Church News Sept/Oct 2014 by Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

the

Church

News

September / October 2014 Campers at Camp Capers pick fresh vegetables from the new garden to be served on the salad bar or in meals.

The newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

See story on page 6.

Inside this issue

View the Potential Nominees for Bishop Coadjutor. The election will be held on Saturday, October 25, at TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas. See pages 10-27.

Camp Capers Traveling Day Camp

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Camp Capers Grows Veggies and Opportunities

Elisha Leadership Initiative: Year 2

Backpack Blessings at Cliff Maus Village

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News and Features 2 On the Bishop’s Mind: 140 Years and Counting 4 Camp Capers Traveling Day Camp 6 Camp Capers Grows Veggies and Opportunities 8 Elisha Leadership Initiative: Year 2 10 Special Council on October 25 11 Potential Nominees for Bishop Coadjutor

In Every

Issue

3 From the Editor 28 Around the Circuit 32 Calendar Cover photo by Mike Patterson.

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 4 September/October 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

140 Years & Counting

his year is the 140th anniversary of what we now know as the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. In recognition of this anniversary, in several of our congregations this spring I shared some stories about the early beginnings of the Episcopal Church in Texas. I have been encouraged to write a little about it in this month’s article, as well. Therefore, as we prepare to come together to elect a Bishop Coadjutor in October, let me take a moment with you to remember a bit of our history in the early days. Space will only permit me the briefest account of some of the early history of our diocese under our first three bishops. There were a few Episcopalians in this area even before the Republic of Texas was established. The first “commissioned” missionary, the Rev. Caleb Ives, arrived in 1838—two years after the battle of the Alamo. About a decade later (1849), the entire state was made a diocese and the first bishop was the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg. San Antonio served as his “See City” until after the Civil War. As you can well imagine, even being somewhat centrally located in the state, long distance travel was difficult; the railroad was not completed throughout the state, populations were scattered, and roads—where they could be found—were both dangerous and unpredictable. In 1874, the time came to divide the large state of Texas into more manageable units for the Church. Two missionary districts were carved out, “Western Texas” being one. So, our early moniker was “The Missionary District of Western Texas,” and our boundaries included not only a great deal of what presently makes up the diocese, but also extended as far as El Paso. In 1874, our first bishop arrived in the person of the Rt. Rev. Robert W. B. Elliott. He was 34 years old, and his was a mighty task indeed. He did much for the beginnings of this diocese and traveled extensively —in state and out of state—as he established congregations and raised funds for the construction of churches. Bishop Elliott did not enjoy good health; he had respiratory issues and lingering effects from having been wounded in the Civil War. In spite of this, he worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel and was even sent to Mexico by the House of Bishops to check on the Episcopal Church there. Bishop Elliott died in 1887 at Sewanee, Tennessee, while attempting to recuperate from poor health. He is buried on the grounds at Sewanee. The second bishop of the Missionary District of Western Texas was James “Steptoe” Johnston, who arrived in 1888. It was Bishop Johnston’s vision for education that established the strong “DNA” in West Texas for Episcopal education. This can be seen in the 29 Episcopal schools currently in West Texas—one of the largest number of schools in the U.S. dioceses. Many parochial schools, TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas, and what would become St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, are examples of his passion for education.

As I have mentioned at Diocesan Council and other venues, Bishop Johnston brought a young woman named Artemisia Bowden to lead the small sewing school which grew under her leadership into present-day St. Philip’s College in San Antonio. Our diocese has nominated Dr. Bowden for inclusion on the Episcopal Church’s Holy Women, Holy Men calendar. We are hopeful that she will be recognized at the 2015 General Convention next summer. She led St. Philip’s for over 50 years, taking it from a small sewing school to its establishment as a college. Shall I say the Lord brought her here through Bishop Johnston’s vision and ministry, and the rest is history, as they say. The Missionary District of Western Texas officially became a diocese in 1904 during Bishop Johnston’s tenure. “Good-bye, El Paso - we hardly knew ya’!” We observed our 100th anniversary as a “diocese” in 2004 (the same Diocesan Council at which I was ordained a bishop). Bishop Johnston called for a Bishop Coadjutor to be chosen in 1914, and the Rt. Rev. William Theodotus Capers was elected. Bishop Capers became the diocesan bishop two years later when Bishop Johnston retired in 1916. (Bishop Johnston died in 1924; his funeral was held at St. Mark’s, San Antonio, and he was buried at Mission Park South, San Antonio.) Bishop Capers became the longest serving bishop of the diocese, serving in the office for 29 years (1914-1943). Bishop Capers led and cared for the diocese through World War I, the Great Depression, and the early years of World War II. He died in office, and a service was held at St. Mark’s, San Antonio, in March 1943. He is also buried at Mission Park South. It is customary for bishops to carry a crozier (shepherd’s staff) as a symbol of the bishop’s role as the shepherd of the flock. In 1919, the clergy of the diocese presented Bishop Capers with a beautiful crozier of silver and wood, and upon his death his family gave the crozier to the diocese for succeeding bishops to carry. Every diocesan bishop of West Texas since has carried that crozier. You’ve seen it when I have visited your congregation. The Bishop’s crozier, presented to Bishop Capers in The crozier will have 1919 and given for all succeeding bishops to carry. its 100th anniversary in 2019. Finally, Camp Capers is named in honor of Bishop Capers—who had a dream of a diocesan camp but did not live to see it fulfilled. I know he would be especially proud of the wide and diverse camping program now enjoyed by the people of West Texas and beyond.

These are just a few stories of our early beginnings in Texas. From a one-diocese state under Bishop Gregg, to a Missionary district from 1874-1904, and then a diocese from 1904 to the present, we continue to strive to do our faithful best to love God and to love our neighbors, following in the examples and teachings of Jesus himself. I will close with the prayer that the Standing Committee has been encouraging all of us to pray as we elect, in this our 140th year, the person who will serve as the 10th Bishop of West Texas: Almighty God, giver of every good gift, you have given us a life-giving fellowship in the Diocese of West Texas. Rekindle our hearts with the love of Christ Jesus that we might continue to build upon the legacy left by those who have tended this Diocese and led with Godly courage. Look graciously upon us and upon your whole Church, and guide the minds of those who shall discern the one you are calling to be a bishop for our Diocese, that we may receive a faithful shepherd, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the editor Laura Shaver

The Kingdom

uring a recent staff Eucharist service at the Bishop Jones Center, Bishop Gary Lillibridge delivered a homily on the Parable of the Mustard Seed and other Kingdom of Heaven comparisons (Matthew 13:3133, 44-52). I had just returned from Family Camp on Mustang Island where I had spent three uninterrupted days with my husband and our two little boys, surrounded by other families and friends. During his homily, Lillibridge gave us some observations to ponder, one being, “The Kingdom of Heaven makes itself known in surprising times, places, and persons.” I believe the Kingdom of Heaven makes itself known in many places in and around this the Church News

diocese, and my family is blessed to be a part of this. You are a strong body, you are witnesses to Jesus Christ, and you spread his love widely. The Kingdom of Heaven will continue to make itself known in surprising places, including at the Special Council in October when we will elect a Bishop Coadjutor. Amidst excitement and maybe a little bit of apprehension, I look forward to watching the Spirit move through this wide body of believers, as the Diocese of West Texas opens a new chapter.

September/October 2014

Featured News

Elisha Leadership Initiative: Year 2 | By Laura Shaver

new school year always brings new beginnings, and this year, six new ELI interns for the Department of College Missions. This marks the second year of the Elisha Leadership Initiative (ELI), an intensive, year-long leadership training program in the Diocese of West Texas targeted toward recent college graduates. The program, created by Greg Richards, director of College Missions, along with the department, is meant to connect small or mid-size churches with emerging youth leaders to help the church facilitate a youth program. Simultaneously, the ELI interns assist in leading the fellowship programs on university campuses in San Antonio already established by College Missions. This year, two interns have been placed at churches new to the program, including St. Margaret’s, San Antonio, and Resurrection, San Antonio. One will assist the Department of Camps and Conferences; one will engage the ELI online presence; while two others will learn and grow by participating in the youth program at St. Luke’s, San Antonio.

Photos by Allie Melancon.

“We are excited to have two mid-size churches who will benefit from new youth programs, and we are thankful to St. Luke’s for providing opportunities for our interns to continue to grow their youth programs,” said Richards. “And the possibilities for leadership within Camps and Conferences and building up our ELI program are huge.” The new class of interns gathered in San Antonio – some just moving to the city – in the beginning of August. They spent a week together moving into a rental home where they will live together in community. The group then traveled to Duncan Park in Colorado, where they enjoyed a week of leadership training, led by Daniel Allen, the director of College Missions for the Diocese of Dallas. While in Duncan Park, the group spent time getting to know one another, figuring out each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how to communicate and work effectively side-by-side. 8

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The group of ELI interns for the Department of College Missions (l to r): Caroline Garcia, Austin Smith, Willy Macha, Wesley Bergeron, and Michael Arredondo.

Not to miss out on an adventure, the group hiked together and went white-water rafting. “The bonding came quickly,” said Austin Smith, ELI intern. “Well you bond quickly when you think you are all going to drown on a raft,” said Caroline Garcia, ELI intern. Programs on the campuses of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), St. Mary’s University, and the University of the Incarnate Word kicked off in late August, and the interns were present – two on each campus – to begin leading the fellowship gatherings and connecting with college students. The ELI Interns Michael Arredondo, originally from California, met Garcia while working for the non-profit Invisible Children for two years. It was Garcia who informed him of the ELI program, and Arredondo decided to come to San Antonio to participate. Arredondo will be working at Resurrection, San Antonio, building a brand-new youth program and also helping to coordinate “The Road” program at UTSA, led by College Missioner Roberto Celis. “I am excited to establish a community for the youth at Resurrection and eventually expand the church’s program. I know I will thrive in reaching out to the diverse student population at the university, getting to know

many students and ministering to them,” said Arredondo. Wesley Bergeron came across the ELI opportunity on a website designed for youth workers to browse jobs, conventions, and other resources: www.youthspecialties.com. Bergeron is currently working to complete his master’s degree with Columbia International University in South Carolina this December. He knew he wasn’t ready for a typical 9-5 job, so he began exploring a job in ministry. Bergeron will be building the youth program at St. Margaret’s, San Antonio, and facilitating “The Bridge” program at St. Mary’s University. “I am excited to connect with undergrads and serve as a mentor for them. I had great mentors in college, and I hope to be that person for someone else,” he said. Caroline Garcia is a former ELI intern. She participated in the program during the spring semester of the 2013-2014 school year and is returning for a full year of programming. Garcia, who has worked for the nonprofit Invisible Children, out of San Diego, California, in its online and social media endeavors, will spend the year expanding the ELI program’s online presence, helping to reach more emerging college graduates looking toward ministry service.

