The Church News September/October 2012

the

Church

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september / october 2012 The newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

Inside this issue

6 4 10 11 St. Thomas, San Antonio, Youth: From Local Community to the Waters of Belize See story beginning on page 8.

Spiritual Retreat Reaches 100

Family Camp Staff Revitalizes Ministry at Cliff Maus

MICC Facilitates TRACK for Wounded Warriors

Camp Capers’ Impact on Children at GSCS

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News and Features 2 On the Bishop’s Mind: Four-Eyed Living 4 Spiritual Retreat Reaches 100 6 MICC Summer Staff & Cliff Maus Village 7 On Being the Face of Christ 8 Local Community to the Waters of Belize 10 MICC Facilitates TRACK 11 Camp Capers’ Impact 12 Reflection on General Convention 2012 13 Clergy News In Every

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3 From the Editor 13 Around the Circuit 16 Calendar the Church News is published six 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 69 Number 5 September/October 2012 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: Barbara Duffield: writer and departmental assistant Marjorie George: editor, Reflections Magazine and ReflectionsOnline Laura Shaver: communications officer

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On the Bishop’s Mind The Rt. Rev. david reed Bishop suffragan of the Diocese

Four-Eyed Living

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’ve worn glasses since second grade. Thick, Coke-bottle lenses with unfashionable frames. I don’t remember getting teased and called “FourEyes” much, except by my older brother and his minions. As I got older, I dabbled in trendy frames that made me look (in my mind) just like Elton John or Buddy Holly. Photos from that period make me wince. Now I have a patient optometrist who tries to help me find the balance between near and distance vision, so I can read highway signs at 75 mph and read hymnal texts.

Vision is a big thing in the church. Lay leaders and priests are encouraged to have a bold vision for their congregations. Bishops want to cast a vision for their dioceses. But there are many challenges in balancing clear, close-in vision with sharp distance vision. It’s hard for a parish priest to be a bold visionary for the future when the phone rings and a parishioner is being hauled to the ER … right now. (I like to say I could’ve been a great parish priest, if it weren’t for people.) As a bishop, I’ve got big, audacious visions to cast, and I will … if life just stops getting in the way.

The answer isn’t to give up and choose one way of looking (near or far), pretending the other way doesn’t matter. You don’t have to think very hard to come up with examples of church leaders whose vision was so “visionary” that they became disconnected from real people and real life. Or, on the other hand, leaders who are so preoccupied with individual needs and daily details that they never take time to dream dreams.

We need to learn to be like the Archerfish. The Archer is a fish that has, in effect, four eyes—two eyes that are divided top and bottom so that it can see above the surface and below the surface at the same time. (Another dark secret from my past: I was once a tropical fish nerd.) I’m not sure how a fish brain processes all that confusing data, but the Archerfish uses its four-eyed feature to target unsuspecting bugs up to nine feet away and blast them with water pellets, knocking them into the water where they become dinner.

We’d all do well to practice the discipline of four-eyed vision: to see upward and downward, inward and outward, close-in and far away, today and ten years out, this time and place and the grand scheme of things. To live, by grace, with that balance would probably make us, if nothing else, less bored and less anxious, more grateful, more humble, and more engaged in Kingdom living.

The Church is a pitiful mess. The Church is the Body of Christ. The Church is in dramatic decline. The Church is alive and growing.

Which is it? All of that and more. Certainly, much depends on where we direct our gaze. Are you looking at your congregation, the diocese, or The Episcopal Church? Your youth group, the Episcopal Church Women, or the Anglican Communion? Your Cursillo reunion group or the one holy catholic and apostolic Church? Are you thinking about the Church, “that wonderful and sacred mystery,” or the Church, that motley crew of hard-headed saints and half-hearted sinners?

Bishop Lillibridge and I both like to say, “We wish you could see what we see.” From our vantage point, we are blessed to witness the life of Jesus Christ and the movement of the Holy Spirit manifested in so many ways in the 90 congregations of the diocese. We are privileged to see a great deal, for better and for worse.

For example, I returned in mid-July from almost two weeks at General Convention, worn-out and discouraged. Within three weeks, though, this is some of what I got to see and be part of: an exciting conversation about a community garden at St. Michael and All Angels in Blanco; joyful times among the campers and staff at Camp Capers; heard stories of the ministry initiated by our summer staff at Mustang Island to the children of Cliff Maus Village in Corpus Christi (see story on page 6); met with a South San Antonio mission focus group; led worship for the gracious people of St. Peter’s, Kerrville; confirmed some people at Epiphany, Kingsville; participated in the joyful institution of the new rector at St. Matthew’s, Edinburg; enjoyed “Episcopal night” at ballparks in San Antonio and Corpus (I know, it’s a dirty job); and served as a spiritual director for Happening #122, teeming with teenagers growing in faith.

All of that really is the Church—right here, right now. Such life tends to renew hope for the future. The problems and the crises in the Church, at all levels, are real, too. One does not cancel out the other.

Being four-eyed helps us keep our balance, refusing to surrender to either despair or complacency. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.” Jesus said simply, “Seek first the Kingdom.”

St. Paul provides a great example of taking in the whole reality, of seeing everything. He wades right into the mess that is the Corinthian church. The people are divided over who the real leaders are, who’s more Christian, what it means to follow Jesus, and sexual morality. (There’s more, but you get the picture.) Paul addresses all that division head-on. But then he calls on them to pay attention, to remember, to see the reality that is bigger and grander and more enduring than the reality of their feuding. He says they are “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He says they have “received the Spirit of God” and are “God’s temple,” and “the body of Christ.” This identity is not something they have achieved, but have received by their baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul, blinded at one time on the Damascus road, has been given the gift of four-eyed vision.

Look around the Church. Look around your church. (Not the buildings, but the people and the ministries.) Try to see what’s right there, and try to imagine five years and 500 miles out. Look inward and outward, upward and downward, close-in and far away. Set your sights on heaven. Try to see it all, and pray God to make you a FourEyes.

