Winter 2013
What is True Religion?
Deaconess Anne House Director Jon Stratton at convention
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri 1210 Locust Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103 ph: 314-231-1220 online: diocesemo.org email: info@diocesemo.org
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. —James 1:27 As social justice-minded people, we generally like James’ Epistle of Straw. It fits with our liberal mindset. Who doesn’t think it noble to visit orphans and widows in their distress. Who doesn’t want to be the hands of Christ that reach out to the hurting, the poor, the vulnerable, or the weak. This is good stuff. But then James says something that sounds a bit sectarian. He says that true religion involves keeping oneself unstained by the world. Unstained by the world. This is a powerful statement, and maybe even a more powerful sentiment. It kept fundamentalists in the mid-20th century unstained from the evils of voting or engaging in politics. It kept evangelicals unstained from worldly habits of drinking, smoking,
or attending movie theaters. And if we are not careful, this sentiment of separation from the world can keep us—even us social justice-minded Christians—disengaged from the neighborhoods, the peoples, and the hard work that might stain our sense of comfort and control. But I am convinced that if we are to care for widows and orphans, we risk getting a little stained in the process. In Old North St. Louis, we hope to try, ever so humbly, to live out at least part of James’ definition of “true religion.” As many of you know from either following the Old North Blog or hearing me speak at your church, we are planting a local branch of the Episcopal Service Corps in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood. ESC is a national organization with 25 different locations throughout the United States that invites young men and women ages 21 to 30 to spend a year of their lives dedicated to service and spiritual formation. Like many other Corps model programs, such as AmeriCorps, our young adults will
A Whole Lot of Holy
Diocesan convention reflection from delegate Linda Bush It’s still early and only one other person is here in this huge room! I know I’m in the right place, though, as a large screen projects “The 173rd Convention of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri.” It’s exciting albeit somewhat overwhelming! I open my registration packet and see once more the same materials I received in the mail weeks ago. Similar information has also been discussed in our local meetings two and six months ago. I pour over everything once more and when I finally look up, the tables are beginning to fill. My fellow church-mates are here now, but I move to the front of the hall to attend Convention 101, a class for those who want to review proce-
dures for addressing the convention and voting, and an overview of the schedule. I begin to understand the established format which will insure a purposeful outcome, one in which time, for those in attendance, is at a premium. I begin to realize, too, that I am walking among angels in this place; unadorned as it is in every other way. A quick lunch followed by Plenary One which is a session of reports from the various committees and councils, then on to two workshops. Of the three offered, I first attend ‘Liturgical Resources for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships.’ It begins with a handout, The Oasis Missouri Discernment and Education Covenant for Discussions. “To continued on page 6
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More and deeper: mission and spirituality in Missouri Bishop Wayne Smith’s message to the diocese at annual convention Imagine a different kind of convention Henry Martyn Robert was a brevet brigadier in the U. S. Army during the Civil War. He was obviously adept at commanding soldiers. But a church meeting was another thing entirely. War was easier. It was from his frustration with church meetings that General Robert began to develop his Rules, the same we adopted for the meeting of Diocesan Convention: Robert’s Rules of Order. We have these rules because a war veteran found church meetings difficult. You have heard me say that the Church in legislative session is not the Church at its best. Last night (Friday’s Ordination and Eucharist on Nov. 16) at Calvary Church comes pretty close to the Church at our best: Gathered with all the baptized, with bishops, priests, and deacons, everyone taking a place. Gathered to make more deacons, but most of all gathered to make Eucharist. My dream for our time together in Convention is to take some of the energy and joy from those moments into our annual gatherings. And we hear your feedback, that you want more time to be together. I want that too and we can decide for this to happen. I say let’s do it. We will still need to fulfill basic canonical responsibilities in legislative session, and I will trust the chancellor, Standing Committee, Council, and others to help identify these. Legislative session is not bad, and I am grateful to General Robert for acting on his frustration and developing rules. If we exercise self-discipline, we can keep resolutions to a mini-
mum. If we use the convocations as they are intended, we can allow much of the deliberations to occur. If we do all these things, then we can use our time together in Convention to be with one another over the things that matter to us, and to do so in less formal settings. Other dioceses have chosen this route, and we in Missouri can surely learn from them. To this end, of having a different sort of convention, I will appoint a task-force to study the possibilities and make recommendations to me, to the Secretary of Convention, and to the Standing Committee no later than July 1, 2013. I am planning for a different kind of convention.
Package deal: mission + spirituality In familiar venues like Lui Diocese in South Sudan, new venues like Old North St. Louis, and in many locales around our congregations—the work of mission progresses. We in this diocese are privileged to join in God’s mission, and to have so many opportunities. Sometimes there is a false dichotomy imposed between the categories of spirituality and mission—that the one is for monkish introverts and the other for activists. I learned from my teacher Kenneth Leech, and from the writings of Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, and William Temple that mission and the spiritual life are a package deal. For the religion of the incarnation, a more robust spiritual life does not result in mere quietism. It becomes the energy for mission. And no one can adequately engage God’s mission, without a grounding in the liturgy and in prayer. It
is absolutely crucial for the work ous people among Southern Baptists that I do. Mission, in turn, deepens are returned missionaries. That is our sense of life with God—a spirian out-of-fashion word, but, oh my, tual life. These pieces of the Chrisis she right. People who have visited tian life make a beautiful feedback another part of the world and have loop of grace. And a package deal. seen what God is doing there and The model for the Deaconwitnessed how God’s heart is breakess Anne House in ing are dangerous the neighborhood people when they of Old North St. come home. They ...as we explore Louis explicitly are dangerous to God’s mission and builds on this unthe status quo, derstanding of seek a spiritual life— dangerous bethe convergence cause of their own in that desired unity conversion. For a of mission and spirituality. The century and more between the two setting is an intenthey have providrealities of mission tional Christian ed great tonic for and spirituality. community that Baptist Churches will house five or all throughout the so interns beginAmerican South. ning next year, in a neighborhood These six missioners from our where there is a lot of material Diocese heading to Lui in a couple need. It’s a design for young adults of weeks are blessed with the opporwho want something more and tunity to step into God’s mission in something deeper. More and deeper South Sudan. By knowing them, we sense of purpose, more and deeper are all of us blessed. awareness of God, more and deeper Returned missionaries are clarity of calling. More and deeper some of the best things I remember experience in the city, and maybe from my Baptist childhood. There even in the Church. were three of them, all women, This will be a house for the in the little farming-community interns, and for us, as we explore church where I grew up. They were God’s mission and seek a spiritual great leaven for the rest of us. So will life—in that desired unity between these missioners to Lui be for us. these two realities. We have heard Jonathan Stratton’s report [printed Same-sex blessings in this diocese above]. I like what I hear. As approved by the General Convention last summer in IndiaMissioners to Lui, South Sudan napolis, there are about two hunOne more time we are senddred pages of materials forwarded ing off a team of missioners to Lui to the rest of the church—Bible Diocese. The Bible scholar Phylstudies, theological resources, study lis Trible grew up, as did I, in the guides for congregations, pastoral Southern Baptist Churches. I heard practices, and the rites themselves. her say once that the most dangerThe enabling resolution allows the continued on page 6
New Ventures in Community Ministry
For th e Lif e of th e Worl d
Start-up grants awarded to three congregations daring great things
Creative Expressions at Christ Church in Cape Creative Expressions at Christ Church in Cape Girardeau is a weekly arts workshop for women and children who have experienced emotional trauma as the result of violence or addiction. Some participants are homeless, some live in a local shelter or addiction treatment residence. There are three such facilities within walking distance of the church. Some are neighbors. Last spring, project volunteer Linda Garner talked with women at a local domestic violence shelter about the project idea—were they interested, what type of creative projects would they like. Christ Church’s vestry heard her report, approved it in April, and the pilot program began later that month.
