Posts from July 2014 (Page 2)
Presiding Bishop addresses crisis of unaccompanied children at the U.S. border
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a statement on the current crisis of unaccompanied children and families at the United States border. She urges compassion, prayer, consideration of financial contribution; she asks you contact legislators to support appropriate humanitarian response, and to share today’s Office of Government Relations testimony with your elected officials.
Prayer for Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. –Book of Common Prayer, p. 823
Prayer for Local Government
Almighty God, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. –based on Book of Common Prayer, p. 822
Immigration Situation from Bishop Lillibridge, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas has published a July 3, 2014 letter and appeal from the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge on their diocesan website: [Episcopal Diocese of West Texas] As you are likely aware, the border is experiencing record numbers of people, primarily from Central America, seeking to enter the United States. Several cities within our diocese are at the forefront of these record numbers. If you have been following the news reports, you know that detention facilities are overflowing and needs are overwhelming.…
Prayer for the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus…
Diocese of Fort Worth youth, sponsors off to Episcopal Youth Event
The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is sending a group to Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) July 9-13 at Villanova University outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. EYE is a gathering of high school youth every three years; youth and their sponsors gather for leadership training, energetic worship, and lots of fun. This year, our diocese is sending two youth: Sarah Pannell, a junior at Keller High School, and Jacob Tiemann, a junior at Keller Central High School. Both teens are active members,…
How to help with border crisis
The plight of the unaccompanied children arriving on the Texas border and that of other states has dominated news reports recently. Bishop Rayford B. High, Jr., has issued a statement about the crisis, and many Episcopalians have asked how they can help. Catholic Charities Fort Worth is the main local agency helping with the influx of unaccompanied minors. They take in 32 children aged 3 to 16 at a time with each child spending up to 30 days in the…
Statement from Bishop Rayford High on border crisis
As I have listened to and read news reports of the stories of the thousands of children at our borders, the words of Matthew 25 keep running through my mind: “Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; I…
Prayer or Collect for the Nation
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen –Book of Common Prayer, p. 258, Collect…
Diocese of Fort Worth one of 42 paying full asking
On Tuesday, July 1, The Episcopal Church Office of Finance issued a mid-year updated report on diocesan commitments. In the report, N. Kurt Barnes, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, announced “that all Episcopal dioceses located in the United States and nearly every non-United States diocese have committed to the 2014 budget of The Episcopal Church.” Barnes reported that “42 dioceses have committed to the full 19% asking level adopted by General Convention 2012.” The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is one of…
Executive Council passes Safeguarding & background policies; approves grants
The Executive Council of the diocese met Saturday, May 17, 2014, at St. Luke in the Meadow Episcopal Church, Fort Worth. The council passed bylaws for the council, a policy on Safeguarding programs, a policy on background checks, and an employee’s handbook for diocesan staff. They approved a grant to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Fort Worth, for $12,500. They also approved a grant to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Hurst, of $20,000. Both grants will be reviewed by the Congregational Development…
Code of Conduct for Meetings
Code of Conduct for Meetings – PDF This Code of Conduct was adopted by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth on May 17, 2014, and is commended to all groups and gatherings of the diocese as a set of guidelines for our work together.
Policy on Safeguarding God’s People
Bishop’s letter on Safeguarding God’s People Policy and Safe Church Training – PDF Safeguarding God’s People Policy – PDF titled “Toward Healthy Ministry: Safeguarding God’s People From Abuse” Related: Policy on Background Checks The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment in which all of God’s people can carry out the work God has given us to do. This Safe Church policy is a statement of professional expectations for all people (clergy,…
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