Seek, Nov. 2015, voices of the Episocpal Diocese of Missouri

Seek

November 2015

voices from the

A Letter to Vasco

by Deborah Goldfeder, missioner to Lui, Deacon at Church of the Ascension, Northwoods Dear Vasco Tadu Daniel, I greet you in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your very name tells of your beginning. Vasco was given to you at your baptism but Tadu means “Last Born” and Daniel was your father’s name. You were the last child born to Daniel and you were so-named at birth because Daniel died before you were born.

Last Born of Daniel, I owe you my confession.

We had many conversations in the months I spent in Lui and during the time you visited us in Missouri—Missouri means “good” in Swahili you told me. We talked about your beloved children.

One of your sons was born on 9/11 and so, you named him “In Pain” in solidarity with people eight time zones behind you. You cared about us before we even knew you. You knew what we felt on that horrible day because all of your life you have lived with war or the terrible feeling that war would come again because it always does!

You endured my endless questions and I answered your

questions about your son who had congestive heart failure and who was beginning to receive digitalis to improve the strength of his heart beating. You stayed with him when he was hospitalized. I longed to provide him with western medicine and treatment that might even lead to a cure but it was beyond whatever I could do. We prayed and trusted that God would take care of him. How I wished for such a firm faith!

I asked two questions of people in Lui: I asked, “What was your worst day?” and “What does peace mean to you?” I admit that I don’t remember your worst day story but I remember every detail of what you believed peace to be. I concontinued on page 4

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

Sorrows of South Sudan Bishop Wayne Smith on the current situation for our companion diocese in Lui, South Sudan.

The sorrows of South Su- 2011, regional differences in the dan continue to grow, despite South have overwhelmed any the end of civil war in 2005, national consciousness that despite the new nation claimmight have accompanied indeing its independence in 2011, pendence, to the point that any despite renewed promises of material development accomcease-fire in the succeeding plished in the war’s aftermath years. The Sudanese civil war has mostly come undone. It is a lasting twenty-two years was peace squandered. Open confought between forces of the flict between political factions North, mostly headed by PresArab in ethnicity “Everyone from whom ident Salva Kiir I hear begs for our and Muslim in and former Vice religion, and the President Riek prayers, and I make South, mostly Machar began that plea to you on ethnic Afin December behalf of these our rican and 2013, and it is partners. This common fair to say that a Chrislife in Christ matters to new civil war is tian in them and to us.” religion, in progress, this although time internal to a minority still keep South Sudan. The war between traditional practicNorthern and Southern forces is es indigenous to the over. Civil war in the South now region. That war ended is raging. ten years ago, and it Until this year I was able to was costly. The conflict report, correctly, that most of eventually killed two the conflict in this new war was million people and far removed from our friends displaced four million in the Diocese of Lui. Indeed, more. In the years since

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ph: 314-231-1220 www.DioceseMo.org Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Offices of the Bishop 1210 Locust St. St. Louis, Missouri 63103

© The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, 1210 Locust St., St. Louis, Missouri 63103 ph: 314-231-1220 web: diocesemo.org

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Be Reconciled!

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Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

INSIDE A Letter to Vasco

by Deborah Goldfeder Sorrows of South Sudan

by Bishop Wayne Smith

Nov. 20-21, 2015

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Chesterfield, Missouri DoubleTree Conference Center Host congregation: St. Timothy’s

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Feed and Be Fed!

by St. Paul’s Church, Carondelet

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A Berry Patch for Shepherd Farm by Good Shepherd Church

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Young Adults at St. Tim’s

by St. Timothy’s Church

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A New Model to end homelessness

by Christ Church Cathedral

diocesemo.org/convention2015

The Mission of the Church Is the Mission of Christ

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We recognize with gratitude that the Five Marks of Mission, developed by the Anglican Consultative Council between 1984 and 1990, have won wide acceptance among Anglicans, and have given parishes and dioceses around the world a practical and memorable "checklist" for mission activities.

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Nominees for leadership Why Christian?

by Rebecca Guth If you could write a motto for St. Matthew’s...

Be Reconciled!

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MAKING DISCIPLES

Laundry of Love

by Transfiguration Church and Trinity Church St. Charles

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

The First Diocesan Conventions by Sue Rehkopf Life of the Diocese news bites A Verging Success!

To Dismantle Racism Dismantling Racism Commission welcomes Kris Zapalac to Dec. open house; offers January 14-hour training workshop; coordinates February’s Absalom Jones Commemoration for the diocese Working with the DYAC

by Martin Geiger Ironwoman

by Wendy Ludbrook

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Sorrows of South Sudan

continued from page 1

the major warring factions live hundreds of miles away from Western Equatoria State and Lui. The violence of warfare, however, has a way of finding new locales, even places that seem to make no strategic sense. So war, illogically, has come once again to Lui. It is hard to know who exactly has taken up arms against our brothers and sisters, but as I write the situation is worsening. Soldiers have repeatedly ransacked the towns and villages of the Diocese, causing most of the people to seek refuge in the open countryside, “the bush.” Others have fled to refugee camps, mostly in Uganda. In the bush, people lack access to such basics as food and clean water, and schools all across the One of the four refugee camps in Uganda receiving refugees Diocese have shut down, from South Sudan. Photo credit Jordi Matas/UNHCR with children once again Prayer matters. been in the towns along this highway. gery and recovery this summer humbled going without education.

Travel is unsafe; travel is impossible. me—and meant the world to me. SolidarMedical care is not availIt is in this inBishop Stephen is determined to ity in praying for one another draws us able. Deepening the crisis stance, it beprovide material relief to the people closer, even across an ocean and through is that the farmers have comes a matter in Lui, but the logistics of getting food the senselessness of warfare. It is by no not been able to plant means an inconsequential part of this of life and death. and water to them are daunting, to their crops this year. say the least. He and I have been in treasured relationship. Prayer matters. It Famine looms. News gets email communication, and my hope is in this instance, it becomes a matter of worse almost every day; is to send funds to assist with relief as soon life and death. just yesterday I learned of an aerial attack as he can find a way to make sense of the against some of the towns, and the bomThe Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith is the tenth bishop practicalities. bardment of a key junction along the major of the Diocese of Missouri.

Everyone from whom I hear begs for road west of Lui. our prayers, and I make that plea to you on To read the most recent news (that can be Bishop Stephen Dokolo has been in the behalf of these our partners. This common published publicly) from companion diocese capital city of Juba these past weeks, unable life in Christ matters to them and to us. committee members, former missioners to to return to Lui, ninety miles distant. The Lui, and mission partners in Sweden and The Dioceses of Missouri and Lui road has not been open to any traffic, and the U.K., follow online at: praying so diligently for me during my surthe most extensive recent destruction has LuiNetwork.DioceseMO.org The morning of Oct. 7, Debbie Smith woke up to texts on her phone from Vasco, Lui diocese administrator in South Sudan, then spoke with him by phone. The news was not good. "A warplane bombed the Amadi junction,

near where people are hiding in the bush. The junction is just a few miles outside Lui town on the road to Mundri. Vasco didn't know whose warplane it was. He added that there are sick people stuck in Lui Hospital, among them his daughter, and that staff

of CUAMM (an Italian organization, Doctors With Africa) are also at the hospital. Vasco urgently asked us to pray for the safety of all those affected and for the return of peace.

Later that day diocesan mem-

bers and Facebook friends received a message from Bishop Stephen of Lui that his wife Lillian's mother died at 7:30 pm, October 7, and he asked for our prayers for Lillian and the family.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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A Letter to Vasco

continued from page 1

fess that I was arrogant and believed I knew what peace was. I was a fool. Women had told me that peace was a mud house because when you were hiding from the enemy in the bush, houses were made of grass: they could be built quickly and provided a degree of camouflage as you were hiding. Women also said that peace was a house with only one door because, when the enemy came and lit the grass roof on fire, you could escape out the small, concealed door at the rear knowing that if you exited toward the enemy they would kill you instantly. You, Last Born Child of Daniel, had a different answer.

We were standing by a brick kiln that had been built in Lakamadi. People were “burning” bricks to harden them for building more permanent structures. There were stacks of new bricks piled under the mango tree where we stood. You said, “Peace is a brick church.” I asked you what you meant by that and you said, “When war comes again, a brick church will still stand.” I remember saying, “Vasco, how can a brick church mean peace if you are planning for the return to war?” I was so dismayed. Oh, dear, how can peace be preparing for war to come again? I was so foolish. I confess I said, “You have to do better than that! What does peace really mean to you?” Every time we have met since that time, you have told me different ideas about peace and, quite honestly, I don’t remember any of them particularly. I’m so sorry, Last Born of Daniel.

