Report — Diocesan Council/Secretary
2022 Report from the Secretary of the Convention.
Report — Diocesan Chancellor
Mark J. Galus, Chancellor and David T. M. Powell, Associate Chancellor In accordance with the custom of this Convention and Canon V of the Canons of this Diocese, it is my privilege to report on the following matters that were handled by and through the Chancellor’s Office since the 2021 Convention: To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — Deputation to the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
The Rev. Anne Meredith Kyle, GC80 Deputation Lead Since the last Annual Convention, the deputation prepared for and attended the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (GC80) in Baltimore, Maryland, July 8-11, 2022. The deputation in attendance included, in the lay order Ms. Amanda Perschall, Mr. Spencer Orr, Ms. Alexandra Connors, Mr. Curtis Hamilton, and alternate deputy Ms. Christine Morrison; and in the clergy order, Mtr. Anne Meredith Kyle, Fr. Jonathan Frazier, Fr. Chas Marks, Fr. Larry Ehren, and alternate deputy Fr. Sean Kim. Mr. Channing Horner, Mr. Bob Maynard, Fr. John Spicer, Mtr. Meg Rhodes, and Mtr. Cathy Cox participated in the preparation for the convention faithfully as alternate deputies. Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce participated in the House of Bishops, serving as the secretary to the HoB. The Deputation worked diligently in preparation for, and participation in the GC80. The convention, which had already been delayed by one year, was shortened from eight days to four and changed in response to continuing concerns about the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The actions of the GC80 are too numerous to list here. Those interested in the actions of the General Convention may visit https://www.generalconvention.org/about-gc80 which includes general information and links to resolutions, elections, the budget, and video of the GC80. This 133rd Convention will elect the deputation for the 81st General Convention (GC81), which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in the summer of 2024. The GC81, among other actions, will elect the next presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. The next year will be spent in general organization and preliminary meetings of the GC81 deputation. Regular meetings to prepare for GC81 will begin in January 2024. To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — NourishKC
Sue Moore Fenske, Executive Director There is no question that the past two years we all have struggled, but perhaps none more than the individuals and families that don’t know where their next meal will come from. The mission of NourishKC is to rescue fresh local food, prepare nutritious meals, and serve as a community partner to address hunger’s core causes. NourishKC bases the efforts of its programs – Kansas City Community Kitchen (KCCK), Food Rescue, and Culinary Training – on the belief that Food is a basic human right. We believe that it is not enough just to fill bellies; the meals served to our guests should be hot, fresh, and nutritious. Our goal is to feed anyone in need and change lives in the process by partnering with other organizations and helping our volunteers and guests to build community. But NourishKC doesn’t just offer food – it offers hope. Perhaps these guests said it best: “While I was getting back on my feet, I discovered Kansas City Community Kitchen. Everyone always made me feel welcome and raised my spirits.” “As a mother of two, it is convenient to just come to KC Community Kitchen. [It] helps a whole lot when you don’t have a whole lot at home”. Although she receives food stamps, they aren’t always enough, especially with the recent increases in the cost of groceries and gas. With the kids out of school for the summer, she is visiting Kansas City Community Kitchen more often. “My family’s food needs double during the summer. Being able to come to the kitchen and get a hot meal for me and my kids right now is really beneficial to us”. “I was homeless for nearly 10 years, and this place provided a safe haven for me. The meals I received here kept my spirit nourished as I worked to turn my life around. This kitchen has been a benefit because it’s always provided a healthy meal that most places don’t give.” “I thank y’all so much for the kindness and love showed to me and my kids.” Thankfully, due to the generous support of so many, NourishKC has been a consistent source of healthy fresh fruit, vegetables, and other perishable foods distributed through our network of pantry partners as well as and hot, nutritious prepared meals for as many as 4,000 adults, children, seniors, and veterans weekly at Kansas City Community Kitchen. In addition, older teens and young adults learn basic kitchen skills and important life and job skills in NourishKC’s Culinary Training Program. In 2021, NourishKC lifted up the families of greater Kansas City through the following achievements: Kansas City Community Kitchen 17,000+ guests nourished each month Increased meals served from 87,139 in 2020 to 147,349 in 2021 Food Rescue Program 391,042 pounds of food rescued Pantry partners increased from 4 to 7 Culinary Training Program 10-week sessions offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall 61% of culinary graduates are employed For families that were struggling to make ends meet day-to-day, before the pandemic, the impacts on family income experienced during the past two years will be felt well into the future. We appreciate the support of the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri that helps to ensure that NourishKC can continue to be a resource for families and individuals struggling with food insecurity. To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — Episcopal Church Women