The pilot Thursday afternoon workshops in spring and summer were successful. During the summer 27 women and 7 children attended—creating collages and mosaics, painting, crocheting, and sculpting with clay. Participants enjoyed leaving with a finished art piece. Enrollment is voluntary, supplies are free, snacks are provided. A group for the younger participants and childcare for babies and toddlers is provided. Creative Expressions’ goal is to serve at least 108 women and 28 children this first year. During the summer, Christ Church rector Bob Towner noted that a few of the workshop participants also attended Sunday services.
All Saints’ Music and Arts Village The area of St. Louis city considered North City, All Saints’ neighborhood, has an average household income below the poverty rate, unemployment higher than average, and high school graduation rates are low. All Saints’ Church has joined the ranks of the intentionally missional congregations in the diocese, prayerfully discerning how God is inviting them to join God’s mission, particularly in north city. All Saints’ had long felt the need to reach out in a caring way to the neighborhood, particularly the youth.
All Saints’ Music and Arts Village is an afterschool program for 4th and 5th graders attending neighboring Lexington Elementary School. The day at Lexington ends at 3 PM, and at 3:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ASMAV begins with assembly time, words of welcome, song, and snacks for a half hour. Then the children attend two classes before they’re released to their parents at 6. Guitar, keyboard, art, and tutoring classes are available during each class period. While there are a number of music and arts programs available,
Broadband Evangelism: Good Shepherd As Christians we are called to proclaim the Good News “to those who are far off and to those who are near.” This poses particular challenges to those of us who live and worship in more socially isolated communities. What are the needs of the people in our area? How do we as a small parish reach out to our community and help address those needs? These thoughts framed the discussion at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd as they developed an idea for creating a “social media resource center” for the diocese. Their goal is to introduce people without a church affiliation to the Gospel and to the Episcopal
Church. The tools and resources they develop will be offered to the diocese and its parishes, and will center around a web based television channel. Good Shepherd hopes to reach people, to be in conversation with people who don’t regularly attend church, and to learn from them what needs are not being met. “We have much to offer our community. But our community also has much to offer the church,” wrote Good Shepherd’s rector Pamela Dolan in the grant application. “With God’s help we plan to reignite a path for our disciples-in-the-making to connect with the greater community.”
Leading the project are Garner, R.N., Ph.D., and past director of a local domestic violence shelter at which she now volunteers, and Kathy Farwell, Christ Church member, also an R.N. and Ph.D, and an advanced practice addictions specialist with 42 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and educator. Women and children who have been traumatized, in general, are often suspicious and reluctant to trust because of past failed relationships. But the Red Door Church is known in the neighborhood as a safe and comfortable place, and one with a history of reaching out to those who need help. For some, this might be the beginning of trusting again.
even nominal tuition and instrument rental fees, and the cost of transportation, take them out of the realm of “possible” for many of the kids in All Saints’ neighborhood. ASMAV students commit to practice, attendance, and punctuality. Their parents commit to encouraging practice, listening with their children to classical music and jazz, and participating in the life of ASMAV by volunteering a minimum of four hours each semester. ASMAV hopes to begin the first session this January.
New Ventures grants were established through the generosity of Missouri Episcopalians by contributions to the Diocesan Outreach Endowment Fund during the Making All Things New capital campaign established by the ninth Bishop of Missouri Hays Rockwell. These grants are meant as start-up funds to develop new projects that are “do-able, manageable, replicable, and sustainable by congregations.” Grant awards range from $2,500 to $15,000. The mission of the diocesan outreach endowment fund is to inspire congregations to dare great things for God by developing new ministries in response to changing social needs throughout the diocese. The timeline for the annual grants begins with their announcement by the grant subcommittee of Diocesan Council in spring, with abstracts due by early June. Those continuing to the second round are notified in late July and have until early September to submit a full application. In October the grant committee receives advice and the consent of the Bishop and Diocesan Council, and recipients are notified publicly at diocesan convention in November. The award begins early January the calendar year after the November announcement.
Newly elected by convention
to Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Cathedral Chapter, Disciplinary Board
Cathedral Chapter: Dr. Pamela Stuerke,
St. Mark's Church, St. Louis; the Rev. Rebecca Ragland, Priest Assistant, Church of the Holy Communion, University City Diocesan Council: Mr. T. Michael McDowell, St. Timothy's Church, Creve Coeur; Dr. Harry Richter, Grace Church, Jefferson City Disciplinary Board: Ms. Cheryl Nield, Grace Church, Jefferson City; the Rev. Jason Samuel, Rector, Church of the Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis Standing Committee: Dr. Dennis Belcher, Grace Church, Jefferson City; the Rev. Kelly Carlson, Associate Rector, St. Peter's Church, Ladue; the Rev. Pamela Dolan, Rector, Church of the Good Shepherd,Town & Country
Absalom Jones celebration: Saturday, February 9 at the Cathedral
This year’s annual event honoring the ministry of Absalom Jones and Richard Allen planned by the diocesan Dismantling Racism Commission is a deeper exploration of the program for congregations exploring their history with racism,
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Seeking our Past, Creating our Future. The morning will feature Debbie Nelson-Linck, cathedral member and founder of the Hands On Black History Museum. The workshop will explore the power of stories, we’ll participate in storytelling activities and sharing, and come away with a better understanding of the importance of our stories, how to tell them, how they can change our present and future, and the connection between personal stories and general experience with racism. Concurrently at the cathedral, Hands on Black History Museum hosts an photo exhibit exploring the lives of African Americans from the Emancipation Proclamation through the Civil Rights Movement, titled “As If We Weren’t There.” The exhibit is open the month of February. Nelson-Linck will con-
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
nect the exhibit images with the storytelling workshop and activities. Continental breakfast and registration begin at 9 AM. The event ends at noon. Childcare will be provided if requested before Feb. 1 by calling Tracy Grigsby in the Offices of the Bishop, 314-231-1220. The Dismantling Racism
Commission offers the annual 2-day training for the diocese on March 15 & 16 at Holy Communion Episcopal Church in University City. More information on Seeking Our Past, Creating Our Future, the March training, the commission’s meetings and work is online at diocesemo.org/DismantlingRacism.
Making Disciples • Building Congregations • For the Life of the World
Bittersweet Decision
The eleven Episcopal Habitat for Humanity Project houses 1998-2009.
Maki n g Dis c i p l es
After 14 years and 11+ houses, Episcopal Habitat for Humanity Project (EHFHP) ends in the Diocese of Missouri tion’s dramatic downturn occurred. Local parish finances were hit hard and 2009 through 2011 saw the project scale back from sponsoring yearly whole house builds to sponsoring a few work days on other organizations’ builds. EHFHP worked on fundraising and searched for an angel investor to help with the $65,000 needed to sponsor a home, but came up empty. But those 11+ houses built by hundreds of dedicated volunteers over the years—homes that changed the lives for the better for many families—are a cause for celebration, a job well done. Even though EHFHP is ending, an online web history documents the project over the years. The web site was shepherded by Bill Sanders, member of the group and Advent Church in Crestwood. Each year volunteers took photos and videos during the builds of the work being done by the parishes—raising walls and roofs, painting, and even serving lunch to volunteers and families. http://www.ehfhp.org Burke says there are many folks to thank for those years of work: the project and house leaders, family partners, and the parish teams. “I am grateful to all of those churches in the diocese who provided support over the years, both financial and volunteer,” he continued. “We also appreciate Bishop Smith’s encouragement and support for this ministry over the years.” Burke noted his support for Habitat and will continue to volunteer as a construction leader and to donate to St. Louis Habitat and encourages others to do so. “We really have made a difference.”
