Houston Churches Fight Flooding After Harvey Cancels Services

From Christianity Today-

It takes a lot to cancel church in the shiny Bible Belt stronghold of Houston, Texas, home to more megachurches than any city in America. Specifically, 9 trillion gallons of rain in a weekend.

Hurricane Harvey shut down Sunday services from downtown to the sprawling suburbs, where churches replaced typical worship gatherings with sermon videos posted on Facebook or simply messages to stay safe.

Almost all Houston-area churches—including the Bayou City’s biggest congregations such as Second Baptist, Houston’s First Baptist, Church Without Walls, Wheeler Avenue Baptist, and Woodlands Church—canceled all Sunday activities as a precaution.

More here-

http://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2017/august/houston-churches-fight-flooding-hurricane-harvey-cancels-se.html

Saturday's Presbyterian vote may pave path for two churches' exit

From Houston-

No one in Houston Presbyterian circles is calling it a "divorce."

But when regional denomination leaders meet Saturday, they will face the next worst thing: the demands of two dissident congregations to split from the Presbyterian Church‑USA to join the newer, more conservative ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

If the Presbytery of New Covenant, governing body for 95 Southeast Texas congregations, votes to "dismiss," Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and Missouri City's Southminster Presbyterian Church will become the 11th and 12th area churches to leave the denomination in recent years.

More here-

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Saturday-s-Presbyterian-vote-may-pave-path-for-8363173.php

Son charged in slaying of priest, wife, child

From Houston-

On the final Sunday in January, Isaac Tiharihondi stood in front of the congregation at the Church of the Redeemer, where his father was an Episcopal priest, and declared before God and the world that he would be sworn in as a U.S. Marine within days.

A dozen parishioners swarmed the 19-year-old to lay hands on him and prayed for his safe return.

But Tiharihondi had not enlisted, and would be confronted about his lies two days later by his parents.

It was then, investigators believe, that Tiharihondi would use a hammer, a baseball bat and a kitchen knife to fatally bludgeon his parents and stab his 5-year-old brother in their Memorial-area apartment. He would later use his family's credit cards to flee the state, according to court records.

More here-

http://www.chron.com/houston/article/Son-charged-in-slaying-of-priest-wife-child-6061943.php

Houston Reels From Killing of Priest, Wife and Young Son

From Houston-

Houston priest, his wife and their young son were found dead in their apartment Monday, victims of a homicide that has shaken the city's Episcopal community as police search for the killer, and a motive.

The Rev. Israel Ahimbisibwe, 52, a towering and highly educated clergyman from Uganda, served as a chaplain at the University of Houston and pastored part-time at a small church, where members said they grew worried after he didn't show up to lead their Sunday afternoon services. They went to his apartment, and when no one answered, they contacted the building's management, who called authorities.

Police and fire personnel entered the apartment at 9:30 a.m. Monday, and found the three bodies. Neighbors told parishioners they hadn't seen the family since Friday.

More here-

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/houston-reels-killing-priest-wife-young-son-n299531

City subpoenas pastors' sermons in equal rights ordinance case

From Houston-

Houston's embattled equal rights ordinance took another legal turn this week when it surfaced that city attorneys, in an unusual step, subpoenaed sermons given by local pastors who oppose the law and are tied to the conservative Christian activists that have sued the city.

Opponents of the equal rights ordinance are hoping to force a repeal referendum when they get their day in court in January, claiming City Attorney David Feldman wrongly determined they had not gathered enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. City attorneys issued subpoenas last month during the case's discovery phase, seeking, among other communications, "all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to HERO, the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession."

More here-

http://www.chron.com/news/politics/houston/article/City-subpoenas-pastors-sermons-in-equal-rights-5822403.php

Archbishop praises former Anglicans for their zeal for Catholic faith

From National Catholic Reporter-

The prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in a Saturday address in Houston called for a "culture of communion" and the continued path toward reunification.
"Christ's prayer 'that they all might be one' underscores the imperative of seeking full visible unity among Christians," Archbishop Gerhard Muller told a symposium marking the first anniversary of the Catholic church's U.S. ordinariate for former Anglicans.

The Houston-based Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, headed by Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, sponsored the symposium with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Sessions, which were held in Houston at the archdiocese's St. Mary Seminary, explored the ecclesiology, evangelizing and liturgical missions of personal ordinariates created by the Vatican for former Anglican groups and clergy seeking to become Catholic.

While fully Catholic, the groups in an ordinariate retain aspects of their Anglican heritage and traditions. Similar to dioceses, though national in scope, ordinariates were authorized by Pope Benedict XVI in a 2009 apostolic constitution, "Anglicanorum coetibus."

