Texas Episcopalian Sept. 2011 by Diocese Edot

Volume 113, No. 7

Houston, Texas

September 2010

Education is Foundation of Mission in Belize Slippery Slide

Camp is Extra Special, Page 14-15

Miriam Rodriguez (front right), scholarship recipient, and her family.

By Jimmy and Barbara Hemphill

iriam’s mother needs a miracle. Every morning the first thing she thinks about is what she can sacrifice to help assure that her daughter finishes high school. The second thing she does is pray for a family at Good Shepherd, Kingwood – a family that donated the scholarship for Miriam’s first year of high school. Miriam and her mother live in San Mateo, one of the poorest parts of Belize, a tiny, poor country between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean Sea. Her family cannot afford the cost of high school and the government does not financially support public education beyond the eight grade. See more of San Mateo, a community of about 1500 people, is a barrio built over a swamp with no sewer or sanitation the story at: system, no roads, no running water or electricity. Most of the families live in homes built from scavenged pieces of plywood and sheet metal. Most of the 175 families who live here came to work in the booming construction and tourism business on nearby Ambergris Caye. But the cost of living on the island is high, and the typical San Mateo resident earns the equivalent of $20 a day. Until 2006, there was no primary school for children in San Mateo to attend. In September 2006, starting with 60 students, American Episcopal missionaries Vernon and Francis Wilson co-founded Holy Cross Anglican Primary School. The school has already become the cornerstone for an ongoing series of miracles. Today, Holy Cross has more than 500 students. It has the largest library in the area and a state-of-the-art www.epicenter.org/youtube computer center. Graduates score extremely well on standardized tests and demonstrate amazing results when given the opportunity to attend high school.

Miriam graduated from Holy Cross in 2009. She completed her first year at San Pedro High School this year and was third in her class. Her sponsors have already committed to paying tuition for another year of high school. When asked about the value of education in Belize, Miriam’s mother said, “I have suffered for not being educated. Because I am not educated, I remain as I am. I am not bad, but always I have work that is hard for me. I have to work many hours to have a little bit of money to eat ... many hours to have a little money.” This year, Nancy Schorr, director of Youth Ministries at Good Shepherd, Kingwood, raised money for scholarships See Mission in Belize, page 10

INSIDE Bishops’ Calendars......................... 27 Bishop’s Column.............................. 2 Calendar of events.......................... 17

Diocesan News.................... 18-24 Parish News.......................... 3-13 Sam Todd’s Column..................26

Mission Funding Goes Green this Fall, Page 16 Episcopal Diocese of Texas Diocesan Center 1225 Texas Ave. Houston, TX 77002-3504

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2 0 11 M i s s i o n f u n d i n g Opportunities CD

Seeking God’s Story

hen Peter stands and addresses the men and women gathered in Jerusalem, he is addressing a crowd of Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and many parts of Libya, Romans, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs. It is quite the collection of people and languages. It is a diverse collection of stories. Peter tells them the one story of the family of God. He tells them the dueteronomistic story of the family of God, which culminates not in the resurrection, but the coming of the Holy Spirit that the entire world may hear of the Messiah, the Christ. When they heard this they were cut to the heart, awe came upon everyone and there were many wonders and signs. (Acts 2) Christianity is a story - a particular story. It is the story of God who is glorified through creation. When creation falls away from its ultimate purpose, thanks to the work of humanity, our sacred story tells us of the Messiah who comes to reorient and lead us to our eternal place within the family of God. Our sacred story leads us to undertake the work of glorifying God in all things.

The Texas Episcopalian (since 1897) is an official publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Mission: In the name of Jesus Christ, the Texas Episcopalian seeks to inform the people in the diocese of events and philosophies which affect the mission and life of the Church. Publisher: The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle Editor: Carol E. Barnwell, cbarnwell@epicenter.org Layout: LaShane K. Eaglin, leaglin@epicenter.org The Texas Episcopalian (ISSN# 1074-441X) is published monthly except July and August for $15 a year by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 1225 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002-3504. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Articles, editorials and photos should be submitted to the editor at the above e-mail address. Photos will not be returned. Address changes can be made at www.epicenter.org/infochange. Postmaster: Address changes: THE TEXAS EPISCOPALIAN, 1225 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002-3504

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This story is told and retold through the experience of people, the diverse spiritual journeys, cultures and languages. Many different people, more diverse than the first Pentecost gathering, tell and retell the story of Christ as they have come to know him and love him and worship him. In telling the one story of the family of God, the strength of its truth is that missionaries have found the story alive over the centuries within the cultures and peoples who do not yet know Christ. The strength of the family of God, rooted in the Holy Spirit, comes because for centuries Christians have engaged in a conversation with their neighbors, listening to their stories, and seeing (as if for the first time) the story of Christ alive in the “other.” Christians leave their world of comfortable symbols and journey to foreign places to discover and rediscover Christ at work in the world. We might think of the biblical image of Paul speaking to the people of Athens about the “unknown God” (Acts 17.22ff). Paul, a missionary of Christ was able to see in the lives, even in the local worship of idols, the revelation of Jesus Christ. After listening and seeing how they believed, he used this as an opportunity to witness to his own belief and to offer them the opportunity for a transformed life in Christ. For the church’s mission to be healthy, it must exist as a group of people who are dedicated to proclaiming the story of God in Jesus Christ – people who can listen, see and discover Christ at work in the world in the lives of others. The mission of Christ will die if all we do is say there is one way. Get on board! We must be at work in the world helping people to understand. In the words of Rascall Flatts, God blesses the broken road that leads to Christ. Faithful Christians make room for the story telling and for the listening. Christians make room so that those who do not yet believe may come to believe that their lives have been leading them to Christ. For me, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. As a Christian missionary, I have to be willing to listen to people and to discover how Christ is bringing them along the way, to the truth, that they might live the life of virtue. Christians must be willing to touch the lives of others, to listen to their stories of their journeys and see the revelation of Christ so that we can retell the ancient story again and again.

As I reflect upon the work of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Texas this summer, I relish in the news of churches who have undertaken mission trips in their own back yards and around the world. Engaging, listening and discovering Christ in the midst of diverse cultures and peoples is our work. These stories beckon to us to renew our missionary commitment at home. We must return to our Bishop Andy Doyle congregations with the news that Christ is alive in the world about us God is truly at work in and beyond our churches and all we have to do is step outside to see the manifest opportunities for transformation. Our missions abroad help form us in the knowledge that we are to be missionaries locally. Unfortunately, just as we are sure of our one story of Christ, we are sure of the one story about the people who live in the neighborhoods and communities that surround our churches in the Diocese of Texas. We tell ourselves, they already go to church, they don’t want to hear from us, they aren’t like us, they are unbelievers, they are … they are … they are … As your bishop I would remind you of the missionary knowledge that they are Christ’s and we are called to minister to them, reach out to them and to discover Christ already at work in their lives. This issue of the Episcopalian is a celebration of the good work we are doing in Galveston, in Belize, in Honduras, in Uganda, at Camp Allen and in South Africa. I hope it will be a reminder that we have the opportunity to change the world across the street and across the world. Moreover, our own transformation may lie within the work of listening to the stories of our neighbors and witnessing God already at work in their lives.

The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle IX Bishop of Texas

Texas Episcopalian to Retire

New Website, Quarterly Magazine, to launch 2011 A new quarterly magazine will replace publication of the monthly diocesan newspaper, Texas Episcopalian, after December, 2010, said Carol E. Barnwell, editor and communication director for the Diocese of Texas. The first issue of the as-yet-unnamed magazine is scheduled to be published in the late spring of 2011. News and information from the Diocese of Texas will be published online at www.epicenter.org and through the weekly Out of the Ordinary (clergy e-news) or the bi-weekly Diolog (e-news) from the diocese. Additionally, the diocesan website is being redeveloped to become more interactive and user friendly. The new site will debut at the next Diocesan Council in February, 2011. “We have upgraded and increased our electronic communications over the last year,” Barnwell said. “The new quarterly magazine will allow us to reallocate our energies to do even more electronically. This is both environmentally and economically sound.” Many readers of the Texas Episcopalian have opted to receive the official diocesan publication online since the beginning of 2010. Published since 1845, with a lapse in the late 1800s, the newspaper (née Texas Churchman) has been published continuously

for the last 111 years. “We did not make this significant decision lightly,” Barnwell said. “The paper has a long and distinguished history and has served as a mirror for the many congregations across the diocese and throughout the Church. It has brought us together and helped to celebrate our lives in ministry.” Costs of mailing and printing, as well as the move to more electronic forms of news delivery, fueled the decision. “Our new publication will be delivered to all members’ homes and its contents will take into account the many responses we have had to our communication survey (www.epicenter.org) in order to provide the kind of publication that our members will find valuable,” she added. With a move to the magazine format, a new website and enhanced social media venues through focused blogs, Twitter, Facebook and additional e-news letters, the Communication Office hopes to continue to respond to the information needs of a growing and dynamic diocese. Participate in the communication survey from a link on the homepage of the website or contact Barnwell at cbarnwell@epicenter.org with suggestions/ideas. Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

PARISH NEWS

“Church Greening” Guide Now Available

T Thrift Store Is Richly Layered Ministry

t. Christopher’s Thrift Shop has been in business in northwest Houston for 52 years, run entirely by volunteers. Funds from the shop provide outreach grants of nearly $20,000 annually, locally and internationally. But the Thrift Shop is itself a multifaceted outreach ministry. It provides essentials, like household items and clothing, for low prices, while luxury items are priced a bit higher–supporting their philosophy of providing for their neighbors in need while being good stewards of things people have donated. Homeless pets and persons receive help when unsold or unsellable soft goods are donated to Star of Hope Mission and local animal shelters. Medical supplies and equipment are donated to the Lighthouse free clinic in Bacliff. Personal care items go to local women’s shelters. Eyeglasses are sent on to the Lion’s Club. And they recycle. But beyond the clothes and household goods, the Thrift Shop provides a haven for day workers to get in out of the heat and mosquitoes and rain, where they are treated with kindness and respect and welcomed with smiles. It’s a place where grandmas brag to volunteers about grandbabies and fledgling performers search for costumes. Many people come to those working at the Thrift Shop to ask for prayers. “We pray on the spot and we offer a prayer list for them to use which is added to our parish prayer list and given to the DOK so our entire parish can pray for our customers. Bibles and Christian books and pamphlets are ‘freebies’ at the front door. Hugs are freely given,” said Ruth Jarret. The Thrift Shop literally has generations of customers who have shopped with them. They come, not just for the bargains, but for the smiles and conversation. Volunteers continue to see the working poor, but these days they also see middle and upper class people who search for bargains and “great finds” in these less than rosy economic times. Each group of volunteers has formed its own small group, encouraging and supporting one another in their work and everyday life. “Good and faithful servants all,” K.C. Miller said.

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he Small Groups Ministry of St. David’s and Deep Conversion Communications, both of Austin, recently announced the availability of “Greening Church Culture: A Guide to Adult Christian Environmental Education and Formation Curricula.” Funded by a grant from the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, the Guide is intended to empower Christian education/formation leaders as they work to engage congregations at the convergence of faith and environmental sustainability. “So many church leaders, like me, want to encourage more green consciousness and action, but with a dizzying array of curricula options, it’s hard to know where to start,” said Rebecca Hall, Small Groups Ministry director at St. David’s. “While we do not at all mean to dismiss other curricula, we have identified several that are high quality, well-rounded and useful for a foundational program.” Guide creators brought together expertise in Christian education/small group ministry, sustainability consulting, communications strategy and eco-theology to survey many offerings of adult, faith-community oriented, eco-education materials. They chose the five most compelling options, analyzed strengths and weaknesses, and offered suggestions for use under different circumstances. In addition, beyond this discernment of existing curricula, the Guide directs future curriculum developers to consider innovation in several crucial, often controversial, content areas. “The green-church movement is really growing and

moving into the mainstream now, and we hope this Guide contributes to that momentum,” said Elizabeth Freese, founder of Deep Conversion. “At the same time, we hope it serves as a positive challenge to the Church to regenerate and evolve its prophetic mission.” View or download the Curricula Guide at http://stdave. org/site/sitewide/cat/greening_church_culture/ or http:// www.deepconversion.net/greeningchurchculture.html.

ECO Focus Gets Nat’l Attention St. David’s, Austin, has been accepted into the GreenFaith Certification Program, the nation’s first interfaith environmental certification program for places of worship. St. David’s is the first place of worship in Texas to join this prestigious national program. “In recent years the Church has been hearing anew the Biblical mandate to care for God’s creation,” said the Rev. David Boyd, rector of St. David’s. “For a number of years St. David’s has been actively working to make the care of creation part of our on-going parish life and to raise the consciousness of our parish and of others in our community. Our involvement with GreenFaith will strengthen our efforts and remind us that we are not alone in responding to God’s call to care for, sustain and heal the world in which we live.” Founded in 1992, GreenFaith is an interfaith environmental coalition which inspires, educates and mobilizes people of diverse religious backgrounds as environmental leaders. GreenFaith provides extensive support to all participating institutions through webinars, a list-serve, web-based resources and support from GreenFaith staff. To find our more about GreenFaith, see www.greenfaith.org.

Cathedral Offers Worship and Formation for Special Needs Children By Lisa Puccio

hythms of Grace is a church experience for all learning types — a place to dance, draw, wiggle and rest in God. It is an ecumenical church service and playtime for special–needs children and their families. The program started so parents could have a place where they could worship with their children without worrying about verbal disruptions, distracting movements or gestures. Bible stories are presented in an interactive model that uses music and movement, story cards, tactile and kinesthetic activities and opportunities for developing communication skills. Play-dough, paint, bean bags, tissue paper, pipe cleaners team with bread and wine, prayers, hymns and Holy Scripture to make church and God’s love accessible to all. Rhythms of Grace began in Torrington, CT, in 2003 as a response to the needs of one family in one parish. Today there are three parishes in Connecticut that participate in a service rotation. The Cathedral and St. Mark’s, Houston, will be the first churches outside of Connecticut to offer Rhythms of Grace. “The model and the curriculum have just been published so we are certain there will be more churches to follow, because the need is there,” said Martha Lewis, Special

Needs Program coordinator at Christ Church Cathedral. Beginning in November, services will be held at 1:00 p.m. twice a month - at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas St. on the first Sunday and St. Mark’s, 3816 Bellaire Blvd., Houston on the third Sunday. Two Rhythms of Grace information meetings will be held in October at the host churches. To learn more about work with special–needs families go to www. christchurchcathedral.org and click “worship & music” or contact Lewis at lighthouse@christchurchcathedral.org. Rhythms of Grace Information Meetings Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral (Jones Bldg. basement) 1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002 Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. St. Mark’s (Hauser Hall) 3816 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, Texas 77025 Puccio is director of Family Ministry at the Cathedral

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PARISH NEWS

Movie Ministry a Hit at Redeemer

Organ Concerts

“Hula Girls”

Benefit St. Catherine’s, Stuttgart

By Cindy A. Adams

astwood’s historic Church of the Redeemer launched its Movie Seminar in 2002, and since then, the Houston congregation has shown almost 100 movies on first-Saturday evenings and New Year’s Eves. The brainchild of a small committee led by church member Allen Ansevin, Redeemer Movie Seminar has shown selections from a gamut of genres and decades of filmmaking and drawn age-diverse audiences that enthusiastically paid the “price of admission” – participation in a movie-related discussion after the show. A core committee of four film afficionados meets periodically to suggest selections, with recommendations from the congregation. The route that led one committee member to suggest the July 2010 selection, Hula Girls, began at a Starbucks when she found a CD of Hawaiian music that included a performance by ukelele master Jake Shimabukuro. She thought her son, who lives in that lush state, might enjoy it; further investigation of Shimabukuro’s work led her to a movie he had scored, which she watched and recommended for Movie Seminar. The award-winning Hula Girls, made in Japan in 2006, played to a rapt audience on July 10. They laughed … they cried … and afterward had a lively discussion that focused on change and how we humans adapt to it. Hula Girls is based on the true story of how members of the small Japanese mining community of Ikawi, Fukushima Prefecture, adapted as their core economic resource – coal – began to be supplanted by oil in the mid-1960s. Townspeople at first strongly resisted a mining executive’s idea to harness the area’s hot springs to create a Hawaiian Center Spa resort. An arduous, emotional but ultimately successful process led to employment for several hundred workers and family members, including the women who were trained by a professional dancer from Tokyo to be hula girls.

