The Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas

09/03/2026

Looking for new discipleship and formation resources for your congregation this fall? The Center for Discipleship and Renewal—Cedar—at Forward Movement has several free resources and upcoming opportunities:

• Sharing Our Stories: A three-part video course that helps participants explore and share their stories of faith in conversation with Scripture and the stories of other Christians. Videos, transcripts, and a downloadable discussion guide are available at https://discipleship.forwardmovement.org/

• Signs and Grace: A free, three-session introduction to Baptism and Eucharist, available in English and Spanish for newcomer formation, baptism or confirmation preparation, and adult education: https://forwardmovement.org/sacraments/

• Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Discipleship Chat: Join Cedar on Thursday, September 17, from 12:00–12:45 p.m. ET for seasonal resources and ideas: a19eaadc-cdad-4b24-9e68-f35f051a47b2@12b6d9da-ae07-4ae0-b42e-6e46635f77f4" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a19eaadc-cdad-4b24-9e68-f35f051a47b2@12b6d9da-ae07-4ae0-b42e-6e46635f77f4

• Introduction to Christianity Courses Review Webinar: On Tuesday, September 29, from 2:30–3:45 p.m. ET, Cedar will compare Being With, Practicing the Way, Alpha, Transforming Questions, and Pilgrim. Register to attend live or receive the recording: c8421114-044d-46b5-9480-876eb14bbfbc@12b6d9da-ae07-4ae0-b42e-6e46635f77f4" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c8421114-044d-46b5-9480-876eb14bbfbc@12b6d9da-ae07-4ae0-b42e-6e46635f77f4

• RenewalWorks: Fall and spring cohorts are available for congregations seeking to deepen discipleship, develop lay leadership, and discern how God is calling their communities to grow: https://renewalworks.forwardmovement.org/getting-started/
For the latest resources and opportunities from Cedar, subscribe to the newsletter: https://discipleship.forwardmovement.org/e-news/

09/03/2026

The United Thank Offering is now accepting applications for its 2027 annual grants!

This year’s grants will support projects that connect the unique gifts of churches, dioceses, and provinces with the particular needs of their local communities.

Important deadlines:

• December 4, 2026: U.S. applicants submit their proposal and audit to their bishop
• January 8, 2027: Draft documents due for review and feedback
• February 5, 2027: Completed applications due

Application materials and support are available in both English and Spanish. Learn more about the grant focus, eligibility requirements, application process, and upcoming open office hours:

https://us.list-manage.com/16M7gowVEWV?e=763068bb63&c2id=927d01476314cc55c7930f0c8978784e

09/03/2026

The latest newsletter from the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas is here!

This issue is full of stories from across the diocese, including summer ordinations, ministry updates, resources for congregations, news from Canterbury at Texas Tech, and information about the 68th Annual Diocesan Convention coming up October 23–24 in Lubbock.

Take a few minutes to catch up on what’s happening around the diocese—and share it with someone who might like to stay connected!

Read the newsletter here:
https://conta.cc/4y8U8rE

09/02/2026

As congregations begin thinking about budgets for the coming year, the Episcopal Church Foundation invites churches to think beyond the annual budget and consider a broader financial plan for the future.

In “Why Every Church Needs a Financial Plan,” Aline Sun explores how thoughtful financial planning can help congregations connect their resources more intentionally to their mission, prepare for unexpected expenses, strengthen stewardship and accountability, and plan for long-term ministry. The article also offers a helpful overview of operating budgets, reserve funds, special and capital projects, and endowments as parts of a comprehensive financial strategy.

A helpful resource for vestries, treasurers, finance committees, and other congregational leaders as we move into budget season.

Read the full article from Episcopal Church Foundation:

Ask a church treasurer or finance committee member what late summer means, and you'll likely get the same answer: budget season. As summer winds down, churches begin preparing for the year ahead by reviewing financial results, gathering input from church leaders, and developing next year's budget. I...

09/02/2026

The September 2026 issue of Small Church Voices from the Iona Collaborative is now available!

This month’s newsletter highlights Iona’s back-to-school programming, including the launch of the new Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction and continuing education opportunities for priests, deacons, and lay leaders across the Episcopal Church. It also includes featured resources from Bexley Seabury and the Center for Rural Strategies.

If you serve in, support, or simply care about the life and ministry of small and rural churches, Small Church Voices is a wonderful resource for news, formation opportunities, and stories from across the wider church.

You can sign up to receive the newsletter each month here:
https://qvbp4tcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DfJD4SOcYZWVo3RSnKm-v3CZcjOlBGV4-o8t8BQHpW93hucycunc0znUkGz22LJjtoHTjEmZz_lRsPK3-Ow-lgLbBae59obdh1fxLY-7eOOxpiOhrXBD6xWeaDgqoSd7ilw8tFDjEMUHUGh1_HvGCyA8vhATYKvhQdoQpk2n2LWKdPTzN7x2CzVwpKYl1g4_Yy01PQT10CouxqvKRh-XiacjuwTkGi3WXEC80eFPQpo-_JS31e34pSAFJ2MhOz_Div-v5F2XF0tRNlSlpeZEgug_kD_Tb1L91RQ-JVjRkppapEtPsAVAKncYSJJDIGutxgjd-QV6SDpyBZfZfIE07XZ3yFUnvBvz&c=55VGyV7d1S0fDDofqb_QpQBk9xDfiuQnntjikveXKShX_YMgC6fn8A==&ch=jvg_rGL5vE_AoUB3n4J2L6UIF8ZCB0lI2NfQv7C_KL-VqoECNJzZiw==

09/02/2026

The September 2026 United Thank Offering (UTO) Newsletter is now available!

Read the latest news, updates, and resources from United Thank Offering here:

https://mailchi.mp/episcopalchurch.org/united-thank-offering-e-news-sept-2026?e=763068bb63

09/02/2026

Texas Tech Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry students are beginning a new semester after a meaningful summer retreat, with a full season of worship, fellowship, and community ahead—including the annual Garage Sale on September 11–12.

Read more: https://dionwt.org/digital_features/news/canterbury-update-summer-2026

09/02/2026

As Texas Tech continues to dismantle programs and structures centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Canterbury at TTU is answering the call to be a faithful dissenting voice—proclaiming through our Welcome Week and our shared life that every student deserves belonging, dignity, and radical acceptance.

Read more: https://dionwt.org/digital_features/news/radical-acceptance-at-canterbury-at-ttu

09/02/2026

Spiritual direction invites us to pay closer attention to the movement of God within the ordinary landscape of our lives. Like a “geologist of the soul,” a spiritual director can help us recognize where to dig—but the deeper work of listening, discerning, and growing is ours to do.

Read more of the reflection by the Rev. Rick Lopez: https://dionwt.org/digital_features/news/learning-where-to-dig-spiritual-direction-and-the-life-of-the-soul

09/02/2026

The Rev. Bob Hennigan reflects on family, memory, baptism, and the generations that shape our lives through the story of a simple pink shell, carried through the years and used most recently at the baptism of his granddaughter Lilian Grace.

Read more: https://dionwt.org/digital_features/news/a-tapestry-of-love-by-the-rev-bob-hennigan