Leadership News (Page 52)

Leadership News (Page 52)

Executive Council’s management workgroup meets October 17

The implementation of Canon 10 – adopted in November 2012 to re-frame the working structure of the diocesan executive council – was a major topic at the Sept. 28 meeting of executive council. ( link ) On October 17, the executive council’s management workgroup will continue the conversation at its 4:30pm meeting at the diocesan office.

Registration open for Forma conference

Episcopal Christian educators are invited to attend the annual Tapestry conference of Forma (formerly the National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors – NAECED), scheduled for Jan. 22-24, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

Learning opportunities offered

The coming weeks bring opportunities for learning and growing in mission and ministry. Take advantage of one or more: Effectively Responding To Domestic Violence: Resources for Clergy — A Seminar for Clergy & Congregational Leaders – Domestic abuse abuse (physical, verbal and emotional) devastates lives. Dealing with it is difficult.  Not dealing with it can be disastrous. Can you spot the signs? Are you equipped to address them when you see them among members of your congregation? Join Tarrant Area Community of Churches, Safe Haven…

September Spotlight on Congregations

What has the diocese and the larger church done for your congregation lately? Check out the worship leader training detailed above – and be sure to attend. And register to come to the diocesan convention, Nov. 8-9 in Wichita Falls. All are welcome!

Transition Trainings postponed – ministry continues

Last week’s news from the Texas Supreme Court made clear that resolution of litigation will not be soon. Because of the change in situation, the Transition Trainings scheduled for Sept. 12 and 14 will be postponed. Leaders who had RSVP’ed have been contacted, and plans are in the works for adapting these trainings to the longer timeframe that the decision has given us. Said Bishop Rayford High, “We have plenty of work to do being the church and sharing God’s good news.”

Diocesan stewardship team forming

With the goal of supporting congregations’ growth in stewardship, Bishop High has named a five-person stewardship team – Bob Bess (St. Martin-in-the-Fields Keller), Mary Lilly (St. Luke Stephenville), Mark Neyland (Trinity Fort Worth), Oswell Person (St. Christopher Fort Worth), and Whit Smith (All Saints Fort Worth). The team will work in partnership with the bishop and with diocesan stewardship officer Demi Prentiss, linking congregations with people and resources.

Apply now for mission funding

This year’s diocesan budget includes $11,233 for outreach programs within the diocese and $6,479 for programs beyond its geographical boundaries. Mark Daly, chair of the diocese’s Mission and Outreach Committee (a subcommittee of the diocesan Finance Committee) recently wrote to congregations across the diocese, requesting that congregations and ministries submit applications for the budgeted funds by Sept. 1.

An invitation to “do church differently”

Dear Friends in Christ – Our wonderful Lutheran neighbors are warmly inviting all of us – lay folks and clergy – to participate in their upcoming “Table Talk” conversation. Briarwood Retreat Center is just a hop, skip and jump north of Fort Worth (670 Copper Canyon Road, Argyle 76226). This is a double-mint good opportunity to learn from Jim Johnson, a pastor who is “doing church differently” – and successfully! It is also an opportunity to connect with some brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we have much in common and with whom we might embark on some creative ministry endeavors – as St. Luke’s in Stephenville is already doing!

Diocese offers Transition Training

Transition Training is offered Thursday, Sept.12, 6- 9:30pm at St. Christopher Fort Worth (3550 Southwest Loop 820, Fort Worth 76133) and Saturday, Sept. 14, 9-12:30 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields (223 S. Pearson Lane, Keller 76248). What transition are we training for?