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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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Photo by Steven Chapman, 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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Breaking News
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Bishop Mayer's Response on the Primates Meeting
As you probably have heard, a majority of the 38 primates of the Anglican Communion meeting in Canterbury, England, asked that the Episcopal Church, for a period of three years, "no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity."
What does this mean?
As things stand now, it appears to mean that two people who represent The Episcopal Church on ecumenical and interfaith bodies will attend but not take part in "decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity" for a period of three years.
According to the Episcopal News Service, those two people are the Rev. Katherine Grieb, who is a member of the Inter-Anglican Standing Committee on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO), and the Rev. Amy E. Richter, who is listed as serving on the recently reconstituted Anglican-Reformed Dialogue. How the decision of the primates will affect their membership on these two committees remains unclear.
What is clear is that our membership in the Anglican Communion remains intact, and The Episcopal Church remains the Anglican presence in our part of North America.
Moreover, this action will not affect the ongoing relational work of dioceses and congregations carrying out Gospel imperatives with our communion
partners.
We certainly take seriously these consequences to the action of The Episcopal Church related to including all the baptized in all the sacraments. We can't be surprised when actions we perceive as prophetic have costs. We remain convinced that it is possible to do the work of love as we see it while living in communion with those who disagree with our actions. Unity does not mean uniformity.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is absolutely right - "We are part of the Jesus Movement, and the cause of God's love in this world can never stop and will never be defeated."
The Holy Spirit is, as ever, on the move. For more than 40 years on issues of human sexuality, The Episcopal Church has worked to respond faithfully to the work of the Spirit in the context of where we live and move and have our being. We will continue to do so.
All will be well.
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Noteworthy News from Northwest Texas |
SAVE THE DATES!
April 11-14, 2016 - Presbyter's Conference, Christ the King Catholic Retreat Center, San Angelo
November 17-19, 2016 - Annual Diocesan Convention in Lubbock
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Two priests currently serving in our diocese will be instituted in their respective parishes by the Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer, in the next few weeks. On Wednesday, January 27th, 2016, the Rev. Jared Houze will be instituted as the Vicar of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sweetwater, and All Saints' Episcopal Church in Colorado City. The service will take place at 6:00pm at St. Stephen's, located at 502 Locust, in Sweetwater.
Likewise, the Rev. David Galletly will be instituted by Bishop Mayer as the Rector of Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, in Midland, on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016. A light supper will precede the service at 5:30pm in the Parish Hall. The service will begin at 7:00pm in the nave. Holy Trinity is located at 1412 W. Illinois, in Midland.
Clergy attending the institutions will vest in cassock and surplice with white stoles. All are welcome to attend as the churches officially welcome and institute their new clergy. Please keep Fr. Jared, Fr. David, Bishop Mayer, and their congregations in your prayers on this special occasion.
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 Dave Blakley and Mildred Rugger, both students from the Northwest Texas School of Ordained Ministry, will be ordained to the vocational diaconate on Saturday, January 23rd, 2016. The service will take place at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, located at 1601 S. Georgia, in Amarillo, at 10:30am. Clergy in attendance will vest in cassock and surplice with red stoles.
Dave Blakley was sponsored by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo, and Mildred Rugger was sponsored by St. George's Episcopal Church in Canyon.
How blessed we are in Northwest Texas to have such outstanding clergy to lead in our parishes and missions! Please consider attending these lovely events in the lives of the congregations from St. Stephen's, Holy Trinity, St. Andrew's, and St. George's.
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Insurance Changes for the Diocese
In November of 2015, the diocesan office received notice from Ameritas, our dental provider, that yet another premium increase would take place for 2016. In the spirit of being good stewards of both diocesan funds and our  participants' money, the diocese underwent a re-bid process for new dental insurance in December. Three companies, as well as Ameritas, were willing to presents bids for our business for the 2016-2017 contract year. One company, however, presented a bid that stood out as the best offer.
