Staff Introductions

The bishop introduced his staff:

• Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Diocesan Operations Officer, the bishop’s assistant, Diocesan Transition Minister, Secretary to the Trustees and the Commission on Ministry, Convention Registrar, Chair of the Elections and the Necrology Committee.
• Mrs. Anna Mora, Diocesan Finance Officer who oversees all accounting and produces all financial reports.
• Mrs. Martha Garcia, Diocesan Administrative/Financial Assistant who conducted and monitored the electronic voting process for Convention.
• The Rev. Leann Wigner, Texas Tech Canterbury Chaplain and Diocesan Communications Coordinator.
• Mrs. Renee Haney, Diocesan Summer Camp Director, who was celebrating her birthday. The entire assembly sang Happy Birthday to Renee.
• The Venerable Chris Wrampelmeier, Archdeacon of the Diocese, who had a previously scheduled speaking engagement and was not able to be present.

Convention Guests & Visitors

Bishop Mayer continued by introducing Convention guests and visitors:

• The Rt. Rev. Francis Omondi, Bishop of the Garissa Diocese in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Bishop Francis Omondi, (PhD) is the Anglican Bishop of Garissa Diocese. He is a Commissioner at the ANGLICAN COMMUNION INTERFAITH COMMISSION. Bishop Francis writes for the Living Church based in Dallas, Texas. In 1988, Francis founded Sheepfold Ministries, an indigenous mission agency working in rural Kenya, southern Tanzania, and northern Mozambique. With three decades of involvement in missions among the unreached peoples, he has influenced the church in mission, leading her to offer needed humanitarian service in remote areas of the region. He holds a PhD in Theology from the South African Theological Seminary (SATS), where he is a senior Academic, Research Facilitator and Supervisor in Practical Theology, Missiology, and Studies in Church and Society. He is a Research Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life, UK and an adjunct lecturer at St Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya. His academic interest is in emergent issues from the intersection of Christianity, Islam, and African religion and how these encounters influence the Church’s mission today.
• The Rev. Mark Odieny who is traveling with Bp. Omondi. Mark was ordained in 2009 in Kenya. He moved to Texas from Kenya over 8 years ago to serve at Trinity Episcopal in Fort Worth. He later moved to Ascension Episcopal Church in Dallas for three years before going to St. Martins-in-the-Fields in Keller in January this year. He is currently working on his third degree at SMU. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in theology – St. Paul’s University, Kenya (2010); a diploma degree in Urban studies and queer theological studies from Leeds University (2010) and a Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L). Awarded by University of Alberta’s St. Stephen College for his work on Key population and sexual minority in East Africa (2016). His interests are in Cross Cultural evangelism, clergy empowerment, and strengthening the church’s mission by being a liaison for communities of faiths. Mark states that above all, he is a follower of Christ and confesses salvation by Grace. Fr. Odieny is married with five children.
• The Rev. Andrew O’Connor who serves as the Executive Officer for Mission & Ministry at Saint Francis Ministries.
• Cristian Garcia, President of Texas Child Welfare for Saint Francis Ministries.
• Rachel Gallegos, Development Officer, Saint Francis Ministries.
• The Rev. Elijah Gai who pastors the Sudanese congregation that meets on Sunday afternoons at St. Andrew’s, Amarillo. In 1987, civil war drove an estimated 20,000 young boys from their families and villages in southern Sudan. Most just six or seven years old, they fled to Ethiopia to escape death or induction into the northern army. They walked more than a thousand miles, half of them dying before reaching Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. The survivors of this tragic exodus became known as the Lost Boys of Sudan. Elijah Gai was one of the Lost Boys who eventually immigrated to the US. He lived in Denver for ten years then moved to the panhandle of Texas-Oklahoma over 10 years ago. Elijah and his wife have 3 daughters and one baby boy.

Ordination Process Representatives

Several people in the ordination process were in attendance:

• Mr. Bikole Mulanda, Church of the Heavenly Rest, Abilene is a Postulant for Holy Orders attending our School of Ordained Ministry in his third year (senior) on the priesthood track. He currently serves the 1:00pm Congolese congregation at Heavenly Rest.
• Dr. Monica Smith Hart, St. Andrew’s, Amarillo is a Postulant for Holy Orders in her third (senior) year in our School of Ordained Ministry on the priesthood track.
• Mr. James P. Haney VI (Jimmy), St. Paul’s on the Plains, Lubbock is a Candidate for Holy Orders in his third year at Seminary of the Southwest pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Jimmy is scheduled to graduate from seminary in May 2026.
• Mrs. Denise Sanders, Grace, Vernon, is a postulant for Holy Orders in her second year in our School of Ordained Ministry. Denise is on the priesthood track.
• Ms. Heather Watson, St. Peter’s, Amarillo is a postulant for Holy Orders in her second year of our School of Ordained Ministry on the priesthood track.
• Mr. Ricky Bowman, St. Stephen’s, Sweetwater. Ricky serves as a Trustee of the Diocese and is now a postulant for Holy Orders on the priesthood track. He is in his first year of studies in our School of Ordained Ministry.
• Mrs. Kay Brizzolara, St. Andrew’s, Amarillo is a Postulant for Holy Orders in her first (junior) year at Seminary of the Southwest pursuing a Master of Divinity degree.

