One-minute read. We need more disaster chaplains. In the Missouri-Arkansas region of the Red Cross, we have only eight chaplains. We are handling the day-to-day needs right now but should there be a major disaster in our region we will need help. We especially need some chaplains who can speak Spanish.
Seven, ten-minute talks (Video). Introduced by the Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field, bishop of West Missouri, watch these seven short video talks, two pre-recorded and five delivered live. Each presentation deals with different aspects and approaches to handling adversity, the events of 2020, and how we can move towards recovery and hope.
72-minute video.
Recording of the Area Confirmation service held at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage on April 17, 2021.
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.
Two-minute read. Ryan was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Bishop Mariann Budde, ninth bishop of Washington, at Grace Episcopal Church, Washington DC, on March 26. Read on to find out a little bit about Ryan.
One-minute read. The Everything Holy project invites you to begin reading The Book of Joy with us this May.
One-minute read. In an annual aggregated summary of donations to Episcopal Relief and Development, St. James’ donation of over $5,000 was highlighted by Episcopal Relief and Development for special recognition. Well done, the people of St. James.
44-Minute Video. Recording of the Ordination of Ryan David Wiksell to The Sacred Order of Deacons.
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.
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.
30-minute video. On Saturday, December 5, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield hosted diocesan Area Confirmations. Churches presenting candidates: St John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, and Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield
One-minute read. On Saturday, December 5, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield hosted diocesan Area Confirmations. Churches presenting candidates: St John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, and Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield.
Two-minute read. A planned refurbishment at St Philip’s has been taking advantage of the COVID-19 interruption of their regular worship, allowing major work to be undertaken.
One-minute read. On Wednesday, July 29, the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Council met to discuss this year’s 131st Annual Convention of The Diocese of West Missouri. At the meeting, it was agreed to call a short Special Convention of the Diocese on Saturday, October 3, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City. The Special Convention will pave the way for an online Annual Convention on Saturday, November 7.
Today is the 5th and final day of MissionPalooza @Home. Thank you to all that have taken time out of your week to participate. Remember the smallest acts can have the biggest impact. I hope you have had fun this week collecting items or making stuff for donations. Our theme for today is a new one for MissionPalooza, Civic Engagement. We have three focuses for today, knowing your officials, writing about a cause you believe in, and registering to vote(if you are of age).
Today marks day 4 of MissionPalooza @Home! For the last few years, volunteers of MissionPalooza have been serving teens in the Kansas City area through Synergy. Synergy is the only homeless and runaway teen shelter in western Missouri. While Volunteering at Synergy we have helped to prepare rooms for new arrivals, served in their thrift store, and helped to renew their landscaping. Today MissionPalooza @Home will continue to help teens through clothing and toiletry drives.
MissionPalooza @Home is at the midway point. Today is day 3 and the outreach focus for today is aiding local food pantries. One of the highlights of MissionPalooza Week is our pantry day at St. Paul’s KCMO. Youth and adult volunteers look forward to this day every year. Youth enjoy being able to interact with those they are serving, which often differs from other worksites during the week. MissionPalooza volunteers help to prepare, cook, and serve at a community cookout and assist in the pantry handing out food and essential items to those in need.
Today MissionPalooza @Home is focusing their outreach efforts on eldercare, serving those that live in nursing homes and are homebound. In the past volunteers at MissionPalooza have visited nursing homes in the Kansas City area. While there, volunteers spend time with the residents playing games, crafting, serving food, and visiting through conversations. Since COVID-19 has made it difficult for family and friends to visit their loved ones living in nursing homes, the MissionPalooza Design Team has found a way we can be able to engage with the residents through homemade cards.
Every year at MissionPalooza we take a small group of teens and adults to volunteer at various pet shelters in the Kansas City area. Last year we spent time at both Unleashed Pet Rescue and Midwest Animal Resq. While at these shelters we spend time cleaning cages, engaging with the animals through playing and walks, and one of the biggest projects, helping with the laundry. Pet shelters go through an enormous amount of washing. We also take time to bake dog treats and make blankets. The dog treats are super easy to make, and most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry.
July 20-24, is MissionPalooza @Home! As the video states, everyone is encouraged to participate as you can. Bishop Marty and Josh Trader have challenged the entire diocese to participate; challenge your friends and neighbors too. Even though we can’t be together in-person for MissionPalooza this year, the design team has been hard at work to help you bring MissionPalooza to your home. Even the smallest acts can have some of the biggest impacts on those around you.
