Jan/Feb 2014 Church News

the

Church

News

January / February 2014 The newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

Inside this issue

The 110th Diocesan Council will be held February 20-22 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. See pages 7-10.

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Rekindle: An Introduction to the 2014 Diocesan Theme

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Bringing Love Through Kairos

From Darkness to Glorious Light

Following Jesus: Invitation to Discipleship

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News and Features 2 On the Bishop’s Mind: Rekindle 4 Bringing Love Through Kairos 6 From Darkness to Glorious Light 7 The 110th Diocesan Council 12 A Prayer Shawl’s Far-Reaching Comfort 12 Growing Libraries at Camp 13 Bible / Book Studies in the New Year In Every

Issue

3 From the Editor 14 Around the Circuit 16 Calendar

the Church News is published four times a year by the Dept. of Communication Episcopal Diocese of West Texas P. O. Box 6885 San Antonio, Texas 78209 Editor: Laura Shaver Laura.Shaver@dwtx.org Deadline for news and advertising is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

Periodicals Postage paid at San Antonio, TX and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Church News P.O. Box 6885 San Antonio, TX 78209

Volume 71 Number 1 January/February 2014 USPS 661-790 The Diocese of West TX is a family of 26,000+ members in 90 congregations across 60 counties and 69,000 square miles in South Central Texas.

Bishop of West Texas: The Rt. Rev. Gary R. Lillibridge Bishop Suffragan: The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed The Bishop Jones Center 111 Torcido Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78209 Telephone: 210/888-8245387. FAX: 210-824-2164 general.mail@dwtx.org www.dwtx.org

Communication Department Staff: Marjorie George: editor, Reflections Magazine and ReflectionsOnline Laura Shaver: communications officer

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On the Bishop’s Mind The Rt. Rev. gary lillibridge Bishop of the Diocese

Rekindle

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e are very much looking forward to Diocesan Council in February as we kickoff 2014 with the diocesan theme from 2 Timothy 1.6: “Rekindle the gift of God that is within you.”

Bishop Reed and I will have much to say at Council about these words from St. Paul to his friend and disciple Timothy, but I want to take a few moments now to make some introductory remarks to get you thinking about how these words apply in your own life and in the life of your congregation.

One of the beautiful things about what is known as Paul’s second letter to Timothy is the personal and pastoral message of encouragement Paul is conveying. And he is conveying it because living a faithful life in and to Christ is demanding and challenging, and it will demand everything that Timothy has.

This is also a personal, end-of-life reflection by St. Paul of what is truly important in life and in faith, for he is likely writing this during a second imprisonment under the Emperor Nero, and he knows that this second imprisonment is not going to end in his release as did the first.

Many scholars believe this is the final letter that St. Paul wrote.

When Paul writes to Timothy, it seems as if he is also writing to me – and I hope to you. His purpose in 2 Timothy is to refresh Timothy for a faithful witness to the hope contained in the faith, and to encourage him in the difficulties that would come his way. I resonate with the circumstances of life in Paul’s words, and I imagine you also know of uncertainties and difficulties in your life that are best addressed in faith and with hope.

Paul reminds Timothy to embrace the power of God. Embracing the power of God requires both love and self-discipline. In the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” we ask God’s help to “bind our wandering hearts to thee.” This is a petition that we all would do well to remember. Most people I know need self-discipline to keep from wandering. The word “discipline” comes from the root word for disciple, which means student and follower.

The more I love the teacher - the closer I am to the teacher and the teacher’s disciplines and practices and way of being in the world - the more natural my following, my discipleship. And as we know, Jesus is a teacher, but also much more than a teacher. He is Lord and Savior.

So, St. Paul encourages Timothy in “faith,” faith in this teacher, Lord, and Savior. The Hebrew word for faith means “steadfast loyalty.” And to make his point about this steadfast loyalty to Christ, St. Paul begins by reminding Timothy of the faith that was nurtured in him through others, particularly his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice.

This makes me think of all of the people who have helped me understand and live the faith. When I remember, when you remember, when Timothy remembers; St. Paul has a phrase for that, he calls it: “rekindling the gift of God that is within you.”

From

editor

Steadfastness in faith includes rekindling that which has been handed the down to us. For one of the regular and initial steps in living a life of faithful discipleship is remembering, rekindling. So in days where your Laura Shaver wandering heart seems to have come loose from a close binding to God, it is good to “remember.” It can lead to that “oh yes, that’s right” moment that helps us re-center, re-focus, and re-balance.

This passage is translated in several ways: “rekindle the gift of God that is within you” (NRSV) “fan into a flame the gift that God gave you” (Jerusalem) “stir into flame the gift of God which is within you” (NEB) “stir up that inner fire which God gave you” (Phillips Modern English) “keep alive the gift that God gave you” (Today’s English) However you say it, the point is the same – God has given us a gift, and we need to rekindle it so that it stays alive. In another place in his letters (Romans 6.11), St. Paul exhorts his readers to “be alive to God.” So, what’s this “gift” that needs rekindling, that needs to be stirred up?

It is God’s presence in our lives – that divine spark planted deep in our soul.

St. Paul reminds us to fan that spark within, so that it might grow enabling God to use us as instruments of hope, reconciliation, joy, and peace in the building up of God’s kingdom. And it begins right inside each of us. I love it that there is a divine spark inside of me, and I hope that you love the fact that there is a bit of the divine nature planted in you as well.

Who knows if Timothy and Paul ever saw each other after this letter, or even if Timothy received it before Paul died? What if Paul was executed, Timothy heard about his death, and then a few months later this letter arrived at Timothy’s doorstep? I bet it did rekindle Timothy’s faith… whenever and however he received this letter.

I hope that these words of St. Paul might fill you with confidence, with joy, and with delight. We will have the opportunity this year to keep these words before us, but they must become more than words for us.

I hope that they can become for you the inspiration for a rekindled life of faith, and a recommitment to Christ’s purposes for his disciples, his students, his followers.

Even though we recognize our hearts may indeed wander, let us also remember some other words of that hymn, notably, “Here’s my heart, oh, take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.”

We’re going to have a great experience at Diocesan Council and throughout this year, and I’m very much looking forward to sharing it with you.

