Volume 113, No.

10 Houston, Texas December 2010

Earthquake Doesn’t
Beaunissant, 14, speaks some
English. He is tall and athletic,

Legacy Stewardship is
preferring sports to video games. He’d
like to be a scientist or a pilot one day.

Shake
Model forHaitian
Tellelpsen Spirit
When I ask the boys what life
is like now in Port-au-Prince, Dean’o

Family tells me that everything is changing a

lot. “There’s lots of building, but some
people still don’t have houses – they live
in tents in the park,” he says.
“The cathedral broke off in the
earthquake,” Beaunissant says. “At
4:22, everything was beautiful, and two
minutes later, it broke off.” Beaunissant
was in the music school when it
collapsed. He said he didn’t know what
to do – go get some help or help other
people. “What did you do?” I asked. “I
ran,” he said.
Presiding Bishop Dean’o, Yesehua and Beaunissant
Katherine Jefferts are all living in houses now, but they
are all very worried about the cholera
Schori will epidemic Dean’o explains is “ravaging
celebrate at the Haiti.” Yesehua quotes that 6,350 people
100th anniversary have died and nine million are in the
of St. Andrew’s, hospital. (At press time, the actual death
Les Petits Chanteurs, a Haitian Episcopal children’s choir is touring to raise funds to rebuild their music school.
toll was 1,100 with 20,000 infected)
page 6. They don’t know anyone who is sick
By Eliza McAllister
now, but they are concerned for their

O
n January 12, 2010, the Holy Trinity Cathedral complex in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was completely families. While they are touring Texas,
destroyed in the catastrophic earthquake that devastated the island nation. Les Petits Chanteurs they fear that their families back in Port-
(The Little Singers) is the boys choir of Holy Trinity Music School based at the Episcopal Cathedral au-Price may be sick. Dean’o is afraid
complex. The choir is a select group of singers ranging in age from 8 to 18. for his mother and his baby sister, but
Les Petits Chanteurs has just completed a Texas concert tour to raise funds to help rebuild their school. tells me that he can’t call them because
The spirited singers performed for more than 3,000 people at many benefit and school concerts, and chapel they told him not to use the phone. He
performances. In addition to raising more than $10,000, they also raised awareness of the musical traditions of says the taxes on the long-distance call
Haiti and collected more than 80 donated musical instruments to take home. are very expensive.
I talked with three of the boys from Les Petits Chanteurs just before their performance at St. Stephen’s I ask the boys what we can do to
Episcopal School, Austin. Though not related, they call one other “brothers.” They told me that all of the boys help make things better in Haiti and
in the choir call each other brothers. Yesehua says, “I don’t know how to make
Dean’o is 12 and speaks perfect English. He spent six months living with relatives in Yonkers, New York, things better. I’m not the president.”
after the earthquake, but he’s back in Port-au-Prince now. Dean’o is very well-spoken and polite, and kindly “If you can help us, we will be
offers to help me with translation. glad,” Dean’o says.
Yesehua, 13, speaks little English other than the names of video gaming systems. “Xbox” seems to be The Rev. David Cesar is the music
universal. He is slight and has a lovely soprano voice. school director. Before their final song
See Les Petits Choir, page 19

INSIDE
Bishops’ Calendars......................... 20
Bishop’s Column.............................. 2
Calendar of Events........................... 5
Diocesan News...................... 7-16 The new Texas Episcopalian quarterly
National & International..... 18-19 magazine will begin publication
Sam Todd’s Column..................17
March 1, 2011. Join us online for
1 breaking news at www.epicenter.org.
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010
 Go Tell It On the Mountain
I
n the East Region
of the Diocese of
Texas, there is a
small community called
Uncertain, next to Caddo
Lake. Well, if you’re uncertain
where Uncertain is, you are part of the
majority of East Texans! It is about
three miles northeast of Karnack
(home of the late Lady Bird Johnson)
and straight north of Waskom. So
why do I mention Uncertain? The name
of this community reminds me, as strange
as it may sound, of the Advent season. I am
not uncertain of Advent and what the season
means to Christians in the diocese. Again
we begin the wonderful cycle of preparation
and anticipation of the birth of the Savior
of the world. Along this journey we discover
anew our individual and corporate roles as Jesus’
followers, His Disciples.
In the second Advent Sunday Gospel
reading, John the Baptizer points to his cousin
as the One who will save the world. For me,
John is not too subtle a model for each of us, as
we are called on to continually point to Christ
and His life and ministry. We know and believe
we have been empowered by God’s Holy Spirit
The Texas Episcopalian (since 1897) is an official
publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
Mission: In the name of Jesus Christ, the Texas Episcopalian
seeks to inform the people in the diocese of events and
philosophies which affect the mission and life of the Church.
Publisher: The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle
Editor: Carol E. Barnwell, cbarnwell@epicenter.org
Layout: LaShane K. Eaglin, leaglin@epicenter.org
The Texas Episcopalian (ISSN# 1074-441X) is
published monthly except July and August for $15 a year
by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 1225 Texas Ave.,
Houston, TX 77002-3504. Periodical postage paid at
Houston, Texas. Deadline is the 10th of the month
preceding publication. Articles, editorials and photos
should be submitted to the editor at the above e-mail
address. Photos will not be returned. Address changes
can be made at www.epicenter.org/infochange.
Postmaster: Address changes: THE TEXAS EPISCOPALIAN,
1225 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002-3504
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010
at our baptism and confirmation to become Jesus’ disciples. the uniqueness of the
We are commissioned and commanded to point to Christ way each congregation
through our daily living of life, through our words of witness does Sunday Eucharist
of His power in our lives, to invite others to join us in our (“By the way Bishop,
faith communities in this diocese, and to make a difference here in this church we
in other people’s lives. always do this…would
On a more personal note, I want to let you know that you mind?”) We have
I have decided to retire at the end of April. I shared this been touched deeply
news with clergy at our annual conference in late October by your warmth, and
so it may or may not be news to you. I wish to state what we have been excited
a privilege and honor it has been for me to serve as one of about the diversity of
your bishops suffragan these past seven years of ministry. As ministries you carry
I remember those bishops suffragan who have gone before out in Christ’s name. Bishop Suffragan Rayford B. High, Jr.
me (and I have known each of them!), I am so very humbled You, the Diocese of
to have served alongside them. And, I am equally humbled Texas, have been and continue to be part of our family.
to have served with my long-time, dear friend and fellow Bless you all as you continue to carry out Christ’s work and
bishop, Dena Harrison. During my almost 30 years in mission in the months and years to come.
this diocese, I have been blessed to have as my bishops Ben Ed Note: There will be a reception in honor of Bishop Rayford
Benitez, Claude Payne, Don Wimberly and Andy Doyle, all and Pat High on February 11, 2011, following the opening
who have been and are very close friends. Eucharist for the 162nd Council in The Woodlands. Tickets to
Pat and I have served most of our 44 years of ministry in the event are $50 and reservations can be made at: http://tiny.
the Diocese of Texas. I spent the first 15 years in our daughter cc/mzgjj
Diocese of West Texas. You all, clergy and laity alike, have
been so hospitable and welcoming to us, and we have truly
loved visiting congregations in our diocese. I will forever
remember the delicious covered-dish meals after church, the
hot sauces you offered me, the elaborate signs for my parking The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr.
space, the wide range of ages of my “Bishop’s Chaplains,” Bishop Suffragan of Texas
Advent: Retelling the Most Sacred Stories
W
hen I was little I remember getting all dressed up with my mother and going to the Foley’s Department
Store in downtown Houston. To this day we still go and dig out the old photos to see the corduroy-
jumpered siblings with Santa. We look back and remember who we are and where we have been. This
seems to make some difference in where we are going and who we are to become.
In the Magnificat, Mary is praising God for what God has done for Israel in the past and for what God is
doing in the present. God has freed Israel from Egypt. God is freeing his people again from hunger, poverty and
oppression. God will be about the work of being faithful to all who remember Him and call upon God's name from
generation to generation.
We can’t separate Mary's beautiful speech from our sacred story of Christianity. We remember how God
delivered Israel, and also the mighty acts of Jesus Christ. We remember His healing of the sick and His preaching of
a life transformed that we may join Him, laboring ourselves with Him for the reign of God. And, we remember His
death removing the stumbling block of sin, and his resurrection and Pentecost which sends us forth into new life.
Advent is a time of retelling the most sacred and central story of our Christian faith: the unique revelation of
Jesus Christ and the Good News of Salvation, transforming and changing the world. It is a time of reflection about
how we have come to know Jesus and have followed Him.
We do this so that in the days to come, we might join Jesus Christ in ushering in the reign of God. The world
is longing to hear Mary's song again but this time, proclaimed with our voices as we leave our places of worship and
herald the Good News of God's deliverance.
Our souls are leaping to magnify the Lord and our spirits are rejoicing in God our Savior.
God of the everlasting covenant, as your servant David leapt and danced before the ark, so John the Baptist leapt in the
womb of Elizabeth when Mary came bearing within her the promised One. As Christ stands in our midst today, let our
hearts leap with joy and excitement as we are beckoned into mission,
and let us follow Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
IX Bishop of Texas
2
 PARISH NEWS

Austin Vestry Denounces Bullying

D
uring its October meeting, the vestry at St. New Jersey; and Billy
David’s, Austin, unanimously passed a resolution Lucas, 15, Indiana;
in response to the recent spate of bullying incidents Whereas, by virtue of our
related to issues of sexual identity. Baptismal Covenant, we
“This is a simple thing to do, but it seemed important are called to "persevere
to us to state explicitly and publicly our commitment to in resisting evil," to
ensure that our church be and remain a safe place for all,” "proclaim by word and
said Timothy Parker, a member of the church’s governing example the good news
board. of God in Christ," to
St. David’s associate priest for youth ministry, the Rev. "seek and serve Christ
Beth Magill, organized a November 14 program for youth in all persons," and
focusing on the issue of bullying. The program included a "strive for justice and
discussion on “What is your responsibility when it comes peace among all people,
to bullying - not only as a friend - but as a Christian?” and and respect the dignity
“How does bullying disguise itself in our everyday lives?” of every human being;"
“Bullying does not discriminate based on sexual and,
orientation,” Magill said. “It is a tragic and deadly trend
in our schools. Honesty and openness about sexuality is Whereas, in the words
difficult at any age. As a teenager, it can be paralyzing. The of the 2009 Strategic
good news is that we can do something about this. We each Planning Phase One
have a responsibility to be present in the lives of our youth, Draft Report to the
offering reminders of their belovedness as members of the vestry of St. David's,
Body of Christ.” "we are called to provide
a suspended, dynamic,
The St. David’s resolution on bullying reads: creative space in which
Resolution Concerning Bullying, Sexual Orientation, all the diverse elements 2. proclaims the entirety of the community of the parish,
and the Parish as a Sacred and Safe Place for All God’s of our community may be spiritually refreshed;" in its life together of worship and mission, in liturgical
Children and educational activities, and in other events sponsored
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that St. David's Episcopal Church by the church, to be a safe place for all people.
Whereas, the particular vulnerability of youth regarding unreservedly:
matters of sexual orientation is especially evident in light An online petition sponsored by Integrity Austin, has
1. denounces all forms of bullying, including those been set up a petition against bullying. Learn more at: www.
of the five teens who took their own lives in the month of directed towards young people on the basis of their
September: Raymond Chase, 19, Rhode Island; Seth Welsh, ipetitions.com/petition/texasclergybullying/.
sexual orientation, and
13, California; Asher Brown, 13, Texas; Tyler Clementi, 18,

Iconography: A Sacred Art Form

Christ Church Cathedral to offer Icon Writing Class
By Wick Rowland writer is inspired by the Holy Spirit through prayer. $12 per student hour of instruction and includes all supplies
Christ Church Cathedral will offer an icon-writing (gesso board, palette, brushes, gilding clay, 24-karat gold

R
ecently there has been a resurgence of interest in
iconography by members of the many branches of
the Christian faith. The word “iconography” comes
from the Greek words ‘eikon’ meaning ‘image’ and ‘graphos’
meaning ‘to write.’
The practice of the sacred art of iconography began
between the fourth and sixth centuries A.D. Its purpose was
to ensure that the teachings of the Gospels remained clear and
undistorted. The iconographer strives to represent spiritual
truths as set forth by the Church instead of any personal
interpretation of these truths. This is the main difference
between icons and religious paintings, which show the artist’s
opinion or perception of a particular figure or event.
Faces and features in icons are not realistic portraits
but symbolic likenesses transfigured by the power of the
Holy Spirit. For this reason icons are sometimes referred to
as windows into heaven. Icons are not simply works of art
although they can be admired as such. They are part of an act
of worship, of prayer. Icons are “written” not painted, as the
workshop by master iconographer, Irene Perez-Omer, on leaf and all necessary pigments and tools). Becoming a
three weekends in January, February and March of 2011. practitioner of this beautiful and sacred art form has been
Instead of a week-long class, planners hope this will allow life changing for many.
participants who work during the week to attend. No For more information or
previous art experience is required to attend. Space is limited. to register, contact Wick
Perez-Omer teaches the 15th century technique of Rowland at wickr@mac.
egg tempera on solid wood panels in the Russian Byzantine com or 713.520.5611.
style. This method reflects the holiness of the icon and does The historical
not contain anything synthetic or artificial. Materials used, and theological
in addition to the wood panels, are natural gesso and glues, information about
clay, 24-karat gold leaf, pigments made from natural dyes iconography used in
and ground stones, eggs and water. this article comes from
The writing of icons is a contemplative task. Prayer and Irene Perez-Omer.
contemplation begin and end each step of the icon writing For a more detailed
process. Everything involved in the writing of a liturgical icon explanation about the
has spiritual meaning tied to Scripture and the symbolism of history and practice
each step of the process is discussed in class. of iconography see
This class will be writing an icon of Saint Mary her website at www.
Mary Magdalene by Caroline Furlong
Magdalene. The tuition is $575, which works out to about iconarts.com.