What is True Religion? serve in local not-for-profits that address issues of human need. But unlike some of these programs, our young adults will live in community together under one roof. They will share a common rule of life that combines ancient practices of monasticism with 21st century realities of living in a fast paced urban environment. One day of their week will be dedicated to spiritual formation. We’ll celebrate the Eucharist together. We’ll invite special speakers to come and teach about political and economic issues that effect the neighborhood. Together, we’ll discuss scripture and faith. These spiritual, social, and educational opportunities will not be private events open only to our own little community, but instead will be open to the participation of the neighborhood and the diocese. Our work in Old North St. Louis is hardly a new venture in the life of the church. We take our name, Deaconess Anne House, from a faithful woman who served at Holy Cross House, a settlement house in Old North St. Louis in the early 20th century. She embraced the religion of James and dedicated her life to working for the betterment of some of society’s most vulnerable members. She raised the funds for Holy Cross House herself by opening and running a clothing
Thank you to all who helped along the way, including: David Benson Monte Morgan Kathy Sherrick Lucy Freeman & Lucy Krieg JD & Liz Mills Terry Alan George & Virginia Benson Marsha Smith Matt Wilson Herb & Marsha Smith Michael Burke Anne Hennig Mike Svoboda Don Esbenshade Lennell Jackson Paul & Valerie Michael Vince & Michele Nicosia Hitch Powell Bill Sanders Joe Adams
Claudia Moran & Rick Simoncelli Earl Bonds Bishop Hays Rockwell Bishop Wayne Smith Diocese of Missouri Advent Episcopal Church, Crestwood St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, St. Louis All Saints’ Episcopal Church, St. Louis St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. Ellisville Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Webster Groves St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Ladue Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Creve Coeur Church of the Holy Communion, University City Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Manchester St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, Florissant Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Louis
www.DeaconessAnneHouse.org Use the QR code to the right and your smart phone to navigate to the video on Deaconess Anne House that was shown at diocesan convention.
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boutique, she served as a spiritual guide, and she worked tirelessly for the welfare of the underprivileged. In 1912, the diocesan newspaper Church News wrote, “During the six years that Deaconess Anne was in charge of Holy Cross house she was everything to the people except their bishop.” Not only deaconess, which I suppose means the feminine of ‘servant,’ but also their pastor, which must mean their shepherdess, for she watched over needs spiritual as carefully as any commissioned pastor could do. Bringing children and adults to baptism, preparing others for confirmation and the Eucharist, managing the Sunday school with the assistance of a small corps of teachers, comforting the sick and consoling those that mourn, she filled all the functions of a minister if not a priest. Deaconess Anne followed James’ prescription for true religion, but she didn’t manage to remain unstained by her work. The struggles of running and funding a settlement house caused Anne to fall ill, and she had to stop her work and leave St. Louis in 1912. After her departure, Church News wrote, “We at Holy Cross would like to see her friends and admirers erect a memorial here to her. I doubt not but one will come. When we are fitting up quarters for her succes-
sor—perhaps the rooms will be furnished and called ‘The Deaconess Anne Rooms.’” This memorial never came to fruition, until now. 100 years after her work ended in St. Louis, we honor her legacy by naming our ministry of service in Old North The Deaconess Anne House, and we hope to live up to the great name of this saint of the church. Visit the orphan, visit the widow, this we will do, but sorry James, we will not remain unstained from the world. And that’s OK. Christ has not called us to live above the world, or outside the world, or to avoid the world, but to engage it full on. To live richly with our neighbors. To work with those already soiling their hands by turning bloody swords into earthly plowshares. To
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Bu i l di n g C o n gre ga ti o ns
“It was a tough decision to end the diocese’s Habitat for Humanity ministry,” said Michael Burke, the current chair of the EHFHP. “In a way, it is mark of how successful the St. Louis branch of Habitat for Humanity has become.” Habitat now builds more than 20 houses a year in St. Louis and is viewed as a permanent part of the community. “Many parishes and individuals are directing their attention and funds to more pressing needs, such as emergency food assistance in pantries and feeding ministries.” Habitat for Humanity came to St. Louis in 1986. EHFHP began in 1998, when thirteen Episcopal churches in the St. Louis area joined together with the financial help of the diocese to sponsor construction of a first Habitat home. The group worked along side the Jackson family, who took ownership of the house when it was built. More than 350 volunteers from the churches across the diocese worked on the project. The construction began August 29, 1998, and continued on Saturdays, until the home was completed in February, 1999. In the second year of the project the number of congregations participating rose to 14 and a second house was begun in February and completed in November, 1999. In 2000, the project kept growing with 16 congregations sponsoring, and a third home was built. The work continued and in 2001, the Episcopal Habitat ministry found financial backing from Citigroup (CitiMortgage, Travelers Insurance, and Salomon Smith Barney). The partnership with Citigroup ended in 2008, when the na-
get our clothes dirty while laying the bricks of the Kingdom of God. To get a little mud on our feet as we preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. True religion isn’t afraid of all the things that make humanity messy, beautiful, and holy. True religion isn’t bleached, it is stained with justice, and that type of religion, I believe, was Deaconess Anne’s religion—that type of religion was, I believe, the Israelite prophet’s religion—that type of religion was, I believe, Jesus Christ’s religion, and it is, I believe, our religion. Like that old Gospel Hymn rings, give me that old-time religion, give me that old time-religion, give me that old-time religion, it’s good enough for me. Thank you and Amen.