For more information on the 110th Diocesan Council to be held February 20-22, please see pages 7-10.

The Gift of Rekindling

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his year will bring diocesanwide efforts for each of us to rekindle the gift of God within us, the gift of his spirit, his presence. Our annual diocesan theme comes from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, in which Paul tells Timothy to “Rekindle the gift of God within you,” by remembering the faith that was nurtured in Timothy, specifically by his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice.

The efforts will include fellowship and teaching at Diocesan Council in February (see pages 7-10); a new adult Christian formation initiative (see page 13); summer camps at Camp Capers, Mustang Island, and Duncan Park in Colorado; Sharing Faith dinners scheduled for May 15; and reflections, meditations, and feature stories in Reflections magazine and issues of The Church News.

It is going to be an exciting year for all of our diocesan family and within each congregation.

The diocesan staff has been planning the details of Council and how to carry forth the Rekindle theme throughout this year for some time now. As the events take place, our hope is that you rediscover God’s presence in your heart, and that you fan the flame for others.

And amongst the diocesan and church events planned, moments of rekindling are sure to take place every day, sometimes in the smallest of ways.

sitting at the kitchen table, on which my three-yearold and my one-year-old sons were playing. Trying to keep their fingers busy and away from my keyboard, I gave them a bowl of seashells to play with.

While I was watching them closely, trying to think of the right word, and looking at my notes to get the quote just right, my anxiety level continued to rise. Casey, my three-year-old son, whom I write about often, handed me a shell, and said, “Here’s your grace, mommy.”

It took me a minute to digest his words. I stopped typing, and looked up at him, and said, “Thank you.” He then handed me another shell and said, “The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.”

Tears stung my eyes, and all else melted away. My heart burned of the Holy Spirit, and my faith was nurtured by my little boy. Thank you to the incredible community that continues to serve as a witness to my children.

I am thankful for the many that surround my family, who nurture our faith, who fan the flame in their hearts by spreading the Good News to those around them. Just as Lois and Eunice nurtured Timothy’s faith, we all need our spiritual community to help us rekindle and thrive in our ministry.

Just before Christmas, I was working from home one afternoon trying desperately to finish up a story for this issue of The Church News. With my laptop, I was the Church News

January / February 2014

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Featured News

Bringing Love Through Kairos

| By Laura Shaver

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There are just no words,” said Louise Mayberry, an 83-year-old parishioner at St. Philip’s, Beeville, in reference to all she has experienced in her almost 20-year involvement with Kairos. However, words came tumbling out as she tried to describe the emotions, the activities, the responses, and the outcome of the international prison ministry.

Kairos is a three-day short course in Christianity, held in prisons around the nation and across the globe. It is based on the Cursillo model, a spiritual retreat weekend for adults. During a Kairos weekend, volunteers go into prisons and serve as God’s instruments, bringing love, grace, and mercy to their “brothers in white,” the prisoners, in a profound way.

Mayberry has volunteered at 36 out of the 36 Kairos weekends presented by Kairos Inside of the William G. McConnell Unit in Beeville, where over 500 inmates have participated in the program. Two weekends

I was in prison, and you visited me. Matthew 25:36 are facilitated each year, one in April and one in November. Her husband, Carl, has volunteered for 35 of the weekends.

Forty-two inmates participate in each Kairos weekend. Thursday they gather for informal conversation with the Kairos volunteers.

Only men volunteers go into the prison to lead the weekends in a men’s facility, such as McConnell. The women volunteers do all the cooking, the gathering of the Agape gifts, and the infinite behind-thescenes jobs. The weekend retreat goes on from Friday-Sunday, with a closing service on Sunday afternoon, where many of the brothers in white, the prisoners, offer a testimony.

David Henley, parishioner at St. Philip’s, has also been involved in the Kairos ministry at the McConnell Unit for some time. He said, “A fence is no impediment to the spirit of God. In prison ministry we can only be present in the now because we know God is in charge of all things to come.”

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Henley knows that some people view the prisoners as “lost causes.” Henley understands that with the nature of crimes that surround us all on a daily basis, it would be easy to want the prisoners to serve their time, receive their punishment, and be forgotten. “But we have to step back and look at the broader picture – see where there is an absence of love and compassion and ask how we can help,” said Henley.

Many prisoners decide to go on a Kairos weekend because they have heard about the good food that is served and the supply of cookies. Mayberry said the motto of the volunteers is to “Listen, Listen, Love, Love.”

The brothers in white don’t see what’s coming in the spiritual experience because it does come on as a shock. For some it is the care, for others it is the lending ear, and for most it is the message of God’s grace that opens their hearts to acceptance for the first time.

Every volunteer, and there are at times 60 or more, composes a hand-written letter to

each of the 42 participants. On Saturday afternoon during a Kairos weekend, the prisoners receive white bags full of these personal letters. It is the only time that their mail is not pre-sorted and opened before it reaches them. “The seal of that envelope is a special thing to these men,” said Mayberry.

“Some haven’t received mail in years – maybe they’ve been given up on – and then they get all these letters at once.”

In her letters Mayberry always writes, “You were chosen by God to experience this. I am praying for you.”

During the closing service on Sunday, all involved most often sheds tears. The team members appear, including the women, and the prisoners get to see just how many have put this weekend together for them.

“You just look and listen to some of these big, husky guys. They are moved by their experience, stumble on their words, and burst into tears. You’ll see a 6-foot, 4-inch, 250+-pound man just bawling like a kid,” said Mayberry.

The impact continues, though, after the Kairos weekend. Many of the brothers in white are so moved after their experiences, they serve as stewards on the “inside,” encouraging their buddies to go. The Kairos volunteers, men and women, return every Monday night for a “Prayer and Share” group, which serves as a reunion group, such as those usually formed after a Cursillo experience. There are so many men who want to attend Prayer and Share at the McConnell Unit that they have to divide up the weeks. There is also a monthly gathering at the McConnell Unit.

Henley often visits and sends spiritual resources to all the inmates at McConnell.