The post-movie discussion centered on how people react when facing drastic change. The timeliness of this theme was clear as attendees listed ways Houstonians, Americans and citizens of the world are being upended as the economic and employment landscapes shift – including seismic shifts in the automobile manufacturing, electronics and newspaper industries, as well as in our churches. Some individuals are visionaries who accept and take hold of transitions, while others resist and dig their heels in. Attendees discussed human nature and its tendency to resist change, which, ironically, is inherent in the world God created. Is one of our guiding principles as Christians to look at what’s going on around us, especially in the youth culture, and see how it can be used for Christ? Does the church need to change? Was the religion many of us grew up with more about dogma than relationship – is that why we don’t engage more of the unchurched and more newcomers? These issues all were discussed and one attendee observed that the Bible can’t be changed, but that its relevance in our lives certainly can evolve. Just 11 people participated in the rich discussion after Hula Girls, but whether shown for an audience of a few or a few dozen, Movie Seminar is a great ministry any church can adopt to promote thought-provoking entertainment, dialogue and fellowship. Contact Ansevin at akansevin@aol. com for more information.

Ten Lesser-known Films Discussed In The Redeemer Movie Seminar Series “Tito and Me” An hilarious foreign film exposing the very serious consequences of totalitarian rule in Czechoslovakia under the dictatorship of Tito. (An authentic view into the lives of ordinary people in post-war, Iron Curtain countries.) “Romero” -Stunning account of the important events that transformed Oscar Romero from a mild-mannered, academic priest to a courageous martyr for the church and the people of El Salvador. “Entertaining Angels” Major incidents from the life of American saint, Dorothy Day, whose sympathy for the poor eventually transformed her from an agnostic feminist to a deeply committed “daughter of the Church.” “Seven Years in Tibet” Based on a true story of adventure about Heinrich Harrer, an arrogant Austrian climber sent to the Himalayas to glorify the Nazi regime, whose personality took on humility after his experiences in Tibet as a tutor to the young Dalai Lama. “Song Catcher” Highly original anthropological fiction about a young woman who makes her way deep into Appalachia to record folk music she finds is traceable to the English origins of the residents; a fascinating musical adventure story. Texas Episcopalian

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ndrew Dewar, the Artist–in–Residence at the American Cathedral of Paris, will perform a series of benefit organ concerts beginning Wednesday, September 8, at St. Thomas’, Wharton. Funds raised will help install and voice an old English organ in St. Catherine’s, Stuttgart, Germany. Dewar has won several international organ competitions, recorded two CDs, and performs organ concerts internationally on a regular basis. The Rev. Ken Dimmick is a priest of the Diocese of Texas currently serving as a diocesan missionary in the Church of England’s Diocese in Europe, as vicar of St. Catherine’s. The Wharton concert is a cooperative event between St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and St. Thomas’ and is the only concert for which tickets will be sold and includes dinner. Additional concerts in Texas and Louisiana are without charge but ask for an offering. Contact St. Thomas’ church office stthomaswharton@ sbcglobal.net for tickets. A little background: In the Fall of 1944 the Royal Air Force bombed Stuttgart seeking to neutralize the Mercedes factories in the suburbs and in the process destroyed 80 percent of the city, including the charming little Neo-Gothic Anglican Chapel called St. Catherine’s and its grand pipe organ. After the war, the Church of England was busy rebuilding churches in England, so the ruins were sold to a German Protestant congregation, called Old Catholics who rebuilt the church with as many of the original stones as possible but without a thought to replacing the organ. Dewar, an English organ student at the famous Stuttgart Music Conservatory, in 2006 suggested buying a used pipe organ from England, and for the modest sum of 1000 pounds, the newly arrived vicar, Ken Demmick planted a project for the small flock of faithful Anglicans.

“Amen” Based on a tragic, true story from WWII about a highly placed German public health doctor who frantically attempted to inform the West about Nazi death camps.

Schedule

“And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself ” Based on the true story of this idiosyncratic Mexican folk hero who arranged to have a pioneering East Coast movie studio film him on the battlefield during the Mexican revolution.

Friday, September 10, Grace Church, St. Francisville, LA

“Padre Pio, Miracle Man” Italian reenactment of significant events in the extraordinary life of a recently canonized modern stigmatic widely credited with miraculous events.

Sunday, September 12, Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Greenwood, MS

“When the Moors Ruled in Europe” An eye-opening account of the high cultural level enjoyed by Spain under Muslim rule that advanced architecture, government, science, medicine and scholarship while soliciting the cooperation of educated Christians and Jews. “Nothing But the Truth” A fictional story paralleling true events that led to the incarceration of investigative reporter, Judith Miller, for refusing to name her source of information for a politically sensitive story; a case study on the significance of a free press to the preservation of democracy.

Wednesday, September 8, St. Thomas’, Wharton Saturday, September 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Chapel on the campus of Louisiana State University

Tuesday, September 14, Christ Church, Tyler 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, St. Matthias, Shreveport, LA at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 16, St. Thomas’, College Station at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 17, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Houston at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 19, St. Peter’s, Brenham at 2:30 p.m.

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PARISH NEWS

Palmer Launches Legal Clinic Ministry

almer Memorial, Houston, in conjunction with the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, Inc. and the Texas Medical Center, has begun offering free legal–assistance clinics to eligible employees of the Texas Medical Center. The ministry, called “Faith and Practice,” provides legal advice and referrals for a variety of issues, including divorce and custody, consumer issues, bankruptcy and landlord/tenant disputes. Presently 32 lawyers, who are members of the Palmer congregation, are active in this ministry. The Rev. Sam Craven, senior associate rector at Palmer and a Faith and Practice leader, explained that the ministry “derives its name from the responsibility imposed upon us as Christians to use our God-given gifts to serve our neighbors and from our professional obligation as attorneys to serve the underprivileged in our community.” With such inspiration, Faith and Practice has had no trouble finding volunteers.

“I just started calling those who were active in the church and within a few weeks we had more than 20 lawyers signed up. Interest has been really high. There is no doubt that a ministry like this meets a need to provide necessary legal assistance to people.” Palmer’s volunteer lawyers assisted 30 clients during the pilot clinic held at Palmer last spring. An additional clinic was held in August. “Whether we counsel and advise on the spot or provide a referral to a free agency, Faith and Practice clinics allow us to serve people who are in many ways the backbone of the Medical Center. It’s very rewarding to use our skills as attorneys as part of a ministry,” said Meredith Levine, a Palmer volunteer. If you are interested in the “Faith and Practice” ministry at Palmer or in how you can organize a similar ministry in your own congregation, please contact Craven at scraven@palmerchurch.org.

Adult Class Studies Forgiveness By Paula Haenche “…as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

e recite those words every Sunday; but, for many, saying is much easier than doing. Some offenses seem to cut too deep to be forgiven. The murder of a mother, the betrayal of a spouse, death by drunk driver, the Amish school children massacre…9/11. Sometimes the offenders are remorseful; sometimes there is retribution and ‘justice.’ More times than not, the offenders do not appear to suffer for their offenses but instead move on with their lives, seemingly oblivious to the suffering they have caused. And when victims are unable to forgive, their unending anger and resentment may compound the aftermath – potentially perpetuating the cycle of ‘hurt people’ hurt people. At Holy Comforter, Angleton, the Coffeehouse Theology group recently explored The Power of Forgiveness with the help of a four-week, video-based study. It examined the responses of people of faith when faced with unforgivable offenses. It explained how the inability to forgive can have long-term emotional consequences Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

and cause serious physical side effects. It showed how ‘forgiving’ is not a one-time action, but rather an intentional process that becomes easier with practice. It provides an understanding that forgiveness may benefit the forgiver much more than the forgiven. Many of the people in the video series acknowledged that they should forgive – but just could not bring themselves to do it. Some expressed a need for the offender to suffer as they did. Some said they could not forgive the offender unless he demonstrated some regret or sorrow at his actions. Others felt forgiveness let the offender ‘off the hook’ or would somehow represent the betrayal of their loved one, or be a sign of personal weakness. The offenses they had endured could not be undone; and yet some still struggled to seek a path to forgiveness. The Coffeehouse Theology group joined in their emotional journeys and learned from their examples. Forgiving does not require forgetting. Forgiving does not wipe away the offense. Reaching ‘forgiveness’ is like going through the stages of mourning; it requires thoughtful processing. Even when resolution is not possible, a person still has

Houston Parish Choir Raises Voices in England

he Parish Choir of St. Martin’s, Houston, made its first pilgrimage to England to perform at Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral, Windsor Castle/St. George’s Chapel and Wells Cathedral during the first week in August. Former Archbishop George Carey praised the choir while visiting St. Martin’s in the fall of 2009, which sparked the tour’s inception and development. The choir brings a diversity of talent to each performance marked by a special blend of both professional singers and seasoned volunteers from all walks of life—rodeo cowboys, accountants, federal judges and even a doctor of aerospace medicine. Included in their program were songs of praise and devotion, Psalm settings by Mendelssohn and Distler, anthems focusing on aspects of light and two original hymns by Houston composer David Ashley White. The Parish Choir is directed by newly-appointed choirmaster, Kevin Riehle, and accompanied by director of music and organist, David Henning.

to find a way to let go. The personal testimonies on the video opened the Holy Comforter group to share their own stories of wrongdoings suffered and their struggle to forgive. Whether it was a brother estranged for decades, a family member’s addiction, a sister’s suicide, or a bitter divorce, everyone in the group could identify with the pain. “It was a very healing experience to discuss how forgiveness frees us from old hurts,” said the Rev. Carol Petty, rector. “I think it helped participants surface some issues that they hadn’t realized still needed

resolution.” Group members encouraged one another and discussed how important it is to seek emotional support in their struggle. To start the journey toward forgiveness, there needs to be intention and practice that inclines us to choose forgiveness. There are many activities like role-playing, writing a letter or a ritualistic letting go that may aid in the journey; but, the Coffeehouse Theology group all agreed on two things: it is better to let go than to hurt forever and the journey to forgiveness starts with a choice. Haenchen is a member of Holy Comforter.

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PARISH NEWS

Holy Comforter, Spring 10th Annual BBQ Cook-off and Craft Fair

Resurrection, Austin

Celebrates Milestone in Ministry to Preemies

Calvary, Richmond Commits for Life

alvary, Richmond, hosted a quarterly blood drive through the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center this summer as part of its “Commit for Life” group program. Twenty-seven donors earned points through the program, which can be redeemed for gifts. Contact www.giveblood. org or call St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital at 832-355-GIVE (4483) to schedule a mobile blood drive.

Christ Church, Matagorda Game Warden Vs Mother Gator Holy Comforter Senior Warden Pam Walters has an executive sample of the potato salad at last year’s Annual BBQ Cook-off and Craft Fair.

oly Comforter, Spring, is making ready for their 10th Annual BBQ Cook-off and Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, September 4 from 11a.m.- 4 p.m. This is a sanctioned International Barbecue Cookers Association event. Barbecue teams will vie for trophies and cash for best brisket, best ribs, best chicken, best beans and showmanship, open division, grand champion and reserve champion. A silent auction, craft fair, cake auction, and live music will round out the activities. Last year the church served 525 meals. Whole and half briskets can be purchased. Orders for briskets must be in by September 1. All funds support the ministries and outreach activities of Holy Comforter in the community. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Children younger than six years of age eat free. Admission includes unlimited barbecue and a chance to win a door prize. Contact Chair Dan Brast for more information at 281.583.713. The church is located at 2322 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, 77388.

St. John’s, Marlin

Helping Neighbors in Need of a Meal

embers of St. John’s, Marlin, have gathered with their neighbors in an effort to furnish a meal to anyone who is in need. What started at the church has spread to include neighbors who come to help cook and serve, said Pattie Pletzke. “We came together because we felt there was a need for some folks in Marlin to have a good meal,” she said. So started “The Disciples Table Group.” Their first meeting was 12 people, including church members and friends. They fed 55 people at their first meal, 11 at the next. “Even if we feed just one person we are accomplishing our goal. We are helping the people of our community,” Pletzke said.

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ore than 20,000 handmade baby items have been delivered to Austin-area hospitals over the past six years from parishioners at Resurrection, Austin, through their ministry, the Heart of Texas Chapter of Threads of Love. The non-denominational sewing and needlework outreach ministry meets the needs of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units with more than 100 chapters throughout the country. Threads of Love helps to bring healing and support to parents at a time of uncertainty about their baby’s health or when they have lost an infant. Members of the ministry also make burial garments and wrappers for premature infants. The Resurrection group has also joined other chapters to help clothe 130 orphans in Honduras and to make 100 special pillows for children attending Agape Bereavement Camp. A fully equipped workroom was dedicated just five years ago with support from the Diocese of Texas Women’s and Children’s Outreach Grant and another from the North Austin Medical Center Auxiliary. Volunteers meet weekly to crochet and knit blankets, caps and booties and make other items. For more information about this outreach go to ecraustin.org/threads or contact Georgia Tabor at 512.255.6964 or email gtabor8@aol.com.

Good Shepherd, Friendswood Concession Stand Supports Youth

ood Shepherd, Friendswood, runs a concession stand serving beer, soft drinks, margaritas, peanuts and crackerjacks at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston during home stands on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the baseball season. An outreach for Good Shepherd’s youth group, the stand is run entirely by volunteers, including the clergy. Funds raised support youth mission trips and other activities. Be sure to stop by and say hello and support Good Shepherd on Episcopal Night with the Astros (and at other games). They are located on the first floor of Minute Maid Park near Section 106, under the escalators and the Crawford Boxes in left field.

ver Independence Day Weekend, heavy rainfall around Matagorda sent a 10-foot-long alligator looking for higher ground. Game Warden Arthur Lawrence and sheriff’s deputies drove her from the parking lot of Stanley’s Grocery Store into the shrubs next to Christ Church, at 3 a.m. on the morning on July 2, confident she would rest there until it got light. Lawrence said he’d dealt with this alligator before, calling her “very slim and very aggressive.” When the alligator stuck its head out of the thicket behind the church at about 8 a.m., Lawrence and the deputies were waiting. The gator, which Lawrence guessed to be about 30 years old, lived in a flood ditch near the Intracoastal Waterway behind Stanley’s. “She probably got a little bent out of shape when her nest got flooded and that’s why she headed into town,” Lawrence said, adding that they had previously fought the same alligator for “hours on end trying to catch her alive.” The instance of alligators wandering into populated areas may increase, Lawrence warned. “There are alligators all around us on the Gulf Coast,” he said. “We’re actually encroaching on their territory and that’s when you see them more and more.” Susan Madison, a 30-year resident of Matagorda, witnessed the search for the alligator while a bout of insomnia kept her awake that night. “It took five grown men to load the gator in the back of Arthur’s truck,” Madison said. She credited Hurricane Alex for the early morning excitement. Reprinted with information from a story by Heather Menzies in the Bay City Tribune with permission.

