Province 7

Province VII is one of nine regional groupings in the Episcopal Church. Province VII consists of the Dioceses of Arkansas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Kansas, Oklahoma, Northwest Texas, Rio Grande, Texas, West Missouri, West Texas, Western Kansas and Western Louisiana.

The Mission of Province VII, as a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion and the ECUSA, is to promote the ministry and education of all the people in the Province and to enable the mission of the church as reflected in the Baptismal Covenant.

*promoting and enhancing communication; *developing, supporting, and sharing programs and resources; and

*sustaining a servant organization that celebrates diversity and seeks the reconciliation of all people with God and one another in Christ.

The Purpose of Province VII, as set forth by the 37^th Synod meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1990, is:

“To implement, adapt and initiate mission strategies with particular reference to local needs and resources within the Province”

“To restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace and Love.” This is in compliance with the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer.

The Synod of Province VII is the legislative meeting that elects officers, adopts a budget, authorizes a three-year program, responds to expressed needs of member Dioceses, and considers resolutions presented by any Diocese or member of Synod for presentation to General Convention. The Synod of Province VII meets every three years in the year preceding General Convention. Synod is open to all who minister in the Episcopal Church.

Thursday, September 29

Friday, September 30

Saturday, October 1

Members of the Synod House of Bishops are: Arkansas: The Rt. Rev. Larry Maze Dallas: The Rt. Rev. James Stanton Fort Worth: The Rt. Rev. Jack Iker Kansas: The Rt. Rev. Dean Wolfe* Northwest Texas: The Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl* Oklahoma: The Rt. Rev. Robert M. Moody* Texas: The Rt. Rev Don Wimberly, The Rt. Rev. Rayford High* Rio Grande: The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Steenson* Western Kansas: The Rt. Rev James Adams* Western Louisiana: The Rt. Rev. Bruce MacPherson* West Missouri: The Rt. Rev. Barry Howe West Texas: The Rt. Rev. James Folts, The Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge*

Retired Bishops of Province VII residing in the Province: The Rt. Rev. Sam Hulsey, The Rt. Rev. William Cox, The Rt. Rev. James Buchanan, The Rt. Rev. Maurice Benitez, The Rt. Rev. Claude Payne, The Rt. Rev. Willis Henton, The Rt. Rev. Arthur Vogel, The Rt. Rev. Robert Hibbs, The Rt. Rev. John McNaughton, The Rt. Rev. Earl MacArthur, The Rt. Rev. Gerald McAlister, The Rt. Rev. Terence Kelshaw

*Denotes a registration received by the deadline of September 15. Registration records show a quorum in the House of Bishops.

Members of the Synod House of Deputies registered by the deadline of September 15:

*Oklahoma: Mr. Bill Cathcart, Ms. Georgia Henry, Ms. Lisa Beeman, Mr. Tim Baer, The Rev. Rita Henault, The Rev. Cn. Susan Joplin, The Rev. Bob Taliaferro, The Rev. Rick Brewer.

*Western Kanasas: Dr. Larry Young, Mrs. Sally Russell, Mr. Zeke Ford, The Rev. Michael Milliken, The Vy. Rev. Timothy Kline.

Arkansas: Mr. Jerry Adams, Ms. Pan Adams, Mrs. Mandy Alford, Ms. Beth Matthews, Mr. Andy McDonald, The Rev. Joyce Hardy, The Rev. Scott Trotter

Dallas: Mrs. Lydia Landrum, The Rev. Clifton Gardner, The Rev. Dr. Rob Smith

*Kansas: Mr. Larry Bingham, Mr. Frank Connizzo, Mr. Thomas Gossen, Ms. Sarah Knoll-Williams, The Vy. Rev. Jerry Adinolfi, Jr., The Rev. Cn. Sam Criss

*Northwest Texas: Mrs. Jackie Batjer, Mr. Cliff Craig, Mr. Jack Link, Mrs. Patricia Russell, The Rev. Dr. Steven Sellers, The Rev. Scott Mayer, The Rev. Laura Deaderick, The Rev. Cn. Mike Ehmer

*Rio Grande: Mr. Kay Fancher, Cn. Bob Sutton, The Rev. Colin Kelly, The Rev. Kathy LaLonde, The Vy Rev. Arthur Tripp

*Texas: Mr. David Hobbs, Ms. Terri Morgan, Ms. Elizabeth Sweigart, Ms. Patricia Wareing, The Rev. Robert Wareing, The Rev. Stephen Whaley, The Rev. James Nelson

Western Louisiana: Mr. Bradley Drell, Mr. Don Palombo, Mr. John Robert, The Rev. Cn. Gregg Riley

West Missouri: Ms. Margaret Heckendorn, Dr. Ann Marie Shannon, Mr. Bradley Woodall, The Vy Rev. Terry White

*West Texas: Mr. Jay Buzzini, Mrs. Jane Cozad, Mr. John Cozad, Ms. Erin Shaver, The Rev. Nancy Coon, The Rev. Maurice Friedman, The Rev. Ripp Hardaway, The Rev. Dan Lauer

* Denotes a majority of deputies in Bishop, Clergy and Lay Orders. Registration shows a quorum in the House of Deputies.

