Spotlight
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Bishop Bruce’s first day
One-minute read. On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce commenced her Episcopate as Bishop Provisional of West Missouri. Bishop Bruce has provided a brief first day message to the people of the diocese.
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St. Augustine’s unusual round design dates back to the 4th Century
Four-minute read. If you have driven along Benton Boulevard, between E. 27th and E. 28th Street in Kansas City you will, no doubt, have noticed a large round brick building. This unique structure is St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. Despite its unusual and modern appearance, St. Augustine’s design is inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which dates back to the 4th Century.
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West Missouri’s Episcopal churches join together to help refugees and ask others to join them
Four-minute read. With a renewed sense of urgency to care for those fleeing danger in their homelands, a handful of churches in the Kansas City area are teaming together with one another and partnering with Della Lamb Community Services to welcome their new neighbors with a loving embrace.
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Ordination of Rita Kendagor into the Transitional Diaconate
Two-minute read. On Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the opening Eucharist of the 132nd Annual Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri, Rita Jo Carson Kendagor was ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons by the Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri.
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The Installation of the Rev. Charles Everson as Rector of St. Mary’s, Kansas City
Three-minute read. On the evening of Wednesday, November 10, 2021, Fr. Charles Everson was installed as Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. The installation was performed by the Very Rev. Charles Marks, Dean of the Northwest-Metro Deanery. Also among those participating was the Rt. Rev. Cathleen Bascom, 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.
News
In Brief
Don’t miss the twice-monthly New Spirit Update of all the news, events, information, and ideas from the Episcopal Churches in West Missouri.
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New Spirit Update, December 2, 2021
In this issue: Bishop Bruce’s first day, Fr. Charles’ installation at St. Mary’s, and welcoming refugees. Plus, St. Augustine’s round church has ancient roots, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Year-end match campaign, and lots more.
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West Missouri News
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Bishop Bruce’s first day
One-minute read. On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce commenced her Episcopate as Bishop Provisional of West Missouri. Bishop Bruce has provided a brief first day message to the people of the diocese.
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Recorded Advent sermons ideal for smaller churches from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist
One-minute read. Get pre-recorded sermons for Advent and Christmas from the monks at the Society of Saint John the Evangelist.
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West Missouri’s Episcopal churches join together to help refugees and ask others to join them
Four-minute read. With a renewed sense of urgency to care for those fleeing danger in their homelands, a handful of churches in the Kansas City area are teaming together with one another and partnering with Della Lamb Community Services to welcome their new neighbors with a loving embrace.
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Closing soon! The youth survey needs your input
Your input will help develop the youth programs in West Missouri. The youth survey will close on Sunday, November 28. Act quickly!
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The Installation of the Rev. Charles Everson as Rector of St. Mary’s, Kansas City
Three-minute read. On the evening of Wednesday, November 10, 2021, Fr. Charles Everson was installed as Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. The installation was performed by the Very Rev. Charles Marks, Dean of the Northwest-Metro Deanery. Also among those participating was the Rt. Rev. Cathleen Bascom, 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.
For all the news from the churches of the diocese click or tap here. For all the diocesan news click or tap here.
Youth
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Closing soon! The youth survey needs your input
Your input will help develop the youth programs in West Missouri. The youth survey will close on Sunday, November 28. Act quickly!
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Children, come welcome Bishop Bruce
One-Minute read. Encourage the children of West Missouri to welcome Bishop Bruce!
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2019-2020 Bishop’s Ball Awards
Three-minute read. For the past 14 years youth, their families, clergy, volunteers, and others have gathered to celebrate the previous year at the Bishop’s Ball. Unfortunately, we were unable to reschedule the Bishop’s Ball this year. There was still some celebrating to do though.
Read about all the youth news and events – click or tap here.
Español
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Discurso de la Autoridad Eclesiástica a la Convención Anual de 2021
12-minute video.