From the editor Laura Shaver

The Life of Seal Decoys

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hen Shark Week premiered on the Discovery Channel a few weeks ago, one of the first shows predictably featured slow motion shots of Great Whites leaping from the depths of the ocean to snatch innocent seals in their deadly grips of enormous sharp teeth in thin air. Every year we are shown the same spectacle, slowly. The show then continued, of course, to include a team of researchers on a boat that had built one or two seal decoys to trick the Great Whites, so the photographer on board could capture this sequence of events in the food chain.

I sort of watched the opening shows and happened to be looking at the screen long enough to catch a few of the tweets posted on Twitter referencing Shark Week. While the seal decoys were being placed in the water, one such tweet appeared on screen that read, “The seal decoys have the hardest job. We love you, seal decoys.”

I found joy in that tweet because I, too, love to give life to inanimate objects. The seal decoys, in all their glory, live their lives to the fullest. They are particularly constructed and tested, given electronic movements and secretions of scent, and thrown into the ocean expected to perform and, well, die.

Bishop Lillibridge, during a homily given at one of our staff Eucharist services, recently told us one thought that crosses his mind at the end of the day is,

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“Is what I did today worth trading 24 hours of my life?” He pointed out that all of us get only a certain number of 24 hours. Neither he nor I can say that every day would bring a “yes,” but it is a thought to ponder. I think seal decoys may say “no,” but the team of researchers studying some of God’s greatest creation and magnificent creatures would think those seal decoys definitely lived out their life span.

Think about how fast life goes by for seals (the real ones, now).

Think about how fast our lives go by. Each 24-hour period comes and goes quickly and usually finds us awaiting another 24-hour period that holds more excitement. I need to live more carefully; I need to focus on each day and see that I make it worth the time God has granted me. I do not want life to flash by as quickly as it does for seals, or seal decoys for that matter. I hear all the time, especially from older mothers, that it really does go by so fast.

I do, though, want to seize my days, as the seal decoys seize theirs. I want to be a member of God’s team, and through me, I pray that He is revealed down here. And there are so many other small things I want to accomplish daily, the small things that matter greatly. Like making sure my boys hear how much I love them several times.

Small things, like a seal cuddling her pup, that make that day worthwhile no matter how many you get.

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Spiritual Retreat Reaches 100

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he 100th Spiritual Retreat for Recovering Alcoholics, AlAnons, and Adult Children of Alcoholics will be held at Camp Capers October 5-7. This marks over 50 years of ministry to those in recovery and to those in supportive roles in the Diocese of West Texas. The Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge, bishop of the diocese, and the Rt. Rev. David Reed, bishop suffragan, will serve as the spiritual directors for this milestone occasion.

Brief History Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was co-founded in June of 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob (AA has a long-standing tradition of personal anonymity. Following their deaths in 1971 and 1950, respectively, the founders’ real names were revealed: William G. Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith). In 1941, the Rev. Everett Jones (later to become Bishop Jones) at St. Mark’s, San Antonio, learned of AA, and recognizing the need for the program in San Antonio, he corresponded with the AA Central Office in New York. Jones was instrumental in bringing the program to San Antonio.

Club 12 was formed in 1949. Bill J., a lifelong member of St. Mark’s, became enmeshed in the Twelve Steps (program of AA) at the Witte Museum and Club 12. His wife, Betty, a member of the Auxiliary (non-alcoholic family member) wanted to know more about the disease and how if affected the entire family. Her research led to the development of the first Al-Anon group in San Antonio in 1957, which met in her home.

The AA and Al-Anon groups in the Diocese of West Texas expanded as the years progressed. Bishop Jones gave tremendous encouragement and spiritual support to the AA community and

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| by Laura Shaver

held Saturday services in various Episcopal churches. The semi-annual Spiritual Retreat grew from these services, and the first two retreats were held in 1961. For 20 years Bill, with the help of others, coordinated the retreats. These retreats introduced Jack and Joyce Carothers to the Episcopal Church in the late 1960s.

The late Jack Carothers once said, “We came into the church through the ‘back door’, if you will, and found a loving, accepting, and forgiving God in the Christian faces we met.” It was in the basement of St. Andrew’s where a Bible study was held by the Rev. Phillip Stevenson for those in recovery. When the Carothers joined St. Mark’s in 1982, Bill passed on to them the Spiritual Retreat torch.

In 1993 as Jack celebrated his 30th AA birthday, he looked back with deep gratitude to Bishop Jones and Bill and Betty for their deep support and numerous contributions. “Countless lives were and are different because of AA, Al-Anon, and the associated groups … My sincere appreciation to them and for the ongoing support of our bishops in continuing what was begun … a very special way to evangelize and bring the recycled and renewed into the Christian community.”

Jack passed away in July of 2003, and since then Joyce has continued to coordinate each retreat. In 2001 a Spiritual Retreat Committee was formed to share ideas, assist with responsibilities, and continue the evangelism that formed the backbone of the retreats.

Joyce said, “These retreats have been a labor of love. AA and Al-Anon saved our lives, and my continuing to coordinate these retreats after Jack’s death is my way of giving back. Jack died the month after our 45th wedding anniversary and his 40 years in AA. None of that would have been possible without the multitude of blessings received in these Twelve Step programs, retreats, and our Christian communities in the

Joyce continued, “If someone would have told me I would be coordinating these retreats for 30-plus years (also helped Bill with secretarial work in the 1970s) I’d have said ‘I don’t think so.’ However, like one of our slogans ‘One day at a time,’ these retreats were coordinated one retreat at a time. They are all different but filled with many blessings. I feel if only one person is helped, we have done our job. Obviously there are many more than one since we are celebrating our 100th retreat.

“I will retire as coordinator after the 100th retreat. I love these retreats and all the people involved. I’m grateful to the committee and all who have participated in and helped over the years; particularly the bishops, clergy, and support staff at the diocese. To all I give my heartfelt thanks. A special thanks also to Bishops Folts and Hibbs and Bishops Lillibridge and Reed, for their ministry at #99 and #100.”

On his involvement with the retreats, Bishop Reed said, “I have enjoyed and been refreshed by all of the retreats I have participated in, but it’s a special honor to be part of the 100th. The grace and healing Joyce and her late husband Jack have given the attendees is a wonderful gift.”

At the Retreats The Spiritual Retreats are held the first full weekend in May and October each year at Camp Capers. Forty to 55 people eagerly attend each retreat. Some attend every one, others come once a year or when they can, and new attendees are present as well. Some are Episcopalian, others are from different denominations, and many are not churched.

