The Rev. Ann Normand, rector of Trinity, Marble Falls has accepted Bishop Don Wimberly's invitation to become the new Canon to the Ordinary, effective October 1, 2008. Normand will serve as Bishop Wimberly's canon until Bishop Coadjutor-elect C. Andrew Doyle is seated as the ninth bishop of Texas in 2009. 

Bishop Wimberly and Bishop Coadjutor-elect Doyle chose Normand jointly for the position.  "Ann has done an excellent job reorganizing the business of Diocesan Council and I know she will serve the diocese well in this transition year and beyond," Bishop Wimberly said.

Doyle has served as Canon to the Ordinary since 2003 and was elected bishop coadjutor on May 24.  His consecration is set for November 22, 2008 at St. Martin's, Houston.

"I think Ann brings clarity and strong pastoral care skills to the position," Doyle said.  "She has served the diocese faithfully as both lay person and priest, and has a comprehensive understanding of our diocese and of congregational development.  She will be a strong addition to our diocesan team," Doyle added.

"It is both an honor and privilege to serve Bishop Wimberly and Bishop Coadjutor-elect Doyle as Canon to the Ordinary in our extraordinary Diocese of Texas.  I accept God's call with great excitement," Normand responded.

Normand has been rector of Trinity for ten years and under her leadership the church has quadrupled their budget and tripled their average Sunday attendance.  She has served as chair of the dispatch of business committee since 2004, helping to reorganize and plan the intricate schedule of the diocese's annual meeting.  Normand is a past member of the Episcopal Foundation, the Executive Board and the Christian Leadership Conference.  She designs and facilitates Benedictine spirituality retreats and has gained wide recognition through her participation and presentations with the Wardens and Vestry Conference, the Community of Hope and Episcopal Church Women among others.

Announcing the news to her congregation elicited surprise said Normand.  "I'm conflicted," one person told her.  "I'm happy for you but sad for us."

Trinity's senior warden, Pat Hudson and his family joined Trinity a year after Normand arrived.  He said she brought the church "a long way during her tenure" and that everyone would be sorry to see her leave.  "Her leadership has been fantastic," Hudson said. "[She is an] organizer and tremendous motivator.  You don't tell Rev. Ann 'No'," he added, sayng that her "intuitive nature" helped match the right people to the right job.  "She can put the round pegs in the round holes." Hudson said with an affectionate chuckle.

Penny Miller, formerly senior warden at Trinity echoed Hudson's sentiments. "[She] has pastored and guided Trinity through a wonderful 10 years and we're sorry to lose her but she was not our to keep...We celebrate this new beginning for her."

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Normand holds a master of divinity and a doctorate of ministry from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and has done post graduate work in Biblical Hebrew and Old Testament at Baylor and worked with Esther de Waal for post-doctoral studies in Benedictine spirituality.  She was ordained by the Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne in 1995 after receiving a certificate in theological studies from Virginia Theological Seminary.

As Canon to the Ordinary, Normand will work directly for the diocesan bishop to assist with administration, legal matters and coordination of the diocesan ministry staff.  She will also act as the diocesan deployment officer as well as with congregations during transitions in leadership.  As canon, she will assist in placing curates (recent seminary graduates), deacons and bivocational priests, oversee licensing and discipline of clergy and work with both the Standing Committee and Executive Board.  Other duties include appointments to boards and commissions, working with congregations in conflict, facilitating pre-council meetings and teaching at Iona School and the Warden's and Vestry conference.

Normand has three grown children and seven grandchildren, ages one month to seven years.

Reprinted from the Diolog, published by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, July 31, 2008

Listen!  We are called to treat God’s love, God’s justice, God’s blessings, God’s seeds, and all God’s gifts, precious as these are, as if they were absolutely limitless in supply for one simple reason:

They are.  They really are!

Listen!  We are called to know that God’s love, justice, blessings, seeds, and all God’s gifts are not spread upon only a few, they are spread to all!

They are.  They really are!

Listen!  We are called to know that God’s love, justice, blessings, seeds, and all God’s gifts when heard and accepted will flourish in those who are the good ground beyond our wildest imagination.

They will.  They really will!

"Building Your Stewardship Ministry from Alpha to Omega"

Bishop's Stewardship Conference at Camp Allen, August 1 & 2

Contact church office if you would like to attend.  830-693-2822.  Register online at www.campallen.org and choose Conference & Extended Retreat option.

SING, SHOUT, LAUGH, PRAISE, REJOICE, BE HAPPY, CELEBRATE, GIVE THANKS

Are these expressions reflected in your stewardship involvement?