He facilitates the delivery of 600 copies of “Prisoner to Prisoner” to 13 prisons and jails in the Diocese of West Texas and 1,000 copies to McConnell and the Caldwell County Jail in Lockhart. “Prisoner to Prisoner” is a devotional written by prisoners in Ohio, and it is just like “Forward Day by Day,” a devotional published by Forward Movement.

“They speak in their vernacular,” said Henley, “and each writer is such a witness. The inmates know that the writer is in the same place they are.”

“I’ve never seen a man smile so much in my life,” said Louise Mayberry about Elder’s experience. “He can’t wait for the next one, which is exactly what happens to us all.”

Henley also records sermons delivered by the Rev. Mike Marsh to his parishioners at St. Philip’s in Uvalde for the inmates at McConnell. Henley deletes all name and location references, and he has the sermons translated into Spanish. Henley served on a Cursillo team with Marsh years ago, and finds his sermons spiritual and encouraging and loves to share them with his brothers in white.

“Before I served on Kairos, I heard someone say that Kairos was our way of bringing God into the prison, and from my limited and stereotyped vision of prison, I agreed.

However, after serving, I now know and see differently. I now see that when Jesus said, ‘I was in prison and you visited me’ (Matthew 25:36), he was not only encouraging us to love and serve our neighbor, as even the ‘least of these’ are a part of God’s family, but more, he was showing us that God is everywhere, and in everyone, especially in the forgotten people and places of the poor, the hungry, and the imprisoned.

As St. Philip’s, Beeville, remains steadfast in their multi-year involvement with Kairos, the Rev. Clayton Elder, rector, joined the movement and volunteered at his first weekend this past November. “He was moved, for sure,” said Carl Mayberry, “happy, giddy, loved.”

“Therefore, what I experienced in Kairos was not how I brought God into a prison, but rather, how I met God, loved God, served God, and saw God in my neighbor,” said Elder.

“What I experienced in Kairos was not how I brought God into a prison, but rather, how I met God, loved God, served God, and saw God in my neighbor.”

“Kairos has filled a void in my life I never knew existed – it truly is hard to put into words,” said Mayberry. And in the words of John, a former inmate who now serves as a Kairos volunteer, “The most important thing that happens after the weekend is over is that they come back; they always come back.”

Our Programs and Events Are Stacking Up Nicely.

The Restorative Justice Ministry (Kairos) of the Diocese of West Texas will have an exhibit booth at Diocesan Council, to be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos, Feb. 20-22 (see pages 7-10).

Other ministries that form the Department of Christian Faith in Action will also be on display, including:

Luncheon Celeb rating Mo

therhood | Feb. 12, 2014 | San An tonio

www.mumsandm

• Recovery Ministries • Mental Illness Ministries • Environmental Stewardship • Habitat Builders for West Texas • and, Good Samaritan Community Services

imosas.com

Serving Alice, Corpus Christi, Pharr, San Antonio and Sonora

www.GoodSamaritanCommunityServices.org | Volunteer | Donate Pd adv.

DioceseAd.indd the GSAM1009 Church News 1

January / February 2014

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Featured News

From Darkness to Glorious Light

| By Laura Shaver

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This man’s testimony of his transformation in Jesus is an utter miracle,” said the Rev. Patrick Gahan, rector of Christ Church, San Antonio, as he introduced his friend of 35 years, Bill Harris, to the congregation. “It is a miracle we have stayed in contact, and a miracle he was released from prison,” said Gahan. Of the 35-year friendship, Harris has spent 29 years in prison.

On that Sunday in October, Harris asked the congregation, “Where were you the day you stepped up? The day when Jesus found you in whatever darkness you were walking in, and you stepped up into his glorious light and surrendered your heart?”

Harris said he was in a maximum-security prison in Texas, serving his third sentence.

Having already served 15 years, Harris got into some trouble that led him to a solitary cell. In an emotional telephone interview, Harris told me, “The trouble was so serious, it was like starting the sentence all over again; I was full of despair, and I finally hit my rock bottom.”

his wife, Kay, who invited Harris into their home on weekends and holidays. “It was too late, though, my heart was hardened, and I rejected the love they showed me,” said Harris.

Harris continued, “I was lying on my back, and all I could do was look up. I cried out to God, and he came to me. He put me on his shoulders and has been carrying me ever since.”

The Gahans, who lived near Round Rock while Patrick served as a young lieutenant at Fort Hood, ministered to several children in the foster home, which was just around the corner from their church. Harris fondly

“I was lying on my back, and all I could do was look up.”

Life has handed Harris some tough situations with hard circumstances. As he told Christ Church, his parents divorced and separated completely when he was ten years old. His father received custody of the four children but soon decided he could not care for them, and he placed them all in foster homes. Harris and his brother were split from their two sisters.

Harris felt abandoned, and he harbored resentment. He began to rebel and was kicked out of several homes. But while in his second home, the Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock, Texas, he met Gahan and 6

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recalled being one of their favorites. When Harris was 14 years old, the Gahans took him to Birmingham, Alabama, for a family Christmas gathering for two weeks.

When Gahan completed his military service, he and Kay moved to Birmingham. The juvenile authorities in Texas contacted them and asked if Harris could come live with them, as he had started to get in trouble with the law. Harris did go to Alabama, but soon became too homesick and wanted to return to Texas. Respecting his wishes, Gahan put him on a plane.

Back in Texas Harris reconnected with his mother, who had custody of his two sisters.

During our phone interview, Harris said, “One night, my mom handed me $10, had my sisters in the car with her, and told me she’d be right back. But she never returned.”

All the anger, hurt, and resentment took their toll on the young man, and the trouble with the law started. “The hurt inside my heart turned into anger, and abusing drugs was one way I could escape the pain. I had to steal to buy them. I wasn’t very good at it, because I got caught time and again,” said Harris.

But it was that third trip to prison when Harris knew he had had enough. He simply could not carry on in his life on his own. After that beautiful night when God answered his cry, Harris was transferred to another unit, and God began to show him He was in control.

A letter from Harris’ wife, Tawnya, arrived after Harris had gotten in a fight with his new cell mate. She told him to pray when he felt angry about his circumstances. In the new Continued on page 11.

Diocesan Council February 20-22, 2014 Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. To Timothy, my beloved child:

1001 E. McCarty Lane San Marcos, TX 78666

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.