The retreats serve as a spiritual journey, and the spiritual leaders of the retreats lead the attendees to discover Christian community.

The spiritual leaders of each retreat, typically clergy in the Diocese of West Texas, are encouraged to engage the entire group in dialogue and answer questions. Personal experiences and stories are always most welcome. Four talks are given by the spiritual leaders to increase spirituality in conjunction with the various Twelve Step programs, not church knowledge. Past topics of talks have included “Forgiveness – Ourselves and Others,” “God and the Twelve Steps,” and various parable-themed talks, such as “The Good Samaritan” and a favorite, “The Prodigal Son.”

Personal Witness I grew up in a family that was deeply scarred by alcoholic behavior on both sides. Both grandfathers died from complications from drinking. My younger brother was never able to defeat his demons and sadly took his own life a few years ago. Even though I didn’t actively indulge in my addiction for very long, I came by my need to change honestly.

I was raised in the church and felt a deep connection and calling to God but dulled that through my actions. When I arrived at AA I felt cut off from my contact with God and alone in the universe, that I had fallen so far down the ladder that I was no longer acceptable or loveable by God. AA changed that for me, incrementally at first, by introducing me to another concept of God as a loving Father instead of an angry judge, a God that would accept me for who I was and what I was trying to become.

I first attended the Spiritual Retreat at the recommendation of a friend. At that time in my life I considered myself a spiritual person. I read theology books, listened to a sermon here and there, but was definitely un-churched.

I continue to go back to the retreats because that is where I first heard the call of the church in my adult life. The retreat has given me a church home that I can call my own.

I found the retreat free from hectoring and judgment and to be open and accepting of where I was on my spiritual journey. I wasn’t told that I had to conform to any doctrine in order to attend; instead I was offered a seat at the table, and those around me shared their belief and practices. I found this to be very effective evangelism; I was met where I was and pointed by example to where I wanted to go.

The spiritual retreats mean a great deal to me. I have since joined the Episcopal Church and become an active member along with my wife, who also joined the church after attending these retreats. I feel that attending these events not only helps to keep me centered and on the track but also allows me to give back some of what I was given; to make sure the hand of AA and the church are extended to the next person who comes not knowing what to expect but eager to find out ... and possibly to find a home.

I first came to the Spiritual Retreat at Camp Capers in 1996 because a friend who was in the Episcopal Church invited me. I almost didn’t come when I found out there was no air conditioning but had already sent in my money so I went.

I felt God in that place and I met new friends. I’ve been coming ever since with only a couple of exceptions. Once I missed because it was on Mother’s Day weekend and my children had plans for me. After that I told them I would be at the retreat even if it was on Mother’s Day weekend and we could celebrate later. The retreats are that important to me.

These spiritual retreats made me realize I need to be closer to God in everything I do, because before I came to the retreat and put God in my life, the AA program didn’t work for me. With God I am able to work my AA program the way it should be worked.

In AA we talk about a ‘Higher Power’ and that can be the group, the Alcoholics Anonymous ‘Big Book’ or whatever you want it to be. At the Spiritual Retreats I found I could talk about God, the Bible, Jesus, church ... not just reference a higher power.

I continue to attend because each retreat gives me that spiritual refreshment I need to keep going for another six months until the next retreat, and the rest of the year. I love seeing new people come in and find what I found when I came. I also love being with my Spiritual Retreat friends.

At each retreat a number of scholarships have been given to Lifetime Recovery, Alpha Home, and other deserving groups. The men and women who come openly share and participate in these retreats, and are so inspiring.

They are new to the retreat but they teach us so much, and we in turn give them a loving Christian community to experience.

Some return and become leaders but all are touched in a very special way.

Over the years I’ve sponsored people and many of the regular participants do as well.

The door is always open and all who come are welcome. I recommend it.

Lady, 39+ with 14 years of sobriety

Man, joined AA at age 20; 25 years of sobriety

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Photos by the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.

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relyn Yuratich, a sophomore at Sewanee the University of the South and a summer staff member at Mustang Island Conference Center, leaned back against a picnic table at Cliff Maus Village in Corpus Christi and asked the young boy sitting next to her, “Why do you think fighting is ok?”

The boy smiled and responded, “Because fighting’s cool. People like to watch fights.”

His friends nodded in agreement. Yuratich didn’t smile in return as she explained that fighting would not take away or solve any problem. After a lengthy conversation, it was apparent the boys were not convinced that a physical confrontation would not lead to a solution, but the conversation with Yuratich might very well have been the first time they had given serious thought to alternatives to violence.

Serious moments and life lessons were part of the fun, games, and laughter every Tuesday afternoon at Cliff Maus Village (CMV) this past summer. The ministry at CMV, designed by the staff at Mustang Island Family Camp, was unlike any outreach ministry the low-income housing community has seen in several years. Allie Melancon, a college ministry intern for the diocese and the teacher at Family Camp, had the idea of reaching out to CMV residents. Because Family Camp ran from Thursday to Sunday, the staff was able to work with the children at CMV during their days off.

“This summer we piloted a Discipleship Program with the summer staff at Mustang Island and as part of this program we wanted

Photos submitted by Kaitlin Reed.

“We [were] encouraged by our choice to serve there and overwhelmed by the needs of the people, but ... this was place that God wanted us to serve.” a service component,” Melancon said. “Johnson [Jeffers] and I met with Amanda Morales (Cliff Maus Manager), and she showed us around and told us of the numerous needs of the people and apartment complex. We both left there encouraged by our choice to serve there and overwhelmed by the needs of the people, but knowing this was the place that God wanted us to serve.”

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Summer Staff Revitalizes Children’s Ministry at Cliff Maus Village | by Kaitlin Reed

In 1968, the Corpus Christi Episcopal churches established the Cliff Maus low-income apartment community. Though church members since then have been involved in administrative and financial aspects of Cliff Maus, personal and hands-on ministry has been sporadic in recent years. About a year ago, the Corpus Christi churches recommitted to supporting the apartments in various ways.

The staff at Mustang Island built upon that recommitment by establishing this new partnership with the youth in the community. “It is a great example of one ministry going outside its boundaries to support another ministry,” said the Rt. Rev. David Reed, bishop suffragan of the diocese, “It is what the Church should be doing at all times and in all places.”

