West Missouri's Online Church News

New Spirit Updates

Don’t miss these quarterly round-ups and the twice-monthly News Update of all the important news, events, information, and ideas from around The Diocese of West Missouri.

Diocesan News

For all the diocesan news click or tap here.

Church News

For all the news from the churches of the diocese click or tap here.

Youth

Read about all the youth news and events – click or tap here.

Announcements

You can see all the announcements on our Announcements Page.

The Episcopal Church

For more news from The Episcopal Church – click or tap here

Church-Wide News

For all the Church-wide news, click here.

- Responding to Hurricane Dorian
  Three-minute read. In partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, the Episcopal Church in South Carolina, the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, and the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, Episcopal Relief & Development is giving assistance such as food, water, clothing, shelter and other emergency supplies to individuals and families affected by the storm.... Read more...
- Episcopal Relief & Development – Supporting Dioceses Responding to Hurricane Dorian
  Two-minute read. Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting Episcopal dioceses located in the path of Hurricane Dorian as they respond to the needs of impacted communities.... Read more...

Feature Articles

Want some in-depth information? See all the online featured articles listed here.

Evangelism

Articles to help you bring out the inner evangelist in your church. All evangelism articles

Christian Formation

Everything you need to know about Christian Formation. Read all the articles here.

Education

For articles on general education topics, leadership skills, warnings, and advice click or tap here.

Church Leadership

Information, news and tips picked especially for church leaders — both lay and clergy. Click or tap here to see all the articles.

- United Thank Offering’s Camino Challenge Grant
  Two-minute read. The United Thank Offering (UTO) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the UTO Camino Challenge Grant. UTO will match up to the first $60,000 in donations to create the Anglican Pilgrim Centre in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.... Read more...

Social Media

@diowestmo on Facebook

Diocese of West Missouri

@diowestmo on Instagram

diowestmo

We are a diverse mix of urban, town and rural Episcopal churches. Our 48 churches span the western half of the state of Missouri.

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God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p70

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Altar Detail - St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD" Psalm 122:1

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p834

For the quiet that surrounds me and your promise of peace deep within me, for the stillness of sleep for my body and the hope of healing for my soul, thanks be to you, O God. - Celtic Benediction

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Pew - Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, Branson, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:11

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p99

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer, Compline p133

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Crighton Access, James River, Springfield Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p99.

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p832

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Jesus dies on the cross - Stations of the Cross - The Twelfth Station. Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p831

Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p123

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Give Thanks - St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Ozark, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p139 — Daily Devotions

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Prayer book - Hymnal.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. — Luke 24:30-31

Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. — St. Teresa of Avila

For the quiet that surrounds me and your promise of peace deep within me, for the stillness of sleep for my body and the hope of healing for my soul, thanks be to you, O God. - Celtic Benediction

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Bread and Wine - All Saints' Episcopal Church, Nevada, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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“Do you turn to Jesus Christ … ?” — The Book of Common Prayer, the Baptismal Covenant p. 302

Do not be afraid, not of what is to come, or what has gone, of the unknown, or the known, of the remembered, or the forgotten, of the difficult, or the easy. Do not be afraid, not of illness, or grief, of loss, or gain, of not having enough, or having too much, of giving it away, or getting it back. Do not be afraid, of being alone, or being in the crowd, of not being seen, or being exposed, of being wrong, or being right, of not knowing, or knowing. Do not be afraid, of the stranger or the family, of the success or the failure, of winning or losing. Do not be afraid, of anything, anytime, anywhere, but rejoice, for God is ever beside you. — The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Choctaw

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p139 — Daily Devotions

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Baptismal Font - St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. Psalm 100:1

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p99

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p124

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Crystal Cross - All Saints' Episcopal Church, Nevada, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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The ordination of Melissa Roberts George to the diaconate, October 11 at All
Saints' Episcopal Church, Nevada.
#dwmo #episcopal

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No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who walk with integrity. Psalm 84:11

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p99.

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p825

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Crucifix and Candles in the Convention Chapel, Austin, Texas.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Gladden the hearts of your people, O God, and let them feel confident that you are still near to them. Warm the hearts of your people, and let them trust one another with a trust that is returned and genuine. Strengthen the hearts of your people, and let them stand up in unity against every challenge. Comfort the hearts of your people, let them discover the clear water of healing and the still water of peace. Open the hearts of your people, O God, let them build your city without walls but with streets wide in welcome to every stranger. Listen to the hearts of your people, let their every breath be a prayer of praise to you. — The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Choctaw

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p70

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Altar, St. Peter & All Saints, Kansas City, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p813

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p825

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Votive candles, St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name. Amos 5:8

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

For the quiet that surrounds me and your promise of peace deep within me, for the stillness of sleep for my body and the hope of healing for my soul, thanks be to you, O God. - Celtic Benediction

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Piney Creek, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p832

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p124

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Norwich Cathedral, Norwich, UK.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43:3

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p834

For the quiet that surrounds me and your promise of peace deep within me, for the stillness of sleep for my body and the hope of healing for my soul, thanks be to you, O God. - Celtic Benediction

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Stained Glass Window. St Nicholas Church, Great Hormead, UK
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. — Ephesians 3:17-19
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p99

The peace of all peace be mine this night. Let all the tumult within me cease. Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace. Circle me Lord; keep peace within; keep evil out. Hide me in the shadow of your wings, O Lord. — The Insomnia Rosary, Tim McNaught, St. John’s Canberra

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Image: Angel statue on the columbarium at St. Alban's in the Ozarks, Bolivar, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. - Book of Common Prayer p139 — Daily Devotions

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p139 — Daily Devotions

The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

Image: Sunset, Little Brazil Creek, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Resources

An archive of all the issues of Spirit:	Spirit Archives
List of topics with links (online version only):	Topic List
All the news and event articles:	News
How to contact us, submit articles & pictures:	About Spirit
A directory of all the churches in the diocese:	Directory
Diocesan website:	www.diowestmo.org
Facebook:	www.facebook.com/diowestmo/

West Missouri’s Online Church News