January 7, 2021
A twice monthly summary of news, events,
and information for the people of the
Episcopal Churches of West Missouri
News
To get the latest news and information between issues of News Update, visit the New Spirit Front Page
Bishop Marty Reflects on the Events at the U.S. Capitol
Two-minute read.
What happened today (1/6/2021) at the United States Capitol — the mob violence that vandalized the revered halls of the physical symbol of our nation’s democratic institutions, that drove the members of Congress from the people’s work, that led to injury and the loss of a life — was an abysmal sight. I was appalled. I hope you were also shocked.

See the Presiding Bishop's statement here.
Epiphany; truth becomes clear
Two-minute read.
When things suddenly become “clear” you see the world through different eyes. An Epiphany is not only a season but something to welcome.

Christian Formation
Mini-Habits and the Big Journey
One-minute read.
Small, positive behaviors that you force yourself to do every day increase mindfulness, willpower, and lead to long-term results. Basically, small steps can be transformational.

Taize Ceremony brings a “light in winter”
One-minute read.
Borrow this wonderful idea from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley Idaho and run with it in your neck of the woods.

From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference
One-minute read.
Conversations are formational. We hear, see, experience new perspectives. Hearts, minds and ultimately, our souls are transformed and we become God’s beloved community even more fully.

Announcements
Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps: Application open for 2021-2022 placements
Two-minute read.
Applications are now being accepted for 2021-2022 placements with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC), the international missionary program of The Episcopal Church. YASC offers Episcopalians ages 21-30 the opportunity to follow the Way of Love into deeper relationship with God and the global Anglican Church while spending a year living and working with communities around the world.

Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español

One-minute read.
Advanced notice of three upcoming online events in the diocese.

  • Church Leadership Essentials - February
  • Diocesan-wide Conversation - March 20th
  • A Renewal of Baptismal and Ordination Vows - March 31st

What's Happening
Youth Events
None at present.
Church Events
January 18
The Diocese of West Missouri office will be closed for Martin Luther King Day.
External Events
January 26-28, 2021
Forma21: Embodying Spiritual Practices. The Forma21 gathering will include opportunities for leaders to experience community and learning through curated worship, wisdom, and workshop offerings. Online. Click here for more information and to register.
March 3-5, 2021
2021 CEEP Network’s Digital Annual Conference. From COVID-19 to economic anxiety to the racial reckoning taking place across our Church, in our nation and around the world. CEEP Network is excited to announce we will gather on-line to bear witness together at the 2021 Annual Conference. Online. Click here for more information and to register.
Education and Training
January 9-10
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry January 2021 courses: Christian Ethics (D), Christian History I, Polity & Canons, and Pauline Epistles. Click here for complete course descriptions and to register.
February 13-14
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry February 2021 courses: Christian Theology I (D), Forms of Christian Ethics (P), Preaching 2, Social Ministry I. Click here for complete course descriptions and to register. Online. Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
March 13-14
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry March 2021 courses: Congregational Leadership, Contemporary Catechumenate, Sacramental Theology and Social Ministry II. Click here for complete course descriptions and to register. Online. Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Clergy Events and Services
Every Wednesday
Compline. Online. 9 p.m.
Every 2nd Thursday
2nd Thursday’s Clergy Conversation. Online. 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. If you have not received the login credentials for this meeting, please contact your Dean.
Meetings
December 20
Standing Committee. Online. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
January 5
Episcopal Ministry Support Team. Online. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Finance Committee. Online. 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
January 13
Diversity and Reconciliation Commission. Online. 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
February 2
Episcopal Ministry Support Team. Online. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
February 3
Council Executive Committee Meeting. Online. 3 pm. – 4 p.m.
February 10
Diversity and Reconciliation Commission. Online. 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
February 12
Commission on Ministry. Online. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
February 21
Standing Committee. Online. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Deadlines
February 19
Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps: Applications for 2021-2022 placements.
February 26
Non-parochial and licensed members of our clergy reports & license renewal requests due.
March 1
Preacher and Catechist Licenses Expire
Clerical Licenses Expire
Church Rosters Due
March 5
UTO Grant Submission deadline
Bishop Marty's Church Visits
A complete list of Bishop Marty's church visits can be found here.
Many churches in the diocese are offering daily prayers, reflections, and Sunday worship online.
For all the latest information about events around the diocese visit the Events Home Page.

Spot an error or omission? Let us know: [email protected]
Keep in touch - Tell us what you are doing
The next News Update will be published on Thursday, January 7, 2020
Clergy, Administrators, and Church Leaders
Avoid penalties and keep your pension billings accurate
One-minute read.
This is a reminder to contact Elaine Gilligan with any changes to your organization’s payroll.

Non-parochial or licensed members of our clergy take note
One-minute read.
An email was sent to all non-parochial clergy requesting a report on their 2020 ministry. This email was also sent to licensed members of our clergy family to allow them to request to be re-licensed. If you are a non-parochial or licensed member of our clergy team but did not receive the email or have questions, please contact Emily Davenport [email protected].

Microsoft 365 & Church Email

The communications budget for 2021 includes a provision for providing the full Microsoft 365 suite (formerly Microsoft Office) and a professional email account to up to 20 churches. This initiative is aimed at smaller churches with limited IT and admin resources. if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact the Communications Director, Gary Allman.

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
Bulletin & church newsletter inserts for you to consider and include.
Inserts from The Episcopal Church

These weekly bulletin inserts provide information about the history, music, liturgy, mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church, and may be of help to churches with limited time and resources to prepare weekly bulletins.

Lesson, sermon, and bulletin resources for churches and groups

In Case You Missed It
New book from Fr. Bryan Spoon to benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital
One-minute read.
Neuroscience and the Fruit of Spirit by Fr. Bryan Spoon is a guide for understanding the physiological basis for spirituality and ethical behavior. All the author’s royalties from the book will benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Spread The Word