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Diocesan Council Clergy Nominees
Two to be elected.
The Rev. Jean Long
Involvement on a Church Level
- Served as the Minister for Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. (2015 – 2022)
- Serve on St. Andrew’s Executive Committee. (2019 – Present)
- Supervisor for Communications Manager, Graphic Designer, Hybrid Ministry Coordinator, Engagement Coordinator, Children, Youth & Young Adult Coordinator, Children’s Ministry Assistant: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. (Present)
- Staff Liaison to the following commissions: Children, Youth and Young Adult, Hospitality, Community Engagement and Communications. (Present)
- Staff Lead for the following events at St. Andrew’s: 3rd Sunday events, All Parish Picnic, Vacation Bible School, Annual Boo Bash, Annual St. Nicholas Party, Annual Youth Christmas Tree Lot, Annual Youth Ministry Trivia Night, Annual Youth Ski Trip, Youth Mission Trip to Haiti. (15+ years)
- Serve on St. Andrew’s Liturgy Planning Team. (Present)
- Served as Priest in Charge at St. Andrew’s while Fr. John Spicer was on sabbatical. (Apr. 2023 – Aug. 2023)
- Served on St. Andrew’s Altar Guild. While on Altar Guild I served on the linens committee and chaired the altar tribute committee. (1999 – 2004)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Served briefly on the Diocesan Youth Commission and the Spiritual Formation Commission.
- Currently serve on the Worship and Liturgy Commission
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“I strongly desire to help foster and grow relationships among lay leaders and clergy across the diocese. My strengths and ministerial experience make me a good candidate for the Diocesan Council or the Commission on Ministry.”
The Rev. Joe Pierjok
Involvement on a Church Level
- Youth Pastor, Redeemer of Kansas City (2011 -2013)
- Associate Rector, Grace Episcopal Church of Carthage (2019 – Feb. 2023)
- Rector, Grace Episcopal Church of Carthage (Feb. 2023 – Present)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Council Member (Nov. 2020 – Present)
- Finance Committee (Jan. 2019 – Present)
- Executive Committee (Dec. 2022 – Present)
- Commission on Ministry (Jan. 2023 – Present)
- Youth Comission Chair (Nov. 2020 – Present)
- Courtesy Resolution Chair (Jan. 2022 – Present)
- Maryville Committee (Nov. 2022 – Present)
- Order of Naucratius Secretary (July 2023 – Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- Alternate to General Convention for 2024.
Additional Comments
N/A
The Rev. Susan Roberts
Involvement on a Church Level
- Acolyte
- Acolyte Director
- Altar Guild
- Convention Delegate
- Sunday School Teacher
- Youth Group Assistant
- Infant/Toddler/Parent Playgroup Facilitator
- Healing Team Coordinator
- LEM/LEV
- Non-Stipendiary Associate Priest (2015 – 2019)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Council (2021 – Present)
- Commission on Ministry (2019 – Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- President of the Association of Episcopal Chaplains (2018 – 2021)
Additional Comments
“I am committed to doing what I can to support the mission and vision of the Diocese of West Missouri and our work as a branch of the Jesus movement in this place. I am humbled by the opportunity to be involved in this important work.”
Diocesan Council Lay Nominees
Four to be elected.
Ms. Regina Berens
Involvement on a Church Level
- Vestry Warden (Present)
- Licensed Lay Preacher (Present)
- In charge of maintaining church web site and monthly newsletter, (Present)
- Previously Convention Delegate
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Council Member (Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“I was received into the Episcopal church 30 years ago and have been almost constantly involved at the church and diocesan levels since then. In addition to being a Licensed Lay Preacher I have also completed EFM (Education for Ministry). I’m a retired property-casualty actuary so I bring quantitative as well as spiritual thinking to the table. The previous 2+ years I’ve served on Diocesan Council have been interesting and fulfilling and I hope to serve again during this time of transition to a new Bishop.”