On their first trip to CMV, the staff walked in not really knowing how they were going to initiate their ministry and anxious about how the kids would react to them. “We walked over to where some of the kids were hanging out in between some buildings and just asked them if they wanted to hang out,” said Moriah Moreno, a staff member at Family Camp. There was no specific plan; the staff wanted to be able to adjust to what the kids wanted to do. “They weren’t sure what to think of us at first, but once they saw that we were there to help, there to play, they opened up,” said Moreno.

“We weren’t sure if this ‘just show up and see what happens’ approach would work but it surprised us. We told the kids that we would be back next Tuesday and every Tuesday after that and the kids showed up with their friends,” said Melancon. As trust grew, the children began to eagerly await the staff’s arrival each week. It provided them with something consistent to look forward to while school was out for the summer. They would gather with their friends and play board games, create art, or play sports with the

Meredith Rogers and a young girl forge a friendship during summer evenings at Cliff Maus.

Brelyn Yuratich and a young boy paint a trash can to help encourage trash pickup at Cliff Maus.

As their summer Discipleship Program was drawing to a close, the staff organized a cookout for the entire CMV community the final week of their attendance. Parents, grandparents, and friends were all encouraged to come out for food and fellowship and to meet the young adults who had befriended their children. The cookout was a way for the staff to say goodbye to the kids they had gotten to know and care for and to say thank you for welcoming them into their home.

The kids kept asking “When are you coming back?” the night of the cookout. Telling the children they wouldn’t be back again was difficult for each staff member. The summer staff at Mustang Island Family Camp changes each year.

Many seeds were at CMV, and it is the staff’s hope that the ministry they started this summer will continue for many summers to come. “I have big hopes for the future of Cliff Maus and the new friends that we have made there. I hope that the Family Camp summer staff of 2013 will find joy in their service, make new friends, and love the people of Cliff Maus as we did,” said Melancon.

On Being the Face of Christ

| Submitted by Kay Past and David Henley, St. Philip’s, Beeville

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ose Moya’s restaurant in Berclair, Texas, is the current home of Mariposa Mission, the facility used by St. Philip’s, Beeville, for a first Sunday Eucharist service for members of that community. But on Sunday, July 29, God’s people gathered for a more somber occasion.

One week before, in the evening of July 22, 15 illegal immigrants—men, women, and children from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico—died when the Ford F250 pickup in which they were crammed had a tire blowout and crashed into a large oak tree east of the small community of Berclair. Eight others in the vehicle were critically injured.

Heartbroken over the tragedy, and concerned for the spiritual wellness of the surrounding community, the Rev. Clayton Elder, rector of St. Philip’s, Beeville, organized a memorial service on the following Sunday to honor the deceased and the first responders to the scene.

Following the service, the Goliad County sheriff’s department led a vehicle procession to the site of the accident, which had become a colorful shrine adorned with flowers, flags, crosses, and cards. The site was blessed as a shrine to those who died.

Elder believes the service was needed to put human faces on those involved in the wreck, rather than focus on their illegal border crossing. He pointed out that such accidents occur daily because immigrants believe the option of coming to this country illegally, even with the risk of death, is better than staying in their native lands.

Elder hopes the immigrants will not be forgotten, and their deaths will not be in vain.

“In a sense we are also memorializing all those who die in the pursuit of trying to find a better life in this country,” he said.

Nearly 100 people gathered at the service at Rose Moya’s restaurant, cooled only by ceiling fans, to be the family for those whose family could not be present and bore Christ’s presence in saying yes to their love for our brothers and sisters and for humanity. Pastors of the First United Methodist Churches in Beeville, Goliad, and Fannin joined Elder in conducting the memorial.

Those in attendance included members of all four churches, people from the local community, some of the first responders, and even some of the travelers who passed the accident site just after it occurred, some coming from as far as the Rio Grande Valley.

A makeshift memorial along U.S. Hwy 59 stands for the immigrants killed in the July crash.

“This service [was] as much for those who passed, as it [was] for the first responders, because of the tremendous loss and graphic nature of the accident,” Elder explained. “It was something that none of us should have to see ... we will also be praying for them, for their health and spiritual wellness.”

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Photo submitted by David Henley.

staff, in an environment that was constructive and encouraging. “Along with bringing our version of camp we also saw other needs that we could meet, replacing a basketball hoop, encouraging trash pickup around the complex with hand painting trash cans, and cleaning out closets,” said Melancon. The kids ranged in age from kindergarten to high school, so it was up to the Mustang Island staff to create an atmosphere that was appealing to the different ages and present an attitude that was positive and approachable.

They excelled, as was evident by the number of kids that continued to attend every week over the summer.

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“Our goal was and is to develop a long-term partnership, not just take a one time trip.”

- Spencer Stocker on St. Thomas’ new relationship with the Anglican Diocese of Belize

From Local Community to the Waters of Belize

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est known for its clear blue waters, beautiful beaches, and tropical jungles, Belize is a popular vacation destination. The mission work of St. Thomas, San Antonio, youth took them beyond exotic vacation sites and into extreme poverty. The high school students in the youth group at St. Thomas, San An-

tonio, are an active and vital presence in the ministries of their church. This past July 6-13, 12 high schoolers along with six sponsors were given an opportunity to move beyond their church family and San Antonio as they travelled to the Central American country of Belize. During the week, the St. Thomas youth group became not just world travellers, but world missionaries. This mission trip was the first by a group from the Diocese of West Texas, and it has opened doors for new ministry possibilities between our diocese and the Anglican Diocese of Belize.

Photos submitted by Spencer Stocker.

“Our goal was and is to develop a long-term partnership, not just take a one-time trip,” said Spencer Stocker, youth minister at St. Thomas and coordinator of the mission trip.

“I emailed the Diocese of Belize and Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro, and after several emails, long-distance phone calls, and meetings with our youth leadership, we felt a strong connection and call there.” By opening lines of communication between the two dioceses, the youth group became aware of the need for ministry and outreach in many areas of Belize, both on the mainland and nearby islands.

Youth pose in front of the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, or Stone Lady.

