On a chilly, foggy day, your delegates to Diocesan Council traveled to Galveston.  Father Kevin, Deacon John, Alice Nelson, Spencer Gordon, Mary Stewart Miller and Patsy Chandler represented you on the floor.  John and Frances Rickard were part of the volunteer team covering the Registration table.

The procession at Friday evening's opening service was impressive as always with representatives from each parish carrying their banner, many deacons, a flock of priests, and several bishops.   Ask Spencer about his experience with our banner!  The Diocese of Texas has an ongoing companion relationship with the Diocese of Southern Malawi and Bishop Alinafe Kalemba was there.  I received communion from him and he has the sweetest smile!   Bishop Michael Smith from the Diocese of North Dakota and Bishop Hector Monterroso from the Diocese of Costa Rica were also there and on Saturday they and Bishop Doyle signed agreements to enter into a companion relationship.  Bishop Dena Harrison gave the "sermom" (a typo in the service booklet!) speaking about the importance of meaningful relationships.  Everything begins with a relationship - in community, marriage, friendship, the workplace.  You are indeed blessed if you have a friend who will tell you if you have spinach between your teeth, if your outfit just doesn't work, or when you have done something especially wonderful.  Think of where your support and encouragement begins.  The music was provided by a jazz band featuring a very talented saxophone player.  When it came time for the offering, Bishop Doyle told us it would be given to St. Vincent's House in Galveston and stated that he would like to see at least $5000 in the plate.  Imagine the delight when God so moved those gathered that a little over $10,000 was given!

Saturday's business session was blessedly uneventful with proposed changes to Canon 43 being rescinded.  St. Aidan's, Cypress, joyfully celebrated their new status as a parish with procession, song and remarks by their exuberant rector.  The Bishop's Address was focused on tenacity - using new data to achieve a goal when old ways don't work.  God is tenacious, so we need to be also.  Main points:  clear goals, clarify mission, surround ourselves with like-minded people, honesty, be not afraid to fail, awareness of what we have - an attitude of gratitude.  We are in our fourth year of membership growth and a recent survey indicated that our score regarding what is working in the diocese is 7.56 out of 10.  Bishop Doyle says we are good at being disciples, but it is now time to be apostles.  So be courageous when you are afraid - be tenacious!  There were 22 rounds of applause during his address! 

Even though Kevin was not elected as a representative to General Convention, I personally was very pleased with those who will serve on Standing Committee, Executive Board, Trustee of the Church Corporation, Trustee of the University of the South, Provincial Synod and General Convention.

We were all truly blessed by our time in Galveston and thank you for sending us!

In His love,

Patsy Chandler

To read Bishop Doyle's address:

CAD Council Address[1]