NOVEMBER 2015 
No. 281


THE NEWSLETTER

The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northwest Texas

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!

Harvest Time 2015 by Steven Chapman
From Farm to Foto
   
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.
 
In This Issue
Quick Links
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Noteworthy News from Northwest Texas
San Miguel Flood Update
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Water Line - South Side of Church

Fr. Alberto Moreno and the congregation of San Miguel Arcangel continue to deal with the aftermath of flash flooding that took place during the week of October 22nd, which has left the church building and the parish house with water damage.

Deacon Nancy Igo, Diocesan Disaster Coordinator and Insurance Administrator, drove to Odessa with camera in hand to assess the damage and to assist the congregation with the cleanup and repair process. Approximately 12-15 inches of water covered the entire property during the flood, leaving water lines on buildings and debris in some of the areas around the buildings. The water seeped into all the buildings leaving water damage inside as well as out. 

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Water line on a large
potted plant.
Fr. Alberto and his family - his wife Malgorzata, and their two little girls - were moved from the parish house to a hotel until housing could be arranged for them with a parish family. At this time they are in the process of purchasing their first home in Odessa, one blessing that has come from this very unfortunate situation. 

Until repairs can be made to the church building itself, St. John's Episcopal Church in Odessa, has opened its doors to their neighbors in need and have offered their parish as a temporary home. San Miguel's congregation worships at 11:45am in the nave of St. John's - another blessing that has come from the flood.

Deacon Nancy and Fr. Alberto, with the assistance of Joe Alvarado, a close family friend and parish leader from San Miguel, will meet with a construction company this week to assess damage and obtain estimates for repairs to flooring and other areas of the buildings. Parishioners have begun the process by removing the damaged and stained carpeting so the sub-floors may be further assessed.
 
Cleanup and repair after a flood is
pulling_carpetnever as prompt one would hope, but with the financial help of a generous gift to the congregation, the love and care of parishioners, and the hard work and determination of a devoted congregation, no doubt San Miguel will emerge from the flood a stronger and more determined congregation. No doubt, amidst the debris and damage, blessings abound, for which Fr. Alberto and the San Miguel congregation are most grateful.

Anyone wishing to assist the Morenos or San Miguel may contact Deac
on Nancy Igo, the Diocesan Disaster Coordinator and Benefits Administrator, at [email protected], or by phone at (806) 763-1370, ext.5.

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TRANSITION 
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Two parishes in Northwest Texas continue their search process for the position of 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 [email protected], or by phone at (806) 763-1370 x3.  
A Special Statement from Bishop Mayer


In the wake of the violence in Paris this past weekend, several governors, including the governor of Texas, have stated they will not accept Syrian refugees into their states. While states do not have the authority to overrule the federal government on the admission of refugees, a principle established by more than one Supreme Court decision and by the Refugee Act of 1980, state officials may be able to make the work of refugee resettlement more difficult.
 
They may do this by refusing to allow state agencies to help non-profit, social service agencies and church groups who are doing the work of refugee relief and resettlement in our communities. As a result, people of faith who are working to help refugees fleeing from terrorism or in some way supporting that work may not only find their jobs made more difficult, but also find themselves alarmed or discouraged.
 
I write to encourage them to stay grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the promise of our Lord Jesus: "I am always with you."  I write also to reassure them that their work is well grounded not only in U.S. law but also in Holy Scripture:
 
Leviticus 19:34 The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Hebrews 13: 1 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Colossians 3:11 In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

Matthew 25: 35 I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

Romans 12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Ezekiel 16:49 This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.
 
Remember that we are followers of one who was himself a refugee. As we move into the Advent Season in the midst of this backlash against refugees, the story of how the infant Jesus, his mother Mary, and Joseph were forced to flee into Egypt to escape King Herod's terrorism takes on new power and poignancy. That holy baby survived because someone helped his refugee family.
 
Jesus calls us to stand with the powerless, to speak for the voiceless, to protect the vulnerable, to feed the hungry, to comfort the bereaved. I call upon all Episcopalians to remember this in this season.
 
Those who do the work of refugee relief and resettlement are doing the work of angels. Let us support their message of "Fear not, for you are not alone." It is a message not only for refugees - Americans need to hear it as well.
 