Hosted by St. Mark’s, San Marcos

Pre-Council Meetings

“For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of selfdiscipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:1-8 (NRSV)

All meetings, except the Central Convocation (San Antonio), will begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m. The Central Convocation meeting will begin with coffee and a light dessert at 6:15 p.m. All presentations will start at 6:45.

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ne of the beautiful things about what is known as Paul’s second letter to Timothy is the personal and pastoral message of encouragement Paul is conveying, for he knows living a faithful life in and to Christ is challenging, and it will demand everything that Timothy has.

Pre-council meetings are essential to a delegate’s preparation for Council. Many details of the diocesan budget, which Council is responsible for establishing, will be presented at pre-council meetings and not be repeated on the floor of Council.

When Paul writes to Timothy, it seems as if he is also writing to us. His purpose in 2 Timothy is to refresh Timothy for a faithful witness to the hope contained in the faith and to encourage him in the difficulties that would come his way.

Paul reminds Timothy to embrace the power of God. Embracing the power of God requires both love and self-discipline. The word “discipline” comes from the root word for disciple, which means student and follower. The more we love the teacher - the closer we are to the teacher and the teacher’s disciplines and practices and way of being in the world - the more natural our following, our discipleship.

St. Paul encourages Timothy in “faith,” faith in his teacher, Lord, and Savior. The Hebrew word for faith means “steadfast loyalty.” And to make his point about this steadfast loyalty to Christ, St. Paul begins by reminding Timothy of the faith that was nurtured in him through others, particularly his grandmother and mother. St. Paul has a phrase for this kind of remembering; he calls it: “rekindling the gift of God that is within you.”

So, what is this “gift” that needs rekindling, that needs to be stirred up? It is none other than God’s very presence in our lives – that “divine spark” planted deep in our soul. St. Paul reminds us to fan that spark within, so that it might grow, enabling God to use us as instruments of hope, reconciliation, joy, and peace in the building up of God’s kingdom. And it begins right here inside us.

To read Bishop Lillibridge’s full introduction of the Rekindle theme, see his column on page 2. the Church News

Western Convocation: Sunday, January 19, at St. Philip’s, Uvalde Northern Convocation: Tuesday, January 21, at St. Barnabas, Fredericksburg Southern Convocation: Tuesday, January 21, at All Saints, Corpus Christi Eastern Convocation: Thursday, January 23, at Grace, Cuero Northeastern Convocation: Thursday, January 23, at St. John’s, New Braunfels Valley Convocation: Sunday, January 26, at Advent, Brownsville Central Convocation: Monday, January 27, at Holy Spirit, San Antonio January / February 2014

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T he 1 1 0 th A n n ual C o un c i l o f t h e Di o c e s e o f We st Texas , http:/ /cou ncil-dwt x . org

110th

T he 1 1 0t h A nnual C ou ncil of th e Dioc e se o f We st Tex as, h t t p :/ / c oun c i l -dwtx .org

Keynote Speaker: the Rev. Becca Stevens

Online Registration

Bishops’ Luncheon on Friday ($25) and a Friday afternoon conversation (business session)

at http://council-dwtx.org

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Council Registration: Register by February 10, 2014.

he Reverend Becca Stevens is an Episcopal priest serving as Chaplain at St. Augustine’s at Vanderbilt University, and founder of Thistle Farms & Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Thistle Farms employs 40 residents and graduates of Magdalene, and houses a natural body care line, a paper and sewing studio and the Thistle Stop Café.

Clergy, delegates, alternates - $115 Includes Friday night banquet Clergy spouses - $80 Includes Friday night banquet and Saturday morning breakfast Visitors - $35 Meals not included

Magdalene is the two-year residential program that serves women at no cost to them. With over 1,000 guests visiting the organization to learn more about the model, Stevens launched the first Thistle Farms-Magdalene national conference, “Welcome to the Circle,” this past fall. Stevens has authored nine books; been featured on NPR, PBS, CNN, Huffington Post, Southern Living, and Christian Century; was named by the White House as one of 15 Champions of Change in 2011; has raised more than $15 million for the organizations she supports; was named “Nashvillian of the Year” and “Tennessean of the Year” by the Nashville Scene and The Tennessean, respectively; was the youngest and first female recipient of The University of the South’s “Distinguished Alumnus” award; was named the 2011 Social Entrepreneur of the year in Nashville and has received awards from the Frist Foundation and the Academy of Women of Achievement. On October 11, 2013 Stevens received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South Sewanee during the Founders’ Day celebration.

Her latest book is Snake Oil: The Art of Healing and Truth-Telling. Stevens lives in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, and their three sons.

Thistle Farms will also participate as an exhibitor during Council.

Visit thistlefarms.org to learn more.

Nominations & Voting: Each year at Diocesan Council we elect lay and clergy members to various boards and committees. You can view the nominees for this year’s Council at http://council-dwtx.org/ business/nominations.

The Council website also features the offices to be filled with job descriptions along with the Episcopal Church Canons and the Diocesan Canons that apply. A full copy of the Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas is available on the diocesan website at www.dwtx.org/ resources/congregational-resources.

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Council will elect new members to the following governing bodies: • Officers of the Diocese • Executive Board • Trustees of the Episcopal Church Corporation • Trustees to TMI - the Episcopal School of Texas • Trustees to the University of the South Sewanee • Standing Committee • Deputies and alternates to the Province VII Synod, June 4-6, 2014 at Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina • Deputies and alternates to The 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 25July 3, 2015

Optional Registration: Thursday Christian Faith in Action Luncheon - $21 Thursday Mission Churches Dinner - $20 Bishops’ Friday Luncheon - $25 Extra Friday night banquet tickets - $40 Youth in Action Event, youth and sponsors - $35 Delegate Certification The official 2014 delegate count is prepared by the diocesan secretary, the Rev. David Read, and is based on each congregation’s average Sunday attendance in 2012. In addition to registering for Council, all Council delegates must also be certified. Each congregation of the diocese completes the certification form and returns it (three copies) to the bishop’s office, the diocesan secretary, and the Council registration chair.