Winter 2013
DioceseMo.org
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Recognizing a deacon’s heart
Archdeacon Mark Sluss preaches at the ordination of deacons Paula Hartsfield and Cathy Johnston Back in 1990 I was living in Omaha, Nebraska. I had been there almost a full year and I was trying to plug into my church life at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. I was a Lay Reader, and I was starting a Young Adult Ministry for college students at nearby University of Nebraska-Omaha and Creighton University. Deacon Tom Upton came up to me at coffee hour on Sunday, tapped me on the shoulder and said, “have you ever thought about being a deacon?” That is when it began for me. Finally someone put a name to the type of ministry I was doing. And this seems to be the case with most deacons I have come in contact with— they all had been doing diaconal ministries prior to being ordained. We all know people in our congregations who are doing diaconal ministries—and I don’t mean the people that do all the outreach ministries. There are some deacons who got their feet wet doing those types of ministries. But we as a church are looking for leaders, in our ordained ministries. We are looking for people who can inspire other people to volunteer, people to lead and motivate by example, to get others involved in ministry. The deacon is that constant
reminder that the church needs to do more. We sit at the threshold of the church and point to the injustice and wrongs we see in our community and say, “What about that? What are we as a church going to do about that!?!” Some describe this as gnat-like, the constant irritation in the ear of the priest or vestry that we cannot ignore those things outside our doors. Postulant Deb Goldfeder says, and I tend to agree, that we aren’t gnats, we are sandpaper because we can be abrasive. But by rubbing against the church being our abrasive selves, we change the church. That’s why when priests and congregations tell me, “We want a deacon,” I always ask, “Are you sure you know what you’re asking for?” A good deacon brings self into parish ministry as a living icon of Jesus as Servant. That is what Diakonia means. Deacon is derived from the Greek word Diakonia that means servant. Or more properly, slave. And what is a slave? Slaves don’t have any choice in regards to what they must do. And that is what I like to say about deacons. Deacons simply cannot NOT do this type of ministry. It is who we are. Deacons are hardwired to do diaconal ministry and some call this
having a deacon’s heart. The Association of Episcopal Deacons describes it this way: Diakonia is central to fulfilling the church’s mission as servant leaders. Diakonia is not optional in the Gospel of Jesus Christ; rather it is an essential part of discipleship. Diakonia reaches out to all persons created in God’s image, and all of God’s creation. While Diakonia begins in unconditional service to neighbor in need, it leads inevitably through advocacy and prophetic proclamation to bear witness in word and deed to God’s presence in the midst of our lives. The Church needs Deacons. Because Diakonia is the natural response to the gospel of Jesus. As believers of Christ, we as a church must embrace this ministry. When people ask What would Jesus Do—we remember that Jesus chose to be a slave, chose servanthood on Earth. He could have had all the power in the world, but Jesus chose to be servant. Deacons in particular are called and ordained as servant ministers we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in solidarity with other servants and slaves; with the poor, the sick, the lonely, the weak, and the unloved. C.S. Lewis in his book “Mere Christianity” describes human na-
Recounting Joy: notes from Lui
Chris Cobb from Lui, South Sudan, a few days before returning to Missouri
Go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Deacons sometimes choose these words to dismiss the congregation at the close of Eucharistic celebrations, reminding us that our work as God's people is merely begun in the church, and is continued with joy in the world. I remember these words as I prepare to make the journey home and reflect on the readings for the coming Sunday celebration. The apostle Paul exhorts us to "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." Joy. The word captures an important element of the Lui experience for me. Joy. Two Joys participated in the sewing project. Their introductions provided the first opportunity for the ladies of Lui to laugh with/at
me. Joy Vanesta introduced herself first, introductions continued, and Joy Sista joined the group. Needless to say, on our first working day, language presented a bit of a challenge. I understood her to say that she was Joy's sister. "Okay. You are Joy's sister. What is your name?" The conversation continued like that for a few minutes until our trusty translator, Helen, finally set me straight and we all had a good laugh. Joy Sista turned out to be a trained tailor who did much of the teaching for the group. Joy. We find the word on Christmas cards and ornaments, but how often it is equated with simple happiness. Joy. The type of joy described by Paul as he sat in prison evades our simplistic notions. True joy is deeper. True joy maintains hope in the face of despair; light in the face of darkness. Joy. The word describes the experience of worship in Lui where people sing, dance, and praise God for the many blessings of life. Joy. It seems surprising in a place which can appear so bleak. When we asked how many children had their own cups at home, only
Seek is a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. Executive Editor: The Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith, Bishop of Missouri. Editor: Ms. Beth Felice, Director of Communications. Editorial Board: the Rev. Dr. Daniel Handschy, Dean of the Episcopal School for Ministry, St. Louis; Ms. Sarah Bryan Miller, St. Peter’s Church, Ladue; the Rev. Dr. Marc Smith, priest-in-charge of Ascension Church, Northwoods; the Rev. Dr. Dan Smith, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Missouri.
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one third raised their hands. Something as simple as inexpensive plastic cups can save lives in a place like Lui, where the deadly sleeping sickness has been linked to sharing one cup at home. The children who received cups through the spring preschool training wear them proudly on strings around their necks to make sure they don't get lost. Joy. The small children attending the village preschool greeted Maria and me each morning with joy, jostling to see which ones could hold our hands as we walked up the path to the hut/school. Have you ever tried to walk on uneven ground with 10 children struggling to hold your hands at the same time while singing "The Ants Go Marching One by One?" It proves to be an interesting and memorable challenge! Joy. The people of Lui exude joy and hopefulness, expecting a brighter future for themselves and their children. As women balance cell phones on their shoulders while cooking over charcoal fires, they hope for a brighter future. As children sit on logs under mango trees for their classrooms, they celebrate the end of violence in South Sudan and hope for a bright new day. As
ture and moral code, but one particular turn of phrase got me to thinking about the deacons we are ordaining tonight, Cathy Johnston and Paula Hartsfield, and how they got to this day. Lewis compares the interaction of human instinct with moral code as like a piano. There are no right or wrong keys, keys are not good or bad, but they are all needed at the right time and in the right order to create a melody. I think this about the deacons here in the Diocese of Missouri—that each of us who are living and working as icons of Christ’s servanthood, that our keys create a different melody, a song different than priests, different than the laity, and different than our bishop—our song is unique. Together we form an amazing choir, and today we get two new members. Welcome Paula and Cathy to the choir.
The Venerable Mark Sluss proclaiming the Gospel at Christ Church Cathedral.
our brothers and sisters struggle with disease and illness; almost nonexistent infrastructure; a generation who never received any education while running from place to place in the war; they laugh readily and celebrate the small steps forward, looking with joyful expectation toward a brighter future. In spite of the tears some of us have shed in the face of such material poverty, how can we leave this place with any spirit other than joy in the face of such a wealth of relationships? I leave this place tomorrow excited to see my family (okay, my own pillow, a real shower and familiar food also sound really good!) and sad to leave the friends I have found in this place. But I know that our entire team will, "go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit." Thanks be to God! The Rev. Christina Cobb is the Rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Mexico, Missouri and Chaplain at Episcopal Campus Ministry at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Photos of Chris with a little one; November 2012 missioners; with a deep background in agricultural science, Chris worked with folks in Lui developing methods to dry fruit and is seen here preparing mangoes. Team members l. to r. (excluding Gary Johnson, Cathedral, who took this and many other wonderful pictures with his iPad): Carl and Cynthia Rapp (Emmanuel), Maria Evans, Anders Nihlgård (Sweden), Jeannie Stephens (UK), Chris Cobb, Pauline Batstone (UK), Marie Körner (Sweden), and Dan Smith (Offices of the Bishop). To view more photos and read more reflections, visit online: LuiNetwork.diocesemo.org .
Remembering Mary Bredenberg brought Community of Hope to the diocese
Mary Elizabeth Bliss Bredenberg died Nov. 30, one month after being diagnosed with end stage lung cancer. She was an international board member and regional representative for The Community of Hope, a lay pastoral care program grounded in Benedictine Spirituality and community outreach, and brought that program to this diocese. Mary dedicated herself to the Benedictine way of life and was an Oblate of St. Benedict, St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN.
