Episcopal Diocese of Texas Youth Ministry

Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)

2011-01-04T11:31:00.003-06:00

COME TOGETHER Matthew 10:40-42
Intimately linked in this harvest work
REUNAMONOS
Entrelazados Intimamente en esta Cosecha

EYE is a national Episcopal Church event for youth planned by youth. The conference will involve three full days of worship, sharing, praying, learning, singing, and working, calling participants into a greater awareness of and commitment to God's mission in the world.

Focusing on Jesus Christ and his presence in our lives, EYE will provide an opportunity and create an environment where our young people can continue to grow on their journey in faith.

Celebrating our mission and our ministry as the Body of Christ in Community, we will offer training for young people and adults and equip them to be faithful servant leaders in their local and diocesan communities.

Embracing the “Anglican Marks of Mission” as our charge, we will strive to engage the passion and energy of faithful youth, to embrace their call to ministry and to empower them to put their faith into action.

Who can go? Any youth in 9-12th grades during the 2010-2011 school year who is active in their Episcopal community.

Interested in being part of the team from EDOT? Slots are limited! Registration begins January 3, 2011. Please contact the Rev. Beth Magill for an application, 512-610-3570 or at beth.m@stdave.org.

Episcopal 101: Advent

2010-12-03T14:45:00.000-06:00

Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called Levavi. The Eastern churches' equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast, but it differs both in length and observances and does not begin the church year, which starts instead on September 1.

The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Methodist calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sunday from November 27 to December 3 inclusive.

Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.

In Anglican churches the Sunday before Advent is sometimes nicknamed Stir-up Sunday after the opening lines of the Book of Common Prayer collect for that day. In the Roman Catholic Church since 1969, and in most Anglican churches since at least 2000, the final Sunday of the liturgical year before Advent has been celebrated as the Feast of Christ the King. This feast is now also widely observed in many Protestant churches, sometimes as the Reign of Christ. In consequence, the collect for the first Sunday of Advent in the Episcopal Church USA is no longer "stir up". Since the 1979 revision of the Book of Common Prayer that collect is read on the third Sunday of the season.

Saint of the Week: Nicholas Ferrar

2010-12-03T14:37:00.002-06:00

In 1626 Nicholas Ferrar and his extended family left London and moved to the deserted village of Little Gidding in Huntingdonshire. The household was centred on the Ferrar family: Nicholas's mother, his brother John Ferrar (with his wife Bathsheba and their children), and his sister Susanna (and her husband John Collett and their children). They bought the manor of Little Gidding and restored the abandoned little church for their use. The household always had someone at prayer and had a strict routine. They tended to the health and education of local children, and Nicholas and his family produced harmonies of the gospels that survive today as some of the finest in Britain. Nicholas Ferrar died on 4 December 1637, but the family continued their way of life without him, and the religious life only ended in 1657 on the deaths, within a month, of John Ferrar and Susanna Collett.

The life of the Ferrar household was much criticised by Puritans, and they were denounced as Arminians, and their life attacked as a 'Protestant Nunnery'. However, the Ferrars never lived a formal religious life: there was no Rule, vows were not taken, and there was no enclosure. In this sense there was no 'community' at Little Gidding, but rather a family living a Christian life in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer according to High Church principles.

Collect: Lord God, make us worthy of your perfect love; that, with your deacon Nicholas Ferrar and his household, we may rule ourselves according to your Word, and serve you with our whole heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

ReadingsGalatians 6:7-10
Matthew 13:47-52
Psalm 15
or Psalm 112:1-9

Happening Pics

2010-11-21T21:09:00.002-06:00

Celebrating 100 Y.E.S.es with Ice Cream and New Shirts

2010-11-21T21:06:00.002-06:00

Saint of the Week: Hilda

2010-11-18T22:59:00.002-06:00

Hilda of Whitby (c. 614–680) is a Christian saint and the founding abbess of the monastery at Whitby, which was chosen as the venue for the Synod of Whitby. An important figure in the conversion of England to Christianity, she was abbess at several monasteries and recognized for the wisdom that drew kings to her for advice.

Hilda's original convent is not known, except that it was on the north bank of the River Wear. Here, with a few companions, she learned the traditions of Celtic monasticism, which Aidan brought from Iona. After a year Aidan appointed Hilda as the second Abbess of Hartlepool Abbey. No trace remains of this abbey, but its monastic cemetery has been found near the present St. Hilda's Church.

In 657 Hilda became the founding abbess of a new monastery at Whitby, then known as Streonshalh; she remained there until her death. Archaeological evidence shows that her monastery was in the Celtic style, with its members living in small houses, each for two or three people. The tradition in double monasteries, such as Hartlepool and Whitby, was that men and women lived separately, but worshipped together in church. The exact location and size of the church associated with this monastery, is unknown.

Bede states that the original ideals of monasticism were maintained strictly in Hilda's abbey. All property and goods were held in common; Christian virtues were exercised, especially peace and charity. Everyone had to study the Bible and do good works.

Five men from this monastery became bishops and two also join Hilda in being revered as saints - Saint John of Beverley, Bishop of Hexham, and St. Wilfrid, Bishop of York. They rendered untold service to the Anglo-Saxon Church at this critical period of the struggle with paganism.

Collect: O God of peace, by whose grace the abbess Hilda was endowed with gifts of justice, prudence, and strength to rule as a wise mother over the nuns and monks of her household, and to become a trusted and reconciling friend to leaders of the Church: Give us the grace to recognize and accept the varied gifts you bestow on men and women, that our common life may be enriched and your gracious will be done; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings
Ephesians 4:1-6
Matthew 19:27-29
Psalm 122
or Psalm 33:1-5,20-21

Y.E.S.: Time to Celebrate 100!

2010-11-16T10:49:00.003-06:00

This weekend (November 20-22) will mark the 100th Youth Encounter Spirit weekend in the Diocese of Texas. To celebrate we will be having an ice cream social immediately following the close of Y.E.S. #100 at Camp Allen's Campsite 2 (November 22 at 2:30 pm). If you have been involved in Y.E.S. in any way, shape or form over the years, you are invited and encouraged to celebrate this milestone in this great ministry.

Senior High Mid-Winter Retreat

2010-11-12T12:52:00.001-06:00

The retreat for those in grades 9-12 takes place December 28-30 and the registration form can be found HERE.

Saint of the Week: Margaret of Scotland

2010-11-09T14:36:00.001-06:00

Saint Margaret was the daughter of the English prince Edward the Exile, son of Edmund Ironside. She was born in Hungary, and raised at its court where her father had settled in exile. Margaret had two younger siblings, a brother Edgar and a sister Christina. The provenance of her mother, Agatha, is disputed.

Margaret grew up in a very religious environment in the Hungarian court. The king of that time, Andrew I of Hungary, was known as Andrew the catholic for his extreme aversion to pagans, and great loyalty to Rome, which probably could have induced Margaret to follow a pious life. Still a child, she came to England with the rest of her family when her father, Edward, was recalled in 1057 as a possible successor to her great-uncle the childless Edward the Confessor. Her father died soon after the family's arrival in England, but Margaret continued to reside at the English court where her brother, Edgar Ætheling, was considered a possible successor to the English Throne. When the Confessor died in January 1066, Harold Godwinson was selected as king, Edgar perhaps being considered still too young. After Harold's defeat at the battle of Hastings later that year, Edgar was proclaimed King of England, but when the Normans advanced on London, Margaret and her family fled north to Northumberland.

