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.

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Announcements

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The Episcopal Church

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Feature Articles

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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

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Diocese of West Missouri

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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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The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5
Third Sunday of Advent. Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p212

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: Horsey Mere Sunset. Norfolk, England.
#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

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

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: Candlelight.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Hear my cry, O God, and listen to my prayer. Psalm 61:1

Tomorrow is another day, O Lord. We know not what it will bring forth, but make us ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If we are to stand up, help us stand bravely. If we are to sit still, help us to sit quietly. If we are to lie down, help us to do it patiently. And if we are to do nothing, let us do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give us the Spirit of Jesus. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p461 (adapted)

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: Crucifix in the Daughters of the King Chapel at the diocesan convention, 2018
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…" John 15:12

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p836 (abridged)

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: Clouds at sunset.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. — Galatians 6:(1-6)7-16.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p458 (adapted)

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: Peace on Earth - St. George Episcopal Church, Camdenton, 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

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer, p832 (adapted)

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: St. Nicholas, Great Hormead, Hertfordshire, UK.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

Second Sunday of Advent. Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer, Compline p211

O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer, Compline p124

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: St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield, 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: St Maelrubha's Scottish Episcopal Church. Poolewe, Scotland. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers — Hebrews 13:2

Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342. Almighty God, who in your love gave to your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. — Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2016.

Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine into our hearts the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p110

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

Image: St. Nicholas visits the children of Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield Missouri (2014). #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your Marvelous works. Psalm 9:1

Tomorrow is another day, O Lord. We know not what it will bring forth, but make us ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If we are to stand up, help us stand bravely. If we are to sit still, help us to sit quietly. If we are to lie down, help us to do it patiently. And if we are to do nothing, let us do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give us the Spirit of Jesus. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p461 (adapted)

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: Kanuga Conference Center, North Carolina.
#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

O heavenly Father, you give your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give me such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p461

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

Image: Sunset, Tenkiller Lake, Oklahoma.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. — Galatians 6:(1-6)7-16.

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

God from whom all holy desires, all good councils, and all just works do proceed: Give unto thy servants that peace, which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. - The Second Collect at Evensong, 1549 Book of Common Prayer

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

Image: Loving, Liberating, Life Giving. General Convention, Austin Texas.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers — Hebrews 13:2

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: Sanctuary Lamp. St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, 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

First Sunday in Advent. Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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: Advent candle.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Andrew the Apostle. Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give unto us, who are called by your Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

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: St. Andrew. Stained Glass Window. St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Joplin, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. — Matthew 5:8

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p826

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.

May the peace of the Spirit be mine this night; may the peace of the Son be mine this night; may the peace of the Father be mine this night. Amen. — Celtic Worship Through the Year

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

Image: Blessed are the pure in heart. Grace Episcopal Church. Carthage, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Thanksgiving Day. Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p246

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

Image: Sunset at Cedar Ridge, Stockton Lake, Missouri.
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? — The Book of Common Prayer p305

O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p831

May the peace of the Spirit be mine this night; may the peace of the Son be mine this night; may the peace of the Father be mine this night. Amen. — Celtic Worship Through the Year

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

Image: Dawn at 30,000 feet.
#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

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love
whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p829

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: Altar - St. George Episcopal Church, Camdenton, 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

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

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: Altar - Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage, Missouri
#dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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