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Oct 03, 2012 | Carol E. Barnwell

Consecration of Bishop Suffragan Set for October 6 in Tyler

Jeff Fisher 1The Rev. Jeff W. Fisher, former rector of St. Alban’s, Waco, will be consecrated bishop in the Episcopal Church in Tyler on Saturday, October 6, 2012. Fisher was elected bishop suffragan at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, on June 2, 2012.

 

He will be based in Tyler and will serve congregations in the Diocese of Texas’ eastern region.  A bishop suffragan is an assisting bishop and serves under the direction of the diocesan bishop, in this case, the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas. In addition to his Episcopal visitations (and confirmations) Fisher will have oversight of the clergy pastoral care and renewal and prison ministries.

 

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church will be the chief consecrator, joined by Bishop Doyle, Bishop Suffragan Dena Harrison and other bishops from across the country to ordain Fisher. The historic liturgy will take place at Caldwell Auditorium, at 11 a.m.  Interested persons are invited to attend.

 

While Fisher was rector of St. Alban’s, Waco, the church experienced an unprecedented 85 percent growth. Forced to close the school on campus, Fisher led the congregation to start a community center that now houses community theatre and music programs for youth as well as many other community groups and outreach programs.  A graduate of the University of Texas and Virginia Theological Seminary, Fisher was ordained in 2004 and previously served as chief financial officer for Hand Benefits & Trust, Inc., Houston.  

 

He has served on a number of diocesan commissions and committees, most recently chairing the Greenfield Commission, established to encourage new and innovative church plants. In Waco, Fisher held a successful Bible Study class at a local pub.  He also served as leader of the Greater Waco Interfaith Conference and was a board member of the Waco Partnership for Psychological and Spiritual Care.

 

“A bishop is called to look upon the people and love them, to challenge and encourage them, [and to remind them] that with God all things are possible,” Fisher said following his election.  “I look forward to getting to know the people in east Texas and to helping God’s Kingdom to flourish.”  Fisher and his wife Susan have two sons, Scott, 21 and John, 17.

 

Click here for consecration registration information.