According to tradition, after the conquest of the Kingdom of England by the Normans, the widowed Agatha (Margaret's Mother) decided to leave Northumberland with her children and return to the Continent. A storm drove their ship to Scotland, where they sought the protection of King Malcolm III. The spot where she is said to have landed is known today as St. Margaret's Hope, near the village of North Queensferry.

Margaret's arrival in Scotland in 1068, after the Northumbrian revolt, has been heavily romanticized, though Symeon of Durham implied that her first meeting with Malcolm III of Scots may not have been until 1070, after William the Conqueror's harrying of the north.

Saint Margaret was canonised in the year 1250 by Pope Innocent IV in recognition of her personal holiness, fidelity to the Church, work for religious reform, and charity. She attended to charitable works, and personally served orphans and the poor every day before she ate. She rose at midnight to attend church services every night. She was known for her work for religious reform. She was considered to be an exemplar of the "just ruler", and also influenced her husband and children to be just and holy rulers.

Collect: O God, you called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave her zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate her this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Readings
Proverbs 31:10-11,20,26,28
Matthew 13:44-52
Psalm 146:4-9
or Psalm 112:1-9

Commemoration of All Faithful Departed

2010-11-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

Also known as All Souls' Day, the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed comes one day after All Saints' Day. Some churches roll the two celebrations into one; others keep the feasts separate. The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed is a day to remember and pray for the people in our lives who have passed.

Collect:
O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings
Wisdom 3:1-9
or Isaiah 25:6-9
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
or 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
John 5:24-27
Psalm 130 or
Psalm 116:10-17

Lessons for All Saints' Day

2010-11-01T11:37:00.001-05:00

Collect: Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Lessons
Daniel 7:1-3,15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31

Happening Reminder

2010-10-24T21:34:00.001-05:00

Happening #133 is coming up on November 19-21. If you know anyone who might be interested in attending or plans to attend, you might give them a little encouragement to go ahead and send in their application. :) If you plan to attend Lock-in, please let me know ASAP by responding on Facebook or by email at amlamore@comcast.net. All applications, both Happening and Lock-in, can be found at here.

Saint of the Week: Henry Martyn

2010-10-19T21:36:00.001-05:00

Henry Martyn was an Anglican priest and missionary to the peoples of India and Persia. Born in Truro, Cornwall, he was educated at Truro Grammar School and St John's College, Cambridge. A chance encounter with Charles Simeon led him to become a missionary. He was ordained a priest in the Church of England and became a chaplain for the British East India Company.

Martyn arrived in India in April 1806, where he preached and occupied himself in the study of linguistics. He translated the whole of the New Testament into Urdu, Persian and Judaeo-Persic. He also translated the Psalms into Persian and the Book of Common Prayer into Urdu. From India, he set out for Bushire, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tabriz.

Martyn was seized with fever, and, though the plague was raging at Tokat, he was forced to stop there, unable to continue. He died on October 16, 1812. He was remembered for his courage, selflessness and his religious devotion.

Collect: O God of the nations, you gave your faithful servant Henry Martyn a brilliant mind, a loving heart, and a gift for languages, that he might translate the Scriptures and other holy writings for the peoples of India and Persia: Inspire in us a love like his, eager to commit both life and talents to you who gave them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Readings
Isaiah 49:1-6
John 4:22-26
Psalm 98:1-4 or
Psalm 96:1-7

Saint of the Week: James Hannington

2010-10-05T23:37:00.000-05:00

Hannington was born at Hurstpierpoint in Sussex, England, on 3 September 1847. A poor scholar, he left school at fifteen to work in his father's Brighton counting house. At twenty-one, Hannington decided to pursue a clerical career, and entered university at St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, where he again proved to be a desultory student. In 1872, the death of his mother spurred a change in Hannington's life: he was awarded his B.A., and on 1 March 1874 was ordained as a deacon, and took charge of the small parish of Trentishoe in Devon.

Around 1882, Hannington heard of the murder of two missionaries on the shores of the Victoria Nyanza. This led to him offering himself to the Church Missionary Society, and he left England on 17 May, setting sail for Zanzibar on 29 June, as the head of a party of six missionaries. Crippled by fever and dysentery, Hannington was forced to return to England in 1883.

In June 1884, having recovered, he was ordained bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, and in January 1885, Hannington again departed for Africa. After arriving at Freretown, near Mombasa, Kenya, he decided to focus on opening a new route to Uganda: together with his team, he safely reached a spot near Victoria Nyanza on 21 October, but his arrival had not gone unnoticed, and under the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda, the missionaries were imprisoned in Busoga by Basoga chiefs.

After eight days of captivity, by order from King Mwanga II, Hannington's men were killed, and on 29 October 1885, Hannington himself was stabbed in both sides. As he died, his alleged last words to the soldiers who killed him were: "Go, tell Mwanga I have purchased the road to Uganda with my blood." Joseph Mukasa, a Roman Catholic priest and an official at Mwanga's court, rebuked the king for the deed, and was beheaded for it. Hannington and his companions were among the first Martyrs of Uganda. Hannington's feast day in the Church of England is October 29. A dedication stone, erected in his memory along with the Bishop Hannington Memorial Church in 1938, bears the inscription "Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy".

Collect: Precious in your sight, O Lord, is the death of your saints, whose faithful witness, by your providence, has its great reward: We give you thanks for your martyrs James Hannington and his companions, who purchased with their blood a road into Uganda for the proclamation of the Gospel; and we pray that with them we also may obtain the crown of righteousness which is laid up for all who love the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
1 Peter 3:14-18,22
Matthew 10:16-22
Psalm 124 or
Psalm 116:1-8

Happening and Y.E.S. Staffing

2010-10-01T07:03:00.002-05:00

It's October 1. Have you applied for Happening or Y.E.S. staff yet? Don't delay if you want to serve on the next weekend, which is Novemer 19-21. Staff applications can be found HERE.

Saint of the Week: Philander Chase

2010-09-29T14:43:00.001-05:00

Philander Chase (December 14, 1775 – September 20, 1852) was an Episcopal Church bishop, educator, and pioneer of the United States western frontier in Ohio and Illinois.

In 1795 while still a student at Dartmouth College, Chase was instrumental in establishing Trinity Church in his hometown of Cornish, New Hampshire. In 1799 as a missionary, he helped to organize first congregation of what would become St. John's Episcopal Church, Canandaigua New York. In 1805 he was appointed as the founding Rector of what is now Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans. He became the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio in 1819, and later the first Episcopal bishop of Illinois, simultaneously serving as Presiding Bishop of the national church.

Upset by the lack of institutions of higher learning west of the Appalachian Mountains, Chase undertook a difficult fund-raising campaign both in the United States and in England to raise money for such a school to be located in Ohio.

He became the founder and first president of Kenyon College and Bexley Hall seminary in Gambier, Ohio in 1824. Originally the college existed in Worthington, Ohio, but Chase chose to relocate the school on the remote hill of Gambier to protect his students from the immorality (such as drinking and dancing) that could be found in cities.

As Kenyon College grew, Chase came into conflict with the teachers and the trustees of the college, as he desired more control over the direction of the college. After a quarrel with the Board of Trustees, Chase resigned his position as President of the college in 1831. He was succeeded by the Bishop Charles McIlvane.

After removing himself and his family to the Valley of Peace in central Ohio, Chase spent the final years of his life founding Jubilee College and the surrounding frontier community near present-day Peoria, Illinois, financed by arduous fund-raising journeys overseas.

