As Bishop Scott Mayer moves toward ending his ministry in the North Region at the end of the year, two celebrations of his ministry have been held, with more planned. He remains diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Northwest Texas.
A dinner celebrating his seven-year-long ministry as provisional bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth/Episcopal Church in North Texas, and since July, assistant bishop of the North Region of the Diocese of Texas, was on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Del Frisco’s Grille in downtown Fort Worth. The Rev. Leslie Steward, Missioner for Congregational Vitality-New Communities for the Diocese of Texas represented the host, Bishop Andy Doyle.
The staff, members of the last Standing Committee, and other leaders of the former diocese gathered with Bishop Mayer, Kathy Mayer, and members of the bishop’s family to reminisce and say thank you.
Bishop Mayer’s willingness to commit to a long term ministry with the diocese in 2015 built on the work of three previous provisional bishops in bringing stability and a steady guiding hand to the rebuilding diocese in the wake of the 2008 schism, when the then-bishop left The Episcopal Church, but claimed Episcopal Church property. When, in 2021, the resulting litigation ended with the Texas Supreme Court awarding the name and property to those who left, Bishop Mayer’s loving but steady non-anxious presence guided the diocese through shock and grief into a discernment period that resulted in reunion with the Diocese of Texas.
As toasts and tributes noted, Bishop Mayer consistently reminded them that love is stronger than fear, that God loves unconditionally, and that, with God’s help, we all are capable of more than we can dream or imagine. It was remarked more than once that, “We were building an airplane while we were flying it.” Bishop Mayer acknowledged that and said he believes he has landed the plane safely, an observation greeted with applause.
A larger celebration was on Sunday, December 4, with a reception from 3 to 5 pm in the Parish Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. At Bishop Mayer’s request, there were no speeches or formal presentations, just a chance for people to gather, have some food and drink, and talk briefly with him one on one about what his ministry has meant to them. It was a happy, if at times emotional, event, as people reflected on how his ministry had touched their lives, and the lives of their congregations.
Bishop Mayer will meet with the Fort Worth Convocation on Thursday, December 8, and will be at the North Region Clergy Christmas Party on December 21 at the new diocesan offices at 209 S. Main Street in Fort Worth. His ministry will also be celebrated at Council in February.
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