Prayers for Neighbors in Killeen and at Fort Hood

Prayers from around the Diocese for our friends and loved ones in Killeen.




Janet Gilmore commented on your status: "my prayers are with the survivors, those that will pray with them, and those who have lost men and women who have served in the military and how this will resurrect old grief. may God's healing and abundant presence give moments of peace to bodies, minds and spirits."



Kendall Wallin commented on your status: "Prayers for all victims, family, friends, and surrounding communities. Was hoping to see any expression of compassion from official Episcopal Church FB page by now, though. Maybe, Bishop Andy, you could pass that on."



James Tengatenga commented on your status:



"Amen and amen to all the prayers and support for all at Ft Hood. I add my prayers to all of you who have to minister to them."



Martha Frances commented on your status:



"Been praying for them ever since I heard the first news report."



Ann Marie Holliday commented on your status:



"I am a former member of St. Christopher's and send my prayers to Father Paul and his congregation as well as the many friends I have in Killeen and at Ft. Hood. Please let them know we love them!"



Jerry Lyle commented on your status:



"With Veteran's Day coming shortly, this tragedy will have a new meaning."



Jane posted something on your Wall and wrote:



"To our friends at St. Christopher's - you can not imagine how many people are sending love and prayers your way. May you feel the spirit as you minister to those in need and work through this horrific experience. Jane Mumey (St. Francis, Houston)"



Nancy Denmark commented on your status:



"loving and praying them through it"



Good Shepherd commented on your status:



"We're sending our prayers and love from Good Shepherd, Friendswood."



Jeff posted something on your Wall and wrote:



"Rich & Paul - amazing that we were together at Clericus in Cop Cove, just a few miles away from Ft. Hood, while the tragedy was unfolding. Peace & prayers. Jeff"





Fr. Reid: Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints,

where sorrow and pain are no more,

neither sighing, but life everlasting.



Tamara Clothier commented on your status:

"Gracious Father, be with all those suffering. Give them solace as well as strength today and the days to come. Keep refreshed those who are giving of themselves to those who are hurting and let them not be overwhelmed. In your name I humbly ask. Amen. "

Jason Haddox commented on your status:

"Prayers from New Jersey as well."

Roberta Vallantyne commented on your status:

"Oh Lord, help us be strong. Give us the words to say. Remind us be to like Jesus in all that we do when helping others. Comfort those who are serving the people in this time and surround all the families and friends with your arms."

Lynda Nelson commented on your status:

"Praying for all of those families and friends who are affected by this meaningless tragedy. Our hearts go out to them. May God bless all those who are dedicated to helping them in every way. Let us find it in our hearts to forgive, also."

Add to the prayers by adding a comment:

December Calendar

2 10:00 a.m. Celebrate Feast of St. Andrew, St. Andrew’s School, Austin


6:30 p.m. Parish Meeting, St. James’, Austin

3 11:30 a.m. Eucharist and Lunch with East & West Harris Convocation Priests

4 4:00 p.m. Open House and Dedication, Austin Diocesan Center

6 11:00 a.m. Trinity, the Woodlands, CF

8-9 Executive Board, Camp Allen

9 7:00 p.m. Holy Apostles, Katy, CF

11 6:00 p.m. Clergy Christmas Party, Houston

12 2:00 p.m. St. Martin’s, Houston, CF

13 8:30 a.m. Christ Church, Temple, CF

18 10:00 a.m. Church Corporation, Diocesan Center

6:00 p.m. Diocesan Staff Christmas Party, Houston

20 10:30 a.m. St. James, La Grange, CF

24 11:00 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

26 10:30 a.m. Boxing Day Celebration for Lord of the Streets, Houston

New Hitchhiker's Guide To Luke

Under construction: 

We are underway for year C!  I have begun the construction of the new Hitchhiker's Guide To Luke site, with lots of information and links to help "read, mark, and inwardly digest" the Gospel of Luke.  Click on  the link to be redirected to the new site.

Clergy Conference

After Tuesday's downpour of much needed rain, today's sunshine is glorious. Beautiful day at Camp Allen with clergy from throughout the diocese gathered until Wednesday for annual Clergy Conference. We invited clergy from the Diocese of Ft. Worth to join us and are delighted that several were able to join us. It is a blessing to host these folks and share our many resources with them and encourage them in their ministry.  After a presentation on the new vision and priorities of the diocese, our clergy gathered in small groups to add their input to make sure we get it right. We had a great hymn sing last evening and then a concert by jazz singer Kat Edmonson, daughter of our own Sue Edmonson, who works at the diocesan center in Houston. She is incredible! 

We are blessed with some of the finest clergy in The Episcopal Church today and we hope this conference nourishes and refreshes them.  Here are a few pictures from Tuesday.

Debbie Hillick

It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that Debbie Hillick, who worked in the diocesan database services as a continuing education associate, died unexpectedly this morning just after arriving at work. Debbie worked with many people throughout the diocese while she maintained the more than 30,000 names on our Texas Episcopalian mailing list, helped those who needed to obtain lay licenses, coordinated background checks for laity and kept up with continuing education hours for our clergy. Debbie was a steady person in every storm and managed all her multiple duties with grace, kindness and dedication.

Debbie prayed before coming into the office every day. She enjoyed singing hymns to the Lord. She loved Jesus and she loved us. She was a light, and we love her.  I was blessed to be invited to be with the family this morning at the hospital, to witness their love and friendship and care for each other and for Debbie.  I believe they would each tell you that she inspired this love within the family.  Debbie's death affects both Christ Church Cathedral and St. Mark's, Houston as her brother in law (John) and sister (Laura) work in these congregations.

I ask your prayers for Debbie and her family as well as the Diocesan Staff who all miss her already. She leaves behind two married sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. They are a great family.  Debbie was a good and kind person.  We give thanks to God for her life and her work in our community.
 
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Debbie. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.  Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.  Amen.
 
May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.