Shirley Bolden, Secretary We are Episcopal Church Women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work. Centered in congregations, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) empowers women to do Christ’s ministry in the world. Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a God spark-shining and sharing the love of Christ. Episcopal Church Women – Diocese of West Missouri Continuing Education Scholarship Fund For the year 2021-2022 five applicants received funding for continued education: Krista Heuett, Postulant for Holy Orders, Seminary of the Southwest Katherine Mansfield, Postulant for Priesthood, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN JoAnn (Jody) Carroll, postulant for the Priesthood, Bishop Kemper School of Ministry Barbara Wegener, candidate for the Diaconate, Bishop Kemper School of Ministry Brittany Sparrow-Savage—candidate to Diaconate/Priesthood, Bishop Kemper School of Ministry . Church Periodical Club (Sponsored by National ECW) www.churchperiodical.com The National Books Fund is the older of the two funds within the Church Periodical Club. NBF has limited itself primarily to books and related materials for adults since the advent of the Miles of Pennies Fund. Grant requests come from schools, libraries, individuals, agencies, and parishes throughout the Anglican Communion. Funds to cover the requests are donated by individuals, parishes, dioceses, and provinces. Receipts from ingathering’s conducted in parishes on CPC Sundays are designated for NBF as are returns from an NBF endowment fund. Friends of CPC are encouraged to contribute regularly to the fund or to sponsor specific requests for books. How does the fund work? The NATIONAL BOOKS FUND (NBF) holds all money donated specifically for the purchase of books. The money is donated by individuals, parishes, dioceses, and provinces. It is the one corporate effort of CPC, and all CPC organizations are urged to make regular contributions or to sponsor specific grant requests. There is a National Books Endowment Fund whose income is fed into the NBF. What can be covered? Grants are made for books, magazines, audio and video materials and computer software. The specific materials are determined and purchased by the recipients. Materials may be religious or secular but must be used within the mission of the Church. One of the seminarian from our Diocese, Ryan Zavacky received $200.00 from the Church Periodical Funds. What cannot be covered? NBF Grants are not given for equipment, (such as projectors, computers, or shelves) operating expenses, (such as postage and stationery) or for the production of material (such as translations or printing). National Books Fund Guidelines NBF Application Form United Thank Offering: (Sponsored by National ECW) April 25, 2022 Office of Public Affairs More than $1 million in United Thank Offering grants—designated for 22 projects related to creation care within The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion—was approved by the church’s Executive Council during its April meeting. The funds came from the United Thank Offering’s 2021 Ingathering, where monies collected in UTO “blue boxes” at Episcopal churches throughout the year are gathered as thank offerings. This year’s focus for grant applications was “Care of Creation: Turning love into action by caring for God’s creation to protect the most vulnerable—who will bear the largest burden of pollution and climate change—through justice, advocacy, environmental reparations, or the development of fundamental materials.” The UTO Board received about $1.8 million in requests from 42 applications. It was able to fund eight projects within The Episcopal Church and four projects from dioceses that receive block grants from General Convention; eight projects within the Anglican Communion; and two historical grants. Please use this link https://www.episcopalchurch.org/united-thank-offering. We are happy to help you get started. Thank you to everyone who, through their personal spiritual discipline of gratitude, contributed to the 2022 Ingathering. The Diocese of West Missouri contributed $2,997.51 to the UTO in 2022. Please make all future checks out to the Diocese of West Missouri and in the Memo area on the check please put UTO. You may mail the checks to the Diocesan Office to the Attention of Elaine Gilligan. We continue to support the Province VII and National Episcopal Church Women with annual donations. To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — Diversity and Reconciliation Commission