3 Texas Episcopalian • December 2010

 PARISH NEWS

St. Andrew’s, Bryan St. Andrew’s, Pearland

CROP Walk raises funds to aid groups
That’s a lot of Pumpkin Pie Tyler Chaplain Takes
S t. Andrew’s, Pearland, sold more than $60,000 worth of
pumpkins this fall to net more than $24,000 for their
Gospel on the Road
outreach ministries. Their final stats: 4 loads of pumpkins,
37 days of sales, 185 two-hour shifts for 1477 volunteer
hours, 3000 fliers, 450 trick-or-treaters and more than 5,600
pieces of candy and toys handed out, 100 bales of hay, 250
pallets, 75 wheelbarrows of stinky pumpkins hauled to the
dumpster, visits from 20 school groups, 700 children and 50
stories read=one very active, happy faith community.

Jim and Erin Kracht at the crop walk .
S t. Andrew’s, Bryan, joined other area churches to raise
more than $12,500 in the annual Brazos Valley CROP
Hunger Walk in late October to help “end hunger one step
at a time” through Church World Service, the Brazos Church
Pantry and the Brazos Valley Food Bank. St. Andrew’s
coordinator, Carolyn Jaros, said that the event not only
brings the Episcopal Churches together, but the funds raised
help fight hunger both worldwide and at home in the Brazos
Valley.
St. John the Divine, Houston
Good Shepherd, Tomball
Taking it to the Streets, Literally
“ So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone
you find.” Matthew 22:9
The Rev. Kirkland Knight, chaplain at All Saints’
Good Shepherd, Tomball, had a float in the Tomball
Episcopal School, Tyler, traveled to Lindale recently to
Parade, an annual city event parishioners met up early to
be the visiting chaplain for the 2-5 year olds at St. Luke’s
decorate the float and tie-dye t-shirts so no one would miss
Episcopal School. He explained the story in Luke’s
them once the festivities started. The church annually offers
Gospel of Zacchaeus to the more than 50 students
their campus for the staging of the parade, a great way to
during a specially designed Morning Prayer service for
show their hospitality and make others aware of the church.
their age group.
Good Shepherd’s rector, the Rev. Dan Dunlap, has
committed to be a mentor for a Tomball area fourth grader

Focus on Human Trafficking

and encourages his parishioners to join him in serving the
many young people who need a suitable role model in their
Holy Spirit, Houston
Holy Spirit Pits Dads Against Coaches
S t. John the Divine will participate in a human trafficking
conference in Houston aimed at educating and mobilizing
the faith-based community, February 26, 201. From pastors
lives. “Though the commitment is relatively small,” Dunlap
said, “it makes a huge difference.”

to artists to truckers and attorneys, there is something for

everybody. You will learn everything you ever wanted to
know about local and global human trafficking and discover
practical ways to combat this injustice. Choose from a variety
St. David’s Continues Its
of breakout sessions with speakers from IJM, Children at
Risk, SMU, World Vision and a host of other speakers from
Work with GreenFaith
academic institutions, law enforcement, non-profits, and Certification Program
faith based groups. View the topics and a partial listing of
By Jeannie Sablatura
speakers’ biographies at www.freethecaptiveshouston.com.

Holy Trinity School, Houston T he designer and maker of the earth established the earth,
not creating it to be a wasteland, but designing it to be

T
lived in. Is. 45:18 he Rev. David Puckett, rector of Holy Spirit, Houston,
Honor Veterans Throughout the world, Christian communities donned a BIG bow tie to emcee the school’s booster

H oly Trinity students honored veterans and active duty
military on Veterans’ Day. The program included
young student tappers who danced to It’s a Grand Old Flag, a
color guard from student scouts, and a PowerPoint honoring
our families who have served in the military. Included in
those pictures were Richard Hawley and Deacon Jerry
Critchlow of Good Shepherd Episcopal School. Critchlow
also spoke to the students about his military experience at a
young age. The other speaker was fifth grader, Hunter Burk,
whose father is in Kuwait.
St. Catherine of Sienna, Missouri City
Kids Rule
R aising Great Kids is an adult class to teach parenting
with grace and truth. The church’s newsletter suggests
bringing the kids to Sunday School, grabbing a cup
of coffee and coming to the class. Interested in more
information to do something similar in your congregation?
Contact Elizabeth Hendrie at efh@entouch.net.
are recognizing that they are called to care for creation
and are putting their beliefs into action for the earth.
St. David’s parishioners will take part in the challenging
GreenFaith Certification Program, the first-ever interfaith
environmental certification program for houses of worship.
Over the next two years, St. David’s will undertake a large
number of environmental initiatives to earn recognition as a
GreenFaith Sanctuary.
The vestry adopted a resolution in support of the
undertaking, and the Rev. David Boyd, rector, added his
voice to the commitment. A Green Team, with members
across many different areas of the church, will oversee
and assist with the project and an Environmental Mission
Statement will guide efforts in the coming two years and
beyond.
It reads as follows: We believe that God entrusted all
of creation to our safekeeping and that we are therefore
called to be responsible stewards of God's beloved earth.
Accordingly, St. David's commits to take an ever active and
holistic approach to environmental stewardship through
education, service, and sustainable practices.
club’s first ever dads vs. coaches basketball game. The Rev.
Patrick Hall refereed while the “Saints” went wild.
Finally, the Green Team has recently conducted
comprehensive institutional audits and is using the results
to craft an environmental action plan for the next two years.
GreenFaith is one of the oldest religious-environmental
coalitions in the world and will provide St. David’s with
guidelines, assistance and resources to help it become an
environmental leader integrating environmental themes
into worship, religious education, facility maintenance, and
social outreach. Parishioners will also be encouraged to take
meaningful steps to green their own lives.
Through this process, St. David’s has the chance to
play an important leadership role in the development of an
environmentally just and sustainable world and to protect
creation for future generations. This is one of the great
moral challenges of our time, and St. David’s is committed
to responding.

Texas Episcopalian • December 2010 4

 PARISH NEWS

Sandy Verses Lead to

Deeper Contemplation
By Kit Wallingford

W here better than a beach to hold a poetry and prayer

retreat? Parishioners and friends of St. Timothy’s,
Lake Jackson, gathered at Surfside Beach on October 22-23
to “Upset the Ordinary.” Richard Osler, Canadian poet and
retreat facilitator, led participants through an exploration of
how the ordinary stuff of our lives can be the raw material
of poetry-as-prayer.
Richard spoke of poetry—like prayer—as an offering
to God, an offering of the truth of our lives. He read poems
and encouraged us to pay close attention to the images the
world offers, then to let the raw material of what we see and
hear be transformed inside us. The miracle of creativity
may happen: words may seem to write themselves on the
blank page in front of us.
Or - we may struggle and suffer, and nothing whatsoever
may happen. We all know that writing takes hard work, and
Richard made us want to work hard, guiding us through
Members of the Hannah Chapter Daughters of the King at Christ Church, Tyler, donated a window in the newly redecorated
narthex. The Rev. David Luckenbach, rector, and The Rev. Stephen Stine, deacon and DOK chaplain recently dedicated the
exercises designed to draw out what is deep inside us, then
window. turned us loose to write. It takes courage to go to those deep
places, and even more courage to stand in front of a group
and read our work out loud. Many of us wrote very personal
poems, so we felt as though we were exposing not only our
Dear Editor: Regarding Bishop Harrison’s ‘startling’ revelation that atheists writing but our very selves. Through the whole process, the
and agnostics know more about religion than Episcopalians-Umm, where has
prayerful support of the community held us up.
the Church been since the middle ages?? We should have learned from the
By the end of the retreat, we knew more about how
renaissance, if not the bloody wars from the Protestant Reformation through
to write poems and, more importantly, we knew more
the English internecine struggles that blind teaching of a flawed religion
about who we are in relation to the world around us, and in
yields ignorant, intolerant zealots.
relation to the Source of all life.
Specifically, here is what is NOT taught: The weekend was the brainchild of the Revs. Andrew
1. People cannot prove the existence or non-existence of God, nor can and Liz Parker, and Andy has announced that Richard will
they prove the Messianic Resurrection of Yeshua of Nazareth. return next year for a fall retreat. In the meantime, perhaps
2. Prof. Kirk Gödel, a noted mathematician, proved that you can’t prove we can do a better job than before of upsetting the ordinary.
anything, not even that. Ergo, faith is faith, not proof. You need to accept that. This Mary Oliver poem gives us hope.
Also, the Bible is theology, not history.
3. The four gospels are not original source documents. Matthew, Mark, and Luke It doesn’t have to be
are derivations/variants of the Q Gospel. John is not derived from Q; nor is its original source
known; however, the opening lines, “In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was God” were plagiarized the blue iris, it could be
from Philo of Alexandria (ca 45 BCE).
4. There were great gobs of Gospels before the Conference at Nicaea. The current ones were selected to end the
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
bickering among the various bishops, evangelists and philosophers. The main reason for the consolidation was that small stones;
Roman Emperor Constantine declared that he would make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire,
provided that the various Christian sects could define a common set of beliefs and references. None of the rejected just pay attention, then patch
Gospels will ever be examined, and the reasons for their rejection shall remain forever sealed.
5. The Didache, really a better source document on Christianity than the Gospels, is missing in action when it
comes to teaching our youth (aka high school students) our fundamental beliefs. a few words together and don’t try
6. Jesus never said “Thou.” Thou is an Elizabethan English construct that was spelled “You,” the ‘Y” was
pronounced as “th.”
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
7. Church hierarchy has always viewed any real examination of Christian history, philosophy and beliefs as heresy. a contest but the doorway
The Church educational culture still has the medieval view that only those students enrolled in a sanctioned university
are permitted to question church doctrine seriously, and then only for the purpose of refuting politically incorrect
doctrine (a la Martin Luder {often Anglicized as Luther} when he enrolled at Wittenburg and published his findings into thanks, and a silence in which
on a church door).
8. Christian formation will always remain ten miles wide and a millimeter thick because few people will go outside another voice may speak.
the bounds of the Sunday school comfort zone.
from Thirst (Beacon Press, 2006)
James A. Babb, Good Shepherd, Friendswood

