Standing Committee

One clergy person and one lay person to be elected for a three-year term. Retiring incumbents, the Rev. David Read and Mrs. Thurma Hilton are ineligible.

Description of duties: from Article V, Canon 3. The Standing Committee meets about three times a year and serves as a Council of Advice to the diocesan bishop. Among its responsibilities are granting withholding consents to the election of bishops throughout the Episcopal Church and interviewing seminarians and recommending to the bishop whether or not they be made candidates for ordination.

Current Committee Members	Church	Term ends
The Rev. Tim Vellom	St. Matthew's, Universal City	2009
Mrs. Alice Ann Fischer	Good Shepherd, CC	2009
The Rev. John Badders	St. John's, McAllen	2008
Mr. Richard Mosty	St. Peter's, Kerrville	2008
●The Rev. David Read	St. Helena's, Boerne	2007
●Ms. Thurma Hilton	St. Bartholomew's, CC	2007

●Incumbents are ineligible for re-election.

Nominations

Clergy Order - elect 1 for 3 year term
	The Rev. Faith Bledsoe - Rector, St. Francis, Victoria Gifts and Talents - Faith brings a wide knowledge and deep understanding of discernment, as well as an ability to see multiple sides of an issue. Local Church Activities - (as Lay) Vestry, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Pastoral Care Coordinator Adult Spiritual Formation Chair, EFM Mentor Diocesan Activities - Continuing Education Committee, Department of Evangelism, Spiritual Life Division, Lay Ministry Committee, Convocation Dean Length of time in Diocese - 4 years Nominated by - Nominating Committee
	The Rev. Nancy G. Coon - Vicar, Church of the Holy Spirit, Dripping Springs Gifts and Talents - Experience in the DWTX in service to the Executive Board and Standing Committee; ability to work as a team member in reaching consensual decisions; visionary and entrepreneurial; ability to engage persons of differing beliefs and understandings; strategic planner, love of God and the Church. Local Church Activities - Vicar of Church of the Holy Spirit, Dripping Springs; (as Lay) Reader, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Home Visitor in the Pilot Program, Stephen's Minister, Confirmation Teacher/Mentor for High School Students, Intercessory Prayer Team, Audio Tape Ministry Diocesan Activities - Standing Committee, Executive Board, Deputy to General Convention (2000, 2003, 2006) Transitional Congregations Committee Co-Chair, Examining Chaplain, Chaplain for Women's Cabinet, Christian Formation Committee, Continuing Education Committee, Task Force for Redesign of the Executive Board, Cursillo Spiritual Director (4 Cursillos) Happening, Camp Capers Summer Dean and Chaplain, DWTX Committee on Missions and Parishes, Retreat Leader Length of time in Diocese - 40 years Nominated by - The Rev. John Badders
	The Rev. Jay George, Rector, St. Andrews, Seguin Gifts and Talents - Sense of humor, willingness to serve, vision, ability to strategize, think outside the norm, creativity, develop new projects and ideas, team player, good with language, ability to bring others on board, strong delegation skills Local Church Activities - All of them Diocesan Activities - Executive Board, Dean/Chaplain for Senior High Leadership Camp at Capers, Dean of NE Convocation, Chair of Diocesan Leadership Development Committee, Bishop's Youth Commission, Young Adult Ministry Committee, Chair Diocesan Nominating Committee, various and sundry others. Length of time in Diocese - Lifetime Nominated by - The Rev. John Badders
	The Rev. John Hardie - Rector, St. Mark's, Corpus Christi Gifts and Talents - John is gifted in seeing many sides to an issue, while adhering to core values. He considers himself a "big picture" person. John is a strong supporter of Episcopal Schools. He understands the role of the board member and trustee. His son is a student at TMI. Diocesan Activities - World Mission, Stewardship, Evangelism, Examining Chaplains, Dean of the Southern Convocation Length of time in Diocese - 30 years Nominated by - Vestry of St. Mark's
	The Rev. W.L. (Chip) Prehn, Ph.D - Asst. Rector, St. Luke's Church & School, San Antonio Gifts and Talents - Leadership; energy; love of God and people and Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church; imagination; organizational skills. Local Church Activities - Director of Christian Formation for all ages at St. Luke's, School ministry and middle school teaching Diocesan Activities - Examining Chaplain, Trustee of TMI, The Episcopal School of Texas Length of time in Diocese - 16 years Nominated by - The Rev. John Badders
	The Rev. Stockton Williams, Rector, St. Peter's, Kerrville Local Church (Community) Activities - President of Christian Assistance Ministries of Kerrville, Secretary of Central Kerrville Development Corp, Board Member of Rotary, Emmous & Kairos Spiritual Director, Chaplain of Hill Country Chapter of Order of St. Luke Diocesan Activities - Diocesan Spiritual Director for Happening, National Happening Board, Cursillo Secretariat, Former Dean of Northern Convocation, Lay Ministry Committee of Commission on Ministry, Evangelism Committee, Board member of Bishop Elliott Society, Chaplain at Summer Camps, Dean of Mid-Winter Retreats Length of time in Diocese - 4 1/2 years Nominated by - Linda Jordan, Vestry
	The Rev. Robert Woody, Rector, Church of Reconciliation, San Antonio Gifts and Talents - Twenty years as an attorney; training and experience in mediation (community, business, child custody and divorce); seven years as priest, four as rector. Local Church Activities - (as Lay) Vestry, Chair of Rector search team, Adult and Youth Sunday School teacher, Council Delegate Diocesan Activities - Examining Chaplains, Coordinator of Clergy Lenten Retreat, Chaplain at Camp Capers Length of time in Diocese - 4 years Nominated by - Bill Swann