Shirley Bolden, Chair “The fundamental truth undergirding this vision [of the Beloved Community] is that all are made in the image of God. It is in our diversity that we discover the fullness of that image…. Whenever individual or community behaviors work against God’s vision, we have promised to respond in ways that will serve to heal: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will with God’s help (Book of Common Prayer p305).” March 21, 2006, pastoral letter from the House of Bishops — “The Sin of Racism: A Call to Covenant” Articles published in the New Spirit and other activities held virtually during the 2022 Pandemic. Book Club discussions: “Slaves in the Family” by Edward Ball Edward Ball, the descendant of a seventeenth-century plantation owner in Charleston, South Carolina, chronicles the lives of the people who lived in his ancestors’ lands: the African slaves, mulatto children, and his own white landowning relatives. This is the story of black and white families living side by side through three hundred years. As Ball searches out descendants of the slaves his family-owned, he confronts his own fears and prejudices about slavery and his family. The average attendance for the book study discussion groups was fourteen for the five sessions. “Four Hundred Souls” Edited by Ibram X Kendi and Keisha N. Blain Four Hundred Souls is a unique one-volume “community” history of African Americans. The editors, Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, have assembled ninety brilliant writers, each of whom takes on a five-year period of that four-hundred-year span. The writers explore their periods through a variety of techniques: historical essays, short stories, personal vignettes, and fiery polemics. They approach history from various perspectives: through the eyes of towering historical icons or the untold stories of ordinary people; through places, laws, and objects. While themes of resistance and struggle, of hope and reinvention, course through the book, this collection of diverse pieces from ninety different minds, reflecting ninety different perspectives, fundamentally deconstructs the idea that Africans in America are a monolith—instead it unlocks the startling range of experiences and ideas that have always existed within the community of Blackness. The story begins in 1619—a year before the Mayflower—when the White Lion disgorges “some 20-and-odd Negroes” onto the shores of Virginia, inaugurating the African presence in what would become the United States. It takes us to the present, when African Americans, descendants of those on the White Lion and a thousand other routes to this country, continue a journey defined by inhuman oppression, visionary struggles, stunning achievements, and millions of ordinary lives passing through extraordinary history. The average attendance for the book study discussion groups for the five sessions was sixteen. Services held in 2022 Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation: National Day of Racial Healing Tuesday, 18 2022A Day of Prayer and Fasting The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission asked each church to open their doors or virtually have the opportunity for many to pray together. Absalom Jones Celebration February 6, 2022 Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear: that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. The diocese was invited to join the people of St. Augustine’s in a celebration of the Blessed Absalom Jones. The celebrant was Bishop Bruce, and the celebration included recorded messages from the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Union of Black Episcopalians. The St. Augustine’s liturgical dancers also took part. For those who could not attend in person, the event was broadcasted live on Facebook and YouTube. During Black History month, there were four video presentations on key African Americans in the Episcopal and beyond. The Rev. Dr. Harold Lewis, The Rev. George F. Bragg, The Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, Mr. Allen Crite. Diversity Workshops April 23, 30 and September 24, 2022 The purpose of these workshops is to assist the diocese in organizing to eliminate the sin of racism. There are three essential steps to be followed when a diocese makes this commitment to focus on the sin of racism, its elimination from the church, the community, and the world in which we live. First, there needs to be an organized and functioning anti-racism committee; secondly, the support of the diocesan bishop; and thirdly, a comprehensive plan for proceeding with this ministry. This training fulfills the intent of several General Convention resolutions, which call for leaders at all levels of The Episcopal Church to receive training on the Church’s teaching about racial diversity as well as other forms of diversity present within the human family. KC Pride Parade June 11, 2022 Several Episcopal churches from West Missouri braved the sunshine and heat to participate in the Kansas City Pride 2022 parade. Among the churches represented were St. Paul’s – Kansas City, St. Mary’s – Kansas City, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral all from the Northwest-Metro deanery, and Grace Episcopal Church, Chillicothe from the Central Deanery. Juneteenth June 19, 2022 June 19 commemorates the date that Major General Gordon Granger read General Order 3 