Month: March 2015

Palm Sunday Procession at St. Timothy’s, Fort Worth

From Fort Worth Star-Telegram – Ron Jenkins and Sarah Bahari

From atop a horse, the Roman soldier raised his right arm to signal the start of the procession.

Worshippers followed him, each carrying a palm to represent the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem in the New Testament.

The line wrapped around St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Fort Worth on Sunday, marking the 60th anniversary of the church’s re-enactment of the Palm Sunday procession.

“Palm Sunday is the one day we glorified Jesus when he was on this Earth,” said Cyndi Lerma, a lifelong member of the church. “Lord knows, we owe him a lot more praise.”

Services begin during the 60th annual Palm Sunday Procession and Mass at St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Fort Worth on Sunday, March 29, 2015. The event is a reenactment of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem days before he was crucified.

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, one week before his death and resurrection. Sometimes referred to as “Passion Sunday,” it marks the beginning of Holy Week, which ends on Easter Sunday.

St. Timothy’s began producing the re-enactment in 1955 as a way to kick off Holy Week. Then a few years ago, the small congregation started inviting members of the community and other congregations to join the solemn festival.

“We want everyone to feel at home here,” Bishop Keith Ackerman said.

In recent years, the re-enactment grew in size and also scope, now including a horse, a donkey, torchbearers and Roman soldiers standing watch on the church’s roof.

Ackerman said the Palm Sunday procession is a reminder to the church of Jesus’ suffering.

“Many would like to forget the pain Jesus went through. People want the jelly beans and Easter eggs but want to forget the rest,” Ackerman said. “But Jesus says, ‘Walk with me.’”

Gary Fezzey, who dressed as a torchbearer Sunday, said the procession is more than just a production or play.

“It is a reminder that we’re part of this Christian story,” Fezzey said. “When you try to experience everything Christ experienced, you understand him a little better. It gives you a deeper understanding and helps you grow as a Christian.”

Congress Banquet Speaker

We are happy to announce that the Congress Thursday night Banquet speaker will be Alice Linsley.  

We will post a more formal biography on her shortly, but to hold you over:

She is an entertaining speaker and an Old Testament scholar.  She has been pioneering the field of Biblical Anthropology for over 30 years. She lives in Kentucky and currently teaches Philosophy and Ethics.

 

 

 

Court denies TEC claims to Diocesan property

Sharpe-IkerThe 141st District Court has ruled in favor of the Diocese and Corporation in our nearly six-year-old lawsuit, instigated
by The Episcopal Church. Pictured with Bishop Iker is attorney Shelby Sharpe.

Statement by The Diocese of Fort Worth
March 3, 2015

On Monday, March 2, 2015, the 141st District Court granted our Motion for Partial Summary Judgment regarding all diocesan property, with the exception of All Saints’, Fort Worth, which Judge Chupp severed for a separate trial.

Nearly six years after we were first sued by The Episcopal Church and its local representatives, the court has confirmed the Diocese’s right to dissociate from TEC and for the Corporation to retain its property.

“We are grateful for the ruling in our favor,” said Bishop Iker. “It’s clear that both church laws and Texas laws have been rightly applied to this dispute.”

In granting our motion, the Hon. John Chupp has ruled that Bishop Iker and the duly-elected officials of the Diocese and Corporation control the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, its Corporation, all endowments and funds, and all property that has been disputed in this litigation. The ruling is binding on all parties.

The judge severed out all the claims concerning ownership of the property of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, and this case will be heard by him at a future time. All Saints’ is the only incorporated parish in the Diocese and claims to hold title to property in its own name. In a February 20 hearing before the court, Judge Chupp strongly encouraged the leadership of All Saints’ to pursue the Canon 32 process with the Diocese, which might settle the issues without the need for a trial.

The following statements from our Motion for Partial Summary Judgment are confirmed by Judge Chupp’s order:

“According to the deeds, church charters, and Texas law:

• using neutral principles of Texas law to decide this case is not retroactive;
• the properties at issue are owned by the Corporation;
• the Defendant Trustees are the properly elected Trustees of the Corporation;
• Bishop Iker is the proper chairman and a member of the Corporation’s board;
• no express trust exists in favor of Plaintiffs (TEC);
• no implied or constructive trust exists in favor of Plaintiffs;
• the Defendants are not estopped to defend themselves; and
• the Defendants properly control the funds, trusts, and endowments at issue.

As a matter of law, the Defendants are entitled to title, control, and use of all of the property at issue in this case.”

The laity and clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth rejoice with Bishop Iker and join him in giving thanks to God for this ruling. We pray for a quick resolution to the remaining claims and disputes. We will continue to carry out the mission given us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: to win the world for Him.