Helen Appelberg, Episcopal priest and founder of Community of Hope, describes Mary Bredenberg as "God’s precious child and gifted visionary, a deeply committed servant who lived her faith by transforming lives through her compassionate presence and listening heart." They first met in the fall of 1999 in New Harmony, Indiana, at a conference on The Benedictine Experience. "We had so much in common--were the same age, loved the Episcopal Church, and we were devoted to growing the church. And we shared a great passion for Benedictine spirituality." They talked about the Community of Hope, just beginning its 5th year. "This pastoral training program for laity was everything Mary embraced and believed in." Soon after returning to St. Louis, Bredenberg began to lay the ground work to start a Community of Hope training center. By 2000, she had spread the vision to other churches in the Diocese of Missouri, the Diocese of West Missouri. Miriam Jenkins met Bredenberg at General Convention in Detroit in 1988. Jenkins, a Michigander, "never dreamed that a few years later I would move to Missouri. Mary took me under her wing as I didn't know people here and thus
Wayne Norwood was not. "I did everything not to participate that first gathering, but was asked gently by Mary to 'at least consider it.'" Norwood did, continued the training, and after graduating became Bredenberg's team partner. They started out visiting patients at Barnes. Norwood said he'd have been fine with "visiting newborns and handing out congratulations, but Mary would hear nothing of it. She committed us to working with the Medical Intensive Care Unit." Norwood remembers those shared experiences in the M.I.C. as some of the strongest and greatest of his life. The first time they checked into a nurse's station, they were told of a patient that had just died, Mr. Brown, and asked to go to that room. Norwood remembers asking if the hospital Chaplain's office should be notified. The nurse said, "We have been calling. They're busy and can't come up. We need you to go in there." Norwood continues: And, so, we did, joining the Brown family. We asked Mrs Brown if Mr Brown had a church life. She said he did. She politely said, 'I really must make my arrangements.' We asked, 'Mrs. Brown, would it be all right if we prayed with your family?' We held hands. I took Mr Brown's right
our long friendship began. We both had a passion for pastoral care and life in the church." At the first COH trainings Bredenberg invited Jenkins to teach the module on Spirituality. Jenkins added, " I was so impressed with the overall training that I decided to take all the classes and was commissioned in 2002." Mary Ann Cook visited Bredenberg in South Dakota near the end of her life. "I took her a mantle of comfort knitted at St Michael and St George and a book on praying the scripture with the stained glass windows at SMSG. Many members of the Community of Hope at St Michael’s signed the book, knowing that they were sending Mary a final message. When I saw her, she told me of the notes she had received from Community of Hope members across the diocese. We describe the Community of Hope as a monastery without walls, and Mary died within the monastery that she founded here in St Louis." Another SMSG member and COH lay chaplain, Bill Van Luven, remarked that his work in a hospital ministry quite simply would not have happened without Bredenberg's influence. While "everyone else" was excited to be in the first formation class of the Community of Hope,
hand. Mary took his left. So there we all stood. Mary, me, the entire Brown family. Many Browns. A crowded hospital room. We all recited the Lord's Prayer together. We hugged Mrs Brown and left. A few hours later after they had finished their rounds, Bredenberg and Norwood ran into the two teenage Brown sons. They were teenagers, and noticeably angry when we were in the room with the family. We were obvious outsiders. "We've been looking all over the hospital for you," they said."You have?" "Yes. We want to tell you how much we appreciate what you did for our family today. We will never forget you for it. It meant everything, We are very grateful to the two of you." Mary and I were speechless. It was an outcome we never expected. And it was a powerful first day together. We spoke of this story for many years and for us it was a lesson in God's power and love. And, I am still speaking about this story today, in Mary's memory. O God, creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant the souls of your departed servants of our Order forgiveness of all their sins. May our devout prayers obtain for them the pardon that they have always desired: You who live and reign. Amen. --Prayer for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed of the Order of St. Benedict
Bishop Smith outlines use of same-sex blessings
Scenes from the 173rd Diocesan Convention, Nov. 16-17, 2012 in Columbia, Missouri
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2) Aware of the joy which the newly available rites for same-sex blessings brings to some of us, and the apprehension which they bring for others, the Bishop of Missouri presents these guidelines for their use within the Diocese. The materials in I Will Bless You, and You Will Be a Blessing, as amended by the 77th General Convention in 2012, provide the norm for same-sex blessings in this diocese. At the end of this article you’ll find a link to a webpage where you may download a copy of the rites, along with a brief theological introduction. There is also information on the page for ordering the full text of I Will Bless You when it becomes available. The enabling resolution for these resources places their use under the direction of the Diocesan Bishop, and that office thus plays a crucial role in implementing the rites, as described in the guidelines below. Each congregation intending to implement the use of the rites for same-sex blessing must engage in discernment and, in due course, signal a clear affirmation before moving ahead. The Rector, Vicar, or Priestin-Charge must support the move to use the rites and contact the Bishop before beginning a process of discernment in the congregation. A congregation may not begin this process during an interim period.
Making Disciples • Building Congregations • For the Life of the World
The community will undertake a season of prayer and study, including as many parishioners as possible in this process, and taking into account especially whatever theological and social diversity there may be. That is, this process should be thoroughly inclusive. The community can use the study materials and discussion guides in I Will Bless You. Alternatively, the congregation can engage the process developed and used by Oasis Missouri. Other plans of study and discernment are permissible, with the Bishop's consent. For congregations who have already completed a robust process of discernment, like Oasis, the Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-Charge may consult with the Bishop about omitting or adapting parts of the process. The Vestry should participate fully in the discernment in the congregation, at the end of which time they will deliberate and vote at a regular or called meeting to determine whether to move ahead. A majority vote is required, but a higher threshold is desirable. After the Bishop's assent, the congregation may then proceed with offering the rites of blessing. As is the case in helping a couple prepare for marriage, so is it the responsibility of the Priest to provide, or arrange for, adequate preparation for the life-long commitment envisioned by the Church's rite of same-sex blessing. The materials in I Will Bless You provide a good framework, although the Priest, at his or her discretion, may refer the couple for professional counseling. At least one of the couple must
be an active participant in the life of a congregation of this diocese, and regular in worship. For a couple in a congregation where these rites are not available, the Priest should work with them to seek another congregation where their relationship might be blessed. The couple will consider and sign the Declaration of Intention for a Lifelong Covenant, found in I Will Bless You, and the Priest will keep a copy of the signed document in the church's files. He or she will also present a copy for the couple to keep. At his or her discretion, the Priest may apply to the Bishop for a marital judgment, in the event of a prior marriage(s) or long-term relationship(s). The Priest will convey to the Bishop in writing that these guidelines for the couple have been met. The Priest may also confer with the Bishop, if there is any cause for concern or lack of clarity about how to proceed. Other matters (length of time for prior notice before the Blessing, the decision to adapt and publish banns, liturgical particulars, honoraria, etc.) are made at the local level. These rites of blessing are an action of the Church, for the people of the Church, and they are offered in a spirit of pastoral generosity and care. The development of these materials for the 77th General Convention resulted in such curiosity and interest in the deeper meaning of marriage between husband and wife that a task force has been commissioned to research these matters and report on them to the 78th General Convention.