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PARISH NEWS

Trinity, The Woodlands Helping hospitalized veterans

Calvary, Richmond Christ Church, Matagorda St. Thomas, Wharton

Daughters of the King

Youth spent a week this summer building a brick-lined labyrinth

axes pay for only part of veterans’ needs at any veteran’s hospital. Donations from the community - veteran and fraternal organizations and churches like Trinity, The Woodlands - provide many needed, non-monetary items. In July, parishioners collected toiletry items, socks, baseball caps, magazines and more for hospitalized veterans at the DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. The Houston center serves as the primary health care provider for more than 120,000 veterans in southeast Texas with specialized diagnostic care and medical treatment including post traumatic stress disorder and mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. Nearly 3,500 health care workers provide services for one million outpatient visits annually.

Christ the King, Atascocita

9/11 Event Honors First Responders

he congregation at Christ the King, Atascocita, will celebrate September 11 with Patriots Day, honoring the men and women “we see everyday in uniform-our first responders.” “We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to give back to them in some small way and we are privileged to have their participation in our event as well,” said Rachael Shedeed, the event coordinator. The Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department, EMS and Precinct 4 Constables will be present. An opening ceremony with flag-raising and color guard begins at 11:45 a.m. to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “We hope people will take the time to get to know the men and women who serve us in our communities,” Shedeed said. Visitors can purchase tickets for food, drinks and games and be able to enjoy the live entertainment all day. Play areas for the little ones will also be available. Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM) will be on hand to accept pantry food items in exchange for game tickets. Christ the King is a covenant member with HAAM. Blue Star Moms will share information about military personnel who are from the area at their booth. Visitors are welcome and anyone who wishes to participate with a booth may contact the church at 281.852.1990.

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outh from Wharton and Richmond spent a week this summer building a brick-lined labyrinth on the grounds of the Christ Episcopal Church in Matagorda. Twenty two youth and eight adults provided the congregation and the Matagorda community a place to encounter God. The labyrinth is aligned with the steeple of the church and incorporated 1,100 bricks outlining the circular grass pathway. According to the Rev. Lance Ousley, rector of St. Thomas, Wharton, the labyrinth was an ancient prayer tool used to symbolize one’s journey through life, its single path leading to the center and back out. Anna Clark described the labyrinth as being similar to the world in which we live: “You are never lost. God is always there for you.” Ousley said it was “a place to have peace and prayer and to realign with God in our daily walk.” The Rev. Hoss Gwin, vicar of Christ Church was “thrilled” with this gift to the community. Part of the vision of Christ Church, he said, was to have the church be a welcoming place for “pilgrims” who want a closer experience with God.

Members of the St. Theresa Daughters of the King at St. Mark’s, Austin, gathered this summer to induct new members. From l-r: Liz Badger (seated); Jill Collins, Jonea Raney, Judy Elkins, Pam Johns, Jean Severn, Liz Davis, the Reverend Elizabeth Turner, Brenda White, Diane Silver, Millie Casparis, Lisa Martin and Kathy Genet.

St. Christopher’s, League City BBQ and Art Benefit Outreach

t. Christopher’s, League City, will host its fifth Annual Community Barbecue October 9-11 with proceeds benefiting local outreach projects. Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Caring Ministries and St. Vincent’s House in Galveston will all receive support from sales of BBQ and a live and silent auction as well as an outdoor art market, which will be open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9. Please contact Ally Hardick if you are interested in a vendor space at alipanwoot99@yahoo.com or call the church office at 281.332.5553 for information and application. St. Christopher’s is located at 2508 St. Christopher Rd. and 518 directly across from the Clear Creek High School baseball field in League City.

All Saints’, Stafford, chartered a new Jr. Daughters of the King this summer, adding to their very active adult group. Mothers, grandmothers and aunts wanted the young women in their lives to experience the devotion to prayer and service exemplified by the Daughters of the King.

St. Michael’s and All Angels’, Longview

Sharing God’s Love with Backpacks

t. Michael’s and All Angels’ members gave away 120 backpacks and school supplies to 70 families in Longview just before school started. Families signed up to receive the supplies during the church’s July garage sale, representing more than 100 children. A downpour didn’t dampen spirits as the carnival moved indoors where games and popcorn awaited the children. Water slides were even better in the rain. St. Michael’s had collected enough backpacks and school supplies to meet the needs of very grateful students and parents.

Grace, Alvin’s, Dame Julian Chapter of the Daughters of the King recently completed its summer food drive to benefit veterans at the DeGeorge Veterans Center in Houston, a center that helps homeless veterans reestablish their lives. The DOK’s next project will be to collect 107 personal care boxes that will be delivered to the DeGeorge in time for Christmas. Pictured in the photo (l-r) are S. Wayne Mathis, Dorothy Campbell and Phyllis Wall.

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PARISH NEWS

Co-op Mission Team Serves 3000 Hondurans pulling teeth. In one very rural village, he saw 27 patients and extracted 64 teeth in a single day—with hugs of appreciation from the grateful and relieved patients. Hopkins’ wife Bobbi said they return to Honduras “to change the lives of the Hondurans … We’ve learned that the lives of the Americans who come on the mission trip are profoundly changed as well.” Honduras Good Works is the parent organization for Mission: Honduras. A 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable organization, Honduras Good Works has a three-pronged mission: the health of Hondurans through medical missions; education through scholarship support for Honduran youth; spirit, helping villages develop their own churches and clergy. For more information, access the organization’s website at www.hondurasgoodworks.org, or call 512.778.5805. Swahn is executive director of Honduras Good Works.

Volunteers assess needs of a mother and child.

By Jo Ann Swahn

upported by Episcopal churches throughout Texas, 60 volunteers recently completed a week-long medical mission to one of the poorest regions of Honduras.

The mission fielded four teams a day and ministered to nearly 3000 Hondurans. St. Christopher’s, Killeen; Christ Church, Cedar Park; St. Matthews and St. Luke’s-onthe-Lake, Austin; St. Richard’s, Round Rock; Holy Spirit, Waco and St. Mark’s, Bay City, sent volunteers to make up teams that included 20 medical professionals doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and a dentist and dental assistant. Other volunteers assisted with translating, checking-in patients, controlling the crowds and dogs, evangelism, driving, children’s activities and working in the pharmacy. Dr. Donald Hopkins, and his wife, Bobbi Hopkins,

St. Stephen’s, Beaumont, visits Uganda

nurse practitioner, began the medical mission more than 11 years ago and estimate they have treated nearly 30,000 villagers in that time. “We provide primary care to villages in remote areas to serve people who have little support from their government and no access to medical attention,” Hopkins said. “We travel in four-wheel drive trucks across some really rough roads in mountainous regions. When we arrive, we are generally greeted by everyone in the village,” he continued. “Each team is made up of 15-20 people, and by day’s end each team will typically have seen 200 patient-families.” This year Dr. Jim Humphries, a dentist from Bay City and a member of St. Mark’s, brought his portable chair and equipment. The only service he can provide in the field is

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After sending the boys and male teachers away, Pat Richie talks about feminine hygiene with senior high girls at the Green Hills School in Nabwendo, Uganda. Richie said the girls were very encouraged to have the private discussion with the women on the mission team since girls are still somewhat voiceless and powerless in their culture. “They told me about how they manage during their menstrual periods and I was describing sanitary napkins to them,” Richie said, adding that the language challenges made for “a lot of fun laughing as we tried to communicate what we each wanted to say.”

embers of St. Stephen’s, Beaumont, visited Uganda this summer after Peggy Nash, a church member, invited four Ugandan students who are attending Lamar University on track scholarships to St. Stephen’s. Nash was inspired to collect shoes and educational supplies for the students’ home village after hearing their stories. In cooperation with the students, Nash organized Runners for Hope, and with Francis Kasagule, one of the students, decided to deliver the donated shoes, books and school supplies personally.

Kasagule, Nash and St. Stephen’s deacon, Pat Richie, were joined by three college students and a high school senior for the trip to the Diocese of Mityana and the village of Nabwendo where they delivered the supplies. While in Uganda, the team also visited a girls’ home in Soroti. According to Richie, the trip helped St. Stephen’s develop relationships and “discern if our church might walk alongside particular schools, parishes or villages so that we might provide children and their teachers with things they need to help in their education.” Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

PARISH NEWS

“Son One” Mission Trip Gathers Austin Youth

On Sunday, July 18th, Good Shepherd in Tomball, hosted youth from St. Paul’s Waco, for lunch on their way to a week-long mission trip in Galveston. Twenty-nine youth under the direction of youth minister Erin Busby fortified themselves with plenty of Steve Robinson’s famous BBQ brisket and encouragement from youth at Good Shepherd. Mandy Seymour, director of Youth and Families at Good Shepherd encourages other congregations to find opportunities for inter-parish youth fellowship.

St. Mark’s Finds Much to do in Galveston – Still By Liz Davis

early two years after Hurricane Ike made landfall, wreaking havoc in Galveston and beyond, parishioners from around the Diocese of Texas continue to show up with tools, mops and buckets, helping families devastated by the storm return to normal. Five parishioners from St. Mark’s, Austin, found a very dedicated band of recent college grads running an excellent program to assist Galveston residents to rebuild their homes and their lives. St. Mark’s mission team provided willing volunteers of “moderate skill level,” and we were received in Galveston

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with a comfortable (if not elegant) place to stay and competent, knowledgeable, patient supervision from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Relief and Development team. Together we provided an example of a caring relationship with homeowners who had been granted help. Last year, eight of us learned to sheetrock and “mud” in a home where many volunteers worked before and many worked after to complete the renovation. This year, three of us spent a hot, sweaty day wielding wire brushes preparing hurricane shutters to withstand another season. We also helped finish work on a lovely home that was almost ready to be turned over to its teacher-grandmother owner who would

number of Austin Convocation congregations sent youth to Galveston this summer to help homeowners still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. The “Son One” mission trip gathered middle-school youth from Christ Church, Cedar Park and St. Matthew’s and St. David’s, Austin. Son One gathers youth and their leaders monthly at alternate area churches for fellowship and worship. This summer was the first mission trip that the groups embarked upon together. A number of challenging tasks faced the intrepid travelers. While tutoring students at day camp for students from low-income families, the Austin youth were shocked to learn and struggled to comprehend how third graders could not write complete sentences or read books far beneath their grade level. “But I was reading chapter books in first grade! What happened here?” questioned one. “I was amazed to watch our middle schoolers cheering on the children in games of whiffle ball, basketball and relay races. They put aside their own all-star sports experience and encouraged their new-found friends,” said the Rev. Beth Magill, who helped lead the mission trip. “Adult sponsors were in awe of these ten youth who had clearly come to share their love for God with everyone they encountered,” Magill added. Youth also spent two days priming “Miss Mary’s” house in preparation for a final coat of paint that would put the memory of the Ike flooded home securely in the past. They also helped distribute food for Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Cassie Shannon, a middle schooler from St. Matthew’s said, “I realized that even though my life is great, other people’s lives may not be. I got to feed the people who couldn’t feed themselves, and despite that, they were still happy – and that is amazing!” As they sat around the circle for reflections each evening, the youth shared honestly and deeply about their struggles and accomplishments of the day. “It is striking to me that ten relatively young members in the church could come together and deliver such a poignant and relevant message about the mission of the church. Simply and gracefully, the youth proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ to all whom they met!” Magill concluded.

resume her life there with several of her grandchildren. The work we did was not easy and could not be called fun, but we knew there was a payoff for the work in the joy of the homeowners. We were confident that the owners had been screened and that the young people running the program had chosen to help those Jesus called “the least of these.” We hope to return one more time this fall. Luke Blount, our volunteer coordinator, tells us that there will be plenty of work to do because Ike was a serious hurricane. Katrina gets most of the press since it devastated a larger city, but in some ways Ike was actually stronger. He also points out that Lehman Brothers failed the day after Ike hit land, so much of the nation shifted its attention to our economic woes. Consider a mission trip to Galveston. You will be glad you did. Davis is a member of St. Mark’s, Austin.

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PARISH NEWS

Mission in Belize,

continued from page 1

St. James’ House

Marks Half a Century Ministering to the Elderly

Robert and Betty Kelly

T Hopeful High School Student

Holy Cross gradutes have high capacity to learn and little chance for a good life without education.

to send as many Holy Cross graduates to high school next year as possible. The program was so successful that 24 graduates—every qualified student—received a scholarship. Twelve students who could not have continued their high school education without some help also received scholarships. Holy Cross co-founder Francis Wilson lives in San Mateo and coordinates the high school scholarship program. She is relentless in her pursuit of academic excellence and has been known to rent a taxi to find errant students to make sure they attend class. The Wilsons structured the scholarship program on character development as well as education. Recipients commit to an ongoing program of accountability, service and learning. They review their grades with the Holy Cross management team. They participate in work programs to give back to the school and their community. They attend computer classes at Holy Cross to assure their future academic success. This year Estrella, another Holy Cross graduate, told Wilson that she would have to leave high school because she was pregnant. Wilson encouraged her to go to night Texas Episcopalian

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school so that she could work during the day to provide for her child and still continue her education. A sponsor provided a scholarship and Estrella finished the year first in her class (up from tenth the previous year). Estrella attributes her remarkable performance to a promise she made to her sponsor, a person she believes an angel sent to her. “I made a promise and I had to keep it,” said the young mother. In four years Holy Cross has grown from a swampy piece of property to a vibrant, growing school that is changing the lives of every student. To keep the dream alive and growing they are going to need lots of help (mission trips, hands – on construction projects, $500.00 high school scholarships, and special projects of all sorts). If you would like to support Holy Cross’ work in Belize, contact Francis Wilson at www.holycrossbelize.org. To learn more about Good Shepherd, Kingwood’s work at Holy Cross, see the video at: www.epicenter. org/youtube or contact Nancy Schorr at Good Shepherd (NancySchorr@GoodShepherdKingwood.org). See more videos about Holy Cross Anglican School at: http://tiny.cc/vkypt and http://tiny.cc/r9agy.

his year St. James’ House celebrates 50 years of dedicated, quality elder care as a ministry of the Diocese of Texas. A vision for St. James’ House began in 1956, when Bishop John Hines appointed a Commission on the Aged. The group concluded that the diocese had a responsibility to establish a home to help meet the growing needs of older people, whose greatest problems, after physical health, were economic security, emotional security and housing suited to their needs. Four years later, the retirement community opened its doors and today serves the elderly with 105 beds in the skilled nursing unit and 40 independent living apartments in Alexander Hall. A committed, capable and caring staff, led by Executive Director Maria Elena Garcia, provides a loving environment for residents where they have a feeling of security and enjoy a full spiritual life. Located on a beautifully wooded, ten-acre tract near Baytown, St. James’ House is removed from the stress and congestion of the big city, yet close to the area’s major medical centers, 30 minutes from downtown Houston, 12 minutes from Pasadena, and 45 minutes from Galveston. St. James’ House offers financial assistance to many of its residents who have outlived their savings. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relies on the generosity of individuals and congregations to continue providing this outstanding care. Donations to this worthwhile ministry can be mailed to: St. James’ House, 5800 West Baker Rd, Baytown, TX 77520-1618. For more information, call 281.425.1200 or visit www.stjameshouse.org.