Members of the Provincial Council

The Provincial Council is elected at Synod and serves as the executive committee of the Province.

Lay Person At Large: Mr. Bradley Woodall West Missouri Province VII Representatives to National Executive Council:

Report of the President and Program Coordinator

These past three years have been difficult ones for the Episcopal Church to say the least. However, in spite of our differences, Province VII has continued to operate with integrity to serve the people in the twelve dioceses of the Province of the Southwest.

Three years ago, the Executive Council set goals for the triennium. I am pleased to report that all of these goals have been achieved. One of the most important functions of the Province is the system of ministry networks interconnecting the dioceses. There is a high degree of energy for doing the mission of Jesus Christ among the many network chairs. At their annual meetings, under the most capable leadership of our Provincial Coordinator Vycke McEwen, these networks have worked hard not only to connect ministries between dioceses, but also to work cooperatively with each other, often combining efforts and sharing budgets. Vycke has been instrumental in producing a policy manual for the networks and initiating a quarterly system for ministry areas to report to Council. At this Synod, we will consider a structure resolution to make these networks even more effective.

In 2004, Province VII hosted a very successful Convocation in Norman, Oklahoma. The program was on anti-racism training. Approximately 100 people from our dioceses spent two days in exploring the subtle ways that racism can manifest itself insidiously into our lives and ministries. Raising awareness of our own subtle discriminations brought participants into dialogue about how to be more open and inclusive as we strive to be the disciples of Jesus Christ for the world.

With the able help of our communications expert Jody Noerdlinger, Province VII has successfully made the transition to the cyber-age. Our Web site, hosted by ECUSA at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/province-seven/, is fully operational. In addition, editions of the Provincial newsletter THE HUB are posted on the Web, saving the Province thousands of dollars in mailing costs. The Province VII web page provides effective ways for individuals, parishes, and dioceses to access information about what is happening in the Province and about our human resources for ministry.

A significant cooperative educational effort was mounted with Province VI in February 2005. The two Provinces hosted a national conference on adult learning entitled “Today’s Disciples for Today’s World”. Although attendance was not what we had hoped due to the economic fallout from the last General Convention, over 200 people attended the three-day event in Kansas City and received invaluable insights into new ways of doing adult formation.

Initiating a new network in our Province, Province VII supported a Deacon’s Retreat in 2004. This important servant ministry has clergy in each of our dioceses. Connecting them and enabling their conversations about how to better serve God’s people is a privilege.

And now we are at Synod 2005. With this Synod I am retiring from active Provincial leadership. I have been involved with Province VII for twenty-five years. In this time, Province VII, always a leader in provincial ministries, has grown even stronger. I am humbled when I think back over the years and recall the amazing people of faith I have been blessed with knowing. Through conferences and workshops, I have seen the Province connect people in all twelve dioceses, providing them with tools to improve their ministries. I have met people in leadership positions who have dedicated and donated inordinate amounts of time to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministries of connection and communication. Writing this, I want to recall names, but there are so many I cannot list them all. Because he is no longer with us, I will single out Bill Cody, past officer and President of the Province, as an example of what we can all aspire to be as we serve Our Lord.

The Episcopal Church and The Province have difficult days ahead at many levels. I believe strongly in the great potential of our Province and pray that we continue to work together. In the aftermath and devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I recall the words of the Apostle Paul that we are one Body of One Lord Christ, and we cannot afford to say we have no need of each other.

Thank you for the privilege of serving God’s church through Province VII. God’s peace and blessings to you all.

The last three years have been challenging in the life of our church and in the life of our province. We have had challenges in the fact that our dioceses, like in other provinces, run the entire gamut of the continuum in response to the actions of the last General Convention. However, we have also had blessings in that all of the Dioceses in the Province of the Southwest expressed their faith in provincial ministries by paying their full assessment.

Since we last gathered as a Synod, our province has hosted a Convocation focusing on Anti-Racism training, a provincial wide youth event, a provincial wide Christian Formation conference, orientation for General Convention Deputies, and a meeting of the Provincial Leadership Conference. We also co-hosted a national conference on Adult Learning with Province VI. This conference “Today’s Disciples for Today’s World” was cutting-edge in conference design and implementation and is being emulated in dioceses throughout our province as well as elsewhere. The Revs. Linda Grenz, Bud Holland, and Rick Brewer and the design team consisting of tireless workers from both Provinces are all to be commended for an event that modeled ways in which provinces can come together to produce a quality product.