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More and deeper: mission and spirituality in Missouri
For th e Lif e of th e Worl d
Bishop Wayne Smith’s message to the diocese at annual convention implementation of these rites in a diocese with the bishop’s permission, and under his or her direction. I have decided to permit their use in congregations who are willing to prepare for them, through a season of prayer, study, and discernment. This decision is cause for joy and excitement for many, and consternation or dismay for others. I understand both responses. Let me tell briefly how my own position on matters of human sexuality has changed. Or rather it is not so much that my position has changed, but the context in which I express my position has shifted markedly. My purpose has been, and still is, to work for the full inclusion of the faithful gay men and lesbians in our church, while at the same time maintaining the highest degree of communion possible within our common life and with the rest of the Anglican world. That is the constant. We are, I think, at that highest possible degree of communion possible, right now. It is not likely to get much better or much worse. There was a time early in my episcopate when it looked like the choice was either inclusion or communion. It looked binary, with no gradations between these two poles, and it looked as if it might be that way for a long time. The season after General Convention in 2003 was fractious, to say the least. Now, however, it looks like both inclusion and communion are available to us, at least provisionally. There are still issues of maintaining unity both in our common life in this diocese and in the lives of many of our congre-
gations. I know this. And we must keep an eye on the horizon of the Anglican Communion. But things are also changing, and changing much more quickly than I could have imagined. In the eighteen months following General Convention in 2003, for example, issues of human sexuality took over my life. Letters, phone calls, meetings, and email. Oh my, the email. After Mary Glasspool’s election and consent to become bishop suffragan in Los Angeles in 2010, only seven years later, I got exactly one email. One. No one even took the trouble to ask me if I gave consent, or not. Something had shifted. The season of change that I thought would take my entire episcopate, or longer, has been foreshortened. Not completed. Not over and done. But something has changed. The Anglican Communion remains fractured; or, that is not quite the way to say it best. My friend and colleague Ian Douglas, the Bishop of Connecticut, puts it this way: The Anglican Communion is in the process of inventing itself, and asking harder questions about what it means to belong to one another than we have ever before asked. It seems to me that this process of invention is messy and chaotic. Be that as it may, the Episcopal Church has a place at the table and will play a part in whatever the new shape of the Communion will be. For all of us: I am glad that we remain part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Belonging to one another—even when we think that we do not—still matters, if God
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encourage respectful dialogue and was wonderful, I was more than ready growth, each participant is asked to for ‘Lights Out’ at the hotel room. agree to these guidelines (to be read Day two was a work-filled half aloud together)...” I love this; would day with resolution and candidate that all meetings read this covenant presentations, discussions and votes; together at the start. It would prothough my personal favorite, Bishmote respectful meetings! I applaud op Smith’s Address, was also during the efforts of this guiding committhis time. Early in his address, he tee which clearly worked long and asked all of us to bring the energy hard to assist a smoother transition and joy from the previous night to for those churches who desire this this morning’s meeting. For me, this change. The workshop was content set a most important tone; I was at heavy, in fact, the manual was jokonce relaxed and ready. We are so ingly referred to as ‘The Big Fat fortunate to have such an eloquent Book’ and I wished there was more speaker in our bishop and I thank time. I still had another workshop God for him. I wished it were posto attend and I chose Resolutions, sible for everyone in our church to Budget, and Constitutions and have been there with me to hear Canons. This session was important him speak. I would encourage you because it gave opportunities for to read it. questions and discussion on these Our Reverend Annette asked important issues. me on Friday after the worship Plenary Two was next on service ‘What did I think of that?’ the agenda which I would label as “That was a whole lot of Holy.” ‘More from Angels; both living and This was, I know, an odd thing to not.’ We heard from churches in say and yet, as I thought about it, our diocese that are joining God’s that’s what I felt the whole time I work in creative ways, both in the was in attendance at the convenkinds of congregations they contain tion. I learned so much! Thank you and in the way they come together. to my pastor and to Holy Cross Pictures are worth more than a for allowing me to see how this thousand words and I encourage all amazing church of ours works. All to visit the diocesan website to view praise and glory be to God, Amen. more on these innovative programs for yourselves. Linda Bush is a member of Finally, Day one was conclud- Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Poplar Bluff. A lifelong ed with a worship service and ordination (or my interpretation, ‘The Episcopalian, this was her first time attending a diocesan Making of Angels’) followed by a convention as delegate. Convention Reception. Though it
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through Jesus Christ is working for the salvation of a whole world. For the faithful gay men and lesbians among us: I am glad for you, and glad for many of us, your straight allies, that we have come to this moment together. .
Belonging to one another—even when we think that we do not—still matters. A responsible budget At our Diocesan Convention five years ago we started a painful process of building a responsible budget, and we have continued in that process through the succeeding years. You will receive a balanced budget for your consideration later this morning. The process is not so painful at this juncture. My staff, our treasurer, and Diocesan Council have taken ownership for responsible budgeting and I am more than grateful for their leadership and diligent work. This manner of budgeting is close to becoming just what we do. There are good payoffs for these choices. Council does not have to spend hours of handwringing, readjusting our spending on the fly. Council meetings are lighter and more creative, as a result. Another payoff is this. There is no way in the world that we could have undertaken the initiative in Old North Saint Louis apart from the practices of responsible budgeting. We have money available for
mission that we would not have had otherwise. And these practices have also made it possible to fund a halftime youth missioner beginning in 2013. He or she will coordinate and plan diocesan events, develop good communications for parishes and youth, and strengthen networks of youth ministries in our diocese. We need this position. We could not have afforded it under previous financial practices. These are some of the payoffs for the hard work that we have undertaken. As a diocese, at our best, we are more than a compilation of separate functions—even important ones like what I have just been talking about. At our best, we are more than the mere sum of the individual parts. As I travel from the boot-heel to the Iowa border, from the Mississippi River to Highway 63, I get glimpses of the grace that God pours into the lives of our congregations and ministries here. I get to witness and hear about the desire to belong more to one another; the yearning to participate in what God is doing in the world; the longing to know and be known by God; a hunger for the Eucharist and all that it means. I love you, the people of this diocese. What God is asking from us is hard but always interesting— but even that, I am learning to love. For the sake of Jesus, risen from the dead. And for the life of the world. The Right Reverend Wayne Smith is the Tenth Bishop of Missouri.
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4th Annual Let Freedom Ring In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Christ Church Cathedral is hosting the fourth annual “Let Freedom Ring,” a daylong reading of Kings writing and speeches on Monday, January 21, 2013. The Nave of the Cathedral will be open from 9 AM through 5 PM for the reading, which will be accompanied by photos of the civil rights leader. The public is invited to come and listen and also to read.
This is the fourth year the cathedral offers the observance. This year, John Burroughs School is incorporating the event into its annual MLK Day of Service. Students will listen and read, then gather to reflect upon their hands-on service and the words of Dr. King. More details from Dean Mike Kinman at 314-348-6453. If on Facebook, join the event page for Let Freedom Ring.
Making Disciples Building Congregations
Happy inside: notes from Lui
Maria Evans writes from Lui, South Sudan, during the recent mission trip Today was a whirlwind of events, as well as a variety! This morning I was at the first day of the Pastors’ Conference. I met several of the people who are at the various parishes and archdeaconries, and was especially glad to see two women, Rasoul and Grace. The conference has priests, deacons, preachers, lay leaders—all sorts of folks. Many of them asked about previous missioners from Missouri. Some were very curious about where Kirksville is, so I drew a Missouri map in the dirt and showed them. And some were amused that the state north is called Iowa (since I-wah means “yes” in Moru). I told them that Kirksville was “very cold” compared to St. Louis and was often the coldest part of the state. “It can snow in October clear to March!” I said. (Ok, more like till April, but why scare them any more.) One asked me what kind of animals were in Kirksville and I had to explain “deer.” Again, I relied on the stick in the dirt method and said, “like a dik-dik with des (tall, big) horns!” They wanted to try one of those big dik-diks but were not very interested in hunting in the cold for some reason! One of the things that many of
the parishes need are Moru prayer books and hymnals. Another concern is there might be no one to begin to fill the shoes of Morris (a charming man I met the other day for the first time, who is going to help me learn a little more Moru). Morris is a true treasure; he has the most extensive knowledge of biblical translation between Moru and English and vice versa. I have to say I share that concern because language is so important in our relationship and I have discovered that knowing even the tiniest bit of Moru opens real gates with people here. Our first reflection at the conference was a small group discussion on the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke. I was placed with Rasoul, Grace, Charles, and Repent. Grace would translate now and then their thoughts about the questions. An interesting cultural thing that emerged was that in the Moru culture, the youngest son is always “Mama’s baby.” It put a twist on the story for them to see that the father in the story was acting a little more like a mother would—all interesting, and provoking more discussion! In the afternoon, I met with a group of Mothers Union folks, pre-school teachers, and children
to talk about “Health,” (a rather broad topic indeed!). Thanks to Chris Cobb’s wonderful bean bag “microbes” (made out of old socks) and a cooking pot, we talked a little about food safety, hand washing, the importance of everyone having their own cup and plate to prevent disease (particularly nodding disease,) the importance of wearing shoes, not leaving standing water for mosquitoes to breed, using mosquito nets, and some other fun topics. My translator Helen not only did a wonderful job translating but also a great imitation of someone with tetanus! I am still basking over the newest Moru phrase Rasoul taught me. She remarked that I “look happy inside” and taught me the corresponding Moru: “Ma ya eedees.” (Sorry for the bad phonetic spelling!) Yep. It’s true. I am happy inside. Very happy. Dr. Maria Evans is a member of Trinity Church in Kirksville. Pictures from top to bottom: Top picture (I’ll have to look at home to see if I have the left-most person listed; Charles, Mama Rasoul, Repent, and Grace discussing the Prodigal Son; Maria, the sock-puppet ”germs,” and translator Helen; following the English speaking service at Fraser Cathedral on Dec. 2, leftmost is Ebul, then Maria, passing the peace Lui style.