Willy Macha is from San Antonio, and spent last year as a youth intern at Christ Church, San Antonio. He also has worked with middle school students in Young Life, a nation-wide program designed to share the truth of God’s love with adolescents. Macha will be assisting in the youth programs at St. Luke’s, San Antonio, while also helping with “The Fire” program at Incarnate Word. Macha hopes to connect with some of the college athletes at the university, as he is a past college athlete. Macha played baseball for Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Chelsea Mueller, who had not arrived in San Antonio at the time of interviews, will also be assisting at St. Luke’s, San Antonio, and with “The Bridge” program at St. Mary’s. Mueller had made contact with Allie Melancon, college missioner, to learn about ELI, and moved to San Antonio after completing coursework at Wheaton College in Chicago, Illinois.

Austin Smith, who grew up at St. Thomas, San Antonio, recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in biomedical engineering. Smith was active in the Canterbury program in college, and knew Richards from several college ministry retreats. “He got me to come into ministry work,” said Smith. A Camp Capers alum, Smith will be actively assisting the Department of Camps and Conferences, facilitating retreats at both Camp Capers and Mustang Island Conference Center. He also served on the adventure team at Camp Capers this past summer, leaving him a new expert in the ropes course. Smith will also work with “The Road” program at UTSA. The ELI program is designed to train up leaders and send them out to work in ministry across the Diocese of West Texas. A former ELI participant, Sam Regonini, is now working to start up a College Missions program at Texas State University in San Marcos (see side bar). “There is always a way to get involved with and contribute to the ELI program,” said Richards. He encourages any church within the diocese with interest in the program to contact him. You can reach Richards at greg@ stirflux.com or 210-885-1192.

The Spring at Texas State The ministry at Texas State University in San Marcos has begun a new chapter. Bianca Leonard and Sam Regonini will be heading the efforts to reestablish a Diocese of West Texas presence on campus. This will take place in two parts: focusing on the students known through the camping programs and other diocesan events; and also engaging an outreach effort to reach students from areas outside the diocese. Through these efforts, the Department of College Missions hopes to begin to build a program that glorifies God and that the Diocese of West Texas is proud to support. The plan for establishing both of these relationships consists of several components. First, a weekly worship and fellowship service called The Spring launched right after classes began on Tuesday, September 2. This is a weekly meeting with dinner, worship, fellowship, and study. This time will be used to build relationships with both new and known students. Sam and Bianca will also create a time and space for students to gather for Bible study and various fellowship and service events throughout the year. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

Students at Texas State joined Bianca and Sam (pictured on top, second and third from left) for the first informal gathering of The Spring, the new College Missions program on campus.

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September/October 2014

Photo submitted by Bianca Leonard.

“We are a very diverse group [of interns], and I want our online identity to reflect the ministry we do,” said Garcia. A graduate of Incarnate Word, she will also help lead “The Fire” program at the university and build relationships with new and established college students.

A New Bishop for the

Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

t the 110th annual Diocesan Council, which was held in San Marcos in February 2014, the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge called for the election of a Bishop Coadjutor on October 25, 2014 at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas. The Bishop Coadjutor Elect will begin serving with Bishop Lillibridge in January 2015 until the retirement of Bishop Lillibridge in 2017, when the Bishop Coadjutor will automatically become the diocesan bishop. Now in his 11th year as diocesan bishop, Lillibridge will have been ordained 35 years in 2017. This process implements an orderly leadership transition for the entire diocesan family. View the profiles of the Potential Nominees (pages 11-27) and the Diocesan Profile, and find updates and registration information on the Special Council on October 25 at

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas Members of the Standing Committee (three clergy and three lay) are elected for threeyear terms by the Annual Diocesan Council. Current members are: Mrs. Thurma Hilton Mr. Richard Mosty Mr. John Warren The Rev. Ripp Hardaway The Rev. Ram Lopez The Rev. David Read Mrs. Kelley Kimble and the Rev. Scott Brown are serving as ex-officio members until October 2014. Their previous terms were extended by action of Diocesan Council for purposes of assisting in the election process.

http://council-dwtx.org

Election Day A Prayer for the Diocese Almighty God, giver of every good gift, you have given us a life-giving fellowship in the Diocese of West Texas. Rekindle our hearts with the love of Christ Jesus that we might continue to build upon the legacy left by those who have tended this Diocese and led with Godly courage. Look graciously upon us and upon your whole Church, and guide the minds of those who shall discern the one you are calling to be a bishop for our Diocese, That we may receive a faithful shepherd, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Special Council Saturday, October 25 10:00 AM TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas 20955 West Tejas Trail San Antonio, TX 78257 Ballot results and the eventual name of the Bishop Coadjutor Elect will be posted on the Council website: http://council-dwtx.org “Election Live” Follow the election on Twitter @DioceseWestTX or www.facebook.com/DioceseWestTX

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Scott Brown Biographical Data Name: Scott J. Brown Date of birth: May 10, 1975 Place of birth: Houston, Texas Name of spouse: Kimberly Ann Brown

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas is pleased to present the profiles of the six potential nominees for Bishop Coadjutor, who each provided biographical data and answers to the questions assigned by the Standing Committee. The Potential Nominees for Bishop Coadjutor are: The Rev. Scott Brown, Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen The Rev. Ram Lopez, Rector, St. George, San Antonio The Rev. Jim Nelson, Rector, St. John’s, McAllen The Rev. David Read, Rector, St. Luke’s, San Antonio The Rt. Rev. David Reed, Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of West Texas The Rev. Robert Woody, Rector, Church of Reconciliation, San Antonio

Names/ages of children: Parker (11), Christopher (9), and soon-to-be Angeline (4) College and degree(s): University of Houston-Victoria, B.S. Communication (1999) Seminary and degree(s): University of the South, M.Div. (2002) Other education experiences: “Integral Leadership Program” graduate, Stagen Leadership Academy Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • Facilitator/Adjunct Faculty, Stagen Leadership Academy • Author, Just Where Does God Live? (2009), The Gift of You (2012) • High school teacher and coach, St. Joseph, Victoria, Texas • Director of Christian Education, St. Francis, Victoria, Texas Experience in the ordained ministry: • Assistant Rector, St. David’s, San Antonio, 2002-2004 • Chaplain, TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas, 2004-2007 • Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, 2007-present National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • • • • • • • •

Chair, Young Life Harlingen Chair, Frontera Unida Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas Camp Capers Dean Father-Son Retreat at Camp Capers leader Clergy Conference presenter Clergy Leadership Program facilitator

What do you do for recreation? Hang out with my family, play golf, relax on South Padre Island, laugh with my friends, root for the San Antonio Spurs

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September/October 2014

The Rev. Scott Brown How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus? It won’t take me 250 words to tell you how my life reflects the life of Jesus. It will only take 2. “It doesn’t.” I am a broken man who falls short of the life that God has in store for me on a daily basis while my Savior Jesus was a perfect man who flawlessly fulfilled God’s plan for his life on this earth. While the essence of our lives are nothing alike, Jesus and I do share some similarities. Like my Savior, I love people and feed off of relationships. I am at my best when I am with others. Like Jesus, community is everything to me and relationships are what makes me who I am. Like our Lord, I am madly in love with my children and often see more for them than they see for themselves. I know that I fail to live the life that Jesus lived. Yet I also know, through his teachings, that my broken life, because of his perfect life, has been redeemed. And that’s a message that both fills my heart with joy and inspires me to share Jesus’ life and teachings with the world.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship? As a priest and a pastor, I am called to be a vehicle of God’s love and an instrument of God’s grace. Left to myself, that is an impossible task. If I don’t feed myself first, I will have nothing fruitful to offer others. I am keenly aware of my need for God’s presence in my day to day life. Frankly, I’m too busy NOT to pray. I am sustained by my weekly Wednesday time block, set aside to read and study Scripture as I prayerfully seek the places where the Living Word of God intersects my daily life. In that intersection, the Scriptures offer me deep opportunities for transformation and growth. I am also formed by writing, as I use weekly journaling as a way to listen and respond to God’s still, small voice. Music is a gift to me and I listen to it daily as a way to worship. Praise and Worship Chapel with the children in our Day School fills me with joy. I am not a master at study, prayer, or worship. I fall short of the high expectations I set for myself. And when I am anxious and afraid, when I hear myself complaining more than creating, I realize that my life is telling me that I have neglected my spiritual disciplines. By intentionally returning to study, prayer, and worship, my heart is filled once again, and my life is rich and “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth will speak.”

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ? One of my favorite Bible stories is the man born blind in John’s Gospel (chapter 9). As the Pharisees, the disciples, and even the parents of the blind man try and figure out whose sin caused this man’s blindness, it’s the man himself who speaks the simple truth about God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ. “One thing I do know. I was blind and now I see.” Because of my Savior, I am redeemed, and by His grace I can see the world through the lens of my own redemption. Though I fall short often, I seek to proclaim that my story is the same as the blind man’s. I was broken and am now, because of my Savior, made whole. The 12

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Potential Nominees story of my own redemption is one that only I can tell. If I choose not to tell it, it won’t be told. So with a passion that comes from having been broken and made whole, I proudly proclaim that I was lost and now am found. I was blind and now I see. When I fail to offer the world around me the saving love and forgiveness that has been given to me, I humbly say “I’m sorry God.” And every time I ask for forgiveness, I find the wide open arms of my Savior Jesus, welcoming me home and opening my eyes to another chance to share my story of His redeeming love with the world.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world? I have been blessed to be a part of some wonderful and intentional opportunities to reach out in service to my community and to the world. As Chair of “Frontera Unida”, serving alongside the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico Episcopal clergy and congregations as we seek to create fruitful and sustainable ministry is exciting to me. The community of St. Alban’s leads and runs the Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry which feeds over 200 families a week and simultaneously feeds my soul. A recent mission trip with my wife to Haiti, along with several San Antonio area churches, not only reignited my love for World Missions, it also marked the beginning of the process to adopt our beautiful future daughter, Angeline. Each of these opportunities to give back to others has blessed me infinitely more than those I’ve been blessed to serve. Author and Philosopher Howard Thurman said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Helping people find the place that makes them come alive, is what makes me come alive. Serving others, out of the overflow of a heart that is full of gratitude is where life is found. When we find that place where we love to give back we realize that Jesus’ sending forth of his disciples through the Great Commission was not only to bring God’s love to the world, but to bless those who delivered it!