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During the first few days of their trip, the St. Thomas group stayed on the mainland

| by Kaitlin Reed

in Belize City as they worked alongside the Belizean youth at their diocesan summer day camp. St. Thomas led praise and worship, arts and crafts, and games and activities.

They also assisted with some of the cooking and cleaning. At the close of each day, back at their hotel, the youth group gathered for evening prayers and song. When the singing began, neighbors would open their windows to listen and worship and sing along.

The youth group met with the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Phillip Wright, as they helped Anglican Belizeans celebrate the 200th anniversary of St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City. “We were happy to hear just how much we have in common, such as the focus on developing relationships, not just quick bursts of energy, that will have a positive long-term impact on the community,” said Stocker. Although only two of the eight days were spent working with the diocesan camp, a relationship was definitely established which led to a mutual desire to extend and evolve the ministry between St. Thomas and the Diocese of Belize.

After leaving the mainland via water taxi on the third day, the group landed in San Pedro, a town on the island of Ambergris Caye, where they would be staying for the remain-

der of their trip. A short walk from their hotel was the small village of San Mateo, where the St. Thomas team did the majority of their mission work. San Mateo is very different from the image many people have of the Caribbean region. In the midst of so much tropical beauty, San Mateo has become a dump for the town of San Pedro, with rotting garbage and feces lining the wooden planks that serve as roads. There is no sewage system or running water, and there won’t be until roads are built. No one knows when that will be.

Within San Mateo is Holy Cross Anglican

Members of the St. Thomas team play with Belizean children during Vacation Bible School.

School, with buildings as neglected as the village. Holy Cross educates over 425 students in Pre-K through 8th grade each year.

Their graduation and transfer rate to high school is 80 percent, significantly higher than nation’s 25 perccent average. “This year our Youth Leadership Team decided to sponsor two students’ tuition for the 2012-13 school year. We are looking for more ways we may be called to help support the school,” Stocker said.

The youth group organized Vacation Bible School at Holy Cross for the kids in the area.

Four members of the group along with two sponsors developed and led arts and crafts projects and other activities for the kids to enjoy during VBS. Four other members of the St. Thomas team tutored Belizean children in math and English at their summer school program. The remaining four did reconstruction work in the classrooms and built an enclosure for the neighborhood children to store their bicycles while in school.

With the hours they spent each day working with school children and ministering to the community, the youth gained a real sense of the culture of Belize. They were shown generous hospitality and given friendly greetings from everyone they met. The children were proud of their small village and warmly

welcomed St. Thomas into their community.

“The Holy Spirit was evident in Belize, especially in the positive attitude of everyone we encountered,” Stocker said.

The youth did not miss out on the opportunity to experience other aspects of Belizean culture. After working and playing with the school children, the mission team sampled native cuisine, which included lots of fresh seafood, and even cooked their own fish, which they bought off the dock on their walk back to the hotel.

They swam in the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, accompanied by sharks, stingrays, and sea worms, and hiked through the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, or Stone Lady.

Conversations about the next trip have already begun. “It is our hope and prayer that St. Thomas and possibly our diocese will expand on the relationships that we have started,” said Stocker. “One idea we are considering is hosting Belizean youth in our diocese next summer.

We are also looking to partner more extensively with Holy Cross Anglican School and the impoverished neighborhood of San Mateo.” The needs in the San Mateo community are great, and the desire to continue the physical and relational ministries grew strong even

A member of the St. Thomas youth group tutors one of the boys enrolled in summer school.

before the St. Thomas youth group packed their suitcases to head home.

Jesus, Judaism, and Jewish-Christian Relations Guest Lecturer: Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies Vanderbilt University Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences

October 12-13, 2012 Friday, October 12, Temple Beth-El “How Jews and Christians Misunderstand Each Other” Saturday, October 13, Trinity University “Jesus, Judaism, and Jewish-Christian Relations” “How Jews and Christians Read Scripture Differently” “Hearing the Parables Through Jewish Ears”

For more information: Katherine Buzzini The Work+Shop 210-599-4224 kbuzzini@theworkshop-sa.org www.theworkshop-sa.org

the Church News

Sponsored by: The Work+Shop The D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation Temple Beth-El Trinity University Seminary of the Southwest St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Episcopal Church of Reconciliation Oblate School of Theology The SoL Center at University Presbyterian Church

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012

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Featured News

and spirit. A key component of the program, along with the educational opportunities, is that the warriors begin and continue through the program as a group, sharing their experiences of facing similar adjustments in life after war. Each student has an individual health and wellness program designed to help foster personal goals in physical rehabilitation and fitness. As physical and emotional wounds start to heal, the warriors begin to also learn that although life will never be exactly as it once was, they can still learn to live fully with their new-normal circumstances.

In addition to providing some much needed down time for the warriors and their families, another goal is to support their spiritual growth. Spaeth said, “Please assist us by adding the TRACK students and staff to your prayer list. Pray for the students as they begin to acclimate themselves to the civilian world, as well as for the staff members who work to guide them through the year-long process.”

MICC Facilitates TRACK

Photos submitted by Kevin Spaeth.

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day of building sand castles, singing karaoke, playing football, and just hanging out with friends and loved ones on the beach can serve as a quick break from everyday life. But for Wounded Warriors, men and women who have returned from battle and are learning to deal in life with missing limbs, recovering from massive burns, relearning how to function following a traumatic brain injury, or suffering from the invisible wounds of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), time at Artwork by fourth-grade St. James the beach Episcopal School students greeted can bring warriors to MICC in February. healing.

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| by Barbara Duffield

Mustang Island Conference Center (MICC) is privileged to open its doors twice a year to warriors in need of a time of respite from their daily routine of learning to live after battle and cope with the physical and emotional changes with which they have returned home.

Kevin Spaeth, Director of Operations for MICC said, “We support the TRACK program through our Christian hospitality, by providing programs that foster team growth and by providing the weekend at no charge. It is supported through the diocesan-wide Memorial Day offering. Wounded Warriors and their families are also able to attend Family Camp at no charge.”