Philander Chase was the uncle and caretaker of Salmon P. Chase, future Chief Justice of the United States.

He was the 18th bishop consecrated in The Episcopal Church.

Collect: Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith: We give you heartfelt thanks for the pioneering spirit of your servant Philander Chase, and for his zeal in opening new frontiers for the ministry of your Church. Grant us grace to minister in Christ's name in every place, led by bold witnesses to the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
Isaiah 44:1-6, 8
Luke 9:1-6
Psalm 108:1-6 or
Psalm 16:5-11

Saint of the Week: Hildegard

2010-09-15T22:36:00.004-05:00

Hildegard of Bingen was a Christian mystic, German Benedictine abbess, and visionary. Elected a magistra by her fellow nuns in 1136, she founded the monasteries of Rupertsberg in 1150 and Eibingen in 1165. One of her works as a composer, the Ordo Virtutum, is an early example of liturgical drama.

She wrote theological, botanical and medicinal texts, as well as letters, liturgical songs, poems, and the first surviving morality play, while supervising brilliant miniature Illuminations.

Collect: God of all times and seasons: Give us grace that we, after the example of your servant Hildegard, may both know and make known the joy and jubilation of being part of your creation, and show forth your glory not only with our lips but in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
Sirach 43:1-2,6-7,9-12,27-28
John 3:16-21
Psalm 104:25-34

Saints of the Week: Constance and Her Companions

2010-09-06T12:16:00.001-05:00

In 1878 the American city of Memphis on the Mississippi River was struck by an epidemic of yellow fever, which so depopulated the area that the city lost its charter and was not reorganized for fourteen years. Almost everyone who could afford to do so left the city and fled to higher ground away from the river. (It was not yet known that the disease was mosquito-borne, but it was observed that high and dry areas were safe.) There were in the city several communities of nuns, Anglican or Roman Catholic, who had the opportunity of leaving, but chose to stay and nurse the sick. Most of them, thirty-eight in all, were themselves killed by the fever. One of the first to die (on 9 September 1878) was Constance, head of the (Anglican) Community of St Mary.

Collect: We give you thanks and praise, O God of compassion, for the heroic witness of Constance and her companions, who, in a time of plague and pestilence, were steadfast in their care for the sick and dying, and loved not their own lives, even unto death: Inspire in us a like love and commitment to those in need, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
John 12:24-28
Psalm 116:1-8 or
Psalm 116:10-17

Collect and Readings for Labor Day

2010-09-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

Collect: Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
Ecclesiasticus 38:27-32a
Psalm 107:1-9 or Psalm 90:1-2, 16-17
1 Corinthians 3:10-14
Matthew 6:19-24

Saint of the Week: Paul Jones

2010-08-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

Paul Jones was born in Pennsylvania in 1880. He attended Yale University and the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was ordained and served a mission church in Logan, Utah. In 1914 he was made Bishop of the Missionary District of Utah.

He was an outspoken pacifist, and when World War I began in 1914, he spoke against it. As the war progressed, and when the United States entered the war in 1917, many Americans were vehement in holding that pursuing the war was a moral duty, and opposition to the war was immoral. In the spring of 1918, yielding to pressure, Bishop Jones resigned as Bishop of Utah. He continued to speak out within the Church as an advocate of peace and the Christian renunciation of war, until his death on 4 September 1941.

Collect: Merciful God, you sent your beloved Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Raise up in this and every land witnesses who, after the example of your servant Paul Jones, will stand firm in proclaiming the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings
Malachi 2:17-3:5
John 8:31-32
Psalm 133

Pictures from Y.E.S. #99

2010-08-24T11:45:00.002-05:00

Saint of the Week: Clare

2010-08-10T07:40:00.001-05:00

Saint Clare of Assisi (sometimes spelled Clair, Claire, etc.), born Chiara Offreduccio, is a saint of Italy and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life--the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares.

Clare was inspired by the preaching of St. Francis of Assisi. She longed to follow St. Francis in his way of life. She ran away from home to join St. Francis, who gave her a brown habit to wear and cut off her hair. Soon Agnes (Clare's sister) and many other women joined. They all lived a very simple life and devoted themselves to God. Once, an army of soldiers came to attack Assisi and the convent. St. Clare, though very ill, held the Blessed Sacrament before the soldiers, and asked God for protection. God heard her prayer and the soldiers fled.

Collect: O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Clare, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
Song of Solomon 2:10-13
Luke 12:32-37
Psalm 63:1-8 or
Psalm 34:1-8

Saint of the Week: John Mason Neale

2010-08-02T11:26:00.002-05:00

Neale was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where (despite being said to be the best classical scholar in his year) lack of ability in mathematics prevented him taking an honors degree. Neale was named after the Puritan clergyman and hymn writer John Mason (1645-1694), of whom his mother Suranna was a descendant.

At Cambridge Neale was affected by the Oxford Movement and helped to found the Cambridge Camden Society (afterwards known as the Ecclesiological Society). Though he took orders in 1841, ill health prevented his settling in England until 1846, when he became warden of Sackville College, an alms-house at East Grinstead, an appointment which he held till his death.

In 1854 Neale co-founded the Society of Saint Margaret, an order of women in the Anglican Church dedicated to nursing the sick. Many Anglicans in his day, however, were very suspicious of anything suggestive of Roman Catholicism. Only nine years earlier, John Henry Newman had encouraged Catholic practices in the Anglican Church, and had ended up joining the Roman Catholic Church himself. This encouraged the suspicion that anyone like Neale was an agent of the Vatican, assigned to destroy the Anglican Church by subverting it from within. Once Neale was attacked and mauled at a funeral of one of the Sisters. From time to time unruly crowds threatened to stone him or to burn his house. He received no honor or preferment in England, and his doctorate was bestowed by Trinity College (Connecticut). However, his basic goodness eventually won the confidence of many who had fiercely opposed him, and the Sisterhood of St. Margaret survived and prospered.

Neale was strongly high church in his sympathies, and had to endure a good deal of opposition, including a fourteen years' inhibition by his bishop. Neale translated the Eastern liturgies into English, and wrote a mystical and devotional commentary on the Psalms. However, he is best known as a hymn writer and, especially, translator, having enriched English hymnody with many ancient and mediaeval hymns translated from Latin and Greek. More than anyone else, he made English-speaking congregations aware of the centuries-old tradition of Latin, Greek, Russian, and Syrian hymns.

Collect: Grant, O God, that in all time of our testing we may know your presence and obey your will; that, following the example of your servant John Mason Neale, we may with integrity and courage accomplish what you give us to do, and endure what you give us to bear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
2 Chronicles 20:20-21
Matthew 13:44-52
Psalm 106:1-5 or
Psalm 33:1-5,20-21

Episcopal 101: Piscina

2010-08-02T11:21:00.001-05:00

From Latin, meaning "fish pond," the piscina is the stone or porcelain basin (traditionally set in the south wall of the Sanctuary) from which a drain pipe carries to the ground the water used in the ablutions. It is also the most convenient way for many Altar Guilds to dispose of the remaining consecrated wine after a service. The piscina is never, ever to be hooked up to the building's plumbing.

Happening and Y.E.S. in less than three weeks!

2010-08-02T11:02:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about deadlines for Happening and Y.E.S. Participant deadlines are coming up! The next weekend is August 20-22. Follow this LINK to get the latest Happening and Y.E.S. forms!