5 Texas Episcopalian • December 2010

 Calendar

Calendar Presiding Bishop to Visit the

December
Diocese of Texas in January
4 50+ Christmas Eucharist and luncheon at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston. Please Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori will
bring a room deodorizers, Kleenex, shampoo, toothpaste or toothbrush for distribution visit the Diocese of Texas January 14-16, 2011,
at the diocesan retirement community, St. James’ House. Lunch $10.00. Reservations: to celebrate 100 years of ministry at St. Andrew’s
Maggie Vaughner 713.524.7983. Eucharist is at 11 a.m., lunch at 12 noon. Contact in the Heights, Houston.
Barbara Groves for more information at barbaras@grippingeyewear.com. She will celebrate and preach at a choral
9 Advent speaker series, St. Andrew’s, Bryan, Dean and President of the Seminary of the Eucharist at St. Andrew’s on Friday evening
Southwest, the Very Rev. Douglas Travis will speak at 7 p.m. on the true significance of beginning at 6:30 p.m. A reception follows.
giving and receiving gifts. A children’s program will be offered. Contact communications@ Bishop Jefferts Schori will also visit several
standrewsbcs.org, 979.822.5187, for more information. outreach ministries and attend the Lord of the
Streets Eucharist at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.
12-14 Retreat for recovering persons, their families and friends at Camp Allen. Soul Food “We are honored, delighted and grateful for
Weekend will focus on the Twelve-Step Program, steps 11 and 12, meditation, prayer the opportunity to host the PB and to have her
and spiritual awakening. For more information, contact Sandi Raney, 281.727.6917 or
with us to celebrate this century milestone in our
email Sandi_Raney@att.net. Register at http://tinyurl.com/24fay2n.
parish life of ministry,” said the Rev. Barbara
16 Advent speaker series, St. Andrew’s, Bryan, Steven Bishop, associate professor of Old Lewis, rector of St. Andrew’s.
Testament at SSW will be the featured speaker. Guests are welcome to the potluck Lewis sent an invitation to the Presiding
and presentation. A children’s program will be offered. Contact communications@ Bishop more than a year ago asking her to
standrewsbcs.org or call 979.822.5187 for more information. attend the anniversary and was thrilled when she
accepted.
19 Musical Reflections on the Windows of St. Andrew’s organ recital series by Alan
“This is a great gift to our parish. I believe she is a beacon of hope and source of
Strong, director of music at St. Andrew’s, Bryan. The recital at 2:30 p.m. will feature
the Nativity window, including music of Advent. Visit www.standrewsbcs.org for more confidence to so many in this and other dioceses,” she added. Watch the website at www.
information. epicenter.org for further details about the visit.

January
27 American Boychoir at Resurrection, Austin, at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $20
($30 at the door) through the church’s office. Call 512.459.0027 or e-mail ecraustin@
ecraustin.org for further information.

February
7 Seminary of the Southwest Online School offers four noncredit courses. Courses run
through March 25, 2011, $170 per course, 20 hours CEUs per course. Details at www.
ssw.edu/curriculum/online. Registration deadline is January 31, 2011.

11-12 162nd Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, The Woodlands, hosted by
EDOT Gallery Features
Icons in Advent
the San Jacinto Convocation. Registration is now online at www.epicenter.org.

26 2011 Free the Captives Houston Anti-Human Trafficking Conference, 8 a.m. - 12

I
noon at Lazybrook Baptist Church, 1822 W. 18th Street St., Houston, TX 77008. More
information at freethecaptiveshouston.com cons and Saints at the EDOT Gallery features icons from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Art Instructor Beatrice Baldwin and four of her students along with icons by Houston
28-March 2 Abundant Living Retreat at Camp Allen. Visit www.campallen.org for artist Caroline Furlong.
information or call 979.825.7175. $185 per person includes lodging, food and program The show runs through December at the Diocesan Center, 1225 Texas Ave. in
for caregivers, family and seniors. downtown Houston. A reception will be held December 3 from 5-7 p.m. The show can also
be seen online at: www.epicenter.org.
Integrity Houston Eucharist To submit work for consideration in the EDOT Gallery, send 10-12 numbered images
(in high resolution, jpg format) on a CD to the curator, Marilyn Biles, 29 Wynden Oaks
(followed by dinner)
Drive, Houston, Texas 77056; 713.840.1098. Include a biography/resume with a brief
Third Friday of the month at 7:00 p.m. description of the work to be considered. Please include a hard copy of the numbered images,
Golding Chapel at Christ Church Cathedral title, media, dimensions and date. All work chosen for exhibit must be hand delivered. Ten
1117 Texas Avenue, Houston percent of any sales will be donated to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas to further programs of
the gallery. Episcopal artists are encouraged to register with Episcopal Church Visual Arts
Free P a r k i n g i n t h e C a t h e d r a l G a r a g e a t Te x a s a n d S a n J a c i n t o
(ECVA) online at www.ecva.org to receive notifications of national calls for art.

Texas Episcopalian • December 2010 6


Women/Children Benefit from ECW Grants
The diocesan Episcopal Church
Women awarded two grants for new
outreach projects that benefit women
and children within the Diocese of
Texas. These went to the Horizon
School, for developmentally challenged
children, located on the grounds of
Good Shepherd, Friendswood, and to the
shower ministry at St. Mark’s, Austin.
The mission of the Horizon School, according
to founder Lori Ferazzi, is to provide an educational
opportunity for children with Down syndrome that will
enable each student to reach their full academic potential.
The grant will help ensure that the newly founded school can
continue to operate until it can enroll enough students to
fund its operations. You can read more about the Horizon
School in the November edition of the Texas Episcopalian
online at www.epicenter.org.
Last summer, members of the St. Mark’s began
participating in the Woman-to-Woman Program (W2W)
at Trinity Center, a faith-based organization that serves
the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people
experiencing homelessness and poverty in inner-city Austin.
Trinity Center is located at St. David’s Church.
The W2W Program is a time of devotion, breakfast and
fellowship. Volunteers assist “neighbors,” as Trinity clients are
called, “shopping” for clean, gently-used clothes, accessories,
shoes and toiletry items from the Center’s clothing closet.
ECW Takes on Local and
Foreign Mission Initiatives
By LisaDiane Etheredge
T
he Rev. Elizabeth Parker used St. Teresa of Avila as a
model for Episcopal Church Women at their 109th
Annual retreat in Beaumont, October 15 and 16.
Parker challenged attendees to be compassionately curious
about their weakness, just as Teresa was, and said, “…for that
is where God’s grace will manifest.”
The two-day retreat, hosted by the women of St. Mark’s,
Beaumont, featured workshops and time for fellowship.
President Kaye Pendarvis addressed two fundraising
initiatives with which the diocesan ECW is involved: Trees
for Galveston and a Southern Malawi initiative. The first is
an effort to replace many of the trees lost in the flooding
from Hurricane Ike two years ago and the second is in
conjunction with the partnership between the Dioceses of
Texas and Southern Malawi in central Africa.
Because malaria kills more people every day than HIV/
AIDS, Episcopal Relief and Development has founded the
Inspiration Fund to raise money for treated mosquito nets
(and education) in Southern Malawi and 16 other countries
countries in Africa. The Rev. Debbie Daigle and the Rev.
Andrea Conklin told the women gathered from the diocese’s
153 congregations about NetsforLife and their desire to
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
Approximately 40 neighbors participate every week. The
women of St. Mark’s wanted to help provide the neighbors
with facilities where they can bathe in a safe environment
and not worry about their personal safety or their belongings
being stolen.
Susan Willis said, “The volunteers from our women’s
group noticed that the women we assisted on the third
Monday often complained that their belongings had been
stolen when they tried to take showers at other facilities, and
that they had to rush through a shower to avoid having their
gear taken. Trinity has a reputation for being a safe place for
the women.
The women of St. Mark’s wrote a formal proposal to the
executive director of the Trinity Center, Irit Umani, to offer
showers to the women as they waited their turn to shop or as
an alternative to shopping. They pledged to buy any and all
supplies needed, and to clean the bathrooms afterwards, even
offering to reimburse St. David’s for any increases in their
water bill. “Irit and the staff jumped at our offer,” Wills said.
The women of the Diocese of Texas are happy to be able
to help support ministries that reflect the Gospel imperative
to reach out to those in need of sanctuary, to serve the
community, to spread the love of Christ.
Please prayerfully consider whether you know of a new
or expanding ministry that could use financial support to get
started. ECW Outreach Grants are awarded up to four times
per year, based on the applications received.
raise enough money during Lent to provide one net from
every family in the diocese. The two are available to give
presentations at churches.
Kathy Culmer, the diocesan Mission Funding
coordinator, captured everyone’s imagination spinning story
after story at the retreat. The professional Biblical storyteller
opened her presentation by explaining: “I strive to provide
words of encouragement and inspiration through stories,”
and she used stories that enhanced the weekend’s theme:
Rhythms of Grace.
“Grace can be an extravagant grace from God, but
grace can also be little reminders that God loves us with
an everlasting love,” Culmer said. She will be joining the
Episcopal Church Women as the presenter at the 2011
Spiritual Growth Retreat at Camp Allen in April.
Bishop Rayford High installed new board members
including: Christianne Melanson, treasurer; Margaret
Griggs, East Harris Convocational Coordinator; Ginny
Reinhardt, Northeast Convocational Coordinator; Marjorie
Juhasz, San Jacinto Convocational Coordinator; Dee Darby,
West Harris Convocational Coordinator; Corlie Jackson,
Spiritual Growth Coordinator; and Roberta Vallantyne, Vera
Gang Scott Scholarship Coordinator.
7 Texas Episcopalian • December
Selection Criteria:
The focus should be on women’s issues.
• There should be an Episcopal Church connection to the
outreach ministry.
• Grant awards are to provide seed money to support new
programs.
• A balance will be maintained in awarding grants across
convocations.
• The grant award funds must stay within the diocese.
Contact your convocation coordinator to describe
your outreach project and to request a grant application
or download an application form from www.epicenter.
org/Organizations/Episcopal Church Women/Outreach.
Applications are considered at each Diocese of Texas ECW
board meeting. Applications must be received 30 days prior
to each meeting in order to be considered.
Upcoming ECW Events, 2011
January 7 Submission deadline for ECW Outreach Grant
applications
February 18-19 Daughters of the King Spring Assembly
March 23-26 Altar Guild Retreat at Camp Allen
March 31 Submission deadline for Vera Gang Scott
Scholarship applications
April 15-16 Spiritual Growth Retreat at Camp Allen
ReLeaf for Galveston
“Trees for Galveston” is a project aimed at
helping the City of Galveston in their efforts to recover from
Hurricane Ike. Because of the storm surge of salt water
over the island, many of the trees on public ground became
saturated and died. The diocesan ECW Board approved
fundraising to assist with the project. The intention is to work
with the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy and the City
of Galveston Tree Committee on the “Galveston ReLeaf ”
Project, to plant 5000 trees over five years. The fundraising
goal is $15,000 by January, 2011. The Board encouraged
each congregation to give at least $100, but to increase that
amount as they are able.
Funds raised will help plant trees in parks and other
public place where many people gather, as well as trees for
each of the Episcopal properties on Galveston Island.
Please look for a letter describing the project, and a
pledge card from your ECW Convocational Coordinators.
If you are a member of a church
that does not have an
active ECW, you can
still participate.
C o n t a c t
Jacque Ellis at
409.539.5578
or mdjmellis@
hotmail.com. All
contributions should
be sent to Ellis, 8 Lyncrest
Drive, Galveston, TX 77550.
2010
 DIOCESAN NEWS