More here-

http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/archbishop-praises-former-anglicans-their-zeal-catholic-faith

Ex-Episcopal priests now embracing Catholicism

From Albany-

The Rev. Larry Gipson retired in 2008 as rector at the 8,000-member St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where his parishioners included former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara.

Last month, Gipson, who has been married for 48 years, was accepted as a Catholic into the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, a structure set up by Pope Benedict XVI to accept former Anglicans into the Catholic Church.

The 70-year-old cleric will be among 69 candidates for Catholic priesthood meeting this weekend in Houston at the ordinariate's headquarters.

The Rev. Matthew Venuti of Mobile, Ala., became the first ex-Episcopal priest ordained a Catholic priest in the ordinariate, which covers the United States and Canada.


Read more:

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Ex-Episcopal-priests-now-embracing-Catholicism-4082110.php#ixzz2DnvblUI7

Also here in the Washington Post-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/former-rector-of-nations-largest-episcopal-church-becomes-a-catholic/2012/11/30/22e6e180-3b11-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html

Churches use technology to build flock

From Houston-

There's something very fitting, the Rev. Steve Wells said, about the use of technology to further a church's outreach.

"What's astounding to me about Christianity is God came to us," said Wells, pastor of South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main St. "One of the things technology lets us do as a church is come to people where they are."

Well-chosen technology can be of tremendous benefit to churches and the people they serve, said Jen Frazier, director of communications for Christ Church Cathedral, an Episcopal church at 1117 Texas Ave.

"It can facilitate the church community's interaction with one another and with the world," she said.

More here-

http://www.chron.com/bellaire/news/article/Churches-use-technology-to-build-flock-3821805.php

Good Shepherd Episcopal offers multiple outreach programs

From Texas (Houston area)

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, located at 2929 Woodland Hills Drive in Kingwood, has several opportunities from August through May for people to get involved.

The first is ACTs/Second Family, a program that provides meals, home visits, transportation and other services for adults who are living with HIV/AIDS or have other special needs. To volunteer, call Becky Villareal at 713-682-5995.

Judy Cox is the contact for FamilyTime Crisis and Council Center, which offers financial and other counseling to individuals and families in crisis. She also runs The Door, a shelter for battered women and their children, the Counseling Center and thrift shops. Cox also organizes fundraising events. To volunteer for any of these programs, call 281-446-2615.

Kairos Prison Ministry, which uses mediation, talks and activities to minister to prisoners, also is in need of help. Call Rusty Paull at 281-852-5502 to participate in the ministry.

More here-

http://www.ultimatekingwood.com/stories/399683-events-good-shepherd-episcopal-offers-multiple-outreach-programs

Boxing a hit with St. Mark's Episcopal pastor

From Houston-

You're a priest in a boxing ring. Do you turn the other cheek or keep your hands up, lead with your body and throw a left hook?

"I started for Lent in 2007," said the Rev. Patrick J. Miller, 46, who is the rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3816 Bellaire Blvd. "Instead of giving something up, I took something on.

"I gave up my money and my pride," he said, laughing.

About five years ago, Miller was working at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston when he saw "Boxing Lessons" painted on the side of a two-story building. Wearing his clerical collar, he entered the Savarese Fight Gym at 1612 Austin St.

Inside, he found exercise for his mind, body and spirit.

"Boxing is violent," he acknowledged. "You're hurting other people, trying to knock them out. It is the antithesis of what a priest is called to do. It is completely foreign to anything I've ever done in my life. But I've found the boxing gym to be a wisdom place."

Training about three times a week, he said, common-sense rules of the fight club often feel like epiphanies he can use in pastoral care.

More here-

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Boxing-a-hit-with-St-Mark-s-Episcopal-pastor-2873096.php

Pearland teens reflect on lessons from night spent in a box

From Houston-

Just what were 125 Pearland teenagers up to when they spent the night Nov. 5 in cardboard boxes?

Their stay in a cardboard city at St. Andrews Episcopal Church was to bring awareness to homelessness and raise funds for Family Promise of Clear Creek, an affiliate of the national organization Interfaith Hospitality Networks. But the teens, who were in grades 7-12, also said they gained something, too.

Despite kicking her small box all night and waking up hungry, 15-year-old Pearland High School sophomore Rebecca Monts said the event was a good way to bond with her friends over something they all enjoy doing - helping others.

"I can see how it could get tiring and frustrating sleeping in a box every night," Monts said of those who are forced to live in makeshift shelters. "It's not fun for them. I don't think they ever adapt to it."