Mettie Nesbit and Alice Hawley with family

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PARISH NEWS

St. Francis, Prairie View Fetes Authors

Corey Turner signs copies of his book for members of St. Francis.

character “Benjamin” in Benjamin and the Red Fire Ants, a children’s book. St. Francis’ Children’s Sunday School Class hosted a reading of Turner’s book where Turner revealed that Benjamin enjoys playing outside Grandma’s house, because there are many new and exciting creatures to see and discover. One day, his adventure leads him close to the red fire ants that live behind the house. In the end, his fears are conquered and he explores the little critters that live around him, helping him appreciate and understand the world in which he lives. Turner admits the book is not just about the ants and Benjamin. “There is a Godly approach present,” he says. He wants the reader to understand that all of God’s creatures are present and work for the common good. Turner’s story is about how we treat each other and why we should be kind. Turner is an adjunct lecturer of biology and sciences at Lone Star College, Cypress. He previously taught science at Prairie View A&M University. Turner plans to release a second book this summer – Little Benjamin, The Bugs, and The Holy Spirit, in which Benjamin and his dog Snowcone visit Grandpa’s house and encounter a thrilling variety of bugs. Little Benjamin was unaware that today his dreams were about to come true. Turner’s book can be purchased at P. O. Box 2163, Prairie View, TX 77446, 979.645.0723 or www.authorhouse.com and www.amazon.com. Both Poindexter and Turner are available to share their experiences throughout the Diocese of Texas.

By Freddie Roberts

veryone has a story to tell. Jimmie Poindexter and Corey Turner, members of St. Francis of Assisi, Prairie View, are no different, and they are mong America’s newest authors. Poindexter, a retired professor of sociology and social work at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) set out to recapture her childhood growing up on the Prairie View campus with her latest book, Campus Children. “This book is about a time in PVAMU’s history that will not be repeated,” she said. Members of St. Francis’ Episcopal Church Women hosted Poindexter at a special reading and high tea reception to share her musings with the community where she entertained the audience with anecdotes about being raised on a college campus where all the teachers were involved with your development. “As children, our world was the campus,” she said. She noted several childhood friends in the audience – Irene Fry Davis, Mae Helen James, Marshall Brown, all of whom nodded approval at her comments. Poindexter is an active lay reader and member of the ECW. She was among the first members of St. Francis and has served on the vestry, Altar Guild, taught Sunday School and served as a Council delegate. She admitted to being inundated with others’ stories since the publication of Campus Children. Community members embraced the chance to get “up close and personal” with Poindexter at the reading. For a copy of Poindexter’s book, write: Box 2727, Prairie View, TX 77446, 936-8573296 or see www.campuschildren.com. Corey Turner, PhD, writes about his fictional Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

On Sunday, July 18, Good Shepherd, Tomball, hosted St. Paul’s Youth Group of Waco, for lunch. Twenty-nine youth from St. Paul’s were on their way to Galveston for a weeklong mission trip. Long-time parishioner, Steve Robinson, served his famous BBQ brisket and sauce.

St. John’s, Tyler, Rededicated

Lawrence Jones

(L-R) Lottie Ervin, Jr. Warden; Bishop Andy Doyle; Lena White, Bishop’s Warden, following the rededication service.

t. John’s, Tyler, once St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, was chartered as a mission of the Diocese of Texas in 1892. The earliest members of St. John’s were faculty and administrators at Texas College, a predominantly African-American institution. These early members had been educated at Episcopal colleges in the Carolinas and wished to worship in an Episcopal Church. In 2007, significant problems were discovered in the facility, i.e. foundation shifting. With the help of the diocese, repairs and an addition were completed in May, 2010, and

the worship space was rededicated on June 27, 2010. A small congregation worshiped in the parish hall for more than three years and were thrilled to welcome members of the other two Episcopal congregations in Tyler for the rededication. “The congregation of St. John’s has worked hard to get to this time of celebration in our refurbished and enlarged worship facility,” said the Rev. M. L. Agnew, interim vicar of St. John’s, adding, “This day would not be possible without the generous support of the Diocese of Texas and members of other Episcopal congregations.”

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PARISH NEWS

Bonnie Anderson to Keynote at Houston Conference on Full Inclusion T he President of the House of Deputies of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, Bonnie Anderson, will headline a free conference entitled “Moving Forward: Exploring a New Path to Full Inclusion” (“Moving Forward”) at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston, on October 1 and 2. The conference responds to longstanding calls from Church leadership about the need for conversation pertaining to the inclusion of LGBT Christians in the life and ministry of The Episcopal Church. This conference is sponsored by Christ Church Cathedral and includes parishes that are “conversation partners” from across the Diocese of Texas. Anderson will deliver the sermon at the opening

worship service Friday, October 1 at 7 p.m. The conference continues on Saturday October 2, from 9:00 until noon with three panel discussions. Anderson and her chancellor, Sally Johnson, will present a national perspective as well as some future possibilities including the Anglican Covenant and former Secretary of State James A. Baker’s local option proposal. A second panel, entitled “Home by Another Way, Inclusion Conversations that Work” will include the Rev. John Bedingfield, rector of St. John’s, Silsbee, who has provided leadership for inclusion conversations in East Texas. The panel also includes Jason Sierra, young adult missioner for The Episcopal Church and Anne Brown,

Art at Homeless Shelter Inspires

emember when you were a child and to finger paint with friends was the high point of life? Pressing that colorful goo from palm to paper, squishing it between your fingers, relishing your parents’ joy as they hung your creation on the refrigerator door? That joy and sense of accomplishment is reflected in the Art from the Streets program, which aids homeless artists by providing them with the materials to create their art. Recently, the 19 year-old program moved from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless to Trinity Center, a ministry of St. David’s, Austin. The pinnacle of the program centers on the annual art show where the works are displayed for sale and the money goes directly back to the artists. This year’s show will be held in Eden’s gym at St. David’s. “It’s becoming an in-house thing which is wonderful,” said Irit Umani, Trinity Center’s executive director. Many of the artists who take part in the program also benefit from aid offered by Trinity Center. For Howard Cook, this is an opportunity not only to make money but also to leave his mark on society for generations to come. Many of his paintings include vivid contrasts with lines of movement that fill up the foreground, reminiscent of Jackson Pollock. “I’m glad that people do love my paintings,” Cook said. “I’m glad that God gave me a gift that people love my artwork. Of all the jobs that I had through the years, none of them compare to this, what I have now, doing my art and making money with it.” Through the funds from the art show, Cook was able to afford rent for a few months, as have some of the other artists. But the program is about more than just pay day. “Art from the Streets moves the whole issue of homelessness to a whole other dimension of art and artists,” Umani said. “We usually-we human beings-don’t connect the two. So it’s an opportunity for anyone interested to come and see … those people sitting down and doing art, making art, one forgets that they are homeless and it’s another dimension of intimate relationship with these people. It’s a bigger picture than we usually hold in our hand.” By housing Art from the Streets, Trinity Center provides the space for downtown homeless people to work through the hardships they have faced. Texas Episcopalian

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communications director for the Diocese of Vermont. The final panel, entitled “Exploring the Theology: Liturgical and Pastoral Implications of Full Inclusion,” includes Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, a professor at the Seminary of the Southwest and member of the House of Bishops’ Theology Committee; Ruth Bonnie Anderson Meyers, a professor at Church Divinity School of the Pacific and the chair of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music and Lowell Grisham, rector of St. Paul’s, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and co-convenor of the Chicago Consultation, www.chicagoconsultation.org. “This conference will be an opportunity to affirm the ministry and contribution of all members of the Diocese of Texas as well as hear a perspective from the larger church,” said the Very Rev. Joe Reynolds, dean of Christ Church Cathedral. “I invite everyone to attend.”

Year of Service in South Africa Awaits Seminary Grad

“I also personally believe when one gets a channel to express one’s creativity it helps a person--it lowers, eliminates, deletes the needs to express oneself in negative ways,” Umani said. African animals come to life with artist Zebra’s use of rich colors and metallic paints. After each year of hard work, she enjoys the rewarding experience of attending the end of the year art show. “It’s just so awesome, it’s like Christmas for us,” Zebra said. “A lot of kids buy my work. Two years ago it was all strollers; there wasn’t any room for the strollers. And a lot of kids and children and expecting parents bought my work and it was great to hear ‘Oh, I had my baby and the Zebra looks beautiful in the baby’s room.’” With less mess than those finger paints of yesteryear, Art from the Streets provides the tools for Austin’s homeless to create their art within a community environment. “Being at Trinity Center has the potential of changing one’s life,” Umani said. “It really does--the whole concept of us and them, me and you--can really transform here. If you’re on the floor here, everybody’s ‘we.’ It’s very clear and it’s life transforming.”

manda Akes, who grew up at St. Christopher’s, League City, headed to Capetown, South Africa, this summer, to serve as an Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps Missionary with HOPE Africa. HOPE Africa, part of the Anglican Church, seeks to promote and implement a social development program Amanda Akes for the Anglican Church in Southern Africa for the improvement of the spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing of the poor and oppressed people of Africa. It is the outreach arm of the Diocese of Southern Africa and works with local congregations to provide outreach programs tailored to the needs of the area. Akes graduated from Episcopal Divinity School (Cambridge, MA) in May and will be ordained in the Diocese of New York in 2011. “I grew up [at St. Christopher’s] seeking a deeper knowledge of God through Sunday school and youth group, and witnessing Jesus’ love personified through my brothers and sisters in Christ. St. Christopher’s is the place where my Christian formation was catalyzed, nourished and flourished,” Akes said. Akes will write a blog to keep friends and family on her new ministry. Follow her year of service at: amandaakesinsouthafrica.blogspot.com. Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

PARISH NEWS

East Austin Pre-School Offers Wealth of Diversity By Bob Kinney

t. James’ Episcopal School third-year student Imani gets upset if she arrives at school late because she feels the tardiness will “interrupt her work,” reports her mother Brook Davis. Entering her kindergarten year at St. James’, a ministry of its namesake church in East Austin, Imani is among a truly diverse group of three to five-year-old children who are blossoming within the school’s unique blend of strong Montessori-based learning with a Christian perspective that emphasizes kindness. St. James’ was founded by Episcopalians to reach out into the wider Austin community while truly embracing diversity – racial, economic and cultural. When the school began its fourteenth academic year in late August, 27 different Austin area zip codes were represented among its 70 students. A broad range of racial and economic diversity is represented. Forty percent of students enrolled with financial aid. Working parents appreciate the school’s fullday program. “Several dedicated people from many Episcopal churches in Austin began work in mid-1993 to open a school in East Austin,” said Judith Rhedin, one of the school’s founders and a St. James’ parishioner. They visited other congregations and with diocesan officials to secure financial support. “A cornerstone of our efforts was securing money to ensure substantial financial aid,” said Rhedin, current vice-president of the school’s board of trustees and assistant director of campus and community engagement for the Performing Arts Center at the University of Texas. A number of local Episcopal parishes continue to support St. James’. Most of the school’s donors do not have children enrolled there but nonetheless support the mission

of St. James’. “I have grown into and been enriched within this wonderful family,” said Diana Garcia, one of three Montessori-certified guides, who came to St. James’ seven years ago after 11 years at Austin Montessori School. When Garcia first taught at St. James’, it was housed at the church’s former location on Martin Luther King Boulevard in East Austin. Space was tight. The classrooms had to be emptied every Friday afternoon to allow for Sunday church services and reassembled for classes Monday morning. St. James’ broke ground for the new campus in 2006 one mile east of its former site and completed construction without debt within a year. The brightly colored buildings are spacious and child-friendly with low windows and ageappropriate desks, chairs and bathrooms. Classrooms are adorned with a myriad of fanciful student artwork. The five buildings circle an innovative playground area, ringed by a wide and winding sidewalk for tricycle rides. Students attend daily chapel. Once a week the children have a class with a local musician who presents an interactive music program. The students also have capoeira, an energetic African-Brazilian form of artful calisthenics. “It is wonderful to see the children bloom during their three years here – it’s an explosion of awareness,” said Anna Kago, another Montessori-certified guide who came to Austin from Kenya 11 years ago when her husband, the Rev. Peter Kago, was enrolled at the Episcopal Seminary. “The diversity of the students mirrors the world as it is. It is also very satisfying to teach about God and the wonder

of creation,” she said. “Our goal is to provide the highest quality early childhood education to a truly diverse group of students,” said Ellen Jockusch, who is beginning her first year as Interim Head–of–School after directing lay education degree programs at the Seminary of the Southwest and working within the University of Texas Plan II Honors Program. “Ellen is a real gift to St. James’,” said Jane Hill, a member of the school’s board of trustees and church parishioner. “When our board interviewed her for the head–of–school position, Ellen literally lit up the room with her faith-based dedication to childhood education,” said Hill, who was the founding head of Trinity Episcopal School in Austin and a consultant to the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) before her retirement. St. James’ is SAES accredited. “St. James’ provides a nurturing educational experience to help our students develop their unique skills and talents. This joyful excitement of discovery leads to a lifelong love of learning,” said Kent Burress, school board president, organist at St. James’ and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House in Austin. “The St. James’ faculty and staff exemplify true professionalism, competency and accountability toward each child and parent,” said Victor Winston, father of twins Alexis and Alex. The decision by Mary and Victor to enroll the twins at St. James’ was, he said, “one of the best parenting decisions we have made.” Contacts for St. James’ School are phone (512.926.4214) — email (admissions@stjamesepiscopalschool.org) — and website (stjamesepiscopalschool.org).

All Saints’, Austin, to host Global Fair Trade Bazaar

ll Saints’, Austin, will host a Global Fair Trade Bazaar on October 2-3, 2010. Through this event, All Saints’ affirms its support of fair trade, and upholds ethical business practices in Austin and around the world. Fair trade businesses guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions and help fund education and vocational training, as well as developmental projects for artisans and their communities. According to the World Fair Trade Organization, “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. Most importantly, consumers are assured that fair trade products were not manufactured with child or slave labor.” The All Saints’ Fair Trade Bazaar is being coordinated by Ethical City. Ethical City recently won Big Austin’s Big Idea Competition for its plan to establish a network for Austin’s fair trade businesses and to provide markets for such companies to sell and display their products in the Austin community.