A national education and training program known as TRACK has been designed for the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Service members who were injured on or following September 11, 2001, can take part in this one-year mentor program that provides residential college courses and vocational skills. TRACK offers a holistic approach to rehabilitation designed to strengthen, honor, and empower the warriors in body, mind,

A group of Wounded Warriors enjoyed time at the beach at MICC most recently in February and August of this year. The fourth grade students from St. James Episcopal School in Corpus Christi welcomed them in February with letters and artwork.

Individuals throughout the diocese can support the warriors by writing letters to them as they go through the program and embrace the future. Spaeth accepts letters by email to kevin.spaeth@dwtx.org, which he saves and passes on to incoming TRACK staff and students. “Please keep the letters coming, as the Warriors appreciate the support,” said Spaeth.

To learn more about the national Wounded Warrior Project, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

A group of Wounded Warriors spend a weekend at MICC, building sand castles on the beach.

| A reflection by the Rev. Andy Lobban

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submitted by Kathlenn Judson

his summer, Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) sent more than 120 youth from San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Sonora, and the Rio Grande Valley to Camp Capers, where they learned about God, nature, themselves, and the love and support that completely surrounds them. Divided among individual sessions and the Good Samaritan week at camp, the youth of GSCS had the opportunity to explore the outdoors freely—something they might not have the chance to do anywhere else.

The Rev. Andy Lobban, dean of the GSCS camp session, shares the impact that camp made on both the youth and the staff.

“As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” 1Samuel 3:19

Anyone who believes that maturity is equivalent to chronological age is missing the point.

Yes, age may have something to do with it, but there is much more involved. The week with the children of GSCS has taught me a thing or two about maturity. If maturity is the ability to discern the voice of God, listen

to it, and do what it says, then I have been surrounded this week by a number of mature Christians who happen to inhabit very young bodies.

One boy in particular stands out. At the age of 12, he is already discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. It became apparent that this was no pipe dream. He really meant it, and he was dead serious about discerning whether this is God’s will for his life. Without losing any of the charm, playfulness, and innocence of pre-adolescence, he exhibited a piercing eye firmly fixed on God, and he never shifted his gaze. He asked penetrating questions and was deeply curious about all kinds of church matters, such as the meaning of Scripture and the practice of sacramental worship. It was a spectacular joy to join him on this journey, even if for just a few short hours.

He was not the only one, either. One day in particular, the other priest-in-residence and I were approached repeatedly by campers, mostly young men, curious about all sorts of spiritual matters. And their interest was by no means purely academic. With the directness and innocence of children, they asked us the hard questions about Jesus and the devil, angels, and demons. They wanted to know what it all means for them and those they love. Above all, they wanted to know how it is that they are loved and safe in this seemingly wild and dangerous world, and they wanted answers with depth and meaning, not something simplistic.

Like Samuel and Jeremiah, the youngsters we encountered that week were seen, both in their own eyes and those of the world, as far too young and immature to have much to offer, but they are not. The Lord is with them, putting thoughts in their heads, words in their mouths, and the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They have much to give already, and surely there are even greater things to come.

I pray that their experience at Camp Capers has served to fan the flames of the godly fire than burns within them.

The staff at GSCS sends a special thank you to all of the donors who helped make Camp Capers a part of the youth’s summer. “This experience is something they are sure to carry with them the rest of their lives, and we could not have done it without your support.

Thank you.”

Photos submitted by Kathleen Judson.

Camp Capers’ Impact

A group of campers from Good Samaritan Community Services in front of the Capers’ sign.

the Church News

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012

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Things That Unite Us: A Reflection on General Convention

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he 77th General Convention of The Episcopal Church was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 5-12. After serving as an alternate deputy, I am writing this follow-up on convention while in South Africa teaching biblical principles of unity for Christian Unity Ministries, which gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to look back and reflect on our time at General Convention 2012.

A reflection on the first Anglican Mark of Mission by West Texas artist Enedina Vasquez. To view more of Enedina’s reflections from General Convention, visit http://gencon12-dwtx.org.

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5 Marks of Mission

From The Episcopal Church: We recognize with gratitude that the Five Marks of Mission, developed by the Anglican Consultative Council between 1984 and 1990, have won wide acceptance among Anglicans, and have given parishes and dioceses around the world a practical and memorable “checklist” for mission activities. The General Convention discussed living in and through the Marks of Mission in all ministries.

Enedina Vasquez from St. David’s, San Antonio, attended General Convention 2012 as the artist-in-residence and interpreted the five Marks of Mission in her artwork. To see all of Vasquez’s reflections, please visit http://gencon12-dwtx.org.

Mark #1: ~ To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom Mark #2: ~ To teach, baptize and nurture new believers

Photo by Marjorie George.

Mark #3: ~ To respond to human need by loving service Mark #4: ~ To seek to transform unjust structures of society Mark #5: ~ To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

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There are the obvious things that divide us.

We have a complicated bicameral legislative process that tends to look very much like our secular brothers and sisters in Washington, DC. As a church body, it seems like we should be working together to discern God’s will for our church rather than voting “yes” or “no” on a particular piece of legislation. “Yes or no” simply doesn’t get to God’s will, as it often becomes about power rather than discernment. And there are obvious conservative and progressive labels that we use for one another. Unfortunately, we often apply those labels at the deputation level without even knowing the individuals that make up that deputation. I’ve certainly witnessed this happening to our own West Texas deputies, even though, as a deputation, we are certainly not of one mind on many of the issues.

When I served as a deputy to General Convention 2009, the convention felt, as a whole, focused on the dividing aspects of our faith.

The theme was Ubuntu (an African word generally meaning “open to relationships”), but the atmosphere was difficult and divisive for me.

This year, the atmosphere became more hopeful, somehow.

I certainly don’t mean to say that we are beyond our season of controversy, but our energy has shifted to a more positive direction. The subject matter receiving the most attention this year was the restructuring of the Church. There seems to be a universal desire to move to a more flexible and agile organization that is much more ready to respond to the needs of a broken world. The legislation

| by Kelley Kimble

approving a task force to study a new structure was passed unanimously by both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies.

Perhaps we will even move from an organization that decides things based on “all in favor” to one which strives to discern the will of God together and one that lives in unity, not uniformity.

There is no better example of God’s vision of unity than within our own deputation. We were diverse in age, in gender, in 5K abilities (we participated in a charity 5K run for the Episcopal Church Women), in temperament, and in theology. We voted differently on more issues than we voted unanimously.