Peace meant more than the absence of war, of that I was certain but I was telling a man who had lived his entire life with war always a presence and telling him that he didn’t know peace! What rubbish! Tadu was always at peace! In our very first conversation you annoyed me so much when we talked about the problems and the shortages of things we were experiencing when the missionaries who ran the hospital left as a result of the tribal war the Moru were having with the Dinka Bor tribe. You kept saying in with total conviction, “God will provide.” You smiled quietly.

“God will provide.” We were in the midst of

MAKING DISCIPLES

a terrible drought, people were having their gardens raided and trampled, children were eating green mangoes and getting sick from drinking bad water and you said, “God will provide!” I can hear you saying that now.

The news since December 15th has been terrible. People in Bor are dead in the streets with no one to bury them. The people of Bor were enemies of the Moru but even the Moru would find this horrible. The dead had to be quickly buried in their home village but these people were left there, exposed, food for animals. Tadu, I visit your home in my mind and see the mud houses built under the shade of the mango trees and around the stones marking the graves of your ancestors.

I remember the monkeys coming down from “that mountain” and stealing your mangoes as we celebrated the New Year’s birthdays of all of your children and gave thanks for their lives with prayers, Eucharist and a meal. I sit here and remember the laughter and the calm as we sipped hibiscus tea sweetened to near-syrup by the honey you had harvested and I knew peace that day. God provided the hibiscus flowers and the bees that made the honey. God also provided the sorghum that human hands made into kisera bread for the Body of Christ. The sweet, sweet tea filled the Cup of Salvation. God provided by giving us the Prince of Peace.

I see your home compound and pray that it has not been burned. I imagine you and your wife, Charity, hiding your children in the bush with other families and I imagine you risking your life as you both go to find hibiscus blooms and honey. I wonder about your son with heart disease and pray he is doing well. Last Born of Daniel, do you have medicines for him? Are there roots and flowers that Charity can make into medicines for him in the bush? Are you chewing on those slightly bitter orange-flavored berries that make you less hungry? Are you finding bush meat to eat when you go hunting with your sons with bows and arrows? I can hear your prayers for an early rainy season so planting can begin and I add mine to yours.

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

You see, Vasco, Last Born of Daniel, I have not had one minute of peace since December 15, 2013. I am as “safe” as it is possible to be. I have all that I need and more. I have hibiscus teabags going stale in my pantry! But I do not know peace!

I cannot be at peace if you are hungry. I cannot be at peace if your children are thirsty.

I cannot be at peace if you are homeless or your children in danger of the weapons of war. I am not at peace if children anywhere are suffering! Micah calls for a time when swords are beaten into plowshares and spears to pruning hooks where there is no war and “they shall sit under their own vines and under their own [Laro] tree and no one shall make them afraid….” And then “we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.” You see, now I understand that the opposite of peace is fear but you knew that. God will provide.

We pray for you, we pray for your family, we pray for the people of the Moru tribe, for the people of all tribes and nations throughout the world. We pray that we may all know peace, especially the peace that passes all understanding. May you not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day or disease and destruction because you know that the LORD is your refuge and that the Most High is your dwelling place. “God will provide.”

Forgive my foolishness, Last Born of Daniel. You knew peace all along. Pray for us that we will know such peace but until that day when all are at peace, we all will be, In Pain.

Written 2/17/14 for a service of prayer and lament for the Moru people and the Diocese of Lui. Since that time, the situation in Lui has deteriorated terribly: people are living in the bush, their homes, markets and villages have been burned to the ground or bombed, many have escaped to displaced persons camps in other countries and others have been killed only to be left where they fell. Our hearts are broken. They need our prayers now more than ever. As recently as October we know that Vasco is still alive but their situation is very precarious. —Deborah Goldfeder

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

New Ventures in Community Ministry grant recipient

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Laundry of Love Two churches, laundromats, stacks of quarters, detergent and dryer sheets, and fellowship.

Church of the Transfiguration in Lake St. Louis and Trinity Church in St. Charles are combining forces on a new ministry to serve the homeless community not only in the city limits of Lake Saint Louis and St. Charles but the entire St. Charles County area. They hope to welcome not only the homeless, but the working poor, those on fixed incomes or just plain down on their luck, as well as single parents and their children.

This new ministry is designed to do what Jesus invited each of us to do—get out into the community, get to know the community, and help our neighbors.

Unwashed clothes can become a storehouse for parasites, bacteria, and viruses.

Imagine the strain that unwashed clothing places on homeless or low income families.

The Laundry of Love ministry will schedule a laundry night at a participating area laundromat. Each congregation will provide at least two members to attend night. The ministry will provide soap and fill the loaded machines with quarters. The two congregations are collaborating to find the best way to get news of this ministry out to the community.

Neither Transfiguration or Trinity Each year the Diocese of Missouri encourages churches and groups in the diocese to apply for a New Ventures in Community Ministry grant.

The grants are awarded by the Diocesan Council from an endowment established by the diocese-wide Making All Things New campaign from some years ago.

The grants, as their name suggests, encourages new ministry, encourages stepping out of

expect anything in return. Both vestries have approved this new joint venture; these congregations have a history of working together and this new ministry will be no different.

A representative from each congregation will work together to oversee this new ministry and to find locations throughout St. Charles County to best serve the community.

Quarter donation jars will be set up at each congregation, as well as at some local restaurants. Additional donations of quarters, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets will also be gratefully accepted for this new ministry.

one’s comfort zone to find God’s ongoing work in the neighborhood.

Or as the grant states, to “inspire congregations to dare great things for God by developing new ministries in response to changing social needs throughout the diocese.”

These are meant to be startup funds to develop new projects.

The Council looks for projects that are “do-able, manageable, replicable, and sustainable by congregations.”

As this new ministry grows, the addition of food during the laundry event might be added. Down the road is the hope that the laundry of love will also foster community participation within the neighborhoods through multiple levels. Laundromat personnel, child tutors, medical professionals, other churches, business and individual sponsors, people dropping off detergent, others saving quarters, shelters and motels, neighbors and strangers all coming together with those being served to form a web of compassion and collaboration which can nurture further networks and relationships. —Transfiguration and Trinity St. Charles Churches

The New Ventures in Community Ministries Grant Committee established by Diocesan Council, with the advice and consent of the Bishop and Council. are responsible for the disposition of the income generated by the endowment fund.

Traditionally, the amounts awarded to recipients are announced at the annual November meeting of Diocesan Convention, and this year is no different.

Over the next five pages, read about the ministry initiatives, in the words of their own proposals to Council, that have received funding this year. Let their stories spark your own hearts and consider how you might be a part of this next year.

Online applications from the 2015 round include the timeline which is similar from year to year. diocesemo.org/diocesancouncil

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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New Ventures in Community Ministry grant recipient

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Feed and Be Fed! St. Paul’s Church has been in the south St. Louis neighborhood of Carondelet since 1868. We are nestled in a lower middle class neighborhood with a current population of approximately 8600 people. The neighborhood, while being quite stagnant for several years and declining at a rate of 130 people per year according to census from 2000 to 2010, has slowly but steadily been showing signs of coming back to life over the past 5 years.

Carondelet, one of the largest neighborhoods in St. Louis and the most southern part of the City of St. Louis, has 4 public schools Statistics show our K-8 children are not performing well. Carondelet sits on the poverty line; the majority of our students qualify for a state free or reduced lunch program. When school is out for the summer, many of these children go without meals.

Over the past 3 years we’ve had an emphasis on fellowship with youth and their families and our Friday children’s game night with snacks has progressed from a to a twice-monthly Friday might BBQ for the neighborhood, complete with family games and fellowship on the front lawn of the church. In these moments of breaking bread together, sharing stories and fellowship we get to know each another. We recognize that Jesus is in our midst when understand that there is no “us” and “them” except in our fears. Those fears end when we make an effort to know one another and come together as a community.

These BBQs are a starting point for us to expand to other types of meals for the neighborhood such as spaghetti or chili dinners to accommodate the seasons during the entire year, and as a springboard for further community involvement. Involvement includes projects in the neighborhood such as winterizing or painting and doing minor house repair help for older residents with volunteers from a combined force of St. Paul’s, Corinthian Baptist Church and other congregations and members of the community. We want Friday night youth nights that include a

MAKING DISCIPLES

meal and a mix of game nights, mentoring, guest presenters, peer discussion groups, etc. all with input from the youth themselves. It is during these neighborhood get-togethers that we can engage, listen, and learn through these discussions the particular needs and how we can be there to work hand in hand to make a difference in the lives of this community.