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Ethical City partners with businesses such as:

• Ten Thousand Villages – Austin’s only fair trade store • Discover Hope – an Austin non-profit providing microcredit loans to women in Peru

• Hill Country Hill Tribers – a group of local Burmese refugee women who weave bags in order to provide supplemental income for their families

• Etnik – an Austin company run by two Colombianborn women who work with artisans in Latin America

• Weavers of Hope – an Austin based non-profit

that promotes human dignity through educational sponsorships and the sale of fair trade weavings from Zacatecas, Mexico

• Austin Local and Fair Trade – an on-line fair trade store

offering consumers a way to support local and thirdworld artisans through their everyday purchases

Ethical City recruits fair trade vendors for events and supplements the bazaar with other fair trade products to

ensure shoppers will experience a wide range of products from around the globe. All of the bazaar products have a story describing the artisan who made the product and giving buyers the satisfaction of knowing who they are supporting with their purchasing power. Ethical City’s products include baskets made by a widows’ cooperative in Ghana, metal work from Haiti, fair trade clothing from India, jewelry from around the world, and gift cards made by Rwandan orphans. The bazaar will be held at All Saints’, 209 West 27th Street, Austin, TX, on Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3, beginning at 9 a.m. both days. This bazaar is open to the public. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to All Saints’. Ethical City, founded in 2009, is a women-owned business dedicated to providing fair trade businesses sales venues, educational support and networking opportunities. For more information contact: Jennifer Lucas 512.529.7422 or email: jennifer@ethicalcity.com or, Jeanine Cuellar of All Saints’ at jeaninemcdc@gmail.com.

Texas Episcopalian

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2010

Camp is Extra Special for Some Special Campers By Carol E. Barnwell

driving accident in 1967 left Joni Tada in a wheelchair and a deep depression until, with her church, she began to see the opportunity to make a difference for others with disabilities. “Disabled people need to ‘feel’ the touch of Christ,” Tada said. That happens nine times annually for more than 500 families at camps throughout the country, especially designed for disabled children/adults and their families. Two Family Camps are held at Camp Allen each summer. “This is a piece of heaven,” said Susan Black, whose 35-year-old son Brian suffered traumatic brain injuries in a car accident just after graduating from college. Black and her husband are Brian’s primary care givers and have attended Family Camp with Brian for ten years. The time at Camp Allen is invaluable to all of them. Ron and Bev Huckabee, both in their late 30s, attend and teach Bible study at the Family Camp. Ron’s 2004 motorcycle accident left him a quadriplegic and, after seeing Tada on Larry King Live, Huckabee agreed to attend a camp. He continues to return as a volunteer chaplain. “I want to talk about the things [families] are going through, let them vent and receive some encouragement,” he said. “Joni encouraged me to get busy living.” Now e r he wants to do Volunteers ca the same for for Campers others. For campers with disabilities and their families in Texas, Camp Allen has become a place of refreshment and transformation. Each year, Joni and Friends (JAF) hosts two Family Camps here because of the accessible and comfortable hotel-styled rooms and, more importantly, because of the dedication and spirit of the Camp Allen staff. Nearly 300 people – campers, parents, siblings, volunteers and staff –participate in each five-day camp. “The Camp Allen staff is unbelievable,” said Bonnie Banker, area director of Joni and Friends. “We have never experienced a staff that has been so welcoming. To a person,

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September 2010

they have offered to do anything to meet our needs. It’s remarkable,” she said. She spent 25 years in corporate marketing before shifting careers, recounting a five-year prayer journey that went from “No way” to “You have to change my heart.” Banker networked with friends searching for the right ministry and says her four years at Joni and Friends have been “life changing.” JAF is a not-for-profit Christian organization, founded in 1979, dedicated to accelerating Christian ministry in the disabled community. JAF has grown into flagship programs that affect the lives of thousands of disabled people and their families across the country. “I really see purpose in life now,” Banker said. “My world view has changed, expanded. There are a lot of people who are broken, vulnerable, many who Siblings are in despair. JAF Family Camps provide respite, enjoy the pe hope and encouragement by modeling servant tting zoo, t hood,” she said. oo. The family camp cares for the whole family, including dependent on parents parents and siblings of the disabled person. One hundred or the volunteers for their care and twenty-five volunteer “short-term missionaries” pay $400 feeding. Older campers need two volunteers to care for them. each to help provide care for the disabled, so that parents can During the family retreat, short term missionaries step in for take a break and siblings can enjoy normal camping activities parents from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and again in the evenings like canoeing and horseback riding. Families pay about the for several hours. same amount but many receive financial support from their “Parents are able to get reacquainted with one another churches. Banker raises additional funds for a petting zoo, and remember why they fell in love,” Banker said. Everyone lifeguards and a DJ for the dance. goes home refreshed and with hope. Several Dallas-area churches that have an active ministry All activities are optional. Some parents just want to rest to disabled people and their families underwrite numerous by the pool and read a book, while others want to fish, ride families to the camp. Bent Tree Bible Church sends 10 bikes or attend Bible study. Camp Allen also staffs the high families, one of which is a family of eight with three disabled ropes challenge course for parents who are game. children. Forty-eight families were represented at the second Brian Black plays UNO with a table full of friends, summer session this year. laughing and slapping cards from his wheelchair. “He doesn’t

Everyone is special here

The stress and strain of life with a disability is often exceedingly high. The daily challenges of living with a disability wear on the whole family. Family Camps refresh and strengthen while they offer a change of pace for families in a safe and accepting environment. No one is stared at or judged at Family Camp, everyone is on equal footing, participants say. Their normal feelings of isolation dissipate as they interact with other families, knowing their children are taken care of by loving volunteers. Unlike many organizations that serve one specific disability, the JAF ministry touches numerous mental and physical disabilities from the elderly, blind, deaf, retardation, cerebral palsy, spinal chord injuries and rare genetic disorders. Some campers are non-verbal and unresponsive, totally

get to socialize much,” his mom said. “This camp is so positive, it overcomes the challenges we face everyday,” she added, acknowledging that the family rarely goes to someone’s home for dinner or attends a friend’s wedding because of Brian’s disability. “This [camp] inspires me to go on for another year … it’s good to see Brian playing cards with a table of people, participating, being loved, being busy. [And] he loves it,” she said. “It’s hard [for parents and family] to be happy, joyous, patient all the time,” Banker said. “But there are enormous smiles when a child on a ventilator gets to ride a horse. The transformation goes beyond camp,” she said. Danny Reis, a former Green Beret from Bedford, TX, volunteers for two weeeks each summer. When he returned from Viet Nam in the 70s, Reis said he was very angry. Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

Nonagenarian Brings Morning Prayer to Fellow Retirees

a ten tative dip in the po ol

Brian Black ta kes his best sh ot Through his ministry to the disabled Reis admits, “God has softened my heart.” He cares for a 17-year-old young man who is blind. Over the years their bond has grown. They fish, attend Bible study, talk. “I keep forgetting he’s blind,” Reis said. Camp Allen was selected from more than 100 other camps because it has hotel rooms rather than cabins and bunk beds. Time and again, participants at the Family Camp mention the Camp Allen staff, who surpasses anything the organization had ever been exposed to before, Banker said. Camp Allen’s president, George Dehan, said the staff is always delighted to welcome JAF. “It’s inspiring for us to see

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t 99, Don C. Streeter, wanted a little something at his retirement home that reminded him of home. With the help of his daughter, Rebecca Jay, he printed up a bulletin and started holding Morning Prayer with the residents of Treemont Retirement Center in Houston. Streeter updates the bulletin monthly and includes a Bible passage and thoughts on it from Forward, Day by Day, as well as reading a biographical sketch of an important Christian from the book Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Streeter, an Episcopalian for 70 years, is a long-time member of St. Mark’s, Houston, and spent many years as a lay reader, choir member and lay Eucharistic minister. He recently wrote Bishop Andy Doyle about his Morning Prayer ministry and said, “I wanted to have a little service each Sunday that reminded me of happy years gone by.” After celebrating his 99th birthday in April of this year, he began a 22-week series of chapter readings from his autobiography, much to the delight of his fellow residents, further proving there is no retirement date on ministry.

Slipper y Slide

Family Camp talent show these families enjoy themselves, to try new things together, to rest and be refreshed. Our staff has put paralyzed campers on rafts so they can do a water slide with their siblings, or helped disabled campers ‘scale’ the climbing wall and do the zip line – plus all the things that able campers take for granted.” While volunteers and staff model servanthood, the Family Camp is also steeped in prayer. A team prays in each room the day before families arrive and every morning of the retreat, a prayer team goes to each wing of the hotel to pray for the families. Nothing is left undone to provide a loving and nurturing environment for JAF families. Visit www.joniandfriends.org for further information.

Don C. Streeter

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2010

SPECIAL NEWS

ission Funding is NOT just a budget item. It is one of the ways that we change lives in the Diocese of Texas. Since 1999, the Mission Funding Opportunities Catalog has been printed and distributed to vestries in the diocese to provide information on the lifechanging work of the ministries congregations support through voluntary giving. The catalog has helped vestries decide how they wanted to allocate the funds committed each year. It has also helped parishioners become familiar with ministries and how they are making a difference in our communities and beyond. This fall, Mission Funding goes green. All materials are currently available online at www.epicenter.org/ missionfunding, and on a CD mailed to each church in September. In an effort to be more fiscally and environmentally responsive, we will no longer print the Mission Funding Catalog. However, while the packaging has changed, the commitment to ministry and the people we serve remains. This year’s catalog tells those stories “In Their Voices.” We encourage you to learn more about the ministries you take part in by viewing the materials on the CD or at www.epicenter.org/missionfunding. The 2011 Mission Funding materials include the following: • The Bishop’s message • “In Their Voices” Video - Ministry representatives

By Dawn Bremer, Trinity, The Woodlands

Episcopal Diocese of Texas Diocesan Center 1225 Texas Ave. Houston, TX 77002-3504

2 0 11 M i s s i o n f u n d i n g Opportunities CD

tell how they have benefited from Mission Funding support • Mission Funding Curriculum • Pew Sheets To schedule a visit for a Mission Funding presentation, contact Kathy Culmer at kculmer@epicenter.org or call 800.318.4452.

Crowds of refugee families from Burma and Congo seeking immunizations overwhelmed Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services’ ability to meet the demand on August 8 at Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS). An additional day was scheduled for later in the month to meet the needs. ECHOS, a ministry of Epiphany, Houston, partners with a number of area health organizations to provide medical care to the underserved in Southwest Houston.

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mong the many titles in the bookstore, one in particular caused a “double take.” The title intrigued me and then discovering the authors, Virginia Stem Owens and David Clinton Owens, are friends, made it a read too hard to resist. Growing up in California, I knew little of the history of the prison system and, subsequently, Texas’ death row, beyond what I saw in the media. Recently I learned my great grandfather, whom I had always known to be a rancher in the Huntsville area, had worked for the prison. Living Next Door to the Death House offered the opportunity to learn more about Huntsville as a “company town,” and explore the history and culture surrounding it. The writing style is engaging, reminiscent of a bygone era of storytelling. The Owenses interviewed a wide spectrum of people touched by the prison system and the Walls Unit (housing the death chamber). I was drawn in by the perspectives of the district attorney’s office, the defense attorneys (public defenders), victims’ and offenders’ families, prison staff who have long since retired and those currently working for the TDCJ, chaplains, and residents of Huntsville. Their stories fleshed out a broader picture [beyond] the two minute sound bite from the media. Like a stone tossed into a pond, the effects of a crime ripple outward and impact the lives of many more than we at first think. This book invites the reader to consider not only the victims’ and offenders’ families, but the first responders who live with the heavy burden of what they witness. David Owens is an active member of the Kairos ministry at his church. This thought continued to resurface in my mind throughout my reading as I considered our own Kairos ministry and Montgomery County Jail ministry through Trinity [The Woodlands] and how they work as the body of Christ. These ministries are living examples of Christ’s teachings about love, compassion and forgiveness, and I am humbled by their devotion. Whether you support or oppose the death penalty, this book is an excellent source of information, not only about Huntsville’s culture as a company town, offering a broader understanding of the criminal justice system from a more human perspective, but it is also a call to prayer. That sounds a little odd, doesn’t it? There is no other way I can articulate the feeling I came away with after reading this book. I felt called to pray for the victims, the offenders, the families, the legal representatives, the prison personnel and those members of the ministries who serve so faithfully to the members of society most would choose to forget. Nothing in the title indicated the spiritual journey I would embark on when I opened the cover of this book, but I know that I am forever changed after reading it.

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Calendar

Calendar September 3-5

Family Camp at Camp Allen, complete with hula and fire dancer and much more. $435 for a family of four. See www.campallen.org for details.

BBQ and craft fair, Holy Comforter, Spring, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 281.353.9169 for more information.

8 Organ concert with Andrew Dewar, Artist in Residence at the American Cathedral of Paris at St. Thomas’, Wharton. See article, page 5 for details and additional concerts. Benefitting St. Catherine’s, Stuttgart, Germany. 10 Episcopal Night at the Astros game, Minute Maid Ball Park, downtown Houston, Astros vs Dodgers. Christ Church Cathedral will host a pre-game BBQ and invites others from around the diocese to join the fun before attending the game. Parking is available at no charge in the parking lot at San Jacinto and Texas, next to the Diocesan Center and the Cathedral, within walking distance of the ball park. Tickets can be purchased at www. astros.com/episcopal (use code episcopal1). Bishop Rayford High will throw out the first ball. BRING YOUR HARMONICAS!!! 14

How Healing Becomes Killing: Eugenics, Euthanasia and Extermination lecture featuring John Lienhard, author of The Engines of Our Ingenuity at the HAM-TMC Library, auditorium of The University of Texas Medical School Building at 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030. 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Musical Reflections on the Windows of St. Andrew’s, Bryan, fall recital series featuring Alan Strong, St. Andrew’s director of music. Series will highlight music that relates to each of the stained glass windows. At 2:30 p.m. See www.standrewsbcs.org for more information.

Prelude to dedication of new organ at the co-cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway featuring Houston Chamber Choir, conducted by Robert Simpson, organist and choirmaster at Christ Church Cathedral. Dedication week begins Oct. 2 with additional events. All Opus XIX events are open to the public. For ticketing information and a complete concert roster, please see www.sacredhearthouston.org or www.opusXIX.com.

21-22 Blandy Lectures at Seminary of the Southwest featuring Jeff Sharlet, New York Times bestselling author. More information at www.ssw.edu/alumni or see story page 21. 24-25 Fall Gift Market, St. Mary’s, Cypress, 9-3, Pottery, jewelry, handcrafted gifts, home décor, florals, silent auction, raffle, tea room and more. 15415 N. Eldridge Pkwy., Cypress. (corner of Louetta and N. Eldridge, Cypress) 29

2-3

Fair trade gift bazaar, All Saints’, 209 West 27th Street, Austin, TX, on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. both days. Contact Jeanine Cuellar jeaninemcdc@gmail. com for more information.

8-9

“The Church of the Future: Conversations with Phyllis Tickle” sponsored by the Diocese of West Texas, at St. Luke’s, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, San Antonio, Texas 78209. Registration of $50 includes Saturday lunch. For information see Special events at www.dwtx.org or contact Lou Taylor at 210.824.5387 or lou.taylor@dwtx.org.

15-16 Episcopal Church Women 109th Annual Retreat at St. Mark’s, Beaumont. Call 409.832.3405 or email gdavis8@gt.rr.com for more information. See story, page 21.

