Website Updates
One-minute read. Details of some administrative updates to the diocesan websites.
Church Leadership
Diakoneo Magazine May, 2021
Eight-minute read. The latest issue of Diakoneo, the magazine for deacons is available to read online.
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.
Hybrid Church – A Way Forward for Church Leaders
Two-minute read. One of the unfortunate realities of pandemic ministry is that church leaders have, by necessity, spent too much time scrambling and not enough time reflecting. That certainly describes my own experience as a parish priest who literally had to turn a brick and mortar institution into a virtual one overnight.
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.
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
Episcopal Toolkit for COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution
Two-minute read. The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations has developed a toolkit for individuals, congregations and ministries to facilitate and promote COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the United States. This toolkit promotes the ongoing work that parishes and dioceses have already been doing, shares best practices, and offers ideas for ways that communities can help U.S.- based Episcopalians. Note: the following information is presented in English and Spanish
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
Diakoneo Magazine February, 2021
Eight-minute read. The latest issue of Diakoneo, the magazine for deacons is available to read online. In this issue: A Zoom retreat for men in recovery, Allyship training, Young Episcopal Deacons – the under-50’s, Emergency grants for deacons, and more!
International Outreach Grant Program – IOG
One-minute read. Did you know that each year The Diocese of West Missouri sets aside funds to match financial gifts from parishes to worthy overseas causes? We call this the International Outreach Grant (IOG) program.
Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday
One-minute read. Churches are invited to observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on the first Sunday in Lent or another convenient Sunday. This year Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday officially falls on February 21, 2021.
Lenten Facebook Cover Images
Here are a series of Lenten cover images optimized for Facebook for use on your church Facebook page.
Lenten resource recap
One-Minute read.
Finalizing decisions for Lent? It’s not too late to creatively incorporate resources that are online, downloadable, easily sharable and ready in a jiffy!
Church Leadership Essentials
Thursday, February 25, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, February 27, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Bishop’s Staff invite you to attend one of these two online sessions which will provide essential information for new and returning vestry members and other church staff and leaders.
Large (5′ x 8′) Episcopal Flag — Free to a good home
Gone — It’s been snapped up. Congratulations St. Matthew’s Raytown.
Bishop Spencer Place has a brand new Episcopal flag, five by eight feet going spare. Please contact Emily at BishopsAssistant@diowestmo.org if you are interested in giving the flag a home.
2021 Rosters
Church leadership, please obtain the information needed to complete your Vestry or Bishop’s Committee forms by Monday, March 1st.
Lay Licenses Expire March 1
The licenses for Lay Preacher and Lay Catechist are up for renewal in 2021. Current licenses will expire as of March 1st 2021. While parish leaders and the licensees have been notified via email, we wanted to remind everyone as the deadline is coming up.
Creative Ideas for a COVID 19 Ash Wednesday
One-Minute read. Living Church recently published a whole host of liturgical responses to the Imposition of Ashes this year. Creative thinking can make this Ash Wednesday something really meaningful in the midst of COVID 19 restrictions.
Deacon Emergency Grant Program Extended
One-minute read. The Deacon Emergency Grant has been extended through April 2021. Deacons in good standing in The Episcopal Church, who have been laid off, furloughed, or otherwise had their employment hours cut back or eliminated due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply.
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.