Resolutions passed by the 173rd Convention meeting November 16-17, 2012, in Columbia, Missouri issued from the Secretary of Convention, Dr. James Hood, 11/20/12
A-173 Minimum Clergy Compensation
Submitted on behalf of the Diocesan Council
1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 173rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri set the annual standard base compensation for full-time clergy in 2013 as follows: CASH SALARY & HOUSING ALLOWANCE $56,650 [The actual compensation should be determined by Resolution of the Vestry/Bishop’s Committee, in consultation with the clergy.] ; 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Church Pension Fund assessment will be paid by the congregation; 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $50,000 group life will be paid by the congregation; 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the medical coverage for clergy be in compliance with Diocesan Resolution A-172; 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a standard of ten days per calendar year and $500 will be provided for continuing education; 6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the standard auto allowance will be $2,000 per year; 7. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions encourage their full-time clergy to set aside the equivalent of two days each week for personal time, 24 hours of which must be consecutive; 8. BE IT FURTHER RE-
SOLVED that all parishes and missions be strongly encouraged to provide dental insurance for clergy and eligible dependents, or be assured they already have such coverage; and 9. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clergy in Charge shall accrue two weeks of sabbatical time for each year of service.
B-173 Churchwide Response to Bullying
Submitted by Diocese of Missouri Deputation to 2012 General Convention
1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 173rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri encourages congregations to invite local experts to offer information, in whatever form seems most helpful to members of the local congregation, on bullying, including cyber-bullying through electronic and social media, and ways to prevent it; and 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Convention encourages congregations to foster new partnerships among our congregations, dioceses, campus ministries, National Association of Episcopal Schools, public schools, counseling centers, and governmental organizations in order to support and offer preventative programs addressing bullying, harassment, and other related violence, especially with higher risk populations; and 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these partnerships be encouraged to create or join with existing required programs designed to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation in
Making Disciples • Building Congregations • For the Life of the World
our church settings which: • utilize positive, inclusive, empowering and developmentally appropriate materials • raise participant’s awareness about the issue • focus on prevention • seek to change bystander behavior into ally behavior • create partnerships between youth and adults • provide intervention and treatment for those who exhibit bullying behavior; and 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that bullying is defined as the recurring use of single or combined written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical acts or gestures, directed at any person that: result in physical or emotional harm to the person or damage to his/her property; places the person in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself or of damage to her/his property; creates an intimidating or hostile environment for the person; and/ or impacts the rights of the victim. Bullying shall include cyber-bullying through electronic/social media, telephonic technology or other means; and 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Convention encourage each congregation to report its progress to its Convocation.
C-173 Video Captioning
Submitted by Metro III and St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church
BE IT RESOLVED that this 173rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri encourage that all video produced in our diocese (e.g. YouTube, video blogs, televiSeek
sion, films, etc.) from this time forward include open captions for the benefit of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
D-173 Reduce Barriers to Participation in Church Leadership and Governance
Submitted by: Ms. Lisa Fox (Grace, Jefferson City), the Rev. Daniel Appleyard (Emmanuel, Webster Groves), Ms. Lynette Ballard (St. Matthew’s, Warson Woods), Ms. Betty Bowersox (Grace/Kirkwood), the Rev. Dr. Warren E. Crews (Emmanuel, Webster Groves), Chester Hines (Holy Communion/University City), Mr. Jay Kloecker (St. Peter’s, Ladue), the Rev. Jason Samuel (Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis), the Rev. Doris C. Westfall (St. Matthew's/Warson Woods), the Rev. Tamsen Whistler (Trinity, St. Charles)
1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 173rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri request elected and appointed committees, commissions, boards, and task forces of the Diocese to examine barriers that may pose an obstacle to prevent members of the Diocese from fully participating in their work and meetings in light of resolution A096 of the 2012 General Convention; and, 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that they report their findings to the Diocesan Council, which in turn is asked to provide a summary of their findings to the 174th Diocesan Convention, with recommendations to expand participation in Diocesan bodies. You may download a copy of resolutions passed by the 173rd Convention from www.diocesemo.org . Winter 2013
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Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis • All Saints’ Church, Farmington • All Saints’ Church, St. Louis • Church of the Ascension, Northwoods • Calvary Church, Columbia • Calvary Church, WeClayton are 12,500 baptized in 46 congregations Louisiana • Christ Church, Cape Girardeau • Christ Church, Rolla • Church of St. Michael & St. George, • Church of the members Advent, Crestwood • Church of the Good Shepherd, in the eastern half of Missouri, Town & Country • Church of the Holy Communion, University City • Deaconess Anne House • Emmanuel Church, Webster Groves • Grace Church, Jefferson City • Grace Church, Kirkwood • Holy Cross Church, Poplar Bluff • St. Alban’s Church, Fulton • St. Barnabas’ Church, Florissant • St. Francis’ Church, Eureka • St. John’s Church, Eolia (Prairieville) • Camp Phoenix • Christian Education • COEDMO • Commission on Dismantling Racism • Commission on Ministry • Community Gardens • Community Health and Wellness Ministries • Community of Hope • Companion Diocese Committee • Diocesan Council • Diocesan Convention • Diocesan Mission Trips • Episcopal Campus Ministry • Episcopal City Mission • Episcopal Church Women • Episcopal Recovery Ministry • Episcopal Relief and Development • Episcopal School for Ministry • Fresh Start • General Convention • Grace Hill • Happening • Hunger and Food Ministries • Oasis Missouri • Paseo Con Christo • St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System (STARSS) • St. Luke’s Hospital • Standing Committee • Task Force for the Hungry United of Thank Offeringof• Missouri Youth Ministry • St. John’s Church, Tower Grove • St. Luke’s Church, Manchester • St. Mark’s Church, Portland • St. Mark’s Church, St. Louis • St. The•Mission the Diocese is Martin’s the Church, Ellisville • St. Matthew’s mission of all baptized Christians:Church, Mexico • St. Matthew’s Church, Warson Woods • St. Paul’s Church, Carondelet • St. Paul’s Church, Ironton • St. Paul’s Church, Palmyra • St.toPaul’s Sikeston • St. Peter’s Church, Ladue • St. Stephen’s Church, Ferguson • St. Thomas’ Church for the Deaf, Kirkwood • St. Timothy’s Church, Creve Coeur • St. teach