It is important for us to know the neighborhood in which we worship. To advertise the BBQs, members of St. Paul’s canvas the neighborhood door to door sharing flyers and information about our ministries. We plan this canvasing in addition to our bi-weekly neighborhood Prayer Walks during the summer months. The community participates in the communication effort by sharing the news of events by word of mouth.

With each event, conversations continue with people wanting to know when the next event will take place.

We are called by Christ to minister to all those around us: rich, poor, black, white, gay, straight…everybody. We are called to know them, to love them and to feed them as Christ would have us do.

We must feed and be fed. We do not just serve our neighbors without being served by them. We cannot serve Christ without serving the people. The BBQs and the Prayer Walks are ministry in that both are acts of being exemplary—doing something that others can do, so we are not the ones doing it every time. We have been told by neighbors that they are now cleaning the areas around their homes because of the small acts of picking

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

up litter along the way as we walk during the prayer walks. Other small congregations in the community are planning to feed people.

The Pentecost congregation of Carondelet is having a BBQ on Wednesdays because they were inspired by St. Paul’s; the neighborhood UCC has plans to begin one of their own.

The miracle is not that people are fed, the miracle is that people are changed by sitting and talking to one another. By these conversations, we are fed by Jesus through one another. If even one person knows they matter as they come to the front yard of St. Paul’s, then we have begun what Christ calls us to do. The grill and the community are doorways to the Holy. We are not just flipping burgers and feeding people; the community, neighbors and St. Paul’s members, is being transformed.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

—St. Paul’s Church, Carondelet.

St. Paul’s ember Debbie Wheeler, pictured above in her role as one of the parish grill masters.

New Ventures in Community Ministry grant recipient

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A Berry Patch for Shepherd Farm From the earliest times, Christians have considered feeding the hungry to be central to the mission of the church. The Hebrews let the poor glean the fields after harvest, Jesus fed the hungry with loaves and fishes, and exhorted his disciples to "feed my sheep." Hunger and food insecurity have become increasing problems in the nation and in the St. Louis region.

The Church of the Good Shepherd has been involved consistently in outreach projects to meet the needs of the hungry in our area. We contribute canned goods and cash to the Trinity Food Pantry, the youth group has worked at World Food Day since its inception and has also volunteered at the St. Louis Area Food Bank, and parishioners regularly volunteer at the Peace Meal at St. John's Church.

It is this latter relationship that served as a springboard for our newest venture in feeding the hungry, the establishment

Late September harvest at Shepherd Farm.

of the Shepherd Farm garden in the spring of 2014. One of the things lacking from the Peace Meal ( and many food pantries) is the availability of fresh produce; one of the blessings Good Shepherd has in abundance is land. Consequently, we resolved to use some of the land to plant a garden, Shepherd Farm, where the produce would be donated to enhance the health, nutrition, and variety of food at the Peace Meal.

Our bounty of fresh vegetables quickly surpassed what could be used at the Peace Meal. As a result, we have also provided herbs, greens, and vegetables to the Circle of Concern, an organization providing food and emergency assistance to low income families in Valley Park, MO. Last year we also provided tomatoes to St. Stephen's food pantry following the unrest in Ferguson, and to the Cathedral for their Saturday morning breakfast. We even found a use for some of our greens damaged by a cabbage worm infestation—the Missouri House Rabbit Society. And this year, we were able to share some of our early season bounty with the Trinity Food Pantry.

In 2014, we harvested and delivered more than 2,080 pounds (or more than 4,160 servings) of fresh produce. In addition, in 2014 and 2015 the garden was the site for a very successful Vacation Bible School program based on ERD's Abundant Life Garden Project that provided experiential learning for grade school students from six different parishes to learn about good stewardship, preserving precious resources, the life cycle of plants, and hunger in St. Louis and around the world.

Our municipality, Town and Country, has been very supportive of this venture.

Their community garden is based on a different model and so we are not in direct competition. In 2015, we have had members of numerous churches who are interested in starting a similar food ministry visit us to

learn what has worked well, and not as well.

We have hosted workdays where school and church groups have volunteered in Shepherd Farm for a few hours, or several days.

We began Shepherd Farm as a conventional vegetable garden. We would like to compliment our vegetable offerings with blackberries grown on bushes on our grounds.

The establishment of a berry patch would allow us to add another healthy choice to the vegetables we currently grow.

We have researched, and received valuable advice from master gardeners and experts as well as the University of Missouri Extension Service. This led us to the decision to establish a small patch ( 4’ x up to 60’) of a single crop (blackberries).

We believe this approach would give us a good probability of being successful with a new crop, and in the shortest amount of time given our growing conditions at Good Shepherd.

This will be a learning opportunity for us and if successful, will afford us the opportunity to share what we learn with others, much as we have done with our vegetable garden. —Church of the Good Shepherd

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New Ventures in Community Ministry grant recipient

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Young Adults at St. Tim’s After high school and college, young adults face major transitions which leave many falling through the cracks, lonely and disconnected, especially from the church.

Some young adults have chosen a more traditional college route while others have not and feel left out.

St. Tim’s hopes to reengage these young adults. Their grant will fund creating a “framework for this age group, encouraging them to reach beyond themselves, for their own community and for the wider region.”

This idea came from the personal experiences of church members, their family members and friends. Rector Marvin Foltz hosted a dinner for the young adults of St. Tim’s, so he could connect with that age group. An impromptu ‘Steering Committee’ for this project formed from that group, and continue to meet. They want to do service projects and get connected with others their age.

There aren’t that many young adults at St. Tim’s so the Steering Committee wants to reach out to young adults that have aged out of the diocesan high school activities.

They think that St. Louis area Lutheran young adults would also be interested in such a gathering.

Their plans to build community begin with a communications blitz on social media, posters and mailings to all metro Episcopal and Lutheran churches, to share news of their forming.

The planning breakfast or dinner meetings each month, organized a couple of weeks before each event, would foster fellowship. Mentors from the church would participate, but the young adults would be the leaders of this ministry.

Social programs like paint-ball, go-carting, or bowling, are envisioned to

MAKING DISCIPLES

take place quarterly. Service programs as well, such as the recent partnership St. Tim’s had helping with Alliance for Healthy Communities, or disaster cleanup. Guest Speakers would present on topics of interest to the group. These events would be held at a non-church community locations to attract more participants.

An annual high adventure trip such as white water rafting, backpacking, or Boundary Waters canoe trips would “afford appealing, risk taking, opportunities to the group and develop physical and mental, drive and stamina.” The young adults will be asked to bear much of their cost to participating in this event, however scholarships are planned.

St. Tim’s Steering Committee continues to discuss ways they can use their unique skills and experiences surviving high school to mentor current high school students.

This ministry is primarily about building relationships within the young adult community, a group that is often overlooked. A secondary goal is to build self-esteem by providing opportunities for this group to learn how to run events and measure their successes and failures.

Some events will take the group out of their normal comfort zones to new places in the metro area.

