WHO | WHAT | WHEN | WHERE
2026 CLERGY CONFERENCE
FOOD MINISTRIES – IF YOU LOVE ME, FEED MY SHEEP
Monday, October 19 – Wednesday, October 21
(Ancillary Meetings: Sunday, October 18)
Registration opens Thursday, September 10th
Plenary, Seminar Presenters and Special Guests
Margaret Aymer
Educator, Scholar, Author
Author of: James: In Introduction and Study Guide: Diaspora Rhetoric of a Friend of God
Will present a plenary.
Brian Greene
President & CEO, Houston Food Bank
Will present a plenary.
Edward Blanchard
Chief Disaster Officer, American Red Cross
Will present a seminar and a workshop.
Celia Cole
CEO, Feeding Texas
Will present a seminar.
Khalia Williams
Educator, Liturgical Artist, Mentor
Will present a seminar and a workshop.
Jeremy K. Everett
Founder, Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger & Poverty
Will present a workshop.
Austin Gay Men’s Chorus
Special performance during worship.
Homilist
Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage
Assisting Bishop
Bishop’s Special Guest for Conversation with…
Marcus D. Wiley
Comedian, Author
Workshop Presenters
The topics noted below are working themes only and may not necessarily represent the full scope of the presentation.
| The Rev. Hannah Atkins Romero Rector, Trinity Midtown | Willie Bennett Sr. Congregational Engagement Officer, Episcopal Health Foundation |
| Edward Blanchard Chief Disaster Officer, American Red Cross | The Rev. Eric Bumgardner Associate Rector, Trinity, Fort Worth |
| Commission on Hispanic Ministry | Kathy Dunn Executive Assistant to the Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher Gimme a Break!: Taking a Sabbatical |
| Dr. Jeremy K. Everett Founder, Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger & Poverty | The Rt. Rev. Jeff W. Fisher Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of Texas Gimme a Break!: Taking a Sabbatical |
| The Rev. Tori Gilliland Curate, Episcopal High School, Houston Ethical Use of AI in Ministry Taskforce, Faith in the Future | The Rev. Patrick Hall Ethical Use of AI in Ministry Taskforce, Faith in the Future |
| Eric Moen Director of Community Engagement, Episcopal Health Foundation | The Rev. Will Parker Curate, St. Mark’s, Houston |
| Brian Sasser Chief Communication Officer, Episcopal Health Foundation | The Rev. Andrew Terry Missioner for Small Churches, Diocese of Texas |
| Melodee Toles Congregational Engagement Officer, Episcopal Health Foundation | Zee Turnbull Director of Human Resources, Diocese of Texas |
| The Rev. Khalia J. Williams Associate Dean of Worship & Spiritual Formation, Emory University |
Who Should Attend
All ordained clergy canonically resident in the Diocese of Texas and actively serving at a church or institution are expected to attend the full conference in 2026.
Although all licensed clergy are welcome to attend, retired clergy are encouraged to attend the Conference for Retired Clergy & Spouses on October 5-7, instead of Clergy Conference.
While Camp Allen is a family friendly facility, Clergy Conference is strictly for clergy, Iona School students serving as Pastoral Leaders, and diocesan staff.
Covid-19 Policy
Face masks are not required during this year’s conference; however masks are always encouraged for all who wish to wear one. We encourage all clergy to be vaccinated and boosted for Covid-19 per the CDC’s current guidelines.
The Covid policies are subject to change, as needed, in order for us to gather safely.
Registration & Accommodations
Online registration for the Clergy Conference opens on September 10th via campallen.org, click on ‘Register for Events Online’. Hotel reservations and signups for ancillary meetings are made at the same time. There is no cost to attending clergy.
ROOMING NOTE: Because the attending clergy outnumbers the rooms available at Camp Allen, it is policy that attendees double up accommodations. This means that requests for single rooms are not likely to be granted. Single rooms are limited to persons of significant disability or handicap and requests for single rooms are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Check-In
For those attending any of the Ancillary Meetings, check-in will open at 2:30pm Sunday. General participant check-in will open at 8:00am Monday.