More here-

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/pearland-news/article/Pearland-teens-reflect-on-lessons-from-night-2258453.php

Flat Clergy travels around the world via suitcase

From Houston

The clergy of Trinity Episcopal Church traveled over the summer to China, Australia, Jamaica, Alabama, Georgia and Massachusetts all from the comfort of church member’s suitcases.

Inspired by the children’s book “Flat Stanley,” Trinity Church members printed pictures of Rector Gerald Sevick, Assistant Priests Genevieve Razim and Eric Hungerford and Deacon Robert Horner to color, then took along their “Flat Clergy” as they traveled the world.

The mission was simple: The Flat Clergy served as a reminder to families of their church family back home, and how we are called to take the Gospel of Christ wherever we go. At each stop, they took photos and sent them to Parish Life Minister Molly Carr to share with the congregation.

More here-

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/woodlands/news/flat-clergy-travels-around-the-world-via-suitcase/article_5e5e10f2-3799-56b4-8426-6eb7036f94db.html

Unable to pay millions needed for repairs, East End church will open doors for last time

From Houston-

As much as Church of the Redeemer's members will miss the glowing mural of the risen Christ, the sanctuary echoing with music, the basement lined with old photos and the historic buildings themselves, they're most heartbroken to leave the place where they served the Eastwood neighborhood for more than 90 years.

Redeemer can't afford the $7 million needed to bring the church up to code, so after Sunday's service, the congregation will move from its crumbling structure to a shared space in a nearby Lutheran church, where a group of small-but-committed parishioners will try to keep up with its outreach programs.

"It's not just about us," said Daniel Coleman, who has led the 70-member congregation as senior warden since September. "We want our congregation to continue the ministries we have here," including gatherings for neighborhood kids, Scout troops, a bike repair shop and weekend meals for the homeless.

(snip)

Redeemer was one of the first Episcopal churches to bring in guitars and drums to accompany organ music, adopting a Pentecostal-style of worship under the leadership of the Rev. W. Graham Pulkingham, its rector in the '60s and '70s, said Julia Duin, author of Days of Fire and Glory, a book about the charismatic movement.

Pulkingham coordinated communal living for hundreds of recovering drug addicts and ministries like a coffeehouse, health clinic, street-evangelism team, resale store and bike repair shop.

Some of what made Redeemer worship special in its early days has become adopted across Christianity.

"A lot of competition has arisen that wasn't there in the '60s," Duin said. "Why would people want to go to a poor neighborhood in Eastwood when they can just go to … Lakewood?"

More here-

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7445234.html

Houston church brings spirituality, outreach to the homeless

From ELO-

There are some men and women for whom homelessness seems to be a chronic state, others who are temporarily down on their luck, who are working to get back on their feet. Many are Veterans, and today there are a growing number of women who turn up on the steps of Lord of the Streets (LOTS) in Houston seeking help.
"Do you know we are the mailing address for 2,200 people?" said the Rev. Bob Flick, the new part-time vicar of Lord of the Streets. Flick recently took over the ministry to Houston's midtown homeless population when the Rev. Murray Powell retired.

After only a few weeks, Flick, who has snowy white hair and a much laid back countenance in his jeans and corduroy jacket, is energized by the new challenge.

LOTS began as an outreach program of Trinity Church, Houston, in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, in 1990. By 1997 they received additional support from Christ Church Cathedral, St. Dunstan's, St. Francis, St. John the Divine and St. Martin's, Houston, and Good Shepherd, Kingwood. A grant from Episcopal Health Charities in 1997 helped to establish the recovery center at Holman and Fannin in midtown Houston. Volunteers from these parishes and other groups still arrive every Sunday morning at 6 a.m. to prepare a hot breakfast for more than 250 homeless men and women who attend worship at Trinity at 7 a.m.

Today, the work and mission of Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church and the social service arm of the ministry, Community of the Streets, is to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs of individuals living in Houston who are homeless, in crisis or in transition.

More here-

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80263_125961_ENG_HTM.htm

Church fed up with violence near its location

From Houston- (video)

A pastor in northeast Houston says he's tired of the violence around his church, and he's not waiting around for a miracle to make the area safer.

It came as a startling interruption to an afternoon meeting that Rev. James Hamilton was having inside his church.

"All of a sudden there were a bunch of shots that rang out," he said.

He looked outside, and the parking lot at St. Timothy's Episcopal was full of dozens of cars and as quickly as they came he says they left.

"They run back, they jump in the cars, they squeal out, and they go both directions," Hamilton said.