Saint of the Week: William Reed Huntington

2010-07-26T16:27:00.003-05:00

Huntington was born in Lowell, Mass. He graduated at Harvard in 1859 and in 1859–1860 was an instructor in chemistry there. Entering the Episcopal ministry, he was rector of All Saints Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1862–1883 and of Grace Church, New York from 1883 until his death. Dr. Huntington always took a prominent part in public affairs. He was active in the movement for liturgical revisions and was long chairman of the Prayer-Book Revisions Committee, and editor with Dr. Samuel Hart of the Standard Prayer-Book of 1892.

The Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral had its genesis in an 1870 essay by Huntington. In The Church Idea, an Essay toward Unity Huntington's goal was to establish "a basis on which approach may be by God's blessing, made toward Home Reunion," ie., with the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Quadrilateral is a four-point articulation of Anglican identity, often cited as encapsulating the fundamentals of the Communion's doctrine and as a reference-point for ecumenical discussion with other Christian denominations. The four points are:

1.The Holy Scriptures, as containing all things necessary to salvation;
2.The Creeds (specifically, the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), as the sufficient statement of Christian faith;
3.The dominical sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion;
4.The historic episcopate, locally adapted.

The Quadrilateral has had a significant impact on Anglican identity since its passage by the Lambeth Conference. The Resolution came at a time of rapid expansion of the Anglican Communion, primarily in the territories of the British Empire. As such, it provided a basis for a shared ethos, one that became increasingly important as colonial churches influenced by British culture and values, evolved into national ones influenced by local norms.

Collect: O Lord our God, we thank you for instilling in the heart of your servant William Reed Huntington a fervent love for your Church and its mission in the world; and we pray that, with unflagging faith in your promises, we may make known to all people your blessed gift of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Readings
Ephesians 4:11-16 or
Ephesians 1:3-10
John 17:20-26
Psalm 133 or
Psalm 145:8-13

Why I Choose Church

2010-07-26T16:24:00.001-05:00

Michele Parker Schauer, a member of St. Mark's, Houston, briefly shares why she chooses to be an active member of the Diocese of Texas. Watch the video.

Saint of the Week: Sojourner Truth

2010-07-15T22:13:00.002-05:00

Sojourner Truth was the self-given name, from 1843, of Isabella Baumfree, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York. Her best-known speech, "Ain't I a Woman?", was delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.

During the Civil War, Truth helped recruit black troops for the Union Army. In 1864, Truth was employed by the National Freedman's Relief Association in Washington, D.C., where she worked diligently to improve conditions for African-Americans. In October of that year, she met President Abraham Lincoln. In 1865, while working at the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, Truth rode in the streetcars to help force their desegregation.

Truth spoke about abolition, women's rights, prison reform, and preached to the Michigan Legislature against capital punishment. Not everyone welcomed her preaching and lectures, but she had many friends and staunch support among many influential people at the time.

Collect: O God, whose Spirit guides us into all truth and makes us free: Strengthen and sustain us as you did your servant Sojourner. Give us vision and courage to stand against oppression and injustice and all that works against the glorious liberty to which you call all your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
Wisdom 7:24-28
Luke 11:5-10
Psalm 146

Happening and Y.E.S. Reminder

2010-06-30T12:01:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about deadlines for Happening and Y.E.S. Staff and participant deadlines are coming up! The next weekend is August 20-22. Follow this LINK to get the latest Happening and Y.E.S. forms!

Saint of the Week: Macrina

2010-06-27T18:55:00.003-05:00

Saint Macrina the Younger (324 – 379) was born at Caesarea, Cappadocia. Her parents were Basil the Elder and Emmelia, and her grandmother was Saint Macrina the Elder. Among her nine siblings were two of the three Cappadocian Fathers, her younger brothers Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa, as well as Peter of Sebaste. Her father arranged for her to marry but her fiance died before the wedding. She devoted herself to her religion, becoming a nun.

She became well known as a holy woman and instructed many young women religiously. For this she is honored as one of the most prominent nuns of the Eastern Church. She had a profound influence upon her brothers with her adherence to an ascetic ideal. Her brother Gregory of Nyssa wrote a work entitled Life of Macrina in which he describes her sancity throughout her life. In 379, Macrina died at her family's estate in Pontus, which with the help of her younger brother Peter she had turned into a monastery and convent.

Collect: Merciful God, you called your servant Macrina to reveal in her life and her teaching the riches of your grace and truth: May we, following her example, seek after your wisdom and live according to her way; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
Ecclesiasticus 51:13-22
Matthew 11:27-30
Psalm 119:97-104

Pics from CLC

2010-06-27T17:22:00.005-05:00

Courtesy of Christie Sparrow:

Saint of the Week: Alban

2010-06-21T19:35:00.002-05:00

St. Alban was a pagan living at Verulamium (now the town of St. Albans in Hertfordshire), when a persecution of the Christians broke out, and a certain cleric flying for his life took refuge in Alban's house. Alban sheltered him, and after some days, moved by his example, himself received baptism. Later on, when the governor's emissaries came to search the house, Alban disguised himself in the cloak of his guest and gave himself up in his place. He was dragged before the judge, scourged, and, when he would not deny his faith, condemned to death. On the way to the place of execution Alban arrested the waters of a river so that they crossed dry-shod, and he further caused a fountain of water to flow on the summit of the hill on which he was beheaded. His executioner was converted, and the man who replaced him, after striking the fatal blow, was punished with blindness. A later development in the legend informs us that the cleric's name was Amphibalus, and that he, with some companions, was stoned to death a few days afterwards at Redbourn, four miles from St. Albans. What germ of truth may underlie these legends it is difficult to decide.

Collect: Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even to death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
1 John 3:13-16
Matthew 10:34-42
Psalm 34:1-8 or
Psalm 31:1-5

Saint of the Week: Ephrem of Edessa

2010-06-09T22:09:00.001-05:00

Ephrem wrote a wide variety of hymns, poems, and sermons in verse, as well as prose biblical exegesis (interpretation). These were works of practical theology for the edification of the church in troubled times. So popular were his works, that, for centuries after his death, Christian authors wrote hundreds of pseudepigraphous (falsely attributed)works in his name. Ephrem's works witness to an early form of Christianity in which western ideas take little part. He has been called the most significant of all of the fathers of the Syriac-speaking church tradition.

Collect: Pour out on us, O Lord, that same Spirit by which your deacon Ephrem rejoiced to proclaim in sacred song the mysteries of faith; and so gladden our hearts that we, like him, may be devoted to you alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings
Proverbs 3:1-7
Matthew 13:47-52
Psalm 98:5-10 or
Psalm 33:1-5,20-21

Saint of the Week: Alcuin

2010-05-21T13:34:00.001-05:00

Alcuin of York had a long career as a teacher and scholar, first at the school at York now known as St Peter's School, York (founded AD 627) and later as Charlemagne's leading advisor on ecclesiastical and educational affairs. From 796 until his death he was abbot of the great monastery of St. Martin of Tours.

The majority of details on Alcuin's life come from his letters and poems. There are also autobiographical sections in Alcuin's poem on York and in the Vita Alcuini, a Life written for him at Ferrières in the 820s, possibly based in part on the memories of Sigwulf, one of Alcuin's pupils.

Collect: Almighty God, in a rude and barbarous age you raised up your deacon Alcuin to rekindle the light of learning: Illumine our minds, we pray, that amid the uncertainties and confusions of our own time we may show forth your eternal truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Ecclesiasticus 39:1-9
Matthew 13:47-52
Psalm 37:3-6, 32-33 or
Psalm 112:1-9

2011 Episcopal Youth Event

2010-05-21T12:06:00.002-05:00

Bookmark this link to get all the info you need for the Episcopal Church's Episcopal Youth Event in 2011.

