One-minute read. Church bells will be ringing throughout Missouri at noon on Pentecost, May 31, 2020, to commemorate lives lost to COVID-19 and in thanksgiving for all essential workers putting themselves on the line for the sake of all during the pandemic.
One-minute read. Bishop Marty writes briefly on discontinuing his Weekly Reflections and other changes.
two-minute read. Following inquiries from clergy and discussion with the deans, Bishop Marty has issued a brief email clarifying aspects of the May 4 Pastoral Direction.
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.
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.
One-minute read. The Fund for the Diaconate of the Episcopal Church has created a special Emergency Grant Program, to aid deacons affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Deacons in good standing in The Episcopal Church, who have been laid off, furloughed, or otherwise had their employment hours cut back or eliminated, are eligible to apply.
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.
12-minute recording. Bishop Marty’s sermon delivered during the Easter Vigil, April 11, 2020, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City is available to listen to on the diocesan website.
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.
12-minute recording. Bishop Marty’s sermon for Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday), April 5, 2020, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City.
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?
One-minute read, plus linked article and video. Important. Your existing Zoom meetings may be impacted by this security update.
One-minute read. If you do not have a donate button, an option to collect donations, or a way to set up recurring payments, we can help you add a button to your church website, and provide a payment link you can send out via email.
One-minute read. The Red Cross is doing everything they can to support an escalated need for blood, and blood drives are essential. There is an urgent need for healthy blood donors and an anticipated need for locations where blood drives can be held.
The CEEP Network and partners are working to connect and equip their network members and the church. Of particular interest are the two webinars on Church Funding and Communications featured here.
Six-minute read. We are all following the news of increasing concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. While we don’t want to over-react, we also do not want to underestimate the potential of this situation. We’ve reproduced and summarized the best of the resources we’ve found.
Note: updated 3-12-2020.
15 minute recording. Bishop Marty’s sermon for the last Sunday after Epiphany, February 25, 2020 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Neosho.
15 minute recording. Bishop Marty’s sermon for the Commemoration of Blessed Absalom Jones, February 16, 2020 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City
One-minute read. We’ve made several updates to the Church Administration section of the diocesan website. And we’ve added Bishop Marty’s sermon from January 26.
One-minute read. Interns are highly valued team members of The Diocese of West Missouri’s Formation programs. The Summer Intern program has two places available for young adults who graduated high school in 2019 or earlier. The new Ministry Intern is for young adults, at least 21 years old and who have discerned a call to ministry.