Additional Presentations that will be available include:
Discovering the Harvest
Come to learn about the objectives of the EDOT Impact Report, the types of information we are looking for, and to discuss the process up to date. All churches have been asked to contribute to this study. This is your chance to ask questions and hear the details from the team collecting the information. Bring lunch with you.
Considering a Curate?
Rectors who would like to explore the benefits and requirements of having a curate on the church staff are invited to visit with the Rev. Canon Christine Faulstich at an informational meeting. All rectors interested in receiving a curate are expected to attend. To reserve your place, sign up at the conference check-in table. Bring breakfast with you.
Understanding your Retirement Options
Active clergy approaching retirement age are invited to attend. This session will provide an overview of information or changes that may affect you at pre-65 and post-65. Bring lunch with you.
Activities & Extras
Be sure to take advantage of all the complimentary activities offered during Clergy Conference. Choose from fishing, canoeing, tennis, archery, skeet shooting, trail rides, giant swing, the high ropes/zipline, frisbee golf, and of course shopping. In addition, the hike and bike trail is awaiting all takers. The activities requiring a minimum number of participants will have sign-up sheets at the conference check-in station.
Fly Fishing
Mark Marmon will be back to offer his fly-fishing expertise for beginners and veterans. Here’s your chance to wrangle one the giant perch residing in Camp Allen’s lakes.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapists will be on hand this year. Complimentary chair massages will be offered throughout the conference. Table massages will be available by appointment only and the cost is paid by you. Sign-up sheets for both will be available at the activities sign up table.
Pickleball Tournament
Bring your paddle if you have one, but even if you don’t meet at the pavilion on Tuesday. An intro class will be first for beginners and then the competition begins. Who will win the trophy this year? Prepare for fun!
Pre-Conference Meetings & Presentations
Several meetings have been scheduled for the Sunday and Monday prior to the conference beginning. If you are to attend one of these meetings, you will contacted by the convener in advance.
| Meeting | Contact | |
| Iona Priest Clericus | The Rev. Paul Skeith, 512-766-7925 (c) | |
| Deacon Clericus | The Rev. Bob Gray, 903-539-6131 (c) | |
| New Clergy Orientation | Kathryn Herman, 713-353-2121 (w) | |
Immunizations
Tdap shots influenza and Covid-19 immunizations will be available at the conference early TuesTdap shots influenza and Covid-19 immunizations will be available at the conference early Tuesday morning. The specific time will be in the conference program. If you would like to take advantage of any of the vaccinations you need to do the following two things:
- Complete the attached vaccination Consent & Release form prior to receiving any vaccination.
- Bring all of your insurance cards with you to Camp Allen. (Our providers recommend that you bring all of your insurance cards as some vaccines are covered under medical and some under RX coverage.)
Most insurance plans and all Medicare plans will cover flu and Covid vaccinations. You will be financially responsible for any vaccines not covered by your insurance.
Questions & information
Any questions you have regarding the Clergy Conference can be directed to Julie Paré, 713-353-2128, jpare@epicenter.org. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
schedule
(subject to change)
| Monday, October 19 | |
|---|---|
| Time | Event |
| 1:30pm | Welcome, Announcements |
| 2:15 | Plenary 1 |
| 3:45 | Seminars |
| 5:30 | Dinner |
| 7:00 |
Introduction of New Clergy Fireside Chat with Bishop Doyle |
| 8:30 | Social |
| Tuesday, October 20 | |
| Time | Event |
| 6:30am | Immunizations |
| 7:30 | Morning Prayer, Spanish |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:00 | Announcements |
| 9:15 | Plenary 2 |
| 10:30 | Workshop Session 1 |
| 11:30 | Lunch |
| Free Time | |
| 5:00pm | Eucharist |
| 6:30 | Dinner |
| 7:45 | Bishop’s Conversation with Marcus D. Wiley |
| 9:00 | Social |
| Wednesday, October 21 | |
| Time | Event |
| 7:30 | Morning Prayer, English |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:00 | Workshop Session 2 |
| 10:15 | Workshop Session 3 |
| 11:30 | Bishop’s Address |
| 12:30pm | Lunch, Adjournment |
