New Spirit

Spotlight

- Fearthree-Minute read. Sometimes fear seems to hang in the very air we breathe. Whether as an emotional response to danger or an experience of awe, fear is formational. Read more...
- The Slate of Nominees for Diocesan Council and Standing Committee ReleasedOne-minute read. Details of all the nominees for both Diocesan Council and Standing Committee have been published on the Annual Convention website. Detailed bios are included to help convention delegates make their selections. Read more...

Quick Links:

Announcements
Bishop Marty
Christian Formation
Churches
Church-wide
COVID-19
Diocesan
Headlines
In-Brief
In-Depth
Leadership
News Updates
Social Media
The Episcopal Church
Youth

Looking for?

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 November 25, 2020In this issue: Some Thanksgiving prayers, and lots of pictures of the recent ordination and confirmation services, and of course, there’s always more.... Read more...

West Missouri’s Churches

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.

- 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...

Diocesan News

For all the diocesan news click or tap here.

For all the COVID-19 related news click or tap here.

The Episcopal Church

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

The World-Wide Church

For all the Church-wide news, click here.

Announcements

You can see all the announcements on our Announcements Page.

- Parenting With Mindfulness Workshop follow-up sessions to be held with two new online groups
  One-minute read. Follow-up the Parenting With Mindfulness Workshop by attending a series of small group meetings. We will be forming two groups to further explore aspects of the workshop, with one group concentrating on Parenting with Mindfulness and the other on Children & Family Spirituality.... Read more...

Quick Links:

Announcements
Bishop Marty
Christian Formation
Churches
Church-wide
COVID-19
Diocesan
Headlines
In-Brief
In-Depth
Leadership
News Updates
Social Media
The Episcopal Church
Youth

IN-DEPTH

From Bishop Marty

Bishop Marty’s occasional blog Keeping Watch

- Weekly Reflection – Fifth Sunday in LentMarch 28, 202018 minute video. In this week’s Reflection, Bishop Marty offer thanks for all the creative ways in which the leadership of our churches has responded to our need to change, plus news about the Easter Vigil.... Read more...

Bishop Marty’s sermons

Christian Formation

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

- Live into a new way of thinkingOne-minute read. “We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.” Richard Rohr and more about the process of formation.... Read more...
- Love Is The Way: Today Show InterviewSix-minute video. Did you catch Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s recent interview on the Today show?... 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.

- Will you proclaim the Good News of God in Christ?
  One-minute read. Embracing Evangelism, a new six-part evangelism video course, is a resource to help Episcopalians grow in their own relationship with Christ and to help others do so as well.... 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.

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

Quick Links:

Announcements
Bishop Marty
Christian Formation
Churches
Church-wide
COVID-19
Diocesan
Headlines
In-Brief
In-Depth
Leadership
News Updates
Social Media
The Episcopal Church
Youth

Looking for?

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 47 churches span the western half of the state of Missouri.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good New

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

In this issue: Some Thanksgiving prayers, and lot

In this issue: Some Thanksgiving prayers, and lots of pictures of the recent ordination and confirmation services, and of course, there's always more. http://ow.ly/N43N50Cvd5e

On Saturday, November 21, St. Peter & All Saints E

On Saturday, November 21, St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church, Kansas City hosted the second of this year's area confirmation services. Churches presenting candidates for confirmation or reception were:

St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Belton, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Independence, St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church, Kansas City.

You can see all the pictures at the link: http://ow.ly/Rnne50Cva42

On Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Lynda A

On Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Lynda Ann Hurt and Isaac Ross Petty were ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Here are all the pictures (Link) #dwmo http://ow.ly/rghF50Cv8lb

On Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Lynda A

On Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Lynda Ann Hurt and Isaac Ross Petty were ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Here are all the pictures (Link) #dwmo http://ow.ly/rghF50Cv8lb

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

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p827

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, Pymatuning Lake, Pennsylvania. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

… but if we walk in the light as he himself is i

… but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, … 1 John 1:7

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

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: But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light. Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri. #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

Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King. Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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: Bishop Marty with the Confirmed and Received. Area Confirmations at St. Peter & All Saints, Kansas City, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, say

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p830

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.

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

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

Area Confirmations at St. Peter & All Saints are a

Area Confirmations at St. Peter & All Saints are about to start. You can watch the service at: https://diowestmo.org/live

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good New

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

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

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: Chapel in the Silo - the Claggett Conference Center, Adamstown, Maryland. #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

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: Sunset at Bucksaw, Harry S Truman Lake, Missouri. #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

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: Ordination of Lynda Ann Hurt & Isaac Ross Petty to The Sacred Order of Deacons - St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not stray f

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commandments. Psalm 119:10

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: Stockton Sunset. Stockton Lake, Missouri. #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

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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: Holy Communion - Stained Glass window in the narthex of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. — Lamentations 3:25

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, St. John's Cathedral, Denver, Colorado. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, say

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11

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

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

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us w

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.

Be careful as you go into God's creation, for it does not belong to you. Be gentle to yourself and to each other for we are the dwelling place of God. Be alert and be silent for God is a whisper. And may the blessing of the eternally loving God: Father Son, and Holy Spirit be with us this day and remain with us forever.

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

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for y

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; Psalm 31:3

Gracious God, we give you thanks for women and men who have served our nation in the military, for their courageous service and sacrifice to secure the blessings of life, liberty, and justice for all. May our remembrance be a timely reminder that our freedom was purchased at high cost, and should not be taken for granted. Give us resolve to labor in faithful service to you until all share the benefits of freedom, justice, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

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

Image: We will remember them. #dwmo #dailyprayer #episcopal

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the cr

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae, 1872 - 1918

Image, poppies growing in Flanders' fields by Simon P. Little.

Load More... Follow on Instagram

Resources