However, we had lunch together and aftersession debriefings every day. We had dinner together or in groups most nights. We poured into one another’s lives. We loved one another. We respected one another. We laughed a lot, and we cried some, too. We were and are united in faith. It is our relationships that form the basis of our unity in our common faith. It is the strength of those things that unite us that will not allow us to be divided.

To view all the reports made from General Convention, please visit http://gencon12-dwtx. org. You will also find Bishop Lillibridge’s video summary.

The Rev. Stockton Williams and Elizabeth Cauthorn attend a worship service at General Convention.

Around the circuit

Clergy News

Book of Remembrance

comings and goings

July - August 2012

The Rev. Matthew Frey accepted a call as rector to St. Matthew’s, Edinburg. He began on May 1.

The Rev. James Murguia began serving as assistant rector and school chaplain at St. George, San Antonio, in August.

Quentin Aaberg - St. Peter’s, Kerrville

The Rev. Chris Caddell accepted a call as rector to Holy Spirit, Dripping Springs. He began on June 10.

The Rev. Laurie McKim accepted a call as assistant rector at Advent, Brownsville. She began in August.

Nancy Bluntzer Gaudy - Church of the Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi

The Rev. Jonathan Wickham accepted a call as rector to All Saints’, Corpus Christi. He began on July 1.

The Rev. Ray Cole began on July 1 as interim rector for St. Paul’s, San Antonio.

The Rev. Cristopher Robinson accepted a call to serve as rector for St. Francis, San Antonio.

He began on August 5.

The Rev. Annie Finn began serving as interim rector for Grace, Llano, on August 5.

The Rev. Mac Keeble began serving as interim rector at St. Christopher’s by the Sea, Portland, on August 5.

The Rev. Doug Schwert retired as vicar for Trinity by the Sea, Port Aransas, on July 5. The Rev. James Derkits accepted appointment as their new vicar and began on August 19.

The Rt. Rev. Ramiro Delgado, retired bishop of Cuernavaca, began as interim rector to Redeemer, Eagle Pass, on August 26.

The Rev. Russ Matthews accepted appointment as long-term supply to Annunciation, Luling. He began on August 26.

The Rev. Stephen Carson accepted a call as rector to St. Francis, Victoria. He will begin serving in October.

Don Barton - St. Helena’s, Boerne

Vanice Schultz Gostecnik - St. Peter’s, Kerrville Jack Nettles - Trinity Episcopal, Victoria John Jay Pichinson - Church of the Ascension, Refugio Ed Steward - Church of the Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi The Book of Remembrance is a way to honor and remember those who have died or to give thanks for special persons or special events in your life. Donations made are used to help fund scholarships for seminarians in the Diocese of West Texas.

Candlelight Worship Service “Experiencing a Faith that Gives Hope, Comfort, and Strength” A special candlelight worship service that focuses on the Christian faith and its impact on those affected by mental illness will be held on Sunday, October 7, at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church (404 N Alamo, San Antonio, 78205). The Rt. Rev. David Reed, bishop suffragan of the diocese, along with Bishop Cantu of the San Antonio Catholic Archdiocese will take part in this city-wide ecumenical service. October 7 marks the first day of National Mental Health Awareness Week.

Now on Reflections Online What is the Nicene Creed?

Where did it come from? What does it have to do with my everyday life? Sign up now to join “We Believe,” a six-week exploration of the Nicene Creed through written articles, audio interviews, art, and other media on the diocesan spiritual formation blogsite – www. reflections-dwtx.org.

in your email inbox or visit the “Archives” to view and read the past submissions.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Email Marjorie at marjorie.george@dwtx.org.

The Rev. Mike Marsh, rector of St. Philip’s, Uvalde, has provided the guiding articles; audio interviews include Bishop David Reed, Betty Chumney, the Rev. Jay George, the Rev. Dr. Jane Patterson, and Greg Richards.

Weekly posts began on August 22. Sign up at www.reflections-dwtx.org to receive the posts

the Church News

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012

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Around the circuit

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Bishops’ Chapel photo by Susanna Kitayama. Skiver Hall photo submitted by Barbara Duffield. Fishin’ photos submitted by Marthe Curry.

hrist Church, San Antonio, recently renamed their transcept chapel to the Bishops’ Chapel. The renaming ceremony, at which the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge presided, honored the Rt. Revs. Ben Benitez and his wife Joanne, John MacNaughton and his wife Shirley, and Bill Frey and his wife Barbara.

Each bishop served Christ Church as rector or interim rector at some point in their ministry. Frey has served Christ Church as interim twice during crucial times in the church’s history.

In March of 1975, the south side of the altar in Christ Church was named Capers Chapel for the Rev. Sam Capers and his wife Eleanor, in honor of his 38 years of service as rector.

On June 17 of this year, Lillibridge dedicated the newly named Bishops’ Chapel. A plaque remains in honor of Capers’ service, and three new plaques were hung in honor of each bishop’s service.

The Rt. Revs. John MacNaughton, Bill Frey, Gary Lillibridge, and Ben Benitez join the Rev. Patrick Gahan, rector of Christ Church, San Antonio, for the dedication of the Bishops’ Chapel, June 17.

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hrist Church, San Antonio, along with other area churches, hosted a Health Fair for children in the community on July 30, which was held at Temple Beth-El. Over 25 health and support agencies were present to provide underprivileged children with the back-to-school immunizations for free. Christ Church provided new, clean hair products for every boy and girl in attendance and offered tips on how to avoid lice and steps to take if one is infested.

