Church leaders — Four things you should know
One-minute read. A list of four resources to help church leaders in West Missouri.
Gary Allman
Gary Allman was the Communications Director with The Diocese of West Missouri from March 2014 through June 2023.
Diocesan Prayer Cycle images are now available to churches in advance
One-minute read. Images of the prayer cycle text are now available in advance for churches to download and share.
The installation of the Rev. James Harris as Priest in Charge of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, West Plains
Three-minute read. On the evening of Thursday, July 15, 2021, Fr. Jasmes Harris Jr. was installed as Priest in Charge of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, West Plains, Missouri. There was a small but highly appreciative congregation present in person to witness the service, which was live-streamed on the diocesan website and Facebook.
New Spirit Update, July 15, 2021
In this issue: the installation of Fr. Isaac Petty at St. Luke’s, the 2021 Annual Diocesan Convention website is now open, Prayer and pain, and much more.
The installation of the Rev. Isaac Petty as Vicar of St. Luke’s, Excelsior Springs
Two-minute read. On the evening of Thursday, July 8, 2021, Fr. Isaac Petty was installed as Vicar of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Here are the pictures.
New Spirit Update, July 1, 2021
In this issue: an Episcopal priest’s experience of the 1968 Holy Week riots, St. Matt’s Community Dinner, Reach Out Challenge, and much, much more.
St. Matthew’s holds first Community Dinner since COVID shutdown
One-minute read. St. Matthew’s held their first community dinner since they stopped serving weekly meals because of COVID. Over twenty guests arrived for the opening meal.
New Spirit Update, June 17, 2021
In this issue: A summer sizzler at St. Matt’s – Ozark, a celebration of 12 years’ work at Christ Church – Springfield, LGBT+ Pride Month, Juneteenth and much, much more.
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.
Community dinners recommence at St. Matthew’s, Ozark
One-minute read. With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, St. Matthew’s, Ozark are restarting their long-running community dinners on June 23 with an old-fashioned picnic.
The Fall and Rise of St. Margaret’s
Four-minute read. I saw it coming in 2014, the closing of my Home church. And here it was being dismantled in 2019. But was all what it seemed?
The Ordination of Isaac Petty to the Sacred Order of Priests
Two-minute read. On Saturday, May 29, 2021, Isaac Ross Petty was Ordained into the Sacred Order of Priests at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri. Here is a selection of the pictures taken.
The Re-Dedication and Consecration of St. James, Springfield, and three baptisms
Two-minute read. Over the past year the people of St. James have been comprehensively remodeling the sanctuary and renovating other areas of the church buildings. On May 12, 2021, Bishop Marty led the Re-Dedication of St. James, baptized two children and one infant, and celebrated the Holy Eucharist.
Episcopal Church Executive Council announces diocesan relief grants
One-minute read. In a recent press release The Episcopal Church announced that its Executive Council had approved a resolution allocation up to $40,000 to any diocese requesting assistance. The statement included suggestions for ministries and programs that dioceses could consider.
Area Confirmation Service at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage
Two-minute read. On Saturday, April 17, Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage hosted the first Area Confirmation Service of 2021. Presenting candidates were: Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage; St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church, Noel; St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Joplin, and Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, Branson.
Four dioceses of The Episcopal Church and a Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America hold a joint service to renew baptismal and ordination vows and to bless oils
Two-minute read. On Holy Tuesday, March 30, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri, hosted an interdenominational service to renew baptismal and ordination vows and to bless holy oils. Representing three dioceses of The Episcopal Church were bishops Cathleen Bascom, Bishop of Kansas; Deon Johnson, Bishop of Missouri; and Martin Field, Bishop of West Missouri. They were joined by Susan Candea, Bishop of ELCA’s Central States Synod.
Bishop Marty – Celebrating ten years in West Missouri
One-minute read. Congratulations to Bishop Marty on the tenth anniversary of his ordination and consecration as the eighth Bishop of West Missouri.
Photo and video release resources for churches to use
Two-minute read. As many churches consider a return to in-person worship with livestreaming, it’s an appropriate time to plan for how you will tell people that you may video or photograph them. You will also need to let them know that you may use their images on social media, newsletters, and promotional materials.
Church Leadership Essentials resources available online
One-minute read, two-hour video. Over One-hundred church leaders from across the diocese gathered for Church Leadership Essentials, an online event replacing our traditional in-person Bishop’s Days training for church leadership. Here is a link to the material presented, and you can also watch a recording of Saturday’s session if you wish.
New Google Business Feature
Churches may be interested in taking advantage of a new Google business profile feature called ‘attributes.’ Here’s a very brief introduction to what they are and a reminder of what a Google business profile is.