Canterbury Student Workers & Support

Several students from Texas Tech Canterbury attended Convention as workers in the vendor area and as technical support during electronic voting. Bp. Mayer introduced them with their home city and state:

Clergy Changes Since Last Convention

• On March 4, 2025 the Rev. Rich Nelson requested his Letters Dimissory to the Diocese of West Texas where he now serves as Founding Director of the Community of Saints Francis and Clare at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kerrville, Texas.
• On March 11, 2025 the following persons were admitted as Postulants for Holy Orders: Mr. Ricky Bowman, St. Stephen’s, Sweetwater, Mr. Luke Waters, Heavenly Rest, Abilene, and Mr. Austin Hackel, Heavenly Rest, Abilene.
• On May 5, 2025 retired priest Elizabeth Williams asked for her Letters Dimissory to be transferred to Northwest Texas from Los Angeles. Liz lives in Abilene and serves as a supply priest in the diocese.
• The Rev. Christopher Simpson began as rector of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church in Big Spring, Texas on June 9, 2025. Father Simpson comes to us from the Diocese of Springfield, and this is his first convention in this diocese.
• The Rev. Dr. Dann Wigner completed a one-year individualized study program through our diocesan School of Ordained Ministry, where he also serves as an adjunct mentor. Dann was ordained to the vocational diaconate on June 12, 2025. Dann has been assigned to serve at St. Christopher’s, Lubbock.
• The Rev. Joe Biles, Church of the Heavenly Rest, Abilene graduated from our School of Ordained Ministry and was ordained to the transitional diaconate on June 14, 2025. Joe will serve at Heavenly Rest and Trinity, Albany part-time as Curate and Pastoral Assistant.
• The Rev. Matthew Roberts was ordained to the priesthood on June 21, 2025 at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Matt has been living and working in Minnesota for the past few years and in July he asked that his Letters Dimissory be sent to the Diocese of Minnesota.
• On September 23, 2025, James P. “Jimmy” Haney VI, St. Paul’s, Lubbock, was admitted as a Candidate for Holy Orders.
• Although this will be after Convention, the Rev. Beverly Couzzourt, Priest in Charge of St. Peter’s, Amarillo, will officially retire 12/31/2025.
• Retired Rev. Monte Jones died on December 4, 2024. Although not-canonically resident in Northwest Texas, he is fondly remembered here.
• On May 20, 2025 the Rev. Josie Rose, retired, died in St. Petersburg, Florida. A funeral service was held at St. Nicholas’, Midland and a memorial service was held at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg.
• The Rev. Anne Finn, retired, died on September 23, 2025 in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Quorum & Opening of Business

After listing these changes, Bishop Mayer called upon Mrs. Elizabeth Jones to conduct a practice session of the electronic voting.

He then called upon Mr. Michael Pullen as chair of the Credentialing Committee as to whether a quorum was present. Mr. Pullen announced that there are 41 clergy in the diocese entitled to seat and vote and of that number 30 were registered and present. A quorum of clergy needed is 22, so he declared a quorum was present for the business session.

Mr. Pullen announced there are 24 parishes, missions and congregations in the diocese entitled to representation. Of that number 20 have registered and had delegates present. A quorum of parishes, missions and congregations needed is 13, so Mr. Pullen declared a quorum was present for the business session.

Bishop Mayer then called the 67th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northwest Texas to order and opened with prayer.

Bishop Mayer continued with the Commissioning of Clergy, Wardens, Lay Delegates, Officers, Staff and Members of the Dais and the following prayer:

“Eternal God, bless and guide all your servants who are gathered here as members of this Convention. In the earnest passions of debate give us clear minds, and in the moments of decision give us courageous hearts. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is good and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Ms. Mary Williams, St. Nicholas’, Midland, moved guests in attendance be given the privilege of voice at Convention. The motion passed.

Ms. Debbie Cox, on behalf of the Dispatch of Business Committee, moved adoption of the Order of Business as printed. The motion passed.