A Spirituality for the Streets

By Carol E. Barnwell

T
here are some men and women for whom
homelessness seems to be a chronic
state-others who are temporarily down
on their luck, working to get back on their
feet. Many are Veterans, and today there are a
growing number of women who turn up on the
steps of Lord of the Streets seeking help.
“Do you know we are the mailing address
for 2200 people?” asked the Rev. Bob Flick, the
new part-time vicar of Lord of the Streets. Flick
recently took over the ministry to Houston’s
Mid-town homeless population when the Rev.
Murray Powell retired.
After only a few weeks, Flick, who
has snowy white hair and a much laid back
countenance in his jeans and corduroy jacket, is
energized by the new challenge.
LOTS began as an outreach program
of Trinity Church in 1990. By 1997 they
received additional support from Christ Church
Cathedral, St. Dunstan’s, St. Francis, St. John
the Divine and St. Martin’s, Houston and Good
Shepherd, Kingwood. A grant from Episcopal
Health Charities in 1997 helped to establish
the recovery center at Holman and Fannin
in Midtown Houston. Volunteers from these
parishes and other groups still arrive every
Sunday morning at 6 a.m. to prepare a hot
breakfast for more than 250 homeless men and
women who attend worship at Trinity at 7 a.m. The Rev. Bob Flick and Jerry Harris, who is homeless, often plays his own compositions on piano for worship at Lord of the Streets.
Today, the work and mission of Lord of
the Streets Episcopal Church and the social three months short of graduation. “Francis always talked about embracing the leper, a
service arm of the ministry, Community of the Streets, is “Something in me was saying, ‘I love the priesthood, metaphor to be able to embrace what was ugly and thought
to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical and social but I don’t know. I had never lived. I had to get a life!,” Flick to be un-embraceable, inside and out. The point is to find
needs of individuals living in Houston who are homeless, in remembered with a self-deprecating laugh. He returned God in humanity and quite often that means finding God
crisis or in transition. after a time and while finishing his theology degree, also in most difficult places,” he said.
LOTS helps to provide hundreds of clients a day got a master’s in counseling psychology. “It’s always been a Franciscan thing to let go of the
with the tools and support to reclaim their lives. The staff After serving as a missionary in the Philippines for stuff of life that most people think of as important and
helps people find transitional housing, provides on-site three years, he returned to Ohio where he was ordained as go after God in the odd places. For me, that’s always been
job training, access to state identification assistance, crisis a priest. He and two other clergy founded the Zacchaeus part of my spirituality -- a drive to seek after God in the
intervention, health care and case management programs. House and worked on the streets of Cincinnati, taking in 14 needy, the poor and in the homeless, the struggling and the
Flick stops to talk to a woman in the waiting room on homeless men to live in community. “We gave them a place suffering,” he added.
his way to our interview. “Jane” is articulate, clear-headed to live and helped them to reestablish their lives,” he said. After his studies were finished, Flick spent time in
and while homeless now, used to have a position in the He describes the ministry as “touching the lives of folk Rome and Assissi getting to know the land of Francis, then
health care industry. She wanted to thank Flick for walking who otherwise would have fizzled into oblivion.” attended the institute for spiritual leadership at Loyola
her to the bus stop earlier when she had been afraid of being With his counseling degree and a background on the before leading the novitiate in Cincinnati for several years.
mugged. She’s back today to get copies of her identification streets and in foreign missions, Flick was called to take His first taste of Texas came in the late 80s when he
papers that will allow her access to other services. further studies in Franciscan spirituality so he could run the was assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Galveston where
Flick has had an interesting journey to Lord of novitiate at the Franciscan seminary. he served for six years. Again, Flick became restless and
the Streets, each step a kind of preparation for his new “The spirituality of Francis is finding God in the things asked for a leave of absence to reconsider the priesthood and
congregation. that God created,” Flick explained. Bonaventure (an Italian what he wanted to do when he “grew up.”
Raised Roman Catholic, Flick received his high school theologian and philosopher who entered the Franciscan “It was probably a midlife crisis,” he said, admitting it
education at a Franciscan seminary. “It was very common order in 1243), in articulating Francis’ spirituality, wrote was similar to the time he left theological college. “It wasn’t
in the 60s,” he explained. “I had more than 100 guys in my that, God wrote two books, the Bible and Creation. You quite right, I was just lonely.”
class.” can’t read one without the other. Flick had met his wife while she was studying medicine
After college in Detroit, he studied theology in “Francis’ journey and his call to his followers was to in Galveston and they remained friends while she did an
Dayton, Ohio, where he was under formation for becoming read creation and the most magnificent of God’s creation is internship in Georgetown. Sarah returned to UTMB for her
a Franciscan (either via the priesthood or as a friar).” He left us – humanity,” Flick explained. residency in child psychiatry and their relationship become
continued next page

Texas Episcopalian • December 2010 8

 DIOCESAN NEWS

more serious. They were married a year later.

“I didn’t leave to get married, but that’s the way it
worked out,” he said. The Flicks have been married for 18
years and have a 15-year-old daughter.
They tried to remain in the Roman Catholic Church.
After meeting with the priest, Flick said, “the very next
Sunday, he preached about the abomination of men who
leave the priesthood and women who leave the convent and
that it’s the ruination of the Church … well Sarah and I
agreed ‘This isn’t going to work,’ so the next week we rolled
up to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Friendswood.”
He remembers driving up seeing the congregation gathered
in front of the church, dressed in shorts for their annual
picnic.
The Rev. Jim Nelson “was all over us” Flick said. “He
wanted to know when I could be on the vestry!”
Flick said that much of the doctrine that was
problematic for him in the Roman Church just didn’t exist
in the Episcopal Church. “All the things I love about the
BBQ
Church are here,” he said. “I didn’t have to shift many gears
and it felt that God was in this somehow.”
After serving as an active lay person at Good Shepherd
Pitmaster
Comes
for a while, Nelson brought up the idea of Flick becoming
an Episcopal priest. He completed a two-year process and
was received as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 2004,
remaining in the job he held at the Gulf Coast Clinic
until the bishop asked him to take a parish, St. Michael’s,
LaMarque.
“I love parish ministry,” Flick said. “I never felt I wasn’t
Home to
a priest, even after I resigned from ministry in the Roman
Church. This Franciscan stuff is who I am, part of my
nature. It was good to be back in active ministry.” Neil “Bigmista” Strawder Help
He will continue to serve St. Michael’s part-time and

Lord of the Streets part-time. It makes for a busy Sunday
morning with a 7 a.m service at LOTS for more than 200,
followed by a hot breakfast. Flick stays to chat with folks
and serve coffee, then heads to LaMarque for the 9:15
Christian formation class and Eucharist at St. Michaels. He
is at the church on Monday and Wednesday and in Houston
at LOTS on Tuesday and Thursday.
“It’s just wonderful, I love to preach and do liturgy and
this week they applauded after my sermon. I said, ‘I hope
that was for Jesus, not me,’” he chuckled.
The number of volunteers and the connectedness to
the broader diocese is astounding, he said. Bible study with
the clients of LOTS is “really powerful.”
“If you are looking to find God, all you have to do is
listen to someone who has nothing but God. During prayers,
I offer time to give thanks. I didn’t know what I would get.
I mean, what’s to be thankful for if you’re homeless and
carrying all your stuff in a bag? … They are effusive, they
pour it out … they are grateful for all the stuff we just walk
through everyday.
At church, Flick said that if two out of 80 respond with
personal petitions it’s a big day. At LOTS almost all of the
18 at the Tuesday worship have something to say.
“There is a freedom that comes with not having all
kinds of stuff to protect. That’s the Francis piece,” he says.
While Flick has the professional background to do
psychotherapy and clinical assessments, he wants to be the
pastor at LOTS. He wants to pray with people, do Bible
study and listen. There are others on the staff who can do
the assessments.
Before our interview, Flick had sat with a schizophrenic
man for an hour just listening. When the man left, he told
S
ick of leftover turkey? Neil “Bigmista” Strawder, a world-renowned pit master, will be cooking up brisket and chicken
on December 11, at St. Augustine of Hippo, in Galveston, to raise funds for the church’s outreach ministries.
Strawder, who grew up at St. Augustine’s, now commands a high profile in Southern California cuisine from
his Long Beach catering business. An award winning contestant on TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters, Strawder is also a Grand
Champion BBQ competitor and has won six People’s Choice Awards, been featured in the LA Times and on Pulitzer
Prize-winning food critic, Jonathan Gold’s list: 99 Things to Eat in LA Before You Die.
According to the Rev. Chester Makowski, the congregation plans to use the funds from the BBQ as “seed” money
to start a community garden. While the church building did not suffer major damage from Hurricane Ike, the Sunday
School rooms, kitchen and parish hall were completely destroyed. The congregation has rebuilt their property and
effectively reaches into the community with invitational events like their annual art show and sale and the upcoming
BBQ. The community garden will be another way in which they will engage their neighbors and provide food for those
in need.
St. Augustine of Hippo is the oldest African American Episcopal Church in Texas and is located at 1410 41st Street
in Galveston. Sales open at 11 a.m. on December 11 and continue until sold out. Whole briskets are available by advance
order only ($6 per lb). December 8 is the deadline for pre-orders. Call 409.763.4254. The day of the event, brisket and
chicken dinners are $9 and $13. Tickets are available by calling 409.763.4254.
Flick that it was the first time someone had listened to him. “There’s plenty to do,” Flick concludes with a broad
Even in his delusion, he recognized his need to make contact smile, anticipating the opportunity to exercise the best of his
with another person and to be (even his ravings) heard. Franciscan spirituality in this time and in this place.
“There is a new reality in homelessness now, and it will LOTS and COTS welcome volunteer staff. Some
get worse instead of better in Texas in the next few years,” programs may require highly trained professionals: doctors,
Flick believes. One third of the people who come to LOTS registered nurses, pharmacists, counselors, social workers,
are veterans with chronic mental and physical illnesses. attorneys and therapists but there are also opportunities
“I think some of them are war torn. They’ve been to help with office work and miscellaneous jobs, seasonal
through hell and are disturbed by that, some physically, projects and special events. Most opportunities are available
some with brain injuries. Stress sets off people who may be during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5
genetically vulnerable to mental illness. You go to war and p.m. or on Sunday morning. Groups who are interested in
come home and you are not who you were when you left. coordinating community drives for school supplies, holiday
Coping is beyond what some folks can do,” he explained. gifts and other special projects are always welcome.
Veteran services are not able to manage the volume they For volunteering opportunities contact Myra Mitchell
have. And there are more women today. at mmitchell@lordofthestreets.org.

9 Texas Episcopalian • December 2010

 DIOCESAN NEWS

Starry Nights Sets Record People

The Rev. Margarita E. Arroyo continues as licensed clergy

for Camp Allen Fundraiser although she is no longer serving as assistant at St. James’,
Austin.

W
ith more than 300 in attendance at the Junior
League in Houston, the annual Camp Allen
event known as Starry Night and Campfire
Lights, set a record in several ways. The night grossed
nearly a quarter of a million dollars with a lively auction and
extraordinary underwriting. The evening honored Bennie
and the Rev. Larry Hall for their 29 years of service at St.
John the Divine, Houston. Chairs of the event were Susan
and Jack Mayfield, Sheila and Tad Mayfield and Evelyn
Howell.
It is always lively during the scholarships named for
loved ones. This year the Rev. Patrick Miller was joined
on stage by Bishop Andy Doyle as they read donor names
for scholarships. Both Bishop Doyle and Miller were
scholarship recipients at summer camp at Camp Allen. When
the bidding stopped, the scholarship fund had raised more
than $38,000.
Reflecting on the evening, George Dehan, president
of Camp Allen said, “It is amazing to see the outpouring
of support by the community to send children to our camp
and right there before us is our bishop, who may not be in
that position today had he not had the camp experience in
his formative years.” The evening was so exciting that the
attendees did not miss having a band. However, Hall was
talked in to singing and playing his guitar in a weak moment.
Not to be outdone, Miller started his auctioneering by
playing his shiny chrome guitar.
The Rev. Michael W. Besson, formerly rector of St. John’s,
La Porte, has accepted a call as vicar of St. Catherine of
Sienna, Missouri City.
The Rev. Stephen Butts, rector of St. Paul’s, Kilgore and
college missioner at Kilgore Jr. College has announced his
retirement, effective November 1.
The Rev. Lee Ligon-Borden, formerly assistant to the rector
at St. Bartholomew’s, Hempstead, is now non-parochial.
The Rev. Robert T. Flick, rector at St. Michael’s, La
Marque is now serving half-time at St. Michael’s and half-
time at Lord of the Streets, Houston, as vicar.

The Rev. Philip May, former associate at St. Luke’s on the

Lake, Austin, is the new associate rector of Good Shepherd,
Corpus Christi.

The Rev. A. William Phillips, former rector of St. Paul’s,

Orange is non-parochial.

The Rev. Murray R. Powell, retired, is no longer serving as

part-time, priest-in-charge at Lord of the Streets.

Gordon Williams was named 2010 Writer of the Year by

Inspirational Writers Alive! Williams is a member of St.
John the Divine, Houston.

