|
In order to get to 95% of the places I go on a daily basis, I have to take a turnaround over the interstate. Around and around I go every day of my life. About a year ago, something new caught my attention. Next to one of the two gas stations at the same intersection on the same side of the interstate, ground began to be cleared for a new construction project. Our family watched the progress made over the next few months and made guesses as to what it would become. Turns out, it was a carwash. It wasn't just any old carwash though. Not to be outdone by the other carwash less than 100 yards away at the other gas station, this one was bigger, better, and flashier. It didn't have one or two or even three of those standing feather-shaped flags out front. It had SIX. It was bright white and red with lights and free vacuums. This was the Lightning McQueen of carwashes. Ka-chow! Take that grey carwash next door. A few days before the grand opening, we saw a very large flagpole being installed. When the day finally came when cars could get washed at this new and improved carwash with water more watery than the wash next door, we watched in amazement as they hoisted one of the largest flags I have ever seen up that pole. Don't be mistaken and think this was an act of ultimate patriotic symbolism. No, instead of the stars and stripes, it bore the words, "CAR WASH" - just in case the other six "carwash" flags didn't make it clear.
This evening, as I made the turn around for the umpteenth time, the flags caught my attention. It occurred to me that I have not actually noticed them in quite some time. After all of the watching, waiting, anticipation, and discussion for months on end, the newness eventually wore off. The "new" carwash isn't so new anymore. All of the flashy features and flags that were put in place to catch my attention began to fade into the background. It got me thinking. I drive past those sidewalk flags and the mega flag and am so distracted by thinking about where I'm going, what I need to get done, what is being said on a podcast, or exhaustion, just going through the motions of the turnaround, that I miss it. I miss the signs, the waving, the "here I am right here" signals put there to catch my attention.
How often do I go through the motions and miss the signs from God? Where in my life am I missing God waving and saying "here I am right here"? I don't know about you, but there are times when I get so wrapped up in a problem or a situation that I forget to pause, listen, and look for where the Holy Spirit is at work. Far too often, it's when I'm looking back, usually after I've turned around, that I notice that the signs were right in front of me the whole time. How are you just going through the motions in your life and missing God's presence right in your midst?
Keep reading to see how the Holy Spirit is at work in College + Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of West Texas.
~Tami Woods
Director of College + Young Adult Ministries
| | College + Young Adult News and Events | | |
Zoom Bible Study is Back
Thursdays @ 6:30pm (CST)
(on zoom)
| Zoom Bible Study has returned for the Fall semester. Everyone is welcome to join every Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm. Invite your friends and come see what this digital community is all about! | | |
TX State vs UTSA Canterbury Tailgate
September 12
@ Texas State
| |
Attention all bobcats and roadrunners! The TX State and UTSA Canterbury clubs are joining forces to host this year's Canterbury Tailgate at the I35 Showdown in San Marcos, TX. The Rev. Tim Swan will be bbq'ing, so you don't want to miss out! Bring a side or dessert and some friends to share. Food will be ready starting at 11:00am. We will serve until we run out or until kickoff - whichever comes first.
The Canterbury with the most attendees will win a prize!
| | |
Manos de Dios Applications Are Due!
September 14
| |
The Manos de Dios Honduras ministry is planning to fund mission trip Travel Awards for 3 College Students/Young Adults again this year for the upcoming trip in January of 2027. This award covers everything from airfare, lodging, food, and transportation expenses for the trip for the award recipients. If you have ever been curious about mission work or have a heart for service, consider applying today!
Read more about what Manos de Dios ministry does and what previous travel award recipients have to say about about their experience. Learn why YOU should apply to be part of the 2027 Manos de Dios team.
| | |
College + Young Adult Fall Retreat:
September 25-27
@ Camp Capers
| |
With the warm glow of summer left behind and the fall semester upon you, our College + Young Adult Fall Retreat will be the perfect chance to take a breather, play, eat well, and rest. Join old and new friends from churches and campuses across our diocese at one of our favorite holy places, Camp Capers, for a weekend you won't regret. Trust us, you don't want to miss it!
| | Walt & Tami Are Coming to a Campus Near You | |
Your favorite diocesan staff members will be making the tour of Texas again to visit Canterbury Clubs across the state. Go to school or work somewhere else near one of these sites? Let us know, and maybe we can meet up!