The Insurance Committee consisting of our Diocesan Treasurer, Carrol Holley; our Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Mike Ehmer; Diocesan Finance Manager, Anna Mora; and the Diocesan Insurance Administrator, Deacon Nancy Igo, selected Dental Select Premium as our new dental insurance carrier. Dental Select offers the same coverage at the same levels as did Ameritas, but with lower prices. Dental Select is rated in the 90th UCR percentile for usual, reasonable, and customary charges, and are one of the most widely used dental insurance carriers. We anticipate the completion of the enrollment process by March 1st.
The diocese has also changed property, casualty, and Worker's Compensation insurance providers as of January 1st, from Guide One to Church Insurance of Vermont. The diocesan Insurance Committee typically conducts a re-bid process for this type of insurance every three years as a means of being good stewards of diocesan funds. Although the diocese was not unhappy with the service provided by Guide One, this year's process brought reduced prices and the addition of flood insurance for the diocesan properties as presented by Church Insurance. This change will not affect the individual parishes, but simply the diocesan and mission properties. Deacon Igo is currently conducting a property insurance audit of all diocesan properties and parishes in an effort to make sure all properties and parishes are properly insured. All locations are supplying Deacon Igo with a copy of their current property insurance certificate for diocesan records. If parish administrators or parish leaders have any questions about these changes, please contact our Benefits and Insurance Administrator, Deacon Nancy Igo, at nigo@nwtdiocese.org, or by phone at (806) 763-1370 ext. 5.
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YOUTH EVENT
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It's not too late to register for the upcoming youth retreat!
Questions? Please contact Renee Haney at 806-445-3667. Follow this link to download forms.
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EfM in Northwest Texas by Richard Partney, EfM Director for NWT
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Every baptized person is called to ministry.
The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. During the Service of Confirmation we ask God to "Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them." EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.
What is EfM?
The EfM program is preparation of the laity for the ministry to which we all are called. It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the Eucharist: "And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."
History
Begun in 1975 as "Theological Education by Extension," the program was intended to offer a resource to laity in some of the 28 owning dioceses of the School of Theology at Sewanee (of which the Diocese of Northwest Texas is one). EfM has since expanded across the Episcopal church and internationally, as described the Beecken Center's History of EfM.
Format
The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor who meet weekly over the course of a nine-month academic year. These meetings are usually from two and a half to three hours in length.
Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom. Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity to deepen understanding of the reading materials.
More important is the development of skills in theological reflection. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can learn what it means to be effective ministers in the world. The seminar is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship. EfM groups are encouraged to develop a pattern of worship appropriate to their situations.
EfM in the Diocese of Northwest Texas
Currently, the Diocese of Northwest Texas has several active EfM groups, a new one forming, and numerous alumni.
Groups Currently Meeting: - Abilene - Heavenly Rest, John Watson, Administrative Mentor
- Amarillo - St. Andrew's, Martha Russell, Co-Mentor, Richard Partney, Administrative Mentor
- Big Springs - St. Mary the Virgin's, Mrs. Patti Nabor, Ms. Lyndel Moody, Co- Mentors
- Lubbock - St. Stephen's, Rev. David Perdue, Administrative Mentor
- Midland - First Presbyterian, Helen Joliffe, Administrative Mentor
Groups in the Process of Forming - Emmanuel, San Angelo - If you're interested in joining this group, contact Nancy Hemphill, nanhemp@hotmail.com.
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Conference Opportunity
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 Register today for the 2016 Church Leadership Conference!
February 19-21, 2016 at Kanuga Conference Center
Hendersonville, NC
The ECF-Kanuga Church Leadership Conference brings together vestries and other church leaders for learning, reflection, and formation. It's a time and space for vestries to ask the big questions facing their congregations, featuring outstanding speakers and workshop leaders presenting ideas and resources, not only to inspire, but also for practical tools in ministry. This conference offers a retreat format designed to help vestries come together and discern what God is calling them to do in their mission and ministry.
Workshops schedule now available! Click here to view the full workshop schedule for this conference. Highlights include Vestry Orientation, Basics of Parish Finances, Leading Vital Teams, Setting Up a Planned Giving Program, Strategic Planning for Congregations, and First Steps in Leading Change. All workshops are focused on offering practical tools and resources for congregations.
