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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).
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 1, 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.
Pre-Council Meetings by Convocation are:
Thursday, January 23 at 5:30 p.m.: Eastern, Northeastern, Northern, and Western
Monday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m.: Valley and Southern
Tuesday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m.: Central
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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