Integrity Fort Worth’s New Website

Please visit our new website at

www.integrityfw.weebly.com

Bishop Ohl Leads Bible Study/Eucharist November 12

Bishop Ohl - Provisional Bishop of Fort Worth

Bishop Wallis Ohl will lead an “African” or “Lambeth” Bible Study and Eucharist for Integrity Fort Worth and its friends at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in the parish hall of St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 3550 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76133. The Bible Study, Eucharist and the lunch that follows are open to all people. Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend.

An “African” or “Lambeth” Bible Study is a study method that gives everyone an opportunity to think about and comment on a passage of Scripture to be chosen by the Bishop. The Bible Study serves as the “Liturgy of the Word” for the Eucharist.

Integrity Fort Worth is a support group for LGBT persons and their friends in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. After the Eucharist, participants will be served a hot catered meal. Integrity is asking for a minimum contribution of $5 per person to cover the costs of the meal. Please RSVP to david.lindsey1589@gmail.com by Wednesday, Nov. 9 to reserve a meal.

This event is open to everyone!

Integrity Serving Lunch to Samaritan House September 24

On Saturday, September 24, Integrity Fort Worth will be preparing a meal for the clients and staff of Samaritan House in Fort Worth. We will be meeting at Samaritan House at 10 a.m. and will be finishing up between 1 and 2 p.m.

Samaritan House provides housing and resources for individuals and families who lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. From their website: “Samaritan House offers comprehensive services to fulfill our mission of bringing about positive change in the lives of our residents. We believe strongly in treating the whole person, not just HIV/AIDS or other special needs.”

Did You Know?
Facts about HIV/AIDS

•21% of those who are infected do not know they are infected and so are at risk of infecting others.
•HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is passed through unprotected sexual contact or by sharing syringes or needles. It is not contagious in normal contact within a family, via food service or in social or business situations.
•Improved medications allow HIV-positive individuals to manage their disease and live longer – sometimes as long as 25 years or more; however, most deal with life-altering symptoms and side-effects of medication.
•There are only two ways to prevent infection. One is always to avoid unprotected sex: an HIV-positive person looks like anyone else and may not even know he or she is infected. The other is never to share needles.
Facts about Homelessness
•25% of Tarrant County homeless are children.
•About 20% of Tarrant County homeless are over 62 years old.
Facts about HIV/AIDS and Homelessness
•The rate of HIV infection in the homeless population is three times higher than that of the general population.
•Only 20% of homeless families report that they receive help finding housing.
•78% of permanent supportive housing clients (such as those at Samaritan House) have retained their housing for six months or more due to quality care management.
•HIV is in every segment of the population: young, old, black, Hispanic, white, male, female, homosexual, heterosexual.
•It is estimated that between 23% and 40% of homeless are veterans.

If you would like to participate in this outreach opportunity, please contact the chapter convener, David Lindsey, at 682.564.6014

Swim Party July 30th!!

Dr. Chuck & Susie Kennard have opened up their home to Integrity Fort Worth (and friends of Integrity Fort Worth) as well as Church of the Good Shepherd (Granbury) for fun in the sun and the water! On June 30th starting at 6 p.m., we will be gathering at the Kennard home at Lake Granbury for swimming, burgers and picnic fun!

Those attending are asked to bring swimwear, a side dish or dessert to share with others, and a guest. Because of the location, we also ask that you carpool. If you would like a ride to the location, please contact Integrity at integrityfw@gmail.com.

The Kennards live at 602 Goldeneye Drive, Granbury, TX 76049.  All are welcome. Please no smoking and no pets.

For directions, please click here.

June is Pride Month

The Advocate says in this month’s cover story that one reason for pride in 2011 is “Because some Christians know love is greater than hate… Groups like the United Methodists’ Affirmation, Catholicism’s DignityUSA, the Episcopal Church’s Integrity, and ecumenical efforts such as Soulforce, Believe Out Loud, and Faith in America are fighting for full acceptance of LGBT people in church doctrine and public policy. These Christian soldiers are waging some uphill battles, but they’ve also had some victories, and we’re glad to have fellowship with them.”

Members of Integrity – whether we’re queer or straight – have a lot to be proud of. Through our commitment to Integrity, we proclaim the truth that all people are loved by God. By working to make “all the sacraments for all the baptized” a reality, and by pushing for equality in the wider world, we become instruments of God’s grace.

Read Integrity’s Pride Month Post on Walking with Integrity
Read about Integrity in this month’s edition of The Advocate
Read “Integrity USA Applauds Obama Proclamation on LGBT Pride Month”

Make a special donation to Integrity in honor of Pride Month (add that you are from the Fort Worth chapter)

Integrity Fort Worth’s June Worship & Meeting
On Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m., Integrity Fort Worth will hold Morning Prayer in the Chapel of St. Simon of Cyrene at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. The church is located at 3550 Southwest Loop 820. The service will be followed by coffee and fellowship. The public is invited.