Even though this grant will include and serve to connect young adults outside St. Timothy’s, it will be fully supervised by the Congregational Vitality Committee and ultimately the Vestry of St. Tim’s. Watch for news of this group and its plans in diocesan communications and at diocesan convention. —St. Timothy’s Church

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

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New Ventures in Community Ministry grant recipient

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interview process for selecting potential applicants; establishing expectations for the committee members and the housing partner; and scouting for potential service partners that can assist in providing support services to the individual selected. Two Despite widespread attention and major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Christ individuals who have personally experisizable financial resources dedicated to the Church Cathedral has been working with enced homelessness have been a part of the cause, the plight of those who live on our community partners, including the City of committee planning sessions. Once adestreets in America who do not have perma- St. Louis Department of Homeless Services, quate funds have been secured to meet the nent housing continues to grow, largely due to bring a Housing First model to St. Louis. basic budget needs, a sub-committee of the to the downturn in the American economy The CHP is the first instance of a CHP committee will begin the candidate seand the outflow of jobs to other countries. congregation-based, housing first model in lection process. As of August 2015 approxiWhile the city of St. Louis has had a St. Louis. Its principles are consistent both mately 70% of the needed financial goal for a ten-year plan to end homelessness, since with the national Housing First Model and one year budget ($12,500) has been pledged. the 2008 worldwide financial crisis, the with the principles outlined by Robert LupThe CHP of Christ Church Cathedral is city has seen more people living in tempoton in his book Toxic Charity: How Churches the first endeavor of any faith-based organirary shelters and on the streets. At Christ and Charities Hurt Those They Help and zation in the metropolitan St. Louis area to Church Cathedral, where the congregation How to Reverse It. take on the challenge. The systems the CHP has long welcomed people experiencing The vision of CHP is to assist an indicommittee sets in place will be a springhomelessness to attend worship services, vidual, or small family, who has been living board for other faith-based organizations use the nave throughout the week to seek for twelve-months or more without a home, to adopt and use in developing their own shelter from hot, cold and inclement weath- in securing a safe and moderate sized apart- housing program. er, enjoy breakfast every Saturday morning, ment they can call home and to financially Once the processes and procedures or seek overnight lodging on cold Winter support them for a full calendar year by established by the CHP are proven to be Tuesday evenings, the number of persons paying their rent and basic living expenses effective, they will be shared with other being served has increased, as well as the while they reestablish their self as a produc- Episcopal congregations and faith-based orcomplexities these individuals experience. tive and independent citizen. ganizations. A guide book will be developed Current research and thinking for After hearing Teka Childress, the to provide written instruction and usable supporting individuals who are chronically founder of the St. Louis Winter Outreach,forms for application and evaluation. homeless is first to find permanent housspeak in April 2015 about the opportunity This new ministry of Christ Church ing. In order to assist these individuals she envisions for finding and funding perCathedral will further enhance the congrein putting their lives back together and manent housing for the homeless, a group gation member’s active concern and love, becoming productive members of society of congregation members established the as a reflection of God’s love, for those who again, they must first have a home from CHP committee to explore, learn, and plan live without a permanent home. By being a which they can feel grounded, empowered, for making the goal of permanently houspeople of truth, kindness, understanding and support in reestablishing their lives. ing an individual for one year a reality. The and generosity, this housing partnership The Cathedral Housing Partnership Cathedral Chapter, as well as Dean Michael ministry will establish a process of, one by (CHP) is a pilot project creating a model Kinman, Vicar Amy Chambers Cortright, one, supporting another person to raise where congregations can make a tangible and Deacon Chester Hines fully embraced them selves out of hopelessness and homedifference in the lives of people struggling and approved the committee’s ministry. lessness and into a life of worth, purpose with homelessness using a “Housing First” The committee has focused on securand dignity. approach. The “Housing First” philosophy ing monthly financial pledges; developing The program’s goal is to assist as many of providing a foundation of housing and an in-house brochure to explain the minhousing partners as pledge dollars and hubasic services from which a person or fami- istry to the entire congregation with the man resources can support. ly can achieve self-sufficiency is the current intent of soliciting additional financial best practice in the field of homeless sersupport; drafting a Covenant agreement —Christ Church Cathedral vices and has been instrumental in signifibetween the committee and the housing cantly decreasing homelessness in several partner selected; developing a standard

A New Model to end homelessness

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10 The Episcopal Church in the Worldwide Anglican Communion: 80 million Christians around the world, led by the Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

Nominees for leadership positions

in The Episcopal Church: 2 million Episcopalians in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 17 nations, led by the Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate. in the Diocese of Missouri: 12,000 members in 42 congregations, campus ministry and an intentional community, led by the Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, 10th Bishop of Missouri.

SEEK, November 2015

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Offices of the Bishop 1210 Locust St. St. Louis, Missouri 63103 Seek is a quarterly publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. Diocesan members may request a complimentary subscription by mail: send address to the Offices of the Bishop attn: Seek Subscription. Seek is also distributed to each congregation in the diocese. Archived editions of Seek are online at diocesemo.org.

Editor: Ms. Beth Felice, Director of Communications Editorial Board: the Rev. Dr. Daniel Handschy, Dean of the Episcopal School for Ministry; the Rev. Jon Hall, Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Ellisville; Mr. Ken Luebbering, Grace Church, Jefferson City; Ms. Sarah Bryan Miller, St. Peter’s Church, Ladue; the Rev. Dr. Marc Smith, Rector of Ascension Church, Northwoods; the Rev. Joe Chambers, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Missouri.

Submissions by post attn: Beth Felice, or online via diocesemo.org/submit.

Deadline: Jan 8, 2016 for the edition available February 2016.

MAKING DISCIPLES

For Cathedral Chapter (Electing 1 clergy, 1 lay member from inside STL City/County): Mr. Harry Goff, St. Barnabas' Church, Florissant. For Diocesan Council (Electing 2 lay members): Mrs. Krista Baker, Trinity Church, Kirksville; Ms. Barbara (Barbi) Click , St. Paul's Church, Carondelet; Mr. William (Bill) Cramer, Trinity Church, St. Charles; Mr. John Dotson , Grace Church, Kirkwood. For Disciplinary Board (Electing 1 lay member): Ms. Victoria (Vicki) Myers , Grace Church, Jefferson City; Mr. Robert (Bob) Schaefer, Grace Church, Kirkwood; Mr. Scott Thompson, St. Mark's Church, St. Louis. For Standing Committee (Electing 2 clergy and 1 lay member): The Rev. Robert Ard, Priest-in-charge, St. Paul's Church, Carondelet; The Rev. Michael Dunnington, Priest-incharge, All Saints' Church, St. Louis; The Rev. Deborah (Deb) Goldfeder, Deacon, Ascension Church, Northwoods; The Rev. Canon John Kilgore, Canon, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis; The Rev. Dawn-Victoria Mitchell, Rector, Trinity Church, Hannibal; The Rev. Jonathan Stratton, Rector, Trinity Church, Central West End; Ms. Shug Goodlow, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis; Mr. John (Jerry) Martin, St. Paul's Church, Carondelet, St. Louis.

Biographies online: diocesemo.org/convention2015

ERRATUM. In last quarter’s edition of Seek, on page 18 in the article “Changes in the Offices of the Bishop, diocesan clergy” we wrote, “Rita Benson has transitioned to Finance Assistant/Benefits Administrator.” In fact, Ms. Benson has been functioning as the finance assistant and benefits administrator. Her title was updated to reflect the work she is already doing for the diocese.

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Why Christian?

By Rebecca Guth, Christ Church Cathedral, who shares some of her experience at a conference of people sharing their personal stories of faith.

Thanks to a generous gift, I spent Austin Channing Brown spoke the September 18-19 in Minneapolis attending hard truth that Christianity has not only the 2-day “Why Christian?” conference. not been witness to black suffering—but Conceived by authors Nadia Bolz-Weber the source, both as “partner and propoand Rachel Held Evans, the conference nent.” promised to be an ecumenical gathering of Yet each have stayed or returned to “a group of storytellers who make us want the body of Christ because, as Winnie Varto be Christians.” ghese said, “Christians have made beauty Having read several of Held Evans’ out of despair.” That beauty emanates from books and identifying with her experience another critical truth she shared: “I belong of doubt while growing up in an evangelical to a God whose love I could not escape.” renewal over the dry soil of my heart – a “rechurch, I was intrigued by what this conferThat love permeated the conference conversion,” as speaker Jodi Hough repeatence could be. on the second day as Rachel Kurtz led us in ed throughout her talk.

And while not strictly a “women’s song with her soulful Allyson Dylan Robinson conference,” all of the main speakers were voice. I thought I’d said it best in her final talk of the Christians have made women. A mix of pastors, priests, authors, left behind the overly conference: “I don’t always know professors, and activists – each prepared to emotional Christianity beauty out of despair. if this story is true, but I choose share their stories of faith. of my youth, but the to live my life as if it were.”

—Winnie Varghese Words can’t adequately convey the ex- tears flowed and hands perience of this conference, nor could I ever raised as we lifted our describe the depth and breadth of the talks voices to Amazing given by these remarkable women.

