Bishop Lillibridge’s Luncheon Presentation from Episcopal Diocese of West Texas on Vimeo.
Category Archives: Luncheons
Women’s Ministries Luncheon on Thursday
Let’s Talk. Over Lunch.
As the roles of women change in society, so do the ministries they do and the ministries they serve. Join a luncheon conversation just before Council opens on Thursday, February 23, on the many ways in which women’s ministries can serve God, the church, and each other. Go home with ideas and support for your local women’s ministry, however you define that.
Luncheon is 11:30 a.m., in the Rotunda of the AmericanBank Center, cost of $25 per person. Add it to your Council registration. Hosted by the diocesan Commission for Women’s Ministries (C4WM) and the diocesan Daughters of the King. The luncheon will close with our Council “Call to Prayer.” For more info:
marjorie.george@dwtx.org.
Kathy Dittman Inspires at CFA Luncheon
Before the official start of Diocesan Council 2016, the Christian Faith in Action (CFA) luncheon welcomed Dr. Kathy Dittman, a small animal doctor and member of St. Alban’s, Harlingen, as the keynote speaker. Dittman is an advocate for and devoted supporter of Prevent Child Abuse Texas (PCAT) and a participant in the organization’s Walk to Action each year.
The CFA Department encompasses the Restorative Justice, Recovery, Habitat for Humanity, and Environmental Stewardship ministries, as well as Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS). On behalf of the advocacy for children, Dr. Jill Oettinger, CEO of GSCS, introduced Dittman to the gathering.
Dittman shared her family’s journey, which turned tragic in November 1998, when their two-year-old daughter, Maggie, was killed by her hired caregiver while Dittman and her husband, Mark, were at work. The cause of death was Shaken Baby Syndrome, and the Dittmans removed Maggie, who was braindead, from life support three days after her abuse.
What followed was a journey of anger and rage but one that led them to multiple agencies and even to the Texas State Capitol in Austin lobbying for efforts to prevent child abuse. One law that was successfully passed was for training for all licensed childcare workers in the state of Texas on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
In their continued journey of loss and grief, Dittman and her family attended a conference of Prevent Child Abuse Texas and joined in their efforts to fight child abuse in all forms for all Texas children. Part of PCAT’s efforts include the annual Walk to Action, which from 2008 to 2013 evolved into a 20-mile one-day walk through San Antonio, ending at the Alamo.
With the Dittman’s involvement at St. Alban’s, Harlingen, and the support of then rector Bishop David Reed, Team DWTX was formed and has consisted of 20+ walkers over the years. As a team, over $45,000 has been raised for PCAT.
In 2015, PCAT changed the format of the Walk to Action in an effort to draw more participation. Last November, the Walk was a 5K through the San Antonio Zoo with children and strollers most welcome. The Walks will now be held in several Texas locations, including the kick-off on April 2, 2016, in Harlingen.
All are invited to join in support of the Dittman’s journey and the amazing efforts to prevent child abuse across our state. Walks to Action will also be held in Corpus Christi and San Antonio this year. Learn more and join Team DWTX at http://www.preventchildabusetexas.org/walks.html.
Council 2015 Luncheon Presentation
The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, speaks on “Abundant Life” during the Bishop’s Luncheon at the 111th Diocesan Council on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.
The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presentation from Episcopal Diocese of West Texas on Vimeo.
Are you missing the call to serve in public schools?
Arrive in San Marcos a little early this year and attend the Christian Faith in Action Luncheon titled “Church Ministries/Public Schools.”
There are important ministries to public schools going on daily through churches like Christ Church, Reconciliation, and Grace Church in San Antonio, St. John’s in New Braunfels, and St. Peter’s in Kerrville. These churches have answered their call to serve schools, the students, and their families and are involved in programs for low-income, youth at high risk including:
- Community Arts
- Tutoring
- Nutrition
- Summer Day Camps
- Community gardens
- Celebrations of achievement
- Mentoring
- Camp Scholarships
Come and hear if your church is being called to serve in our public schools. This annual luncheon begins at 11:30 am on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 at a cost of $25/person. Full details on the Luncheons & Breakfast page.
More about our Speakers
There is a new page on the Council 2014 website. Found in the left-hand navigation under “Activities” this “Speakers” page will highlight the presenters that will inspire us during the three days of Council, Feb 20 – 22, 2014 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa and Conference Center in San Marcos, TX. This week we spotlight the Rev Becca Stephens serving as Chaplain at St. Augustine’s at Vanderbilt University, and founder of Thistle Farms & Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. For more about Becca Stephens follow this link to Speakers.