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people? My favorite part of being a priest is serving communion. It’s not the reading of the Eucharistic prayers or the incredible honor it is to say the words that Jesus instituted on the night before he died, but the actual part where I place the Body of Christ into the hands of those kneeling at the foot of the cross. That sacramental act of placing a sign of God’s perfect gift into the hands of God’s broken children is the most powerful part of my ministry. In that moment we are at our absolute best. Those who receive the gift are kneeling and quiet, humble and open as they reach out their hands and make a throne on which the Body of Christ, our King is placed. And by God’s grace I, too, am at my best as I see the community to whom I distribute the Body of Christ through the lens in which Christ sees them and I love them, not through my own flawed love, but through Christ’s perfect love. In that sacred moment, I love them just as they are, the way Jesus loves them, without judgement. By participating in the reconciled relationship

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Scott Brown between Christ and his Church, I am deeply reconciled myself and I get a snapshot of the reconciled life God calls us to live. My broken hands play a small part in God’s redemption and restoration in the world. What an honor! What an unbelievably humbling gift!

love with the world. Often our greatest growth occurs as a response to our greatest challenges. I look forward to being a part of a new season of spiritual and numerical growth in our diocese.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow? Describe: A. Your theology of leadership B. Your strengths as a leader C. Your strengths in administration A) Leadership is being the change you seek from the inside out. Jesus was an effective leader, not because he told his followers how to live, but because he modeled that life for them. One of the gifts Jesus had as a leader was his passion for the idea of developing others to be leaders too. I share that passion. B) Helping others find the place that makes them come alive is one of my greatest strengths. While I was born to lead, I excel as a leader by bringing people together to collaborate and grow as a community. I love building great teams, and multiple perspectives gives a community the best chance to thrive. I seek inclusion over exclusion and choose to lead through consent and connectedness rather than power and control. C) As an administrator I am not afraid to make tough decisions. I see challenges and opportunities where some may see issues or problems. I am a visionary leader who can see the big picture, yet I am extremely strategic and focused on the details needed to reach that vision. While I often challenge and motivate others, my love for people and my desire to learn from them calls me to slow down and coach them without pushing too hard or too fast. I was put on this earth to love people as they are, to lead them where they cannot go alone, and to learn from them along the way.

In my first four years as Rector at St. Alban’s our community grew by over 35 percent. Whatever small part I played in that growth was due in large part to my charisma and energy, not my leadership and wisdom. I knew this was unsustainable. I needed help and more importantly, I asked for it. I was introduced to a 52-week practiceoriented leadership program designed to hold a mirror in front of me as I stood face to face with my gaps as a leader. Where were my espoused values not in line with my actual behavior? Where was I relying on my God given strengths while ignoring my gaps as a leader? This journey to self discovery was painful at times. Shining a light on my weaknesses as a leader is not easy. Today, St. Alban’s continues to grow. I am blessed to serve, not as the shining star of the community, but as the Head Coach of a fantastic team of capable leaders. The growth we now experience is sustainable. We are a collaborative community with diverse theological opinions who share a united desire to serve our Risen Lord and share his message with the world. My charisma and energy, along with my new tools and hard-learned-lessons, continue to shape me. I am intimately connected to the community I serve. As I grow, so will they. I have much to learn as a leader and look forward to a lifetime of challenging and rewarding growth.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges? We are an aging church. Most congregations aren’t exploding with young people. Sports complexes are packed on Sunday mornings while church parking lots are often empty. The average Sunday attendance in our diocese has declined by 18.5 percent from 2002 to 2012. Spending Sunday morning in a church is no longer a cultural priority. The greatest challenge facing the Church today is the perception of irrelevancy. The message Christ calls us to share with the world is just as life changing as it was 2,000 years ago. Yet, a large portion of our culture is unaware of the power of this message, or perhaps far worse, apathetic. Opening the doors and hoping people will join us for worship does not work anymore. The Church needs to leave the building to create and foster relationships with the world outside her doors. Rekindling the gift of God in our communities will take new ways of thinking. I am blessed to be a part of a network of Leadership Coaches and Consultants who have decades of experience helping organizations reach their communities. Whether as Rector of St. Alban’s or Bishop of the Diocese, I want to collaborate with clergy and lay leaders to be a part of conversations that challenge and equip us to share Christ’s changeless message of the Church News

September/October 2014

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Ram Lopez Biographical Data

Experience in the ordained ministry:

Name: Ramiro Eduardo Lopez, Jr. (Ram)

• Assistant Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, 1995-1998 • Assistant Rector, St. John’s, McAllen, 1998-2002 • Church Planter / Vicar, St. Peter and St. Paul, Mission, 1998-2003 • Assistant Rector / Rector, St. George, San Antonio, 2004-present

Date of birth: February 21, 1964 Place of birth: Corpus Christi, Texas Name of spouse: Kendra Morgan Lopez Names/ages of children: Christopher (18), John Michael (15) College and degree(s): Texas State University, B.A. History (1988) Seminary and degree(s): University of the South, M.Div. (1995) Other education experiences: University of the South School of Theology, currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program Vocational/professional experience other than ordination:

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • Deputy / Alternate to General Convention • Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas • Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas • Camps and Conferences in the Diocese of West Texas • Board of Trustees, TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas • Recovery Ministries • Board of Trustees - the University of the South What do you do for recreation?

• Academic Advisor, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas • Service Dept., Chuck Nash Chevrolet, San Marcos, Texas

Walking around our family ranch, hunting, fishing, spending time with my family, watching football (especially TMI), cheering for the San Antonio Spurs

How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus? “Work in progress.” This phrase best describes how my life reflects the life and teachings of Jesus. I believe deeply that God is actively transforming each of us daily. I am a work in progress. I continually reflect on the life Jesus lived and work to see through his eyes the people and world around me. The Serenity Prayer has a line which is not often spoken: “...taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it...” This has shaped me in profound ways. I am continually learning to set aside all my own expectations of how things ought to be and to look for God’s activity in the world around me in order to join in that work. As a person who is active in the recovery community, I am able to encounter many different people who have experienced being broken at many levels of their lives. Many of them have resentments against the Church. I live my recovery and my life in ways that reflect Jesus’ love and mercy. When the opportunity presents, I share a teaching of Jesus with people in ways that would strengthen their recovery. I do not do this perfectly - as I wrote, I am a work in progress - but I am always aware of my baptismal call to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” (Book of Common Prayer, pg. 305)

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How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship? I have learned through my doctor of ministry studies at Sewanee that “study is prayer.” This awareness has transformed my understanding of planning and preparing for leading the liturgy and for preaching. I recognize these weekly duties as practices that play an active role in my spiritual formation. In approaching this planning and preparation, I begin with an awareness that God’s Spirit is already active in the hearts and minds of the worshipping community - including me. I ponder daily what the Spirit of God wants to do at St. George. This helps me to see the Spirit’s activity in and around me which in turn shapes my ministry. All of this culminates with a joyful worship experience for me, even as I lead and preach on a Sunday morning. Other intentional spiritual practices include a time of prayer when I awake, reading various devotionals, reading the daily office, arriving at the office early to reflect and pray in the early morning quiet, and spending quiet time away at our family ranch or at the beach. I do not do all these practices at the same time. But they are all a part of my “spiritual toolkit,” as the Big Book of AA puts it, and I have found that varying my practices from time to time is helpful.

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Ram Lopez How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ? I offered a glimpse in one of the ways that I proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ in question one. Another way I do this is by participation in our day school’s morning worship. During this time we use an abbreviated form of Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer and have short readings from the Bible which are thematically driven. St. George Episcopal School, like all Episcopal Schools, is open to students of all religious backgrounds, and we are blessed by their presence and celebrate it. We also have our share of those who have no church affiliation but recognize the role faith can play in their student’s lives. It has been my sacred task to preach many a sermon to our students and often their parents. Each day there are four distinct worshipping congregations: four and five year olds, first through fifth grade, middle school and staff, faculty and a few parents. Preaching and leading worship among this diverse age group amidst all the diversity of students and adults can often be daunting. However, I have made it clear for many years that we will claim our Christian faith and Episcopalian ways of living out that faith in our chapel while still remaining respectful and non-proselytizing. The opportunity to walk alongside students and their parents and teachers is a gift from God that blesses me even as I serve among them.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world? One of the great joys of serving at St. George is the way this community is into serving our community and the world. We provided support to the drilling of water wells in Honduras and locally to Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM). In succeeding years, St. George has partnered with a local public school to provide backpacks and school supplies to severely underprivileged students; through the efforts of our school, we built a school in Haiti; provided space to a large number of recovery support groups; and have seen a growing number of individual and small group mission efforts in the San Antonio area. What is important to note is that I did not create any of these efforts. My role has been to tell that story of mission both locally and abroad and to not let worshippers forget that as followers of Jesus Christ we are called to serve the world in his name. While I have participated personally in some local outreach endeavors and mission trips to the Texas-Mexican border, the timing has not been right for me to go on an international trip. It is my hope to visit Haiti and see the school built by the gifts of the St. George community. In the meantime, I feel called to continue to preach mission as a response to God’s grace given to us, to give towards mission work at home and abroad and something in which each member of Christ’s body can participate in one way or another.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people? One of the true gifts of the program of recovery is the use of daily personal inventories. As I have grown in my use of this particular gift I can see clearly what stands in the way of a deeper relationship with

God and with others. This process of reflection and confession has opened to me a willingness to become more open to those who are of a different theological persuasion than me. In removing the obstacles to relationship I have become more able to listen more openly to others. Last fall a number of us from St. George participated with other congregations in a listening process centered on the blessing of samesex unions. I found the conversation to be a time of encountering the Spirit of God among us in spite of our theological differences. I experienced the power of active listening and engagement in bridging the divides between us. I found the same to be true as I participated in the “Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace” Conference in Oklahoma City earlier this year. The active listening and engagement helped me find common ground in understanding how we as a Church can work toward peace with others whose political and theological beliefs of owning firearms is different than my own. This practice of daily reflection, confession, active listening and engaging with others who are different than me are how I work to foster a reconciled relationship with God and others.

Describe: A. Your theology of leadership B. Your strengths as a leader C. Your strengths in administration A) Leadership is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that St. Paul lists. Leadership is a sacred trust. It is a calling that is to be exercised and stretched through learning new skills so it does not stagnate. Leadership is casting forward vision, walking and working alongside others on the journey forward, and encouraging those who are lagging behind. Leadership is most effective when it is based on following Jesus. B) One of my strengths as a leader is building partnerships. St. George, with as diverse a population as it has among the school and church families, is a vibrant place because we have committed to building partnerships. I have witnessed the transformational power of building relationships and consensus at St. George. From our recent building campaign to our joint efforts for our school supplies drive earlier this year, the partnership we have is changing lives. C) One of my strengths in administration is acknowledging my weaknesses. I have learned to find staff members who bring complementary gifts to the congregation. While this can often lead to lively staff meetings, I find that the creative energy of the back and forth among all of us as colleagues produces innovative ministry.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges? The primary challenge of the Episcopal Church today is developing biblically and theologically reflective leadership. We need to equip new leaders across all orders of ministry - laity, bishops, priests, and deacons. We need leaders who are deeply formed by their experience of worship and a vibrant study of the Bible. We need leaders who have been transformed by their participation in local and global mission and ministry. We need leaders who have had life-long exposure to the Church News

September/October 2014

The Rev. Ram Lopez the Scriptures and have had chances to learn to think and reflect theologically. I would lead through this challenge by finding ways to strengthen and encourage life-long spiritual formation at the local level. That would mean, in some cases, congregations creating learning partnerships. It would mean continuing to invest in our camps and conferences programs, which form so many of our young people for future leadership. It would mean helping clergy access theologically-based continuing education opportunities. Addressing this challenge will be a long-term process of changing the current culture of the Church. I see this as the primary challenge because some of our conversations about hot-button issues, such as human sexuality or what to do about the epidemic of violence in our culture, need to be rooted more deeply in a theological and biblical context. Conflict has always been a part of the Christian faith. But it is important for our witness to Christ Jesus how we undertake our discussion of controversial topics and honor the Christ in our discussion partners.