UT - Austin: Sunday, 9/13/26
TAMU - College Station: Sunday, 10/11/26
Texas Tech - Lubbock: Sunday, 10/25/26
For more details on our visits to your area, contact us.
| | |
Discovery Weekend #3
November 13 - 15
@ St. Matthew's, Universal City
| |
Did you know that discernment is for everyone? When people hear the word "discernment", they often associate it with the formal process for discerning a call to ordination. Well, discernment is actually something we should all be doing. If you're curious about how we do that in the Diocese of West Texas, then we have a weekend for you!
Discovery Weekend is a weekend for exploration of discernment. We will discuss the concept of vocation and God's call in our lives as Christ followers. We will explore the act of discernment as it applies to both lay and ordained persons in the Episcopal Church and in our diocese. Whether this is a first step toward learning more or the tenth step along your journey with discernment, this weekend is open to you and anyone who is interested in learning and discovering more!
| | Community of Saints Francis and Clare Cohort #2. Photo by: Lauren Vereen | | Community of Saints Francis and Clare Welcomes Second Cohort | | |
I had the honor of joining the the good people of St. Peter's, Kerrville for the commissioning of the second cohort of the Community of Saints Francis and Clare (CFC). Sitting in a front pew with two alumni from the inaugural cohort, we excitedly looked on as the newest members of the community were commissioned for a year of semi-monastic living - immersing themselves in prayer, service, study, and community living.
The second cohort will run from August 2026 - May 2027 and will include four amazing young adults. Brayden Ashorn from Sealy, TX, Hunter Cleland from Lynchburg, VA, and Grayson Myers from Asheville, NC are the newest community members. After completing the initial 5 month cohort, Bill Schneider from Kerrville, TX has returned to participate in this year's longer 10 month experience. Rev. Rich Nelson, Director of the CFC, remains at the helm of this amazing opportunity.
As much as I supported this new concept of intentional living proposed by the leadership of St. Peter's, Kerrville so long ago, I have grown to truly believe in the mission and vision of this community. I have witnessed the transformations that took place in each of the past cohort members, the way they were forced to navigate joys and challenges while learning to love one another, and all of the many ways that the cohort members and the communities of St. Peter's and Kerrville have embraced and supported each other along the way.
The Community of Saints Francis and Clare is a unique and rare opportunity for young adults to experience a way of living that not many people have the opportunity to experience. Minimizing the distractions of the world that we now live in, these young adults take on a rhythm of life that requires discipline and introspection. They are afforded the gift of time and space to listen, to discern, and to discover a more whole-hearted way of living with themselves, with each other, and with their creator. I cannot think of a better opportunity to provide our younger generations of believers, and I cannot wait to pay witness to impact it will have on this new batch of participants.
To learn more about the Community of Saints Francis and Clare, click here to read the latest laVentana article written by Rev. Rich Nelson, Director of the CFC.
~article submitted by Tami Woods, Director of College + Young Adult Ministries
| | Canterbury Club is Back in the Diocese of West Texas | | |
Over the past four years, the diocesan department of College + Young Adult Ministries has served as a “hub” for ministry in our diocese. The department has offered seed money in the form of small grants to any church or ministry partner interested in starting a ministry or project that would benefit college students and young adults. We have served as a resource for local and regional visioning and planning. We have partnered with churches who were already doing this ministry to support and discern future direction. We have partnered with other diocesan ministries to collaborate on how to incorporate our population more effectively. We have offered retreats, mission and service opportunities, and pilgrimage along the way. As a result of this work, we have watched as growing awareness and enthusiasm for college and young adult ministry has spread. We are contacted with new job openings for young people, approached constantly with new ministry and collaboration opportunities, and get to watch churches begin to identify the young adults in their congregations and discern how they can better serve their people. Across the diocese, there is a growing awareness and energy that is undeniable.