Ms. Anne Breid
Involvement on a Church Level
- Vestry Member (2014 – 2018)
- Lay Reader (2018 – Present)
- Choir (Present)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Youth Council (Late 80’s – Early 90’s)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“I have lived in this diocese since 1978. I went through the first Happening in the diocese. I attended Cliff Springs as a camper in high school. In the lat 80’s I was a camp counselor and a camp director. I have not been active on a diocesan level since. I look forward to getting to know people around the diocese again.”
Ms. Hayley Cobb
Involvement on a Church Level
- Youth Leadership Team Volunteer (Aug. 2022 – Present)
- Youth Sunday School Teacher (Jan. 2023 – Present)
- Episcopal Campus Ministry (Sept. 2017 – Apr. 2021)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Southern Deanery Youth Delegate (2016)
- Youth Ministry Commission (2015 – 2017)
- Diocesan Youth Program Intern (Summer of 2018)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“The Diocese of West Missouri continues to do important work to share God‘s love and cultivate rich fellowship with our neighbors. I’ve admired the communities, ministries, and people involved in this impactful work since growing up in the diocesan youth program. I would like to add my voice and be a part of the Diocesan Council for the future of our church.”
Mr. Chris Morrison
Involvement on a Church Level
- Dean Search Committee (2018 – 2019)
- Live Streaming Designer and Runner (2020 – Present)
- Youth Formation Teacher (Present)
- Website Manager (Present)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Council (2019 – Present)
- Northwest-Metro Deanery, Vice-Chair
- Diocesan Convention Delegate (2016 – Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“It has been a privilege to serve on our Diocesan Council and it would be an honor to be allowed to serve an additional term.”
Standing Committee Clergy Nominees
Two to be elected.
The Rev. William Jeffrey Hurst
Involvement on a Church Level
- Parish Priest
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Participation in Deanery Meetings
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
N/A
The Rev. Robin James
Involvement on a Church Level
- Rector of Grace Church in Liberty (2019 – Present)
- Priest-in-Charge of St. Andrew’s Church in New Paltz, New York (2014 – 2019)
- Canon Precentor of Cathedral Church of St. Mark, Salt Lake City, Utah (2003 – 2013)
- Junior Warden of St. Paul’s, Utah (1998 – 2000)
- Chair of St. Paul’s Property Committee, Utah (1996 – 2000)
- HIV/AIDS Ministry, St. Paul’s Church, Utah (1995 – 1997)
- Christian Education, 7th-9th Grade of Trinity Church, Kansas (1989 – 1992)
- Resident & Peer Minister, Canterbury House Campus Ministry, Kansas (1986 – 1987)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Dean of Northwest-Metro Deanery, West Missouri (Jan. 2022 – Present)
- Episcopal Ministry Support Team, West Missouri (Jan. 2022 – Present)
- Diocesan Council, West Missouri (Jan. 2022 – Present)
- Finance Committee, West Missouri (Jan. 2022 – Present)
- Constitution & Canons Committee, West Missouri (Feb. 2022 – Present)
- Communications Committee, West Missouri (Jan. 2023 – Present)
- Human Resources Committee, West Missouri (Dec. 2021 – Present)
- Chair of Resolutions Committee, West Missouri (Oct. 2021 – Present)
- Campus Ministry Committee, New York (2014 – 2019)
- Standing Committee; Secretary of the Corporation, Utah (2011 – 2013)
- Co-Chair of Consecration Committee, Utah (2009 – 2010)
- Commission on Ministry, Utah (2006 – 2009)
- Music & Liturgy Committee, Utah (2005 – 2008)
- Ministry to Diocesan Latino Congregations, Utah (2003 – 2005)
- Lay Representative, Administrative Council, Community of Churches in Utah (1998 – 2000)
- Delegate for Diocesan Convention, Utah (1997 – 2000)
- Board Member for Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry, Utah (1995 – 1996)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- Deputy to 2024 General Convention, West Missouri (Elected in 2023)
Additional Comments
“I bring twenty years of ordained ministry experience and nearly twenty years of lay ministry experience to the ministry and work of the Standing Committee of the Diocese, and I will be honored to serve.”