to the people of Galveston, Texas. It was at that time, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed The Emancipation Proclamation, that every enslaved person in the United States was free and knew it. A celebration occurred and celebrations still occur to this day. It’s important to dress up and celebrate with barbeque and strawberry soda, pies, and tea cakes. It’s also important to share our ancestry as Black people in the United States. Union of Black Episcopalians The Diocese of West Missouri now has an official chapter of Union of Black Episcopalians. The first meeting was held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, via Zoom. The Midwest Regional Director joined the meeting to welcome the Diocese of West Missouri. The president of the Diocese of West Missouri’s Chapter is the Rev. Rita Kendagor. Peace and Justice Commission Another commission has been established as the Peace and Justice Commission. This commission will work with issues of gun violence, public education, insurance, and other unfair entities. Additionally, there is a large overlap with the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission. The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission will work with individual congregations on during a book study, diversity training and other issues dealing with Peace and Justice. Diversity & Reconciliation Recommended Resources: Center for Racial Healing List of Historically Black Parishes Responding to Racist Violence as the People of God Resources for Adult Formation with an Emphasis on Race and Diversity by Katherine Malloy, on Building Faith: A ministry of the Virginia Theological Seminary, https://buildfaith.org/resources-for-adult-formation-with-an-emphasis-on-race-and-diversity/ The Episcopal Church – Becoming a beloved community – Plan The Episcopal Church – Racial Justice Audit of Episcopal Leadership The Episcopal Church Office of Black Ministries The Episcopal Church – Racial Reconciliation To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — Standing Committee
Shirley Bolden, President January 2022 Bishop Diane Bruce – The bishop continues a brisk schedule of visiting with plans to visit each congregation before the end of April. She is hearing much from congregations and individuals. She will be at St. Augustine’s for the Absalom Jones service 2/6/22 at 4:00 pm. She will celebrate at Trenton on Maundy Thursday. Still in a rental car and awaiting permanent vehicle. Bishop Bruce discussed her plans related to the Lambeth conference reporting that she feels it is more productive for her to stay in the diocese at this time. She will travel home to LA in February. The bishop emailed the clergy regarding coming staff changes in keeping with the request that clergy receive announcements ahead of publication in New Spirit. The SC’s role with the Commission on Ministry (COM) – Bolden and Bishop Bruce plan to attend the 1/26/22 COM meeting. The bishop and COM president, Bob Maynard have discussed this. Much discussion about the process toward ordination included that it is often found to be difficult to understand. Ideas included Establishing a class of those pursuing the diaconal studies and a class of those pursuing presbyteral studies. Requiring the full psychological evaluation prior to beginning seminary be paid one-third by the individual, one-third the presenting congregation, and one-third by the diocese. Background, financial, and medical evaluations should be done early, as well. Deacon Beck Schubert to collaborate with a clergy and lay mentor program for the newly ordained and those new to cure. The process to ordination which was followed in the past was suggested as a good model to begin review of the current process. Kyle has a copy of that process as of 2012 and will send it with these minutes. Estes also has information from 2004. Bishop Bruce has been talking to the seminarians about the process and is hearing their frustrations. It has been suggested that those in the process have access to their check lists of requirements for ordination. They report being hesitant to voice frustration about the process. A complete process document is needed, including ordination timeline events. These items may need to be updated on the website. The SC will join the Diocesan Council (DC) retreat on February 11-12, 2022, at St. Peter and All Saints in KC. It is planned for hybrid and the SC members are asked to bring deserts. The DC is watching the situation with COVID-19 and will reevaluate the in-person portion of the retreat. Interview with Mr. Adam James regarding candidacy for ordination to the vocational deaconate. James was welcomed to the meeting SC introductions were made. He gave an overview of his career with the fire service and his discovery of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He is in his final year at BKSM. He hopes to focus on serving people and groups with moral wounds (aka PTSD) and is considering furthering his education in the area of therapy. He is engaged in CPE. After a fruitful discussion Spicer moved consent to candidacy for Adam James. Ted seconded. The motion carried. Interview with Ms. Barbara Wegener regarding candidacy for ordination to the vocational deaconate. Wegener is a