‘Good and Beautiful Life’ Author to Speak at St. Francis Spiritual Quest Conference, Oct. 1-2 James Bryan Smith, theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, KS, has addressed more than 50 Christian spiritual formation conferences in the past ten years and has written eight books. He will keynote at the annual Spiritual Quest weekend of lectures and workshops at St. Francis, 345 Piney Point Road, Houston. Conference fee is $45 with Saturday luncheon included. Smith, who received an MDiv from Yale Divinity and a doctorate from Fuller Seminary, is an award winning preacher and is a founding member of Renovare, a spiritual renewal ministry. His work has been used as a centerpiece for Bible studies at St. Francis. “Smith’s teachings parallel mine,” said the Rev. Stuart Bates, rector of St. Francis. “We believe that developing a deep friendship with God will bring you as close to God as you choose to be.” Spiritual Quest honors the late Richard Austin, an influential member of St. Francis, a family counselor and psychologist. The conference opens with a lecture on Friday evening and another on Saturday morning followed by break-out sessions. The theme for 2010 is “Loving the God Jesus Knows: …embracing discipleship.” Several hundred people have attended the event each year since its inception in 2008. To register or for more information, visit www.sfch.org, contact Mary Beth Wurts mbwurts@sbcglobal.net or call 713.464.2532 or co-chair Leiselle Sadler, 713.898.2017 or Lsadler@acuvac.com.

How Healing Becomes Killing: Eugenics, Euthanasia and Extermination panel discussion featuring Rabbi Samuel Karff, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Sheldon Rubenfeld, MD, 3-5 p.m. HAM-TMC Library, auditorium of The University of Texas Medical School Building at 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX. 3 - 4:30 p.m.

October 1-2 Exploring a New Path to Full Inclusion featuring Bonnie Anderson, president of the Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies, hosted by Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave., Houston. “Texas Episcopalians committed to the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in the life and ministry of The Episcopal Church conceived and planned this conference to celebrate the diversity of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and to promote heartfelt and thoughtful conversation,” said organizers. Begins with Eucharist on Friday at 7 p.m., continues Saturday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. No registration fee. More information, www.movingforwardtexas.org.

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Integrity Houston Eucharist (followed by dinner)

Third Friday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Golding Chapel at Christ Church Cathedral 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston

F re e P a r k i n g in the Cathedral Garage at Texas and San Jacinto

Texas Episcopalian

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2010

DIOCESAN NEWS

Book review

Bishops’ Conference on

Outreach October 8 - 9, 2010, Camp Allen

Ruby Payne to be featured presenter at Bishops’ Outreach Conference.

Engage, Enhance Skills at 2010 Outreach Conference

he Bishop’s Outreach Conference, October 8-9, at Camp Allen, features a unique half-day workshop with Ruby Payne, author of Bridges Out of Poverty. Other speakers include Michelle Shonbeck, executive director of Christian Community Service Center, Houston, who will address how churches of all sizes have strengths and gifts for outreach. Payne discusses the hidden rules that govern how people behave according to their social class. Those rules, because they are hidden and only known within the group, prove to be a major stumbling block for individuals trying to move to a new social class. Speaking to several hundred groups a

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year, Payne is working to spread the word that children of poverty need not suffer through an educational system oblivious to their needs. More than educators are heeding her message. Judges, social workers, ministers, community leaders and health professionals are all learning from her work. Throughout its 161 year history, churches in the Diocese of Texas have served their communities. Growth in outreach over the last 20 years has been exponential. Many of these outreach programs will be highlighted at the conference. It is unusual to find a congregation that isn’t supporting refugees, a food pantry, emergency center, or helping homeless families, gathering

September 2010

backpacks or helping to support a clinic, either locally or internationally. There are more than 1000 ministries sponsored through 153 congregations within the 49,000 square miles of the diocese. “This is an unbelievable witness to the Gospel,” said Bishop Andy Doyle. “I hope to see a lot of folks at this conference sharing all the creative ways they are engaged in ministry. This is the best possible expression of ‘being’ the Church and provides many avenues to engage others in and through our congregations.” For more information, contact Sally Rutherford at sbrutherford@epicenter.org or call her at 800.318.4452 or 713.520.6444.

Ruby Payne

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DIOCESAN NEWS

People The Rev. Carrisa Baldwin, assistant rector at St. Stephen’s, Houston, has accepted a call as director of peace and justice at All Saints’, Pasadena, California. The Rev. Susan J. Barnes was elected as alumni representative to the board of trustees at Seminary of the Southwest. The Rev. Matthew Boulter, formerly assisting at St. Richard’s, Round Rock, will become assistant rector at Christ Church, Tyler. Randal E. Brown has been named Headmaster and Head of School at All Saints’ School, Tyler. Brown was formerly director of development at Christchurch School in Christchurch, VA. The Rev. Nan Doerr, rector of Redeemer, Houston, and college missioner for the University of Houston, has announced her retirement from active ministry. The Rev. James Grace, former associate rector at Epiphany, Houston, has accepted a call as Canon for Christian Formation at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston. The Rev. Bob Gribble, most recently non-parochial, retired from active ministry on July 1. The Rev. Lisa Hines, former locum tenens at St. Thomas, College Station, has accepted a call as rector of Calvary, Bastrop. The Rev. Jerald W. Hyche, former associate at St. Martin’s, Houston, has accepted a call as rector of St. James the Apostle, Conroe. The Rev. Neil “Scotty” F. Innes, former assisting priest at Calvary, Richmond, has become interim rector at Calvary. The Rev. Micah Jackson, assistant professor of preaching at Seminary of the Southwest has been appointed Dean of Community Life. The Rev. Robert Leacock, formerly associate rector at St. Michael & All Angels, Dallas, has accepted a position as Upper School Chaplain at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Austin. The Rev. Victoria Mason, a deacon serving at El Buen Samaritano, Austin, will now also serve at San Francisco de Asis, Austin. The Rev. Ralph Morgan has accepted a call as rector of Christ Church, Eagle Lake. He was previously permanent supply priest at Christ Church. The Rev. Benjamin Phillips, formerly an associate at St. John the Divine, Houston, has accepted a call as rector of St. George’s, Dayton, Ohio. The Rev. Robin Reeves, former interim rector of St. James the Apostle, Conroe will become a Bishop’s Fellow in the Chaplaincy Services at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston. The Rev. Barbara A. Van Black, formerly serving as deacon at Grace, Houston, will now serve at Trinity, Houston. Gordon Williams, a member of St. John the Divine, Houston, was named one of the Ten by Ten winners for 2010 by the Scriptwriters/Houston for Uncle John and the General. His devotional, One Day at a Time, was published in the July-August issue of The Upper Room. The Rev. Zane Wilemon, Southwest alumnus, founder and executive director of Comfort the Children International, will receive the 2010 Charles J. Cook Award in Servant Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

Former Chancellor Dies

John Worrell: Churchman

idney Smith McClendon, III, died June 12, 2010, in Houston, Texas as the result of an accident. An only child, McClendon was born in Houston in 1928. He was a lifelong Episcopalian and a member of St. Martin’s for 55 years. McClendon had a long tenure in service to the Episcopal Church, as vice Sidney Smith McClendon chancellor for the diocese from 1969 through 1981 and as chancellor from 1981 through 1998. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital for almost 30 years. McClendon continued his service to the Church in various capacities until his untimely death. “Sidney was the model of servant leadership throughout his long and devoted service to the Diocese of Texas and to St. Martin’s, following on the remarkable legacy of his father. Our prayers are with Sidney’s family as we reflect with the deepest gratitude how many people he influenced during his life,” said the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas. His legal roots were deep as he followed his father’s nearly 40 years as chancellor of the diocese. McClendon’s father was a partner at Vinson & Elkins and wrote the charter for St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. His great grandfather, Micah H. Bonner, was a Justice of the Texas Supreme Court during the Civil War and Chief Justice during the Reconstruction. A graduate of San Jacinto High School, Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law (1952), McClendon joined Vinson & Elkins in 1952, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Caryl Wagner “Bunny” McClendon, three children and six grandchildren.

Leadership at Seminary of the Southwest’s matriculation on September 9. Newly ordained deacons’ placements: The Rev. James Abbott, St. Alban’s, Waco, assistant to the rector The Rev. Robert Bliss, St. Luke’s, Belton, continues as pastoral leader The Rev. Susanne Comer, St. James’, Austin, assistant to the rector The Rev. Glenice Como, Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, assistant to the rector The Rev. Deborah Daigle, Holy Innocents’, Madisonville, continues as pastoral leader The Rev. Christine Faulstich, St. Matthew’s, Austin, assistant to the rector The Rev. Meredith Holt, St. Mary’s, Cypress, assistant to the rector The Rev. Eric Hungerford, Trinity, The Woodlands, assistant to the rector The Rev. Isaias Ginson, Good Shepherd, Friendswood, assistant to the rector The Rev. Nancy Ricketts, St. Michael’s, Austin, deacon The Rev. Andrea Conklin, St. Andrew’s, Houston, deacon The Rev. Ted Smith , deacon at St. Stephen’s, Liberty. He was formerly priest-in-charge at St. Stephen’s.

B y the Rev. Ken Kesselus Ed. Note: The Rev. John Worrell died on July 24, 2010 from complications of a fall. The following piece was written by the Rev. Ken Kesselus for Nevertheless, an independent publication that Worrell founded in 1990 and edited for more than 17 years.

etirement from active, ordained ministry gave John Worrell the time to pursue fully a dialogical forum through which Episcopalians could express a diversity of viewpoints on important church matters in order to gain appreciation for those with differing opinions and perspectives. Moreover, he had developed a particular passion for breaking down polarizing environments in which church members were afraid or unwilling to disagree and would not talk to one another across the lines of conflict. John grew up with an understanding that not only was there more than one side to any issue, but that mutual respect for differences was essential for the wellbeing of people. His boyhood years in Eagle Pass, Texas, thrust this view on him from his earliest days, seeing two views: one Mexico and one Texas, gaining an appreciation for the culture and history of both. After his family moved to the tri-cultural city of Corpus Christi, his mother modeled both respect for those who were different and conscious rejection of stereotyping and prejudice. John’s experience with the Episcopal Church, in which he was baptized as an infant, also added to his appreciation of the breadth and richness of human experience. Once ordained, John worked for reconciliation of the races, supported integration of diocesan camps and learned to frame the question as one of whether race or baptism would define membership in the Church. In 1959, he served as chaplain at Lamar State College, aiding the process of desegregation by working with other local clergy and city officials. He came to know, practically, the reality that people with differing views could meet to reason with one another and find a good and peaceful agreement. After moving to Houston in 1965, he worked with an interdenominational, multi-racial group of clergy to build community and trust, strategizing how to avoid the violence and race riots that were spreading across America. Their strategies were opening conversation, learning to appreciate those on the other side, and finding the leverage to bring feuding parties together enough to at least prevent tense situations from getting out of hand. When John retired in 1990, he turned this energy and experience toward the publication of Nevertheless (NTL), “an independent publication within the Church” focusing on “church life ... moral choice, and ... the way church decisions are made and carried out.” He espoused a broad Anglican view that would not tolerate doctrinaire expressions, “especially with the implication that those who disagree are either wicked or fools.” He invited “thoughtful articles and letters” that would promote Christian discourse while remaining free of “sarcasm, scorn, and ad hominem remarks.” Uncertain of where the work would take him and any readers, he based NTL on this passage from Luke’s gospel: “Master, we have toiled all night and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.” With the Episcopal Church at the national level growing increasingly divided and polarized, John envisioned NTL as See John Worrell, page 23 Texas Episcopalian

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2010

DIOCESAN NEWS

Camp Good News Finds Agape Love “Cooler” People Prepared to Step In

Campers pose for the requisite summer photo.

or the ninth year, children, aged 10-15, who have one or both parents incarcerated, attended summer camp in June at Camp Allen. According to Ed Davis, coordinator of Restorative Justice for the diocese and camp director for the week, 40 percent were returning campers, and one cabin counselor was a “graduate” of Camp Good News who wanted to “give back.” It is the policy of the Restorative Justice Ministries Council to encourage exceptional youth with the privilege of returning as leaders after they age-out as campers. While enjoying all the regular camp activities – arts and crafts, blobbing, swimming, canoeing and more - some games for Camp Good News are initiated as cooperative activities so that the campers learn to work together and rely upon one another. Camp is an experiment in learning to live together and Camp Good News kids do as well as any campers. It is a tribute to the resident cabin counselors that peace reigns so well. Challenge courses provide the ultimate cooperative venture. The highlight of Camp Good News this year was the spiritual component. Davis held up the Bible on Sunday night and asked, “How old is this book?” Someone shouted out, “2000 years.” Davis acknowledged that that was right for the New Testament and we pegged the oldest part of the Old Testament at more than 3500 years. This led to the question, “What does a book this old have to say to us?” The following five days examined five biblical characters: Amnon, the Virgin Mary, Barnabus, Jesus’ earthy father Joseph and Hannah. The theme for the week was “choices and consequences.” “If you are skeptical about the future, you should have witnessed the kids soak up the teachings,” Davis said. Several afternoons the clergy held an open conversation with campers of their gender housed in one of the cabins. The Rev. Roberta Knowles from Hope, Houston, and Scott Thompson from Holy Cross, Sugarland, said, “They got it,

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September 2010

they understood!” Knowles and Thompson each taught lessons along with Boy Scout Chaplain Eric DeVries. These three people were back for their second year and all have asked to return next year. Paul Vickery, director of Camp Allen’s environmental Discovery Program, co-directed the camp for the fifth year and was instrumental in planning, handling conflict, running the challenge course and teaching about insects, birds and snakes. Church members from St. Martin’s, Houston, and St. Stephen’s, Huntsville, wrote messages of faith and encouragement to each camper. Many others throughout the diocese helped support the campers through scholarship funds. “The lesson relearned this year at camp is that enjoyment at camp includes much more than the outdoor activities. The Bible is alive and the children understand the message-the lessons it teaches. They understand that a God they cannot see is still alive and powerful and cares for them. They see and feel agape love. They see a way to live together in peace. They see these things also because Camp Allen leadership recruits and trains counselors and senior staff of exceptional quality. Thanks be to God!” Davis said.

n mid-June, as hurricane season descended on the Texas coast, Texas Episcopal Disaster Relief and Development (TEDRD) held the first training of emergency spiritual care teams, sponsored by the national Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). The training, believed to be the first of its kind in the Episcopal Church, highlights the diocese’s commitment to emergency preparedness and response. Participants learned strategies and plans that will allow them to serve affected communities in the event of a disaster. Archdeacon Russ Oechsel and the Rev. Gill Keyworth will serve as the Diocesan Emergency Response Coordinators in the event of a deployment of the “Cooler People,” (so called because they will be equipped with coolers of drinks). In addition to having the new and stable repair and rebuild model with TEDRD, the Diocese of Texas can now respond conscientiously to the spiritual needs of those affected by a disaster. “Cooler People” will help to support local parishes in their response to their community. By bringing in outside spiritual care assistance, local affected clergy and lay persons can focus on their parish and personal recovery without ignoring the larger community. Episcopal Relief & Development will use the training as a pilot program for future endeavors across the country. “The disaster response training was a milestone for ERD’s Disaster Preparedness Initiative,” said Katie Mears, manager of USA Disaster Preparedness and Response for ERD. “By holding the first regional response training, the Diocese of Texas has piloted for us how this process can work—from bringing together leaders to creating a response plan, identifying local leaders to be trained and bringing together neighboring dioceses to share their experiences and learn together.” Representatives from Fort Worth, Louisiana and Mississippi also attended the training with the intent of sharing the new spiritual care approach in their own dioceses.