Even though the large gatherings have been exciting, I would have to say that one of my greatest feelings of progress and excitement comes from the revitalization of our network structure. We have progressed from a province with many non-functioning networks that existed in name only, to one of vital, engaging network ministries. The gathering each spring of all network chairs has brought a focus of provincial mutual-ministry to the work of these dedicated women and men. Too, the work on responsibilities of network chairs and dialogue on the accountability process has assured that our networks will continue to be the backbone of our provincial work. All of our network and area chairs are to be commended for work above and beyond during the past three years.

We have accomplished much as a province. As coordinator, I am privileged, along with our President and Vice-President to be a member of the Provincial Leadership Council. This is a group of Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Coordinators that gathers twice a year along with key members of the ECUSA staff to vision and plan for provincial ministries. It has become very apparent during these gatherings that Province VII is truly one of the most vital, future visioning provinces. We have the incredible leadership of our entire provincial council as well as our President, Ms. Shelly Vescovo, and our Vice-President, The Rt. Rev. Bruce MacPherson, to thank for this.

Being a person of “mission” not “maintenance,” I don’t want to write about what we’ve done without writing about what I’m hoping for in the future. In three years, I would like to see the networks continue to grow in numbers and vitality and a sense of provincial ministry begin to permeate all of our dioceses. I’m very pleased to note that each diocese in our province has a person actively serving on at least one of our networks. I would hope in three years to be able to report that all of our major networks have a representative from each diocese and that all dioceses are actively involved in the provincial structure.

Personally, I would like to thank the province for the privilege of serving as your coordinator and for the wonderful opportunities and adventures that it provides.

Synod October 8-9, 2002

Grace Cathedral, Kansas City, MO

Bishop Smalley welcomed all representatives and made special recognition of the youth representation at this Synod. He then read letters of regret from Bishop MacPherson and Bishop Wimberly for their absence.

Minutes of the previous Synod meeting at Camp Allen, Texas, in 1999, were presented and approved.

The Rev. Jim Haney made a presentation of the proposed next three-year Synod budget.

Bishop Smalley then introduced all Council members. He then commented on the value of having provincial leadership conferences and that though different provinces are at different levels, there is still great trust amongst each other.

After the report was given, Bishop Smalley asked for any nominations from the floor. Brad Woodall was nominated as a youth delegate to the Council. The nominations were then closed.

The following nominees were elected by acclamation: President: Ms. Shelly Simpson Vescovo, Dallas; Secretary: The Rev. Jan Davey, Rio Grande; Treasurer: The Rev. James Haney, Northwest Texas; Bishop at Large: The Rt. Rev. James Folts, West Texas; Clergy at Large: The Rev. Bob DeWolfe, West Texas; Provincial Court of Review: The Rt. Rev. Robert M. Moody, Oklahoma; The Rev. Frank Reeves, Fort Worth; The Rev. Richard Moon, West Missouri; The Rev. Janie Kirt Morris, Oklahoma; Mr. Doug Anning, Kansas; Mr. John Brooke, West Texas; Mr. Bill Cathcart, Oklahoma; Episcopal Life Board of Directors: Ms. Beth Matthews, Arkansas.

Ms. Shelly Vescovo then made a short speech emphasizing the benefit of the Province VII Council, and for all provincial members to let the council know if they need any information.

Michael Milligan moved the resolution “Reaffirming 1997-2007 as the ‘Decade of Remembrance, Recognition, and Reconciliation’ and providing funds for the Episcopal Council of Indigenous Ministries (E.C.I.M.) to carry out this work” be submitted to General Convention in 2003, which was unanimously passed.

Mr. Bob Sutton, chair of the Necrology Committee, thanked his committee, and said that all names submitted will be remembered in our prayers at the Eucharist.

Mr. Harry Denman, chair of the Mission Project, made a short report and announced his resignation.

The first order of business was the distribution of election ballots. After voting, the ballots were collected and tallied. The official results announced with 93 votes cast were: Vice –President: The Rt. Rev. Bruce MacPherson, Western Louisiana, 64votes; Lay member: Mr. Brad Woodall, West Missouri, 65 votes; Executive Council, Lay member: Ms Sherry Denton, Western Kansas, 59 votes.

The budget was then moved by the Rev. Jim Haney. This was approved, including contingencies and options as suggested.

The Diocese of Dallas invited the Synod to hold the next meeting in October 2005 in their city.

Bishop Smalley then outlined action to be taken before General Convention in Minneapolis in 2003. Nominations will be sought for the election of the next Presiding Bishop, and must be sent 30 days before General Convention. Nominees will be sought to enhance the wonderful diversity of our church.

Several announcements were then made. Bishop Smalley announced his retirement at the end of June 2003. Meetings were announced for the coming Triennium

There being no other business, the meeting concluded with a blessing by Bishop Smalley and was adjourned.