7 Things to Stop Doing Now on Facebook

2010-05-14T16:06:00.001-05:00

Helpful hints can be found here.

Interfaith Youth Camp

2010-05-14T14:15:00.002-05:00

Interfaith Ministries, Houston, has launched a new Interfaith Teen Leadership Council and this year the group is planning the inaugural Interfaith Youth Camp. For three days - June 8 - 10 - teens from all faiths and cultures will be exposed to meaningful leadership and dialogue opportunities. IM hopes that these teens will encourage high school students to stand together for respect and understanding and become leaders in Houston, inspiring others to follow suit. This year IM is limiting the camp to 50 kids. IM needs representation of all faiths, ethnicities and cultures and if you would enjoy the program, please click here to learn more.

Episcopal 101: Ascension Day

2010-05-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

The occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for forty days (Acts 1:1-11, Mk 16:19). The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God. The Ascension is affirmed by the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds. The Ascension is celebrated on Ascension Day, the Thursday that is the fortieth day of the Easter season. It is a principal feast of the church year in the Episcopal Church.

Luke 24:44-53. Jesus said to his disciples, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Collect: Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53

Scholarships Available Through The Episcopal Church

2010-05-11T14:29:00.000-05:00

There are over 60 scholarships available through The Episcopal Church. Find information about them here.

"Why Serve" Vocational Conference

2010-05-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

Learn more about The Episcopal Church's Vocational Conference for young adults of color HERE. Diocesan assistance is available for this conference if you are interested in attending.

Saint of the Week: Monnica

2010-05-04T10:40:00.002-05:00

Monnica was the mother of Saint Augustine. We learn of her life through his Confessions.

Monnica was born in North Africa around 331 to Berber parents. She was brought up as a Christian, but married a pagan man, Patricius. Through her patience, kindness, and piety, Patricius was converted to Christianity.

Her son, Augustine, was not so quickly won to the Christian faith. But, at the age of 33, he too was converted. After his baptism in Milan in 387, Augustine, Monnica, and another brother planned to return home to Africa. However, Monnica fell quite ill while they were waiting for a ship.

Recent excavations at Ostia (the port of Rome) have uncovered Monnica's original tomb. Her remains were transferred to the Church of St. Augustine in Rome in 1430.

Collect:
O Lord, through spiritual discipline you strengthened your servant Monnica to persevere in offering her love and prayers and tears for the conversion of her husband and of Augustine their son: Deepen our devotion, we pray, and use us in accordance with your will to bring others, even our own kindred, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
1 Samuel 1:10-11,20
Luke 7:11-17 or
John 16:20-24
Psalm 115:12-18 or
Psalm 116:10-17

CLC Reminder

2010-04-29T10:47:00.001-05:00

The annual event held at St. Stephen's School, Austin is now open to those who have graduated 8th grade through graduated high school seniors. The date is June 21-26 and you can get the registration form HERE.

Pics from Happening #131

2010-04-29T10:28:00.002-05:00

New Happening and Y.E.S. Forms

2010-04-28T09:35:00.001-05:00

Follow this LINK to get the latest Happening and Y.E.S. forms!

Pics from Y.E.S. #98

2010-04-27T10:56:00.009-05:00

Purdue University Scholarship

2010-04-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

The Episcopal Campus Ministry at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is offering a $1000 scholarship to a qualified Episcopal first year student enrolling at Purdue University in the fall of 2010. Information and application materials can be found at
http://www.goodshep.org/Scholarship_2010.pdf. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2010. Please contact peter@goodshep.org or (765) 743-1347 with any questions.

Saint of the Week: Mark the Evangelist

2010-04-21T10:25:00.001-05:00

From our friend, Lesser Feasts and Fasts:
A disciple of Jesus, named Mark, appears in several places in the New Testament. If all references to Mark can be accepted as referring to the same person, we learn that he was the son of a woman who owned a house in Jerusalem, perhaps the same house in which Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples. Mark may have been the young man who fled naked when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul refers to "Mark the cousin of Barnabas," who was with him in his imprisonment. Mark set out with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but he turned back for reasons which failed to satisfy Paul (Acts 15:36-40). When another journey was planned, Paul refused to have Mark with him. Instead, Mark went with Barnabas to Cyprus. The breach between Paul and Mark was later healed, and Mark became one of Paul's companions in Rome, as well as a close friend of Peter's.

An early tradition names Mark as the author of the Gospel bearing his name. This tradition, which holds that Mark drew his information from the teaching of Peter, is generally accepted. In his First Letter, Peter refers to "my son Mark," which shows a close relationship between the two (1 Peter 5:13).

Collect:
Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Ephesians 4:7-8,11-16
Mark 1:1-15
or Mark 16:15-20
Psalm 2 or 2:7-10

Why Most Mission Trips Are A Waste of Time

2010-04-20T15:58:00.002-05:00

And how to make sure yours isn't...

Pics from the "Balance Conference"

2010-04-20T15:45:00.003-05:00

Adults who minister with young people gathered in the piney woods of Camp Allen for some continuing education, relaxation and discussions on "balance." Thanks to the participants, the presenters and especially to the women of the presbyterian church in Conroe for the "bee wear."

Province VII Youth Network

2010-04-20T15:36:00.002-05:00

The Diocese of Texas is a part of Province VII, a geographical grouping of 12 dioceses in The Episcopal Church. The other diocese included are Dallas, Fort Worth, West Texas, Northwest Texas, Rio Grande, Western Louisiana, Western Missouri, Kansas, Western Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Province VII has a youth network that includes one youth and one adult from each diocese. The network met in Oklahoma April 9-11 to share ideas and different programs from each diocese. Mary Conkling and Judith Allen are the adult and youth reps from the Diocese of Texas. Ewart escorted them to their first meeting to make sure they didn't cause an interstate disturbance...

CLC Reminder

2010-04-03T04:54:00.001-05:00

"Balance" Conference Reminder

2010-04-03T04:53:00.001-05:00

The annual youth ministry conference will be held April 16-18 in the piney woods of Camp Allen. This year's theme is "Balance." The conference is for ANYONE who works with children, youth and young adults (priests, laity, full-time, part-time, paid, volunteers, parents, Sunday School teachers, Christian Education Directors, you name it...). Registration forms are available HERE.

Y.E.S. and Happening

2010-04-03T04:51:00.002-05:00

Happening and Y.E.S. are two things that should be on your mind! Happening (grades 10-12) and Y.E.S. (grades 7-9) are taking place April 23-25 at Camp Allen. If you have never been, now's a good time to go. I you have attended, tell your friends all about it! Happening registration form can be found HERE and the Y.E.S. form can be found HERE.

Episcopal 101: The Feast of the Annunciation

2010-03-25T13:49:00.001-05:00

Today's feast commemorates how God made known to a young Jewish woman that she was to be the mother of his Son, and how Mary accepted her vocation with perfect conformity of will. It has been said, "God made us without us, and redeemed us without us, but cannot save the world without us." Mary's assent to Gabriel's message opened the way for God to accomplish the salvation of the world. It is for this reason that all generations are to call her "blessed."