St. James’ House

Director Resigns 
M ary Garcia, executive director of the diocesan
retirement community, St. James’ House in
Baytown, has submitted her resignation effective
December 8, 2010, according to Kathy Tellepsen,
Founder’s Day Convocation at the University of the South marked the formal installation of John McCardell, Jr. (inset) as the 16th Vice Chancellor chair of the St. James’ House board.
of the school. McCardell, a past president of Middlebury College in Vermont, was installed before an overflowing crowd in All Saints’ Chapel on
October 12 and spoke of Sewanee’s future, stating that “we do not seek to be more like some other place [but] a better, stronger, truer version of
“The board has begun the search for a new
ourselves.” McCardell placed particular emphasis on the School of Theology, as a central part of the University and as an important and uniting executive director,” Garcia said, adding that they
voice in the Episcopal Church. “have great enthusiasm for the long-term health and
prospects of St. James’ House and its residents.” Garcia

Grassroots Help for Genealogists

was director for 23 years.
For 50 years St. James’ House, situated on
wooded acreage near Baytown, just 30 minutes from
Find a Grave is a free world-wide web page, compiled by individuals. Many people read obits and add these to
the site. Pictures of markers and the person buried can be added as well as a note and flowers. Information on how downtown Houston, has provided a secure and
to use the site or add information to it is included at findagrave.com. On right is “Search for a cemetery” click on spiritually rich home for seniors. Today, St. James’ is
and type name of cemetery or person then follow the prompts. Before you add a person or start a cemetery make home to more than 100 nursing residents and provides
sure they are not there and you have correct information Texas Historical Commission has a cemetery list for each 40 independent living apartments.
county. When visiting cemeteries, take pictures so that marker pictures can be added to the site. Find more information at: www.stjameshouse.
org.

Texas Episcopalian • December 2010 10

 DIOCESAN NEWS

It Takes a Village to Have a Council

becomes active in the council planning process cannot help but represent St. James’ and help in facilitating the meeting since I have
By Emily Maas
learn a great deal more about the Episcopal Church. While a little filled similar roles in professional organizations.”

T
he 162nd Diocesan Council is scheduled for February 11 hectic, the planning activities are fun and rewarding.” Marrou was an alternate to Council a few times from Good
and 12, 2011, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel Trinity, The Woodlands, planned and hosted the 2005 Council Shepherd, Kingwood, as well as their treasurer and senior warden,
and Convention Center, 30 miles north of downtown so there was a solid base of information and experience from which and currently serves as treasurer at St. James’, having moved to the
Houston. Preparations have been underway for more than a year by to start. Johnson was task leader for the business meeting audio/ Conroe area five years ago.
area Episcopal churches who will host diocesan clergy and elected visual and the worship service that year. In September 2009 he “It has been both enlightening and satisfying to work with
delegates to this annual meeting. accompanied diocesan liaison, the Rev. Cecilia Smith, to the initial such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of people on the
“Come to Council! Even if you think you don’t like meetings, meetings with the Marriott and gave her details of what Trinity planning committee,” Marrou said. “I look forward to a successful
there is more to Council than that,” says Pam Nolting, one of the had done for the 2005 Council. “Without volunteering, I ‘suddenly meeting in February and seeing representatives from the entire
organizers and a member of Good Shepherd, Kingwood. “The found out’ that I was to be the committee chair. Because I had diocese in one place doing God’s work.”
Exhibit Hall showcases many of our diocesan institutions. I always both project management and council planning experience and am The Rev. Cecilia B. Smith, who also oversees the Safe Church
learn about new things going on in our diocese that inspire me and active in my parish, I said yes. ” programs for the diocese, serves as Council management chair,
make me so proud to be a part of it,” she said, adding, “I love the helping the host churches as needed,
chance to see friends from all over the diocese, people I’ve worked
with over the years. Council gives us the chance to renew that
“It has been both enlightening and answering questions and smoothing
the way as best she can.
association. And it’s one of very few places where you’ll see so many
Episcopalians!” satisfying to work with such a dedicated With these dedicated
parishioners and many volunteers,
The Woodlands features a highly walkable town center with
and knowledgeable group of people”
the 162nd Council promises to be a
a beautifully landscaped waterway, and world-class shopping and well-designed event that offfers the
dining. Following the opening Eucharist on Friday evening at opportunity to gather with fellow
Trinity, The Woodlands, at 6:00 p.m. there will be a reception Nolting has responsibility for operations, i.e. the business Episcopalians, do the work of the Church and honor one of our
honoring the Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr. and Pat High at the
meeting, facilities, publicity/communications and lodging. “Truly, bishops and his wife who have devoted more than 44 years in service
Marriott from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Bishop High announced his I took it on because I’m a Council junkie. I love going to Council to the Episcopal Church.
retirement in October and wanted to take the opportunity to and have felt that I needed to take my turn in the real work part of Registration is now online at www.epicenter.org along with
celebrate his ministry while the diocese was gathered for Council.
it.” Nolting has attended most Councils over the last 30 years and information about hotels and other activities.
(There is a $50 charge for the reception) chaired the election process during three of the last four bishops’
The 162nd Council will begin its business meeting at 9 a.m.
elections. She has also served on the Bishop Quin Foundation, the
on Saturday. Standing Committee and she currently serves as the executive chair
Although Council is more than two months away, planning
began in September 2009. Rather than having one church host
of the Camp Allen board.
Trinity’s Joanne Welker is chair of the opening worship service,
Pre-Council
the meeting, three churches from the San Jacinto Convocation
(Trinity, The Woodlands; Good Shepherd, Kingwood; and St.
reception, food events and prayer room. She agreed to take this on Meeting Schedule
because “I was a volunteer when Trinity hosted the event in 2005.
James’, Conroe) will host the 2011 conference. The San Jacinto
Seeing our diocese worship and work together was very exciting and East/West
Convocation is sponsoring the activities and providing additional
inspiring.” Welker is a member of the Altar Guild and Daughters of Tuesday, January 18, 7:00 p.m.
volunteers. the King, and also serves as a Stephen Minister and verger, as well St. Mark’s, Houston
According to Dick Johnson, general chair of the planning
as being a second year student in the diocesan program for spiritual 3816 Bellaire Blvd.
committee, “Drawing from three churches also provides a muchdirectors. She also visits hospice patients in her community.
broader perspective within the committee meetings. Anyone who Galveston
Verlin Hodges is chairing exhibits, hospitality, delegate
Thursday, January 20, 7:00 p.m.
workshops, registration and
St. Michael’s, La Marque
parking. Retired after many years
1601 Lake Rd.
working in the petrochemical
industry, he felt he could be of Austin
service and had the time to devote Sunday, January 23, 4:30 p.m.
to this task, his first involvement St. David’s, Austin
with Council. At Trinity, Hodges 301 E. 8th St.
is an usher team leader, program
chair for Primetime Guys and has Central
served as pledge committee chair Tuesday, January 25, 7:00 p.m.
and vestry member. St. Peter’s, Brenham
Tom Marrou of St. James’, 2310 Airline
Conroe is treasurer for the
planning committee, developing Northeast
a budget and establishing Sunday, January 30, 4:00 p.m.
procedures for procurement, St. Matthew’s, Henderson
invoicing and payments. When 214 College Ave.
he was asked to serve on the
Webinars online and at the Diocesan Center
committee, it was not a good time
Saturday, January 22, 10:00 a.m.
for him, as he had just changed
Thursday, January 27, 7:00 p.m.
Council planning committee includes (l-r)Pam Nolting, Joanne Welker, Tom Marrou and jobs. “However after prayerful
Verlin Hodges, chaired by Dick Johnson (not pictured). consideration I felt a duty to both

11 Texas Episcopalian • December 2010


The Texas Churchman—
Much more than a newspaper
Much more than a career
By Lucy Germany
D
When you think about careers — those fields of endeavor
that supposedly enable one to become elevated above the
masses economically and in terms of personal fulfillment
— the careers that come to mind are real estate, banking, interior
decoration and perhaps show business or athletics.
But a career as a writer for a church
publication never enters your mind —
that is until you are in it—up to your neck
and over your head and then of course, it’s
too late.
It occurs to you after a period of
uncertainty and subsequent immersion
that you have the greatest job in the world.
You stand on the brink of an opportunity
to help people understand the broad power
of the church to which they have pledged
membership, what that church means to
community, as a member, what it means
to be that community and the opportunity
you, as a Christian have, to influence the
world. Now — as the comedian Dave Barry
was wont to say — “I didn’t make this up.”
As a writer, you have been given endless
opportunities to quote bishops, clergy,
Sunday School teachers, church secretaries,
needle pointers, youth workers, theologians,
writers and important people who have
amassed marvelous quantities of knowledge
on the place of the church in life around the
world.
Particularly, as a writer for an Anglican
publication, is this true for you find yourself
seated on the edge of events that shape lives
all over the world. You are made acutely aware,
through the church’s printed word, of just
how the church impacts people in high places
and low. You feel the indescribable satisfaction
of being on a team that is bringing truth and
nurture, caring and understanding to the
world. Though there are many forms of church
communication which impact variously on the lives of Christians,
none has exercised more influence than the diocesan newspaper.
For years, centuries even, the diocesan newspaper has
faithfully communicated the work of the church to its people. The
Texas Episcopalian has been an outstanding example of a publication
loyally read, reflective of Christian commitment to all types of
service, a binding instrument that has brought people together,
helped them to become informed and which has significantly,
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010
DIOCESAN NEWS
strengthened their dedication to their faith.
A big job for a mere newspaper? Without doubt — but one
that has been offered as a unique opportunity to bring together
the action, the thought, the sense of purpose of a
community structured to serve God and man.
As an observer of, a writer for, and finally as an editor
serving the publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, I have
been welcomed in places where I never could have gone, have been
challenged to make known in clear language the various positions
of church leaders and members on so-called controversial issues.
And there have been many of those — controversial in the early
stages before they could be examined and reconciled but after being
exposed to the democratic process of church deliberation and being
12
open to the power of the Spirit — issues no longer but keystones in
the firm and confident structure of God’s holy church.
I stumbled through some minefields during my many years
as a staff writer and editor of The Texas Episcopalian—called back
in those days The Texas Churchman, a title sacrificed to the growing
realization of the strength of churchwomen in deliberative processes.
I was thrilled by the Texas diocese’s wide reach into the lives of
African Episcopalians—in the small country of Malawi—whose
culture and faith captivated Texas church members who for many
years would automatically equate the name Malawi with mission.
I was there—as some famous newscaster was wont to say—
when the doors swung open on the new Camp Allen offering
countless opportunities for service, faith building and learning.
I made a Cursillo there, I tramped the woodlands, readily
convinced that God deliberately chose to be the architect of the
church’s presence in that wonderful place. I stood with hundreds
in Minneapolis when Massachusetts Bishop John Coburn called
for silence before revealing the result of deliberation on women in
the priesthood, shared the tears and soaring elation of those who
received the triumphant message. I remember the power of the
voice of Presiding Bishop John Hines as he put the church firmly
into the ranks of those who believed in its responsibility for human
equality.
I remember the first woman ordained to the priesthood in
the Diocese of Texas — the Rev. Helen Havens who went on to
serve the church faithfully in one of the leading Houston area
Episcopal churches. I had opportunity to interview some of the
key movers in the church’s constant effort to bring together key
elements for common good — I interviewed leading women
such as author Madelyn L’Engle and the Rev. Li Tim Oi, the
first woman to be ordained in the Anglican Communion. I was
privileged to ask questions of visiting church leaders whose ideas
and convictions were to shape the church’s commitment to faith
building all over the world. I was intrigued by the nation’s focus
on the burgeoning charismatic movement, which achieved
maturity in Houston’s Church of the Redeemer. Throughout
my time as editor of what I believe to be one of the most
influential purveyors of Christian principles and actions within
the Episcopal Church in America, I continued to be fascinated
by the determined action of people whose belief embraces scripture,
tradition and reason — known to all of us as the bedrock of
Christian life — to weather the crooked progress of God’s people,
and to understand that Christian maturity is achieved only through
adherence to all three.
Episcopalians discovered this long ago and the cherished
three-legged stool continues to hold us up and together — as R.
Kipling pronounced — “though we come from the ends of the
earth.”

