DALLAS – The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew represents renewal, new Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Bishop George Sumner told the Dallas Assembly Saturday, Dec. 6. “Renewal always comes from the laity,” Bishop Sumner, who was installed Nov. 15, said he has tracked the success of many parishes to the establishment of men’s ministries within those parishes.

“This kind of renewal is especially effective because it represents cross-currents between parishes. Societies like the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew are like ligaments connecting the parishes together.”

A dozen chapter leaders and other Brothers swelled the audience to about 75 men meeting at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, one of the nation’s largest Episcopal churches.

 “I know I am carrying new coals to Newcastle by telling you something you already know, but the Brotherhood has been a powerful part of the church’s history,” the bishop said.

Bishop Sumner pointed to the impact of the Mother’s Union, which “changed the face of Christianity in Africa. Like the Mother’s Union, the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew has a worldwide reach and is an inspiring example to the entire Church.” Bishop Sumner also preached at a Eucharist service prior to the meeting.

In other Brotherhood news, Brothers elected Mike Modell to be the assembly’s new president and John Norton its new secretary. Jim Cox is the current president and will work with Brother Modell for a year before he takes over.

The Dallas diocese’s annual Brotherhood golf tournament will be held June 8 at Buffalo Creek Golf Club near Rockwall east of Dallas. Last year’s tournament raised $26,342.75 for Patriot Paws, an organization that provides high quality service dogs at no cost to disabled veterans and others to help restore their physical and emotional independence.

The 2016 golf tournament will be the fifth year in-a-row Dallas area Brothers have raised funds for Patriot Paws.

Individual chapters also offered reports on their recent activities. Oktoberfests are becoming more prevalent. Holy Trinity in Garland and Holy Trinity in Heath team to host parishioners from five churches in an Oktoberfest that raises funds for youth groups and One Man’s Treasure, a Rockwall-based charity that provides clothes for the needy.

Brothers from Saint Barnabas’ and Good Samaritan in Garland collect clothing for the needy and conduct Angel Tree ministries that benefit hundreds of families. Saint Michael and All Angel Brothers, who cooked breakfast for the meeting, regularly feed homeless people at The Gathering and also study the history of Christianity at their twice-monthly meeting.

At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Dallas, a chili cook-off and a shrimp boil raise funds for their Boy Scout troop. This busy chapter also held an auction that raised $15,000 for the church’s youth group.

They’ll also conduct an Oktoberfest – but with Mexican food.