Newsletter
October 2020, Issue No. 331
|
|
October 16
Online Eucharist, 10AM
Online Business Meeting, 1PM
The 62nd annual convention of the Diocese of Northwest Texas will begin with the Holy Eucharist at 10AM on Friday, October 16, 2020, with Bishop Mayer as Celebrant and Preacher. The Bishop's Charge will be presented in the sermon. The service will be live streamed via the diocesan Facebook page.
Following a break, the business meeting will begin at 1:00 PM on Friday. Only those persons with a vote (canonical clergy with a cure, elected lay delegates, wardens, and ex-officio members) will be able to access the proceedings with an invitation/link to the Zoom meeting. All clergy with a cure, elected lay delegates, wardens, and ex-officio members should watch their email for future updates and links for the Zoom meeting. All other persons will be able to view the proceedings via the diocesan Facebook Page.
|
|
Clergy, Delegates, Wardens, and Ex-Officio Members |
|
Canonical clergy with a cure, elected lay delegates, wardens, and ex-officio members please watch your email future more information, including convention guidelines, Zoom links, service booklets, and more. |
|
Technology Training Sessions for Convention |
|
We request that all canonical clergy with a cure, elected lay delegates, wardens, and ex-officio members who will be attending the Zoom business meeting also attend one of our three technology training session. These training sessions will last no longer than 30 minutes and will help to familiarize all participants with our online voting software as well as the basics of Zoom technology. Please register for one of our online training sessions below in order to receive an invitation to this meeting:
*All persons attending the Zoom convention meeting must have access to a device (such as a phone, tablet, or computer) that can access the internet, in addition to a working email address.
.
|
|
Nominations from the Floor |
|
The deadline for submitting names of persons being nominated for positions in the diocese has passed. If someone wishes to make a nomination from the floor during Convention, please note the nomination form must be submitted by October 14, 2020 in order that it be transmitted to Convention attendees in time for them to review. No floor nominations will be accepted without the appropriate form being submitted. The nomination form can be found at HERE.
|
|
Due to the fact that we will not be able to gather in person for Convention, the UTO ingathering and the Convention Eucharist Offering must be handled in a new manner. Donations may be made to your local congregation and forwarded to the diocesan office at 1802 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 or they may be made online by clicking the buttons below. |
|
For more information, please feel free to contact any of the Bishop's staff:
-
The Rev. Canon Mike Ehmer, Canon to the Ordinary and Dispatch of Business at [email protected]
-
Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Diocesan Administrator and chair of the Necrology Committee at [email protected]
-
Mrs. Anna Mora, Finance Manager at [email protected]
-
The Rev. Leann Wigner, Texas Tech Canterbury Chaplain and Diocesan Communications Coordinator at [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the Diocese of Northwest Texas, the Reverend Corrie Cabes! Mtr. Corrie will be joining the staff of the Church of the Heavenly Rest as Assistant Rector. Sponsored for ordination by the Diocese of Fort Worth, Mtr. Corrie graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest (SSW) in May. While in seminary, she served as a member of the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage Task Force, a group committed to rediscovering and nurturing the Episcopal Church’s commitment to racial justice. Before attending SSW, she served as a Children and Youth Minister at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Keller, Texas. Mtr. Corrie brings a passion for Christian Formation and an enthusiasm for engaging with people of all ages to her work at Heavenly Rest. As Assistant Rector, Mtr. Corrie will coordinate Heavenly Rest’s Christian Formation activities. |
|
Would you like to highlight any news or happenings at your church?
Click here to tell us about it.
|
|
Check out the ministries below to see how your apportionments are changing lives and making a difference in our diocese.
|
|
Youth News
Renee Haney, Diocesan Youth Coordinator
|
|
And the Mountain, it will MOVE!!!
A favorite song at summer camp and youth retreats in our diocese is Montaña (Si Tuvieras Fe) / Alegria. We sing it loud, complete with motions, in both English and Spanish. The song speaks how even if our faith is the smallest of all, our Lord can use us to move mountains and to change things, even to change ourselves. And it reminds us that all in heaven and on earth should glorify and rejoice in the Lord.
There is much to be sad and angry about in 2020. We can also be thankful as we look toward and plan and pray for 2021. We can pray for all of our youth during this school year and we can pray for a “close to normal” summer camp in June 2021. And, we can give thanks. Thanks for connections via emails, Facebook, texts and snail mail, that keep our youth and leaders connected. We are thankful for new ways to plan for youth gatherings. We are thankful for our youth who are moving mountains in big and small ways. We give thanks for all who continue to lift up our youth and youth ministers in prayer. And we give THANKS to God who walks with us during trying times and good times, when our faith is small, and when we are moving mountains. And we can ALL move mountains! What happiness! ¡Qué felicidad!
If you had faith that was like a grain of mustard
(Here's what the Lord says to you)
(2X)
Then you can say right to the mountain,
Move yourself! Move yourself!