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Potential Nominees Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow? The area of growth for me since I have been at St. George is recognizing that I can share duties of ministry. As a church planter in Mission it was always tempting to try to do as much work as I could do. A faithful member of the “mission in Mission” and a good friend said to me one day as I was juggling a variety of duties, “You do only the things you can do. Let us do the rest.” This still resonates for me. As the complexity of ministry has grown here at St. George, I have learned that it is perfectly acceptable to ask for and receive help. I have learned to let go of multitasking. I have learned to invest my energy in where God is working in a particular moment in time. This is easier when I let others exercise their passion for ministry. It is addition by subtraction: the more I allow others to share the ministry load, the greater our faith and community grows. I find that I am not diminished by sharing the ministry load. Rather, I am more greatly fulfilled in my work and in my life. In other words, I have grown in my ability to “let go and let God.” I do not do this perfectly. But I am aware of how much stronger the Body of Christ is when each member offers the gifts that God has provided them to offer for the sake of the whole.

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Jim Nelson Biographical Data

Experience in the ordained ministry:

Name: Jim Nelson

• Curate / Rector Church of the Resurrection, Oklahoma City (Diocese of Oklahoma), 1989-2000 • Rector, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Friendswood, Texas (Diocese of Texas), 2000-2011 • Rector, St. John’s, McAllen, Texas (Diocese of West Texas), 2011-present

Date of birth: October 6, 1949 Place of birth: Woodward, Oklahoma Name of spouse: Linda R. Nelson Names/ages of children: Tricia A. Woodliff (39) College and degree(s): Oklahoma State University, B.A. (1971) Seminary and degree(s): Virginia Theological Seminary, M.Div. (1989) Other education experiences: Naval Courses in Security and Confidentiality Course work in Accounting, Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • Broadcaster, two years, United States Navy • Four years in the Security Group • Restaurant ownership and management for six years • Automobile dealership management for five years

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • Regional Dean (Dioceses of West Texas and Texas) • Deputy to Provincial Synod (Diocese of Oklahoma) • Executive Board (Dioceses of West Texas and Texas) • Bishop Quinn Foundation Board (Diocese of Texas) • Discernment Committee in the Diocese of West Texas • Priest Mentor in the Diocese of West Texas • Board member of Good Samaritan Community Services (Diocese of West Texas) • Phoenix Counseling Center board member (Diocese of Oklahoma) What do you do for recreation? I have enjoyed quite a number of hobbies over the years, but most recently, I enjoy sailing, and I am a struggling but everhopeful avid golfer.

How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus? What a humbling question. My relationship with Jesus is one of gratitude. I am so thankful for His life and guidance in His teachings, and I pray that out of this gratitude I reflect His love. I find joy in leading others deeper in their relationship with God. I believe that everything in life is designed to teach us about our relationship with God, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear. To me, it’s obvious that Jesus believed this as well. I find joy in leading others to understand this basic concept. Though my reflection of Jesus in this is often difficult for others to recognize, I pray that others might see Him through His love reflected dimly in me as I seek to live out this understanding.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship? I think that when God called me to ordained ministry He did so as much out of pity for me as much as for any other reason. He knew my lack of discipline, and so he gave me a vocation whereby I would turn to Scripture for guidance daily. God charged me with leadership and the subsequent anxiety of the overwhelming nature of that charge

which would drive me daily to seek His direction for my life through daily prayer both organized and in personal conversations with Him. Of course, as a priest and a rector, I’m called to lead worship. But, worshipping our creator is where I’m fed, and just like I relish the idea of a good meal, I look forward with joy to opportunities for worship.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ? Tony Campolo wrote “The Kingdom of God is a Party.” I believe that God’s plan for humanity is death > life > party. The sooner we die to self and live for God, the sooner we join in the joy. God wants joy (not necessarily happiness which depends upon happenstance) for all of us. No greater proclamation of God’s saving love in Christ is there than joyful Christians. Not only should people say, “Look at those Christians how they love one another” but also, “Look at those Christians how joyful they are!” I find joy in Jesus as my savior, and I pray that my words and everyday demeanor serve as an example of that joy to others. As a priest in the Church my greatest joy is the realization that, for whatever reason, I’ve been called to visibly be God’s “stand in” and speak on His behalf to others. the Church News

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The Rev. Jim Nelson

Potential Nominees

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world?

with each minister doing her or his unique and necessary part with authority and responsibility but with the celebrant leading forward.

When asked where we are supposed to get food to feed these people, Jesus told his disciples “You feed them.” If you wear the title Christian you serve Christ’s children. This is the difference between a chapel and a church. The residents of a chapel seek to be fed; the members of a church also seek to feed. I want to be a church member and engage in the joy of feeding others.

As we point toward and seek to live into God’s vision for us, it must be towards a commonly held future. God has provided each individual, each parish community, and each diocese a unique vision of who we are. The bishop, as leader, is both the keeper of and passionate promoter of God’s vision. My strength as a leader and my strength in administration is I believe, very much the same; I know who I am and who I am not. This might be a gift of age and experience. I’ve succeeded and I’ve failed and over the course of time, and hopefully, I’ve learned why. I am a big-picture person and maybe even a visionary, but I am not a person given to “detail.” And because I’m aware of this, I surround myself with people who are tuned into detail. I need people to fill in my gaps, and I’m thankful for the ones that say to me, “Yes, but did you think about….”

As a priest and rector I cannot use “I” in answering this question. It’s always “we”, I’m never alone. We feed the hungry monthly through a food pantry in which we both provide a meal for 350 people and give out boxes of food as well. We participate in Good Samaritan Community Services to give underprivileged young people hope through opportunities to increase knowledge, service, and selfesteem in their lives. We have yearly (with some exceptions) traveled to Central America on both medical and construction missionary opportunities. We have engaged in the Texas Border flood of people coming across the border by providing hygiene, food, backpacks, and other items along with volunteering in the durable crisis. We participate in Open Table, a program to raise people from poverty and perhaps homelessness to a fulfilling self-sustaining life.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people? I think that what I do more than anything is to strive to keep the main thing the main thing. When a person or community places great priority on the Great Commission and simply goes into the world and makes disciples, secondary issues are far less fracturing. Every relationship with God begins with reconciliation. As we know, God is continually at work reconciling the world to Himself. I do my best, as a priest and rector, to foster reconciliation through a healthy parish environment. I strive to offer a place of sanctuary for equipping others to deal with the issues of life in an atmosphere of love, security, and support. I find sanctuary in Jesus. What I am trying to say is simple; every Christian should be a walking base in the game of tag called “life.” In tag there are chasers, chasees, and a base. We’ve all been chasers, busily chasing the things of life like money, youth, etc. We’ve all been chasees, being chased by fear and anxiety. When a person is in touch with the base they know they are safe. They know as well, however, that they cannot simply escape to that base but must reenter the fray after being equipped and reinvigorated. Once we have embraced God’s desire for us to be reconciled, we are called to be an agent of that reconciliation in the everyday.

Describe: A. Your theology of leadership B. Your strengths as a leader C. Your strengths in administration Leadership has been for me a team understanding. Even Christ led with a team and expressed the model of Church as a body with each member doing his/her part. The model for leadership might be that which is found in our worship, a team under God’s direction 18

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What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges? I think the primary challenge facing the Episcopal Church today is trusting in the Resurrection. This isn’t a phrase that I coined but having heard it from an unknown source, I wonder if it’s not true. Think about it. Can you imagine what you would do if you KNEW, really knew, that you could not fail! The adventures we would have! So, if we have a clear understanding of God’s vision for us and we don’t move towards it, it means that, at least to some extent, we do not trust God. I know this, that if we believe we are doing something on behalf of God, as soon as we begin to follow that understanding we have, in that moment, succeeded. Secondarily, the Episcopal Church needs to remember the primary thing is to go into the world and make disciples. The primary thing isn’t to get caught up in secondary issues, as worthy as they may be. When we allow secondary issues (whatever they may be) to become primary, they are 100 percent of the time, divisive. And when the Church is divided, Satan laughs because even in our passion over what may be a worthy issue, we have turned away from the Great Commission. I’m aware that the challenge in what I’ve said is dealing effectively, faithfully, and prayerfully about those secondary issues. They simply cannot take center stage.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow? It all has to do with relationship. I’ve had to grow spiritually in relationship with Christ so that I could lead more deeply into a relationship that I better understood. I’ve had to grow in selfknowledge so that I wouldn’t be my own worst enemy in terms of growth of the Church. I had to let go of the hidden agenda that it’s all about me. I’m still growing (I pray) in this way. In that same regard I’ve had to grow in understanding of who I’m not so that I could supply what is needed, in terms of leadership, outside of me. And I’ve had to grow in comfort with myself. I’ve had to grow in knowledge of visionary leadership. And I have had to constantly grow in terms of where the church is now and what has got us to this point.

Potential Nominees

The Rev. David Read Biographical Data

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities:

Name: David Glenn Read Date of birth: May 18, 1965 Place of birth: Winston-Salem, North Carolina Name of spouse: Jacqueline C. Read (Jacqui) Names/ages of children: Amy Grace (20), William Aidan (17) College and degree(s): Texas State University, B.A. (1988) Seminary and degree(s): Virginia Theological Seminary, M.Div. (1992) Other education experiences: Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, studies toward a D. Min. in Congregational Development Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • Veterinary Technician • College Peer Minister • Restaurant dishwasher and busboy

• Deputy to General Convention 5 times, Alternate 1 time • Member of the Legislative Committee on Ministry at General Convention • Member of the Committee on Dispatch of Business for General Convention • Development Committee of the Diocese of West Texas • Standing Committee of the Diocese of West Texas • Secretary of the Diocese • Trustee, Episcopal Church Corporation in West Texas • Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas • Chair, Department of Camps and Conferences • Dean and chaplain at Camp Capers and Mustang Island Family Camp • Spiritual Director for Cursillo, Happening and Vocare • Dean, Central and Eastern Convocations • Department of Congregational Development - Transitional Congregations Committee • Department of Stewardship - Capital Campaigns Committee • Gathering of Leaders - presenter, chaplain, preacher, and theologian

Experience in the ordained ministry: What do you do for recreation? • Rector, St. Paul’s, Brady, Texas, and Vicar, Good Shepherd, Eden, Texas, 1992-1995 • Rector, St. Francis, Victoria, Texas, 1995-1998 • Rector, St. Helena’s, Boerne, Texas, 1998-2009 • Rector, St. Luke’s, San Antonio, Texas, 2009-present

