Posts by Steve Grenzow (Page 23)

Posts by Steve Grenzow (Page 23)

Steinke resources offered free

Did you miss Peter Steinke’s April and June workshops here in the Diocese of Fort Worth? Does your congregation need help finding its way through anxious times? Steinke’s DVD When Anxiety Strikes and his book How Your Church Family Works are both available through the diocesan office for use in your congregation.

Nominations open for positions to be filled at 2014 Diocesan Convention – UPDATED

Nominations are open for positions that will be filled at the 2014 diocesan convention on November 14 and 15. Qualified candidates are invited to read, pray, and discern if they are called to offer themselves in nomination for any of the elected positions described below. Nominations may be by the candidate on their own or by another person with the candidate’s permission. The deadline for online nominations is September 14, 2014.

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

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,…

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…

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,…

Catch World Cup fever!

St. Elisabeth’s and Christ the King congregations in Fort Worth are inviting all soccer fans to join in a big-screen live-streaming watch-party for the World Cup finals, Sunday, July 13 starting at 1pm. The excitement will ramp up with the kickoff at 2pm, and food, drink, and games will be available throughout the party.

What if we create ‘sticky faith’?

Check out the latest Forma blog entry, written by Emily Givens, director of children and family ministry at St. Michael and All Angels, Dallas. Givens asks us to carry the intensity and intentionality we bring to our annual vacation Bible school (VBS) offerings forward into our broader congregational lives. “What if …?” she wonders, asking us to seize opportunities for being the church in many contexts. “What if there was a spiritual component that could be shared with the parents/grandparents/adults for evening conversation?” “What if families were given faith in the home resources as a thank you for participating [in VBS]?”

Introducing the venue of the 2014 Diocesan Convention

The 2014 Diocesan Convention will be held in Arlington, Texas, on November 14-15, 2014. This will be the 32nd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. The convention will be held at the Jack Daniel’s Club (formerly the Diamond Club) at Globe Life Park (formerly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington).  Parking will be in parking lot K, directly across Ballpark Way from the entrance to the club. Parking on the surface lots is free. The club is at 1090 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011. Watch…

Registration dates & fees for the 2014 Diocesan Convention

The 2014 Diocesan Convention will be held in Arlington, Texas, on November 14-15, 2014 at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The deadline for registration of lay and clerical delegates, alternates, and visitors is October 14, 2014.  After that date, registrants will incur late charges. Registration on or before October 14, 2014, is $50 for one day and $80 for both days. Registration after October 14, 2014 is $60 for one day and $95 for both days. Congregations will coordinate registration…