Hamilton says this is at least the fourth time in a couple months he's felt like he's in the Wild West.

"This is sort of tombstone and OK Corral is across the street," Hamilton said.

He believes the culprits are dueling gangs settling grievances and they've chosen both the church's parking lot and Greenwood Park across the street to do so.

More here-

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7779502v

Nigerian chief sues for birthday brawl in Anglican Church

From Houston Texas-

A couple is suing after being assaulted during a birthday celebration in an Anglican Church.

Chief Hyacinth Ikegbunam and Regina Ikegbunam filed suit in Harris County District Court on Oct. 29, stating that Obiageli Agugo violently attacked and humiliated them during a birthday party being held at All Saints Anglican Church, located in Alief.

In their suit, plaintiffs allege they suffered bodily harm and public humiliation when Agugo slapped and choked them while calling them ugly and offensive names such as prostitute, wayward, useless and less than human. According to the brief, Agugo went so far as to almost rip off Reginas dress and did succeed in knocking off Hyacinths traditional Nigerian Chiefs hat. Because of Agugos threats, plaintiffs now fear for their lives.

It was the responsibility of Agugo, they state, to follow the law by not threatening and assaulting them.

The Ikegbunams are being represented by Houston attorney Edmond Suji. They are seeking a restraining order against Agugo, $150,000 in compensation and court costs.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2010-72006.

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/219145-nigerian-chief-sues-for-birthday-brawl-in-anglican-church

Megaparish affirms the Covenant

From The Living Church-

The vestry of St. Martin’s Church in Houston, Texas — the largest congregation in the Episcopal Church — unanimously affirmed the Anglican Communion Covenant on June 15.

The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., rector of St. Martin’s, is on the advisory committee of Communion Partners. He said St. Martin’s does not plan to urge other parishes to take similar actions, but “If somebody asks, we’ve been willing to share the resolution.”

“We just wanted to say — as a growing, thriving parish — that we’re fine with the Covenant, and we’re glad to live within its parameters,” Fr. Levenson told The Living Church.

St. Martin’s, founded in 1952, began experiencing explosive growth during the tenure of its second rector, the Rev. Claude E. Payne, who was elected Bishop of Texas in 1993. The parish now has nearly 8,500 baptized members and more than 6,000 communicants, Fr. Levenson said.

“We don’t issue resolutions or statements very often,” Fr. Levenson said. “We are very intentional about staying engaged with people who disagree with us.”

Fr. Levenson said St. Martin’s clergy do not preach on conflicts.

“Many people are drawn, to use C.S. Lewis’s term, to mere Christianity,” he said.

Fr. Levenson sees St. Martin’s ministry as rooted in the Great Commission: a stained-glass window honors that cultural mandate, and the parish pulpit will soon bear the engraved text of 1 Cor. 2:2 (“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified”).

“What draws people in, and it always has, is the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Fr. Levenson said. “That’s what feeds the human heart.”

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/6/23/megaparish-affirms-the-covenant

Controversial painting adorns Midtown church

From Houston-

The bible tells Christians that man was created in the image of God. So it stands to reason that most artists portray Jesus Christ as looking as human as anyone else. But one well-known Texas artist has painted a very controversial version of Christ.

Trinity Episcopal Church is steeped in tradition. Built almost 120 years ago, it's on the national register of historic places. While its surroundings now reflect modern life, the sanctuary has changed very little.

"We took kind of an old storage area that was also used as a practice room for the chorus," said Roni McMurtrey, a long-time church member.
McMurtrey was among those who wanted a different kind of a chapel, which now houses weekly jazz services and smaller gatherings. So she approached several well-known artists about creating a space both holy and contemporary.

"It was a way of reflecting what happens in this town. Taking something and taking a space using art and highlighting the sacredness," said McMurtrey.

The altar, the seating and even the lighting are made out of wood and stainless steel. There's a painting done by a local Muslim artist of the women in Christ's life removing his body from the tomb. And these dramatic stained glass windows.

"So many stained glass windows seem to enclose a space and he wanted you to be able to see out into the garden because this congregation doesn't see themselves as enclosed. They see themselves as part of the community," said Kim Clark Renteria, who designed the stained glass.
But the centerpiece, and most controversial, is a nine-foot tall painting over the altar, depicting the resurrection. It was done by Waco artist Kermit Oliver, whose son Khristian was recently executed for the 1998 murder of 64-year-old Joe Collins. The painting shows Christ rising from the cross, a Christ with the face of Khristian Oliver.

More here + video-

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7300691