Exercise at the YMCA; watch baseball; fish, travel, and garden

How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus? At my baptism, confirmation, and ordinations, I vowed to follow Jesus Christ. I take these vows seriously. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is the core of my identity. Throughout my ordained ministry, I have begun each Sunday morning in prayer at the altar, long before anyone else arrives at church. In addition to praying for my family and congregation, each Sunday I intentionally recommit myself to follow Jesus Christ, and ask for the strength and guidance to do so. That private prayer time at the altar each Sunday helps me tap into the riches of God’s grace as I carry out ministry throughout the week. Though I will always fall short of perfectly reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus, I know I can only reflect Christ if I am in a vibrant relationship with Christ. I love to preach the Gospel, and work to deliver sermons that help listeners apply Jesus’ teaching to their daily lives. I am blessed to serve a congregation with a large school, which regularly allows me to

tell children how much God loves them. I enjoy teaching, especially studies of Scripture. I lead classes throughout the year. I am intentional about serving the poor, and lead my congregation to put their faith into action outside our walls. I am an optimistic person. I am optimistic because I have experienced the power of God who raises the dead, transforms lives, and heals the broken. I am optimistic about the future of The Episcopal Church.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and in your worship? Scripture is my daily bread. I try to begin each day with my coffee, Bible, and calendar. I study the lessons for the day, and read Forward Day by Day. I journal regularly. Journaling helps me reflect on how the Spirit, moving through a passage of Scripture, is illuminating something in my life and ministry. I pray my way through the items the Church News

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The Rev. David Read on my daily calendar, asking God to give me wisdom, grace, and the mind of Christ today. I keep a prayer list in my pocket next to my heart. I try to be an intentional intercessor. When someone asks me to pray for them, I add their name to the list, and lift them up to God in my prayers. Each Thursday at 7:00 a.m. there is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at St. Luke’s Church. I regularly attend this service when I am not the celebrant. This allows me to worship when I am not leading. It is a joy to sit in a pew with faithful people, worship the Lord, and be fed by the sacrament. I bolster my prayer life by reading from the lives of saints, works by Henri Nouwen and others, and chapters from The Rule of the Society of St. John the Evangelist. “You cannot teach what you do not know; cannot lead where you do not go; cannot give what you do not have.” That saying sits on my desk. It reminds me of the importance of prayer and Bible study in my life.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ? Throughout my ministry in West Texas, the chief venue for proclaiming God’s saving love has been in parish ministry. It is a great privilege to preach the Good News of God’s love, and to celebrate the sacraments of the new covenant several times each week. I love ordained ministry. I cannot imagine doing anything more richly rewarding or more challenging. I have a passion for helping children know how much God truly loves them. I want them to feel fully welcome in God’s house and at God’s table. That passion has drawn me to serve with joy at Camp Capers and Mustang Island Family Camps for years. It has also led me to create worship services which are user-friendly to children, youth, and families. I have a passion for ministry with college students. I am an active Christian today because of college ministry in this diocese. Jacqui and I frequently feed students in our home, and support Vocare and college retreats because they made a difference in our lives. I have a passion for ministering to those who are new to the Christian Faith, or who have been away from church for years. I strive to proclaim God’s love in ways that unchurched people can experience it. I have worked hard to lead congregations to reach out to those who do not have a church home, and incorporate them into new life in Christ. It is incredibly rewarding to see Christ transforming lives both inside and outside the congregation.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world? Engaging in service to those outside the walls of our church building is transforming work. Mission and service transforms the lives of those who receive it, but it also powerfully transforms the hearts of individuals and congregations who perform it. This ministry is lifechanging because it is what Jesus calls us to do. 20

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Potential Nominees I find world mission ministry fulfilling. I have served on and led many teams. Together we have built homes in Northern Mexico and ministered to orphans in Haiti. I have also had the privilege of preaching the Gospel and leading Vacation Bible School in Uganda. Those experiences were transforming and spiritually energizing for me, and for the congregations I served, as Christ worked in and through us. I have worked hard to help congregations I serve shift our attention from minor inner problems to great external opportunities. With lots of help from various members of our church and school, we have created opportunities for parishioners to put their faith into action. From building Habitat houses, to food drives, to feeding Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless on the streets of San Antonio, we have worked hard to practice Jesus’ mandate to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, invite neighbors, and share resources. I have found that mission and outreach are great opportunities for multiple congregations, of varying shapes and sizes, to collaborate on something none of us could do well alone. Most teams I have led have been composed of faithful people from multiple congregations and denominations.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people? Reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel. I make my personal confession very regularly. I use the Litany of Penitence from the Ash Wednesday liturgy to guide my self-reflection and confession. This year Jacqui and I celebrated the 23rd anniversary of our marriage. Marriage has taught me a lot about grace, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We do our best not to let the sun go down on our anger. I have introduced the consensus-building process at vestry meetings and in other settings in several parishes. The process of consensusbuilding allows everyone to be heard, values each person, and allows much more room for the Holy Spirit to work and be heard. This process has created a living example of reconciliation for the parish. I believe Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 18:15-20 is an incredibly practical model for congregations and individual Christians. The vestry and I have adopted this teaching, and lifted it up to our congregation, as a model for reconciliation in a Christian community. It takes much courage to practice it. However, applying it in even small ways makes the whole congregation healthier. I am privileged to serve a large church, with a large school, who share facilities, personnel, and resources. The experience has taught me that unity requires intentional effort on a weekly basis. The human temptations toward competition and territorialism can be overcome by a commitment to a shared common vision, good communication, and reconciliation. The work of reconciliation is worth the effort.

Potential Nominees

The Rev. David Read Describe: A. Your theology of leadership B. Your strengths as a leader C. Your strengths in administration People need a sense of direction, and a direction that makes sense. One role of leaders is to hold up a compelling vision of the future. Christian leaders develop vision through discernment, asking God, “What are you calling us to do and be in this part of your Kingdom?” Vision is refined by listening to the Christian community, and hearing where God is already moving. The bishop must love people and congregations where they are, and remind them God is calling them to be more than they are by holding up that vision. Episcopal bishops and parish priests have authority, but little power. We do not have power to give many orders or mandates. The power to lead comes from being in trusting relationships with clergy and people. Developing deep relationships gives clergy leadership capital. I am a “big picture” person. I work to see how the many facets of the church connect. I spend one day a month in reflection and prayer out of the office to see this big picture. I am mission-oriented. Focusing on the mission helps unify all the parts and prioritize the investment of resources. I dream big, and I am patient. I am a strategic planner, and have experience in congregational development and church growth. My experience in leading a large church and large school has increased my administrative skills. I have experience in developing strong staff teams, administering large budgets, and setting goals as the organization grows. I delegate well, and avoid micro-managing.

A second critical challenge is learning to share the Gospel in a rapidly changing culture. The Gospel does not change, but how we proclaim it and how we do ministry must evolve to be relevant to each generation. We will need to learn new skills, try new approaches, make hard decisions, and courageously engage our communities if we are to be relevant.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow? There is not enough room here to list all the ways I have had to grow. I have learned I cannot do ministry by myself. I have learned to constantly balance my vocation to marriage and family with my vocation to the priesthood. Sometimes I do that well, sometimes I do not. I have had to learn to really trust the Holy Spirit. I have learned that if it is God’s will for my congregation to take on or continue a ministry, God will provide the way. As congregations have grown, I have had to learn to shift my priorities and focus on new areas, while delegating leadership to laity. I have learned that I am never too busy to pray or read Scripture. It is a lesson which I keep reminding myself. I have had to own my weaknesses, and staff around them. I have learned to make hard decisions that will make some unhappy. I have learned I do not have to reinvent the wheel, and opportunities to learn from others are vast. I have learned that the longer I am in ministry, the more I understand what I do not know, but wish I knew. I have learned that when my congregation and I step out in faith, God richly blesses us in surprising ways. I have learned that even though newsletters must get published, roofs repaired, and vestry meetings held, ministry is all about my relationships with people and the God who loves them all dearly.

What are the primary challenges you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges? Understanding human sexuality as children of God has challenged the Episcopal Church for decades. Recently, the authorization for trial use of liturgies for same-sex blessings has been the main topic of that ongoing conversation. That conversation is not going away. It is an important conversation in our church and culture. I believe the General Convention of 2015 will remove the “trial use” language of same gender blessings. Each diocese will then discern the question of their use within their local context. Thanks to the leadership of Bishop Lillibridge, we have learned at our Diocesan Councils that we will not best discern a way forward through “winner-take-all” resolutions. We have learned we are theologically diverse, and faithful Christians can disagree on a variety of issues, yet remain at the Lord’s table. I believe the role of the next bishop is to stand in the middle of our wonderful diversity, have a generous pastoral response to all people, and develop consensus among clergy and laity of a way forward that keeps everyone at the table. If I were called to be bishop, that is what I would humbly strive to do.

the Church News

September/October 2014

Potential Nominees

The Rt. Rev. David Reed Biographical Data

Experience in the ordained ministry:

Name: David Mitchell Reed

• Assistant Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, Texas, 1983-1987 • Rector, St. Francis, Victoria, Texas, 1987-1994 • Rector, St. Alban’s, Harlingen, Texas, 1994-2006 • Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of West Texas, 2006-present

Date of birth: March 9, 1957 Place of birth: Brownsville, Texas Name of spouse: Patricia Ann Reed (Patti) Names/ages of children: Kaitlin (23), Jon (21) College and degree(s): University of Texas, B.J. (Journalism, 1978) Seminary and degree(s): Seminary of the Southwest, M.Div. (1983) Other education experiences: -Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • School teacher and coach (elementary and junior high)

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • Currently active in most diocesan events and ministries • Province VII Bishops’ meetings • House of Bishops • Standing Committee on the Structure of The Episcopal Church • Board of Trustees - Seminary of the Southwest • Board member - Morningside Ministries • Participant and supporter - Prevent Child Abuse Texas: Walk to Action What do you do for recreation? Walk, hike, bike, photography, spend time with my family, read, fish, play guitar, go to the movie theater

How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus? Day by day, I try to live out the prayer to “see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly.” (Hymnal #654) This seeing, loving, and following Jesus is partly about claiming time to be still, but is also hammered out in the daily stuff of living—in the relationships, in the meetings, in the ministries, in the wins and losses. I do this very imperfectly, but I believe in the forgiveness of sins, and I trust in the grace and mercy of our Lord. The incarnation, passion and death, and resurrection of Jesus are central to how I try, by grace, to reflect his life and teaching. (Of course, without those core Gospel proclamations, there would be no point in trying to reflect anything about Jesus.) Because the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, I believe this life, and each life, matters for eternity. Because Jesus offered himself fully and died for our sins and the sins of the world, I believe we can offer ourselves with confidence, joining our offering to Christ’s perfect offering, in service to the Church and the world. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, I believe that we, too, can know and live resurrection life right now, a life characterized by grace, love, joy, boldness and hope. I depend on the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” to live and serve as I believe. (2 Cor. 13:14)

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How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship? The Church year’s rhythm shapes my worship, personal prayers, and study of Scripture. Gathering with God’s people in God’s house to hear the Word, receive the Sacraments, and pray the Church’s prayers continually informs and forms me. This is the lens through which I best understand life, others and myself; and best remember the common vocation of the Church as a people called and sent. Bible reading and study, following the Lectionary, are enhanced by diocesan staff Bible studies and by the diocesan themes of the last several years that have served as organizing principles for study and work. My personal prayer life is intertwined with the common prayer life and language of the Church. I cherish the Daily Office, though my use of it gets haphazard way too often. Book of Common Prayer prayers rise up regularly in my private devotions, comforting and challenging me. (See, for example, prayers for guidance, BCP, p. 100; for mission, p. 101; for the presence of Christ, p. 133; at ordination, p. 528; and Celebration of New Ministry, p. 562.) Walking and hiking have become fruitful prayer times. And, during the abundant “windshield time” in my ministry, thinking about the day’s work often becomes prayer. In an interview about her prayer life, Mother Teresa was asked, “What does God say to you when you pray?” She answered, “Not a lot. Mostly, he listens.” Then she was asked, “So what do you say to him?” She answered, “Not a lot. Mostly, I listen.” I like that.

