Thursday, March 27, 2014

Diolog: Renovaré Conference, Episcopal Night with the Astros and More


Renovaré Conference, April 3-5

Join facilitator Richard Foster for this Diocesan-sponsored conference in Houston with keynoters Larry Crabb, Eugene Cho, Ruth Haley Barton and others. Click above to learn more.

Visit tinyurl.com/diologenews to sign up for this and other newsletters.

Free Clergy Spouse Retreat, April 4-5, at Camp Allen
This free retreat is an invitation from JoAnne Doyle, Larry Harrison and Susan Fisher for all active clergy spouses. Join for fun, food and fellowship. You can even sign up for skeet shooting or horseback riding. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 4 and ends April 5 at 3 p.m. Register here.

Sign Up Your Sharing Faith Dinner Coordinator!
Join us for an evening of small group conversations about faith, beginning with a simple, shared meal in parishioner homes. Every church is asked to identify a Dinner Coordinator for their church members' participation. The Dinner Coordinator will coordinate host families and moderators, communicate with parish members, register church members who don't have access to email, and facilitate parish member participation. Click here to register by April 1, 2014 or as soon as possible.  If you have any questions or will not be participating, please contact Gail McGuire in the Diocesan Office (gmcguire@epicenter.org).

Altar Guild Workship in Roundrock, March 29
Bishop Jeff Fisher and the Rev. Stuart Shelby will join this workshop on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more here.

Taizé Continues Texas Tour With Trip to Houston, April 25-27
We are blessed to have the brothers of Taizé with us this Spring. They are being hosted by St. John The Divine, Houston on April 25-27. These gatherings are part of Taize's "Pilgrimage of trust across the earth". Click here to learn more

Mike Endicott Visits Houston for Weekend of Healing Ministry
The Rev. Mike Endicott will return to St. John the Divine, Houston, for a weekend of healing ministry, April 30 - May 4. Learn more here.

Bayou City Service Corps Seeks Fellows for 2014-15
Young adults are encouraged to apply for Bayou City Service Corps. Bayou City is a year-long program starting in August that exists to provide young adults (ages 18-32) the time and space needed to search for truth, work for social and economic justice, live in community, and be challenged into a more deliberate way of life. Fellows will work at a Houston based non-profit. Benefits include housing, insurance, stipend and $2,000 end-of-service award. Participants do not have to be Episcopalian, so pass on to your friends of other faiths! Click here to read more or apply.

Join a National Gathering to Challenge Violence, April 9-11
Presentations, workshops and panel discussions examining violence in all its forms in American society, with a hard look at what can be done, are the elements of  a special Episcopal Church gathering: Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: An Episcopal Gathering to Challenge the Epidemic of Violence. Bishops, clergy and laity from throughout the Episcopal Church are invited to gather April 9 – 11 at the Reed Center and Sheraton in Oklahoma City, OK (Diocese of Oklahoma). Read more.

UTMB Learning Dinners in Galveston for Persons with Dementia, Tuesdays in April
Galveston area families, their loved ones with dementia, friends and caregivers are invited to attend. Following each gourmet buffet dinner a panel of dementia and Alzheimer's specialists will lead an interactive conversation. Panel leader is Dr. Mikaila Raji. Other panelists will enjoy dinner with the attendees. Click here to learn more.

Interfaith Ministries of Houston Hosts Spiritual Gathering for Women, April 24
This event will be hosted by the lovely women of the Arya Samaj of Greater Houston who will tell us all about their Hindu faith and traditions. Click here to learn more and register.



TENS Conference Opens Registration for June 6-7 Event
The theme for this year's TENS Stewardship Conference is Walking the Way. Sister Joan Chittister, The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, and The Rev. Canon Charles La Fond, Canon Steward at St. John's in Denver, will serve as keynote speakers. You can visit in person, sign up for a live webcast or a recorded webcast. Click here to learn more.



Sign Up for Diocesan Youth Music Camp, July 6-12
The Diocesan Music Commission will present Diocesan Music Camp for musicians in rising grades 4-8. The camp will be expanded to include both vocal and instrumental music instruction. Interested campers can apply here.  Scholarships are available.  For more information, contact Dr. Linda Patterson 979.836.7248.

Malawi Trip Seeks More Participants
Join other Episcopalians, June 12-29, and travel to our partner diocese in Southern Malawi to stay with local families, worship, participate in ministry and learn about their cultural history. You will learn what is being done to improve the lives of Malawians and where challenges still exist. A river safari is included. Cost is $3800 which covers airfare from Houston or Austin, accommodations, entrance fees and most meals. Partial scholarships are available. Email Nancy Parish at NancyP@stdave.org. For more information click here. Applications and a $500 must be submitted as soon as possible. Full payment will be required by April 14.