Grace, accompanied by the “trombone of Day 1 included talks from redemption” played by speaker hosts Rachel Held Evans and Emily Scott. As Nadia Bolz-Weber Each of these Nadia Bolz-Weber, as well as said through her own tears, the women shared Jes Kast-Keat, Winnie VarHoly Spirit had descended on that their experience ghese, Tiffany Thomas, Rachel place. of Christianity Murr, and Emily Scott. Day Kerlin Richter, an Episcopal as a diverse and 2 speakers were Jodi Houge, priest covered in tattoos and the Kerlin Richter, Nichole M. most glorious shock of electric beautiful mix of Flores, Mihee Kim-Kort, messed up people. blue hair (my spirit animal), Austin Channing Brown, and shared that “the sacraments are a Allyson Dylan Robinson. way we get faith under our fingerEach of these women shared their nails.” What a beautiful reminder that God experience of Christianity as a diverse and consistently meets us in tangible, concrete beautiful mix of messed up people. ways, which is what the experience of “Why So many of them endured unspeakable Christian?” was for me. As I live out the perhurt in the name of Christ, including Rachel petual ebb and flow of my own faith, someMurr, who shared a heartbreaking account times the doubt speaks louder than belief. of alienation from the church as a lesbian. But the words from these women showered

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If you could write a motto for St. Matthew’s...

She talked with a young woman the other day, beginning to discern a call to ministry. “How long did the process take you,” the young woman asked. Beth Simpson smiled as she tallied the years and answered sweetly, “Oh, about twelve years.”

Elizabeth Bass Simpson was born in Plantersville, Mississippi in 1948. Her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, during her high school years. Beth met Andy Simpson, her husband-to-be, at the age of 16, while attending Methodist Youth Fellowship. They married when they were 19 and recently celebrated their forty-seventh anniversary.

They lived in Memphis for the first twenty years of their marriage. Beth completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Memphis State University while making a home and raising their two children, Jenny and Drew. .

Andy and Beth moved to Columbia, Missouri, in 1988. Andy did research and taught at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, until his retirement in 2011. Beth worked as youth director at Community United Methodist Church, then as an associate director of Missouri Interfaith Disaster Response Network, created to respond to the Flood of 1993.

She worked as Director of the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program at Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging from 1996 until 2011. In that position, she recruited, trained and supervised volunteers who advocated for residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities. She was actively involved in the Culture Change movement, which seeks to empower staff of care communities to create a home-like environment for their residents and to empower residents to have control of their lives.

In 2003, Beth completed the Education for Ministry course at Calvary Episcopal Church, where she had attended for several years. Beth was involved in Calvary’s participation in a local soup kitchen and engaged her EFM group in serving. During the last year of EFM, Beth began to discern her call to deeper ministry. She became a postulant for the diaconate in 2010. Beth retired from the

MAKING DISCIPLES

ombudsman position one day before beginning classes at Episcopal School for Ministry, which she completed the 2014.

While studying at ESM, Beth she continued serving with Calvary’s feeding ministries and connected Calvary with Columbia’s Room at the Inn winter shelter. She began a new program, “Saturdays for Seniors,” projects for elderly clients and parishioners, and was involved in leading worship at a long-term care community. In the fall of 2014, she began her year of field work at St. Matthew’s Church in Mexico.

Since arriving at St. Matthew’s, Beth has worked with a coalition that provides emergency winter shelter, and has begun leading worship at two nursing homes. She and some parishioners fill carts at the food bank each Wednesday. Beth is on the preaching schedule every four weeks, and enjoys visiting with St. Matt’s members. She wants to discover their particular gifts and to learn how they have shared them with the church. Her favorite question is, “If you could write a motto for St. Matthew’s, what would it be?” A few answers so far: “The friendliest church in town,”

“Caring in Christ,” and “God it!”—contributed by the six children present one Sunday! Bishop Smith has assigned Beth to serve as deacon at St. Matthew’s after her ordination.

Photo of Deacon Janet Schisser on her last Sunday as deacon at St. Matt’s (l.) and Beth Simpson, who after her November ordination at diocesan convention will be deacon at St. Matt’s.

Be reconciled!

This year’s annual convention of the diocese meets November 20-21 at the DoubleTree in Chesterfield. Friday begins with an opening Eucharist and ordination of Beth Simpson to the diaconate. On to a working lunch, and convention digs immediately into the business of running the diocesan ship for the coming year(s). We’ll elect members to Diocesan Council (the corporation of the diocese), Standing Committee (the bishop’s council of advice), and other committees and bodies. There will be several resolutions offered, among them those coming via the Missouri Deputation from General Convention. The proposed budget which was drafted by bishop, finance officers and Council was then sent to the convocations for their input. Council then revisits comments and prepares the draft for diocesan convention to discuss and vote upon.

Spiritual food for delegates include the

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bishop’s address, presented as the sermon at the opening service, and three presentations on the topic of reconciliation. Each presenter may choose some mix of table discussion.

Those three will be the bishop, the Rev. Shariya Molegoda, rector of Grace Church in Jefferson City, and Deacon Harry Leip, Trinity Church CWE. The diocesan youth are planning a lock-in at St. Timothy’s (convention host congregation) on Friday night before their visit to convention on Saturday for a presentation and behind-thescenes look and participation in governance.

Friday’s dinner will be followed by trivia for those so inclined. Story-sharing in the exhibition hall with a few rounds of Ministry Minutes. And, an (almost) paperless convention with registration and the paper-forest of mailings online at DioceseMO.org/Convention2015.

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The first diocesan conventions

by Sue Rehkopf, archivist of the Diocese of Missouri The Rt. Rev. Bishop called the meeting to order…

And so began the first Convention of the Diocese of Missouri. With five parishes now organized in Missouri, and more soon to follow, a few clergymen and laymen met informally in the fall of 1840 to discuss the possibility of organizing the parishes across the state into a Diocese. A primary convention was called on the 16th of November 1840 at the new Christ Church (at 5th and Chestnut Streets) in St. Louis. The day began with Morning Prayer read by the Rev. Chaplin Hedges, chaplain at Jefferson Barracks, and a sermon preached by the Rev. Peter Minard, rector of St. Paul’s Church in the city.

In addition to the Rev. Messrs. Hedges and Minard, there were six other clergy present in Convention: the Rev. Silas Crane, president of Kemper College; the Rev. Wm. Hommann, from Grace Church, Jefferson City; the Rev. James Mead, rector of Christ Church, Booneville; the Rev. Thomas Paine, rector, St. Paul’s Church, Palmyra; the Rev. Frederick Peake, rector of Christ Church,

St. Louis; and the Rev. Isaac Smith, rector of Trinity Church, St. Charles.

Missionary Bishop Jackson Kemper presided at this first Convention, and the first order of business was to appoint a committee to examine credentials of lay delegates. The committee reported lay delegates from four of the five congregations, a total of 16 men. Delegates from Booneville were unable to be present.

The most important resolution to come before the primary Convention was this: Whereas, the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in of the United States, living in Missouri, and deeming it expedient to unite themselves into a Diocese to be in Union with the General Convention of said Church, be it therefore

Over the two days of Convention, Rules of Order and Constitution and Canons were written and presented, members were elected to the Standing Committee, and four clergy and four laymen were elected deputies to General Convention. Six men were appointed to the committee on the establishment of a permanent fund for the maintenance of the Episcopate in the Diocese.

When General Convention met in New York in October 1841, Missouri’s resolution Resolved, By the Clergy and Laity aforesaid, that they be, and are hereby was approved by both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, and Missouri united and formed into a Diocese to became the second diocese west of the be styled and known as the Diocese of Mississippi. the Protestant EpiscoAt the second Convention of the Diopal Church in the State cese it was “unanimously resolved that the of Missouri, and to be Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper DD be hereby rein union with the Genspectfully requested by this Convention to eral Convention of said take the full Episcopal charge and authority Church. of this Diocese of Missouri.”

The Bishop agreed to stay until the The resolution was new Diocese could support its own bishop. adopted unanimously.

Had he been willing to become the first The Convention Bishop of Missouri the Diocese would have business went on, apwelcomed him, but he felt his work was pointing committees to begin the work of creating as a missionary. He remained in Missouri until the Rt. Rev. Cicero Hawks became first this new diocese.

Bishop of Missouri in 1844.

The Rev. Frederick Peake, rector of Christ Church and the Rev. Peter Minard, rector of St. Paul’s Church in the city of St. Louis.

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The Life of the Diocese Advent, Crestwood: is working on establishing a Rule of Life for the congregation, how we encounter Christ in our midst and how we share it with others. This journey began with a workshop from Richard Valantasis on Aug. 9, 2014, and has continued with vestry, adult formation, and parish membership participation.

All Saints', Farmington: held its first “mixer” this October. Members were invited to bring a guest to an evening for an introduction to the Episcopal Church and history, how we pray, and a time of fellowship which included Oktoberfest refreshments (brats, pretzels).