Potential Nominees

The Rt. Rev. David Reed How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ?

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people?

I’m mindful of the Greeks’ request in John’s Gospel (12:21): “We wish to see Jesus.” In proclaiming the Good News (whether preaching, teaching or doing), I try to get out of the way so that people can find and be found by Jesus. I also try to “practice what I preach,” seeking consistency between words and actions. The Holy Spirit has to work overtime, trying to bend my will to the will of the Father.

Reconciliation is a gift from God “who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:18) Fostering a reconciled relationship with God means, first of all, recognizing he desires such a restored relationship long before I’m aware it’s damaged. Repentance becomes necessary so that God’s loving-kindness can work to heal and restore. Specifically, I confess my sins so that I might be freed from them, reconciled to God and live anew.

I can be as piously phony as anybody (phoniness being one of the things God’s saving love saves us from), and so I am always grateful for the family, friends, and fellow clergy God gives to help me regain a measure of true humility and to remember not to take myself too seriously (though the love revealed in Jesus is the most serious thing in the world). Parents learn quickly that their children pay more attention to what they do than to what they say. Similarly, congregations tend to catch on when there’s a sharp disconnect between clergy words and deeds. By grace, I try to “show forth God’s praise, not only with my lips, but in my life.” (BCP, p. 101) Finally, intentional, prayerful stewardship is a grace-filled way to ensure that actions and words more closely match. How I use my time, talents, and money says as much about my grateful response to Christ’s saving love as my words do.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world? To serve people in the community and throughout the world has taken some new learning as bishop suffragan. First, though the diocesan office and my home are in San Antonio, my “community” is no longer a single church in a single town. It’s the entire diocese. I cannot so easily serve directly and personally, as I used to do. Bishops, though, can be connectors, looking at the big picture and aware of the many gifts and talents available for a particular mission or ministry opportunity. I’ve learned to reach out in service by encouraging congregations and clergy to get outside themselves and take seriously the dismissal at the end of Eucharist: “Go…” I’ve also learned to look for ways to match up people and congregations who have a particular spiritual gift with people and congregations who have a corresponding need. That said, I still find delight in being part of a parish’s or mission’s outreach ministry when I’m able. I am blessed when I can serve directly in diocesan ministries (such as Cursillo, Camp Capers, acolyte festivals, and Happening), and when I can support and encourage our missionaries who go out from the Diocese of West Texas. My personal participation (including time, talent, and money) in serving the larger community in Christ’s Name in recent years has included the Prevent Child Abuse Texas: Walk to Action, Habitat for Humanity, mental health ministries, addiction recovery ministries, ministry with the elderly, Episcopal schools, ecumenical ministries, and world mission.

Having received this gift, we are also given a mission: “In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.” (2 Cor. 5:19) As God moves to us in reconciling love, so we are to move toward others, seeking and offering reconciliation. Often, for me, this comes down to the necessary work of saying, “I’m sorry,” and admitting I messed up. For followers of Jesus, practicing reconciliation leads us to cross boundaries—or at least bump up against them—for love of others. The divine work of reconciliation calls us to see and hear through that which separates us so that we recognize in the other a fellow child of God. This can bring us into places of great pain and anger. Specifically, I have tried, by grace, to not shy away from those places, but to enter into them, trying to reduce the distance between “us” and “them.” I try to seek Christ in others, and love because he first loved us.

Describe: A. Your theology of leadership B. Your strengths as a leader C. Your strengths in administration A) True leadership in the Church can come only from Jesus Christ. Leaders must first of all be followers of Jesus, and the shepherds must know they are sheep in need of the Good Shepherd. As Jesus points out, leaders are to be disciples, and he often holds up examples of servants/slaves, children and widows to show what discipleship looks like. And there is a cross—our self-offering—we are called to carry, so that management techniques and organizational strategies, for us, must be formed by Christ’s perfect self-offering. B) I’m an encourager who enjoys equipping congregations and individuals for ministry, helping them have renewed confidence in the Gospel, and to become more than they imagined possible. I work best as part of a team on a common mission. I don’t have to have the best idea, and (usually!) am grateful for honest voices that disagree or offer another view. I tend to think out loud and include others in decisionmaking. C) My desk and calendar look like a riot happened on them. My strengths lie more in seeing and articulating the larger picture, and in organizing people and resources for ministry. I’m pretty good at matching people with ministries and at team building. I count on people to do the work they’ve agreed to do, and I try to support them in that work. I rarely freak out. In my administrative ministries, I try to practice gratitude, patience, forgiveness, and compassion—the same things I hope people working with me will practice. the Church News

September/October 2014

The Rt. Rev. David Reed

Potential Nominees

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges?

I’ve learned to fret less about those who choose not to show up and to celebrate more those who do. When people know we’re glad they are there, the Church grows.

Our culture is not just divided, but increasingly atomized, with the self becoming the ultimate authority and each his or her own selfdefining god. The clearest manifestations of this may be in the power of consumerism (and its marriage to technology and media), and in the related diminishing of human lives into commodities and mere entertainment. Our culture, then, is not much interested in a Gospel that calls for repentance, self-denial, and loving sacrificially. We face both suspicion and indifference.

As bishop suffragan, I’ve had to grow in new understandings and practices of ministry, maybe particularly in learning to lead without being in charge. My presence in any given place is temporary, and so I’ve needed to grow in my ability to plant seeds and trust God to give the growth.

Within our Church, the greatest challenge may be our discouragement and loss of confidence in the Gospel’s power to save and transform lives. Congregations sometimes reach crossroads where they must do serious self-examination about whether to be a chapel or a church. That is, will they exist for themselves alone? Or will they live as those who have been buried and raised with Christ, called and sent to serve the Kingdom? Our Church is at that crossroads. Will we regard our tumbling decline as inevitable, and choose to hunker down as a chapel? Or will we be a Church, all in for being transformed into disciples, committed to living out the Gospel together and in the world? If called to serve as diocesan bishop, I’d seek to continue Bishop Lillibridge’s practice of keeping the main thing the main thing—to not be defined by what divides us, to focus on our common mission, and to strengthen our confidence in the Anglican/Episcopal way of being the Church and living for Christ.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow? Early in ordained ministry, I had to learn that, on my own, I am not enough. I don’t have the gifts, skills, or energy to do all things well. As much as I love people and ministry, I can’t be everywhere. I had to grow by becoming less so that my congregations could become more in Christ. When Patti and I married, and even more so, when we had children, I struggled to find that elusive balance between work and family, learning eventually that my unavailability at times could be a means of growth for the church family.

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I’ve also had to learn that all clergy are “temporary help,” working for those who will come after us; so we need to hold our “ownership” of the Church lightly. The most wondrous growth I’ve seen in me and the Church has been when, setting personal preferences aside, we stayed in the boat, helped others get in, and rowed together in the same direction—toward the Kingdom.

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Robert Woody Biographical Data

Experience in the ordained ministry:

Name: Robert James Woody

• Deacon, Church of the Good Shepherd, Tomball, Texas (Diocese of Texas), 1999 • Assistant Priest, Church of the Good Shepherd, Tomball, Texas (Diocese of Texas), 1999-2002 • Rector, Church of Reconciliation, San Antonio, Texas (Diocese of West Texas), 2002-present

Date of birth: January 16, 1953 Place of birth: Midland, Texas Name of spouse: Julie P. Woody Names/ages of children: Seth (24), Sam (23) College and degree(s): Baylor University, B.A. (1975) Baylor Law School, J.D. (1978) Seminary and degree(s): Seminary of the Southwest, M.Div. (1999) Other education experiences:

Training as a mediator and divorce mediation

National, provincial, and diocesan and community activities: • Examining Chaplains in the Diocese of West Texas • Co-chair Reconciliation Commission (Diocese of West Texas) • Executive Board of the Diocese of West Texas • Creator and co-chair, San Antonio Missional Clergy Group What do you do for recreation?

Vocational/professional experience other than ordination: • Trial attorney • Shank, Irwin, Dallas, Texas • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York City • Hankins New York • McGrady & Woody • Skelton & Woody, Austin, Texas • Mediation Practice

Daily walks with my wife, regular work-outs at outdoor gym, biking, bow-hunting, hiking, and backpacking

How does your life reflect the life and teachings of Jesus? In his time, culture and religious tradition, Jesus’ life and teachings were radical, controversial, and designed to bring about major change. Jesus challenged religious leaders and institutions to reexamine priorities, to let go of purity codes and other traditions which were exclusive and inconsistent with Jesus’ guiding principles – love God and love your neighbors as you would want to be loved. Jesus challenged the people to let go of traditional lifestyles, overlyfocused on wealth, status and privilege; and to join in his Kingdom of God movement. Jesus welcomed and embraced those rejected as unworthy and unclean by culture and religion. Measured by normal church standards (membership, attendance, pledges), Jesus would have been considered a failure. Eventually, he was abandoned by everyone except his mother and a few women. But what he poured out his life for, and what he birthed – the Body of Christ on a Kingdom of God mission – changed everything. I am trying to follow Jesus’ Way, as best I can. I am challenging my parish, diocese, and the wider church to re-examine our structures and priorities, to let go of “purity codes” and those traditions which sometimes intentionally or unintentionally exclude others, and in the process turn off many of our children, grandchildren, and their peers. I am lifting up and pushing the “missional movement” – a renewed

focus on being the Body of Christ engaged in loving and serving our neighbors. I am stretching myself to address the needs of a much more diverse parish and neighborhood.

How are you intentional in your study of Scripture, your prayers, and your worship? Most of my formal study of Scripture is in preparation of sermons or Adult Formation classes. Additionally, during Lent and Advent, I sometimes do personal Scripture studies. Following my sense of call to help lead the church in making difficult and significant changes, I have faced some resistance. This has encouraged me to clearly ground my sermons, teaching, and leadership in Scripture. Most mornings I have a personal time of prayer and worship, which includes silent meditation, some form of morning prayer, prayers for the challenges of the day and for friends, parishioners and family in need, and regular journaling. Most of my formal worship is at services where I preside as priest at Reconciliation, but occasionally I have the opportunity to participate in worship in other churches. Gatherings with my faith community around the altar for communion are usually the holiest and most tender moments for me in my week. the Church News

September/October 2014

The Rev. Robert Woody As to informal worship, I connect most with God by being in nature and resonating with Creation. So I regularly take morning walks in parks or along the River Walk with my wife, and I do my regular workouts at outdoor gyms in parks. I also try to schedule at least one backpacking trip in a mountain wilderness area each year to study the “Big Book of Creation”. This July, I backpacked in Baxter State Park in Maine with my son and will go to Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado with my wife in September.