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Solicitudes de beca abiertas para el Fondo Constable y el Fondo Roanridge de la Iglesia Episcopal
One-minute read. Las solicitudes están abiertas para dos oportunidades de becas ofrecidas anualmente por la Iglesia Episcopal: la becas del Fondo Constable, que se enfocan en la educación religiosa, y las becas del Fondo Roanridge, que apoyan el desarrollo de liderazgo en pueblos pequeños y comunidades rurales.
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Ya están disponibles los datos del Informe Parroquial de la Iglesia Episcopal 2020
Two-minute read. Los episcopales pueden ahora acceder al análisis de los datos del Informe Parroquial 2020, el cual incluye las tendencias de asistencia y finanzas de varios años para las iglesias y diócesis individuales, así como conocer el impacto del COVID-19 en las congregaciones a partir de un informe narrativo especial de datos cualitativos.
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Únase a nosotros en conversación con el obispo Bruce
When: martes 12 de octubre a las 3 p.m. o el jueves 14 de octubre a las 7 p.m. Where: Zoom (Registration required), Facebook, & YouTube. Estas conversaciones son su oportunidad de conocer al obispo Bruce antes de que se lleve a cabo la votación.
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In Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrate West Missouri’s Hispanic Ministry
Two-minute read. Hispanic Heritage Month has just begun and here in West Missouri there are ministry milestones to celebrate!
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Palabra pastoral del Obispo Presidente Michael Curry en el 20º aniversario del 11 de septiembre
One-minute read. Si bien han transcurrido 20 años, quisiera hacer una pausa y recordar los días que siguieron a estos trágicos acontecimientos. Fueron tiempos de mucha unión. Rezamos, lloramos y también trabajamos juntos. Porque en esos momentos, por muy fugaces que fuesen, supimos con inmediatez y vulnerabilidad que necesitamos a Dios y que nos necesitamos unos a otros.
Ver todos los artículos disponibles en español aquí
The Episcopal Church
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Grant applications open for Episcopal Church Constable Fund, Roanridge Trust
One-minute read. Applications are open for two grant opportunities offered annually by The Episcopal Church—Constable Fund grants, which focus on religious education, and Roanridge Trust grants, which support leadership development in small towns and rural communities.
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Episcopal Church 2020 Parochial Report data now available
Two-minute read. Episcopalians can now access analysis of the 2020 Parochial Report data, including multi-year attendance and finance trends for individual churches and dioceses, as well as learn how COVID-19 impacted congregations from a special narrative report of qualitative data.
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Pastoral word from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on 20th anniversary of September 11
One-minute read. While 20 years have passed, I also want us to pause and remember the days that followed these tragic events. There was a moment in the aftermath when people came together. We were praying, grieving, and also working together. Because in that moment, however fleeting it was, we knew with immediacy and vulnerability that we need God, and we need each other.
For more news from The Episcopal Church – click or tap here
The World-Wide Church
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Episcopal Relief & Development Launches Year-End Match Campaign to Support Transformative Work in Priority Areas of Women, Children, and Climate
Two-minute read. Episcopal Relief & Development is kicking off its annual Year-End Match, offering supporters the opportunity to transform lives with twice the impact this holiday season. Thanks to a very generous group of donors, contributions that Episcopal Relief & Development receives between now and the end of the year will be doubled, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $650,000.
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Episcopal Relief & Development offers the opportunity to transform communities this Holiday Season with redesigned Gifts for Life catalog
Two-minute read. Episcopal Relief & Development invites supporters and congregations to transform a life this holiday season by giving a gift from the organization’s newly redesigned Gifts for Life alternative gift catalog.
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Episcopal Relief & Development and Trinity Church Wall Street Continue Coordinated Global Response to COVID-19 Pandemic with $1 Million Renewal Grant
Three-minute read. Episcopal Relief & Development and Trinity Church Wall Street are continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic globally. The partnership, supported by a $1 million renewal grant from Trinity Church Wall Street, builds upon an original $1 million grant awarded last year that reached over 2.1 million individuals in 38 countries with expanded relief efforts and strengthened resilience activities.