All Saints', St Louis: had a successful Friends and Family Sunday with close to 200 guests. Before the service concluded, each person who had invited guests stood up with them, making introductions, and sharing that person’s history with the church. Service was followed by a magnificent Cajun brunch. All Saints’ and Ascension shared their service in August with the annual Eucharist and picnic in Vinita Park.

Ascension, Northwoods: grieved with Vicar Marc Smith during the illness and death of his wife, Mary Lee, from cancer.

Calvary, Columbia: showed and discussed the film Traces of the Trade, and is starting up a parish group to explore and address problems of systemic racism, past and present. Christian Formation has a new monthly schedule on Sunday mornings: first Sundays are an intergenerational activity in the parish hall; second Sundays everyone is invited to a community service project in the parish hall; with remaining Sundays in age-grouped classes. The new Family Worship Services began on November 8, Rite III in the sanctuary.

Calvary, Louisiana, St. John’s, Eolia: Rector Pat Glenn spent some time in Abu Dhabi helping with her new granddaughter. Calvary is working on clothing drive with an area AME church, and the weekly ministry of filling weekend backpacks of nutrition for local kids has started up again.

Christ Church Cathedral: sponsors Open Door at noon on Sundays and are now providing a meal for 55-60 people. This is in addition to serving breakfast every Saturday morning to an average of 130 people. The largest of the Cathe-

MAKING DISCIPLES

dral’s lay committees, Pursuing Racial Justice, was formed after the shooting death of Michael Brown. A mixed group of ages, races, and backgrounds, they are dedicated to addressing the question, “How can we be an inclusive and justice-oriented church?” Some recent activities have included lobbying at the Missouri State Capitol, becoming a vendor for the St. Louis American, and starting a Witnessing Whiteness discussion group in conjunction with the YWCA. Christ Church, Cape Girardeau: Though the cold and rainy weather took the St. Francis celebration inside, we heard the assembled creatures included a wolf. Fall is a busy time for the Red Door Church’s food pantry, which is open on Monday and Thursday mornings. A community meal continues on the last Sunday of each month.

Christ Church, Rolla: the annual holiday apple pie sales were another success this year with over 250 pies assembled. Every Sunday, Christ Church hosts Open Door from Noon to 1 pm, and provides a substantial meal to anyone in the community. The food is donated, prepared, and served by nine teams of parishioners working according to a rotating schedule. Christ Church is always looking for volunteers to help with this important outreach ministry.

Deaconess Anne House: welcomed 6 new and one returning corps member for this year, and are settling in to the daily rhythm of the house and their internships. Remember that you have a standing invitation to join DAH for informal Eucharist on Monday nights at 7:15 PM. If you can join for dinner at 6:15, please RSVP to the Rev. Rebecca Ragland at 314-556-2585 by the prior Friday.

Emmanuel, Webster Groves: a recent trivia night netted $10K for mission, a portion of this money went to Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota to help set up a small sewing business. A parishioner took two sewing machines, a computer and car full of fabric to the Reservation.

Emmanuel will begin its 150-year anniversary celebration by working with the other churches that are also celebrating their 150 year anniversary to help raise $250,000 to put an addition onto Webster Rock Hill Ministry building.

Grace, Jefferson City: Nov. 8 is a celebra-

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tion, a hymn sing, a presentation by the stewardship committee, and members will be making ten food baskets to bring a Thanksgiving feast to clients of the Samaritan Center.

Grace, Kirkwood: A group of members known as Team Bad Dog enjoyed Episcopal hospitality as cycled in RAGBRAII bicycle tour across Iowa this summer. They were welcomed by the Rev. Elizabeth Duff-Popplewell in Cedar Falls and other Episcopal parishes across Iowa.

Duff-Popplewell grew up in the Diocese of Missouri. Grace’s Choir Master Receives Royal Honor received an honor from the Council of the Royal School of Church Music. Phillip Brunswick was lauded “for your considerable endeavors in founding and growing the RSCM America Summer Course and for not only providing education for both young and mature choristers, but also creating opportunities for music directors, organists and housemasters; also recognizing your contribution to church music through your work in your parish church.” The Royal School of Church Music supports a worldwide network of more than 8,000 churches, schools and individuals. RSCM provides education, resources and training to achieve the best use of music in worship. The organization holds summer camps for children, teens and adults in a handful of cities in the United States. Phillip founded the RSCM St. Louis camp in 1998 and volunteered as the Executive Director of that camp through 2013.

Good Shepherd, Town&Country: harvested some 1600 pounds of food from their garden this year. Vacation Bible School was in the garden this year, and a mission group from California came and worked in the garden and also served at Peace Meal. The Church of St. Michael and St. George youth group also spent time helping in the garden.

Holy Communion, University City: celebrated the installation of Rector Mike Angell and their renewed ministry on Sept. 16, 2015. This fall they’ve offered ‘Pilgrimage’ for those new to Holy Communion, the church, or Christianity. It’s a twice monthly class and dinner exploring themes in Christian thought and practice through the Episcopal tradition.

Holy Cross, Poplar Bluff’s Rector Annette

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Joseph was one of four diocesan folks who attended the Assent Based Community Development conference hosted by the Episcopal Church at Toddhall. Also attending were Good Shepherd’s Rector Pamela Dolan, St. Luke’s interim Rector Doris Westfall, and diocesan communications director Beth Felice.

Hunger Task Force organized a team for the October CROP walk and raised $1155, the second highest team-dollar-amount, for Operation Food Search and Webster-Rockhill Ministries.

St. Alban’s, Fulton, and St. Mark’s, Portland, share joint fellowship and social time in every month with a 5th Sunday. It’s been a great way for the two communities to come together.

St. Barnabas', Florissant: the Episcopal Church Women put on another successful, annual vendor sale, ‘Shop ‘til you drop.’ In October the Deaconess Anne House corps members and director Rebecca Ragland worshiped at the church then offered a ‘Coffee Talk with DAH’.

St. Francis', Eureka: On Aug 31, the Diocese of Missouri closed on the purchase of 3 acres of land in Eureka on behalf of St. Francis’ Church.

They hope to break ground in Spring of 2016, and for the first time in their 25-year existence, aim for their own church building.

St. John's, Tower Grove (St. Louis): This fall a group is “Living the Questions” using a curriculum and media for both seekers and ‘church alumni/ae’ who are convinced that Christianity still has relevance in the 21st Century. It is a 21 part series; each 20 minute video has a different presenter who is a well-known contemporary theologian followed by group discussion.

St. John & St. James, Sullivan: had their annual Undie Sunday collection of new underwear for needy school children in their area. Their Holy Socks campaign is coming up in December.

St. Luke’s, Manchester: continues its work with interim rector Doris Westfall. The Discernment team is wrapping up congregational listening sessions for the search process. The inside and outside of the church have been painted, and they have a new mailing address: 444 Brightfield Trail, Manchester MO 63021 St. Mark's, St. Louis: has entered into a partnership with St. Louis Public School System magnet school, Kennard Classical Junior Academy (Pre-K thru 5th grade). They’re also continuing discernment on “Changing Our Culture

of Violence” using resources/strategies defined in For the Sake of All to focus on an area where individuals and we as a faith community might provide some impact.

St. Martin's, Ellisville: continued celebrating their 50th anniversary with their first pumpkin patch with pumpkins coming from a Navajo tribe in New Mexico. They hope to use half their profits for their youth mission trip and half to go back to the Navajo diocese. The 7-11 club (Christian Ed) has planted a second crop of winter wheat and hopes to harvest enough wheat to make communion bread.

St. Matthew's, Mexico: said good-bye to Deacon Janet Schisser who has been assigned to Calvary Church in Columbia. After her ordination at diocesan convention in November, Beth Simpson will continue her current placement with St. Matt’s as deacon.

St. Michael & St. George, Clayton: On Sept.

14, CSMSG curate Ezgi Saribay was ordained a Priest by the Rt. Rev. Martin Field, bishop of West Missouri. The service at CSMSG was followed by a festive reception.

St. Paul's, Carondelet (St. Louis): has a bi-weekly practice of a prayer walk. They set out through the neighborhood with a processional cross, offering prayers (many from the Book of Common Prayer) along their path. They take a couple of large plastic bags to pick up trash along the way. Litter affects how people feel about their neighborhood. This practice is spreading to others in the neighborhood.

St. Peter's, Ladue: hosted the diocesan World Food Day youth event on Oct. 16. They’ve welcomed new music director David Sinden and are well into a season of Evensongs and concerts in addition to glorious Sunday service offerings.