Integrity Fort Worth Releases 2011 Calendar; includes Eucharist with Bishop Ohl

May 3. 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTEGRITY FORT WORTH CALENDAR
INCLUDES EUCHARIST WITH BP. WALLIS OHL

Fort Worth, Texas—Integrity Fort Worth, a support group for the LGBT community primarily in the Episcopal Diocese of Forth, has announced activities and dates throughout December 2011. A highlight of the year promises to be a “working lunch Bible Study and Eucharist,” celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl, provisional bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, according to Integrity Chapter Convener David Lindsey.

“We are thrilled that Bp. Ohl has included Integrity Fort Worth in his busy schedule,” Lindsey said. “Bp. Ohl will lead an ‘African’ or ‘Lambeth’ Bible study for our chapter as part of a working lunch Saturday, Nov. 12.” The Bible Study will serve as the “Liturgy of the Word” at an agape-style Eucharist celebrated by Bp. Ohl. A lunch will be served following Eucharist in the parish hall of St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 3550 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76133. All Integrity functions are open to the public.

The Fort Worth Chapter will be specifically inviting all clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth to attend the Bible Study-Eucharist-Lunch with Bp. Ohl. Integrity Fort Worth had “Dinner with the Bishop” in 2009 and 2010, but has not heretofore celebrated Eucharist with the bishop of the Diocese.

Integrity Fort Worth has members in All Saints, Wichita Falls; All Saints, Fort Worth; Good Shepherd, Granbury; Trinity, Fort Worth; St. Luke’s in the Meadow, Fort Worth; St. Christopher’s, Fort Worth; St. Stephen’s, Hurst; St. Alban’s, Arlington; Christ the King, Fort Worth; and Episcopal Church in Parker County, Aledo.

Additional events and locations for Integrity Fort Worth include:
10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, Morning Prayer and coffee at St. Christopher; St. Simon of Cyrene Chapel, 3550 SW Loop 820

6 p.m. Saturday, July 30, burgers, swimming by the lake at Susie and Chuck Kennard’s house at 602 Goldeneye Drive, Granbury, TX 76049.

10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, preparing, serving and eating lunch with the 60 residents at Samaritan House Fort Worth as a community service project; 929 Hemphill, Fort Worth, TX 76104

1 p.m. to close Sunday, Oct. 2—Tarrant County Gay Pride Picnic; Integrity will have a booth

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 “African” or “Lambeth” Bible Study, Agape-type Eucharist and Lunch with Bishop Ohl at St. Christopher; Bp. Ohl presiding at the Eucharist; Lunch follows

7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, booth at Diocesan Convention 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, annual Christmas Party potluck, St. Luke’s in the Meadow Episcopal Church, 4301 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76103.

For more information contact
DAVID LINDSEY, CONVENER
682-564-6014
integrityfw@gmail.com

IntegrityUSA President, Norgard, resigns; election to be announced

The Rev. David Norgard

May 3, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORGARD RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT OF INTEGRITY USA,
ELECTION TO FILL HIS UNEXPIRED TERM TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

Yesterday the Board of Directors of Integrity USA accepted with regret a letter of resignation submitted by Integrity President David Norgard. Secretary Louise Brooks issued the following statement on behalf of the Board of Directors: “While understanding David’s need to step down at this time for personal reasons we will deeply miss his leadership and the significant gifts he brought to our work and witness.”

“I regret leaving the office before the completion of my elected term,” said Norgard. ” It has been a blessing and a privilege to serve and represent Integrity. It is an organization whose mission has been dear to my heart since its earliest days.”

Prior to becoming Integrity President, Norgard served the Board of Directors as a development and strategic planning consultant. His gifts for organizational development helped Integrity imagine a new infrastructure that will equip it to continue to grow in advocacy and influence for LGBT inclusion.

In compliance with the Integrity’s bylaws (Article 4, Section 5c) the Reverend Susan McCann, Chair of Integrity’s Stakeholder’s Council, will call for an election by voting members of the Stakeholder’s Council to fill Norgard’s unexpired term. Details on the election process are in progress and will be announced shortly.

“As we move forward we give thanks for David and for all the leaders who have helped Integrity live into its mission and ministry down through the years,” said Executive Director Max Niedzwiecki. “Their legacy provides a firm foundation as we continue with the work we have been called to do — as we strive to make the “full and equal claim” promised to LGBT Episcopalians in 1976 not just a resolution but a reality.”

For more information conatct:
Louise Brooks, Communication Director
lebrooks@earthlink.net
626-993-4605 (mobile)