retired public servant having served her entire career with the federal government. She is a member of St. Matthew’s Church, Raytown. Her work with the Veterans’ Administration has led her to an interest in chaplaincy. She has not yet begun CPE and plans to engage in the nine-month program beginning later this year. Her priest during this process was The Rev. Oren Cummings, ELCA pastor assisting St. Matthew’s Church. The process was not clear to him, though he was helpful. Pr. Cummings left St. Matthew’s in mid-2020. The discernment process has not always been clear. After a fruitful discussion Kyle moved consent to candidacy for Barbara Wegener. Spicer seconded. The motion carried with one abstention. Discussion related to the consent for the Rev. Juan Carlos Quinonez to be consecrated as the bishop of the Diocese of Ecuador Central. After a period of discussion and a review of the materials provided, Estes moved consent. Bolden seconded. The motion carried. Additional comments – Bolden reminded the SC to sign the consent forms for Mr. James, Ms. Wegener, and The Rev. Quinonez, and return them, as appropriate. The Diocese West Mo office is looking at the DocuSign tool to streamline the consent process. February 2022 Present –Shirley Bolden, president, Jonathan Frazier, Alexandra Connors, Marsha Patterson, Eric Rhoades, Ted Estes, Bishop Diane Bruce, Anne Kyle. Absent – John Spicer. The meeting was opened Over lunch following Noonday Prayer at the Diocesan Council (DC)/Standing Committee (SC) retreat. The minutes of the January 2022, minutes were reviewed. Connors moved to accept the minutes as presented. Estes seconded. The motion carried. Correspondence from The Rev. Dr. Linda Milholen, vicar, Church of the Transfiguration, Mountain Grove, was read. The SC has received the Vicar’s Award for service during the transition in DioWestMo. Bishop Bruce discussed her desire that the St. Paul’s Maryville property may be used in creative ways, perhaps with campus ministry in mind. Bishop Bruce requested the consent of the SC to the appointment of the following persons to the Disciplinary Board. Evelyn Mangan from Christ Church Springfield (emangan@evelynmanganlaw.com, cell 417.818.8114. 1st term ending 2023) and Mary Johnson from St. Michael’s in Independence (mjohnson1963@comcast.net cell 816.728.1048. 1st term ending 2024). She noted that the board has not been needed in a long time. Estes moved consent. Patterson seconded. The motion carried. Frazier moved to consent to the ordination of Krista Heuett to the transitional deaconate. Patterson seconded. The motion carried. Connors moved to consent to the ordination of Colin Larimore to the transitional deaconate. Kyle seconded. The motion carried. There was much discussion related to the Commission on Ministry (COM). Bishop Bruce reiterated the importance of conducting psychological and medical evaluations prior to the beginning of seminary and background checks, as well. The SC will increase familiarity with those who are in the process toward ordination. The regional vocations committees would be a good place to start. The next RVC is on April 8th. March 2022 Ordination Process – Fr. Everson Contact information – vocations@diowestmo.org mobile # 913-484-2084. The process for ordination is being streamlined, regularized, and simplified. Ordinations to the diaconate will take place in June and presbyteral ordinations in January. Classes of ordinands will be more firmly established. A vocations interest retreat will be held in September featuring The Rev. Lisa Senuta. Connors suggested that the documents related to the ordination process which are on the DioWestMo website be updated for accuracy or removed. There are eight ordinations coming up between now and January 1st. 4/2 Colin Larimore and Krista Heuett; 5/28 Rita Kendagor; 6/11 Jean Long. Several candidates will be taking the GOE this summer. Frazier suggested that those in the process be given greater access to their records, especially the check list. There are changes coming in how the information is stored with a goal of greater communication. Bishop Diane Bruce Bishop Bruce was inspired by her recent visit to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery which recalls the history of lynching in this county. It was a haunting reminder of our collective wrong in the treatment of Black and Brown persons. She encouraged us to consider pilgrimage to lynching sites in this diocese and to the memorial in Montgomery, AL. The Clergy Pension Fund is well funded. Clergy are having shorter service careers with more second vocation clergy. She will not be attending Lambeth this year due to a busy summer in many ways, especially with the diocese, and due to concerns about COVID. She will be busy at the General Convention as secretary to the House of Bishops, active with the Union of Black Episcopalians, and the DioWestMo deputation. She is in preliminary work to re-open St. Paul’s – Maryville with a new vision, possibly related to campus ministry. The Metro-NW deanery has pledged $10,000 toward this and both St. Mary’s Savannah, and St. Oswald’s, Atchison County would contribute. Spicer asked about the intention. Bruce hopes to find 3-4 people to walk the neighborhood and ask about what is