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.

Our blocks of rooms at the Marriott and Hilton near the Convention Center are full. Additional discounted rooms are available now, but will go quickly.

For more information about Council, including accommodations, nominations and more, visit epicenter.org/council.

The Compass Rose Society’s new endowment will generate income to support the Society’s annual commitment to the ACC. As the Endowment Fund grows, new memberships and annual member contributions will then be used for mission initiatives throughout the Anglican Communion. Read more  here.

Dr. Alan Strong, director of music at St. Andrew’s, Bryan, presents “150 Years of Organ Music: An Organ Recital Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. Andrew’s” on November 17. Learn more here.

Episcopal Health Foundation leaders have released a five-year “big picture” plan that targets specific outcomes needed to address the root causes of poor health in Texas. Read more about the new strategic plan  here.

The Diocese of Texas is hosting the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, July 5-13, 2018 in Austin, Texas This triennial convention is responsible for conducting the business of The Episcopal Church, and we need your help. Sign up to let us know you would like to volunteer for General Convention. Volunteer shifts are available from June 29 to July 13. If interested, go to our Facebook page and click the Sign Up button to have first pick of shifts when registration opens on January 6, 2018.

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.

The Church Leadership Conference is an annual gathering of vestry members and congregational leaders for practical learning, reflection and formation. The 2018 Conference is March 2-4, 2018 and registration is now open. Speakers and presenters will address core needs in strategic leadership, financial planning and creative communications. For more information and to register, click here. 

The Church needs leaders who are entrepreneurial, collaborative, adaptive, diverse and spiritually trustworthy. While we still need to identify those among us who are called to ordination, the Diocese of Texas encourages all Christians to seek their particular call. The discernment process in the Diocese is designed to give greater access to explore ministry in many forms through an initial Discovery Retreat for those who want to serve God in a new way. Participants learn a theological model for vocation that gives them a framework for their own discernment. They explore a variety of Christian vocations, have time for personal reflection and prayer and learn about the canonical processes for ordained ministry in the Diocese. Consider participating in the December Discovery Retreat to see where God is calling you to serve. Registration for the Discovery Retreats is on the Camp Allen website. For additional information, please contact the Rev. Victoria Mason or the Rev. Francene Young. Learn more here.