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.”
Meanwhile, diocesan leaders are focusing on several ministry development undertakings already underway for lay and ordained leaders:
- Six congregations are meeting together this weekend (Sept. 6-7) to begin working with the Episcopal Church Building Fund (ECBF) in their program for assessing and maximizing church assets – people, gifts and talents, buildings, funds, heritage, and more.
- Training for licensed worship leaders will take place Oct. 3. (See Good News article, below.)
- Bob Schorr, coordinator for church plants and strategic development for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, will be meeting with congregations and their leadership Oct. 12-16. Schorr will focus on “next steps” for developing congregations, particularly in areas of rapid population growth. Congregation leaders who would like to schedule time with Bob Schorr should contact Demi Prentiss, ministry developer for the diocese (demi.prentiss@edotn.org, 817-534-1900).