St. Stephen's, Ferguson: Food continues to be an important part of St. Stephen’s mission.

The Food Pantry distributes about 70 bags of food per week and the Peace Meal occurs on the fourth Sunday of each month, where food and conversation abound.

St. Thomas' Deaf Church: is partnering with people and organizations beyond our church to help start a social enterprise to increase employment opportunities for Deaf people. They continue offering Sunday worship all in Sign Language and their monthly evening program “Deaf Circle” encourages spiritual ex-

ploration and growth and engages Deaf people of various denominations and faiths. In July, 2 out-of-town presenters drew 25 and 35 people (2 nights in a row).

St. Timothy's, Creve Coeur: is in the search process for an assistant priest. Energized by hosting a diocesan dismantling racism training, a newly formed racial reconciliation group has developed.

Trinity, Hannibal: began an Episcopal 101 class this fall. Hannibal is known as ‘America’s hometown’ and home to several festivals. Trinity has become known for their ‘heavenly pork sandwich’, which they offer at the town’s July 4 festival, and this year was the best year ever. The town is abuzz with the news that riverboats are coming to Hannibal again. The former St Paul’s church in Palmyra opened as an antique and home goods store called the Olive Branch in September. Pews and carpet were removed and the hardwood floors have been restored. An open house was for church members to see the shop before it opened to the public. Riverboats are coming to Hannibal again.

Trinity, Kirksville: the new accessibility ramp is up and functional and is making a huge difference in the ability to welcome all people.

Trinity, St. Charles: the big summer project was sealing and striping the parking lot accomplished by 25 parishioners, led by Bill Cramer. This resulted in a savings of approximately $10,000 and a lot of fellowship. The day after the parking lot project, worship was held at the St. Charles Presbyterian Church fellowship hall.

Trinity, Central West End (St. Louis): has begun a ‘Humans of Trinity’ series each Tuesday and Thursday a portrait of a member of the church or organization that uses the space, or even a neighbor. These images are published on social media accounts of Facebook and Instagram, which are including historical photos and images of saints and icons. A must follow!

Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis: discernment work with interim Rector Al Jewson has continued and the search committee for a new rector began in September.

Compiled from a variety of sources: convocation reports, newsletters, web pages, Facebook pages, Twitter streams, and yes, even Instagram.

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A verging success Shug Goodlow, Verger at Christ Church Cathedral, was about to attend the Vergers’ Guild of the Episcopal Church conference in Nashville, and had an idea. “We have so much to offer here, why not St. Louis as a conference location?” She considered it prayerfully; she talked with partner Doris about the big time commitment it would involve.

With her support, and the additional support of cathedral Dean Mike Kinman and Vicar Amy Chambers Cortright, she worked up the presentation and took it to Tennessee to the assembly of the board of the Vergers’ Guild. She was up against four other locations, but she walked out of that meeting with the board’s vote of approval.

And then, the more than 2 years of preparation began!

It culminated with the early October gathering of over 160 vergers held at the cathedral and the Union Station hotel.

Shug is a natural organizer. “Being the oldest of 9 children was good training for having to coordinate a lot of different personalities,” she said. For Shug, it was a joyful endeavor, “It helps when you love what you are doing.”

Union Station was a great venue, and helped execute all Shug’s ideas, including a stunning hoop skirt for a woman handing out glasses of champagne at one of the receptions. “I’m a thinking outside of the box kind of person,” she added. The skirt full of glasses started out as almost a joke, but ended up a wonderful conversation piece, certainly unique in the annals of verger gatherings.

But there was much serious business as well, and many sessions on the intersecMAKING DISCIPLES

tion of verging with church topics. Cathedral members and clergy offered many topics, and more than a few vergers commented it was the most diversified program at a conference. Several late registrations as vergers far and wide began to learn of the depth of this gathering.

And, who would come up with having an Improv troupe at a vergers’ gathering... who would pair a gospel choir with Fredbird and a fried chicken dinner?

“The cathedral family really came together to support this conference,” and Shug also gave kudos to Holy Cross Verger Mike Malone from Poplar Bluff, who helped with the organizing while working on his Ph.D. “Ed Mehler was always there, too.”

Hesitant to single out some without giving credit to all, Shug did say she could not have done any of this without the generosity

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and graciousness of Doris for giving up so much time, so many all-nighters.

As they rounded the corner, the final procession of those vested vergers out from Sunday’s Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral, Shug burst into tears. All that energy, all that gratitude.

Image of Verger Shug Goodlow leading in the Sunday procession which included those 160+ vested vergers at Christ Church Cathedral. This image and many more stunning shots, including the skirt of champagne glasses and the verger procession snaking around the block, as well as more detailed text accounts of the conference are linked online. Check out the media galleries for this and other Seek articles at: diocesemo.org/nov2015Seek.

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Newly framed art, opens at Arts on Jackson, returns to Ascension at Epiphany

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion will host an exhibit of a set of Stations of the Cross by artist and Episcopalian Allan Rohan Crite in their “Arts on Jackson” series. The show will open with a reception at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 10, in the church’s Mitchell Hall.

Debbie Nelson Linck, of Hands On Black History, will give a brief talk, and refreshments will be served. RSVP online at holycommunion.net/critestations.

Crite’s works hang in the Smithsonian, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the St.

Louis Art Museum, and several Episcopal Churches. This set of nine Stations are a fine example Crite’s work depicting the road of the cross running through an early 20th century black neighborhood.

Originally they hung in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (now closed) at 14th and Park in the City of St. Louis. The Stations have been reframed, and will ‘debut’ their settings at the opening.

“The prints are original and marked with the stamp from Crite’s studio,” said Debbie Nelson Linck. In the Episcopal Book

An Asset-Based Approach to Engaging Church and Community is centered around the belief that individuals,

groups, and communities have the gifts they need to address the needs they see around them.

1 Corinthians 12 tells us that each of us are given different gifts to serve the community and we are all a part of the body of Christ working together.

Asset: Skills, capacities and resources. Community assets are things we care about, such as individual talents; associations and networks; institutions; physical assets; and economic assets.

Asset Mapping: is a way of thinking and acting that reminds us of the

Allan Crite, 1910-2007, is a renowned African American artist who received his formal training at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Harvard University. Raised in Boston, his early work in the twenties and thirties depicted vibrant street scenes of the daily lives of African Americans in that city. A devout Episcopalian, his work soon began to exhibit strong religious themes as well, depicting blacks in interpretations of Biblical stories and African American spirituals. Primarily a painter, Crite has also written and illustrated several books, created hand-tooled brass panels that once adorned a monastery, and designed and painted vestments and banners for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Cambridge. He is also the author of Is it Nothing to You? which was published in 1948 by the Department of Social Service in the Diocese of Massachusetts. —The Archives of the Episcopal Church

of Occasional Services, some of the stations may be omitted. The set of 9 conforms with these approved omissions.

Holy Communion’s Rector Mike Angell said, “We are thankful to the Rev. Marc Smith and the people of the Church of the Ascension for giving us an opportunity to display their treasured stations as they prepare to welcome them home.”

The return of the Stations to Ascension will be celebrated on Sunday, January 10 (Epiphany 1).

assets all around us and the success we have when we work with these assets together to get things done as part of a larger community.

Call: A vocation (vocation comes from the Latin “vocare,” which means “call”) that may be professional or voluntary but is, by definition, received from God. Gifts: An expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7) Talents: A natural ability that manifests through our beliefs and behaviors.

Need: Something that is required for safety and survival.

Learn more from the wider church: CalledToTransformation.org and from the diocese: DioceseMO.org/assetmap The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

DIOCESEMO.ORG

18 More happenstance involved her in the National Park Kris Zapalac presents at Dismantling Racism Commission’s open house, 10 am Service's National Underground to Noon on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Trinity Church, 600 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis Railroad Network to Freedom and Historian, author, and educator Kris Ph.D. and a postdoc at Harvard she joined Zapalac will present "Living Together the faculty at Washington University where in the Missouri State Archives Apart" at the commission’s December open she taught the cultural history of Early which turned out to be the largest collechouse to be held at Trinity Church CWE. Modern Europe, social thought & analysis, tion of freedom suits in the country. For Kris Zapalac grew up in Dallas in the religious studies. much of the last decade she devoted her 1960s where she spent her summers teachShe published a book on Regensburg ing swimming in the free war on poverty and articles on topics ranging from a deco- weekends to researching and now—having retired—writing the histories of people pools ... and learning about racism in a high ronation in effigy in 15th century Spain to school built in 1956 where the Dixie flag was the last surviving A.M.E. church in Calloway taken from their homes and families in Maryland, Virginia & Quebec to places such the school's banner and desegregation had County, Missouri. barely begun.

