78th General Convention on June 27. According to the Canons of The Episcopal Church, he becomes Presiding Bishop on November 1. Bishop Curry is the first African-American to be elected Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.
|
|
Seminary Updates
|
Soul Repair After Moral Injury: Coming Out of the Shadows
Led by an interfaith group of volunteers with particular interest in supporting veterans, the upcoming moral injury educational conference at Seminary of the Southwest is intended to promote awareness of moral injury and to facilitate a conversation with veterans, service providers and individuals around treatment dealing with the consequences of war or other traumatic events.
Soul Repair After Moral Injury: Coming Out of the Shadows
November 12 - 13, 2015
General registration fee: $50
Continuing education registration fee: $100
Seminary of the Southwest
501 E. 32nd Street
Austin, TX 78705
Special thanks go to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas' Strategic Ministry Grant Committee for the gift supporting this event.
It's Time to Come & See Sewanee
If you know someone in the discernment process as a postulant or who is exploring their faith and ministry as a lay leader, a visit to Sewanee during the School's annual Come & See visitation weekend Feb 18-20, 2016, is for them. Student-organized and student-led, Come & See will provide them with a glimpse of Sewanee's community life, academic sessions, and theological formation. Once on the Mountain for Come & See, all of their expenses-food and campus lodging-are covered by the School of Theology. Information may be found on the website and via email to the admissions office.
Please click the graphic below to view this month's edition of Theology Monthly:
|
|
Diocesan Events Calendar
|
30-31 Bishop in Washington D.C.
1 Fall Back - Change your clocks!
1 Bishop in Washington D.C.
6-10 Bishop in Northwest Texas
6-8 School of Ordained Ministry, St. Paul's, Lubbock 8 Visitation, St. James', Dalhart
10 Bishop in NW Texas
11-15 Bishop in Ft. Worth
13-14 Diocese of Ft. Worth Convention, Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens
16-18 Province VII Bishops' Conference, Albuquerque
19-24 Bishop in NW Texas
22 Visitation, St. John the Baptist, Clarendon
26-29 HEC CLOSED for Thanksgiving holiday
30-12/6 Bishop in NW Texas
(Items in purple indicate Bishop Mayer's presence.)
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
