Presiding Bishop's Christmas Message 2017
“Have a blessed Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and go out and make music in the heart of the world,” Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry said in his Christmas Message for 2017. Watch the message in English here and in Spanish here.
Council Information
Volunteers Wanted
Volunteers are needed for the 2018 Diocesan Council in Waco, Thursday, February 15, through Saturday, February 17. Please consider signing up for this unique opportunity to serve. Volunteers must register here .
Pre-Council Meetings
Dates for Pre-Council meetings are now set and viewable at epicenter.org/council.
Early Bird Discount Until 12/31
Registration for Diocesan Council, February 15-18 in Waco, is now open here . Those who register before December 31 will receive a $25 discount per registrant. If your church has a late date for the annual meeting, you can register the number of delegates and alternates in advance and supply the names later. Contact Gail McGuire at 713.353.2114 or 800.318.4452 for instructions.

For more information about Council, including accommodations, nominations and more, visit epicenter.org/council .
Diocesan News
Bay Area Church Offers Solace to Those Grieving During Holidays
“Life is complicated,” said the Rev. Mike Stone, rector at St. Thomas the Apostle, Nassau Bay. “For me, I am going to have a Sunday morning church service that same morning of the Longest Night service; and the next week will be Christmas and that’s going to be full of hope and excitement. I think life is full of both things ‑ celebration and mourning.” Read the full story here.
EHF Publishes New Survey on Hurricane Harvey Aftermath
Two-thirds (66%) of residents across 24 Texas counties report that they suffered property damage, employment disruptions and/or lost income due to Hurricane Harvey, finds a new Episcopal Health Foundation/Kaiser Family Foundation survey. One in nine residents in these hardest-hit counties remain displaced from their homes three months after the storm. Learn more from EHF here.
Sign Up For Senior High Midwinter 2017 at Camp Allen
The theme for the 2017 Episcopal Diocese of Texas Midwinter Retreat is "Teach Us to Pray". Join the fun, December 28-30, 2017 at Camp Allen for worship, workshops, and relaxation as you learn a sample of the many ways to live in communion and conversation with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Register  here. For more information, contact Stephanie Townes.
"Don't Tell Me What To Do" at EDOT College Retreat
The theme for the 2018 Episcopal Diocese of Texas College Retreat is "Don't Tell Me What To Do". Join the fun, January 26-28, 2018 at Camp Allen for worship, workshops and relaxation as you learn how to navigate the many conflicting messages about who to be, how to live, what to major in and much more. More details, updates, and a registration link can be found here.
Episcopal Migration Ministries Offers Epiphany Curriculum for 2018
Episcopal Migration Ministries is offering an Epiphany Curriculum, which includes free resources to oversee a faithful and meaningful Epiphany 2018. “After the celebration and joy of Christmas, the Church turns its attention to the Epiphany of Christ, and a season when we remember time and again how God is made manifest in the world,” noted the Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Director of Episcopal Migration Ministries. “In these important days, Episcopal Migration Ministries invites congregations and faith communities to reflect on the rich history of the Episcopal Church’s work among refugees, as we have answered collectively the revealed Son of God’s call to be his ministers in a hurting world.” Learn more here .
Register for EfM Mentor Training
Registration for EfM Mentor Training in the Diocese of Texas, Feb 23-25, 2018 is now open here. Training will be at Camp Allen. The early bird cost is now $300. After January 23, 2018, the cost will go up to $325. Fees cover your lodging, meals, and materials provided.
Pause. Connect. Grow.
Church communicators face greater challenges than ever. Find new tools, awareness and skills to fulfill the ministry. The Episcopal Communicators Conference will take place at Kanuga, North Carolina from April 17-19. For more information visit here .
Registration Now Open for Discovery Retreat, February 23-25
The Discovery Weekend Retreat is designed for people discerning a sense that God is calling them to a specialized ministry, either lay or ordained. Over 100 "seekers" from across the Diocese have participated in a Discovery Retreat. For more information and registration click here .
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas is committed to ensuring that its churches, schools and institutions live out our baptismal covenant, providing an environment free from abuse, exploitation and harassment.
Employment
Missioner Associate for Houston Canterbury
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas, Houston

Benefits Coordinator
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas, Houston

Director of Volunteers
Lord of the Streets, Houston

Find full details on these and more employment opportunities here . 
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