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The live-stream for Council 2025 and Eucharist will be broadcast here from February 20 - 22 and available to watch on Vimeo at the conclusion of each day.
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
Co-chairs Vanessa Westbrook (Buda) and Sylva Kezar (Dripping Springs) and all of the volunteers are excited to welcome you to San Marcos. Watch their update to learn more all about what that they have in store for you.
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This year's Council Booklet contains everything you need to get ready! You'll find voting information, maps of the San Marcos Conference Center, schedules, Council in Action information and more!
Click here to view online.
Click here to download.
Council in Action is a giving program in association with the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Council. It is an opportunity for the Diocese of West Texas to serve a community within the diocese, opening our hearts and walking as God has called us to do by assisting those in need.
Council in Action ministry partner is Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC), an organization whose mission is to create an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated in the communities we serve. The Center provides education, violence prevention services and crisis intervention to victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
We encourage every church to demonstrate God’s love through support of this amazing organization. Congregations are invited to bring the following items with them to Council 2025 in support of HCWC.
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).
Making an Alternate a Delegate: A change form must be submitted. Click here to access the form.
Changes can ONLY occur during these times.
All members of the Diocese are invited to attend Council 2025 in person as a guest to hear ministry reports, learn more in the Exhibits Hall, participate in Holy Eucharist and Morning and Noontime prayers, and to reconnect with friends from across the diocese. Guest registration is open through February 1. Guest registration ($130) includes a Sip'n'Shop reception with hors d'oeuvres, hospitality snack offerings, and attendance at the Bishop's luncheon, featuring a guest speaker.
Click here to register as a guest for Council 2025.
Our onsite childcare, Kid's Wonder Zone, will be available for infants through children up to the age of ten of lay delegates, alternates, clergy, and Council volunteers during Council Business sessions and activities; pre-registration is required by February 1.
Click here to register for childcare during Council 2025.
Ministries, Episcopal organizations, small businesses, and committees are invited to register as exhibitors by February 1 and host a booth in the Council Exhibit Hall.
Click here to register as an exhibitor at Council 2025.
The Embassy Suites Hotel Conference Center and nearby Holiday Inn Hotels are now fully booked. Thank you for making your reservations
Deadline of December 31, 2024 has passed for submitting resolutions for Council 2025.
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 February 7, 2025. Questions regarding video submissions may be directed to council@dwtx.org.
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.
The 2025 Council in Action Ministry Partner is Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC), an organization whose mission is to create an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated in the communities we serve. The Center provides education, violence prevention services and crisis intervention to victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. In 2024, HCWC empowered over 2,200 victims of abuse, provided approximately 6,700 nights of shelter, and assisted approximately 2,900 individuals through their helpline.
We encourage every church to demonstrate God’s love through support of this amazing organization. Congregations are invited to bring the following items with them to Council 2025 in support of HCWC:
HCWC WISH LIST:
Diapers size 5 and up
Shampoo and conditioner
Baby wipes
Toilet paper
Cleaning supplies
Snacks and water
Queen- and Twin-size sheet sets
Towels
Tampons
Body Wash
Shave Cream
Regular size toothpaste
Deodorant
Razors
Small Denomination Gift Cards to Walmart or HEB for gas
A booth will be set up in the Exhibit Hall to receive in-kind donations for HCWC or you can click here to purchase directly online.
Questions about Diocesan Council may be directed to council@dwtx.org.
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