One six-year-old girl in attendance exclaimed, “This is the best day ever.” It is hard to imagine her saying that while sporting four bandaids from her immunizations in both arms. Yet over 100 neighborhood children were served lovingly by teens and adults in ecumenical partnership. Liza Huey and Nancy Lee Archer from Christ Church were the most popular fixtures at the Health Fair, as they offered to braid little girls’ hair. Equally popular was Mary Corinne Archer, also from Christ Church, who handed out the beautiful bags filled with brightly colored, personal hair care items. The looks on the children’s faces confirmed that Jesus’ request, “Have the little children come unto me and do not hinder them” was met. (Matthew 19:14)

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year ago in October, St. Andrew’s, San Antonio, suffered a total loss of their parish hall due to a flood. The chain of events that followed included demolition of the old facility and a parish meeting to determine how best to proceed. Their goals were to “seek the Spirit’s guidance on how best to use the resources to renovate, and to hear all voices.” The work commenced in February and was recently completed and celebrated in August. Rich Skiver, for whom the new parish hall is named, says he “just likes to get his hands dirty.” Skiver served as the general contractor for St. Andrew’s at Rich and Donna Skiver in front of no cost, so with the insurance money and the St. Andrew’s new parish hall. handiwork of many parishioners, the church paid all expenses and ended up with a $10,000 surplus. The Rev. David Floyd-Archibald, rector, said, “In my view God has just given us a $375,000 donation to our future … and we are just following through on His lead.”

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or the fourth year, fishermen from all over the Diocese of West Texas converged on the Gulf Coast waters at St. Peter’s, Rockport, to participate in Fishin’ for Mission the weekend of June 22-23. These anglers and their families raised over $6,500 for the World Mission Fund to support projects all around the world. “I don’t know where else you can go and have this much fun and collectively do this much good for so many,” said Cindy Glick, one of the organizers of the tournament. “Special thanks go to the congregation of St. Peter’s, especially coordinators Cody and Ashley Debler and sponsors Aransas Autoplex and Rider Wash Systems.” Mark your calendars for next year: June 22, 2013.

Proud, young fisherman from St. Peter’s

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Kevin Sykes, Jessie Maddera, and Joel Weaver

Like the New Design?

See Us Online.

The

new diocesan website will go live on

October 1, 2012.

This new site will provide departmental and ministry information, calendars of events at the diocesan and church level with registration, and will offer a more effective way for the diocese to communicate with all members and others interested.

Diocese of West Texas apportionment summary through August 27, 2012.

As the site becomes available so will various details about what’s new and improved, so please stay tuned to all diocesan communication in the coming months. If you have questions or concerns, contact Laura Shaver at laura.shaver@ dwtx.org.

Camp Capers Construction

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he construction has begun at Camp Capers. As Steves Hall comes down to be replaced by a new Steves Hall meeting room and two lodges (one with eight rooms, the other with 12), the Viola Walker cabin is being transformed into a welcome center, and the old office building is remodeled to accommodate the new Health Center. Please watch for much more information and pictures on the progress in the November/December issue of The Church News, which will be published in early November.

Please contact Rob Watson with any questions or concerns at rob.watson@dwtx.org.

the Church News

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012

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

the

Church News

calendar of events

september Kaleidoscope of Life: Spiritual Practices The Commission on Women’s Ministry will host a Kaleidoscope workshop on Saturday, September 15, at All Saints, Corpus Christi.

“Teach Us How To Pray: Learning to Pray the Way of Jesus” will explore and practice The Lord’s Prayer through word, movement, and music. The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. with Eucharist. $15/ person includes lunch, and this is not for women only. Contact registrar Leigh Saunders at leigh.saunders@dwtx.org or 210/888-8245387.

october The 100th Spiritual Retreat The 100th Spiritual Retreat for Recovering Alcoholics, Al-Anons, and Adult Children of Alcoholics will be held at Camp Capers, Friday-Sunday, October 5-7. Spiritual leaders for the retreat are Bishops Gary Lillibridge and David Reed. Check-in is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Cost is $125, which includes accommodations and all meals from Friday supper through Sunday breakfast. Scholarship assistance is available. For information, contact Joyce C. at 210-824-7959 or Leigh Saunders at the Bishop Jones Center, 210-824-5387.

Cursillo #257 Cursillo #257 will be held at Mustang Island Conference Center, October 11-14. Lay Rector is Scott Jones, and the Spiritual Director is the Rev. John Hardie, both from St. Mark’s, Corpus Christi.

Women’s Fall Gathering The annual Women’s Fall Gathering, sponsored by the Commission on Women’s Ministries, will be held Friday-Sunday, October 12-14, at Camp Capers. Speaker will be the Rev. Nancy Coon.

Diocese of West Texas Choral Festival The inaugural DWTX Choral Festival will be held Saturday, October 13, at All Saints Chapel on the campus of TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas. The day-long event, sponsored by the diocesan Liturgy and Music Commission, is intended to gather musicians and singers from our 90 congregations for a day of learning, singing, and mutual support. The festival will feature world-renowned organist, choral director, and clinician, Dr. Marilyn Keiser, chancellor’s professor of Music Emeritus at Jacob’s School of Music, Indiana University.

Vocare #29 Vocare #29 will be held Friday through Sunday, October 19-21, at Camp Capers.

Vocare is a spiritual formation and renewal ministry focused on discerning spiritual vocation for college-age and young adults.

You may contact Greg for more information at greg@stirflux.com. Registration is available at www.dwtx.org.

Food for the Soul From Friday’s wine pairing dinner through Sunday’s brunch, enjoy fine food and praising God at Food for the Soul at Mustang Island Conference Center, October 19-21. Learn favorite MICC recipes alongside main chef Kathy. Learn a variety of new skills, hints, and tricks. Cost is $248 per person, double occupancy, and $295 per person, single occupancy, if available. Please contact Kevin at kevin.spaeth@dwtx.org or Lynn at lynn. corby@dwtx.org or 361-749-1800 for more information.

november Bishop’s Golf Classic The 7th annual Bishop’s Golf Classic will take place on Friday, November 2, at Canyon Springs Golf Club in San Antonio. Tee off will be at noon. Sponsorship and registration information is available at www.dwtx.org.

Proceeds support youth ministry in the Diocese of West Texas.

Cursillo #258 Cursillo #258 will be held at Mustang Island Conference Center, November 8-11. Lay Rector is Jennifer Radicke from Grace Church, Llano; and the Spiritual Director is the Rt. Rev. David Reed.

Diocesan Silent Retreat The annual diocesan Silent Retreat will again be held at the Moye Center in Castroville. This year’s dates are November 8-11; conductor will be the Rev. Mike Marsh from St. Philip’s, Uvalde. Registration deadline is October 12, 2012. For information contact Dr. Rilda Baker at drrildabaker@gmail.com.

For further information and online registration, please visit www.dwtx.org - Special Events.