January 19, 2023
A summary of news and events,
for the people of the
Episcopal Churches of West Missouri
News
Budget Process 2024 - Ponder anew what the Almighty can do…
Four-minute read.
In an email sent out on January 16, the 2024 Special Budget Committee asked leaders of diocesan ministries and members of the Diocese, to join in the process of preparing the 2024 budget. All members of the diocese are invited to take part in this important step in setting out the future of The Diocese of West Missouri.
The Ordination of Brittany Sparrow Savage, David Wilcox, Ryan Williams, and Ryan Zavacky to the Sacred Order of Deacons
Five-minute read.
Photographs of the ordination of Brittany Sparrow Savage, David Wilcox, Ryan Williams, and Ryan Zavacky to the Sacred Order of Deacons, which took place at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

You can also watch a recording of the service.
Recording & Photographs – A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Three-minute read, 105-minute video.
On Saturday, January 14, the diocese held its first annual service in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City. The recording of the service includes a 1967 interview with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made 11 months before he was assassinated, and an extract from a sermon he delivered at the Washington National Cathedral.
Features
Be SMART: Addressing firearm death in children through Secure storage of firearms

Three-minute read.
The first step in the Be SMART program is “S” Secure your guns in homes and vehicles. 13 million households with children contain at least one gun. And the majority of children know where the gun is stored. Hiding a gun is not securing a gun.
Chalking the Door: A New Year House Blessing

Three-minute read.
Start 2023 by Chalking the Door as a way to celebrate and physically mark God’s blessing on our lives and home throughout the year.
Lenten Resources for Church and Home

One-minute read.
Encourage a meaningful Lenten experience at home and in the congregation by using highly recommended and easy to use resources that stir our souls to…
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Two-minute read.
Every year, the President proclaims January as a month dedicated to the awareness and prevention of human trafficking. Read this bulletin for details of the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
What's happening
With annual budgets being finalized and adopted, church pledge drives may seem to be a fading memory. However, giving ample time for both preparation and reflection on our practices of stewardship allows us to discern more deeply what it means to be God’s stewards all year round.
January 24 -
February 14
The Beloved Community of Care and Love Book Study. Online. Every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
January 26 -
February 16
The Beloved Community of Care and Love Book Study. Online. Every Thursday at 7 p.m.
January 28
The ECMC (Episcopal Cursillo Ministry Committee) invites you to join us for our 2nd National Virtual Event on Saturday, January 28 at noon Central! This year’s theme is “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me.”
January 31
Annual Stewardship Campaign Webinar. Online. 7 p.m. St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City.
February 5
Absalom Jones Celebration. In-person and Online. 4 p.m. St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City.
 Join the people of St. Augustine’s in a celebration of the Blessed Absalom Jones. This year’s celebration includes guest preacher the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, and the St. Augustine’s liturgical dancers.
Events & Meetings
There is lots more to see on the diocesan Events home page.
Check out the diocesan calendar and our full list of forthcoming events and meetings.
Deadlines
February 1
2024 Budget Proposals.
February 24
Non-Parochial Clergy reports & Licensed Clergy license renewals due.
March 1
Clerical Licenses Expire.
Many churches in the diocese are offering daily prayers, reflections, and Sunday worship online.
Clergy, Administrators, and Church Leaders
2023 Vestry rosters, slate of delegates, and Bishop’s Committee rosters
One-minute read.
Clergy and Bishop’s Wardens, as you’re planning your Annual Meetings, please be sure to set a reminder to also complete your roster and slate of delegates form.
Non-Parochial Clergy reports & Licensed Clergy license renewals due
One-minute read.
It is time for non-parochial clergy to report on their ministry during 2022, and for licensed clergy who wish to be re-licensed to apply to renew their licenses.
Clerical Directory updated
One-minute read.
The Clerical Directory has been updated. All entries are up to date as of 01-12-2023.
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 communications@diowestmo.org
Bulletin inserts and flyers

Do you have any bulletin inserts or flyers of interest to the Episcopal Churches of West Missouri? Send them in!

  • Added this week, flyers and other resources for the National Day of Racial Healing.
Second chance - In case you missed it
Lift Every Voice and Sing: more than a mere hymn
Be SMART: Addressing firearm death in children through modeling responsible behavior around firearms
IRS mileage rate update, and a new Expense Reimbursement Form has been published
Spread The Word