Lay Order - elect 1 for 3 year term
	Bill Bedingfield, member of St. Stephen's, Wimberley Gifts and Talents - Good depth of knowledge of liturgics; works well with people; good organizer; recognizes talents of those around him and suggests good uses for them. Local Church Activities - Dean of Lay Readers, Vestry, Bishop's Committee, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Parish Treasurer, Teller, Church School Superintendent, Council Delegate Diocesan Activities - Servant Community of the Bishop's Cursillo Movement, Past President of the Secretariat of the Bishop's Cursillo Movement, Coordinator of District Servant Community for Region VII of the National Episcopal Cursillo Movement Length of time in Diocese and Parish - 16 years Nominated by - Rector, the Rev. Dr. Patrick Gahan
	Blaine Bennett, member of St. Philip's, Uvalde Gifts and Talents - Administration; technology savy; licensed counselor; educator, Ph.D. in Human Resource Development, expertise in rural development. Local Church Activities - Vestry, Senior Warden, Lay Reader, Sunday School Teacher-Adult and Teen, Council Delegate, Chair of Budget Committee, Search Committee Length of time in Diocese - 11 years Nominated by - Rector, the Rev. Michael Marsh
	Tony Carpenter, member of St. Bartholomew's, Corpus Christi Gifts and Talents - Tony has a Masters Degree in Education with a concentration in Counseling and Guidance. Having a background of entrepreneurship, he brings a financial understanding along with leadership skills in facilitating group meetings. He has a profound love of the church, grounded in prayer and discernment for God's will in all things. Local Church Activities - Lay Reader, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Godly Play Teacher, Council Delegate/Alternate, Vestry Senior Warden, Finance Committee, Bethel Teacher, Small Group Leader, Men's Group Diocesan Activities - Camper/Staff at Camp Capers since 1954, Camps & Conferences Committee, Evangelism Committee, Clergy Compensation Committee, Lay Ministry Committee, Congregational Development Committee Length of time in Diocese - 62 years Nominated by - Drew Cauthorn
	Elizabeth Evans, member of St. Paul's, San Antonio Gifts and Talents - Organization; vision; solidly Anglican in thought; polity and perspective; has a great interest in the ministry of clergy, laity and the diaconate. Local Church Activities - Vestry, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Chair of Christian Formation Committee, Webmaster for parish, other responsibilities and talents Diocesan Activities - Department of Christian Education Length of time in Diocese - Lifetime Nominated by - Rector, the Rev. Doug Earle
	Mallory Miller, member of St. George, San Antonio Gifts and Talents - Orthodox biblical worldview; critical thinking and analytical skills; writing skills. Local Church Activities - Vestry, Warden, Parish Chancellor, Lector, Usher, Greeter, Choir, Church School Teacher, Council Delegate, team member for Faith Alive and Alpha Diocesan Activities - Evangelism Department, Constitution and Canons Committee Length of time in Diocese - 25 years Nominated by - Vestry
	John Otto, member of All Saints', Corpus Christi Gifts and Talents - Leadership capabilities; active prayer life; longevity in Diocese; history with Diocese. Local Church Activities - Vestry, Senior Warden, Capital Campaign, Stewardship Committee, Evangelism Committee, Building Committee, Finance Committee, Treasurer, everything except rector and president of Women's Committee Diocesan Activities - Executive Board, Trustee-Episcopal Church Corporation, Insurance Committee Chair, Interviewing Committee, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee Length of time in Diocese - 28 years Nominated by - All Saints' Discernment Committee
	Helen Schnelzer, member of Christ Church, San Antonio Gifts and Talents - Dedication; experience and passion for the Lord and the Church. Local Church Activities - Vestry, Altar Guild Chairman, Rector's and Parish Secretary (in another diocese), Team member to Uganda missions Diocesan Activities - Bishop's Executive Assistant (retired), as Bishop's assistant was primary interface with the Standing Committee and other major diocesan organizations Length of time in Diocese - 10 years Nominated by - Rector and Vestry
	Martha Monier Steves, member of St. Mark's, San Antonio Gifts and Talents - Martha is considered a leader in the parish who studies a problem thoroughly. She also works well with people and reaches out to people who need help. Local Church Activities - Vestry, Lay Reader, Council Delegate, Senior Warden, Choir member, Sunday School Teacher, Vision 2000 Committee, Rejoice Committee, Women of St. Mark's Past President Diocesan Activities - Finance Committee, Executive Board member, Nominating Committee Co-Chair, Leadership Development Committee, Co-Chair Bishop's Consecration Service Length of time in Diocese - Lifetime Nominated by - Rector, the Rev. Michael Chalk
	John S. Warren, member of Good Shepherd, Corpus Christi Gifts and Talents - Dedicated, experienced attorney with long experience in church leadership; well informed on diocesan and national matters; committed to strengthening the Diocese under the leadership of our Bishop. Local Church Activities - Senior Warden, Vestry, Parish Chancellor, Chancellor and Board member of St. James Episcopal School, Parish Cursillo Rep, Chairman of Parish Missionary Society, Council Delegate Diocesan Activities - Alternate Delegate for '06 General Convention, Executive Board, Cursillo Secretariat, Cursillo Rector, Chairman-Cliff Maus Village Trust Board, Council balloting and Vendor Committee Co-Chair, Board Secretary-Bishop Elliott Society Length of time in Diocese - 28 years Nominated by - B.J. Kershaw, Vestry