Walking the Mourner's Path Groups in Houston & Spring
Walking the Mourners' Path, a small group program for those mourning the death of a loved one, will be offered at Palmer, Houston and Holy Comforter, Spring. Meeting for 8 weeks on Tuesday evenings at Palmer and Sunday afternoons at Holy Comforter, the faith-based group will be led by trained facilitators and follows a curriculum. To learn more about the Palmer meeting, contact Sue Hamblen at essayhamblen@att.net. For the Holy Comforter meeting, contact Deacon Bob Lowry at 281.229.0194 or bob@holycomforterspring.org.

Register for THE Conference with Bishop Rob Wright, May 2-4
Bp. Rob Wright of Atlanta, joins Jamie Clark-Soles, author and professor of New Testament at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas as keynoters for THE CONFERENCE on evangelism, stewardship and formation, May 2-4, 2014. Learn more and register here

Office of Congregational Development Seeks Experienced Administrative Assistant
The Diocesan Office of Congregational Development seeks an experienced Administrative Assistant. This is a full-time, salaried position in the Houston Diocesan Center. Email resume and cover letter to Stephanie Taylor at staylor@epicenter.org Click here for a full job description

The Episcopal Health Foundation Has Several Job Openings
EHF has openings for Communications Director, Business Manager, Director of Impact, and Grants Director. Apply today!

More Upcoming Events

March 28 - Bishop Doyle Speaks at Houston ECW Luncheon

March 28 - St. Andrew's Downtown Dialogue, Bryan

March 30 - Matt Linn Visits St. George's, Texas City

March 31 - Matt Linn Gives Clergy Presentation at Diocesan Office

April 4 - An Evening of Poetry and Music at Trinity, Houston

April 5 - Lenten Quiet Day at St. James', Houston

April 6 - Little Church Club Meeting, Camp Allen

May 5 - Retreat for Retired Clergy, Spouses, and Retired Spouses

Click here for a full calendar.

Need a Different Job?
To see job opportunities, visit our employment page.

UPDATES & CHANGES

Change EmailClergy Contact Changes | E-News Archive | Employment Opportunities | EDOT Gallery | Safe Church Training | Supply Clergy  | Update Church Info | People & Places

Good Shepherding School for Lay Ministry Reopens in League City [more]

St. Andrew's, Bryan, Holds 'Lenten Journey with Thomas Merton' [more]

St. Andrew's Lenten PhotoFast Brings Focus to Lent [more]

Emmanuel, Houston, Makes Video of Cardboard Testimonies [more]

Teenager's Eagle Scout Project Creates Labyrinth at Katy Church [more]


Monday, March 24, 2014

HOB Daily Account for March 23


 

Office of Public Affairs

 

 

Episcopal Church House of Bishops Spring 2014 retreat meeting:

Daily Account for Sunday, March 23

 

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church is meeting in retreat at the Camp Allen Conference & Retreat Center in Navasota, TX (Diocese of Texas) from March 21 to March 26.  The following is an account of the activities for Sunday, March 23

 

The theme for the spring meeting of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops is How Shall We Sing The Lord's Song in a Strange Land?

 

The day began with Eucharist with Bishop Chilton Knudsen of New York www.dioceseny.org  presiding.  A reflection was presented by Bishop Scott Barker of Nebraska http://www.episcopal-ne.org/

 

Bishop Barker challenged the bishops to reach out to, and be a presence with, the people of God who feel that they are living in exile, wherever that exile may be.  They were challenged to appreciate the service they give to God and to their fellow sojourners in exile.

 

Sabbath time continued for the bishops on Sunday.  The bishops will gather on Sunday evening for further discussion.

 

 

Media Briefers for Sunday, March 23

Bishop Scott Hayashi, Diocese of Utah http://www.episcopal-ut.org/

Bishop Jay Magness, Armed Services and Federal Ministries  http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/federal-ministries

 

 

 

Diocese of Texas: http://www.epicenter.org/

 

Follow on Twitter #hobspring14

 

 

For more info contact:

Neva Rae Fox

Public Affairs Officer

The Episcopal Church

publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org

212-716-6080  Mobile: 917-478-5659

 

Episcopal HOB meeting: Daily Account for March 22, 2014


Public Affairs - Media Release

Media Release

The Episcopal Church
Office of Public Affairs

Episcopal HOB meeting: Daily Account for March 22, 2014

Episcopal Church House of Bishops Spring 2014 retreat meeting:
Daily Account for Saturday, March 22

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church is meeting in retreat at the Camp Allen Conference & Retreat Center in Navasota, TX (Diocese of Texas) from March 21 to March 26.  The following is an account of the activities for Saturday, March 22.

The theme for the spring meeting of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops is How Shall We Sing The Lord's Song in a Strange Land?

The day began with Morning Prayer, with a reflection presented by Bishop Mary Glasspool of Los Angeles followed by silent reflection and meditation. She shared her experience of moving from the East Coast to the "foreign land" of Southern California. Using the familiar Emmaus road story, she built up to talking about Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist saying, "And what we are  to recognize here, in the Eucharist – in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the wine at table – is Christ's Presence as the stranger becomes Companion.  And what we are to see, as well, is that the action doesn't stop at the table.  That, for us, is Emmaus. We are called to go back to Jerusalem – to go out into the world – in joyful witness to Christ's love. To feed the hungry; heal the sick; clothe the naked; free the oppressed; shelter the homeless; confront evil, sin and injustice and manifest, to the glory of God the power of the love that has overcome death."  She concluded her spirited charge to bishops:  "I suggest that, if you find that the strange land is where you live, you might consider rediscovering yourself so that you can be all of who you are. Offer hospitality and create space for the other…. And, above all, remember it's the LORD's song – so don't forget to sing it."  This gave the bishops plenty to pray about for the rest of the morning.