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DIOCESAN NEWS

ECW plans 109th Annual Retreat at St. Mark’s, Beaumont By Lisadiane Etheredge Where can you spend a weekend relaxing, growing spiritually and connecting with Episcopal women of all ages? If you said the 109th ECW Annual Retreat at St. Mark’s in Beaumont, you answered correctly! Friday and Saturday, October 15-16 will be a weekend like no other, including: inspirational worship, breath-taking music, unique and enlightening workshops, wind down and relaxation time and opportunities to connect with your sisters in Christ. “We’re delighted and thrilled to be hosting this year’s ECW Retreat and cannot wait to have everyone here for a weekend when we can reflect on God’s grace in our lives and how it has flowed like musical notes. It will truly be a weekend with the rhythms of grace,” said Shelly Vitanza, St. Mark’s host committee co-chair. The weekend will begin Friday afternoon and conclude by 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. All workshops will be held at historic St. Mark’s in downtown Beaumont. The host hotel is the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza and Suites.

Registration A registration packet was mailed to each church in the diocese in mid August. New this year, the ECW is offering online registration. Registration by mail is also available.

For more information about registration, please contact Gail Davis, ECW annual retreat registrar at 409.832.3405 or gdavis8@gt.rr.com.

Outreach Project The outreach project for the Annual Retreat will be Ubi Caritas, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas that provides quality healthcare for the uninsured in the Beaumont area. Tours of the medical and dental clinic will be available at the retreat. Donations of cotton balls, dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste and cash will be gathered at St. Mark’s.

Opportunities to shop “We have great vendors this year for optimum holiday shopping,” said Nancy McGrade, St. Mark’s host committee co-chair. “One of our vendor booths this year will be the ECW Booth and we are inviting all ECW’s to participate.” St. Mark’s, Beaumont, is known for its annual chili lunch and will be selling its chili packets at the ECW Booth. All churches are invited to bring special items to sell such as cookbooks, aprons or Christmas ornaments. For information about selling items in the ECW Booth, contact Kate Davis, ECW annual retreat vendor chair at kated@ applicationfactory.com or 409.289.6927. More information about the retreat is available on the ECW page at www.epicenter.org, where you will find links for registration, schedule and workshop descriptions.

ECW Raises Funds for “ReLeaf ” “Trees for Galveston” is a new project aimed at helping Galveston’s continuing efforts to recover from Hurricane Ike. Many trees were damaged or destroyed. Galveston resident and diocesan ECW board member, Jacque Ellis, and diocesan ECW president, Kaye Pendarvis, have begun working with the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy and the City of Galveston Tree Committee to see how the Diocese of Texas Episcopal Church Women might assist the “Galveston Re Leaf ” Project, which has a goal of planting 5000 trees over five years. Ellis attended a public meeting with representatives from the Texas Forest Service, City of Galveston Parks, members of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

and City of Galveston Tree Committee. She later toured each of the Episcopal properties in Galveston with Pete Smith of the Texas Forest Service, in order to assess the need at each location. The ECW Board approved a fundraising goal of $15,000 by the end of 2010 for planting trees in Galveston. Funds will s u p p o r t plantings in Ga l ve s t o n parks and p u b l i c places as well as at each of the Episcopal properties in Galveston. Please contact your convocational coordinator if you are interested in helping with this very important project. A list of contacts is included at www.epicenter.org/ecw.

Bestselling author, Jeff Sharlet, scheduled to speak in Austin

eff Sharlet, New York Times bestselling author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power, assistant professor of English at Dartmouth College, and a contributing editor for Harper’s and Rolling Stone will present the 2010 Blandy Lectures at Seminary of the Southwest on September 21 and 22. Sharlet has been writing about the intersection of politics, fundamentalism and culture for more than a decade. In addition to two lectures, Sharlet will participate in a breakfast round table with seminary faculty and Austin journalist and religion blogger, Eileen Flynn. Seminary professors Scott Bader-Saye, Anthony Baker and Alan Gregory will lead a lecture and discussion session on Beyond the Family: A “Red Tory” Model of Theology and Politics about a new political conversation emerging in Britain that combines theological reflection with political vision. Three people will be honored during the two–day alumni convocation. The Rev. Esteban Saucedo, ’57, and Dr. Harry Gunkel, ’08, will receive the Hal Brook Perry Distinguished Alumni Award. Saucedo, an Episcopal priest for 53 years serves primarily Spanish speaking people in Mexico, Texas and New Mexico. Gunkel, a retired physician who joined Volunteer for Mission after completing his master’s degree at the seminary, now serves in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Rev. Raymond Pickett will receive the Durstan R McDonald Teaching award. More information at: www.ssw.edu/alumni.

Integrity Joins the Crowd Crowds at Houston’s Annual Gay Pride Parade waved and welcomed the float sponsored by Houston’s chapter of Integrity on June 26. Integrity, a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Episcopalians and their friends, founded in 1974, has been a leading voice for the inclusion. A Eucharist in the Golding Chapel of Christ Church Cathedral is held monthly on the third Friday followed by a potluck dinner. For further information, visit integrityhouston.org or contact S. Wayne Mathis at 832.630.0651.

Texas Episcopalian

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2010

DIOCESAN NEWS

Churches whose Assessments are Current June 30, 2010 The Following Churches were current in the payment of their Diocesan Assessment as of June 30, 2010: Alvin

St. Cuthbert’s St. Francis’ St. John the Divine St. Martin’s St. Mary’s St. Stephen’s St. Thomas St. Timothy’s

Grace

Anahuac Trinity Angleton Holy Comforter Atascocita Christ the King Austin Resurrection San Francisco de Asis St. Christopher’s St. David’s St. James’ St. John’s St. Luke’s on the Lake St. Mark’s St. Matthew’s St. Michael’s

Huntsville St. Stephen’s Jasper

Trinity

Jefferson Christ Church Katy

Holy Apostles

Killeen St. Christopher’s Kingwood Good Shepherd

Bay City St. Mark’s

La Grange St. James’

Baytown Trinity

La Marque St. Michael’s

Beaumont St. Mark’s St. Stephen’s

La Porte St. John’s

Bellaire San Mateo

Lampasas St. Mary’s

Belton

Lake Jackson St. Timothy’s

St. Luke’s

League City St. Christopher’s

Brenham St. Peter’s

Liberty St. Stephen’s

Burnet Epiphany

Lindale St. Luke’s

Calvery Epiphany

Livingston St. Stephen’s

Cameron All Saints’

Longview Trinity

Cedar Park Christ Church

Marble Falls Trinity

Center St. John’s

Marshall Trinity

College Station St. Thomas St. Francis

Mexia

Conroe St. James’ the Apostle Copperas Cove St. Martin’s

Palestine St. Philip’s Pearland St. Andrew’s

Dickinson Holy Trinity

Pflugerville St. Paul’s

Freeport St. Paul’s Friendswood Good Shepherd Galveston Grace

Port Neches Holy Trinity Richmond St. Mark’s Rockdale St. Thomas’

Georgetown Grace

Sealy

Hearne St. Philip’s Hempstead St. Bartholomew’s Henderson St. Matthew’s Houston Christ Church Epiphany Grace Holy Spirit Hope Lord of the Streets Palmer Memorial St. Alban’s St. Andrew’s St. Christopher’s

Texas Episcopalian

Christ Church

Palacios St. John’s

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St. John’s

Silsbee St. John’s Stafford All Saints’ Taylor St. James’ Temple Christ Church Texas City St. George’s Tyler

Christ Church St. Francis’

Waco

Holy Spirit

West Coumbia St. Mary’s Wharton St. Thomas’

September 2010

Walk for Hope to Inspire Renaissance St. Vincent’s House, a diocesan social service agency in Galveston, challenges churches in the diocese to celebrate St. Vincent’s Day on Saturday, September 25 by walking “a mile in their shoes,” either at St. Vincent’s or locally at 11 a.m. “We are initiating the Hope Renaissance Mile at that time and want others to ‘walk’ with us,” said Michael Jackson, executive director of St. Vincent’s House. The Hope Renaissance Mile is a new initiative to promote and support Galveston’s continuing efforts to rebuild and heal its communities and neighborhoods post-

Hurricane Ike. The Hope Mile provides a clean and safe walking area in the agency’s neighborhood to promote and encourage physical fitness and well being. “Our hope is that persons and groups getting together to walk will receive multiple benefits that can serve as the catalyst for continued progress, transformation and healing to the people of Galveston, its neighborhoods and the city itself,” Jackson said. “We want the Hope Mile to be a spark to ignite the Renaissance of Galveston.” For further information, to participate or support Hope Mile, please contact St. Vincent’s at 409.763.8521 or visit www.svhope.org. St. Vincent’s House is located at 2817 Alfreda Houston Place (Postoffice Street) in Galveston.

Heart Recipient, Volunteer Celebrates Milestone

of the St. Luke’s transplant staff, I have enjoyed years of good health and blessings that I thought would never be possible,” Creech said. An inspiration to others, he has dedicated much of his time and energy to spreading the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Creech is a founding member of the LifeGift Vital Volunteer program and a member of St. Luke’s Heart Exchange, a support group for individuals and families going through the transplant experience. By educating others to register as organ donors and offering encouragement to recipients, Creech is a true crusader for the cause of organ donation. Randy Creech (center) with his family 20 years post transplant. “It is an honor to have patients like Randy who turn wenty years ago, on July 7, 1990, Randy Creech challenges into opportunities to serve,” said Katherine A. received a new heart. Creech was diagnosed with Stark, director for St. Luke’s Cooley Transplant Center. cardiomyopathy and an active virus in his heart A recent recipient of the Texas Medical Center Volunteer muscle, and told he had no more than a year to live unless he of the Year Award, Creech “is an extension of the LifeGift had a transplant. He received a second chance at life thanks family,” said Kim Davis, managing director of Hospital to a family who generously decided to donate their 19-year- Services for LifeGift. “The 20th anniversary of his heart old son’s organs when he died unexpectedly. transplant is a special milestone for all of us who have the Since his transplant, Creech has retired from a pleasure of knowing him.” successful career at ExxonMobil, celebrated the graduations St. Luke’s performed 33 Heart Transplants between July and weddings of his children and is now enjoying life as the 2008 and June 2009. There are currently 74 people waiting grandfather of seven grandsons. for a heart at St. Luke’s. Unfortunately, Texas ranks last when “Thanks to the grace of God, reflected in the very special it comes to registered organ donors but you can register in love demonstrated by this donor family and the skill and care five minutes online by visiting www.donatelifetexas.org.

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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music Announces Task Force Group Leaders Blog, email set for easy communication

hile there remains great diversity of opinion within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion over issues of sexuality, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church voted in 2009 to begin to gather resources for same-sex blessings. Bishop Andy Doyle has developed a special task force to engage the diocese in conversation around these issues. “This is not a surprise,” said Bishop Doyle. “I am putting together a task force to help us lead through the issues arising from General Convention 2012 where these liturgies will be debated. We have to be able to talk about what is going on in a constructive manner – a Christian manner. We have to learn to be in a relationship of mutual affection for both the structures of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion,” he said. Bishop Doyle encouraged members of the diocese to share their thoughts with the Standing Commission while this work continues. “Ultimately,” he said, “until we are willing to listen and speak with one another as a body of faithful people following Jesus Christ, we are going to have difficulty doing the greater work

of mission and attracting people to our church.” The Episcopal Church Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) is addressing its duties to collect and develop theological and liturgical resources for samesex blessings, as charged in General Convention Resolution C056, through three main task forces and by establishing communication tools to solicit responses from the wider Episcopal Church. The Rev. Ruth Meyers, Ph.D., SCLM chair, pointed out, “We are following the direction outlined in C056: to share some of the ideas being considered as task groups develop theological and liturgical resources; to encourage a conversation about the theological, liturgical and pastoral principles for blessing same-sex relationships; to offer and invite theological reflection about this work.” To accomplish these tasks, SCLM has established three task groups to focus on particular areas: a liturgical resources group; a pastoral/teaching resources group; and a theological resources group.

Pakistan: Churches Launch Emergency Relief Program Following Devastating Floods

Resources and important information posted on the SCLM website include:

he Diocese of Peshawar has launched an emergency relief and rescue program for families affected by the recent monsoons and flooding in Pakistan as the death toll from the natural disaster rose above 1,200. The program is assisting more than 1,300 Christian and Hindu families, as well as other minorities and some Muslim church workers, according to an e-mail sent from the Peshawar diocese to church partners. The diocese is providing affected families with food. The United Nations has estimated that almost one million people have been affected by the flooding, 45 bridges destroyed, and thousands of houses swept away. The diocesan e-mail noted that monsoon rains “have caused havoc all over Pakistan, but the Khyber Pakhtunkwa province has been hit hard by the floods. Thousands of villages are under water and hundreds of people are either dead or missing. All road links within the province have been cut down.” Several Christian families have been rescued and accommodated at St. Mary’s Church and School in Risalpur and at Christ Church and School in Nowshera, the release said. “The diocese is putting all its efforts to reach the unreached caught in the floods.” The Diocese of Peshawar is part of the Church of Pakistan, a united ecumenical province of the Anglican Communion that was established in 1970 with a union of Anglicans, Scottish Presbyterians (Church of Scotland), Methodists and Lutherans.

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Resources

• Member lists for the three task forces • GC09 Resolution C056 Liturgies for Blessings • Response of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and

Music Resources available: Standing Commission Response to 2009 Resolution C056 SC_L&M_2010_May_TFC056.pdf found at http://generalconvention.org/ccab/files/2 Episcopal Church Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music: http://generalconvention.org/ccab/mandate/2

Communicating with SCLM

Meyers, who served as a GC09 deputy from the Diocese of Chicago and is the Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, explained that a blog has been established for easy communication. She noted, “SCLM and the task force groups welcome comments, suggestions and ideas.” The blog site is http:// liturgyandmusic.wordpress.com. SCLM is committed to communicating with the wider church, Meyers stressed. To do so, a special email address has been established for all correspondence, to offer ideas, or to contact a SCLM member: sclm@episcopalchurch.org Episcopal Church Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music:: http://generalconvention.org/ccab/mandate/2

John Worrell: Churchman, continued from page 19

John Worrell

a vehicle for promoting dialogue on important issues, not only as they affected the Diocese of Texas, but nationally and internationally as well. His efforts to present a diversity of views that might lead to an overall balanced approach were often frustrated, he surmised, because conflicts had deteriorated so far that opposing sides often refused to communicate with one another, except through invective. Throughout the years, with his wife Vivian serving ably as a one-person production crew, he wrote, edited, and succeeded in attracting sound articles on a wide variety of topics. Gratefully acknowledging the support that made possible seventeen years of publication, John wrote these parting words in his last issue in 2007: “We never quite succeeded in providing, as we had

hoped, a place where very different views were argued out in ‘charitable yet rigorous’ debate, at least not often. Perhaps the times had already turned to discomfort with diversity and serious exploration of important differences in a shared environment. It is also likely that our willingness, on the rare occasions when it seemed needed, to question the wisdom or fairness of our Bishops gave us a partisan reputation we had not desired … I hope that our shared concern for the success of the Gospel and the welfare of the Church will continue and grow. And, of courses, we will share as well an interest in the next chapter in the story of Nevertheless!” Later, in an interview, John amplified his hopes and concerns. In retrospect, he said it was much harder to build the “conversations” to which NTL had been dedicated than those who founded the magazine had expected. In his experience, people willing to seek out those who disagree, so they might broaden their perspectives and understand “what the other guy thinks,” are quite rare. John’s legacy is a gentle and rational approach to fulfilling our mission - restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. As a broken and frail body, we struggle, perhaps as never before, in parlous times. He would urge us, in bold terms, to seek the reconciling spirit of Christ in all we do as brothers and sisters. No one knew better the sentiment of John Donne’s classic poem “No man is an island, entire of itself.” And like Donne’s insight, we all are diminished by the loss of John Worrell. Kesselus is a retired priest living in Bastrop. Texas Episcopalian

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2010

DIOCESAN NEWS

Camp Allen Going Green

“ARS MORIENDI” The Art of Dying By the Rev. Bob Horner

The solar panel is heating water for the Discovery Lodge at Camp Allen and replaces a 120 gallon “old clunker” of a gas water heater. Two separate solar projects at Camp Allen have been funded through grants. One of the projects will serve as a teaching tool for the Discovery Program, for which more than 6,000 students come to Camp Allen each year. They learn about the environment and receive outdoor education. In addition to powering the Little Green School House, there is a rainwater collection system that will store 1,000 gallons and irrigate the crops. The second project is able to heat water for the Discovery Lodge staff in their six-bedroom facility. Both solar installations are complete and operational.

