Posts from 2016

Posts from 2016

Saying “yes” to wonderful things

Bishop J. Scott Mayer has issued a Christmas greeting: In my Advent message, I reminded us of the courage of Mary and Joseph in saying “Yes” to God. I urged us all to say “yes” to God in our own ways, opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit. As we enter this joyous Christmas season, my prayer is that you will carry your “Yes” with you as we move into a new year. As we do so together, I believe the…

Honoring supply priests, celebrating 50 years of ministry

Recently Owanah Anderson of The Episcopal Church of Wichita Falls was moved by an article on Episcopal Cafe to pay tribute in the Joyful newsletter to the supply clergy who have faithfully served Wichita Falls’ Episcopalians.  She has given permission for us to share it with the diocese. And note this — this year all three current supply priests are celebrating 50 years of ordination. Congratulations to them all — and thanks.—————————– [On November 27, 2016,\ Episcopal Café posted a…

Nativity nichos focus of Pray All-Ways event

St. Alban’s, Theatre Arlington, gathered for Pray All-Ways: Advent to learn about the history, symbols, and spirituality of the nativity creche. Then participants made their own nativity nichos as a practice of prayer through creativity. A nicho is a diorama construction from Mexican folk art, a mini-scene in a box that uses dried flowers, paste jewels, colored paper, photographs, and other objects to pay tribute to iconic figures – in this case, Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Pray All-Ways is…

Bishop Mayer celebrates, preaches, confirms

Bishop Scott Mayer visited the Episcopal Church of Hamilton County (St. Mary’s) on the Third Sunday of Advent, December 11, 2016. He celebrated, preached, and confirmed Ms. Mary Adcox. The Rev. Noy Sparks is supplying at Hamilton, having moved to Granbury to take care of his mother. He also serves as chaplain at All Saints Episcopal School in Fort Worth. Watch a video of Bishop Mayer’s sermon below or on YouTube. Watch a short interview with the Rev. Sparks below…

How to stay informed as Legislature meets

The Texas Legislature begins meeting on January 10, 2017. Texas Impact, an interfaith legislative advocacy network of which the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is a member, offers many ways for Episcopalians in Texas to stay informed and to have an impact. Read a newsletter here listing many such opportunities, such as the January 8 legislative briefing on health care in Texas and the January 9 Weekly Witness preview webinar on health justice. The Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy…

Episcopal Churches welcome you

Everyone is invited to join the Episcopalians of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth as we celebrate the arrival of the Christ Child and begin the Christmas Season. Have a blessed and merry Christmas! Arlington St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Holding services at Theatre Arlington 305 W. Main, Arlington Christmas Eve 5:30 pm – Worship (Come at 5:00 pm for carols.) Christmas Day 9:30 am – Christmas Day service Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal Church 5001 Crestline Road Fort Worth, 76107…

The Longest Night – a service of remembrance on December 17

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Keller/Southlake invites you to a service of remembrance, The Longest Night, at 5 pm on Saturday, December 17, 2016. The holidays are often the loneliest time of the year for those who have experienced recent loss in their lives. These losses can be the death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, death of a dear pet, loss of health, or any of the other losses people deal with. The Longest Night service allows us to…

Art at St. Martin features Shawn Rees’ work

Come and enjoy Art at St. Martin’s, an art showing featuring the work of local artists, quarterly on second Saturdays at 6 pm, at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and School, Keller. The December 10 gallery show in the school building will feature the work of Grapevine painter Shawn Rees. Rees has worked on canvas and on paper, in pencil, watercolor, and acrylic. Enjoy this art and hear Rees talk about his creative process. It’s a great opportunity to share a…

Night in Bethlehem offers a Bible-times experience

Mark your calendars for A Night in Bethlehem on Saturday, December 3, from 5 – 8 pm at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and School, Keller/Southlake. Worship with Holy Communion will be followed by children and family activities designed to transport folks back through time to the town of Bethlehem. Family and friends will move together from station to station in the Bethlehem marketplace, including: Bethlehem Bakery – taste delicious bread from the time of Jesus’ birth. Metal Shop – create one-of-a-kind nameplates.…

Advent 2016

Bishop J. Scott Mayer has issued a message as we begin the Season of Advent, encouraging us all to follow the examples of Mary and Joseph in saying “yes” to God. Watch the video below, or on YouTube. This video is closed captioned.

Advent resources for 2016

Do you want to add meaning and joy to your Advent journey, as you prepare your heart for Christmastide in hopeful expectation? Online resources can provide some inspiration in the midst of your busyness AdventWord from SSJE You can probably fit in a reflection on a single word, right? Maybe even talk about it as a family? AdventWord offers a great way to reflect on one little word each day, and respond with images and prayers that speak to your heart. There are…

Explore nativity scenes as a prayer resource

St. Alban’s in Arlington invites you to an Advent retreat “Exploring Nativity Scenes” on Saturday, December 17 at the Theatre Arlington Education Building, located at 316 W. Main St. The event is part of an occasional series exploring various methods of prayer. The retreat, from 9 am to noon, will consider the origins of nativity scenes, their use throughout the world and their symbolism. Bring $12 for supplies to make your own Nativity. Register with Dave Burrows by calling St.…

St. Christopher helps with Thanksgiving baskets

St. Christopher, Fort Worth, took part in the Christian Community Assistance (CCA) Thanksgiving Baskets drive. St. Christopher, along with other local churches, collected 329 baskets this year. Clients picked up their baskets at St. Christopher on Tuesday and any baskets left over will be given to clients in need throughout the holiday season. Please click or swipe through gallery photos. A General Thanksgiving Page 836 Book of Common Prayer Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you…

Dedication and consecration of historic building

On Sunday, November 13, 2016, Bishop Scott Mayer dedicated and consecrated the historic Episcopal Mission of the Ascension, home of the Episcopal Church in Wise County. The congregation has been worshiping there since May 17, 2015. Felicity Hollister also reaffirmed her baptismal vows. The church was started as the Episcopal Mission of the Ascension in 1889 by the Rt. Rev. A. C. Garrett, noted missionary bishop of northern Texas. The small white building at 905 S. Church Street in Decatur had…

Convention worship, elections, resolutions, relationships

The 2016 Diocesan Convention opened with worship on Friday, November 11, in the Chapel at All Saints’ Episcopal School in far west Fort Worth. The Rt. Rev. David Rice of San Joaquin was the preacher. The offering of $1,273 in plate and two online donations was designated for at-risk children. After worship, there was a social hour, followed by dinner (and some foolishness), and then a brief opening business session. Training and Workshops Prior to worship on Friday, many convention goers…

Fiery foolishness

The theme of the 2016 Diocesan Convention — On fire with the Spirit – offered a teachable moment at the Friday night dinner as well as an opportunity for a bit of fiery foolishness that included some roasting of Bishop Scott Mayer. Because he returned from his sabbatical all fired up, he was presented with a “fiery mitre” constructed by Administrative Assistant Michele King. It was inspired by  a headdress worn by actress Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2015 Metropolitan Museum…