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WELCOME to the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northwest Texas--a place where the vast open plains are as wondrous as the big sky above!
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Lightning over Bushland, TX
by Brandon Green
The landscape, covering 77,000 square miles is as diverse as the cities and people, with the canyons and rangelands of the Staked Plains; agricultural fields abounding; and the rough and ready country of the Rolling Plains and Permian Basin. The people here are known for their warm and friendly smiles, making one feel like an old and trusted friend.
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Noteworthy News from Northwest Texas
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S
AVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!
(For more information about the events, click on the blue underlined links.)
November 17-19, 2016 - Annual Diocesan Convention in Lubbock
July 10-14, 2017 - Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), Oklahoma City, OK
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Recent Ordinations
Four recent graduates from the School of Ordained Ministry (SOM) were ordained to the priesthood in June in their respective parishes.
- Jim Walker was ordained on June 21st, at 6:00pm at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Levelland, where he will serve as Vicar. Photos of the service are available HERE.
- Dr. Doug Thomas and Amanda Watson were ordained at Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, on June 23rd, at 6:30pm. They will both serve at Heavenly Rest as Assisting Priests. The service was live streamed on You Tube, and may be viewed by following this underlined link. (Photos were unavailable at the time of publication.)
- Jill Walters was ordained at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo on June 26th at 4:00pm. Additionally, Mtr. Jill is completely a course of studies at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Anglican Studies as a supplement to her certificate from SOM. Mtr. Jill will serve as Associate Rector of St. Andrew's with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Robert Pace, Rector. Photos of the service are available HERE.
Congratulations to all our recent ordinands! We are so proud of their accomplishments and their willingness to serve God in and through the Diocese of Northwest Texas!
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REMINDER
During Bishop Mayer's Sabbatical he will be unavailable, thus he will
not accept phone calls nor will he monitor his email account. Our hardworking Bishop deserves a complete break from his duties so he may rest, read, and finally relax!
If a situation arises that necessitates reaching out to our Bishop, please contact the Diocesan Administrator, Elizabeth Thames, at ethames@nwtdiocese.org, by telephone at 806.763.1370,
or Canon Mike Ehmer at (901) 833-2168
.
Elizabeth will take messages
for Bishop Mayer during his absence.
Thank you!
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The Death of a Beloved Deacon
Heaven has gained a true angel. Yet another beloved deacon from Northwest Texas left this
 earthly home for a life "
where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting
(BCP p. 499)
."
Deacon Roland Rose fell early last week in Florida, suffering a broken leg, which required surgical repair. Deacon Roland had been in fragile health for some time, and sadly, surgery was too much for his frail body. He died at 9:30am, on Saturday, July 9th.
Deacon Roland is known for his faithful work with the summer camp program at Quarterman Camp and Conference Center,
known
later as Quarterman Ranch. He researched and developed Promise Camp, a summer camp program for children of the incarcerated after seeing a need for ministry to the children of those persons he served in prison ministry. He served as its chair for six years and directed the summer camp arts and crafts activities at Quarterman Ranch for 10 years. Promise Camp eventually became two camps after the closing of Quarterma Ranch. Promises for Families, a foundation operated by Katy Hoskins of Sweetwater, was a spin off of Promise Camp, as is Promise Project, a camp for at-risk children in the northern Panhandle, that was initially developed from the Promise Camp idea by Deacon Todd Baxley. Deacon Roland greatly impacted the lives of at-risk children of this area in a positive and loving way by allowing them to enjoy life without stress for a short time, when they could actually be "kids" and enjoy the things children enjoy. An article about the ministries of Deacon Roland and his wife, Doña Josie,
appeared in the March 2011 edition of The Newsletter. The article is available by following this link.
Deacon Roland and his wife relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, after their retirement to be closer to their son's family.
He leaves behind his loving wife, the Rev. Josie (Doña Josie) Rose, one son, Noel Christopher, who lives in St. Petersburg, FL, with his wife, Chris, and their son, Indie; and a daughter, Laura Elena, who served in the US Air Force during Operation Desert Storm and resides now in the Midwest.
