Diocesan Website Updates
One-minute read. The diocesan websites are continually updated. This short post provides details of some recent updates that have taken place.
Diocesan News
Addendum to the Phase Two Pastoral Direction issued providing further recommendations on singing in public gatherings
One-minute read. On Wednesday, May 13, Bishop Marty issued an addendum to the Phase Two Pastoral Direction to clergy and lay church leaders. The addendum updated his earlier recommendation regarding singing.
Una Carta Pastoral
Los dos obispos de La Iglesia Episcopal in el este Estado, el Reverendissimo Martin S Field de Missouri Occidental and el Reverendo Deon Jackson (obispo-eligido de Missouri Oriental) han escrito una carta del apoyo, agradecimiento, desafío y oración a todos los Episcopales en Missouri.
Introducing Jamillah Duckett
Two-minute read. We are pleased to introduce Jamillah Duckett, who recently joined the Bishop’s Staff in the half-time position of Events Coordinator.
An end to the Weekly Reflection, reopening the diocesan office, and the News Update schedule
One-minute read. Bishop Marty writes briefly on discontinuing his Weekly Reflections and other changes.
Phase Two Pastoral Direction for Clergy and Parishes of The Episcopal Church in West Missouri
Two-minute read. On Monday, May 4, 2020, Bishop Marty issued a new Pastoral Direction to the clergy and lay leaders of the churches of West Missouri.
A pastoral letter from Bishop Marty and Bishop-Elect Deon Johnson (Episcopal Diocese of Missouri)
Eight-minute read. Bishop Marty and Bishop-elect Deon Johnson of the Diocese of Missouri have joined together to issue a letter of support, gratitude, challenge and prayer for all Missouri Episcopalians.
Disponible en español
Re-opening church buildings – new pastoral direction expected soon
One-minute read. Bishop Marty has been meeting online with his fellow bishops and the clergy of the diocese to develop our plans to resume in-person worship.
Weekly Reflection – Fourth Sunday of Easter
15-minute video. Welcome to Bishop Marty’s seventh reflection in this series. This week he talks briefly about returning to church and what that may look like while we maintain physical distancing. In this week’s reading, he talks about the Good Shepherd and God’s love for us no matter what.
Weekly Reflection – Third Sunday of Easter
19-minute video. We’ve changed our recording schedule so that you can view the weekly reflections in a more timely manner. This week, Bishop Marty talks about the planning behind returning to worshiping in our churches and Spiritual Communion.
Weekly Reflection – Second Sunday of Easter
19-minute video. This Sunday’s Gospel, John 20:19-31, allows us to compare and contrast the disciples’ self-isolation behind a locked door in Jerusalem, and our self-isolation from COVID-19. What came next for them was remarkable. What happens next for us might also be remarkable if we can ensure that what we do; comes from God, is for God, and is done with God.
Area Confirmations & Bishop’s visitations to be postponed
One-minute read. With Kansas City’s Stay-at-Home Order now extended to Friday, May 15, May’s Area Confirmations, and Bishop Marty’s visitations up until May 15 are being postponed.
The Rt. Rev. John Clark Buchanan 1933 – 2020
One-minute read. Believing in the Communion of Saints and the Resurrection to Life Everlasting, I ask your prayers for The Rt. Rev. John Clark Buchanan, 6th Bishop of West Missouri, who passed into Larger Life the evening of Wednesday, April 15, at his home in South Carolina.
Bishop Marty Issues New Pastoral Direction to the churches of West Missouri
One-minute read. This Pastoral Direction is published in the interest of public health and supersedes all earlier pastoral directions. All congregations and parishes should abide by this Pastoral Direction for the foreseeable future. It will be lifted as soon as possible.
Weekly Reflection – The Triduum
18-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.
Holy Week and Easter Sunday Services in West Missouri
How to find all the online Holy Week and Easter Sunday services from the Episcopal Churches in West Missouri.
Weekly Reflection – Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
18-minute video. This week Bishop Marty reflects on Lenten fasting, and our continued fasting with love through physical distancing; the events of Holy Week, the diocesan-wide Easter Vigil and where is God?
Weekly Reflection – Fifth Sunday in Lent
18 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.
Weekly Reflection – Fourth Sunday in Lent
15-minute Video. Welcome to the first in a series of weekly videos in which Bishop Marty reflects on the week’s events and the week to come. In this first video he discusses the unusual situation in which we find ourselves and reflects on the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Additions to the Pastoral Direction on the Diocesan COVID-19 Response
Three-minute read. Updates and clarifications to the March 16 pastoral directions. Bishop Marty’s response to request for further information and guidance following the publication his pastoral directions on March 16. Note: this Direction has been superseded.