Childcare Registration There is never a childcare fee for children of clergy, delegates and alternates, or visitors, but children must be pre-registered. Drop-ins cannot be accommodated. Ages are infants through eight years. Childcare is provided during all Council business sessions, the Council Eucharist, the luncheons, and the banquet.

Childcare is on premises at the conference center. Go to www.council-dwtx.org to register.

All That Jazz Friday, February 21 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. Reception in the Veramendi Pre-Function area 7:00 – 9:15 p.m. Banquet in Veramendi A-E We begin the evening with a reception in the exhibit area outside the ballroom. You can expect several of the exhibits to remain open late for your browsing enjoyment. There will be several cash bars available, so bring those “greenbacks” as no credit cards accepted.

At 7:00 p.m. the ballroom doors will open for our seated dinner. The menu includes Texas field greens with red grapes, spiced pecans, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette or ranch dressing; pan-seared chicken picatta, baby carrots and a zucchinisquash medley and Dauphinoise potatoes.

And for dessert – Italian Cream Cake! For those who require a vegetarian entree, grilled vegetable and Parmesan ravioli will be available. Indicate your dietary needs in your online Council registration at http://councildwtx.org.

To make the evening truly memorable we will be entertained by the Mark Nelms Jazz Trio Featuring Vocalist Zack Kibodeaux beginning at 8:15 p.m.

The Performers: Vocalist Zach Kibodeaux (pictured below) Mark Nelms, bassist Morris Nelms, pianist/vocalist Kyle Keener, drummer

Council Activities Christian Faith in Action Luncheon • The Christian Faith in Action (CFA) Luncheon, hosted by the CFA Department, will be held in the San Marcos River Room on Thursday, February 20, at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $21.

Log on to the Council website at http://council-dwtx.org for information on the keynote speaker.

Council Worship • The Council Eucharist will take place in Veramendi A-E on Thursday evening at 5:30. The Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge will celebrate, and the Rt. Rev. David Reed will deliver the sermon.

Clergy, green stoles are requested.

• Morning Prayer will be offered on Friday morning, February 21, at 8:00 a.m. in the San Marcos River Room.

• An Order of Compline will be held Friday at 9:15 p.m. inside the Embassy Suites Atrium.

Mission Congregations’ Dinner • Designed for delegations from our mission churches, the Mission Congregations’ Dinner will take place following the Council Eucharist Service on Thursday evening at 7:30 at the Rocky River Grille - located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel. (You don’t have to drive anywhere!) This event requires an additional purchase during registration, and the cost is $20. The Rocky River Grille offers upscale food in a casual atmosphere. This annual event is hosted by Church of the Holy Spirit, San Antonio.

Friday Luncheon with the Rev. Becca Stevens • The Bishops’ Friday Luncheon will be held in Veramendi A-E at noon on Feb. 21. The keynote speaker during the luncheon is the Rev. Becca Stevens, who will speak on “Love is Good Business,” describing how “lavish” and “economical” intersect in the work of justice.

Thirteen years ago Stevens founded an all-natural bath and body care company called Thistle Farms. From that social enterprise, Stevens has learned that love is good business and can help spark a movement in the national church. The cost is $25.

Clergy Spouse Breakfast • The clergy spouses will gather for their annual breakfast on Saturday morning, February 22, at 7:45 in the San Marcos River Room. The breakfast serves as a time of Christian community, especially for these church leaders who hold a unique position in each of our congregations.

Diocesan Initiative with Habitat for Humanity Continues...

Bishop Lillibridge challenged the diocese in his annual address in 2012 to build three new homes in six years.

Builds will take place every other year, in 2013, 2015, and 2017; and the inbetween years are devoted to raising funds. The bishop asked each church to give $300/year to this initiative. The first build was completed in Lockhart in the fall of 2013, and the diocese will again focus on Habitat for Humanity during Council 2014 with concentrated efforts to raise funds for the second home.

To read more or to make an online donation to this initiative, visit: http://council-dwtx.org/activities/habitat-builders-for-west-texas/ the Church News

January / February 2014

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T he 1 1 0 th A n n ual C o un c i l o f t h e Di o c e s e o f We st Texas , http:/ /cou ncil-dwt x . org

Friday Night Banquet:

T he 1 1 0t h A nnual C ou ncil of th e Dioc e se o f We st Tex as, h t t p :/ / c oun c i l -dwtx .org

Council In Action: Sharing Faith Dinners May 15, 2014

Gather the work gloves:

YOUTH in ACTION 2014 February 21-23

What: Youth in Action enters its sixth year of service. Like Diocesan Council, this event has become a time of reunion, renewal and the business of the youth. And that business is, mission work!

Who: All students in 6th through 12th grade are invited to attend along with adult youth workers and volunteers. NOTE: Churches provide their own chaperones who are available the entire weekend (cannot be participating in Council), and each chaperone must have his or her own vehicle to aid in transporting students. Ratio 5:1.

Mission: Plans are underway for Youth in Action 2014. Check the Council website for updated details on the mission project. http://council-dwtx.org/youth-in-action Location and Contacts: Headquarters for Youth in Action will be at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 3039 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666. Primary Contacts: Traci Maxwell, Youth Minister (Saint Stephen’s, Wimberley) at ststeveyouth@gmail.com or Ben Nelson, rector (St. Mark’s, San Marcos) at ben. nelson@sanmarcosepiscopal.org.

Our second Sharing Faith Dinners event will take place across the diocese on Thursday evening, May 15. We received a significant and positive response to the first event in 2013, and we are excited for the diocesan family to gather by congregation, once again, and share stories of our faith.

As part of our Council in Action this year, we are asking churches to take the 2014 theme of “Rekindle” home and fan the flames throughout their congregations with the Sharing Faith Dinners event. At Council, each church will receive one “deck” of Sharing Faith question cards. The new questions focus on the annual diocesan theme of “Rekindle the Gift of God within You.” In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy in his own faith and asks Timothy to remember the faith that was nurtured in him through others, particularly his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice.

When we read of Lois and Eunice, we are reminded of those people in our lives who have helped us to understand and live out our own Christian faith.