A memorial service will be held in Florida for Deacon Roland. The funeral service for Deacon Roland will be held at
St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church, Midland, on Saturday, July 30th, at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be sent to the Rose Family at:
5539 7th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
or to the Rev. Josie Rose at jrrose1204@gmail.com.
Rest eternal grant to Roland, O Lord;
and let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all our departed,
through the m
ercy of God, rest in peace. (BCP p. 502)
The Hulsey Episcopal Center is Open
Although many churches and schools take vacations during the month of July, the Bishop's staff is on duty and ready to assist you.
Please feel to call, email, or visit us if you need assistance!
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by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham
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Deacon Update - July 2016
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 As mentioned in last month's article, deacons are the servant ministers of the church, often working "below the radar" and "in the trenches" to serve those in need, and to minister to the sick and the friendless. They receive no monetary compensation for their service, but reap tremendous reward from being a servant of God. It also means they may hold down a full-time job in the secular world, as well as their work as a deacon. They are busy people who often have trouble saying "no." They are often unintentionally overlooked. There's no line item in the budget specifically for them, and they often serve outside the parish as well as within the parish walls.
One such deacon in our diocese serves in a parish and holds down a full time administrative position at All Saints School (ASES) in Lubbock. In addition to her duties as the Director of Admissions, she also serves as the school's Chaplain, and teaches religion courses. She is multi-talented, exuberant, vivacious, and full of the Lord! This amazing deacon is none other than Deacon Paige McKay, of Lubbock.
Deacon Paige was raised in the Panhandle of Texas, eventually landing in Amarillo, TX, with her parents, Tom and Brenda Higley, of St. Andrew's in Amarillo. She has one sister, Carla Higley Holeva, of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Midland. She is married to Mike McKay, and together they have two incredible daughters, Madeline and Lily, who have also served the church throughout their lives. Deacon Paige serves as the deacon at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Lubbock, her home church. Her husband and daughters are faithful members of St. Stephen's, where they have all served God through the church in many ways. Mike's parents, Joe and MaryAnn McKay, also attend, and are actively involved in St. Stephen's. Both sides of her family have roots in the Episcopal faith tradition, and not only attend parishes in Northwest Texas, but are actively involved in their parishes. Suffice to say Deacon Paige and her entire family are Episcopalian through and through!
The McKay Family- L to R - Madeline, Deacon Paige, Lily, and Mike
Deacon Paige received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Texas Tech University; Theological Education by Education for Ministry(EfM) diploma from the School of Theology at The University of the South; completed a four-year course of studies for the diaconate through the Diocese of Northwest Texas, and is a certified Godly Play instructor.
She began her formation for ordained ministry first in a "reading for orders" program with the plan to seek the priesthood. During a period of additional discernment, however, it became apparent to Deacon Paige that she truly had the heart of a deacon, so she entered formation for the diaconate. At that time it was a diocesan program led by the Rev. Jim Liggett, Deacon Melissa Wafer-Cross, and Archdeacon Christopher Wrampelmeier. Deacon Paige was ordained at St. Stephen's in Lubbock, in December of 2012.
Initially, Deacon Paige worked in the secular world in the field of marketing, but eventually left that field as she became more active at ASES. Deacon Paige has been at ASES for many years, first as an active parent and supporter, head of their uniform shop, and then as a member of their talented staff. Deacon Paige's primary role at ASES is as the Director of Admissions, a role she has filled since 2007. During her tenure enrollment has steadily risen, and now, with the addition of a high school, All Saints boasts an all-time record enrollment of 450 students. Although the position there is her "day job," Deacon Paige fills a diaconal role as well through her ministry to the family and staff of the school. Chaplain Paige, as the children know her, has organized and lead chapel daily for the students and faculty at ASES since 2008, but is also called upon for pastoral care for the families whose children attend ASES. The school welcomes children of all faith traditions, so a classroom may have children from various Christian traditions, the Islamic faith, the Buddhist faith, the Jewish faith, or children with no church home at all. Deacon Paige's daily chapel fills a church void for many children, and their parents can often be found in the bleachers of the gym where chapel is held several times a week. Her chapel services become their faith tradition, and she brings them to God through her delightful daily homilies, her sparkling personality, and her pastoral care.