That is our work -- the work of letting welcome overcome fear, love overcome hatred. And we enter into that work empowered and strengthened by the inexhaustible love of God.
 
I urge Episcopalians to find ways to help the refugees in your community. Pray for them. And let your hands be the hands of Jesus. Let your smiles show the welcoming love of Jesus, your courage in the face of fear model the courage of Jesus, your quiet confidence that all will be well shine like that of Jesus.
 
For like Mary, like you and me, the refugees carry within themselves the image of God, a God waiting to be born again this Christmas.


To download or print Bishop Mayer's statement, please follow this link.

Upcoming Ordinations
To view, download, or copy the invitation, click the invitation image.
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Did you know...
...The Diocese of Northwest Texas has a new EfM Coordinator?

Richard Partney, a resident of Amarillo, has recently accepted the challenge as the new  Efm Coordinator for the diocese. The recent Diocesan Convention, where he manned a table with EfM information and materials, was his first appearance in his new role. He recently completed coordinator training at Sewanee, and is eager to get "the ball rolling.   

Richard accepted this responsibility because of a deeply ingrained dedication to learning and growth.  As a lifelong learner and educator, he is eager to get the word out to other seekers who wish to grow and develop their ministry.  He has a zeal to recruit, not just Episcopalians, but also those from outside the Church for serious participants in this thoroughly enjoyable community of learners. He seeks those who do not wish to check their brains at the door of the seminar, but are willing to share their "ah-ha" moments, and are willing to honor their neighbor's faith.  It is his plan to encourage EfM units in other churches and to begin an online class within the diocese. Richard has plans to visit each EfM unit, to seek out needs from the mentors and participants, and to visit with clergy who wish to consider EfM communities at their parish.

At this time Richard serves as the Liturgical Coordinator for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo; the Administrative Mentor at St. Andrew's, with Martha Russell as Co-Mentor; and is a third year EfM student himself. He started in EfM in 2007, but withdrew because of teaching responsibilities. Richard has 42 years in education, 18 years teaching and 24 years administration in both Texas and Arizona. At St. Andrew's Episcopal Church EfM has grown to two groups who meet in three settings in order to enable all 25 participants ample opportunities to listen and discuss in each week's seminar.  All total, there are 58 participants in the Diocese of NW Texas, with EfM communities in Abilene, Amarillo, Big Spring, Lubbock, and Midland.

The new curriculum brought forth by The University of the South School of Theology stresses learning more about the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and the Philosophy of Theology in a reflective manner. Textbooks are selected, not intended with in-depth studies in mind, but to guide learning that encourages reflection and appreciation of that year's focus. The textbook selections also serve as impetus for listening to the Spirit of God as it leads to a more lucid understanding of what each person's ministry entails as we serve God through our Church.

For more information about EfM, or the location of communities within the cities mentioned, please contact Richard at [email protected]. No doubt he will be thrilled to assist those who wish to expand their theological understanding of Christianity.
Church/World Wide News - Paris
The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs

[November 13, 2015] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry has released a video statement calling people to prayer in response to the violence in Paris, France.

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The Most Reverend Michael Curry has also addressed the Syrian refugee crisis in his statement, "Be not afraid!"

In his statement he remarked, "In times like this fear is real. And I share that fear with you.  Our instinct tells us to be afraid. The fight-or-flight mentality takes hold.  At the present moment, many across our Church and our world are grasped by fear in response to the terrorist attacks that unfolded in Paris last Friday. These fears are not unfounded. We can and should support law enforcement officials who are working hard and at great risk to protect us from crime and keep us safe.  And yet, especially when we feel legitimate fear, our faith reminds us "Be not afraid." The larger truth is that our ultimate security comes from God in Christ.

The article may be found on the Episcopal News Service website.
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Bishop Pierre Whalon, head of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, wrote an article featured on November 16th on the Anglican Communion News Service. In it he states, "Yes, Jesus did command us: "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." "Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you." (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27). Really?"

To read the full article entitled, In Paris, do we have to love our enemies?, follow the blue underlined link.

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On November 13th and 14th, our sister diocese, the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth, held their annual Diocesan Convention at the Botanic Garden Center of Ft. Worth. When the news of the terrorist attack was realized, the Rev. Robert Gross, Chaplain to the 2015 Convention, led those assembled in a moment of prayer. On Saturday, Rev. Gross led the group in a Litany for Peace, a prayer service written by the Rev. Jennifer Phillips, of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Click on the blue underlined text to view or download a copy of the Litany.

