To get the latest news and information between issues of News Update, visit the New Spirit Front Page

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

For the people of West Missouri, especially those whose churches are not meeting in person and cannot share services online, we are featuring a series of Holy Week services from Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. On the Tuesday in Holy Week, we join together with the dioceses of Missouri, Kansas, Western Kansas, and the ELCA Central States Synod in a renewal of Ordinational and Baptismal Vows. This year's Easter Vigil will include contributions from people around the diocese.

In any other year, we would all be saying, “Go to church, experience all Holy Week has to offer!" This year, attending in person will not be an option for everyone. Still, we can incorporate the rhythm and customs, the experience and blessings, into Holy Week at home.

Who is this Absalom Jones that Episcopalians celebrate each year in February?

This is the fourth and final video in a series remembering key African American figures in the Episcopal Church and beyond. This week, Anna Julia Haywood Cooper.

We can shift from the things that seek our own will, distorting our relationship with God and all creation. God is calling us to a life of holiness and virtue. By redirecting our attention to building up the seven virtues, over time God frees us from bothersome chains.

Bishop Marty’s sermon for the first Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2021, recorded at Christ Episcopal Church, St. Joseph.

Come and join us as we gather online to hear insights from both lay and clergy on maintaining and building faith and hope in a time when our lives have been turned upside down.

When: Every Saturday, April 17 – May 22, 2021, 10 a.m. – noon

Where: Online Training Sessions via Zoom

The purpose of this workshop is to assist the diocese in eliminating the sin of racism. This training fulfills the intent of several General Convention resolutions, which call for leaders at all levels of The Episcopal Church to receive training on the Church’s teaching about racial diversity and other forms of diversity present within the human family.

A complete list of Bishop Marty's church visits can be found here.

For all the latest information about events around the diocese through May 2021, visit the Events Home Page.

Spot an error or omission? Let us know: [email protected]

The next News Update will be published on Thursday, March 18, 2021

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.

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.

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

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]

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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.

The Global Mission Digital Toolkit is now available. Launched on World Mission Sunday, which was observed on the last Sunday after Epiphany, February 14, this resource is a collaboration between The Episcopal Church Office of Global Partnerships (OGP), the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN), and the Standing Commission on World Mission (SCWM).

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!