February 3, 2022
A summary of news and events,
for the people of the
Episcopal Churches of West Missouri
News
Diocesan Diversity and Reconciliation Commission to release a new series of four videos during Black History Month
One-minute read.
During Black History Month, the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission of the diocese will once again be offering online video presentations on the lives of famous black Episcopalians. 
Introducing the Rev. Chas Marks, Transition Missioner (part-time)
Two-minute read.
At the start of the year, we welcomed the Rev. Chas Marks to the Bishop's Staff. Fr. Chas is joining us in the part-time role of Transition Missioner.
Mother Robin James elected Dean of the Northwest-Metro Deanery
One-minute read.
At the Deanery Council Meeting held online on Saturday, January 30, 2022, the Rev. Robin L. James was elected the new dean of the Northwest-Metro Deanery.
Fr. Ted Estes to serve as interim priest at St. Philip’s, Joplin
One-minute read.
The vestry of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Joplin has named The Rev. Ted Estes as their interim priest, starting on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Fr. Ted will serve St. Philip’s while the search is undertaken for a full-time rector to replace Fr. Frank Sierra who is retiring.
Features
Absalom Jones, The Episcopal Church’s first black priest
Two-minute read.
Next Sunday, St. Andrew’s will join with other diocesan congregations to celebrate Absalom Jones, the first Black person to be a priest in The Episcopal Church. We’ll gather for worship at 4 p.m. on February 6 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 2732 Benton Blvd. in Kansas City, and I hope you’ll come or watch the livestream.  
Lent resources for households
Three-minute read.
We love Lent and live Lent through our senses and in our choices. A plan for being gives us a reason for doing. How do you want to be during Lent this year?
Lent resources for churches
Three-minute read.
Lent is not something we have to do alone. Despite the resurgence of COVID 19, in-person or online fellowship opportunities offered through the congregation and in the companionship of our church family transforms the experience and keep us connected.  
Announcements
Reredos candles looking for a new home
One-minute read.
St. Stephen’s, Monett would like to find a new church home for their six old reredos candles, which are some forty years old and in good working order.
What's happening
Featured Events
Join the people of St. Augustine’s in person or online in a celebration of the Blessed Absalom Jones. Please note, the date of this event has changed. February 6 at 4 p.m.
Events & Meetings
For a full list of forthcoming events and meetings visit the Events Page.
Deadlines
March 1
Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, and Lay Evangelist licenses expire March 1, 2022.
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Vestry rosters, slate of delegates, Bishop’s Committee rosters due.
Bishop Bruce's Church Visits

A complete list of Bishop Bruce's church visits can be found here.
Many churches in the diocese are offering daily prayers, reflections, and Sunday worship online.
Clergy, Administrators, and Church Leaders
TENS: New stewardship credentials and resources
Three-minute read.
The theme for the 2022 TENS Stewardship Campaign Resources is More Than Enough. Find out what stewardship resources are available.
And don't forget, Lay Licenses expire March 1, too!
Administration site content updates
Three-minute read.
There have been several updates to the content of the site over the past week.
Changing the times of your online services?

Don't forget to let us know so we can keep the list of online services up to date.

Email any changes to [email protected]
Bulletin Inserts - 
Do you have any bulletin inserts of interest to the Episcopal Churches of West Missouri? Send them in!

Second chance - In case you missed it
Bishop Bruce – Phishing/spoofing attempts
Church Connect Daily Drop-ins to cease Thursday, January 27, 2022
Hybrid Church – A Way Forward for Church Leaders
Spread The Word