(2X)
And the mountain it will move, it will move, it will move (3X)
And the mountain it will move…
Celebration
In my soul there is new life and jubilation
For the Holy Spirit guides me to salvation
O what joy is deep down in my heart today (2X)
O sing a new song, unto our Savior, and let all the earth, sing to the Lord.
Splendor and glory and power and praise, belong to the Lord, belong to the Lord.
Let the heav'ns be joyful, let the earth be glad.
What happiness! What happiness! What happiness!
Si tuvieras fe, como un grano de mostaza (Eso lo dice el Señor) (2X)
Tú le dirías a la montaña, ¡Muévete! ¡Muévete! (2X)
Esa montaña se moverá, se moverá, se moverá (3X)
Esa montaña se moverá…
Alegría
Tengo gozo en mi alma tengo vida
El Espíritu de Dios así me guía
Oh qué gozo siento en mi corazón
(2X)
Cantad al Señor cántico nuevo.
Cantad al Señor toda la tierra,
Alabanza y magnificencia,
Poder y gloria dar al Señor.
Alégrense los cielos y gócese la tierra.
¡Qué felicidad! ¡Qué felicidad! ¡Qué felicidad!
|
|
If you have any questions, please contact Renee Haney, Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Camp Director at 806-445-3667 or [email protected].
|
|
Canterbury at Texas Tech
Mtr. Leann Wigner, Canterbury Chaplain
|
|
|
|
Canterbury is excited to announce that Canterbury student Jorge Villarreal is one of the new fall Office of Government Relations interns in Washington, D. C. Jorge is a native of Somerville, NJ, and he is currently a senior at Texas Tech University majoring in Agricultural Communications. Prior to working with the Office of Government Relations, he interned in the House of Representatives. In fact, Jorge has had five previous internships with the US government, including one internship in Lubbock and four internships on Capitol Hill. As one can see for Jorge’s wide and varied experience, Jorge has a passion for public service, specifically the effect of |
|
faith-based institutions on public policy. As an intern for the Office of Government Relations, Jorge helps to communicate public policy to the wider Episcopal Church as well as to advocate for issues important to the Episcopal Church, including issues such as addressing poverty, racism, and creation care, issues which drew Jorge to the Episcopal Church in the first place.
Jorge became a member of Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry at Texas Tech during his time in Lubbock. “If it wasn’t for Canterbury, I can say with certainty I wouldn’t have the confidence and bedrock faith to pursue and ultimately get this internship,” Jorge stated. “It can be scary to jump into an internship like this, but Canterbury gave me a fantastic beginning.” When he left Lubbock, Jorge confessed that he felt like “I can do this internship with the best of my ability.” With a passion for public policy and a strong and faithful heart for Christ, Jorge is making a difference in the lives of Episcopalians all across the globe.
When asked about a message that Jorge would like to send to the people of Northwest Texas, he said that he would like to “thank them for welcoming me and making me feel like I am part of the diocese.” You are doing the work of the Jesus movement, Jorge. We wish you well as you serve the church.
|
|
If you have any questions, please contact Mtr. Leann Wigner, Chaplain at Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry at Texas Tech at 575-631-5345 or [email protected].
|
|
The Bishop's Staff will be working remotely until further notice. All staff members have access to email or can be reached at the office telephone number 806-763-1370.
October, 2020*
3 Youth Virtual Fall Retreat - ZOOM
7 Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
9-11 School of Ministry (SOM)
10 ... Technology Training for Convention - 3pm - ZOOM
13 ... Technology Training for Convention - 6pm - ZOOM
14 Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
14 ... Technology Training for Convention - 3:30pm - ZOOM
16 Diocesan Convention Eucharist- 10am - FACEBOOK LIVE
16 Diocesan Convention Eucharist- 1pm - ZOOM AND FACEBOOK LIVE
21 Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
28 Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
30-1 . School of Ministry (SOM) - ZOOM
November, 2020*
4 . . Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
11 Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
18 Bishop Mayer and Clergy Weekly Meeting, 11am - ZOOM
19 Trustees Meeting - ZOOM
*Dates are subject to change depending on federal, state, and local laws concerning COVID-19 physical distance restrictions and at the Bishop's discretion.
All items in purple indicate the bishop's presence.
|
|
The full events calendar can be found on our website.
|
|
Presiding Bishop calls for prayer for President and First Lady
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has issued the following statement on October 2, 2020:
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to pray for all affected by this virus in any way. At this particular moment, I ask that all Episcopalians also pray for the president and first lady, and all in the White House or government who have been infected by this virus.