Job Opportunities Diocesan Communication Office seeks writer/comm. assistant Successful candidate must have journalism background, feature writing and proofing experience, as well as knowledge of social media and e-news platforms, good communication skills and an excellent work ethic. Send résumé to Carol E. Barnwell at cbarnwell@epicenter.org with cover letter and one writing sample. Diocesan Communication office Marketing/ Communications, Design Intern Summer/fall intern to: update website, help post and maintain social networking sites. Other design opportunities includes writing, layout, photography, videos, slide presentations and pod casts. Send résumé and samples to LaShane Eaglin at leaglin@epicenter.org. St. Andrew's, Pearland, part-time Christian Education Director (PreK-12) To begin immediately. Please forward résumé to the Rev. Jim Liberatore at frjimbo@msn.com. St. Christopher's, Killeen, part-time organist/music director To lead music ministry, enhance worship experience. Contact the church office at 254.634.7474 for an application.

Texas Episcopalian

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September 2010

St. Luke's on the Lake, Austin, part-time worship music leader To foster, support and grow its contemporary liturgy ministry. Contact the Rev. Parker Jameson at frjpjameson@ stlukesonthelake.org. St. Mary's, Cypress, part-time Children's Christian Formation Coordinator To oversee Sunday Morning Children's Christian Formation and chair the council responsible for children's ministry. St. Mary's also seeks a part-time child care coordinator for administrative tasks needed to oversee Sunday morning nursery as well as child care needs during the week. Contact Cindy Wingfield, at cwingfield@stmaryscypress.org. St. Stephen's, Beaumont, part-time youth minister Call the church office at 409.892.4227 or e-mail the rector, the Rev. Nancy DeForest, at ndeforest@ststephensbmt.org. St. Timothy's, Lake Jackson, part-time Youth Minister The position requires about 10 hours a week, primarily centered on EYC meetings Sundays from 5 to 8 p.m. Candidate could live in the Houston area. Contact the Rev. Andrew Parker for a job description at aparker@stimothy. org.

pray you don’t find this subject MORBID; much has been written about it for several thousand years. It is important to understand and do some planning for this final act, for you and/or your loved ones. I believe our Book of Common Prayer burial rites are meaningful, comforting and helpful to many. Scripture and Christian tradition teaches us to die well by trusting God, repenting of our sins, forgiving ourselves and others and having compassion for all those less fortunate. Despite all the above, death is a threat to many and prolonging of life as long as possible often equals dying well, though this is generally not the case. We are abdicating our right to deal with profound questions about faith and bioethics by allowing science and medical technology to dictate terms of extending life and we thus avoid decisions on how to live well to the end, say goodbye to those we love, and meet God with DIGNITY. Should life be prolonged through any means necessary? How do we deal with pain at the end of life? The inevitable question in end-of-life care is how to determine when “enough is enough” in terms of treatment options. Family members often assume that telling doctors to do “everything” for a dying relative is a sign of love and devotion. Doctors and other caregivers also feel obligated to maximize “life saving” of family, and patients and caregivers alike are vague, and partly out of fear of lawsuits and also that medical training focuses on SAVING LIFE. Fortunately, there are educational programs and new groups springing up to give wise counsel and provide important end of life care: namely Hospice and Palliative care programs. In all of this complexity, one of the important aspects is written or well understood feelings and desires about end of life care on the part of the patient. This shouldn’t wait until the END times. If it isn’t resolved while the patient is still alert, then heroic efforts, resuscitation, intubation, etc. most likely will happen. The family should strongly request dialog with the physician as to the efficacy of any treatment and its affect on QUALITY of life. There is so much more to say about this and I have good resource material if you require it. Any of your clergy can be most helpful in resolving some of these issues. I strongly believe this should not be left to the MEDICAL profession to decide. Horner referenced Roman Catholic theologian, L. S. Cahill, from an article in Sojourners in this reflection. Email Horner at deaconbob2@comcast.net.

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DIOCESAN NEWS

Book review

Incarnating the Charter

www.epicenter.org/ChristianFormation

The 2010 Christian Formation Conference Open to all who are interested in the ministry of lifelong formation September 24-25 Camp Allen

The Board Members of

St. James’ House cordially invite you and your friends to attend

The 50th Anniversary Silver Tea

at the home of Bette and Ralph Thomas 202 Arborway, Houston, Texas 77057 Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 3 - 6 p.m. Valet Parking available RSVP, if attending to Margaret Baze at mebaze@gmail.com or 713.467.1887 St. James’ House, a retirement community in Baytown, is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas that provides a high level of care in a loving Christian environment. It is open to all, regardless of financial resources. If you are unable to attend; but would like to support this ministry, please mail your donation to St. James’ House, 5800 West Baker Road, Baytown, Texas 77520.

www.stjameshouse.org.

Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

Get Your Twinkle On

Camp Allen Fundraiser Honors St. John the Divine Rector, Larry Hall, and Bennie Hall It’s exciting to spread the word about Camp Allen’s eighth annual Starry Nights and Campfire Lights gala, Thursday, October 21, honoring Bennie and Larry Hall. “We are proud to salute this outstanding couple as Larry approaches his 30th anniversary as the rector of the St. John the Divine,” said Camp Allen President George Dehan. “Bennie, a grandmother extraordinaire, has been by his side through it all.” Dehan also expressed his gratitude to Susan & Jack Mayfield and Sheila & Tad Mayfield, co-chairs of the event. The casual evening at Houston’s Junior League offers a sumptuous Tex-Mex dinner and fast-paced auction to raise funds so that underserved children can attend Summer Camp at Camp Allen. Shine your boots, get your twinkle on and join the party. Your participation ensures some blessed children will gain memories to last a lifetime. For remaining tickets or underwriting opportunities, please contact Lauren Day, laurend@ campallen.org or call 866.334.2267. 25

Texas Episcopalian

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GUEST COLUMNIST

We Have Met the Enemy opium production and finally banned it altogether in spite of the hardship this worked on poppy farmers. Now the insurgents have lightened up; the non-insurgents did not need to. By 2007, 93 percent of the opiates on the world market originated in Afghanistan. One of the beneficiaries is reputed to be President Hamid Karzai’s younger brother. “The White House says it believes that Ahmed Wali Karzai is involved in drug trafficking “(J. Risen, New York Times, 10/4/08). With friends like these, who needs enemies?

“The war in Afghanistan has now, at almost nine years, become the longest war in American history.”

The Rev. Sam Todd

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We have met the enemy and they are ours,” Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry wrote after defeating a British squadron on Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. It is the best quote to come out of the War of 1812, which did not settle much but did put an end to British impressments of American seamen and to American dreams of annexing Canada. On a positive note, the war lasted less than three years and killed only 19,465 Americans. The war in Afghanistan has now, at almost nine years, become the longest war in American history. On a positive note, less than 1,500 Americans have been killed. We are trying to train an Afghan army of 171,600 which can take over security and allow our troops to come home. “It is a nearly impossible mission. Nine out of 10 Afghan enlisted recruits can’t read a rifle instruction manual or drive a car, according to NATO trainers. … Commanders routinely steal their enlisted men’s salaries. Soldiers shake down civilians at road checkpoints and sell off their own American-supplied boots, blankets and guns at the bazaar – sometimes to the Taliban. Recruits tend to go AWOL after their first leave, while one-quarter of those who stay in service are blitzed on hashish or heroin, according to an internal survey carried out by the Afghan National Army (ANA)” (TIME 6/14/10 p. 52). Speaking of heroin, one thing that is on the upswing in Afghanistan is opium production, which is now the world’s largest and accounted for 50 percent of Afghanistan’s GDP in 2007 according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. During their reign (1994 to 2001), the Taliban, puritanical Muslim fundamentalists that they are, restricted

Texas Episcopalian

with the mud designed to prevent blowback to the surface. Of the number of “willful violations” of safety procedure, as defined by OSHA over the last several years, Exxon-Mobil has one, Conoco-Phillips has seven, BP has 670. But why are they drilling in such deep places? President Barack Obama said that “we are running out of places to drill on land and in shallow water.” But what about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or the National Petroleum Reserve – 23 million acres of Alaska’s North

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September 2010

The ultimate financiers of the drug trade are of course the world’s heroin users of whom about 73,000 reside in the USA. So American money and military are supporting a government and fighting an insurgency both of which are complicit in trafficking heroin, some of which is also paid for by Americans. Much closer to home is Mexico, the main foreign supplier to the U. S. of cannabis and a major supplier of methamphetamine “which has a street value of $100 a gram” (Time 6/28/10 p.32). “Ninety percent of the cocaine sold in the U.S. comes through Mexico. Tens of billions of dollars in drug money is believed to cross the border heading south each year, much of it in bulk cash shipments. More than eighty percent of the weapons that have been seized in Mexico and that could be traced originated in the U.S. The outrage of many Mexicans over this avalanche of military-grade firearms is matched only by their impotent anger at the bottomless U.S. demand for illegal drugs” (The New Yorker, 5/31/10, p. 46). They have met the enemy and he is us. The production of everything from drugs to petroleum is demand-driven. The chief villain in the Gulf Oil Disaster appears to be BP. A redundant BOP controller/operator box on the sea bed had been improperly functioning for weeks; thus there was no back-up. A technician on the rig said that a BP employee instructed the Transocean drilling crew to drill faster with more pressure because they were behind schedule. They still kept drilling after witnesses saw large handfuls of rubber seal around the drill stem start coming up

Slope, near the existing pipeline and designated nearly a century ago for petroleum development? A break there would have been easily fixed, would have disrupted no one’s livelihood and would have killed few, if any, wildlife. And how about shallow waters off our Atlantic and Pacific coasts? Governments have put them off limits for thirty years. Californians are happy to use oil drilled in someone else’s backyard but hands off theirs. Who else has oil on their hands? How about all of us who have made it politically impossible to build nuclear power plants for the last thirty years thus forcing us to burn fossil fuels? France gets 80 percent of its power from nuclear power plants. Some environmentally conscious Americans are switching to electric cars powered by batteries. But batteries only store electricity; they do not produce it. Most of ours is produced by power plants burning coal. How about the demand of all of us for energy? When I was a child my parents had one automobile, no air conditioning, no dishwasher, no clothes dryer. My wife and I have two cars, central air and heat, a dishwasher, clothes dryer and God knows what else. But who in Texas is willing to give up air conditioning to conserve energy? Not me. On a classic 1970 Earth Day poster, Walt Kelly depicted Pogo the Possum and Porky pine standing next to a polluted swamp. Pogo says to Porky pine, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Email Todd at: stodd2423@att.net

Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

Harrison

High

Doyle

Bishops’ September Calendars 1 10 a.m. 1-2 2 4:30 p.m. 3-12 15-22 24-25 25 26 10:30 a.m. 5 p.m. 29 10 a.m.

Executive Board, Camp Allen Congregational Development Retreat, Camp Allen SLEH Charities Board, Diocesan Center Compass Rose Annual Meeting, London, England House of Bishops Fall Meeting, Phoenix, AZ Fishers of Men Retreat, Camp Allen Christian Formation Conference, Camp Allen St. Stephen’s, Huntsville, CF ELCA and TEC Ecumenical Remembrance, CCC Church Corporation Meeting, Diocesan Center

1 10 a.m. 1-2 5 10:30 a.m. 5 p.m. 8 6 p.m. 9 3 p.m. 10 7 p.m. 12 10:30 a.m. 4 p.m. 13 12 noon 14 1-4 p.m. 15 9:15 a.m. 16-22 23 1 p.m. 24 10 a.m. p.m. 25 11 a.m. 26 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 28 4 p.m. 29 6 p.m.

Executive Board, Camp Allen Congregational Development Retreat, Camp Allen St. John’s, La Porte, CF Hope, Houston, CF St. Stephen’s, Liberty, CF St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System Board Meeting, Houston Episcopal Night at Astros Baseball Game, Houston Ascension, Houston, CF St. Barnabas, Houston, CF Christ Church, Tyler, ECW Meeting St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Board Orientation, Houston St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Board Meeting, Houston House of Bishops Fall Meeting, Phoenix, AZ St. James’ House Board Meeting Christian Formation Conference, Camp Allen Wedding Rehearsal, St. Paul’s, Waco Wedding, St. Paul’s, Waco Good Shepherd, Kingwood, CF St. Mark’s, Beaumont, CF All Saints’ Episcopal School Board Meeting, Tyler All Saints’, Crockett

1 10 a.m. 1-2 9 9 9:30 a.m. 12 8 a.m. 12 3 p.m. 15-22 24 7:30 a.m. 26 10:30 a.m. 27 5:30 p.m. 29 6:30 p.m. 30 12:00 p.m.

Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org

Andy Doyle @TexasBishop

Us w o l l o F

Carol Barnwell @cebarnwell Disaster Relief @ikerelief

In the Anglican Communion A global community of 77 million Anglicans in 500 dioceses in 164 countries Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev. Rowan Williams Lambeth Palace, London, England, SE1 7JU Anglican Communion Office 16 Tavistock Crescent Westbourne Park London W 11 1AP United Kingdom www.lambethpalace.org www.anglicancommunion.org In the United States A community of 2.5 million members in 120 dioceses in the Americas and abroad Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Ave., NY, NY 10017 1.800.321.2231 www.episcopalchurch.org

Executive Board, Camp Allen Congregational Development Retreat, Camp Allen Seminary of the Southwest Matriculation and dinner St. Luke’s Executive Board Meeting Christ Church, Temple St. Francis, Temple House of Bishops Fall Meeting, Phoenix, AZ El Buen Samaritano Executive Committee Meeting St. Matthew’s, Austin El Buen Samaritano Board Meeting Georgetown Stewardship Dinner SLEHS Finance and Audit Committee Meeting

In the Diocese of Texas One Church of more than 85,000 members in 158 congregations in the eastern quadrant of Texas, established in 1849 Bishop The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle dotbp@epicenter.org 1225 Texas Ave. Houston, TX 77002-3504 1.800.318.4452 1.713.520.6444 FAX 1.713.520.5723 Austin: 1.512.478.0580, 1.800.947.0580 Tyler: 1.903.579.6012 www.epicenter.org editor: cbarnwell@epicenter.org

Texas Episcopalian

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Texas Episcopalian

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September 2010

Find us on the web at www.epicenter.org