How do you proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ? I believe we share the love of God revealed in Jesus most effectively by actively loving and building relationships with our brothers and sisters within our faith communities, our neighborhoods, and beyond. In the process, we open them (and ourselves) to a deeper relationship with God. Jesus usually began by welcoming, fellowshipping or addressing pressing physical or emotional needs. And then he often went deeper. So I try to focus my time and energy on first noticing those who are in physical, emotional or spiritual need, and then imagining and identifying how we can best demonstrate and share God’s love with them. Real, authentic welcome and unconditional love opens all of us to an awareness of God’s presence. As a priest, I try to lead and guide my parish community in a similar way – to share God’s love as modeled by Christ, through authentic welcome, radical inclusion, and generous love.

In what ways do you participate in reaching out to serve people in your community and throughout the world? Our parish embraces the “missional movement,” focusing most of our service on our very diverse neighborhood around us. I have been active in forming our Neighborhood Coalition (“NC”), which includes schools, neighborhood associations, apartment complexes, non-profits, and businesses. The NC has focused on crime and safety, healthcare, neighborhood relationships, tutoring and activities for atrisk children and youth. We recently formed a nonprofit to expand our impact. For four years, our parish has hosted a five-week summer enrichment program for at-risk elementary students, hiring reading and math teachers for the mornings and college interns to lead afternoon activities, and collaborating with the Food Bank for meals and snacks. Volunteers from the parish, local high schools and neighborhood tutors serve meals and help with activities. I participate in planning and leadership, and volunteer as a tutor. Our parish hosts a year-round workshop for approximately 50 developmentally disabled adults, run by a nonprofit, RMI (Reaching Maximum Independence). Parishioners volunteer in activities with our RMI friends, some of whom are active in the church as acolytes, ushers and choir members. We collaborated with the neighborhood to develop a community garden with 38 raised beds, served by a 3,300-gallon rainwater retention system. 26

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Potential Nominees We are in the process of developing a collaborative Neighborhood Community Center, including an outdoor recreational pavilion, to house current and future neighborhood ministries. Through these activities, my parish and I have devoted more and more time befriending, mentoring, pastoring and providing food and monetary assistance (~$18,000 this year) for our neighbors.

What specifically do you do to foster a reconciled relationship with God and all people? I am a connector and peacemaker. I have been blessed to serve the past 12 years at Church of Reconciliation, a faith community deeply committed to the ministry of reconciliation since its founding. As we reach out to a very diverse neighborhood, and as we stretch as a faith community to imagine and experiment in creating a new, vibrant, and relevant church for our kids, grandkids and their peers, we frequently encounter conflict and resistance. One of my primary roles as rector and as a leader of our diverse Neighborhood Coalition is to strive to stay connected with everyone and encourage ongoing productive dialogue. For five years, I have served as co-chair of the diocesan Reconciliation Commission, tasked with helping our diocese live out our core value of reconciliation. We have organized seminars for lay and ordained leaders, addressing reconciliation of divisions caused by race, culture, ethnicity, and theological differences, from Scriptural, theological and practical perspectives. At Bishop Lillibridge’s request, we developed a format for Facilitated Conversations to assist the diocese in discussing blessing of same-sex relationships. These conversations among parishes and at Diocesan Council have been very successful in helping us honor our diversity of theological and Scriptural positions and in developing a “generous pastoral response” towards those with whom we strongly disagree. I have also been active in interfaith dialogues and activities in San Antonio, and in bringing together diverse sister parishes to share Holy Week services and a diversity of clergy to participate in workshops on “missional” ministry.

Describe: A. Your theology of leadership B. Your strengths as a leader C. Your strengths in administration A) God seeks leaders capable of: • hearing and discerning God’s vision for a particular time, place, and people, • personally embracing and living out that vision, • effectively communicating that vision to God’s people, • guiding God’s people through difficult changes necessary to live into the vision. The Body of Christ must be made of radically diverse “members” to function effectively in bringing about the Kingdom of God. Therefore, a critical leadership skill is encouraging and managing collaboration within the dynamic tension of diversity.

Potential Nominees

The Rev. Robert Woody B) Recently, working with a clergy coach, I completed a Strength Finders assessment. Here are the results: • Connectedness – I have a strong sense that everything and everyone is connected, interrelated and interdependent; therefore, we must be bridge-builders, and considerate, caring, and accepting of one another. • Strategic – I have the ability to spot relevant patterns and issues, and sort through clutter to find the best route. • Self-Assurance – I have a strong inner compass that gives me confidence in managing my life and making difficult decisions. • Ideation – I am fascinated with ideas and good at suggesting creative and innovative ways to do things. • Learner – I have a great desire to learn and continuously improve; and am attracted to great challenges. C) I am not a detail-oriented person and am comfortable with messy situations. My administrative strengths are looking at the big picture and developing strategies, processes, and teams for carrying out the plan. I am good at hiring and managing staff, and mentoring and training seminarians and new clergy.

What are the primary challenges that you see facing the Episcopal Church today and how would you lead the Diocese through those challenges? The primary challenge facing the Church, including our denomination, diocese, parishes and missions, is that the old model of church most of us grew up in and cherish is shrinking and aging, and rapidly losing appeal to our kids, grandkids, and their peers. The Church will never die, but throughout its history, various institutional “vessels” for the Body of Christ have died and been rebirthed in order to carry the Good News to new cultures and new generations. In order to have an ongoing Kingdom of God impact in our world, given the increasing pace of change, we need a more flexible and agile model of church. We must become more open to change and experimentation that may not always work. We must distinguish between cherished traditions and dogmas, and the essential principles of the Church and our faith, which we must uphold.

Where have you had to grow so that the Church could grow? I grew up in conservative, evangelical churches, which, although devout and faithful, embraced literal interpretation of Scripture that taught me racial segregation was acceptable, homosexuals were sinners to be feared and excluded, and many Catholics and Episcopalians weren’t going to Heaven (because they couldn’t name the exact time and place they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior). When I went through a divorce at age 30, I was no longer welcome. Thankfully, I found the Episcopal Church and began to grow and be stretched as a follower of Jesus. The stretching has continued for the last 30 years. Learning to read Scripture from a “historical critical” perspective, for me, transformed the Bible from a rulebook to a source of spiritual inspiration, providing moral and ethical guidance for experiencing and sharing the Kingdom of God and Abundant Life God desires for everyone, especially those ignored or rejected by our culture and society. I have had to let go of many prejudices and judgments, and continue to do so. The heart of my calling as a priest is to lead my parish and the wider Church through a journey of growth, stretching further and deeper into our calling to be the Body of Christ, unleashing the Kingdom of God, now and forever, for all. For 12 years, I have traveled this journey with Reconciliation, and consistent with our call to radical inclusion and unconditional love, we have decided that, before the bishop coadjutor election, we will request permission to bless same-sex unions.

For example, the Missional Movement Bishop Lillibridge has helped foster in our diocese, represents a major shift from an inwardly focused worshipping community that has “outreach” as one of many ministries, to an outwardly focused community that strives to be the Body of Christ, engaged in their neighborhood and in the world, in order to have a true Kingdom of God impact and bring about more Abundant Living for everyone. Younger generations, who see the old model of church as inauthentic and self-serving, will resonate with a compassionate, missional faith community that fosters social justice, and in the process, rediscover a relationship with the God of love.

the Church News

September/October 2014

Around the circuit

What’s Golf got to do with the Church? Submitted by Gray Hardaway, co-chair of the Bishop’s Golf Classic

wanted to introduce myself as I, along with Bart Wilson and Clay Michel, have accepted the position of Co-Chairs to the annual Bishop’s Golf Classic. I am Gray Hardaway, the lesserknown Hardaway in our diocese. My mother, Susan Hardaway is the Financial Officer for the diocese, and my brother, the Rev. Ripp Hardaway, is the rector of St. John’s, New Braunfels. Given the roles played in our diocese by my family, I consider myself the “black sheep” among them. As such, I contemplated the appropriateness of my association with something golf related. Golf is a frustrating sport in many respects and is often associated with curse words, cigar smoke, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages... so fitting for a black sheep, I would say. And I do love golf. The more important question, however, is “What does golf have to do with the Church?” So, I considered the association carefully, and here is what I came up with. As Christians, we strive to be Christ-like. Christ, after all, was perfect. In golf, each hole has a predetermined perfect score we strive to achieve. The reality of life, and golf, is that none among us can ever attain perfection. In our Christian walk, we continue to practice our faith and discipline. In golf, we continue to practice our technique. If we hit a bad shot in golf, we have another chance to redeem our game on the next shot or the next hole. If we stumble in our Christian walk, we know we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and we continue to practice our faith. The final piece that ties this all together is our mission to share the love of Christ with others. The Bishop’s Golf Classic is a fundraiser that benefits youth scholarships for camps and other diocesan events. It literally allows young people to experience God’s love through our amazing ministries who otherwise could not afford to. The Bishop’s Golf Classic is a day filled with people striving to hit perfect golf shots, knowing they can redeem the errors on the next hole, all in the name of Christ, to raise money that will allow many children to come to know that they have been redeemed already by Christ. I cannot think of a more fitting role for a black sheep like me, than to take something like golf and let it serve to bring others to Christ.

Photos of the 2013 Bishop’s Golf Classic by Laura Shaver.

So, for those of you who do play golf, please come join us Friday, November 7, at Canyon Springs Golf Course in San Antonio. And for those of you who do not, please consider a sponsorship level or donation to this unique event that helps serve Christ through ministry to our youth. Special thanks goes to Cavender Toyota who has generously offered to be our tournament sponsor this year. And please know that you can participate even if you don’t consider yourself a “golfer.” This event is ideal for imperfect golfers and imperfect Christian’s. After all, that perfectly describes each of us.

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The Bishop’s Golf Classic The eighth annual Bishop’s Golf Classic will be held at Canyon Springs Golf Club in San Antonio on Friday, November 7. All proceeds of the event benefit the diocesan scholarship fund for children’s camps and youth events. In the first seven years, the golf tournament has raised over $200,000. This year there will be one shotgun start at noon; check-in begins at 10:00 a.m., and the awards dinner will be held at 5:00 p.m. The fee is $140/player, and there are multiple sponsorship opportunities, and this year, Cavender Toyota is the tournament sponsor. Prizes will be awarded, as well as individual trophies. The fee also includes a box lunch, the awards dinner, access to the driving range for warm-up and the putting green.

