Active Clergy of the Diocese of West Texas gathered October 21-23 at Camp Capers to connect and collaborate, discuss priority issues, reflect, take time for spiritual and physical renewal, and enjoy time with fellow colleagues.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, Bishop of West Texas, underscored the importance of the conference stating, “It is essential that clergy have time to unite, rejuvenate, and learn from each other. Though the congregations our clergy serve are geographically and demographically diverse, we all share a common mission and value the perspectives of our fellow clergy. The annual conference is a place where relationships are strengthened, providing a safe space to share and celebrate, address challenges, and renew our commitment to walking together to fulfill the mission of the diocese.”
Bishop Read led the gathering that included numerous sessions and activities. The conference opened with the introduction of new clergy and clergy who have transitioned to new positions.
Sessions and topics of discussion included:
- 2025 updates on business items such as insurance and budgets.
- 2025 Calendar – The Bishop Visitation Schedule was distributed.
- The path to discernment in the Diocese of West Texas – charting a roadmap for individuals who may be discerning a call to ordained ministry.
- A Fireside Chat with Bishop Read – an evening Q & A session set in an informal, relaxed environment.
The Rev. Angela Maria Cortiñas, Bishop Suffragan-Elect of the Diocese of West Texas, took time from attending the Diocese of Texas Clergy Conference to travel to Camp Capers on Wednesday, October 23. She spoke to the clergy and served as the celebrant at morning Eucharist in St. Francis Chapel.
Bishop William Willimon Delivers Conference Keynote Presentations
The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon, Retired Bishop of The United Methodist Church, and Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University gave keynotes presentations. He served eight years as Bishop of the United Methodist Church’s North Alabama Conference, where he led the 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors in North Alabama. Willimon is the author of over 70 books.
Bishop Willimon provided several engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking presentations. Acknowledging the challenges clergy face in a culture that is trying to deny Jesus as the son of God, Bishop Willimon offered advice and reminders on how to build the kingdom of God in this culture including.
- Through preaching, help people discover the joy of discovering the world with Jesus Christ at the center. Help them to see beyond where they are – to where God wants them to be
- Realize that nothing in the Christian faith comes naturally. Episcopalians have been adaptive throughout the years. Faith requires renovation and transformation – there is no getting to God without that.
- Conduct daily devotional practices that keep you connected to Jesus.
- Keep the core of who you are. The Eucharist has been the center of the Episcopal faith for centuries, a sacred rite that is vital to the life of the Church.
- Know that eternal truth is Jesus personified. Jesus Christ is a truthful rendition of who God is – the fullness of God. Christian faith requires that we be disciples of Jesus.
- Church is not a way of escaping the real world – it is the real world – getting out of a fake world.
Clergy were given several of Willimon’s books, Changing my Mind, the Overlooked Virtue of Faithful Ministry, and Calling Character, Virtues of the Ordained Life.
Click here to learn more about Bishop Willimon
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