For all the Church-wide news, click here.
Announcements
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Time is running out to apply for Constable Fund and Roanridge Trust grants!
Quick! Time is running out. The deadline for grant applications is December 12.
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November issue of Lamplight
One-minute read. The November issue of Lamplight, Episcopal Relief & Development’s disaster program newsletter is available to read online.
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The Episcopal Church & Visual Arts Advent newsletter
One-minute read. The Advent issue of the Episcopal Church & Visual Arts Newsletter is available to read online.
You can see all the announcements on our Announcements Page.
IN-DEPTH
Feature Articles
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Advent resources
One-Minute read. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, families are spread thin. The resources in this post can support and bolster households, without adding to the burden families feel. While time spent at church is precious, we can do more to convey the wonder, mystery, and importance of the Christmas story.
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Online leadership training to help churches begin or expand Stephen Ministry
Three-minute read. Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course.
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Justice: Indigenous People
One-Minute read. Love is something we do. Let us refuse to demonize those who disagree with us. Let us try our best to make our words and actions a witness to the world. Because, the love that acts to care for vulnerable people imparts the love God has for all.
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Episcopal Church announces ‘My Way of Love for Small Groups’ resource for spiritual growth
Two-minute read. Responding to a hunger for deeper discipleship among Episcopal congregations, creators of the My Way of Love initiative announce an upcoming new spiritual journey guide, video and other materials designed for small groups.
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Diversity and Reconciliation Commission’s fifth online series of book study sessions
Please join us as we resume our book study on Undoing Racism with our next book: How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice” by Jemar Tisby. October 5 – 28 on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Want some in-depth information? See all the online featured articles listed here.
Church Leadership
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Recorded Advent sermons ideal for smaller churches from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist
One-minute read. Get pre-recorded sermons for Advent and Christmas from the monks at the Society of Saint John the Evangelist.
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West Missouri’s Episcopal churches join together to help refugees and ask others to join them
Four-minute read. With a renewed sense of urgency to care for those fleeing danger in their homelands, a handful of churches in the Kansas City area are teaming together with one another and partnering with Della Lamb Community Services to welcome their new neighbors with a loving embrace.
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A round-up of West Missouri’s first hybrid Annual Convention
Two-minute read. On November 5 and 6, 2021, the 132nd Annual Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri was held. This was the diocese’s first hybrid (Online and in-person) convention. It also marked the first time a live Spanish interpretation has been provided.
Information, news and tips picked especially for church leaders — both lay and clergy. Click or tap here to see all the articles.
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Time is running out to apply for Constable Fund and Roanridge Trust grants!
Quick! Time is running out. The deadline for grant applications is December 12.
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Apply soon for Constable Fund and Roanridge Trust grants!
The deadline for grant applications is December 12.
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Solicitudes de beca abiertas para el Fondo Constable y el Fondo Roanridge de la Iglesia Episcopal
One-minute read. Las solicitudes están abiertas para dos oportunidades de becas ofrecidas anualmente por la Iglesia Episcopal: la becas del Fondo Constable, que se enfocan en la educación religiosa, y las becas del Fondo Roanridge, que apoyan el desarrollo de liderazgo en pueblos pequeños y comunidades rurales.
To see all grant and scholarship-related articles, click or tap here.
Church Admin Announcements
- A list of Bishop Bruce’s visitations through December 2022 inclusive can be seen here. The Clergy Available for Supply list has been updated.
- Links to all the key documents pertaining to the 132nd Annual Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri (November 5-6, 2021)
- The membership rosters of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council have been updated to reflect the elections of new officers at the 132nd Annual Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri.
- Available in English and Spanish. Este contenido también está disponible en español.
- Appointments and election results for the 132nd. Annual Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri.