From Texas-
More than 1,000 Episcopalians from across the state congregated at the Brazos County Expo on Friday to kick off the 163rd annual Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
More than 700 clergy and church representatives came in town with family members to take part in the two-day conference led by the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, who serves as the Episcopal Bishop of Texas.
"It's a business meeting. We gather to look at the budget, how to spend missionary funds, take care of any elections," Doyle said. "But at the same time, it's a reunion for our folks."
Some people have been attending the annual councils for decades. In addition to the event being a key part of the church structure and its growth, Doyle said, many Episcopalians have come to look forward to it as a fun, yearly tradition.
And non-Episcopalians can enjoy some of the festivities as well.
From 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, vendor booths will be set up showcasing a variety of arts and crafts including scarfs, wood-carvings, jewelry, stained glass and religious memorabilia.
The exhibits also serve as way to educate the public about the Episcopal church and share some of its missionary work.
Although it's the first time the Council has been held in the area, Doyle is not a stranger here. From 1997 to 2003, he was a priest at St. Francis in College Station.
More here-
http://www.theeagle.com/local/A-faithful-gathering--6964246
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