Bishop Eugene Sutton of Maryland presided at Eucharist. Prayers of the People were led by Bishop Barbara Harris of Massachusetts.

The emcee for the day was Bishop Paul Lambert of Dallas.

The bishops met with their provinces at lunch to discuss mutual and regional happenings and concerns.  They will meet with their classes in the evening.

Sabbath time will begin after dinner.

Note: on Friday evening, the House of Bishops honored Bishop Barbara Harris of Massachusetts on the 25th anniversary of her consecration. A resolution honoring her will be presented during the HOB business meeting on Tuesday.

 

 

Media Briefers for Saturday, March 22

Bishop Doug Fisher, Diocese of Western Massachusetts
Bishop William Franklin, Diocese of Western New York
Bishop Don Johnson, Diocese of West Tennessee

 

Follow on Twitter #hobspring14

 


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On the web:
Episcopal Church House of Bishops Spring 2014 retreat meeting:
Daily Account for Saturday, March 22

Friday, March 21, 2014

HOB Daily Account for March 21


 

Office of Public Affairs

 

 

Episcopal Church House of Bishops Spring 2014 retreat meeting:

Daily Account for Friday, March 21

 

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church is meeting in retreat at the Camp Allen Conference & Retreat Center in Navasota, TX (Diocese of Texas) from March 21 to March 26.  The following is an account of the activities for Friday, March 21.

 

The theme for the fall meeting of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops is How Shall We Sing The Lord's Song in a Strange Land?

 

The day began with Morning Prayer, followed by a retreat time. A reflection was offered by Bishop Lloyd Allen, Diocese of Honduras http://honduras.fedigitales.org/ using Exodus 14 to frame his work as bishop for reimagining the church in his diocese.

 

The emcee for the day was Bishop Dean Wolfe, Diocese of Kansas www.episcopal-ks.org .The afternoon started with announcements and the opportunity for bishops to have conversations at their tables.

 

Visitors to HOB include Bishop Raul Tobias of Iglesia Filipina Independent; Bishop Jonathan Hart of Liberia; Bishop James Tentgatenga of Southern Malawi.


The Rev. Brian Taylor of  Rio Grande and Joan Geiszler-Ludlum of East Carolina presented the work to date of the Task Force on the Study of Marriage. The bishops dedicated time to talking about the proposals from the Task Force, and provided input to the wider conversation of the church.

 

Bishop Andy Doyle of Texas, Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real, Bishop Sean Rowe of Northwestern Pennsylvania/Bethlehem and Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina presented the work to date of the Task Force for Reimagining The Episcopal Church (TREC). The bishops reviewed suggestions and presented their thoughts following discussion at their tables.

 

The day concluded with Eucharist. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori presided and preached.

 

Following dinner the bishops would gather for a private discussion session.

 

Media Briefers for Friday, March 21:

 

Bishop Gladstone (Skip) Adams, Diocese of Central New York www.cnyepiscopal.org

Bishop James Waggoner, Diocese of Spokane www.spokanediocese.org

 

 

Follow on twitter: #hobspring14


 

For more info contact:

Neva Rae Fox

Public Affairs Officer

The Episcopal Church

publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org

212-716-6080  Mobile: 917-478-5659

 

On the web:

Episcopal Church House of Bishops Spring 2014 retreat meeting:  Daily Account for Friday, March 21

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/notice/episcopal-church-house-bishops-spring-2014-retreat-meeting-daily-account-friday-march-21

Quotes

  • "Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a life and a living process." Samuel Taylor Coleridge
  • "Most people are willing to take the Sermon on the Mount as a flag to sail under, but few will use it as a rudder by which to steer." Oliver Wendell Holmes
  • "Perfection, in a Christian sense, means becoming mature enough to give ourselves to others." Kathleen Norris
  • "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." John Wesley
  • "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." G. K. Chesterton
  • "One of our great allies at present is the Church itself. Do not misunderstand me. I do not mean the Church as we see her spread out through all time and space and rooted in eternity, terrible as an army with banners. That, I confess, is a spectacle which makes our boldest tempters uneasy. But fortunately it is quite invisible to these humans." C. S. Lewis
  • "When we say, 'I love Jesus, but I hate the Church,' we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too. The challenge is to forgive the Church. This challenge is especially great because the church seldom asks us for forgiveness." Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey
  • "Christians are hard to tolerate; I don't know how Jesus does it." Bono
  • "It's too easy to get caught in our little church subcultures, and the result is that the only younger people we might know are Christians who are already inside the church." Dan Kimball