The More Things Change,
the More they Stay the Same
I
n looking through archives of the Church Bell, the Texas
Churchman and most recently the Texas Episcopalian
that spanned more than 140 years, I could not help but
be inspired. The unwavering dedication of thousands of
clergy and lay leaders over the decades shows up in every
page, every report to the bishop, every council report and
every bishop’s diary entry.
I saw names of people that were familiar because a
building or church hall is named after them. They came
alive as young campers on Trinity Bay, where Camp Allen
used to be. They received lay licenses from the bishop to
become readers in their congregations. They went to war.
Some returned, others did not. The diocese prayed for our
military, after the Civil War, after the First World War,
after the Second World War and Korean War.
There are reports from the Lambeth Conference
in 1930. The brief listing of topics they covered isn’t any
different than the topics at the Lambeth Conferences I’ve
covered.
There are towns I’ve not heard of, churches in small,
rural settings that were closed a long time ago, and others
that are not so large now that were the center of the diocesan
universe for a long time, a long time ago.
Bishop Clinton Quin writes of “telling the Boys Scouts
a ghost story” and recounts briefly of being called to Mr. and
Mrs. Roy Cullen’s home for a meeting, which resulted in a
million dollar gift to found St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital.
Read the Covenant to Have
Accurate Debate says ACO Rep
By Alyson Barnett-Cowan
M
any things have already been said in the public
arena about the proposed Anglican Communion
Covenant. As Provinces around the world
continue to discuss this important document I think it
worth clarifying some points about it. I am not arguing
here for or against the Covenant, merely pointing out that
it should be debated fairly, with an accurate reading of the
text.
The first thing to say is that for any Anglican or
Episcopalian to be able to properly enter into a discussion
about the Covenant it is vital that they first read it
for themselves here: http://anglicancommunion.org/
commission/covenant/final/text.cfm
Having done that, let me then clear up some
misconceptions that some people have about the document.
The Standing Committee is not new; it is made up of
elected Primates and elected members from the Anglican
Consultative Council and it co-ordinates work in the
Communion. Regarding the Covenant, it would have the
role of monitoring developments and has no power other
DIOCESAN NEWS
One 1915 letter to the editor told of a crowd of
people watching a group of “young Negroes” do drills on
a downtown Austin street and pointed out how the crowd’s
encouragement and pleasure made the boys want to do their
best. In contrast, the writer also witnessed a group of soldiers
who were doing drills a few blocks away. They were being
heckled by young men “of ill breeding.” He said the heckling
served to demoralize our young soldiers and should not be
tolerated. There is a resolution from St. David’s vestry on
page 3, a statement on bullying, reminiscent of this earlier
letter. One example from WWI, the other from 2010, nearly
a century later. The church continues to speak out.
In 1926, Reddy Kilowatt made his debut and by
WWII the character was used to encourage electricity users
to conserve manpower and critical materials for the war
effort. The current movement to “greener” churches echoes
these earlier admonitions.
In a 1915 letter to the editor, there were shades of a
growing lay movement in the Church:
Taylor, Texas
Editor Texas Churchman:
Let me compliment you very strongly on the fine
breadth of tone discernable in your paper. I must remark
one thing, that is, that most of the articles, etc. are written
by clergymen. I think it would be very nice if the laity would
See The More Things Change, page 15
than proposing to the Instruments of Communion (the
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference,
the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates’
Meeting) steps to be taken to encourage discussion and
discernment about disputed questions among the Provinces,
or, if processes of mediation have broken down, what the
relational consequences might be.
The point of the processes outlined in the Covenant
is precisely to encourage one part of the Communion,
when seeking to respond responsibly in its own context in
mission, to consider how that will affect other parts of the
Communion It is not that one Province would exercise a
veto over another, but that there would be collaborative
discernment.
In a globalized world, it is no longer possible (if it ever
was) for one church to act entirely for itself; decisions have
ramifications, and the intention is for these to be explored
together.
Some critics in the Church of England have suggested
that Provinces would become subordinate to the judgements
13
Diocese Prepares Covenant
Study for Lent, 2011
The Diocese of Texas is preparing
a Covenant study curriculum for
use by congregations during
Lent. The three-session study
guide will be available in
January on the website at
www.epicenter.org. The
Executive Council’s final day
for anyone to make comments to
the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council
concerning the Covenant is April 24 and
this course of study will allow time for interested persons
to study the covenant and add their comments before the
broader church takes up discussion of the Covenant at its
General Convention in the summer of 2012.
Members of the curriculum design team include: Carol
E. Barnwell, the Rev. Mark Crawford, the Rev. Patrick Hall,
Carol Nyberg-Cavortiotis, the Rev. David Puckett and
Janie Stevens.
of the Standing Committee. This is not true. The Covenant
explicitly says in section (4.1.3): “Such mutual commitment
does not represent submission to any external ecclesiastical
jurisdiction. Nothing in this Covenant of itself shall be
deemed to alter any provision of the Constitution and
Canons of any Church of the Communion, or to limit its
autonomy of governance. The Covenant does not grant to
any one Church or any agency of the Communion control
or direction over any Church of the Anglican Communion.”
It is also not true that non-signatories would no longer
count as part of the Communion. There will be Provinces
which have adopted the Covenant, and there may be
(though one hopes not) Provinces which have not. They are
equally members of the Anglican Communion, according
to the Constitution of the Anglican Consultative Council.
The difference would be that signatories will have made a
commitment to live in that communion in a particularly
enhanced way, and to a process of consultation and common
discernment.
The assertion is often made that the ordination of
women could not have occurred if the Covenant were in
place. It is not at all clear that this would have been the case.
The consultative processes of the Anglican Communion
actually resulted in the discernment that this was an issue
about which Anglicans were free to differ. That is exactly
the kind of discernment that is needed when any new matter
emerges: how do churches in communion distinguish
between that which may further the Gospel and that which
may impede it? There are never simple answers, but the intent
is that the Anglican Communion Covenant provides a way
of doing this in a collaborative and committed manner.
Barnett-Cowan is director for Unity, Faith and Order at the
Anglican Communion Office, London
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010

Diocese has Rich History
of Communication
By Carol E. Barnwell
T he Texas Episcopalian will be
published as a quarterly magazine
beginning in March, 2011, after
more than a century of monthly issues.
In addition, a new, interactive website
will be launched in February, 2011. These
alterations in our communications will
cut costs and allow a reallocation of time
to a growing, electronic communications
package. The changes prompted a look at
the archives with some memorable results.
The very first publication from
the diocesan office to members of the
missionary diocese began in the mid-
1840s when Texas was still a republic.
The small bulletin was four- to eight-
pages and contained reports from the
few number of clergy working over vast
areas of the Republic. This first effort at
communicating with new Episcopalians
lasted only a few years and, it was not until
1873 that the Diocesan Council approved
another official diocesan publication from
the bishop’s office. The Diocese of Texas,
The Church Bell, The Texas Churchman
and more recently The Texas Episcopalian
has been printed uninterrupted (albeit,
with differing names and sizes) since then.
In an article in the first issue in 1873,
Bishop Alexander Gregg wrote: “… the
Council thereon, sufficiently indicate the
importance attached to such a publication.
The necessity for something of the
kind has been long and painfully felt
by me, in connection with the work of
the Diocese in every part, and also as to
that frequent and direct communication,
which I so much desire, with the people
of my charge. The secular press has always
been kind in printing any matter sent to
it, and I wish to acknowledge the many
favors in this way extended through the
past; but that kindness ought not to be
too heavily taxed. Our leading Church
paper would fail entirely of accomplishing
the ends desired, because taken by so few.
Hence the necessity for some medium of
this kind, at little cost, in order, if possible,
to reach all.”
The publication was to include:
“Communications from the Bishop, with
notices of Episcopal acts performed from
time to time; the work of the Parishes
and matters of interest connected with
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010
DIOCESAN NEWS
their life and progress; missionary efforts this 137-year-old publication
and experiences; [and] successful methods of even into its new magazine
Church work …” format in 2011.
Bishop Gregg further underscored In the Church Bell,
the importance of regular and credible published in Waco
communications within the diocese: in September, 1879,
“Thus sustained it will stand on its own this article stated the
merits, and be worth the full amount, $1.00 mission of the diocesan
per annum, to all who have any heart to publication:
work for the Church. This is the sole capital “Let it be your
upon which it is projected—the good will motto, to cleave to
of the churchmen of Texas. Not one dollar ‘the old paths,’ and in
independent of this source is expected, as not doing this, ever to hold
one dollar is to be made by its publication up that famous rule
except that paid to the printers. which can never grow
With these pledges we invite the clergy old—‘In essentials,
and laity to secure as speedily as possible their unity; in non-
lists of subscribers, and to interest others in essentials, liberty; in
the work of a general canvass. The clergy (and all things, charity.’
such of the laity, as may be so thoughtful), we A rule which made
look for constant communications from the immortal the
Parochial and Missionary Districts, relating name of him who
to the ‘ups and downs,’ the joys and sorrows set it forth and becoming the
of their various fields of labor. Tell us what church of God, which is the
you are doing, what you hope to do, and pillar and ground of truth!
what you can not do. This Department of In doing this, the
‘Monthly Reports’ can be made delightfully CHURCH BELL will ring
entertaining and profitable, if the clergy will out clearly and sweetly,
only lay aside somewhat their reserve and no uncertain sound, as it
‘give in their experiences.’ is wafted in the breezes
Churchmen of Texas! ours is a new, and carried through the
growing diocese, with an area nearly as large land.
as Europe; we are too far apart, and too much May its mission
out of sympathy with one another. This being ever be one of unity,
so, we can not work with enough heart. Let peace and love, with
us, then seek a point of rendezvous, at least, the blessing of God
in ‘The Diocese of Texas!’” to prosper it, and the
Wise words in 1873. The message is spirit of truth to strengthen
no different in 2010. We still intend to stay and to guide.”
in contact with all our members who “have The Church Bell/The
a heart to work for the Church” and we Texas Churchman/Texas
still need you to send us your news and we Episcopalian changed names
still need your support for the ministry of and formats several times in
communications in the Diocese of Texas. A the ensuing decades while
remittance envelope is included in this issue it continued to deliver
for your tax deductible gift. news to members of the
You may also sign up to receive diocese. A 1944 change
notice of publication online only and opt was announced with this
out of receiving a physical copy. But we explanation:
are committed to sending the new Texas “The Texas
Episcopalian to every member’s home. As Churchman beginning
we move toward strengthened electronic this month comes to you
communications, we will continue to share in a new size and format.
our diverse and many ministries and plans A year ago The
for the future through the publication of Texas Churchman
14
 DIOCESAN NEWS

embarked upon an experiment in publishing a 16-page

booklet partly financed through advertising. In normal
times the advertising would have justified the increase in
the number of pages; but under war conditions the amount
of advertising purchased did not come up to expectations.
In accord with the sum allowed in the 1944 diocesan
budget, the Department of Promotion has accordingly ‘cut
the garment to fit the cloth.’ In spite of the decreased size,
we plan to publish an effective, compact, and easily read
digest of the work and plans of the Diocese of Texas and its
constituent congregations.”
We make no claim of infallibility, and some readers
will possibly criticize us for omitting a story. At times this
omission is dictated by lack of space …”
Bishop Clinton Quin’s diary documented his long
episcopacy including mention of the $1 Million gift from

Call for Art for the 162nd Council

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cullen to found St. Luke’s Episcopal
Hospital, approval of a lay license for Thomas Bagby,
who later became founding vicar of St. John the Divine,

and for the EDOT Gallery

Houston, and encouraged members to join reconstruction
efforts following World War II. An entry in 1940 noted the
bishop’s communication efforts beyond the publication—a
forerunner of Bishop Andy Doyle’s podcasts. scarlett by elli barnwell

“March 29—Made a record for the broadcast. At
6:30 p.m. enjoyed a covered dish supper at Trinity Church,
Houston. Made an address and later confirmed 34 persons.
The rector was ill and the senior warden, Mr. Sims, presented
the class.”
Life in the diocese has grown, expanded and
transformed many lives, both those of our members and
those we serve beyond our church walls. Come along with
us as we continue to bring you the good news of the Good
News, lived out in this place and in this time. Join us online
for the latest news at www.epicenter.org, where you can also
sign up to receive Twitters and blog postings from Bishop
Doyle.
E
CVA plans to show work of member artists at the
162nd Diocesan Council, February 11-12, 2011 at the
Marriott, in The Woodlands. If you are interested,
please contact Carol E. Barnwell by email, cbarnwell@
epicenter.org). Details will be forwarded to you. All artwork
must be delivered to the Marriott early Friday and picked
up on Saturday afternoon. Works may be offered for sale.
Opportunities for 2011-2012 Diocesan gallery
calendar are available. The EDOT Gallery is located at the
Diocesan Center, 1225 Texas Ave., Houston, TX. 77002.
Original works not done under supervision in all media will
be accepted. Send 10-12 numbered high resolution images
in jpg format on a CD with biography/resume and a brief
description of work to be considered. Please include a hard
copy of the numbered images, title, media, dimensions and
date. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. All work
chosen for exhibit must be hand delivered. Send EDOT
Gallery submissions to: Marilyn Biles, Curator, 29 Wynden
Oaks Drive Houston, Texas 77056; 713.840.1098. Ten
percent of sales to be donated to the Episcopal Diocese of
Texas.
Register to join the ECVA (Episcopal Church Visual
Arts) at www.ecva.org and contact Nancy Denmark to join
the diocesan chapter at ndenmark@hotmail.com.