O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in your goodness with your children, the president and first lady, and all in the White House or government who have been infected by this virus, that their weakness may be banished and their strength restored; and that, their health being renewed, they may bless your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — For Recovery from Sickness, Book of Common Prayer, p. 458
|
|
Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church: What Did Jesus Do?
|
The following link is a Word to the Church from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and is also the text of his sermon at The Episcopal Church House of Bishops, which met virtually September 16, 2020. To what the video of the sermon, click here.
|
|
|
Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church: What Did Jesus Do?
|
The following link is a Word to the Church from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and is also the text of his sermon at The Episcopal Church House of Bishops, which met virtually September 16, 2020. To what the video of the sermon, click here.
|
|
|
Presiding Bishop’s Statement on the Death of Justice Ginsburg |
The late John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, “while on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” The sacred cause of liberty and justice, dignity and equality decreed by God and meant for all has been advanced because while on earth Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made God’s work her own. Because of her the ancient words of the prophet Micah to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God have found fulfillment. May we follow in her footprints. May she rest in the arms of the God who is love and the author of true justice. Rest In Peace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Shalom.
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
|
|
|
Episcopal Relief and Development Continues to Respond to Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Sally |
Episcopal Relief & Development is working around the world to help children achieve their full potential through the ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE campaign. Worldwide, 155 million children under six are not reaching appropriate milestones due to inadequate nutrition and health care. ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE helps children by providing access to clean water, hygiene, sanitation, and reducing the impact of disasters and building resilience. To learn more about ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE visit our website episcopalrelief.org/1000daysoflove
|
|
|
Episcopal Relief & Development Partners with Episcopal Dioceses in Response to Wildfires in Western States |
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with dioceses in California and Oregon to respond to the wildfires, evacuations and diminished air quality. To find more information, click here.
|
|
|
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Statement: Sacred Spaces as Safe Places
|
The events in Louisville remind us of the need for safe spaces in times of conflict. Churches, synagogues, and mosques are houses of prayer, worship, and faith. Sacred spaces are safe places where the way of love and nonviolence, the way of peace, the way of justice, and the way of reconciliation can be affirmed and practiced. In deeply conflicted situations, these spaces can play a vital role in preventing escalation into upward spirals of violence. Respecting these spaces as safe places demonstrates a commitment to finding nonviolent solutions. This can help to broker peace and change that can move a community forward, in the direction of genuine justice and eventual reconciliation.
We must ever remember Breonna Taylor, and continue to pray for her family, loved ones, and all the people of the Louisville community. We must likewise pray for America, that our divisions may cease and that we will work together to be a nation where there is liberty and justice for all. Lastly, may we all commit ourselves anew to the living the words of the prophet Micah who said, “what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
|
|
More Episcopal Church news can be found here.
|
|
Live Conversation with The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry |
On October 8 at 7pm, there will be an exciting opportunity to have a live Zoom Conversation with The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry about his new book, "Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times". Purchase Bishop Curry's new book through the Episcopal Shoppe and you will automatically receive an invitation to the Zoom conversation with Bishop Curry. Emails will be sent out on 10/6.
For more information, click here. |
|
|
Registration Now Open for New Community 2020 Virtual Conference |
Registration is now open for the New Community 2020 Virtual Conference, hosted by The Episcopal Church Department of Ethnic Ministries, October 30-31, 2020. The theme is Weaving Our Diversity and Forming Life-Giving Relationships for the New Reality. This gathering of Asian, Black, Latino/Hispanic and Indigenous clergy and lay leaders provides a safe place to explore mission in ethnic ministries, share resources and best practices, hopes and dreams, needs and concerns, gifts and ministries, suffering and joy. Registration deadline is October 15. Click here to register.
|
|
|
Walking with Asylum Seekers: A Training Series for Congregations |
In the month of October, join Episcopal Migration Ministries, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains (LFSRM), for a three-part training series for congregations interested in supporting and walking alongside asylum seekers. The three 90-minute virtual events will provide advocacy updates, resources for group discernment, ministry models, and important considerations when engaging in ministry with asylum seekers. The dates are October 8, October 20, and October 27. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
October 11
Civil Conversation in Uncivil Times: Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square Webinar
November 7
Webinar: Finding Our Way to the Truth Book Release
More Episcopal Church events and webinars can be found here.
|
|
|
|
The 2021 United Thank Offering grant application materials are now available. The focus of this year's grants is Recovering with Love and Gratitude: An Episcopal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Local Contexts. The deadline for submission of a completed application (and required documents) for the first round of grants is 5pm (Eastern) on Friday, February 26, 2021. For more information, click here.
|
|
More grants and scholarships through the Episcopal Church can be found here.
|
|
Give
The Episcopal Church is at work in the world every day, with more than 6,000 parishes locally, nationally, and in ten foreign countries--all of which are working to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. In this season of giving, please make a gift and support the many ways in which we, together, can witness to the loving, liberating and life-giving way of Jesus Christ.
To read more about the work that your gifts make possible or to give a donation to the Episcopal Church, click here.
|
|
Support
Support the Diocese of Northwest Texas when you shop using Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas when you shop at this address: amazon.com/ch/75-0800662.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. The same products, same prices, same services. Support the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas by starting your shopping at Amazon at smile.amazon.com.
|
|
Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas
Attn: Leann Wigner
Canterbury Chaplain & Communications Coordinator
1802 Broadway
Lubbock, Texas 79401
806-763-1370
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
