A twice-monthly summary of news and events,
for the people of the
Episcopal Churches of West Missouri
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Summer weather is with us, and it's no coincidence that we've recently published articles about Sabbath time and the value of rest and play. Check them out below. June is LGBT+ Pride Month, and Fr. Chas Marks (St. Augustine's, Kansas City) has written a personal reflection on what that means to him.
June 19 is Juneteenth - the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US on June 19, 1865, and June 20 marks World Refugee Day. The Episcopal Church has "An Evening in Support of Episcopal Migration Ministries" on June 23. Scroll down for the links.
Also below, Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield has recently celebrated the culmination of a twelve-year labor of love. Want to find out what they've been doing? Scroll down!
With the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, many of our churches take their first steps back to in-person worship. Among them is St. Matt's in Ozark, who are restarting their popular community dinners. I'll be popping down to take a look (the siren call of food in no way influenced me).
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If you are wondering why some churches get mentioned in New Spirit and yours does not, it's very simple. You are hiding your light under a bushel. Let me know what you are doing, and I will be delighted to publish your news. |
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Also, please let me know if you love or hate this 'mini-editorial.'
That's it for now. Scroll down for all the latest news and events updates. We'll be back on Thursday, July 1.
Gary Allman
Communications Director
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Twelve-year labor of love at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield celebrated with a dedication and blessing
One-minute read.
The hard work and patience of a group of needle point enthusiasts at Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield was recognized with a dedication and blessing of the 15 kneelers and banner they have produced.
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Community dinners recommence at St. Matthew’s, Ozark
One-minute read.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, St. Matthew’s, Ozark are restarting their long-running community dinners on June 23 with an old-fashioned picnic.
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Juneteenth to become is an official federal holiday
One-minute read.
As federal employees are granted a paid holiday to celebrate Juneteenth, learn more about this commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
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Taking Pride – a personal reflection
Two-minute read.
For me, Pride Month is about celebrating the grand diversity that God has created in humanity. Pride is a consciousness of the dignity that each of us possesses as a beloved creation of God. It is this particular sense of the word that is meant when we talk about this month celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
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Purposeful Sabbath
Two-minute read.
Sabbath is important; so important that even God took time off after his creation of all that is. If a sabbath rest is good enough for God, it’s good enough for us, too!
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The Way of Love: Rest
Two-minute read.
In the Godly Play Creation story, the words go like this: “On the seventh day, God rested and gave us the gift of a day to rest – and to remember the great gifts of all the other days.” What practices restore you and help you to rest in God’s hands? What practices help you celebrate and enjoy the gifts of the other days of creation?
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Evangelism Matters Conference sessions are now available for anyone to view
One-minute read.
We hope that those who participated felt inspired, encouraged, and challenged and are now ready to proclaim the Good News of Christ through word and example! Even though the conference is officially over, the learning and gathering don’t have to end.
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Have your say, survey on the impact of COVID-19 on The Episcopal Church
Two-minute read.
This new survey is seeking to understand how clergy and churchgoers in the United States have coped with the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinions about how this may affect the Church.
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There is space for conversation ‘At the Table’ why not come and join us? |
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One-Minute read.
This new resource helps you (re)connect as a family, friends, neighbors, or congregation around a table – be it kitchen, coffee, or picnic!
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An evening in support of Episcopal Migration Ministries with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore
On Wednesday, June 23, at 5 pm, join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore as they discuss EMM’s ministry to refugees and asylum seekers through the lens of iconography.
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Bishop Marty’s Recent Sermons available to listen to online
Bishop Marty’s recent sermons for the Second Sunday after Pentecost at Church of the Transfiguration, Mountain Grove, on June 6, and the Third Sunday after Pentecost at St. Oswald's in the Fields, on June 13, are available to listen to online.
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When: Saturday, July 17 & 31, 2021, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: In-person at Good Shepherd, Kansas City and St. John’s, Springfield
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Out of the Pandemic & into the Woods
The youth ministry and Christian formation teams have collaborated to put together a summer camping series for the entire household in place of a week-long camp. The camping series will take place at various campgrounds throughout our diocese.
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Join us At the Table to gather in community. Gather around a community table as households or in small groups to hear five stories where Jesus breaks bread with others, reminding us that when we gather in his name, we are living as God’s family.
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The Diocesan office is closed in observance of Independence Day. |
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Installation of James Harris as Rector of All Saints, West Plains. 6 p.m. |
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An evening in support of Episcopal Migration Ministries with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore. Online. 5 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. |
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Diversity Workshop: Undoing Racism Session I & II. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City (Northern location) and St. John’s, Springfield (Southern location). Registration details coming soon… |
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Clergy Events and Services |
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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. |
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Central Deanery. Online. 10 a.m. – Noon. |
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Northwest Metro Deanery. Online. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Standing Committee. Online. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
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Diversity and Reconciliation Commission. Online. 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. |
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Standing Committee. Online. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
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Diocesan Council Executive Committee. Online. 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
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July 23-25 WEMO Family Camp 2021 |
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August 13-15 WEMO Family Camp 2021 |
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Deadline to register for Summer Diversity Workshop |
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Last day to sign-up to receive materials for At the Table |
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Bishop Marty's Church Visits |
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A complete list of Bishop Marty's church visits can be found here. |
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Many churches in the diocese are offering daily prayers, reflections, and Sunday worship online. |
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Clergy, Administrators, and Church Leaders |
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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.
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Bulletin Inserts -
Bulletin & church newsletter inserts for you to consider and include.
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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.
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Lesson, sermon, and bulletin resources for churches and groups
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The Ordination of Isaac Petty to the Sacred Order of Priests
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The Fall and Rise of St. Margaret’s
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Episcopal Church Executive Council shares reflections, invites discernment on diocesan relief funds
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Worship Leader training workshop opportunity
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If you haven't already done so please help to spread The Word by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter and Instagram |
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