 
In the classroom, Deacon Paige further "connects" with the students as she teaches religion to kindergartners and fourth graders. She has found that teaching children about religion and God fills her spirit and allows her to expand their concept of God. Realizing that not all children are Christian, Deacon Paige incorporates other religions to paint a larger picture of religion in our world to these precious, expanding minds.
When she's not serving God in some way, watching her girls play volleyball, or cooking yummy, healthy foods, Deacon Paige enjoys crafts. She has produced beautiful paintings, woven baskets, and various others crafts which she so generously donates or gives as gifts. You may also find her glued to episodes of NCIS, her favorite television show.
Deacon Paige is a gift to the Episcopal Church in Northwest Texas and to All Saints School, as evidenced by her favorite quote, which sounds exactly like something she would say.
"There's room for everyone at God's Table. Let's see what we can do together!"
May God continue to bless Deacon Paige in her ministry with children and at St. Stephen's.
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Camp Quarterman 2016
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Camp Quarterman Sr. (CQ Sr.) was held June 5-11, 2016, at Cathedral Ridge, just outside of Woodland Park, Colorado. A diverse group of students who had completed grades 7-12 loaded the bus in Lubbock, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and headed north to Cathedral Ridge Camp and Conference Center, just outside of Woodland Park, Colorado. Renee Haney, Youth Director for the Diocese of Northwest Texas; the Rev. Jim Haney V, her husband and the rector of St. Paul's; the Rev. Matthew Rowe, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in San Angelo; and the Rev. Jared Houze, Vicar of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Sweetwater and All Saints' Episcopal Church in Colorado City, worked to make this year's camp as great as the ones in the past. Fr. Matt and Fr. Jared served as chaplains, with each taking numerous family members with them this year to experience camp in the mountains. Fr. Jared's wife, Ericka, assisted with crafts while their children,Simon, Jude, and Betty played and attended activities with the "older kids." Fr. Matt's daughters, Shelby and Olivia, attended as campers.
Camp activities included daily chapel services, hiking, rock climbing, outdoor games and activities, and activities designed to enlighten and grow the campers in their relationship with God.
The theme of Camp Quarterman this summer was the Sacraments of the Episcopal Church.
On Friday of camp week the topic was marriage. Counselors Lisa Haney and Dakota Davis, from St. Paul's, Lubbock and Heavenly Rest, Abilene, respectively, were married in a mock wedding ceremony. The mock officiant was counselor Jimmy Haney. The purpose of the mock marriage was to teach the campers about the importance of the sacrament of marriage.
Photos of Senior camp are available in the
diocesan web album HERE.
 The younger campers enjoyed a week of camp at Ceta Glen, just outside of Happy, TX, nestled in one of the small canyons of the Palo Duro Canyon system. Although it was incredibly hot during that week, everyone had a great time. Many of the activities for the younger campers are the same, sticking to the theme of The Sacraments of the Church, however the activities are adjusted so they are age appropriate. Clergy for CQ Jr. were the Rev. David Galletly, from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Midland, and the Rev. Jim Haney V. The same counselors from CQ Sr. also worked at CQ Jr.
(Click on the photo is see a larger version.)
Swimming is a favorite activity at Ceta Glen, which has an outdoor swimming pool, and outdoor games also play a big role in their week. The campers learn teamwork and sportsmanship as they play the various games, such as volleyball. The campers always enjoy the short hike to the cross on top of the ridge nearby, and use the outing as a chance to pose for a group photo under the giant cross. Human Clue is another game the campers look forward to each year. Held outdoors (weather permitting), the campers receive clues and race around the camp to solve the mystery and see "who dunnit."