Around the circuit

ABODE Ready for Grand Opening

BODE Contemplative Care for the Dying is ready for its grand opening, to be held the end of September at the Abode home, located at 8619 Post Oak Lane in San Antonio. It has been over four years since Abode became a non-profit interfaith community organization that will care for hospice patients, providing them a loving and hospitable environment in which they can live the remainder of their days. “We will be their home when they can’t live at home,” said Jane Marie Young, executive director of ABODE. “We are an extension of the family, providing a welcoming, peaceful home and care for a loved one while the family surrounds the guest.” The home on Post Oak Lane is brand new, and through generous donations and grants, Abode is free of debt and the home is paid for. This year, Abode was awarded grants from the Meadows Foundation of $50,000 and from the Mabee Foundation of $75,000 to build the home. Recently, The Greehey Family Foundation awarded Abode a grant of $25,000 toward the operational fund. “Now we can begin to focus on our mission to serve our guests,” said Edwin Sasek, president. “And, we can only continue with volunteers and donations.”

The operating budget of Abode will be $240,000 per year. Three “guests,” patients who are already receiving care from a hospice agency, will live in the home at one time. Volunteers, who will each have a spiritual contemplative practice, will largely staff abode. “Presence is the first thing they will give in this ministry,” said Jane Marie. Each volunteer will bring a fresh start and a beginner’s mind. They will provide the necessary tasks to run the house – cooking, cleaning, mowing the lawn, shopping, and greeting. There will be three shifts each day for volunteers. “We are forming a community to care for those at the end of life,” said Sasek. Sasek has dreamed of a place like Abode for over 20 years. His passion began when hospice care was relatively new in America. After studying several models throughout the nation, he decided to gather a community of like-minded people that would care for the dying. Now set to open soon, the community of ABODE has been gratified by the support of so many, including Bishops Lillibridge and Reed, the diocesan family, and the Church of Reconciliation, San Antonio, where Sasek is a member.

Thursday, October 30 Brackenridge Golf Course in San Antonio 7:30 a.m., Awards dinner at 6:00 p.m. Entry fee of $50/golfer Benefits ABODE Join Dr. Richard Ferguson, Honorary Chair, for a golfer’s challenge to help a worthwhile cause by playing 60+ holes of golf in 10 hours at the ABODE Memorial Golf-a-thon. Organizer, Peter Szarmach said, “Thirty-six golfers will participate by raising pledges per hole to reach the goal. So, it’s not how you play, but how many holes you play that day, and how many pledges you can attain.” Golfers will receive a goodie bag, breakfast tacos, a box lunch, plus water and sports drinks available throughout the day–along with an awards dinner at the end of play. Presenting Sponsor is Allegra Print and Imaging. To register or for more information, please call 210-967-9891.

Architect’s rendering of the ABODE home post landscaping.

“It is a story of one man having a dream and sticking to it when there were no resources to start,” said Patsy Sasek, wife of Edwin. “But graciously, things have fallen into place, and we are ready.” With no cost to the guest(s), donations and grants will support the care given at ABODE. In addition to the caregivers, ABODE seeks volunteers to journey with it, by praying; providing services; or donating time, energy and monetary donations. If interested in learning more about ABODE, please contact Jane Marie Young or Edwin Sasek at 210-9679891 or info@abodehome.org. You may also visit the website at www.abodehome.org.

The Mother’s Day Offering benefits the Department of World Mission and honors mothers and other influential women in our lives. In addition to the honorees listed in the July/August issue, the following were also part of the offering: St. Francis, Canyon Lake Betty Morris Alice Gray Sears Akin, Mrs. J.B. Barnhill, Jr. St. Andrew’s, Seguin Carlotta Barker -Inez Lasell Inez Hodges Rather, Willie Law Rather Bob & Mary Lynn Mildred Lowry, René Lynn, Stacie Schwarz, Reka Lynn Mr. & Mrs. AJ Price Ruth Gibson Clark, Audrey Mills-Wright Price Henry Moore Edwina Theresa Casey Margaret Rhea, Dorothy Casey Jim & Sally Swope Thelma Call, Lucille Swope Janice Pruitt Marion Chandler the Church News

September/October 2014

Around the circuit

Retreat House at Mustang Island Conference Center Nears Completion The 104th Spiritual Retreat in Recovery

will be held at Camp Capers Friday-Sunday, October 3-5. The retreat leaders are the Revs. Jeff Hammond and Bur Dobbins, and the theme for the weekend is “Subtraction, Not Addition.” The mission of the diocesan Spiritual Retreats in Recovery is to provide a safe place to deepen one’s spiritual journey. We offer this to anyone recovering from alcoholism or addictions to other substances, and to the families and friends who have been affected by the disease.

The new Retreat House, the Moser-Keeler House, at Mustang Island Conference Center is almost complete, and reservations are being taken for retreat dates starting in mid-September. This is a great building for vestry meetings, day meetings, small retreats, or additional space for larger groups. The Retreat House has ten guest rooms, each with two queen beds, shared porches with gulf and bay views, and two meeting rooms. The first-floor meeting room has a full kitchen (yes, now you can cook your own meals), accommodates 20 people, and is equipped with audiovisual technology and wireless internet. The second-floor meeting room also accommodates 20 people, and is equipped with AV and wireless internet. Contact Lynn Corby (lynn.corby@dwtx.org) or Kevin Spaeth (kevin.spaeth@dwtx.org) for additional information and to schedule your group today.

Registration is open until September 26; there is a mail-in form and online registration available at www.dwtx.org/events.

The Moser-Keeler Retreat House at Mustang Island Conference Center. Picture taken July 23 by Bill Slocumb.

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Photo by Trish Motheral, parishioner at St. John’s, McAllen.

Donations Sustaining Border Ministry On July 3, Bishop Gary Lillibridge issued an appeal to the diocese for donations to support a humanitarian response to the large number of immigrants crossing the southern Texas border from countries in Central America and from Mexico. Both St. John’s, McAllen, and Christ Church, Laredo, have compassionately responded to the needs of the immigrants by providing backpacks of nutritional and hygienic items to sustain the refugees in their journey. Many of the churches in the diocese have sent volunteer teams to McAllen to serve at the local refugee center on the campus of the Sacred Heart Catholic parish. Through the generosity of individuals and churches all over the USA and Canada, the diocese has provided $124,000 to St. John’s and Christ Church to help underwrite their humanitarian ministry. This is a ministry that is ongoing, and we are grateful that we are still receiving funds designated for this purpose. 30

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Checks should be made out to the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, noted for Emergency Relief, and our World Mission Department will make sure these funds reach those in need. Episcopal Diocese of West Texas P.O. Box 6885 San Antonio, TX 78209

A volunteer packs baby wipes at the refugee center in McAllen, Texas.

You may also donate online through our Department of World Mission. Please visit www.dwtx.org/world-mission, follow the “Donate” link, and choose to apply your gift to “use where most needed.”

Around the circuit

Blessing of the Backpacks: Cliff Maus Village

n Saturday, August 16, a team from Reconciliation, Corpus Christi, and All Saints, Corpus Christi, gathered at Cliff Maus Village, a low-income apartment complex supported by the Corpus Christi Episcopal churches, to hand out backpacks to the student residents. The backpacks and the gradespecific supplies inside were purchased and assembled by volunteers from the Episcopal churches in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas. The effort, headed by Reconciliation, was a partnership with Second Baptist Church.

The Episcopal churches assembled backpacks for 80-plus pre-registered students at Cliff Maus Village. The Saturday of distribution, a group of resident volunteers joined the church volunteers and welcomed each family as they came to pick up the backpacks. The Rev. Bruce Wilson, vicar of Reconciliation, stood and gave each student a backpack blessing, as well as a prayer for a good and safe school year.

Photos by Laura Shaver. Summary of apportionments through August 31, 2014.

The relationship between the active residents at Cliff Maus Village and the people of Reconciliation and other area Episcopal churches continues to build. “Our goal is to establish community, find those residents committed to organizing a community and developing relationships,” said Wilson. The combined group of church volunteers and residents meets bi-weekly to plan monthly “Family Nights” on the grounds of Cliff Maus. Fliers are distributed inviting residents to come hang out, bring something to grill, play on the playground and the basketball courts, and get to know one another. A larger Cliff Maus Village community event is being planned by Reconciliation and St. Bartholomew’s, Corpus Christi, for Saturday, October 11, as part of National Night Out. There will be food, games, and events for the families. For more information on the ministry at Cliff Maus, contact Wilson at fatherbrucewilson@gmail.com or 361-852-9677.

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September/October 2014

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

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Church News

calendar of events

Diocesan events September

Sunday Night Live Sunday Night Live (SNL) will kick off for the academic year on Sunday evening, Sept. 21, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bishop Jones Center (111 Torcido, 78209) in San Antonio. SNL is a gathering for high schoolage 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 Greg Richards at greg@stirflux.com *Also on Sunday, Oct. 12. Clergy Spouse Retreat The annual clergy spouse retreat will be held Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, at Mustang Island Conference Center. Retreat leader for the weekend is the Rev. Joann Saylors. All clergy spouses (male and female) are invited to retreat, rest, and spend time in fellowship with others. Cost is only $100 thanks to the Helen McAllister Clergy Spouse Fund and underwriting from the diocesan bishops. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events

October

104th Spiritual Retreat in Recovery The 104th Spiritual Retreat in Recovery will be held at Camp Capers Friday-Sunday, October 3-5. The retreat leaders are the Revs. Bur Dobbins and Jeff Hammond. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events Cursillo #265 Cursillo #265 will be held at Mustang Island Conference Center near Corpus Christi, Thursday-Sunday, October 9-12. Cursillo is a spiritual renewal weekend for adults; learn

more here. The weekend’s rector is Elizabeth Neally, and the spiritual director is the Rev. Scott Penrod. Register online at www.dwtx.org/events Bishop Elliott Society Lecture Series The fall Bishop Elliott Society Lecture Series welcomes the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith, bishop of the Diocese of North Dakota, to St. Luke’s, San Antonio, Friday-Saturday, October 10-11. More details of the event are forthcoming, as well as online registration, at www.bishopelliott.org

Fall Women’s Gathering The Fall Women’s Gathering, sponsored by the Commission for Women’s Ministries, will be held at Camp Capers in Waring, Texas, FridaySunday, October 17-19. The retreat begins at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and goes through breakfast and a service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday. The presenter for the retreat is the Rev. Ram Lopez. Online registration is open at www.dwtx.org/events and scholarships are available. Diocesan events: www.dwtx.org/events Church events: www.dwtx.org/church-events

Altar Guild Workshop A full day of workshops presented by the National Altar Guild Association officers and board members will be held at St. Mark’s, San Antonio, on Saturday, October 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for diocesan-wide Altar Guild members to learn more about their ministry. A roundtable discussion will be held in the last hour. The cost of the workshop is $25, and this fee includes lunch. To register, contact St. Mark’s Altar Guild Director, Dee Whiteside at 512-587-7514 or dwhiteside@ satx.rr.com. Women’s Leadership Training Event The Commission for Women’s Ministries (C4WM) is sponsoring a first-ever Leadership Training event and is inviting one woman from each parish to participate, at Camp Capers, Thursday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. - Friday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m., and attendees are invited and encouraged to register and stay for the fall women’s gathering that begins Friday evening. Cost is $40 and includes overnight accommodations, three meals, and the training. Online registration is open - visit www.dwtx.org/women/gatherings

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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.

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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