As you’d expect, this post-convention issue of Spirit has several articles about the diocesan convention and the ongoing work and planning to improve, build, and fund the ‘Episcopal Branch of The Jesus Movement in West Missouri’ aka The Diocese of West Missouri.

For many people, the workings of convention and the diocese (and even the necessity of the diocesan structure) remains something of a mystery.  While things keep going and ‘Church happens’ every Sunday it’s easy to metaphorically snooze in the back pews and ignore the details and workings of ‘The Church’ beyond one’s own church’s horizon. Until, that is, something happens, a change in direction or an unexpected decision impacts your favorite ministry. Such things may appear to come as a bolt from the blue, but that’s far from the truth. There are discussions, meetings, proposals, counter-proposals and voting. The majority of the initiatives originate at a deanery or council level, from the representatives that you elect at your church’s annual meeting. Have you ever asked your deanery representative, or diocesan convention delegate what they do, what’s discussed? In an ideal world, they will report back to you via your church’s newsletter or magazine. Unfortunately, your often hard-pressed volunteers don’t have time to do so.

I believe it is worth investing your time to find out more about how we in The Episcopal Church manage ourselves, and how and why things change.  This is especially relevant next year as in July the 79^th General Convention of The Episcopal Church takes place in Austin Texas.  It’s far too easy to complain about this or that decision after the event, but what about making sure you prime your various representatives on your thoughts, so that they can better represent you before decisions and votes are taken? Needless to say, one way to find out what’s going on within the 48 churches that makes up the diocese is to read the summaries of the diocesan convention and the findings to-date of the Council Work Groups, and whether you agree or disagree, contact your church’s representatives and make your voice heard.

Each diocesan convention and the following year has a theme. For the past five years, the theme has centered around our five baptismal covenants. This year, Bishop Marty introduced the theme: “Called in. Sent out. Building a Community of Purpose.” This concept builds on the work leading up to the Presiding Bishop’s visit last May and looks to build and consolidate the work of the diocese as a parish in its own right. You can read more about Bishop Marty’s vision here.

Convention is not all facts, figures, and discussion. Mike McDonnell (St. George, Camdenton) brings a very personal look at the proceedings, which includes the wonderfully honest phrase “absolutely mind-numbingly excruciating”. You’ll have to read his article to find out what he was referring to and discover the deep emotions that were stirred.

One of the great things about being Communications Director is the privilege of being present and able to help document key transitions in the lives of the people of West Missouri. In the run-up to the diocesan convention, I attended two area confirmation services. The first was at St. John’s, Springfield, and the second was at St. Mary’s, Kansas City. Then in early December, I was present when Fr. Jos Tharakan was installed as Rector at St. James’ Springfield, and two days later at All Saints’, Nevada when Fr. Jim Lyle was installed as Rector. Unfortunately, I missed the two (yes, two) installations of Mtr. Anne Kyle, one as Pastor to Christ and Trinity Lutheran Church, Sedalia,  and the second as rector to Calvary Episcopal Church, Sedalia. I also missed the installation of my EfM class-mate and alumna  Mtr. Laura Hughes as rector of St. George in Camdenton.

As the end of the calendar year draws nigh it’s traditional to have a little bit of introspection and reflection on the past year. Here is a small selection of some of my favorite memories from the 1,000+ pictures I took during my travels around the diocese this year. Enjoy.

Evangelism workshop led by Carrie Boren Headington, Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. St. James’ Springfield. February 19, 2017 Image credit: Gary Allman

Welcome reception for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at Founders Hall, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri. Image credit: Gary Allman

The presiding Bishop with Duchess Matheson Wall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City. Image credit: Gary Allman

Image credit: Gary Allman

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry joining in with the hymns before preaching about the Jesus Movement at Kansas City Live! Image credit: Gary Allman

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preaching at Hammons Field, Springfield. Sunday May 7, 2017. Image credit: Gary Allman

Image credit: Gary Allman

Area Confirmations at Trinity Episcopal Church Lebanon, Missouri. Image credit: Gary Allman

Area Confirmations at Trinity Episcopal Church Lebanon, Missouri. Image credit: Gary Allman

Area Confirmations at Trinity Episcopal Church Lebanon, Missouri. Image credit: Gary Allman

Fr. Ted Estes and Amanda Perschall give the report from the Metrics Team. Special Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri, June 3, 2017 at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Image credit: Gary Allman

When Bishop Marty was unexpectedly delayed in the office Fr. David had to quite literally step up to the plate Image credit: Gary Allman

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Clinton, Missouri. Image credit: Gary Allman

Area Confirmations at St. John’s. Image credit: Gary Allman

I popped back into the nave while everyone else was enjoying some cake in the parish hall. Image credit: Gary Allman

On Thursday November 2, St. Mary\’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, hosted diocesan Area Confirmations. Those Being Confirmed St. Mary’s, Kansas City: Thomas Ham, Erica Hurst, Betty Iorg, Spencer Jasper, Isaac Petty, Matthew Plummer, Levi Tosh. Resurrection, Blue Springs: Jayden Morris. Those Being Received St. Mary’s, Kansas City: William Gover. Resurrection, Blue Springs: Sherrie Brooks, Lyn Jandt. Good Shepherd, Kansas City: Janet Moore, Marcia Applegate. Trinity, Independence: Dayton Saunders, Hedda Sutherland. Those Being Reaffirmed Trinity, Independence: Joyce Gillespie, Maudie Saunders. Image credit: Gary Allman

On Thursday November 2, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, hosted diocesan Area Confirmations. Those Being Confirmed St. Mary’s, Kansas City: Thomas Ham, Erica Hurst, Betty Iorg, Spencer Jasper, Isaac Petty, Matthew Plummer, Levi Tosh. Resurrection, Blue Springs: Jayden Morris. Those Being Received St. Mary’s, Kansas City: William Gover. Resurrection, Blue Springs: Sherrie Brooks, Lyn Jandt. Good Shepherd, Kansas City: Janet Moore, Marcia Applegate. Trinity, Independence: Dayton Saunders, Hedda Sutherland. Those Being Reaffirmed Trinity, Independence: Joyce Gillespie, Maudie Saunders. Image credit: Gary Allman

My view of The 128th Annual Diocesan Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri Image credit: Gary Allman

Fr. Jos Tharakan was installed as the new rector at St. James\’ Episcopal Church, Springfield, MO on December 1, 2017. Image credit: Gary Allman

The Rev. James Lile Image credit: Gary Allman

Gary Allman is Communications Director with The Diocese of West Missouri.