Happenstance & interests dating back as Indiana & Missouri where they eventually sought freedom either in the courts or by After her B.A. at U. Texas in Latin and to her childhood in Texas led her to a job risking everything in their pursuit of freeGreek, she moved to Johns Hopkins (Baltiin Missouri's State Historic Preservation more) where she bought a $9,000 rowhouse Office, where she served as an historian and dom for themselves and security for their families. on an all African American block. After her architectural reviewer.

To dismantle racism

DRC 14-hour training in dismantling institutional racism, January 16-17 at Emmanuel Church, Webster Groves The training is two days of presentation, discussion, individual and small group exercises, video, and reading facilitated by members of the diocesan Dismantling Racism Commission.

We heard your requests for this training to be offered on a Saturday and Sunday, and thanks to Emmanuel Church for graciously hosting on a Sunday, the January training will take place on the 16th and 17th.

There is no cost for the training or manual, lunches or snacks through the day. Childcare is available if requested by the registration deadline. This workshop is open to all persons, you need not be Episcopalian. The maximum number of participants is 30, the minimum needed is 15. You must RSVP. Registration form is online at diocesemo.org/DR. MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

Living Apart: Race, Residency, and Reality is the DRC planned Absalom Jones Commemoration on Feb. 6, at St. Timothy’s Church, 808 N. Mason Rd., Creve Coeur The annual commemoration of the lives and ministry of Absalom Jones and Richard Allen are organized by the Dismantling Racism Commission with the participation of diocesan youth ministry. This is an intergenerational event with both youth and adult leaders and facilitators.

The commemoration includes interactive exercises, fishbowl discussions (one such configuration in the image above from the 2014 commemoration), presentations and conversations, and includes a community meal. This event is open to the public and is offered at no cost.

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Working with the DYAC Deaconess Anne House corps member Martin Geiger, in his second year at DAH, is interning in the Offices of the Bishop. Some of his work includes with youth missioner Danielle Dowd, and he submits this update on the DYAC. The Diocesan Youth Advisory Council held its first meeting of the new school year on Friday, September 12th, at St. Peter's Church. As a brand-new intern in the diocesan office, working especially with Elle Dowd on youth ministry, it was a great joy to get to work with the fourteen incredible members of the youth council as we begin to think together about ways for youth to participate in the life of the diocese. I was struck again and again by their commitment to exercising leadership, and by their willingness to take on responsibility for creating events that are accessible to youth across the diocese.

Much of our time was spent discussing a lock-in at St. Timothy's Creve Coeur which will accompany Diocesan Convention this November. The planning of what happens at this event is work they are taking on - Elle and I are along as facilitators and guides, but most of the decisions will be theirs. I'm very excited to work with a group so committed to self-governance, and to continue to work with all of them as we plan events throughout the year.

I'm particularly excited to begin planning the Summer 2016 Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage with everyone! After considering several themes, we agreed that we wanted the trip to focus on environmental issues, and that we wanted to spend time in the mountains, so we'll be going to Colorado in the last week of June. We'll spend time in prayer and meditation, do a lot of hiking, do environmental service projects, and maybe even go rafting. We're still in the very early stages, but I'm glad to have such an awesome group to work with as we grow in Christ together!

Martin Geiger being confirmed last year by Bishop Wayne at DAH.

DYAC members for 2015-2016: • • • • • • •

Abby Trieschmann, St Martin's Church, Ellisville Olivia Buckley, St. Timothy's Church, Creve Coeur Marta Mieze, Church of the Holy Communion, University City Catriona Docherty, Church of the Holy Communion, University City Hopie Melton, St Peter's Church Christina Banton, Calvary Church, Columbia Kate Dolan, Church of the Good Shepherd, Town & Country

• • • • • • •

Annie Chappell, Church of the Holy Communion, University City Scott Scoopmire, Church of the Holy Communion, University City Christian Davis, Grace Church, Kirkwood Duncan Phillips, St. Timothy's Church, Creve Coeur Maddie Eveland, Church of the Good Shepherd, Town & Country Annabel Dolan, Church of the Good Shepherd, Town & Country Audrey Schuman, Christ Church, Rolla

YOUTH EVENT: DIOCESAN CONVENTION LOCK-IN What is the Convention Lock-in? Youth will have a fun night including dinner, games, snacks and prayer. Youth (grades 6-12) from around the diocese will learn about the purpose of convention and then have an opportunity to participate and volunteer there on Saturday.

When is it? November 20-21, 2015. Begins at 6:00 p.m. Friday night and ends around 1 :30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Where is the Lock-in? Drop-off: St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur (808 N Mason Rd.) Pick-up: Convention location is the DoubleTree in Chesterfield (16625 Swingley Ridge Rd.).

Is it affordable? It is only $10!

How do I participate? Contact Youth Missioner Elle Dowd, ddowd@diocesemo.org or (314) 255-1383.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Ironwoman

by Wendy Ludbrook. Completing an Ironman is no easy task for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.

On September 13 I toed the line at all changed into my runIronman Wisconsin with 2,800 other brave ning clothes I headed out souls. Ironman triathlons consist of a 2.4 for the marathon. I had no mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride followed by idea what to expect since I a 26.2 mile run. This was my first attempt at was in uncharted territory anything this crazy but I was in good comat this point and I wasn’t pany. I competed with a team called Riding sure if I would run a mile or On Insulin that consisted of 63 athletes, 36 two and just fall flat on my of which have Type 1 Diabetes like me. Our face or be able to hold on for goal was to become the largest group of multiple miles. Turns out Type 1s to compete in a single Ironman and I was able to run the bulk not only did we reach our goal, but we also of the time, only walking at raised over $100K for outdoor adventure the aid stations that were camps for kids with Type 1 diabetes. set up along the course and The race itself went about as smoothly amply stocked with a variety as could be expected. The swim was a mass of foods. The fans lining the start with all 2,800 athletes in the water run course were great with lots of enertaking off together. Exiting the water in gy, music and signs. The course wrapped an hour and thirty minutes I picked up my around on itself a lot, so I was able to see diabetes supplies, got my wetsuit stripped my support crew numerous times. We also off of me and headed in to change got to run through for the bike leg. the University of I had no idea what to The bike portion of this particWisconsin football expect since I was in ular Ironman is exceptionally hilly stadium twice. The uncharted territory at and I was worried as to how I would run took just under fare as the day went on. Surprisfive hours and 14 this point and I wasn’t ingly it went very well and with the hours and 37 minsure if I would run a amount of cheering fans that lined utes after I started mile or two and just all portions of the course and the swimming I crossed fall flat on my face or Wisconsin dairy land as a backdrop the finish line. be able to hold on for there was plenty to take your mind Managing dioff the long miles. My personal supabetes during long multiple miles. port crew of Chris and the kids, my endurance events parents, Chris’s mom Helen, and my is a constant litany sister and her kids were camped out along of testing your blood sugar, eating, dosing one of the steepest hills on the course. We insulin - all in the right amounts, at the passed by them twice and the kids were right time. Having a huge team of fellow diaable to run alongside me cheering as I rode betics to bounce ideas off of during the nine up the hills which was a welcome boost of months of training is at the heart of these encouragement. In all, bike portion took types of events and camps run by Riding On seven hours and thirty minutes.

Insulin. Peer to peer information sharing Once back to the transition area and is really an underappreciated resource in MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

diabetes management not only for Ironman training, but just for general day to day management.

And of course there was a large sacrifice at home by my support crew to get this accomplished. The training peaks at around 15 hours per week, which leaves a lot of weekend mornings away riding your bike and running. Fortunately Chris and the kids got in on some of the action with Chris joining me for the hours-long rides and the kids riding their bikes as I ran behind them.

This was a wonderful nearly yearlong journey and while I would consider doing it again, I will be switching gears next year and heading up the support crew as Chris will take on his first Ironman.

Wendy, photo above, is an active member of Grace Church in Kirkwood, along with her husband Chris and children. She is the daughter-inlaw of the Rev. Helen Ludbrook. This article first published in Grace’s new quarterly, Bread for the Journey, editor Janis Greenbaum.

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