For our Sharing Faith dinners this year, we will gather in small groups with members of our own congregation around dinner tables and respond to questions about our faith that allow us to share our thoughts and remembrances. The questions, all related to our annual theme, will call us to rekindle the gift of God in each of us.

http://council-dwtx.org/youth-in-action Find a schedule of activities and register.

Cost is $35 each for participants.

Register by February 10.

Council 2014: There’s a (new) app for that!

Each post on the Council Live page will also appear on the new Diocesan Council app, which is available for free in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Search for “DWTX Council.”

See

• Council Eucharist sermon • Bishop’s address

Hear

• Committee reports

Read • • • • •

Bishop’s address Nomination results Resolutions Diocesan budget and more

Also on the app:

• The Council agenda • Activities displayed by day • A list of exhibits and their locations in the Embassy Suites • All the “Go Green” documents

Back by popular demand, we are “going green” again this year. Every handout that is delivered by pages throughout the days of Council will be available for download under the “Go Green” tab of the Council website at http://councildwtx.org and will be available on the app under “Go Green.”

www.dwtx.org/sharing-faith www.dwtx.org

Can’t make it to San Marcos? Log on to Council Live at http://council-dwtx.org (tab at top) beginning Thursday afternoon, February 20. Throughout the three days of Council, the diocesan communications team will be updating the site with news posts, audio reports, and pictures.

Going Green Again

Find and complete the following forms: • Liability/Release (youth) • Community Covenant (youth) • other forms needed from chaperones and churches

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at http://council-dwtx.org

solitary confinement cell, Harris sat on the floor and did just that.

“I prayed to God, ‘please don’t leave me.’”

“God told me to lie down like before, and he told me that Pat [Gahan] and my wife were going to go before the parole board; he told me I was going to be involved in prison ministry,” said Harris.

When Harris told Gahan this news during a phone call, Gahan replied, “You will not be involved in this ministry when you are released, it begins now. God has called you now!”

Harris began studying the Bible. He found a fellow prisoner with Bible correspondence course resources, and he started learning. He learned to pray. He took part in the “Voyager Program,” during which a Christian couple came into the prison and ministered to him for two years. Harris found out every man’s birthday, and he would buy a birthday card for each and bake cookies for his unit to celebrate. He cooked a big spread for the men on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.

“Every man would hold hands and pray, and it was so moving,” Harris said, shedding tears.

Harris was released from prison on October 8, 2012, two days after his birthday. “But this is the day of my rebirth,” he said. Since

that time, Harris calls into a radio station, and some of the men still in prison tune in to hear about Harris’ daily life, his good days and his hard days. “I have received letters of encouragement from them, and their ministering to me keeps me going,” said Harris.

Harris has since served on two Kairos teams, a prison ministry weekend spiritual experience for incarcerated adults. Harris had attended a Kairos while in prison, but at the time, he was “not ready to receive God.” While serving on the most recent team this past November, he gave his testimony to the prisoners and told them, “God took me out of that uniform, and put me in this servant’s shirt.”

As he told the Christ Church congregation, “God has given me purpose – to love him first and to love my neighbor as myself. [The Kairos teams] bring His glorious light with us, and it shines on the hardened hearts of the men we minister to. It reminds me of that glorious light Pat and Kay brought into my life so many years ago.”

Bill Harris, a man whose faith was rekindled in a solitary prison cell.

Harris and Tawnya are active members of Middle Heights Baptist Church in Belton, Texas.

One of Harris’ younger sisters and his older brother have joined the church, as well. Harris mentioned relatives that have not received the Good News of the Gospel yet, but Harris is full of hope.

That hope was evident in his emotional voice and in the tears on his face. We spoke on the phone while he sat in the waiting room while the oil was changed in his truck. He had just come off a 36-hour shift driving an oil tanker. Christ’s flame in Harris’ heart has been rekindled, and it is strong. Harris, joyfully, spreads the flame.

Harris (right) around age 14 in the Gahans’ home in Georgetown, Texas. He is pictured with Kay, who is holding the Gahans’ oldest son, Clay.

Harris in Patrick Gahans’ mother’s home in Birmingham, Alabama. Harris was 16 years old in this picture.

Harris in the Gahans’ home in Georgetown, where he spent many weekends and afternoons as a part of the family.

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Photos submitted by Kay Gahan and Gretchen Duggan.

Continued from page 6.

Featured News

J

A Prayer Shawl’s Far-Reaching Comfort

ust recently, a thank you letter arrived at St. David’s, San Antonio, from a recipient of a prayer shawl, made by the loving hands that make up the church’s prayer shawl ministry team. The recipient, Cathy Bosland, received her prayer shawl just after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, in November 2008. Jackie Bucci, a parishioner at St. David’s and a Delta Airlines international flight attendant, has sent prayer shawls via the airline to people in need after devastating terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

Bosland, a fellow Delta flight attendant, was staying in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of ten sites attacked, and soon after, she received the prayer shawl sent by Bucci. Her letter follows: Dear Prayer Shaw Ministry, Five years ago almost to the day I was a recipient of one of your prayer shawls. I survived a terrorist attack in Mumbai along with ten others. I [cannot] begin to tell you how thankful I am to your ministry.

In February of the next year, my 48-year-old brother lost his hand in an accident, and once again the prayer shawl was on the road. I packed within 45 minutes of hearing the news but had enough time to remember the prayer shawl. You have no idea how comforting it is to know that God’s people prayed for our protection before disaster even struck.

To this day, every time I open the closet and see the prayer shawl, I am so thankful for all the people who played a part in this ministry.

I just wanted your ministry to know that even after five years, the prayer shawl is still comforting others and myself. I pray for great blessings for your ministry. Thank you again for all you do and the comfort you provide for so many others.

God’s love, Cathy Bosland

More recently, Bucci had prayer shawls sent through Delta Airlines to Japan following the destructive tsunami that devastated the country in 2011. “I have no idea who ended up with them, but I am sure that they brought great comfort,” said Bucci.

Members of the prayer shawl ministry team at St. David’s gather to knit various prayer shawls. During this time they pray for each recipient of the prayer shawls they are constructing. Sometimes the future recipient is known, such as a pregnant woman about to give birth to her child, and sometimes he or she is unknown, such as Bosland. The prayers are sincere in each circumstance, so that each recipient is surrounded by God’s love upon receiving the shawl. To learn more about the prayer shawl ministry at St. David’s, send Bucci an email to rbucci@swbell.net.