During Camp Quarterman Junior (CQ Jr.), Jimmy Haney presided again at the mock wedding of junior counselors Nicholas Neighbors and Julia White, both of Emmanuel, San Angelo.
Crafts, another favorite, allow the campers to express themselves artistically using non-verbal methods. During craft time various mediums are employed as they create their own works of art. It's fun to see the talent of these budding artists emerge in an accepting, non-judgmental environment.
Photos of CQ Jr may be found by
following this link.
HUGE thanks once again to Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Renee Haney, and her trusty sidekick, the Rev. James Haney V, for all they do to ensure each camper has a fun and meaningful time, and for their efforts to help all the campers grow closer in their individual relationships with God.
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Good News, Good Deeds by Deacon Nancy Igo
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Occasionally a great story crosses my desk - one that makes me smile, or reassures me of goodness in an otherwise crazy world. One such story came to me in a mission newsletter this week, from St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Coleman.
It seems they have had water drainage issues in the past, especially with all the recent rain in the Rolling Plains region. Their leadership contacted a local contractor to inspect the property and the issues at hand, and to give them an estimate for repairing the problems. The company they contacted was Absolute Accents, Inc., from Santo, TX. The owner, Jackie Smith, examined the property and gave them a bid for the work totaling more than $2000 to solve the drainage issues.
The surprise came when they read the back of the bid. Jackie went on to tell a story, one that warms the heart and gives us hope. He explained, "In the late 70's I lived on the corner of Mesquite and Neches (500 Mesquite to be exact). I, being a stupid boy out hunting with my
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Ralphie and his BB gun, from
"A Christmas Story."
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BB gun, came upon numerous bees in the flowers and bushes, and I, being an expert marksman, proceeded to shoot the bees. But being a stupid 8 year old boy, did not pay attention to what was behind the bees. It was brought to my attention very strongly that behind the bees in the bushes were windows, and those windows were around this church, St. Mark's. I apologized to the church and was punished accordingly (as I should have been) and had my BB gun privileges revoked, among other things I cannot remember. I would again like to apologize as an adult. There may still be reminders of my poor judgment on some of the old existing windows. To help make up for my mistake as a child I would like to help with correcting the drainage problems at the church for cost of materials only, which would total about $900.
"Again, I apologize for my poor decision as a child, but God works in mysterious ways, and has brought things full circle, and is allowing me the opportunity to help where I once caused problems."
The closing comment from the author of the newsletter was, "Almost a sermon. A hometown boy does well and wants to give back to cover a childhood transgression (for which he was forgiven long ago.) He is probably the only one who remembers the incident."
Goodness and hope prevail in an otherwise crazy world. Thanks be to God!
(If you have a story you'd like to share about good news or a good deed, something that restores our faith or simply makes us feel better about our crazy world, please send it to The Newsletter editor, Deacon Nancy at nigo@nwtdiocese.org.)
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United Thank Offering
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Valinda Jackson, formerly of St. John's in Odessa, has been our most recent Diocesan United Thank Offering Chair. She and her husband, Fr. Les Jackson, recently relocated to Kansas to accept a new call. We are currently in the process of seeking a new person to take on this role. Diocesan UTO coordinators are the link between the parish coordinators and the diocese, as well as between the diocesan network and the provincial representative to the United Thank Offering Board. For more information on this position, please contact Elizabeth Thames at the Bishop's office.
Please note, effective immediately, all funds collected from a congregation's in-gathering or from individual donations to the United Thank Offering should be mailed to:
Hulsey Episcopal Center
Attention: UTO
1802 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79401
Our Finance Manager will then process the monies and forward the contributions directly to the National UTO office. |
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2016 Women's Retreat
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**The registration deadline has been extended to August 1, 2016!**
LAST CALL! Register TODAY!