(from Lesser Feasts and Fasts)

The Collect:
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 45 or Psalm 40:5-11 or Canticle 3 or 15
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38

Saint of the week: Patrick

2010-03-16T10:58:00.002-05:00

Patrick was born to a Christian family on the northwest coast of Britain around 390. When Patrick was about 16 he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland where he was forced to serve as a shepherd. Six years later he escaped and returned to Britain, where he was educated as a Christian. He took holy orders and was made a bishop, though we do not know what area he oversaw, if any.

He returned to Ireland as a missionary in the north and west of the island in 431. Tradition holds that he began a remarkable missionary conversion throughout the country that continued until his death in 461. Christianizing the old pagan religion as he went, Patrick erected churches over sites already regarded as sacred, had crosses carved on old Druidic pillars, and put sacred wells and springs under the protection of Christian saints. It is believed that his principal church was at Armagh.

By the eighth century he had come to be revered as the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick's Day, March 17 is celebrated both in and outside of Ireland, as both a liturgical and (ahem) non-liturgical holiday.

Readings
1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12
Matthew 28:16-20
Psalm 97:1-2,7-12 or
Psalm 96:1-7

Collect: Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Camp Allen News from Samuel Stone

2010-03-09T20:04:00.001-06:00

Hey All,

Great News! Summer Camp is right around the corner and with the weather finally warming up it's beginning to feel like it.

POTENTIAL COUNSELORS: We still need counselors to apply (that includes CC's and RCC's) ESPECIALLY GUYS! So if you've sent in an application awesome! If you're still considering it, the website to find one and print one off will be at the bottom of the message. Print one off NOW!

ADULT HELP: For all of you who are older than counseling age,dust off the cobwebs and get that brain thinking of kids who show great qualities of a counselor and get them to apply. Each one helps! If you would be interested in volunteering over the summer, shoot me a message and I'll seewhich weeks are in need of adult help.

YOUTH MINISTERS: Encourage your kids to apply to for a Floater,CC or RCC position, if they are 15, 16, or 18years of age respectively. We need your help spreading the word.

DEADLINES:
RCC Application- April 3rd (the sooner the better)
CC Application- March 17th (better get cracking!)
Floater Appllication- March 20th (HURRY!!!)
(Fill out A CC application and write floater at the top)

Again, Summer Camp needs your watchful eye for summer camp! Help us out!

Yours,
-Samuel Stone-
Assistant Summer Camp Director

Saint of the week: Gregory of Nyssa

2010-03-09T15:23:00.001-06:00

Gregory was born in Caesarea, in modern-day central Turkey in 334. It seemed his path was predetermined- he was younger brother to Basil the Great and Macrina, and best friends with another great theological mind of the times: Gregory of Nanzanius. As a child, Gregory was a lukewarm Christian. When Gregory was 20, relics from the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste were transferred to the chapel near his home. The presence of those relics made a deep impact on Gregory, and he became a fervent and devout Christian. Nonetheless, he decided that he was not called to the priesthood, married and settled down as a layman.

In 362, Gregory's brother, Basil the Great, and best friend, Gregory of Nazianzus, persuaded him to become a priest. Interestingly, Gregory remained married after his ordination; there is dispute as to whether he continued to live with his wife as a married couple or as a sister.

Basil had become archbishop of Caesarea in 370. He was engaged in a theological struggle with the Arian Emperor over, among other things, the divinity of Christ. In need of episcopal allies, Basil appointed his friend Gregory bishop of Sasima and his brother bishop of Nyssa (a small town about 10 miles from Caesarea). Neither man wished or was qualified to be a bishop, and - at the hands of the Emperor - false accusations of embezzlement soon followed. Gregory of Nyssa fled his episcopacy until the death of the Emperor two years later. At the Second Ecumenical Council in 381, Gregory continued Basil's fight in defense of the Nicene Creed.

After the death of Basil in 379, and the death of their sister Macrina shortly after, Gregory began writing sermons and treatises on theology and philosophy. He is chiefly remembered as a writer on the spiritual life and the contemplation of God, not only in private prayer and meditation, but in the corporate worship and sacraments of the Church.

Collect:
Almighty God, you have revealed to your Church your eternal Being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in Trinity of Persons: Give us grace that, like your bishop Gregory of Nyssa, we may continue steadfast in the confession of this faith, and constant in our worship of you, Father, son, and Holy Spirit; for you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Wisdom 7:24-28
John 5:19-24 or
John 14:23-26
Psalm 19:7-11(12-14) or
Psalm 119:97-104

Happening and YES

2010-03-09T15:14:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it's hard to think about things that are happening next month when you just got into this month, however, Happening and Y.E.S. are two things that should be on your mind! Happening (grades 10-12) and Y.E.S. (grades 7-9) are taking place April 23-25 at Camp Allen. If you have never been, now's a good time to go. I you have attended, tell your friends all about it! Happening registration form can be found HERE and the Y.E.S. form can be found HERE.

2010 Summer Mission Trip Opportunities

2010-03-09T15:00:00.002-06:00

Good Shepherd, Austin; St. Cuthbert's, Houston; and St. Christopher's, League City have graciously opened their mission trips to other churches to join. Please click on the church name to find information on the trips and don't forget the good work being done in Galveston that also available.

Iona School for Ministry

2010-03-08T15:56:00.002-06:00

The Iona School for Ministry is now offering its core theological curriculum to lay professionals. Details can be found HERE.

"Balance" Conference for Youthworkers

2010-03-08T14:15:00.005-06:00

Christian Leadership Conference

2010-03-08T14:07:00.002-06:00

Pics from the Junior High Retreat

2010-03-08T14:01:00.002-06:00

Stations of the Cross Meditation

2010-03-04T16:21:00.001-06:00

Another excellent offering from young adults in the Episcopal Church and beyond.

Saint of the week: David of Wales

2010-03-02T09:59:00.004-06:00

David was born sometime in the late 5th or early 6th century in Wales. He was renowned as a teacher and preacher, and traveled all over Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall teaching and establishing monastic communities and churches. He is credited with the spread of Christianity throughout the country.

David himself was abbot of the monastery at Pembrokeshire. He practiced an ascetic lifestyle, and encouraged the monks to do the same. Their abstention from meat has made St. David the patron saint of vegetarians. David was also made a bishop - most bishops in the British Isles during this period were also abbots. He is entombed at St. David's Cathedral which stands on the site of the monastery at Pembrokeshire.

The Collect:
Almighty God, you called your servant David to be a faithful and wise steward of your mysteries for the people of Wales: Mercifully grant that, following his purity of life and zeal for the Gospel of Christ, we may with him receive our heavenly reward; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12
Mark 4:26-29
Psalm 16:5-11 or
Psalm 96:1-7

Pics from the Intermediate Retreat

2010-03-01T15:23:00.002-06:00

Trash Bash Event

2010-02-22T16:13:00.000-06:00

Follow the LINK and find out how you can keep Texas clean.

CLC Design Team

2010-02-22T15:54:00.003-06:00

These good people are planning your senior high Christian Leadership Conference to be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin June 21-26.

Saint of the week: Polycarp

2010-02-22T11:42:00.001-06:00

Polycarp was a second century bishop of Smyrna (now in Turkey). He was the teacher of Irenaeus, who wrote that Polycarp had been a pupil of John, "the disciple of the Lord." His letter to the Church in Phillippi is one of the oldest surviving Christian writings. Polycarp, Clement of Rome, and Ignatius of Antioch are known as the Apostolic Fathers.