Following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Bucci received another letter thanking the ministry, in which a man told her that his daughter started her own prayer shawl ministry after he had received the one from St. David’s. While on board a flight, another attendant wrapped his arms around Bucci upon finding out she was involved in his gift of a prayer shawl. The fellow attendant had also survived after staying at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. “They have truly touched the hearts of people who had been so traumatized,” said Bucci.

Growing Libraries at Camp

T

he libraries at Camp Capers and the Mustang Island Conference Center are growing, thanks to a donation from the diocesan Commission for Women’s Ministries and Viva Bookstore in San Antonio. The two dozen or so new books offer camp and conference center visitors some inspirational reading material as they relax at either of the two locations. “What could be better than relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book on the porch of the new Steves Hall at Camp Capers,” said Rob Watson, director of camps and conferences for the Diocese of West Texas.

The offerings include reflections, meditations, essays and short articles, and poetry. Favorite authors in the collection are Thomas Merton, Mary Oliver, Henri Nouwen, John O’Donohue, and several others. The books given by the Women’s Commission are in grateful thanksgiving for the Camp Capers hospitality at the Women’s Gatherings held twice a year at the camp.

To learn more about the Women’s Commission, visit: http://www.dwtx.org/department-ministries/womens-ministries/ or plan to visit the commission’s booth at Diocesan Council (see pages 7-10).

Contributed by Marjorie George.

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www.dwtx.org

Bible/Book Studies in the New Year Jesus: Exploring His Life and Influence in the Church Led by the Rev. Dr. John Lewis and hosted

by St. Mark’s, San Antonio Starting in January the Rev. Dr. John Lewis of St. Benedict’s Workshop (formerly The Work+Shop) in San Antonio will lead three studies of recent books of interest to Christians. The gatherings are open to all Episcopalians and the general public. They are free of charge and will be hosted by St. Mark’s, San Antonio, 315 E. Pecan St., from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the following Thursday nights: Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth,

by Reza Aslan. This historical presentation of the life of Jesus of Nazareth by a modern Muslim scholar portrays Christ as a radical revolutionary setting out to overthrow the Roman rule of Palestine. Thursdays, January 30 and February 6.

Killing Jesus: A History, by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. Following their popular non-fiction books Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln, the authors recount the events leading up to the shocking crucifixion of Jesus and explore some of their impacts still felt today. Thursdays, February 27 and March 6.

Are You Following Jesus?

W

hat does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, and how do we live out our lives as his followers?

That question will be taken up in a new diocesan adult Christian formation initiative titled Following Jesus: Invitation to Discipleship, which begins Monday, February 24, and continues through Lent and Holy Week 2014.

The eight-week program, written by the Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson of the San Antonio-based St. Benedict’s Workshop (formerly The Work+Shop), will be formatted for individuals, congregations, and small groups and will be posted online at the diocesan website www.dwtx.org and on a dedicated blog at www. followingjesus-dwtx.org.

Each of the eight weeks will be devoted to a particular aspect of discipleship: • follower • worshiper • witness • neighbor • forgiver/healer • prophet • steward The first week will be an introductory session. Each day of each of the eight weeks, except Sundays, will offer a scripture reading with commentary and questions for reflection. Each week will also include a recorded interview with a diocesan member who lives that particular aspect of discipleship.

Online users may subscribe to the study and have it delivered by email each week as well as participate in an online conversation. Materials may also be downloaded for printing.

The blog will contain a sample day’s study by the end of January, and congregations will be notified so they may publish it for their parishioners.

For more information or questions about Following Jesus: Invitation to Discipleship, email Marjorie George at marjorie.george@dwtx.org.

Why Priests: A Failed Tradition, by Gary Wills.

Historian and practicing Roman Catholic Gary Wills argues for the elimination of the priestly hierarchy in the church and its monopoly, and for a return to a simpler and less hierarchical and authoritarian church more attuned to that of Jesus of the Gospels.

Thursdays, March 27 and April 3.

The books are available for purchase through the St. Mark’s bookstore. For more information, phone or write Katherine Buzzini at St. Benedict’s Workshop at 210599-4224 or kbuzzini@theworkshop-sa.org.

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Around the circuit

CHURCH & OTHER EVENTS Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWE) St. Andrew’s, Port Isabel, presents the Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWE) on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-25, at the South Padre Island Convention Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., both days. In honor of its 20th year, more programs, activities, and exhibits will be present, including bird walks, a silent auction, nature-related vendors, and Danny Connor and his Reptile Adventures show.

Programs will focus on new trends such as digiscoping and geochaching, as well as fishing’s future, fly fishing, bait fishing, kayaking, and nature sketching. Proceeds from this year’s WOWE will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Port Isabel. For more information visit www.facebook.com/wowespi.

Lenten Christian Contemplative Retreat

Arise, shine; for your light has come!

Isaiah 60:1

Cathedral House Gallery presents a new show called “Illumination” to celebrate the season of Epiphany.

Epiphany is the time when the three wise men followed a great light and came from far away to worship and offer gifts to the newly-born Christ Child.

Because the wise men came from many different cultures and faiths, artists from several faith traditions are participating in their interpretation of the theme of Illumination.

Artists include Brother Cletus, Terry Gay Puckett, Mary Wentzel, Kat Gambs, Jeff Hull, Toni Cheshire, Keith Cheshire, Peter Szarmach, Patsy Sasek, Kifah Mohammad, Vesna Zrinski, Amira Alsareinye, Ken Brodeen, Lyn Belisle, and Gloria Hill.

Cathedral House Gallery is located at the Bishop Jones Center, 111 Torcido, San Antonio 78209. The gallery is open Mondays-Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the show will hang through February.

For more information about Cathedral House Gallery or this particular show, email Marjorie George at marjorie.george@dwtx.org.

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www.dwtx.org

St. Stephen’s, Wimberley, will host a holy Lenten Christian Contemplative Retreat at the Well Spring Conference Center in Blanco, Texas, Sunday, March 23, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m.