Church, and to spread the Gospel Vincent’s-in-the-Vineyard Ste.toGenevieve and its knowledge Church, of salvation all people; • Church of the Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis • Trinity Church, Jefferson County • Trinity Church, Hannibal • Trinity Church, Kirksville • Trinity Church, St. Charles James End • Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis • All Saints’ Church, Farmington • All Saints’ Church, St. and to make the love•ofTrinity ChristChurch, known inSt.the world• Trinity Church, Central West Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Louis • Church theown Ascension, Church, Louisiana throughofour actions asNorthwoods individuals, • Calvary Church, Columbia • Calvary 1210 Locust Street • Christ Church, Cape Girardeau • Christ Church, Rolla • Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton • Church Advent, Crestwood • Church of the Good Shepherd, Town & Country • Church of the Holy Communion, University City • Deaconess Anne House as congregations, and as ofthethe diocese, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 • Emmanuel Church, • Grace Church, Jefferson City • Grace Church, Kirkwood • Holy Cross Church, Poplar Bluff • St. Alban’s Church, Fulton • St. Barnabas’ Church, by feeding theWebster hungry,Groves welcoming the stranger, Florissantclothing • St. Francis’ Church, Eureka • St. John’s Church, Eolia (Prairieville) • Camp Phoenix • Christian Education • COEDMO • Commission on Dismantling Racism • Commission the naked, housing the homeless, on Ministry • Community • Community caring for the sick,Gardens visiting the prisoner, Health and Wellness Ministries • Community of Hope • Companion Diocese Committee • Diocesan Council • Diocesan Convention • Diocesanand Mission Trips those • Episcopal Ministry • Episcopal City Mission • Episcopal Church Women • Episcopal Recovery Ministry • Episcopal Relief and Development • Episcocomforting in timesCampus of trouble. pal School for Ministry • Fresh Start • General Convention • Grace Hill • Happening • Hunger and Food Ministries • Oasis Missouri • Paseo Con Christo • St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System (STARSS) • St. Luke’s Hospital • Standing Committee • Task Force for the Hungry • United Thank Offering • Youth Ministry • St. John’s Church, Tower Grove • St. Luke’s Church, Manchester • St. Mark’s Church, Portland • St. Mark’s Church, St. Louis • St. Martin’s Church, Ellisville • St. Matthew’s Church, Mexico • St. Matthew’s Church, Warson Woods • St. Paul’s Church, Carondelet • St. Paul’s Church, Ironton • St. Paul’s Church, Palmyra • St. Paul’s Church, Sikeston • St. Peter’s Church, Ladue • St. Stephen’s Church, Ferguson • St. Thomas’ Church for the Deaf, Kirkwood • St. Timothy’s Church, Creve Coeur • St. Vincent’s-in-the-Vineyard Church, Ste. Genevieve • Church of the Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis • Trinity Church, Jefferson County • Trinity Church, Hannibal • Trinity Church, Kirksville • Trinity Church, St. Charles • Trinity Church, St. James • Trinity Church, Central West End • Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis • All Saints’ Church, Farmington • All Saints’ Church, St. Louis • Church of the Ascension, Northwoods • Calvary Church, Columbia • Calvary Church, Louisiana • Christ Church, Cape Girardeau • Christ Church, Rolla • Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton • Church of the Advent, Crestwood • Church of the Good Shepherd, Town & Country • Church of the Holy Communion, University City • Deaconess Anne House • Emmanuel Church, Webster Groves • Grace Church, Jefferson City • Grace Church, Kirkwood • Holy Cross Church, Poplar Bluff • St. Alban’s Church, Fulton • St. Barnabas’ Church, Florissant • St. Francis’ Church, Eureka • St. John’s Church, Eolia (Prairieville) • Camp Phoenix • Christian Education • COEDMO • Commission on Dismantling Racism • Commission on Ministry • Community Gardens • Community Health and Wellness Ministries • Community of
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from the Episcopal Church in Missouri Diocese
Making Disciples Building Congregations For the Life of the World
Winter 2013
We Are the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Please Join Us in Worship This Week
This year’s annual diocesan leadership conference
Living Theologically: Leadership for our times On Saturday February 16, 2013, Lutheran School of Theology, Episcopal School for Ministry and the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery will co-sponsor a conference “Living Theologically: Leadership for our times.” This conference will serve as the Annual Leadership Conference for the Diocese of Missouri. The conference is designed to help Vestries, Bishop’s Committees, Sessions and Councils to think theologically about the business of the Church. The morning sessions will focus on two “test cases” most congregations deal with—the stewardship drive and youth ministry. Three panelists, one from each denomination, will discuss the case studies from the perspective of the theological resources of each tradition, and how those resources might be brought to bear in the life of a congregation. The conference will also provide opportunity for sharing of ideas and resources among participants. After lunch, each denomination will have its own break-out session. For Episcopalians, ESM and Bishop Smith will lead a conversa-
O n e - d a y Wo r k s h o p
Saturday, Feb. 16, 9AM- 3PM Emmanuel Episcopal Church 9 South Bompart Ave, Webster Groves, 63119
tion about structuring the life of the diocese and of congregations around the five marks of mission being used by the national Church to name its priorities. We will also have an opportunity to discuss the upcoming restructuring of the national church around those priorities and how congregations might do the same. Panelists are: the Rev. Dr. Daniel AndersonLittle, most recently pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in University City for 14 years ; the Rev. Dr. Daniel Handschy, rector of Advent Episcopal Church in Crestwood and Dean of the Episcopal School for Ministry; and the Rev. Karen Scherer, pastor of Unity Lutheran Church in Bel-Nor.
The Five Marks of Mission
The Mission of the Church is the mission of Christ
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom To teach, baptize and nurture new believers To respond to human need by loving service To seek to transform unjust structures of society To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth
For more information: Dan Handschy at 314-843-0123 or advent-episcopal@sbcglobal.net Warren Crews at 314-918-1157 or wecrews@sbcglobal.net Beverly Van Horne at 314-620-4405 or beverlyvanhorne@sbcglobal.net Tuition: $15 (includes lunch) Registration due by Feb. 8, 2013 Registration is through the Lutheran School of Theology: LST 6325 Clayton Rd. St. Louis, MO 63117 Download a registration form at diocesemo.org Or register online: lststl.org Registration questions to: LST office phone: (314) 725-9710 LST office email: registrar@lststl.org Penny and Keith Holste, Administrators
Bishop Wayne’s Visitations and Schedule Sun, Jan 13 Sun, Jan 27 Sun, Feb 3 Sun, Feb 10 Sun, Feb 17 Sun, Feb 24 Sun, Mar 3 Sun, Mar 17 Sun, Mar 24 Sat, Mar 30
Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, Florissant St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Manchester Trinity Episcopal Church, St. James All Saints’ Episcopal Church, St. Louis St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, St. Louis Grace Episcopal Church, Jefferson City Ascension Episcopal Church, Northwoods Christ Episcopal Church, Cape Girardeau Easter Vigil, Christ Church Cathedral
Celebration! The people of St. Paul’s Church in Sikeston gather; Bishop Wayne and St. Paul’s newly installed rector Suzanne Wolfenbarger; newly installed rector of St. Mark’s in St. Louis, Mark Kozielec; the people of St. Mark’s heading over to the parish hall for the reception.
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Winter 2013
DioceseMo.org