The Episcopal Diocese of Texas

christmas.jpg How Do You Celebrate Advent and Christmas?
 
Now that we are in Advent, how do you celebrate the season in your parish? We want to know what particular things do you do, quirky or traditional, that help bring the season of Advent and Christmas alive. Share your stories with us byemailing Kevin Thompson at [email protected]

News Headlines 
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Wake up and Proclaim - #Adventword Social Media Photo Initiative Underway

One Holy Mess: Rummage Sale Takes New Approach To Giving

En Los �ngeles, los episcopales se asocian y ayudan a los refugiados

About Those Refugees: An Open Letter From Houston Christian Leaders

Paris' Episcopal Cathedral hosts Interfaith Evening for Peace and Dialogue
December Diolog Out Now With Focus On Refugees

The December issue of Diolog focuses on refugees with articles from the Rev. Linda Shelton, Bishop Jeff Fisher, Lynette Wilson and Paulette Mart�n. Check out the digital issue here. See what parishes in our diocese are doing and learn about efforts in the wider Anglican Communion. How is your parish responding?
Bi-vocational and Diaconate Application Deadline Nears
Changes in Ordination Process Announced

Deadline for the bi-vocational and diaconate applications is 5 p.m. on January 1, 2016. An initial exam and interview phase takes several months to complete, this deadline allows for timely planning by the Iona School for Ministry.  To obtain an application or for further information please contact Ana Gonzales May or call her at 512.609.1863. 

Ordination Process Changes can be found here
"Choose Compassion, Not Fear" Clergy tell Governor Abbott

A dozen Bryan/College Station clergy challenge Governor Greg Abbott to choose "compassion" over fear in a letter they sent to the governor's office on December 1 2015. The leaders admonished the governor for trying to dissuade faith-based organizations from acting on behalf of Syrian refugees and said they believed the long vetting process was sufficient to allow placement of some Syrian refugees in Texas. Read the full letter here
Presiding Bishop Curry Addresses Syrian Refugee Crisis

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 on November 13. 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. Read more from Presiding Bishop Curry here.
Join In With #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. Respond to a daily meditation with images and prayers that speak to your heart and be part of a global Advent Calendar that brings us together in communion. Find out more here. Join Episcopalians across the country and Anglicans around the world today with your response via cell phone, Instagram or Facebook. 
2016 London Pilgrimage for Graduating Seniors

st. paul's london The diocesan Formation Office's third pilgrimage to Canterbury and London for graduating high school seniors is set for June of 2016. Participants will have the chance to explore their Anglican roots at Canterbury Cathedral and various sites in London. The pilgrimage includes daily worship and reflection on the theme, "traveling lightly." Please encourage your student to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity. More information can be found here
Volunteers Needed at Council

Ever wanted to see how Diocesan Council works? An easy way is to volunteer at Council in The Woodlands, TX this February. We need people to usher, host, check-in delegates, work in floor management and exhibits. The volunteer registration site is open here. Come help make the 167th Council of the Diocese of Texas the best Council yet!
Longest Night Service on Dec. 22 at Christ Church Cathedral

On the longest night of the year, you are invited to join an Advent service for those who grieve the loss of a loved one during the holiday season, hosted by Christ Church Cathedral, Houston at 6 p.m. on December 22. As you meditate on scripture, offer prayers for healing and share in the Holy Eucharist, may you experience the presence of God's light and love. For all who mourn, for those who grieve, for any who struggle during this season; be present with us as God's Word comes to shine light and scatter darkness. More information can be found here
UTO Grants for Young Adults and Seminarian

united thank offering Young adults and seminarians are eligible for grants from the United Thank Offering for projects in their field education or in their home diocese. Ten young adults will be chosen for funding various projects led by people 21-30 years of age, not projects that minister to the age group. All applications are available at www.episcopalchurch.org/uto or www.unitedthankoffering.org The deadline for applications is January 29 at 4 p.m. CST.

Summer Camp 2016 Registration Now Open

camp allen Let the countdown begin to your child's best week of his/her year because registration is now open for Summer Camp 2016 at Camp Allen. The staff anticipates that most sessions will sell out by mid-spring, so encourage families in your church to sign up their kids early to ensure their participation. Visit campallen.org for more information and to register. Scholarships are available.
Travel to Southern Malawi with Warm Heart International

Warm Heart International will host an 18-day pilgrimage to Southern Malawi, July 7-24, 2016. Participants will stay in Blantyre with host families who are members of the Diocese of Southern Malawi and will gain a greater understanding of the area through guided activities, worship, ministry and outreach. For more information, contact Nancy Parish at [email protected]. A trip brochure can be found here
Diocesan Website Changes

We are currently making adjustments to the diocesan website to improve the user experience. You may have to update any bookmarks you have made. Please feel free to contact Kevin Thompson if you have questions at [email protected] or 713.353.2126. All council information is available at epicenter.org/council. We will be adding video presentations on demand for nominations, constitution and canons and the budget by January. 
Council Registration Open

Click here for the online registration form. If your annual meeting is near February, but you already know the number of delegates/alternates that will attend, you can register early as "First Name: Delegate, Last Name: One, Two, Three, or Four and First Name: Alternate, Last Name: One, Two, Three or Four." Seating arrangements are made according to first registered, first seated. You will supply the names of your delegates/alternates when you send in your Official Certification Form, so we will have the names for their badges. 

Electronic Voting
In 2016, voting will be done electronically using smartphones, tablets and laptops. Wi-Fi access will be provided to each delegate, but electricity will not be. Before you register people, you will need to know if delegates will be able to bring their own mobile device or will need to borrow one. If your alternates do not plan to share a device with your delegates, you will need to count them also. The online registration form will ask how many devices the Diocese will need to provide for those not able to bring their own.

Council Singers
The Council Choir is looking for a number of singers who want to help "raise the roof" in joyful celebration at the opening service for the 167th Annual Diocesan Council, February 12 at the Waterway Marriott in The Woodlands.  Dr. Linda Patterson, chair of the Music Commission, seeks a broad representation of our congregations and invites those with interest in joining this diocesan-wide choir to contact her at: [email protected] for further details. You will receive the music before hand and need only arrive a few hours previous to the opening worship service on Friday evening. 
Employment Opportunities
 
Consider publishing these opportunities in your church newsletter or sharing with people who may be interested. A full list of available positions can be found at epicenter.org/employment

Seminary of the Southwest seeks a Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The incumbent in this position is responsible for leading, managing and directing a comprehensive program of institutional fundraising, including the Annual Fund, major gifts, planned giving and capital campaign initiatives. The incumbent works closely with the Dean and President advising on matters of donor solicitations, alumni/ae and church relations, external constituency relations and special events. A detailed job description can be found here. For more information, or to apply, please contact Executive Vice President Frederick L. Clement at [email protected].

St. Michael's, Austin, seeks a full-time Youth Minister who will be responsible for the oversight of youth programming for 6th - 12th graders plus a bi-weekly program for 3rd - 5th graders. Responsibilities will include weekly youth group (The EDGE), Sunday School, summer mission trips and acolytes plus youth confirmation classes. A detailed job description can be found here. For more information, contact The Rev. Robby Vickery at [email protected].

Find full details on these and more employment opportunities here.  
More Upcoming Events


December 3 - Mourners Path Workshop, Houston

December 26 - Boxing Day, Mucky Duck

January 15-17 - Discovery Retreat at Camp Allen

February 12-13 - 167th Diocesan Council

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