While work at the diocesan and congregational levels has been underway, we have always been increasingly present on campuses. Consistent time well spent has resulted in core groups of student leaders eager to grow these communities. They are asking for more time and presence from us, and we are eager to provide that for them. Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, we focused on establishing official student organizations on some of these campuses. Having official student organization status allows for increased visibility and marketing, access to spaces on campus, the ability to participate in university events and activities (such as student organization fairs, new student orientation, tailgating at sporting events, etc.), and so much more. Although overseen by the diocese, these Episcopal student organizations must be established by students, and it is not always a quick and easy process.
We are excited to report that we now have three official Episcopal Campus Ministry organizations (“Canterbury Clubs”) with another on the way. Canterbury Clubs are active at Trinity University in San Antonio, at the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, and at Texas State University in San Marcos. The process for developing an official Canterbury Club at the University of Texas - San Antonio will be underway this Fall....... Read More
| | |
We are hiring!
There are amazing job opportunities around the diocese. From internships to Youth Ministry positions, a variety of roles are available. Don't miss out on this chance to launch your professional vocation.
Click here to see job openings around the diocese or contact us for more details.
| | |
“Wholehearted living is about engaging with our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating the courage, compassion and connection to wake up in the morning and think, ‘No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.’ It’s going to bed at night thinking, ‘Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.”
~Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
| | |
Are you doing ministry to, for, or with college and young adults? Let us know!
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media for announcements for additional future gatherings.
| |
| | |
University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
Every Tuesday: Bible Study, 3:30-4:30pm @ BLIBRY Study Rooms (Brownsville Campus)
Every Friday: Coffee w/ John, 10:00am-12:00pm @ Reserva Coffee Roasters (Edinburg Campus)
Thursday (9/3 - 11/19): "Participating in the Emotional Life of God...." teaching series & dinner w/ Rev. Deepu George, 5:30-7:00pm @ ELABN 110 (Edinburg Campus)
12/3: Advent Instructed Eucharist, Edinburg Campus Chapel (Time TBD)
Contact:
John Morales
| | | |
| | |
Texas State, San Marcos
Every Tuesday: Coffee & Compline @ St. Mark's, 6:30-8:30pm
Every Wednesday: Coffee & Bible Study w/ Tami, 9:30-11:30 a.m. @ Mochas & Javas on LBJ
Every Thursday: Lunch Eucharist, 12:30-1:30pm @ LBJ Student Center Amphitheater
9/13: TX State vs UTSA Canterbury Tailgate, 11am-2:30pm @ TX State Lot 5 & Boko's Backyard
10/24: St. Mark's Chili Cook-off, 11:00am - 1:00pm @ St. Mark's, San Marcos (team details to come)
Contact:
Tami Woods
| | | |
| | |
UTSA, San Antonio
Every Sunday: Dinner & Bible Study, 7pm
Every Wednesday: Coffee w/ Walt, 10:00am - 12:00pm @ Indy Coffee Co on UTSA Blvd.
9/13: TX State vs UTSA Canterbury Tailgate, 11am-2:30pm @ TX State Lot 5 & Boko's Backyard
Contact:
Walt Buzzini
| | | |
| | |
Trinity, San Antonio
Every Tuesday: Dinner & Bible Study, 6pm @ Chapman Hall 151
Contact:
Walt Buzzini
| | | |
| | |
St. Philip's, San Antonio
Every Thursday: Coffee w/ Walt, 10:00am - 12:00pm @ Turbin Student Center
Contact:
Walt Buzzini
| | | |
| | |
Schreiner, Kerrville
Schedule TBA.
Contact:
Jenny Ligon
| | | | |
Young Adults
Contact the following people for details about Young Adult Ministry at their church.
| | |
Share your college students' or young adults' updated contact information, so College & Young Adult Ministries staff can support them. Don't worry, we won't spam you!
Click here to update our database with your newest contact information.
| | | | |