While not much is known of his life, an authentic account of Polycarp's death in 156 has survived. Polycarp was a gentle old man when he was martyred. When he was called on to curse Christ, Polycarp said, "Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" Before he was burned at the stake, Polycarp is said to have looked to heaven and blessed the Lord for the gift of Jesus and for his own impending martyrdom.

Collect:
O God, the maker of heaven and earth, you gave your venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Savior, and steadfastness to die for his faith; Give us grace, following his example, to share the cup of Christ and rise to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings:
Revelation 2:8-11
Matthew 20:20-23
Psalm 34:1-8 or
Psalm 121

161st Diocesan Council

2010-02-17T16:32:00.003-06:00

Everything you ever wanted to know about the 161st Diocesan Council of Texas can be found HERE.

Lenten Devotional

2010-02-17T10:03:00.002-06:00

Happy Ash Wednesday! Start the Lenten Season off right HERE.

Susannah Jones and Diocesan Council

2010-02-16T18:32:00.003-06:00

Susannah Jones, youth lay director of the Christian Leadership Conference, gave the youth address at the 161st Diocesan Council. She was greeted with a standing ovation before and after her address and we couldn't be more proud. She his pictured here with her youth ministers Mike and Cindy Mullen, as well as the goofy youth missioner...

Saint of the week: Brigid

2010-02-05T16:06:00.001-06:00

Whether she was raised a Christian or converted in 468, as some accounts say, is unknown, but she was inspired by the preaching of Saint Patrick from an early age. Despite her father's opposition she was determined to enter religious life. Numerous stories testify to her piety. She had a generous heart and could never refuse the poor who came to her father's door. Her charity angered her father: he thought she was being overly generous to the poor and needy when she dispensed his milk, butter, and flour to all and sundry. When she finally gave away his jewel-encrusted sword to a leper, Dubtach realized that perhaps her disposition was best suited to the life of a nun. Brigid finally got her wish and she was sent to a convent.

Collect: Everliving God, we rejoice today in the fellowship of your blessed servant Brigid, and give you thanks for her life of devoted service. Inspire us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Intermediate and Junior High Retreats

2010-02-02T11:27:00.004-06:00

Don't forget to sign up for the Intermediate and Junior High Retreats at Camp Allen on March 26-28! You can get your forms HERE.

A Bible Study for Lent

2010-02-02T11:27:00.001-06:00

Check it out HERE.

Saint of the week: Fabian

2010-01-20T16:12:00.003-06:00

In 236, an assembly was held at Rome to elects a pope as successor to Antherus. In the throng was Fabian, a layman from another part of Italy. Suddenly, a dove flew over the crowd and lighted on Fabian's head. In spite of the fact that he was a total strander and not even a candidate for election, the people unanimously chose Fabian to be pope, shouting, "He is worthy! He is worthy!" Fabian was ordained to the episcopate without opposition.

Fabian is said to have made a number of important reforms during his fourteen years as pontiff: he established the custom of venerating martyrs at their shrines in the catacombs, and he appointed seven deacons and seven sub-deacons to write the lives of the martyrs, so that their deeds should not be forgotten in times to come. He also brought back to Rome, for proper burial, the remains of Pontian, a pope whom the emperor had exiled in 235 to a certain and rapid death in the mines of Sardinia.

The Emperor Decius ordered a general persecution of the Church in 239 and 240, probably the first persecution to be carried out in all parts of the empire. Fabian was one of the earliest of those martyred, setting a courageous example for his followers, many of whom died in great torment.

Cyprian of Carthage, in a letter to Cornelius, Fabian's successor, wrote that Fabian was an incomparable man. "The glory of this death," Cyprian commented, "befitted the purity and holiness of his life."

Excerpted from Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2006.

Collect:
O God, in your providence you singled out the holy martyr Fabian as worthy to be chief pastor of your people, and guided him so to strengthen your Church that it stood fast in the day of persecution: Grant that those whom you call to any ministry in the Church may be obedient to your call in all humility, and be enabled to carry out their tasks with diligence and faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings:
2 Esdras 2:42:48
Matthew 10:16-22
Psalm 110:1-4 or
Psalm 126

Episcopal 101: The Confession of St. Peter

2010-01-18T09:30:00.000-06:00

"The Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter" Pietro Perugino, 1492

Today we celebrate the Feast of The Confession of St. Peter the Apostle.

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:13-19)

The Collect:
Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Haiti

2010-01-13T12:45:00.001-06:00

Shortly before sundown on Tuesday, January 12, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. The quake was centered about ten miles west of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. At least 28 aftershocks of magnitude 4.0 or greater shook the country in the hours immediately following the quake. Episcopal Relief & Development has reached out to its Haitian partners in an effort to determine the extent of the damage and coordinate a swift response.

To learn more go here.

Saint of the week: Hilary of Poitiers

2010-01-13T09:57:00.001-06:00

Hilary was Bishop of Poitiers (that's in France, y'all)in the middle of the 4th century. After academically studying the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament - was baptized a Christian, along with his wife and child. (The issue of priests remaining celibate was still very much in contention at this point.)

When Hilary was elected bishop in 353, one of the central issues facing the church concerned the doctrine of the Trinity. At issue was whether Jesus was fully divine, having existed with God the Father since the beginning of time. Hilary worked hard to excommunicate those who were teaching the non-Trinitarian doctrine, called Arianism (named for the priest who began the movement). Hilary experienced periods of exile from other parts of the church when he attempted to take his battle against Arianism outside of his diocese.

Hilary is remembered both for his defense of the Trinity and as one of the earliest and most important theological writers of the church.

Collect:
O Lord our God, you raised up your servant Hilary to be a champion of the catholic faith: Keep us steadfast in that true faith which we professed at our baptism, that we may rejoice in having you for our Father, and may abide in your Son, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
1 John 2:18-25
Luke 12:8-12
Psalm 37:3-6,32-33 or
Psalm 119:97-104

Join the Extreme Home Makeover Team This Weekend and Next Week

2010-01-05T10:46:00.002-06:00

Hollis Baugh, an active member of St. Christopher's, League city, is the engineer for Extreme Home Makeover (ABC reality show) to be built in the Bay Area beginning January 8. Volunteers are needed around the clock for 110 hours after the family is revealed this Thursday morning. We would like you to forward this information to your outreach coordinators, youth ministers, congregation, friends and family. We would like to have as many Episcopal Churches as possible represented to support Hollis Baugh and this effort for a needy family. Time is of the essence so please pass this information along today! They will need LOTS of people.

To volunteer, please go to www.blushieldsextreme.com and get on the list.

More Pics from Episco Disco

2010-01-04T14:18:00.001-06:00

Pictures from Episco Disco at St. Martin's

2010-01-04T14:16:00.002-06:00

More Pics from Mid-Winter

2010-01-03T12:59:00.003-06:00

Pics from Mid-Winter

2010-01-03T12:55:00.003-06:00

Mid-Winter 2009

2010-01-03T12:35:00.003-06:00

Thanks to all the staff and participants of "Bread, Wine and the Carpenter King." You made the time between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve most excellent!

Saints of the Week: Holy Innocents

2009-12-30T10:09:00.005-06:00

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is somewhat different than other saint's days. We read in Matthew 2:16 that after learning of the birth of Jesus and of the Wise Men sneaking out of the country, King Herod ordered that all the children in and around Bethlehem who were under the age of 2 be killed. These children - though they did not choose to be martyred - are still considered to be martyrs for the Gospel.

