FORT WORTH: Three loyalist congregations merge

Remaining Episcopalians 'excited' about being the Episcopal church

By Pat McCaughan November 19, 2008 [Episcopal News Service] The red and gold banner was hand-made; the altar, a card table; the credence (side) table, a TV-tray and hymnals and prayer books were scarce as the Episcopal Church in Parker County met for its first Sunday worship on November 16 in an elementary school cafeteria.

It was one day after a majority of the diocese had voted to realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, but the worshippers from three congregations gathered to celebrate remaining with the Episcopal Church.

"I like being an Episcopalian," said Victoria Prescott who helped organize the gathering of about 20.

"I treasure the splendid diversity and tolerance of the Episcopal Church and how marvelously our liturgical life knits us together," said Prescott, an attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Fort Worth. "And I love the way we manage to combine our rich catholic heritage with an understanding that God's revelation to us continues."

The group, made up of worshippers formerly from St. Francis of Assisi, Willow Park; All Saints, Weatherford and Holy Apostles Church, chose the McCall Elementary School because "it is located in one of the fastest-growing areas of Texas and we do intend to reach out to the community," said Prescott.

The Rev. John Keene, a retired priest who led the congregation's worship, invited the congregation truly to engage all of the Bible. "When you regard the Bible, don't ignore your queasiness or uncertainty if you run across something that puzzles you or bothers you. God has given you a mind and I ask you to use it. It's when you start to get fundamentalist about it, that you have a problem."

The group is among several other faith communities who remain with the Episcopal Church, said Lynne Minor, an executive board member of Fort Worth Via Media and a member of the Steering Committee North Texas Episcopalians.

You name it, liturgically, and the fledgling congregations need it, added Minor, who is coordinating the supplies, everything from prayer books to candles, altar hangings and cloths, vestments.

She said the groups "have been working really hard to prepare" for what happens next, including renting buildings for worship. She asked that those desiring to donate prayer books, vestments, and other items contact her at: elm3cats@yahoo.com

"They … will need all kinds of things to set up worship in places other than their churches," she said. In addition to the Episcopal Church in Parker County, the new congregations are: St. Alban's, Arlington; St. Stephen's, Hurst; Church of the Good Shepherd, Granbury; and All Saints, Wichita Falls representing approximately 250 communicants thus far.

Contact information for the faith communities is listed on the steering committee website at: http://www.steeringcommitteente.org/misc%20pdfs/faith%20community%20info.pdf

Meanwhile, the Parker County group has already begun an outreach ministry. "We have our work cut out for us," acknowledges Prescott, "but the work ahead of us will be so positive and exciting! Please keep us in your prayers."

She can be reached at: absolutelyepiscopalian@att.blackberry.net