 
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As we attempt to process the events of the Friday the 13th terrorist attacks in Paris, let us recall the words attributed to St. Francis, and hold them in our hearts:

Lord, make us instruments of peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.
#AdventWord
Participate in the Anglican Communion's Global Advent Calendar this year! Live into the season of Advent as we anticipate the coming of Christ, the fulfillment of our deepest desires and longings.

With #AdventWord we may respond to a daily meditation with images and prayers that speak to our hearts and be part of a global Advent Calendar that brings us together in communion.

For more information, follow this link.

Find Advent Word on Twitter - @AdventWord
Find Advent Word on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AdventWordOrg/
 
We Stand with France
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The Paris Peace Sign

A unifying symbol drawn after the attacks on November 13th, by Parisian graphic artist Jean Jullien.
Seminary Updates
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Black History Month 2016 at Southwest
Feb 3, 2016 - Feb 25, 2016

"Moving Forward: Race in the New Millennium"

Week 1 - Opening keynote and discussion with Heidi J. Kim, Missioner for Racial Reconciliation, The Episcopal Church, Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in Weeks Center.

Week 2 - Book Discussion led by Academic Dean Scott Bader-Saye on Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace and Healing, by Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice, Monday, February 8 at 4:00 p.m. Community Hour in Maddux Lounge. (Order your book from this link on Amazon and the seminary will receive 6% back on the purchase.)

Week 3 - African American Arts and Culture event, Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Weeks Center.

Week 4 - Celebration Eucharist with Southwest alumna,  the Rev. Freda Marie Brown, Director of St. Vincent's House, Galveston, Thursday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m. Reception to follow.

Sewanee Banner

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Healing and wellness ministries are central in the ministry of Christ and of the Church. Living Compass helps congregations offer ministries of wholeness and wellness to their members, as well as to people in their surrounding communities.

Wellness ministries are an ideal way to enhance congregational vitality. Grounded in Scripture and the tradition of the Church, Living Compass Faith & Wellness Ministries provide resources, education, training, and support to individuals, families, and congregations as they seek to enhance vitality and to live into the abundant life God intends for them.

Join us at this Living Compass training at the  Sewanee Inn in Sewanee, Tenn. Feb. 2-4, 2016, to learn and plan how to use Living Compass materials in your ministry location. In this Certified Congregational Wellness Advocate (CWA) training, you will learn how to enhance your congregation's vitality by beginning or expanding a wellness ministry in your church. Certification requires completion of this training plus leading two Living Compass programs within one year of having completed the training.

The Living Compass team will help you develop skills to facilitate small wellness groups and lead wellness classes in your congregation and your community on a breadth of topics including adult, parent, and teen wellness.

The training will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 and will conclude at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.

For more news and information from Sewanee visit the Seminary website.

Please click the graphic below to view this month's edition of Theology Monthly:

Sewanee Theol Monthly  
Diocesan Events Calendar
NOVEMBER

16-18      Province VII Bishops' Conference, Albuquerque
19-24      Bishop in NW Texas
22          Visitation, St. John the Baptist, Clarendon
26-27     HEC CLOSED for Thanksgiving holiday
30-12/6   Bishop in NW Texas

DECEMBER
 
2            NWT Trustees, HEC, Lubbock, 10:00am 
4-6         School of Ordained Ministry, St. Paul's, Lubbock
6            Visitation, St. Nicholas', Midland
7-10        Bishop in Ft. Worth 
7-9          Fresh Start Retreat, Christ the King Retreat Center, San Angelo
11-13       Bishop in NW Texas
12           Ordination of Transitional Deacons, Church of the Heavenly Rest, Abliene
              10:30am 
13           Visitation, Emmanuel, San Angelo
23           HEC Closes at noon for the Christmas Holiday
23-Jan 3  HEC CLOSED - Have a Merry Christmas
 
 
 
(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

Contact Info Stylized shield     

 

Newsletter Editor

Deacon Nancy Igo
Director of Communications and Human Resources

Diocese of Northwest Texas  

[email protected] 

(806) 763-1370  x. 5