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!
Deaneries
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.
Calling for volunteers!
One-minute read. The diocese is currently looking for both lay and clergy people to serve in a variety of roles. We need nominations to be elected to both the Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee. We also need nominations to serve in several other capacities.
Is your stewardship campaign ready to go?
Three-minute read. For many of our congregations, September is the re-start of the program year, as we ramp up youth and adult education programs, return from our summer of rest, and begin to reawaken our plans for growth.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry highlights ways to help Afghan refugees through Episcopal Migration Ministries
Four-minute video. As Episcopalians, as followers of Jesus, as people of faith, we mourn the recent loss of life in Afghanistan, the ongoing chaos and instability, and the risk that many Afghans face, in particular women and girls. Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
Get nominated. Your help is needed in guiding the diocese
One-minute read. Have you considered volunteering your time and talents to serving the church in diocesan leadership (elected and/or appointed) and wondered what would be expected of you? How much time is involved? Descriptions of all opportunities are available online.
Every Perfect Gift / Cada don perfecto annual pledge campaign materials are here
One-minute read. This year’s annual pledge campaign from TENS, The Episcopal Network for Stewardship is ready for you to incorporate into your fall stewardship campaign. Their theme this year, Every Perfect Gift, focuses our attention on all of the gifts that God gives us.
Infrastructure bill includes energy efficiency grants for houses of worship
Three-minute read. Deferred maintenance at aging sanctuaries has become an ever-increasing burden. A $50 million pilot program would award grants of up to $200,000 for energy efficiency.
Possible Data Breach
One-minute read. This afternoon we noticed some unusual account activity on one of the accounts on our bulk emailing service – Constant Contact.
As far as we can determine, none of the data on the system has been tampered with. However, we can not rule out that some data may have been copied.
Heartland Cursillo Ministry needs your help
One-minute read. We are recruiting volunteers for Heartland Cursillo ministry.
Short survey
To aid in future planning, we’re asking one leader from each church to please take this short, 2-question survey to let us know what day of the month your Vestry or Bishop’s Committee regularly meets.
Pandemic prompts stewardship innovation, offers lasting lessons for church giving, panel says
Five-minute read. The suspension of in-person worship services early in the pandemic made the traditional passing of the offertory plate impossible, churches, they should commit to maintaining the spirit of innovation in church stewardship, especially with digital tools, according to the clergy and lay leaders who participated in a recent panel discussion hosted by the CEEP Network.
Explore Scripture: Deepen Faith through Education for Ministry in West Missouri
Three-minute read. People need the kind of theological education which supports their faith and which also trains them to express that faith in day-to-day events. “This is a class I wish I had ‘discovered’ at a much earlier time in my life. It is rewarding beyond anything I ever thought it would be.”
Juneteenth to become an official federal holiday
One-minute read. As federal employees are granted a paid holiday to celebrate Juneteenth, learn more about this commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Taking Pride – a personal reflection
Two-minute read. For me, Pride Month is about celebrating the grand diversity that God has created in humanity. Pride is a consciousness of the dignity that each of us possesses as a beloved creation of God. It is this particular sense of the word that is meant when we talk about this month celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Purposeful Sabbath
Two-Minute read. Sabbath is important; so important that even God took time off after his creation of all that is. If a sabbath rest is good enough for God, it’s good enough for us, too!
The Way of Love: Rest
Two-minute read. In the Godly Play Creation story, the words go like this: “On the seventh day, God rested and gave us the gift of a day to rest – and to remember the great gifts of all the other days.” What practices restore you and help you to rest in God’s hands? What practices help you celebrate and enjoy the gifts of the other days of creation?
An evening in support of Episcopal Migration Ministries with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore
On Wednesday, June 23, at 5 pm, join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore as they discuss EMM’s ministry to refugees and asylum seekers through the lens of iconography.
Evangelism Matters Conference sessions are now available for anyone to view
One-minute read. We hope that those who participated felt inspired, encouraged, and challenged, and are now ready to proclaim the Good News of Christ through word and example! Even though the conference is officially over, the learning and gathering doesn’t have to end.
Episcopal Church scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are now accepted
Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2021-2022 academic year. Note: the following information is presented in English and Spanish
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