Ms. Cox then made announcements to Convention regarding the UTO ingathering and donation boxes on the tables. She also made additional announcements regarding the exhibitors and vendors present.

After the announcements, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Chair of the Approval of Minutes Committee moved that the minutes of the 66th Diocesan Convention be accepted as presented. The motion passed.

Nominations & Elections

Bishop Mayer presented his appointments for 2025 (See Attachment C). Bishop Mayer asked for motions to confirm various appointments:

• Commission on Ministry: Reappointment of the Rev. David Romanik (Heavenly Rest, Abilene), Mrs. Cindy Phelps Streit (St. Stephen’s, Lubbock), and the Rev. Bill Wright (Emmanuel, San Angelo) to four-year terms. Approved.
• Disciplinary Board: Appointment of Mr. David Stidham and the Rev. Miriam Scott (both of St. Andrew’s, Amarillo) until 2028. Approved.
• Church Attorney: Appointment of Mrs. Erica Hall (Heavenly Rest, Abilene) until 2026. Approved.
• Chancellor: Appointment of Mr. Tom Choate (Heavenly Rest, Abilene) until 2028. Approved.
• Treasurer: Appointment of Mr. Frank Deaderick (St. John’s, Odessa) until 2028. Approved.
• Registrar: Appointment of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones (Operations Officer) until 2028. Approved.
• Secretary of the Diocese: Appointment of Mr. Michael Pullen (St. Stephen’s, Lubbock) until 2028. Approved.

The nominating committee presented the slate of nominees for open positions. No floor nominations were submitted. Bishop Mayer instructed the Diocesan Secretary to cast a single ballot for all unopposed positions.

Election Results

The results of the first ballot of contested elections were reported by Mrs. Elizabeth Jones:

Search and Transition Committee Commissioning

Bp. Mayer introduced Ms. Mary Emeny, President of the Standing Committee, who introduced the members of the newly formed committees:

The first business session adjourned following afternoon prayer led by Monica Smith Hart.

Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Second Business Session

The second business session began with Morning Prayer led by the Rev. Debbie Womack and Ms. Judy Shema from St. Stephen's, Lubbock.

Credentials report showed a clergy quorum (28 present out of 41 entitled) and lay quorum (19 congregations represented out of 24) were met.

Committee & Program Reports

• Grasslands Ministry: Report provided by Ms. Mary Emeny.
• Summer Camp: Report presented by Mrs. Renee Haney and the Rev. Jared Houze.
• Canterbury Ministry: Presentation and video by the Rev. Leann Wigner and attending students.
• Constitution and Canons: Report presented by the Rev. Bob Hennagin.
• School of Ordained Ministry: Presented by the Rev. Jim Haney V, the Rev. Jared Houze, the Rev. Dr. Dann Wigner, and the Rev. Joe Biles.
• Financials and Budget: Diocesan Treasurer Frank Deaderick presented the 2026 Budget. The 2024 audit has been completed. The 2026 Budget and Apportionments were passed unanimously.

Courtesy Resolutions

Presented by the Rev. Mary Glover, the Rev. Rachel Petty, and the Rev. Dr. Dann Wigner:

A Resolution on Thursday’s Evensong

Adopted October 18, 2025

WHEREAS, the good people of St. Stephen’s Lubbock hosted a magnificent charcuterie truly worthy of the hallowed name of “Lunchable”; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mark Chaney, the liturgist and choir director of St. Stephen’s had such great hopes – so soon dashed – that the people of the Diocese of Northwest Texas could indeed hit all the right notes to “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness”; and

WHEREAS, the hospitality of St. Stephen’s was truly worthy of the words of its eponymous patron saint, Steve Martin, “You’re nuts, but you’re welcome here”;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that this 67th annual convention of the Diocese of Northwest Texas thank St. Stephen’s by not making them host next year.

A Resolution on the Smallness of Some Churches’ Worries

Adopted October 18, 2025

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that, at this 67th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, we all keep remembering that those churches – Mark and Peter and Mary and All Saints and Barnabas and John and Matthew and the Good Shepherd and Michael and Grace and Stephen – may be small, but they have mighty big places in our lives and in our hearts and in our story...

Closing of the Convention

An invitation was issued to the 68th Annual Diocesan Convention to be held in Lubbock, Texas with St. Paul's on the Plains serving as host. Specific dates and location are pending the release of the 2026 Texas Tech football schedule.

Bishop Mayer led the Commissioning of Elected and Appointed Diocesan Officials and Staff, gave the Episcopal Blessing, and declared the 67th Annual Convention adjourned sine die.

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