The More Things Change,

Continued from page 13
Advent: Subverting the Secular
also contribute. There is plenty of scope for a lay movement
in the Church at present. I don’t say this is the fault of the
clergy, but it is nevertheless true. …”
Over the years, the size of the publication changed,
World; Beginning a New Year
the location of its printing changed. After seeing a number By the Rev. Tony Clavier Advent Sunday begins yet another year. It sets our

of variations of the Church Bell and the Texas Churchman
that were in a folio format, the coming change of the Texas
Episcopalian to a magazine format seems hardly new. There
were colored covers, a lot of hand engraving, and — bless his
heart — one man who kept every copy he received, which
provides our archive.
In reviewing the archives for this final newspaper,
I realized something important. Whether we publish a
newspaper or a magazine doesn’t matter as much as sharing
the stories of our efforts to live a Christ-centered life in
this place at this time. We will continue to share those
stories and more in our first edition of the Texas Episcopalian
magazine, to be published in March, 2011. Share your stories
of ministry and evangelism with us so that generations from
now, others will see our reflection in their continuing service
to the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Carol E. Barnwell, editor
cbarnwell@epicenter.org
W
e have to tackle a number of years. There's the
school year, the secular year, the shopping year,
and the poor neglected church year. In a sense
we live in all of them, and keeping our feet planted in each
reality is no easy thing. All too often we only remember
that the church has a year when we look at the bulletin on
Sunday and try to figure which Sunday after what we are in.
Of all these years, the Christian year presents the
greatest challenge. It reminds us that we are citizens of
another place and owe our allegiance to another ruler. The
early Christians were persecuted and killed because they
claimed that "Jesus is Lord." Perhaps today we are regarded
as rather eccentric when we whisper the same words. They
remind us that our faith is no private, personal thing, but
that we are citizens of the kingdom of God.
We are subversive. We seek to bring the love of Christ
into the secular world because we believe that ultimately the
world will be restored to God. In the meantime, we work
and pray to transform what is into what shall be.
sights on the miracle of Christ's birth, that God invaded
this planet in the form of a helpless child. This vulnerable
God walks with us, takes our flesh, re-creates the human
race, suffers, dies and so is in all our sufferings and in our
deaths. He rises again giving us the hope of resurrected life
in a new heaven and a new earth.
We perhaps moan about a secularized Christmas
that begins before Thanksgiving and ends abruptly on the
day after Christmas. Rather than moaning, we can meet
the challenge it presents. We can be subversive by keeping
Advent in holy preparation. We can keep Christmas by
observing the twelve days in joy, gratitude and compassion
for God's poor and needy, rather than throwing out the tree
on December 26!
Above all we can humble ourselves before the baby
who is King, and offer him our lives in obedience and hope.
Clavier is rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, La
Porte, in the Diocese of Northern Indiana.

15 Texas Episcopalian • December 2010

 SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST NEWS

Does your church make

any difference to the world?
Mission Oriented Leader to Speak Tools to Reach Youth
at Payne Lectures, February, 2011 Topic of SSW Seminar
 

R
eggie McNeal, Missional Leadership Specialist for Leadership Network of
Dallas, Texas, and author of Missional Renaissance: Changing the Scorecard
for the Church, will speak at Seminary of the Southwest on February 10,
2011 at 7:00 p.m. McNeal’s lecture titled “Leading a Missional Movement” is open
to the public at no charge.
McNeal’s past experience involves more than a decade as a denominational
executive and leadership development coach. He also served in local congregational
leadership for over twenty years, and he has lectured or taught as adjunct faculty for
multiple seminaries and contributed to numerous denominational publications
and church leadership journals.
The annual lecture series in February is hosted by the Board of
Trustees of the Seminary and is focused on mission, congregational
leadership, evangelism or congregational development in honor of
the Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Bishop of Texas (1995-2003).
Seminary of the Southwest will host Conversations
in the Bible: Tools for Teaching, Pastoring, and Leading
Youth in the Church, January 17- 21, 2011. The session
will examine a variety of conversations that take place
in both Old and New Testaments and will discuss the
variety of moral, theological and educational strategies
for equipping youth in their ministry in and outside the
church. Taught by Daniel Heischman, executive director
of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Cost
is $1,200 and includes room and board. For more
information, contact Jana Struková at 512.472.4133,
ext. 342 or by email: jstrukova@ssw.edu or register
online at www.ssw.edu.

Students Praise Spiritual

Formation Degree
O
ne year into the newest accredited master’s degree
in spiritual formation (MSF), the first class of
students have given the program at Seminary of
the Southwest high marks.
The program brings together study of Christian
spirituality and its practice and reflection upon theology.
The task force that designed the degree put “formation” in
its name to signal the unity of doctrine and spirituality, of
learning and living, a unity that effects personal change.
The founding class includes an Episcopal priest, a
youth minister, a journalist and others seeking a course of
study emphasizing practical application for work or for their
own development.
“The best part of the program has been the number
of opportunities to articulate my faith in writing and in
discussions with students and instructors,” said Marty
Calliham. “I co-facilitated a workshop in my parish’s regional
conference this spring. Before entering seminary I would
not have had the confidence to accept this commitment and
do the long and soul-searching preparation for it.”
Intended as a three-year, part-time program, the
degree is taught by seminary and associated faculty. More
information is available at: www.ssw.edu or from the Office
There was an ad for The Episcopal Church splashed across the Reuters digital billboard in New York City’s Times Square,
of Recruiting and Admissions, admissions@ssw.edu.
November 17, highlighting the church’s welcome to Hispanics. Space for the 15 second ad was won in a drawing during May’s
Hispanic PR & Social Media Marketing Conference in Dallas. The family in the photo are members of Todos los Santos Episcopal
Church in Highland Park, California.

Texas Episcopalian • December 2010 16


Who Came Down From Heaven
F
Watching the thirty three Chilean miners being
drawn up, one by one, to new life and light was
deeply moving. They were trapped 2,400 feet below
ground on August 5th. For seventeen days they were alone.
“They weren’t sure that someone would look for them,”
Mario Gomez later told his sister (New York Times 10/14/10
A6). They had a very limited supply of food and drink.
What were they to do? How would they behave? Some
arguments broke out; some
fights occurred.
Their plight could
But competence is not a matter of race,
have led to a “war of all
against all” resulting in
sex, or class. No one is born competent.
lives that were “poor, Competence must be learned.
nasty, brutish and short”
(T. Hobbes, Leviathan xiii). To avoid this state men enter
into a social contract. The miners settled down; they made a
compact; they established a civil society.
Most impressive to me is that they did not fight over
food, the strong grabbing what they willed and the weak
suffering what they must. Not knowing what lay before
them, each man was given “just two spoonfuls of tuna, a
cup of milk, one cracker and a bit of a peach topping every
other day” (NYT, 10/14/10 A6). No one claimed more
than an equal share; there were no privileged persons, no
GUEST COLUMNIST
aristocracy. In 1381 the English priest John Ball, preaching
to peasants asked, “When Adam delved and Eve span, who
then was the gentleman?” Father Ball was soon hanged,
drawn and quartered in the presence of King Richard II.
Many crowned heads of Europe were not dethroned until
the 20th century.
Little less impressive were “the people above ground
who believed (when the belief seemed improbable) that
the miners had survived the accident, that their rescue was
a matter of top national priority, and that the ingenuity of
the world could be enlisted to make it happen. …Jeff Hart,
the 40-year-old drill operator who broke through to the
miners … is an American from Denver. NASA provided
design requirements for the extraction capsule, while Japan,
Germany and other nations provided crucial technology.
“Particular credit belongs to [democratically-elected]
Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. It was Mr. Pinera who
insisted on an all-out rescue effort, ultimately involving
three separate extraction methods, when a more cautious (or
fatalistic) politician might have feared raising expectations
that could easily have been dashed” (The Wall Street Journal
10/14/10 A20). Paradoxically Pinera had the self-confidence
to have the humility to ask for help, to accept the help offered
and use it honestly and competently.
President Pinera said at a news conference that doing
things “a la chilena … now means to do something well, with
dedication, with faith, to not leave it for tomorrow but with
urgency, to bring together the best machinery and human
resources” (Houston Chronicle 10/15/10 A17). Competence
is too little praised, emphasized and insisted upon in our
country today. To stress competence is deemed by some to
be “elitist” (a word we now use to denigrate excellence). But
competence is not a matter of race, sex or class. No one is
born competent. Competence must be learned. It can be
learned but not without our leaders and teachers insisting
on it.
It is frustrating to everyone in helping professions that
some of those who most need help do not seek it or refuse
17
it when offered. It is infuriating to see governments of
poor countries which have suffered natural disasters deny
that much has happened, insist they have everything under
control, and refuse foreign assistance. Their false pride
dooms the people who depend upon them.
Truly evil are those officials who accept free food and
supplies from abroad, then steal and sell them to the poor
and hungry. One wonders if they will suffer the fate of the
woman in Grushenka’s story: “Once upon a time there was
a peasant woman and a very wicked woman she was. And
she died and did not leave a single good deed behind. The
devils caught her and plunged her into the lake of fire. So
her guardian angel stood and wondered what good deed of
hers he could remember to tell to God; ‘she once pulled up
an onion in her garden,’ said he, ‘and gave it to a beggar
woman.’ And God answered: ‘You take that onion then,
hold it out to her in the lake, and let her take hold and be
pulled out. And if you can pull her out of the lake, let her
come to Paradise, but if the onion breaks, then the woman
must stay where she is.’ The angel ran to the woman and
held out the onion to her; ‘Come’, said he, ‘catch hold and I’ll
pull you out.’ And he began cautiously pulling her out. He
had just pulled her right out, when the other sinners in the
lake, seeing how she was being drawn out, began catching
hold of her so as to be pulled out with her. But she was a
very wicked woman and she began kicking them. ‘I’m to be
pulled out, not you. It’s my onion not yours.’ As soon as
she said that, the onion broke” (Dostoyevsky, The Brothers
Karamazov, Modern Library Paperback, p. 423f).
This month we celebrate a rescue effort. “He came
down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable and his cradle was a stall; with
the poor, the scorned, the lowly, lived on earth our Savior
holy.” He will show us not only the determination of God’s
mercy but also the essential magnificence of human nature.
He will return whence he came, but he means to pull us up
with him. “And our eyes at last shall see him, through his
own redeeming love; for that child who seemed so helpless
is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to
the place where he is gone” (Hymn 102:2, 5).
Email Todd at: stodd2423@att.net
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010

