Episcopal Church Women seeking input

Sandy Shockley, President of the Diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW), is encouraging all women of the diocese to complete a survey indicating what they expect from the ECW Board. She states, "...[W]e recognize that one size doesn't fit all. Each church/mission is unique with different expectations. We are trying to find ways to support each other and bring all of us together on occasion to renew ourselves by refreshing friendships and making new friendships." Mrs. Shockley hopes that the results of the survey will be ready for presentation at the DOK/ECW Retreat on March 24. To participate in the survey, please click here.

A Prayer Request Please

You are invited to pray the following prayer. It is a first step in fulfilling a hope - a hope that on the first Sunday we have access to buildings after our property is returned, every church in our Diocese will have at least two people at prayer. Since there are twenty-two of our congregations already at prayer every Sunday, our emphasis will be geared toward the thirty-three congregations listed below.

Through the prayer's intention and the Holy Spirit's nudging, we pray that a few people will discern a call to become Prayer Visitors. Becoming a Prayer Visitor will be the second step in this hope. (more...)

Honoring the McClains

At its annual meeting on January 22, 2012, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Stephenville, named the Rev. Dr. Marion 'Sam' McClain "Rector Emeritus". Fr. Sam and wife, Jane, will be honored for their of ministry at St. Luke's during Bishop Ohl's visitation April 29.

The Reverend Marion "Sam" McClain was rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Stephenville, Texas for 31 years before he and his wife Jane retired to Fort Worth. Being at St. Luke’s for that length of time allowed Fr. Sam to serve on Diocesan commissions, obtain a Doctor of Ministry degree, and present ministry conferences throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about Fr. Sam and his tenure at St. Luke's, click here.

Designing Our Stewardship

Are you ready to think about your congregation’s 2013 budget? How about your 2013 annual giving campaign, the one that you’ll be doing in the fall of 2012?

Now is the time to begin that planning. And what better resource than a workshop led by the Episcopal Church’s stewardship officer, Laurel Johnston, to help get us all started on the right track! (more...)

ERD asking for input

Episcopal Relief & Development is seeking feedback on their strategic plan for 2013-2015. If you would like to have your opinions heard, please participate in their survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MZ83DTV. The deadline is Sunday, February 5.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields to hold artists' interpretations of Holy Week

Artists' interpretations of Holy Week will be showcased at a free Gala Arts Event at St. Martin's (Keller/Southlake) on Saturday, March 31st from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Previously featured in the Star-Telegram, this is our 3rd Annual Gala Event where artists strive to re-vision and revitalize our understanding of Christ's last days through their work. Artists from around the diocese are invited to participate. Please e-mail Valerie Reinke for a Prospectus.

Prayer shawl ministry

St. Christopher's Prayer Shawl Ministry has one long-distant member—J.D. Todd of All Saints', Wichita Falls. Here's how it works: Joan Hicks, chair of the ministry, gives bundles of yarn to her husband Bob Hicks. He and Margaret Mieuli take the yarn to Executive Council meetings, where they meet J.D. He gives them finished shawls to distribute and they give him more yarn to work with.

The photo shows Brandi Elliott wrapped in one of the prayer shawls J.D. has made. She is the parent of one of the preschoolers at St.Christopher's School. Her father was killed in a car accident over Thanksgiving break. She loved the prayer shawl.

ECPC goes to St. Mary's-Hamilton

Upcoming ECF Webinars: Winter 2012

01/04/12 - As part of ECF's on-going efforts to assist congregations in developing their leadership and financial resources, we are offering a wide range of webinars for clergy and lay parish leaders this winter. There is no cost to participate in any of these webinars and all lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate. (more...)

Save the date, because a place has been prepared for you

"The Welcome Table: A Place Has Been Prepared for You" is the theme of a Woman's Prayer Breakfast given by the Women of St. Simon of Cyrene and St. Christopher Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 3550 South Loop 820, Fort Worth, Texas, 76133. (more...)

Save the date

The Daughters of the King and the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese are co-sponsoring a retreat for all women of the diocese during Lent. The retreat title is "Women of the Passion." Our retreat leader is Katie Sherrod, and the retreat will be held in Katie’s garden on Saturday, March 24, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Cost of the retreat is $25 and includes lunch, snacks, and a copy of the book, Women of the Passion. Scholarships are available. Online registrations will be available closer to the event time. Meanwhile, SAVE THE DATE.

Help fund the Sam B. Hulsey Chair in Anglican Studies

Brite Divinity School has made it possible to donate online for the endowment for the Sam B. Hulsey Chair in Anglican Studies. Follow this link, and click on the "Give to the Hulsey Chair Endowment" button. It will take you to a donation form. If you donate now, your gift will be matched by the Challenge Grant of Anne and Bob Bass.