Dear Friends,

Last weekend was our 120th Council of the Diocese of West Texas. Council was held in San Marcos from February 22-24th. This was the first council for our new bishop, the Rt. Rev. David Read and we are celebrating the 150th year of being the DWTX. What an exciting time!

In addition to myself and Jeremy, we had visitors from St. Nick's go to council to learn about our diocese and the greater church. Bishop Committee Members - Dawn Robinson, Steve Rogers, Mike Brown, and Montana Rindahl were in attendance. In addition, Steve and Missy Denney, Emily and Brian Winningham, and Haley Bankey came to council also. If you are interested in learning more about council or our diocese, please feel free to seek these folks out and talk to them about their experience. I am sure they will be happy to share what they learned and how excited they are for our future!

You can also visit the council website to see reports and a recap of council. You can find the link here. I also want to commend the following videos for your viewing - they are reports, addresses, and sermons that I found quite moving and inspiring during our time at council. You can click on each one and it will take you to a Vimeo recording.

1. The Bishop's Address -
2. The Bishop's Sermon -
3. Work from St. Philip's Uvalde and the Children's Bereavement Center -
4. 150th Commemorative Video -

I found myself full of gratitude for the work of the diocese and the host church to help us have a council where we encouraged to learn about ministries, the Gospel, and the history of our diocese. It is always a good reminder that we belong to something greater than ourselves and we are not alone in this good and holy work we are doing. We belong to a diocese and a national church who have supported us greatly. We belong to a worldwide Anglican Communion and are intimately connected to the Body of Christ - all churches.

I pray we can all remember that we are never alone in our work or in our lives. As the body of Christ, the church, we are always connected. We are connected to one another and to Jesus our Friend, Lord, and Savior. i pray as you continue to walk through this Lenten season that you feel the presence of Jesus beside you.

God's Peace, Love, and Blessings,

Beth+

Sunday, March 3: Third Sunday in Lent

Sunday Scriptures (click here for full scripture readings): Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent:

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Dinner Church - Bring on the Fun!

Dinner Church is each Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 and is a weekly time of a meal, worship, and fellowship. It is a great place to get to know each other better, and to invite friends.

If you want to attend Dinner Church but don't have time or desire to cook - you can always bring juice, water, or sodas. All are welcome and we always have enough food!

This week is Celebrate Texas week - bring your

favorite Texas food and be ready to share your favorite Texas memory.

It takes an incredible amount of love and care to make a church a vibrant learning community of faith! A big thanks and shout out to Hubert McBride!!! He made us this incredible Godly Play story. You can check it out in our Formation room just east of the Sanctuary. If you have special gifts - music, wood working, gardening, etc. - we always welcome your gift of time and talent!!!

Did you know that you can sign up to be a host for a Sunday Morning? Thank you to Terry Rogers and Regena Hatchett for their beautiful spread of fruit, breads, and snacks this past Sunday. You can sign-up to host at our sign-up zone site here. You can host a cake party, ice cream day, donuts, or a chili cookoff. Connect with a friend and host our coffee hour.

Sunday Ministry Sign-ups

All ages can sign up at this link

Our Sunday ministry jobs are at the Sign-up Zone link above.

We are looking for readers, greeters, hospitality hosts, acolytes, and altar team members.

You can contact Rev. Beth if you would like to serve and have questions. Remember, as an intergenerational church - all ages are encouraged to lead and serve.