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Interfaith Event
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SAVE THE DATE!
REGIONAL INTERFAITH CONFERENCE
An Opportunity for Interreligious Experiences
Opening Keynote 
Executive Director of NETWORK, Washington, D.C.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
3201 S. Loop 289
Pre-registration fee $25; lunch provided
For more information contact Lubbock Interfaith Association at 806.792.9060
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Holy "Folk"
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Martin Luther King Jr. at a freedom rally - Washington Temple Church,1962.
World Telegram Sun photo by O. Fernandez
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Leader and Martyr, 1968
Martin Luther King is celebrated in the Episcopal Church, however, the day the Church celebrates this amazing man is April 4th, the day he died, with January 15th designated as an alternate celebration day. King related that he heard the Lord speaking to him and saying, "Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness, stand up for justice," and promising to never leave him alone - "No, never alone." He spoke at Washington National Cathedral just days before me made his famous speech, stating he knew that one day he and his people would be "free at last."
On April 3, 1968, the day before he was murdered, King delivered a speech in Memphis, Tennessee, popularly referred to as "I've Been to the Mountaintop." The following excerpt is from that speech:
"We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't really matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at least: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(From Holy Women, Holy Men - Celebrating the Saints, pg. 307 & 308)
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Vital Practices
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Come Away and Rest Awhile
By James Koester, SSJE and R. Casey Shobe, part of the Vestry Papers issue on 'Reboot' Your Vestry (January 2016)
 "In a line I've always loved from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus invites his disciples, "Come away to a lonely place and rest awhile" (6:31). They've been teaching and healing on the road for days and are no doubt exhausted by the demands of the crowds. Jesus knows that what the disciples need, as a group, is to step away together. They need to "regroup" and refresh themselves once more with prayer. "There's something incredibly powerful about this act of withdrawing from ordinary activities - even if they're the ordinary activities of a monastic community, a vestry, or a parish - which can help to refocus us in a specific, intentional way. Our annual community retreat is so important to my Brothers in the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, that our Rule prescribes it as a necessity of our shared life: "The community shall have one week of retreat together every year under the direction of a retreat leader. The experience of shared silence and prayer deepens our solidarity in the Spirit and unites us in a common response to the living word." People are sometimes surprised that monks who live and pray together every day still need to step away for a further, intentional time of communal prayer. And yet we do. For as our Rule explains, "Whenever we enter retreat we seek to be more available to God so that we may enter more fully into the divine life." This is essential for every community of faith."
(Photo by Deborah Hickson - The Labyrinth at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Encinitas, CA.)
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Seminary Updates
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Black History Month 2016 at Southwest
February 3 - February 25
"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 3 - African American Arts and Culture event, Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Weeks Center.
An event showcasing African American arts and culture in a variety of mediums. Several Austin artists from the African American Community will display their artistry throughout the seminary's Weeks Center. Light refreshments will be served.
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
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:
(At the time of publication the January issue of Theology Monthly had not been released.)
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Diocesan Events Calendar
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JANUARY
15-17 School of Ordained Ministry, St. Paul's, Lubbock
18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Hulsey Center closed
22-24 Primary Youth Retreat, St. Christopher's, Lubbock
23 Ordinations to the Diaconate - Mildred Rugger and Dave Blakley
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Amarillo, 10:30am
24 Visitations, St. Mark's, Plainview and Texas Tech Canterbury
26 Standing Committee, HEC, 10:00am
27 Celebration of New Ministry, St. Stephen's, Sweetwater, 7:00pm
31 Visitation, Good Shepherd, San Angelo
FEBRUARY
3 Celebration of New Ministry, Holy Trinity, Midland, 7:00pm
5-7 School of Ordained Ministry, St. Paul's, Lubbock
10 Ash Wednesday - Hulsey Center closed
12-14 Diocesan Convention and Consecration of New Bishop, Dominican Republic
21 Visitation, St. Stephen's, 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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