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The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas, announces the 2025 Council theme from Isaiah 6:8.
Bishop Read shares his inspiration for the selection of this year's theme in a video message.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
On behalf of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Buda, and Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and School, Dripping Springs, we invite you to the 121st Council of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Council will convene at the City of San Marcos Conference Center on Thursday, February 20, and will conclude after the morning business session on Saturday, February 22.
Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., has chosen “Here Am I. Send Me.” as the theme for Council. Taken from the sixth chapter of Isaiah, this is the prophet’s faithful reply to the divine question “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” This theme will provide each of us with ample opportunities to discern how God will never fail both to call and equip God’s people for the reconciling ministry which has been entrusted to us.
We speak for everyone at St. Elizabeth’s and Holy Spirit when we say that it is our privilege to be your host congregations for Council. Co-chairs Vanessa Westbrook (Buda) and Sylva Kezar (Dripping Springs) are working diligently with committee chairs and others in both congregations to help create just the right setting for a joyful and inspiring gathering.
As the host congregations, we are excited about:
More information about the details of Council will be shared in the months ahead. For now we ask that you keep our planning process in your prayers, and pray for Bishop Read, Bishop Suffragan-Elect Cortiñas, and the diocesan staff.
Yours faithfully,
Mike+
The Rev. Mike Woods
Vicar, St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Buda
Evan+
The Rev. Evan Hierholzer
Rector, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and School, Dripping Springs
Notice went out on October 29, 2024 detailing the process to certify lay delegates to Council 2025. Certification is due no later than Monday, January 20, 2025. This deadline and online certification and registration process follow the canonical requirements for certification. After receiving a congregation's online forms, the diocesan office will send the church office an invoice for the cost of its delegation attending Council, including lay delegates, alternates, clergy, and clergy spouses.
Please refer to the 2025 Lay Delegate Count for information on the number of delegates your congregation may certify and register which is determined each year according to the diocesan Constitution and Canons (Canon 1, Section 1b).
The Embassy Suites Hotel Conference Center is now fully booked. A room block has been reserved at nearby Holiday Inn hotels to accommodate all Council guests. A shuttle Service will be available throughout the day to / from these hotels to the Embassy Suites. The cost is $139 per night King Room and $149 Queen Room and includes a complimentary Breakfast Buffet and Parking. Room reservations much be completed by Friday, January 31, 2025.
Holiday Inn San Marcos Conference Center
Book your reservation via the following methods:
Holiday Inn Express San Marcos
Book your reservation via the following methods:
All resolutions presented to Council 2025 for action must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Diocese, the Rev. Ram Lopez, no later than December 31, 2024 (Canon 1, Section 15(a)).
Click here to submit a resolution.
Last year's church video messages were such a hit we are asking churches to submit a new welcome video for Council 2025.
Click here to view submission guidelines and to upload your video. Video greetings should be uploaded no later than February 1, 2025.
Click here to watch last year's video for inspiration. Videos must be in by Monday, January 27, 2025. Questions regarding video submissions may be directed to council@dwtx.org.
The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas will host Pre-Council meetings on January 23, 27, and 28 2025 beginning at 5:30 p.m. These online meetings are required for clergy, lay delegates, and lay alternates for Council 2025. Meeting participants will practice using the online voting system and review business items including the proposed budgets, resolutions, and nominations for elected offices of the Diocese.
Council in Action is a giving program that occurs annually in association with Council. It is an opportunity for the Diocese of West Texas members and Council participants to serve a community within the diocese, opening our hearts and walking as God has called us to do by assisting those in need.
Questions about Diocesan Council may be directed to council@dwtx.org.
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