Grieving Christians mourn
dead from Iraqi Church Attack
Mourners accompany the dead in Baghdad AFP Photo
By Sammy Ketz (AFP)
B
AGHDAD — Two priests, who were among dozens
of Christian hostages killed by Al-Qaeda gunmen
in a Baghdad church, were buried as heroes on
November 2 after a tearful funeral that drew hundreds of
people.
About 700 worshippers and representatives from the
government and every religious and ethnic community in
Iraq packed the Saint Joseph Chaldean church in the heart
of the Karrada district, where coffins carrying the dead lay
on the ground.
In a solemn mass during which mourners sobbed
openly, only the coffins of priests Taher Saadallah Boutros,
32, and Wassim Sabih, 23, who were shot dead by the
gunmen, rested on a table.
Before the service began, seven coffins were inside the
church, surrounded by wreaths of flowers sent by churches
from around Baghdad. But prayers were interrupted several
times as more coffins were brought in. Each entry evoked
subdued applause, and mourners tossed candies onto the
coffins.
Mourners and witnesses said both priests had showed
heroism during Sunday’s hostage drama at a Baghdad
cathedral, pleading with the hostage takers to kill them but
not harm the parishioners.
“These are the true heroes of Iraq, not the politicians
or soldiers, but these two men who followed the teaching of
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Christ and sacrificed themselves while trying to persuade the
killers to spare the lives of the worshippers,” said Firas Chill,
30, who attended the funeral.
The two priests, said to have been inseparable friends
in life, were buried next to each other at a cemetery next to
the cathedral.
Witnesses said heavily armed men burst into the church
during Sunday mass on October 31 and took about 80
worshippers hostage. The drama ended with a raid by Iraqi
special forces, with US troops acting in an advisory role.
Forty-six Christians were killed and 60 wounded, Iraqi
officials have said, adding that seven members of the security
forces also died.
The attack, claimed by an Al-Qaeda affiliate, was one of
the deadliest against Iraqi Christians and provoked a wave of
international condemnation.
And Ahmed al-Tayeb, grand imam of Al-Azhar, Islam’s
oldest seat of learning, in Cairo, called the massacre a
“heinous act,” his spokesman said.
Tayeb affirmed that “Islam and Muslims have nothing
to do with such acts, which harm Islam and violate Islamic
precepts,” state news agency Mena quoted spokesman
Mohammed al-Tahtawi as saying.
The Iraqi government said it would treat the wounded,
compensate families of the dead and repair the church,
starting immediately.
The number of Christians in Iraq numbered about
800,000 before the invasion, but have fallen to 500,000
18
Bishop Pierre Whalon
Welcomes French
Offer for Injured
Iraqi Christians
By Jere Skipper
B
ishop Pierre Whalon welcomes the initiative
of the French government to work with
the Association d’Entraide aux Minorités
d’Orient (AEMO) to bring relief to Iraqi Christians
wounded October 31, 2010, in the Syriac Catholic
Church in Baghdad, Our Lady of Salvation Church.
Fifty-eight people, including two young priests, died
in the attack.
The Office of the French Prime Minister
yesterday informed Bishop Whalon, who is president
of AEMO, that France will spare no effort to offer
refuge and medical care to those victims who request
it. This follows on Foreign Minister’s Bernard
Kouchner’s promise of October 25 to empower
AEMO to bring out of Iraq more Christians and
members of other religious minorities who have
been threatened with death because of their faith.
Since 2008, Episcopalians in Europe, Iraqi
Chaldeans, and French Catholics have been working
together to protect the lives of these persecuted
Iraqis. To date, AEMO has facilitated the transfer
of 1,240 Iraqis, bringing them safely out of Iraq and
into France. The group includes not only Christians,
but also Muslims and Mandeans whose lives were
endangered.
On Oct. 31, gunmen linked to Al-Qaeda
stormed the cathedral during Sunday Mass, taking
more than 120 worshippers hostage. After the Iraqi
military raided the church to free the hostages, 58
people, including two priests, were killed.
Several weeks following the attack, archbishops
in Iraq said they are “losing patience, but we have
not lost faith and hope.” They asked for prayers,
moral and fraternal support. “Your friendship
encourages us to stay in our land, to persevere and
to hope,” they said in a message on All Souls Day.
“Without that we feel alone and isolated. We need
your compassion in light of all that has touched the
lives of innocent people, Christians and Muslims.
Stay with us, stay with us until this pestilence has
passed.”
The communiqué was signed by: Athanase
Matti MATOKA, Syrian Archbishop of Baghdad,
Louis SAKO, Chaldean Archbishop of Kirkuk,
Emil NONA, Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul,
Basile Geoges CASMOUSSA, Syrian Archbishop of
Mosul and Bashar WARDA, Chaldean Archbishop
of Irbil.
Skipper is Canon for Communications for the
Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe

Anglican Health Network
Grows Threefold in One Year
Following the successful launch of
the Anglican Health Network
in June 2009, a group
of 10 participants
gathered at the end of
October in Geneva
to consider progress.
The membership
of the network has
grown from 80 to more than 250 in that
time. Drawn from more than 40 countries and a range of
ministries and disciplines represented, the network has a
vibrant community now to engage with and support.
Lee Hogan, a member of St. Martin’s, Houston,
was instrumental in founding the AHN, serves on the
Coordinating Board and attended the Network’s latest
meeting.
High on the agenda was the health micro-insurance
program. The Pilot programs in India and Tanzania are
starting to yield results and lessons. More than 40,000
people were drawn into the project in South Kerala, India.
Twenty-one parishes in Dar es Salaam participated in
marketing the 'Imani' ('faith' in Swahili) health policy
during October and November.
The pilot programs were designed to provide
The Heartbeat of God, Finding the
Scared in the Middle of Everything
By The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
“
Explore our connections—as human beings
with each other, as one nation with all other
nations, as the human species with the whole
of our environment—through the lens of faith.
Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The
Episcopal Church, examines these connections as
she looks at the intersections of faith with the major
issues of our day:
• How does faith speak to poverty, climate change,
the economy, healthcare and what is the faith
response?
• How can believers from many faith traditions
find common ground while honoring the The Most Rev. Jefferts Schori
divine, serving one another and creating deeper
community?
• How do we best use the resources of faith to connect
us to the hearts of our neighbours and to the heart of
God?”
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
communities served by Anglicans with a risk pooling
mechanism to help stabilize individual health expenditure
and to develop a more robust business model for Anglican
health facilities by drawing a more reliable revenue from
insured claims.
These aims are critical to the future of Anglican health
care. Those on low incomes have seen their health decline
because they cannot afford to pay for treatments when they
need them. Health micro-insurance leverages the skills of
the private insurance sector to harness the pooled resources
of local communities. Families who take the insurance
know exactly how much they will spend on healthcare in
a given year and are assured that they can access health
services without any further pressure on their limited
budgets. This means they access treatments more often and
more swiftly. Anglican hospitals and clinics see demand rise
and are assured of a more sustainable income for their work.
Among the challenges the advisory council reviewed
was a proposal to transfer surplus medical equipment
from hospitals in the United States, a program of clinical
and management education and the demand for capital
investment.
The council mandated the Coordinating Board of
AHN to develop systems for both supply and demand
of medical equipment, and to pursue opportunities for
Available on Amazon.com
19
academic courses and professional exchanges to improve
skills and competencies amongst Anglican health providers.
The matter of capital investment will remain under review.
The advisory council also clarified its view that
primary care and clinical care are mutually interdependent.
Anglicans are active in both - both have much to offer.
Any health program needs to promote health enhancing
behaviors within communities, but people everywhere also
need skilled clinical support. The Coordinating Board will
continue to seek out best practice around the communion
so that the skills of each sector can be leveraged to bring
improved health outcomes not just for certain individuals,
but for communities as a whole.
For more information check out the AHN website:
www.anglicanhealth.org
The most recent newsletter includes information on:
• The expansion of hospital care in South Kerala
• An overview of the health services provided by the
Church of Uganda
• Growing opportunities for faith-based health services
in South Africa
• A report of a global consultation on TB
• The launch of the health micro-insurance program in
Tanzania
• Anglican health services in Yemen, Myanmar and
Papua New Guinea
• To join the mailing list, email the network coordinator:
paul.holley@anglicanhealth.org
Les Petits Choir,
continued from page 1
offered gratitude and inspirational words for the
future of Haiti.
“I would like to thank everyone for being a part
of this concert tonight. Music is very special for us in
our lives. On January 12, we lost almost everything.
This last piece is called ‘Bel Haiti’ or ‘How Beautiful
is Haiti.’ Most of the time you hear about Haiti, you
think about bad news. This song shows another image
of Haiti, a positive image of Haiti. With this piece,
give us the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to American
people for being side by side with my brothers and my
sisters in Haiti after the earthquake. You brought food,
water and health care. Thank you for your love, your
support and your prayers for Haiti. We will never give
it up. Haiti will rise again. Thank you.” To contribute
to rebuilding Holy Trinity Music School, please make
your check payable to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
with Les Petits Chanteurs in the memo line. Mail to:
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, c/o John Moon, 6500
St. Stephen’s Drive, Austin, TX 78746.
Texas Episcopalian • December 2010
Bishops’ December Calendars
1 10 a.m.
7 p.m.
Program Staff, Diocesan Center
Holy Apostles, Katy, CF
Boxing Day with the
2 10 a.m. Bishop Quin Foundation, Diocesan Center Bishop at the Mucky Duck
Doyle

1:30 p.m. Ministry Chairs, Diocesan Center

3 6 p.m. Regional Clergy Christmas Party, Doyle Home, Houston Bishop Andy Doyle will once again celebrate Eucharist
5 9:30 a.m. Trinity, Houston, Sunday Forum at Houston’s famed pub, McGonigle’s Mucky Duck on
10:30 a.m. Trinity, Houston, CF Boxing Day, December 27. Participants are asked to bring
12:30 p.m. Trinity, Houston goods to donate to homeless ministries in the Houston area.
3 p.m. Vestry Meeting, Trinity, Houston Historically, Boxing Day is the day that Church of England
7-8 Executive Board, Camp Allen churches would open their alms boxes and distribute money
9 8:30 a.m. Standing Committee, Camp Allen to the poor. It is also the day that servants, who had worked
1:30 p.m. Episcopal Foundation of Texas, Diocesan Center serving other families on Christmas Day, were able to take
12 11 a.m. Trinity, The Woodlands, CF a day off. The service begins at 11:00 a.m. and a pub lunch
16 8:30 a.m. Central Convocational Clericus, Camp Allen will be available following the service. See the Mucky Duck
6 p.m. Diocesan Staff Christmas Party, Houston website at: www.mcgonigels.com for more information.
19 9 a.m. St. Paul’s, Waco, CF
5:30 p.m. James Abbott Ordination to Priesthood, St. Alban’s, Waco
In the Anglican Communion
21 6:30 p.m. Ted Smith Ordination to Priesthood, St. Stephen’s, Liberty
A global community of 77 million Anglicans in
24 11 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, Houston
500 dioceses in 164 countries
27 10:30 a.m. Feast of St. Stephen Day Mass & Boxing Day Celebration for Lord of the
Streets, Houston
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Rev. Rowan Williams
Lambeth Palace, London, England, SE1 7JU
Anglican Communion Office
16 Tavistock Crescent
1 10 a.m. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Austin Westbourne Park
6 10 a.m. St. Luke’s, Lindale, School Chapel Services London W 11 1AP
5 p.m. Camp Allen, Executive Board Meeting United Kingdom
High

8 10 a.m. Camp Allen, Executive Board Meeting www.lambethpalace.org

9 1 p.m. St. James’ House, Baytown, Staff Party www.anglicancommunion.org
4 p.m. St. James’ House, Baytown, Residents Christmas Party
15 9:15 a.m. Houston, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System Board meeting
In the United States
A community of 2.5 million members in 120
dioceses in the Americas and abroad

Presiding Bishop
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
1 10 a.m. World Mission Committee, Austin Episcopal Church Center
Harrison

6:30 p.m. St. Thomas, Wharton, CF 815 Second Ave., NY, NY 10017
2 12 p.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System Finance and Audit Meeting, Houston 1.800.321.2231
3 8:15 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Executive Committee, Austin www.episcopalchurch.org
6 p.m. Clergy Christmas Party, Austin
5 9 a.m. St. Luke’s on the Lake, Austin, CF In the Diocese of Texas
4:30 p.m. St. Paul’s, Pflugerville, CF One Church of more than 85,000 members in
7-8 5 p.m. Episcopal Diocese of Texas Executive Committee, Camp Allen 153 congregations in the eastern quadrant
10 8:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Executive Board, Austin of Texas, established in 1849
12 9 a.m. Good Shepherd, Austin, CF
7 p.m. Epiphany, Burnet, CF Bishop
14 3:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, The Woodlands, Board Meeting The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle
15 7 p.m. St. David’s Austin, CF dotbp@epicenter.org
1225 Texas Ave.
16 2 p.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System Executive Committee
Houston, TX 77002-3504
17 6:30 p.m. El Buen Samaritano Board Meeting
1.800.318.4452 1.713.520.6444
19 10:30 a.m. St. Francis, College Station, CF
FAX 1.713.520.5723
21 7 p.m. Susanne Comer Ordination, St. James, Austin Austin: 1.512.478.0580, 1.800.947.0580
24 11 p.m. St. Michael’s, Austin Tyler: 1.903.579.6012
www.epicenter.org
editor: cbarnwell@epicenter.org

Texas Episcopalian • December 2010 20