Constitution & Canons of the General Convention

Article IV. In every diocese a Standing Committee shall be elected by the Convention (Council) thereof, except that provisions for filling vacancies between meetings of the Convention may be prescribed by the Canons of the respective dioceses. When there is a Bishop in charge of the diocese, the Standing Committee shall be the Bishop's Council of Advice. If there be no Bishop or Bishop Coadjutor or Suffragan Bishop canonically authorized to act, the Standing Committee shall be the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese for all purposes declared by the General Convention. The rights and duties of the Standing Committee, except as provided in the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention, may be prescribed by the Canons of the respective dioceses.

Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of West Texas

Article V, Section 1. The Annual Council shall elect a Standing Committee consisting of three priests and three lay communicants eligible for election to membership in the Council. The Council shall elect one priest and one lay communicant annually, and they shall serve for a term of three years. No members of the Standing Committee after serving a full term or part of a term thereon shall be eligible to serve again on the Standing Committee for a full year after such service. A vacancy may be filled for the unexpired term by a majority vote of the remaining members.

Article V, Section 2. The Standing Committee shall have all the authority conferred upon it by the General Constitution and Canons, and in addition thereto, shall have such authority and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Canons of the Diocese.

Canon 3, Section 1. The Standing Committee shall annually elect its own president and other officers under the temporary chair of the previous year's chair, at or immediately following adjournment of the Council. It shall keep a record of its proceedings, and annually report its proceedings to the Council, except such as pertain to the exercise of its function as a council of advice to the Bishop.

Canon 3, Section 2. No member of the Standing Committee, during his/her term as a member thereof, shall be eligible to election to membership on the Executive Board.