New Spirit

Spotlight

- Presiding Bishop Curry’s Christmas Message 2020Three-minute video. “Joy to the world! The Lord is come. In your hearts, in your homes, in your lives, prepare him room,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry. Note: the following information is presented in English and Spanish Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español Read more...
- Area Confirmations at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, MissouriOne-minute read. On Saturday, December 5, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield hosted diocesan Area Confirmations. Churches presenting candidates: St John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, and Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield. Read more...

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News

In Brief

Don’t miss the twice-monthly News Update of all the news, events, information, and ideas from the Episcopal Churches in West Missouri.

- News Update January 21, 2021In this issue, A podcast series on well-being, the latest Diversity and Reconciliation book study series, resources for Lent, and lots more.... Read more...

West Missouri News

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

- Thinking about Thanksgiving: to zoom or not to zoomOne-minute read. Thinking about Thanksgiving: to zoom or not to zoom, that is the question.... Read more...

Youth

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

- The Episcopal Youth Community in West Missouri summer events updateTwo-minute read. Read on for an update on WEMO Youth summer events. Happening will be postponed and Camp WEMO will now be an at home experience.... Read more...

The Episcopal Church

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

- United Thank Offering 2021 Annual Grants – Two grant cycles offeredSix-minute read. Application deadlines: August 14, 2020 and February 26, 2021. These grants are awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, each year with a different focus. For 2021, the focus is Recovering with Love and Gratitude: An Episcopal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Local Contexts.... Read more...

The World-Wide Church

For all the Church-wide news, click here.

- National Council of Churches to Hold Virtual Ecumenical Memorial Service on May 24 to Mourn the Lives Lost to COVID-19Four-minute read. The National Council of Churches USA (NCC) will hold a public online memorial service on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at 6:00 pm ET to mourn the more than 300,000 people worldwide who have lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 90,000 of whom were in the United States.... Read more...

Announcements

You can see all the announcements on our Announcements Page.

- Lay Licensed Ministry Licences Expiring in 2021
  One-minute read. Every year, some lay licenses expire on March 1st. In 2021, Catechist and Preacher licenses will all expire on March 1st. Anyone holding those licenses will need to submit a renewal application any time after January 1st.... Read more...

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IN-DEPTH

From Bishop Marty

Bishop Marty’s occasional blog Keeping Watch

- Weekly Reflection – The TriduumApril 11, 202018-minute video. This week Bishop Marty discusses the Triduum; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday and reflects on how this time of physical distancing makes us yearn for our times of closeness, fellowship and corporate worship.... Read more...

Bishop Marty’s sermons

Christian Formation

For all the information about Christian Formation click or tap here.

- Taize Ceremony brings a “light in winter”One-minute read. Borrow this wonderful idea from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley Idaho and run with it in your neck of the woods.... Read more...
- From Many, One: Conversations Across DifferenceOne-Minute read. Conversations are formational. We hear, see, experience new perspectives. Hearts, minds and ultimately, our souls are transformed and we become God’s beloved community even more fully.... 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

Education

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

- Sign Up For Education for Ministry
  One-Minute read. Participating in Education for Ministry is an investment in your spiritual life.... Read more...

Church Leadership

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

- Episcopal Church Women accepting scholarship applications through Friday, July 17, 2020
  One-minute read. The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) have scholarship opportunities available to women who are at least twenty-three years of age, a member of a parish or mission in The Diocese of West Missouri and who are studying for the diaconate or priesthood.... Read more...

To see all grant and scholarship related articles, click or tap here.

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We are a diverse mix of urban, town and rural Episcopal churches. Our 47 churches span the western half of the state of Missouri.

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our

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 Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies’ sake. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p123

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

Image: Mosaic Cross - Seen at General Convention 2018. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and fro

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

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: Lectern Detailing, St. Alban's in the Ozarks Episcopal Church. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do in

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. — Ephesians 3:20

For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority. O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p820

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: Font and Flag. St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incens

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

You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Savior this very day.
— Celtic oral tradition - 1st millennium

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: Twilight at Stockton Lake, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their

Their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:4

The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle. Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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: Saint Peter, Apostle. Stained glass window. St. Philip's Joplin, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3

The Second Sunday after Epiphany. Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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: Waiting - Prepared and ready for Holy Communion. St. Peter & All Saints, Kansas City, Missouri (2019). #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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 Near West Plains, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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

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

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p244

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: The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother - Stations of the Cross - The Thirteenth Station. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a rig

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

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: Organ Pipes. Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3

Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367. O Lord our God, you raised up your servant Hilary to be a champion of the catholic faith: Keep us steadfast in that true faith which we professed at our baptism, that we may rejoice in having you for our Father, and may abide in your Son, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; who live and reign for ever and ever. 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: Alpha & Omega. Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesu

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.. — Book of Common Prayer p832

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: Cross on the cover of the Baptismal Font. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Clinton Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

I heard an unfamiliar voice saying, "I eased his s

I heard an unfamiliar voice saying, "I eased his shoulder from the burden; his hands were set free from bearing the load." Psalm 81:6

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for our Church family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within our holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p817 (Adapted)

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: Table Rock Lake, Missouri, from the Big Bay Recreation Area. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3

First Sunday after the Epiphany. Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

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: Altar at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let th

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. Psalm 5:11

Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes of day and night, giving rest to the weary, renewing the strength of those who are spent, bestowing upon us occasions of song in the evening. As you have protected us in the day that is past, so be with us in the coming night; keep us from every sin, every evil, and every fear; for you are our light and salvation, and the strength of our life. To you be glory for endless ages. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer, p113

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

Image: National Cathedral, Washington DC. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Send out your light and your truth, that they may

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, 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 our Lord. Amen.

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: Jesus dies on the cross - Stations of the Cross - The twelfth Station. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole h

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

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.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer p836.

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: Prayers of Gratitude - St. John's Cathedral, Denver, Colorado. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He wi

Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:3

Epiphany. O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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: Star over Table Rock lake, Piney Creek Wilderness, Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and

It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High; Psalm 92:1

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: Stained Glass Window. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

“Those who love me will keep my word, and my Fat

“Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” — John 14:23

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p460

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 Columbarium at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church. Branson, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He wi

Behold, the dwelling of God is with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:3

The Second Sunday after Christmas. O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, you Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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: Gospel. Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

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