Summary of Council Minutes

October 7, 2002 Kansas City, MO

This meeting was convened at 1.30 p.m after the Synod. Newly elected members were introduced and a brief description of the Council work was given. Our schedule of meetings was tentatively planned with the first meeting for 2003 to be held on January 30 in Dallas A short discussion on Synod was held and then the meeting adjourned.

This meeting was conducted by Ms. Shelly Vescovo who introduced the guest the Rev. Canon Neal Michell who was going to help us coordinate goals for our Province for the next Triennium.

The Communications Officer, Ms. Jody Noerdlinger, introduced herself and outlined her plans for the next year which included setting up a website for the Province.

Other reports were given including a current report from our Executive Council Representative.

This meeting began with a report from Jody Noerdlinger, the Provincial Communications officer, who explained her progress so far on producing our Provincial web site.

After some discussion a motion was approved that Ms Noerdlinger explore the possibility of becoming Webmaster for our Province.

Other reports were given and then the President Ms. Shelly Vescovo gave her report. This included a date for the Convocation that will be held September 30 through October 2, 2004.

Ms. Sherry Denton also announced that her committee had decided on a date for the Synod. This will be September 29 through October 1, 2005. There followed discussion for the content of these meetings.

A motion was also introduced and approved to allow the coordinator to have a credit card and that she and the treasurer be designated users.

The Rev. Jan Davey announced that the General Convention Provincial Night event for Province VII will be a river cruise on Tuesday August 5. Our next meeting will be on October 23-24, 2003 in Texas. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

This was very busy meeting. Besides our regular reports we had some new ones. Bishop MacPherson gave a report from the Provincial House Of Bishops Meetings. He talked of the Council of Advice stressing the importance of pastoral care and working on mediation with the dioceses that are out of accord at this time. The bishops agree that we should all focus on ministry and on the fulfillment of the Gospel.

The liaison from the National Church, Mr. Richard Parkins gave a report on current church opinions.

Jaime Case, executive director of the Center for Hispanic Ministry, gave an explanation of his ministry. Jody Noerdlinger was congratulated on the website, and she urged council members to utilize the site.

The treasurer presented his report up to September 14. He noted that it was important that we realize that Synod disbursements were high because of required hotel deposits, but this should be offset by registration. The Youth Network budget was a subject of discussion since they have used up much of their triennium budget in the past two years. It was suggested that the treasurer send them a letter regarding this.

Bishop Curry will be unable to attend Synod. This will be discussed at the next meeting. The president also informed the council that she may be unable to attend Synod and should this occur, perhaps we should have a co-chair for this event.

The meeting was cut short after the discussion of Synod due to shortage of time.

The reports were given and noted without much discussion on most of them. The Provincial Coordinator’s report afforded some discussion. Vycke suggested we might want to examine the makeup of the Council. Currently, of the three at-large positions, one must be assumed by a bishop, one by a clergy and one by a member of the laity, which gives limited access to the council by laity. After discussion it was recommended that the three positions not be delegated, but be open. The second issue dealt with Area Chairs. These positions came into being before we had a salaried coordinator. Would it not make more sense to eliminate area chairs and use those people in more productive ministries, also reducing the cost of Council meetings? Thirdly the position of coordinator is not mentioned in the ordinances. Vycke will pass on these recommendations to the Ordinance Committee for Synod.

Discussion on the preparations for the Synod Meeting on September 29-October 1, 2005.

Committees needing to be filled in preparation for Synod were appointed: Worship Committee, Bishop Bruce MacPherson; Local Arrangements, Ms. Shelly Vescovo

Names were suggested for appointment by Ms. Vescovo to the following committees: Nominations, Necrology, Ordinances and Resolutions. Ms. Vescovo will review the suggestions and make appointments shortly.

Our meeting closed with the Holy Eucharist conducted in beautiful surroundings on the deck at St Crispin’s.

Report of the Treasurer and the Proposed Budget

The following proposed Province VII Budget for the 2006-2008 triennium keeps the diocesan assessments the same as for this current triennium. The Provincial Council very much appreciates the faithfulness that all of our dioceses have shown in supporting our provincial ministry program. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed.

The major change in the administrative portion of the budget involves an attempt to increase the salary of the provincial coordinator so that the remuneration will be more closely in line with the amount of work the position involves. This seems only fair and just, although even with the proposed increase we are still somewhat below what we believe an appropriate salary level should be.

The proposed and revised project area figures came out of a meeting of the various network chairs in Corpus Christi earlier this year.

Any budget is a basically statement of faith. It is with this reality well in mind that we submit this proposal for the Synod's consideration.

INCOME	CURRENT	PROPOSED
	2003-2005	2006-2008
Diocesan Assessments	124,683	124,683
Reserve Funds	20,017	18,017
Interest Income	3,000	1,200
PECUSA Funding