Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings in this season of Epiphany – this season of blazing new trails, of returning to our own country “by another road” (Matthew 2:12). Like the wise men, we in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth have had encounters with Christ (individually and together) over these past five years that have changed us, and which call us forward in ministry and mission – in ways that we never would have dreamed years ago.
At our Diocesan Convention in November, we voted to explore a diocesan-wide capital campaign. A Capital Campaign Committee has been formed, and a study process is underway to determine the purposes and goals of this campaign. Some of the key things under consideration are funding for clergy salaries for church plants and church “re-plants,” funding for a full-time bishop, funding for campus ministry, and funding for other mission and ministry endeavors – things that we can do better together than we can as individual congregations. See the enclosed “Funding for the Future” case statement.
The input of each and every Episcopalian in this discernment process is ESSENTIAL. Therefore, I ask all clergy and wardens in charge of congregations to communicate this letter and the attached “Funding for the Future” case statement by email and bulletin insert to all members. I also ask that notice of this opportunity be given from the pulpit on Sunday, January 25th and Sunday, February 1st .
As leaders of this diocese, we seek to discern together God’s unique callings to us as Episcopalians in the Diocese of Fort Worth, and we want to gather the resources to support that good work. We need to know what ministries you’re passionate about, what things you want to see the diocese commit more resources to – for the glory of God and for the good of the people God has called us to serve in these 24 counties of north central Texas.
We urge you to share your thoughts by responding to the online survey at http://bit.ly/edfwFF1
You can respond any time between February 1st – February 15th. Please note that, while we Christians are called to be very forgiving, the survey software is NOT forgiving; it does not have the capacity to record responses after midnight on February 15th. The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete, and we really do need and value your input.
In late March/early April, you will hear more about the campaign as it has been shaped by your responses. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Floyd McKneely, Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee (contact information removed).
In this season of moving forward in new ways, may God continue to draw us together in mission and ministry in ways that surprises us and transforms our diocese.
Faithfully in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr.
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth
Floyd McKneely
Chair, Capital Campaign Committee
Download a PDF of the Funding for the Future Goals (Case Statement)