An interesting note: the slaughter of the innocents occurs in Matthew's gospel AFTER the Wise Men visit the Baby Jesus. However, we celebrate their feast day BEFORE Epiphany. According to a number of resources, the order of the feasts does not matter. In actuality the slaughter most likely occurred a year or two after the birth of Christ. The Feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated in the Christmas season because they gave their lives for the newborn Savior.

Collect:
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings:
Jeremiah 31:15-17
Revelation 21:1-7
Matthew 2:13-18
Psalm 124

Episcopal 101: Gaudete Sunday / Stir Up Sunday

2009-12-17T09:59:00.001-06:00

It's the third week of Advent. (Are you keeping count?) The third Sunday of Advent is a special one in our Episcopal tradition.

Gaudete is Latin for 'Rejoice!' This Sunday there is a noticeable lightening in tone as we focus on the anticipation and joy of Christmas. Churches that use a traditional advent wreath will light a pink candle. Some churches celebrate with a Pink Candle Party or parish Christmas party.

Stir-up Sunday is an even funnier term. It comes from the Collect appointed for the day:

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Interestingly, in Anglican (non-American) churches the term 'Stir-up Sunday' refers to a similar Collect are used on the last Sunday before Advent. The difference has to do with the ways that different churches have chosen to incorporate Christ the King Sunday. But that is another issue for another day.

Episco Disco at St. Martin's, Houston

2009-12-16T15:32:00.003-06:00

Kick off the new year in style with the return of Episco Disco on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at St. Martin's, Houston. Details can be found HERE.

Episcopal 101: Advent

2009-12-09T11:39:00.001-06:00

If the 'Advent calendar' I bought at Target is any indication, Advent is just a way of counting down the days from December 1 to Christmas. But for Episcopalians, Advent is a specific season. It begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and continues until sundown on Christmas Eve. The Advent season is a time of preparation and expectation for Jesus- both at Christmas and again "in power and glory." You can hear this dual emphasis in the lessons appointed each week.

Many people choose to do special devotions during the season of Advent. Here are a few devotions you might enjoy:
Trinity Wall Street
ready the way, from the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministries

Senior High Midwinter Retreat Deadline Approaching...

2009-12-08T11:17:00.001-06:00

If you haven't sent in your Midwinter registration form, the deadline is quickly approaching (December 14). PLEASE send it in as soon as humanly possible! You can find the form here:
http://www.epicenter.org/edot/Forms.asp?SnID=1531075597.
Remember: Sweet 8 lb. 6 oz. Baby Jesus and Santa don't like procrastinators...

Hope to see you there!

Alternative Gifting with Advent Conspiracy

2009-12-08T10:46:00.003-06:00

Saint of the Week: Nicholas of Myra

2009-12-07T14:13:00.001-06:00

(confession: This is a re-post from last year, but it seemed wrong to let St. Nicholas Day pass unnoticed.)

Saint Nicholas is one of the most beloved saints- just look at your Coke can. :) How we got from Nicholas of Myra to Santa is kind of like the historical equivalent of the game of Telephone.

Nicholas was Bishop of Myra (that's in Turkey, y'all) in the early 4th century. There are many stories of his good works, miracles attributed to his intercessions, and his penchant for secret gift giving.

One of the most famous stories is of the man who had three daughters, and no money to provide dowries for them. Nicholas is said to have throw bags of gold in through the window (or chimney) for each of the girls. Thus, each girl had a suitable dowry and was spared from a life of shame.

Another favorite story is as fascinating as it is weird. A great famine was sweeping across Turkey, and meat was especially difficult to come by. A butcher lured three young boys (named Timothy Mark and John in some stories) into his shop, where he murdered them and put them in a barrel of brine to cure- the butcher planned to pass them off as ham. (Gross, right?!) Nicholas came to the town to visit the hungry, and saw through the butcher's hoorible plan. He prayed for the boys and they were resurrected.

Another story tells of sailors surprised by a terrible storm. They prayed to Nicholas and the storm was calmed.

Nicholas' feast day is December 6; in other countries it is traditional for children to recieve gifts from St. Nicholas on that day, instead of on Christmas.

Collect:

Almighty God, who in your love gave to your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Readings:

1 John 4:7-14

Mark 10:13-16

Psalm 78:3-7

or Psalm 145:8-13

Pics from Happening #129

2009-11-24T18:19:00.003-06:00

Courtesy of Christy Orendorff

Episcopal 101: Red Letter Days

2009-11-20T13:17:00.001-06:00

Or, "another time you didn't know you were using church-speak".

Usually when someone says "it's been a red-letter day", what they mean is "it's been an important and notable day." And that's essentially what the church means too: In liturgical calendars and old/ fancy prayer books, some days are printed in red letters to show their significance. These include: major feasts of the church year, including the principal feasts, feasts of our Lord, feasts of all apostles, evangelists, and other major saints' days and festivals. The term is applied to those feasts for which the BCP provides full propers, including collect, OT lesson, psalm, NT epistle, and gospel. Lesser feasts and observances are printed in black.
(thanks episcopalchurch.org. you're the best.)

Pics from Youth Ministers' Retreat

2009-11-15T22:22:00.004-06:00

Saint of the Week: Richard Hooker

2009-11-03T10:14:00.003-06:00

(Richard Hooker's feast day was November 3.)

Richard Hooker was one of the most influential Anglican theologians. Here's a quick rundown of three of his most famous points:

1. Justification by Faith. "God is no captious sophister, eager to trip us up whenever we say amiss, but a courteous tutor, ready to amend what, in our weakness or our ignorance, we say ill, and to make the most of what we say aright." In other words, even people who did not believe in justification by faith (he referred specifically to Roman Catholics)could still be saved by it.

2. He is also famous for arguing for a middle way (via media) between Roman Catholicism and Puritanism. Both of these doctrines are still a major part of who we are as Anglicans today.

3. Think back to Confirmation classes. Remember the 3-legged stool of Anglican theology? Quick refresher: scripture, reason, and tradition are all essential components to discerning God's will.

These theologies are still an important part of who we are as Anglicans today.

Collect
O God of truth and peace, you raised up your servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings
1 Corinthians 2:6-10, 13-16
John 17:18-23
Psalm 37:3-6,32-33
or 19:7-11(12-14)

What Soft Drinks Are Doing to Your Body

2009-11-02T18:34:00.000-06:00

Things you should know before you pick up that next can (or bottle)...remember: your body is a temple.

Happening and Youth Encounter Spirit!!!

2009-11-02T14:27:00.002-06:00

Get your red hot applications for Happening and Y.E.S. right HERE. Deadlines are approaching fast.

Sun One

2009-11-02T14:07:00.001-06:00

From the Rev. Beth Magill, St. David's, Austin:

Yesterday we had the first Sun One gathering, which is the Austin Area Episcopal Youth Groups. With temps in the upper 70s and crystal clear Texas skies, we played a rousing game of kickball to get everyone warmed up. Then came the greatest game EVER - Kingball. Though plagued with the plethora of rules and unfamiliar landscape of cones, the youth were troopers. We had a rousing hour long game, in the midst of which Diocesan Bishop Andy Doyle granted a few group absolutions to free everyone from being tagged. Even Bishop Doyle had fun, as his tweet indicated, "At Sun 1 episcopal youth event at Zilker, Austin...I luv being bishop!" Well done Diocese of Texas, you are indeed worthy of the greatest game EVER.

Episcopal 101: Commemoration of All Faithful Departed

2009-11-02T11:52:00.001-06:00