The Ennegram and Spiritual Growth
2016 Women's Retreat
Friday - Sunday, August 26-28, 2016
Christ the King Retreat Center in San Angelo
The goal of our spiritual journey is the returning to the true self that God created us to be. Recognizing when our own ego gets in the way of our God-created true self can give wings to our journey, and brings great insight and compassion into our lives and the lives of those we love. Part of this growth requires that we find balance in our lives. We will discover various practices we can add to our lives to fill in some missing pieces. Doing so, we may truly grow into the person God m
ade us to be, so God's love and care can flow freely through us to the world.
Led by Kathleen Pittman
 Kathleen comes from Roswell, New Mexico and has been leading retreats for the last 15 years. She lived in Alabama for 40 years, has been an Episcopalian 35 years, taught K-12 for 14 years and has been in higher education for the past 23 years. She currently teaches in Roswell for Eastern New Mexico University-Portales teaching undergraduate Elementary/Special Education Literacy and Social Studies methods, graduate reading, research, and curriculum courses. In the Diocese of the Rio Grande she serves as EFM Coordinator and is on the Standing Committee and Trustees of the Property. She is a member of St. Andrew's where she is an LEM, EFM mentor and DOK.
For more information, or to download the registration form, follow
THIS LINK.
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A Humorous Thought - Summer Tours
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| by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham |
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Conference Opportunity
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To view the flier in a larger format or to download, please click the graphic.
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Vital Practices
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Pasture to Partnerships
By Susan Kleinwechter, from the Diocese of Ft. Worth, part of the Vestry Papers issue on
Buildings & Grounds [& Mission] (July 2016) Susan has been part of the Diocese of Ft. Worth's Communication staff.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
in Southlake, Texas, was actually founded in the fields, specifically pastureland, where curious cows could peer through barbed wire fences and watch the church and community grow. Today, the cattle are gone and the church's 11.5-acre campus on the western edge of Southlake abuts modern houses and the greenspace of Chesapeake Park, an 11 acre neighborhood park with a paved walking trail, stocked fish pond, pavilion, and playground adjacent to the residential subdivision Chesapeake Place. Part of our property, former pastureland, remains undeveloped, with an approved master plan for a larger church to be in the fields in the future.
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Seminary Updates
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Blandy Lectures
Seminary of the Southwest and the Southwest Alumni Association are honored to welcome Mr. Bryan Stevenson, widely acclaimed public-interest lawyer and author, as the 2016 Blandy Lecturer. The annual Blandy Lectures and Alumni Convocation are hosted by the Southwest Alumni Association and held over the course of two days on the seminary campus in the fall of each year. This year, the convocation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27th, thru Wednesday, Sept. 28th.
For more information visit
http://ssw.edu/event/blandy2016
2016 DuBose Lectures Lectures
The annual DuBose Lectures will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28th, and on Friday, Sept. 29th, 2016, on the campus of the University of the South's School of Theology. This year the School of Theology welcomes Dr. Rowan Williams as the esteemed guest lecturer.
Bonhoeffer Revisited: from Christology to Politics
Dietrich Bonhoeffer still attracts attention and admiration as a thinker and as a Christian witness. There has been much excellent new biographical study but some aspects of his theology still need drawing out. During the 1930s, even as he was shaping his responses to the political crisis of the age, he continued to wrestle with the theological roots of public commitment. These lectures will look at developments in his thinking in the hope of clarifying how he saw his resistance to political tyranny not just as a matter of discipleship in general, but as the center-point of a Christological politics.
For more information on the lectures, Dr. Rowan Williams, or to register,
follow THIS LINK.
For more news and information from Sewanee visit the
Seminary website.
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Diocesan Events Calendar
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JULY
1-31 Bishop Mayer on Sabbatical
30 Funeral Service for Roland Rose, St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church, Midland, 2:00pm
No other events. Enjoy your summer!
AUGUST
1-31 Bishop Mayer on Sabbatical 18 DNWT Budget Committee, HEC, 10:30am
19-21 School of Ordained Ministry, St. Paul's, Lubbock
23 DNWT Trustees, HEC, 10:30am
25 Executive Council, St. Stephen's, Lubbock, 10:00am
(Items in purple indicate Bishop Mayer's presence.)
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Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
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