Consider treating yourself to a well-deserved week retreat dedicated to intentional rest, silence, meaningful worship, prayer, theological reflections and scripture study.

Well Spring supports our deepest longing to follow Jesus’ footsteps to “a deserted place, by ourselves to pray.” There are only private rooms with a maximum of 20 guests. The fee for the retreat is $280/person. Visit www.dwtx.org/church-events for a registration form to mail to St. Stephen’s.

Diocesan Spring Women’s Gathering The annual Spring Women’s Gathering sponsored by the Commission for Women’s Ministries will be held Friday-Sunday, April 4-6, at Camp Capers. The theme for the weekend is “Stranger in Our Midst: Angel or Annoyance,” and the presenter for the weekend is Sam Carter Gilliam. Gilliam also portrayed the famous Mrs. Barrington at Diocesan Council in 2011 and 2012. For more details about the gathering and about Gilliam, visit www.dwtx.org/women.

Around the circuit

SUMMER CAMPS Registration Open for Summer Sessions Registration is open for summer sessions at Camp Capers, for Family Camps at Mustang Island Conference Center, and for week-long adventures at Duncan Park in Colorado.

Visit www.dwtx.org/camps for more information on each program and to register. Send an email to Caroline Kittrell, marketing and development director for the Department of Camps and Conferences, at caroline.kittrell@dwtx.org if you have questions or need assistance. The summer schedules follow:

Camp Capers Senior High A: June 8-14 (rising 10th grade-college freshmen) Primary A: June 15-21 (rising 3rd-5th grades) Junior High A: June 22-28 (rising 8th-9th grades) Intermediate A: June 29-July 5 (rising 6th-7th grades) Good Sam Camp: July 14-18 (rising 3rd grade-college freshmen, from Good Samaritan Community Services) Senior High B: July 20-26 (rising 10th grade-college freshmen) Junior High B: July 27-Aug. 2 (rising 8th-9th grades) Intermediate B: Aug. 3-9 (rising 6th-7th grades) Primary B: Aug. 10-16 (rising 3rd-5th grades)

Family Camp at Mustang Island

Summary of apportionments through December 31, 2013.

Spring Break: March 13-16 Session 1: June 5-8 Session 2: June 12-15 Session 3: June 19-22 Session 4: June 26-29 Session 5: July 3-6 Session 6: July 10-13 Session 7: July 17-20 Session 8: July 24-27 Session 9: July 31-August 3 Session 10: August 7-10 Session 11: August 14-17 Session 12-Labor Day: August 29-Sept. 1

Colorado Adventure Program at Duncan Park Youth Trips (high school students): Base Camp: June 19-July 4, July 21-26 Backpacking: July 6-12 College Trip: July 14-19 Adult Trips: June 15-20, June 22-27

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Episcopal Diocese of West Texas P. O. Box 6885 San Antonio, TX 78209 www.dwtx.org Send address changes to The Church News, P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, TX 78209

the

Church News

calendar of events

Diocesan events January

Crafts Retreat The annual Crafts Retreat will be held at Camp Capers, Friday to Sunday, Jan. 31- Feb. 2.

Women are encouraged to bring their sewing, knitting, painting, scrapbooking, and all other DIY project materials for some uninterrupted crafting time and fellowship. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events. Cost is $120.00.

Marriage Retreat Love to Stay: Sex, Grace, and Commitment by Adam Hamilton will set the framework this retreat weekend, Friday-Sunday, Jan. 31- Feb. 2 at Mustang Island Conference Center. The Rev. Lisa and Kirk Mason, along with the Rev. Jennifer and Carrick Brooke-Davidson, will lead this retreat, starting Friday evening and concluding midday on Sunday. The cost is $300 per couple. Call MICC at 361-749-1800 for more information.

February

Father-Son Retreat The annual Father-Son Retreat will be held at Camp Capers, Friday-Sunday, Feb. 7- 9.

The weekend will be led by the Rev. Ripp Hardaway. Boys ages six to 18 are invited to bring their dads, or other father figures. Cost is $80 per child and $120 per adult. Register at www.dwtx.org/events.

Sunday Night Live Sunday Night Live (SNL) will be held Sunday evening, Feb. 9, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bishop Jones Center (111 Torcido, 78209) in San Antonio. SNL is a gathering for high school-age youth in the San Antonio area and is led by students that participate in the diocesan College Missions programs on various college campuses. The evening

includes worship, a talk, small groups, fellowship, and dinner. For more information contact the Director of College Missions, Greg Richards at greg@stirflux.com.

110th Diocesan Council The 110th Council of the Diocese of West Texas will convene on Thursday, February 20, at the Embassy Suites Hotel Spa and Conference Center in San Marcos. St. Mark’s, San Marcos, will serve as the Council host. The Council website is full of event information, and a tentative agenda has also been posted. Visit the site at http://council-dwtx.org.

Food for the Soul Food for the Soul will be held at Mustang Island Conference Center, Friday-Sunday, Feb. 28 - March 2. The weekend will include cooking classes with Food Service Director Kathy Jansen, Kirk Mason and others, along with worship and fellowship. The Rev. Lisa Mason will serve as chaplain. Cost per person is $245 double occupancy and $295 single occupancy. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events.

march

Cursillo #263 Cursillo #263 will be held at Camp Capers, Thursday-Sunday, March 6-9. Lay Rector is Susan Alwais, and the Spiritual Director is the Rev. James Murguia. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events.

Texas Conference of Churches Workshop The Texas Conference of Churches presents a one-day workshop, “What Do You Say After the Hug,” that provides models for ministering to returning soldiers and their families. The

workshop will be held on Thursday, March 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bishop Jones Center (111 Torcido, San Antonio, 78209). Cost per person is $30, and this includes lunch. Register by March 20 by emailing tcc@txconfchurches.org. Call 512708-0660 for more information.

The Diocese of West Texas Online

www.dwtx.org/blog

Read ministry stories from our churches in between issues of The Church News. The blog also features current news, national news, and diocesan ministry updates.

ReflectionsOnline

The diocesan spiritual formation blog, ReflectionsOnline offers weekly reflections and resources for your spiritual journey. www.reflections-dwtx.org “Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Bishop Jones Center” @DioceseWestTX