The Rev. Brittany Sparrow Savage
Involvement on a Church Level
- Communicant at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (2019 – 2023)
- Children’s Coordinator at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral (2021- Spring of 2023)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Researcher for the Cathedral (2022 – Spring of 2023)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Peace and Justice Committee (2022- Sept. 2023)
- Be S.M.A.R.T Presenter (Present)
- Formation Committee (2022 – Present)
- Access For all God’s Children (2022 – Present)
- Standing Committee (Sept. 2023 – Present)
- Member of the UBE (Feb. 2022 – Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“In one short calendar year, I have experienced almost every order of ministry: laity, diaconate, and presbyter. Currently, I am serving as the Assistant Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. One of the common threads between each of these orders is the space between leader and supporter. Supportive ministry means I am not casting the vision or making the final decision. Yet, I have a vital role in speaking into the formation of that vision and collaboratively leading others.This nuanced space reflects the mission of the Standing Committee as the Council of Advice to the Bishop. They submit to the Apostolic authority of the Bishop and guide the Bishop and Diocese with prophetic moral courage. I believe that my experience will aid me in holding these tensions well if I were elected to the Standing Committee. Additionally, my recent experience in the discernment process and my educational journey inside and outside The Episcopal Church would be a resource to the Standing Committee as they help future clergy discern their call. I desire to help create a positive discernment experience that could contribute to retaining and attracting the clergy who can support and create the exceptional ministry of the Diocese of West Missouri. I would be honored to continue serving as an elected standing committee member, support this diocese’s mission, and resource our current and future Bishop.”
The Rev. Ron Verhaeghe
Involvement on a Church Level
- Priest-in-Charge
- Hospital Chaplain
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Diocesan Council (2018)
- Standing Committee (2015)
- Board of Examining Chaplains (2012 – Present)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“Active Ministries for 32 years, diversity minded, and a great listener.”
Standing Committee Lay Nominees
Two to be elected.
Ms. Alexandra Connors
Involvement on a Church Level
- Choir Member (Present at St. Paul’s and Prior at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral)
- Eucharistic Minister (Present)
- Lector (Present)
- Acolyte (Prior)
- Vestry Member (Present at St. Paul’s and Prior terms at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral)
- Young Adult Ministry Events Coordination (Present at St. Paul’s and Prior at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral)
- Community Outreach Volunteer (Present)
- Cathedral Youth Minister (Prior)
- Congregational Instagram/Social Media Content Creator (Prior)
- Member of Cathedral Committees and Task Forces (Prior)
- Advisor for Cathedral building projects (Diocesan Close Renovation)
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Standing Committee Member
- Deanery Secretary (Former)
- Diocesan Council Member (Former)
- Regular Volunteer for Regional and Diocesan Youth Ministry
- Interim Regional Youth Ministry Coordinator (2018)
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- Regular attendee of Episcopal Church training and conferences such as FORMA
- West Missouri Deputy to the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
- Member of the Dispatch of Business committee for the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
- West Missouri representative to the Provincial Youth Network (2003-2007)
- General Convention Official Youth Presence representative for Province VII (2006)
Additional Comments
“Serving the Diocese and our wider Church across the many roles listed above has been an honor. I am excited about the ongoing work of the Church and West Missouri’s place in that work. I am deeply passionate about our Diocese; the people that make it up, each individual congregation, and all of its vibrant ministries. I’m excited about the possibility of continuing in this important work if re-elected to serve on the Standing Committee.”
Mr. Eric Rhodes
Involvement on a Church Level
- Website Building
- Audio/Video
- Building/Grounds
- Ministries (5k, Recycling, Energy Savings, Community Garden, Refugee)
- Technology Improvements
- Event Planning
Involvement on a Deanery Council/Diocesan Level
- Standing Committee Member; Vice-President in ’23 (2022 – 2023)
- Convention help with presentations/streaming
- Small Church Summit presentations
- Video consulting for several churches
- Deanery meetings
Involvement on a Provincial/General Church Level
- N/A
Additional Comments
“I am looking forward to the exciting future ahead as we prepare to call the 9th Bishop of The Diocese of West Missouri. I hope to continue my service for the Diocese as a member of the Standing Committee.”