needed. Possibly use the rectory for college students who are housing insecure or for an intentional community. Connors suggested looking to Kansas for Canterbury support. The bishop has visited thirty-two of the forty-seven congregations. Fr. Ron Keel is off to a good start with Christ Church, Springfield. Frazier asked if she is taking care of herself – she assured him that she is. Connors moved approval of the minutes of the February 20, 2022, meeting. Patterson seconded. The motion carried. Declaration of Release & Removal (Rev. Deacon Kevin White) – Dcn. White has made a voluntarily request to be released from the diaconate. There was much discussion including what we should learn from this process. Frazier moved consent to the declaration of release and removal. Spicer seconded. The motion carried with two abstentions. Consent to the Election of The Very Rev. Brian K. Burgess as bishop of Springfield. After much discussion Spicer moved consent to the election and Shirley seconded. The motion carried. Consent to the Election of the Rev. Jos Tharakan as bishop of Idaho. It was noted that Cathy Cox will preach at his consecration. Ted moved consent to the election and Marsha seconded. The motion carried. April 2022 The Standing Committee (SC) meeting was called to order shortly after 2:00 p.m. Those present included Shirley Bolden (president), John Spicer, Alexandra Connors, Ted Estes, Marsha Patterson, Eric Rhodes, Anne Kyle, and Bishop Diane Bruce. Guests (present for their respective interviews) included Vicky Anderson, Brittany Sparrow-Savage, and Ryan Williams. Comments from Bishop Diane – Bishop Diane shared the following details of her busy schedule. Working with the Commission on Ministry (COM) to streamline processes A campus ministry group has begun looking at expanding campus min outside of Springfield. Connors is working with WEMO Youth on reimagining the program. DioWestMo Convention 2022 “Reclaiming Our Roots to Grow Anew” Diocese worship committee to develop liturgies for diocesan events. The group will also shepherd new BKSM grads in liturgy development. Planning for BKSM grads to take the GOEs. The Pray, Play, Plan DioWestMo staff and cathedral staff retreat was a success. Renewal of Vows went well. Bishop Bruce’s sermon will be published as her message in From the Mission Field. She was at Trenton on Maundy Thursday and with Good Friday with Excelsior and Lexington. She will spend a week working from Irvine and then depart for a three-week vacation abroad. Chas Marks and Charles Everson are doing excellent work for the diocese. Will address the DioWestMo website soon as improvements are needed. Preparing to interview candidates for the Events Coordinator position Diocesan Council (DC) now meets monthly and uses a consent agenda. More time is spent proactively and visioning. A team, including John Spicer is being gathered to look at Maryville. It may be a good fit for Collin Larimore (currently at Carthage). The Rt. Rev. Kim Lucas will be here for MLK weekend 2023, PB Michael Curry for MLK 2024. The Rt. Rev Deon Johnson will preach on Absalom Jones celebration 2023. The WEMO youth van is for sale – contact Ron Weil for information. Approval of the March 2022 minutes – Rhodes noted that his last name is misspelled in the minutes. Patterson moved approval of the March 2022 minutes, as corrected. Estes seconded. The motion carried. Recommendation of Vicky Anderson as a candidate for ordination to the diaconate. Ms. Anderson was interviewed by the SC. Kyle moved consent to admit Anderson as a candidate for ordination to the diaconate. Patterson seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Recommendation of Brittany Sparrow-Savage as a Candidate for ordination to the Priesthood. The SC interviewed Ms. Sparrow-Savage. Estes moved consent to admit Sparrow-Savage as a candidate for ordination to the Priesthood. Patterson seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Recommendation of Ryan Williams as a candidate for ordination to the Priesthood. Mr. Williams was interviewed by the SC. Patterson moved consent to admit Williams as a candidate for ordination to the Priesthood. Spicer seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Recommendation of Jean Long for ordination to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Ms. Long was previously interviewed by the SC. Spicer moved consent to ordain Long to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Rhodes seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Consent to the election of The Very Rev. Dr. Douglas Scharf as Bishop of Southwest Florida. Kyle moved consent to elect. Rhodes seconded the motion which carried unanimously. June 2022 The Standing Committee (SC) was called to order shortly after 4:00 p.m. Those present included Shirley Bolden (president), John Spicer, Alexandra Connors, Ted Estes, Marsha Patterson, Eric Rhodes, Jonathan Frazier, Anne Kyle, and Bishop Dian Bruce. Comments from Bishop Diane – Bishop Diane shared the following details of her busy schedule: The background check, and psych eval will take place before meeting with the COM and postulancy. Kent McCall will retire from the Diaconate Michael Johns will continue as a Deacon Bishop met with Charles Everson and Bob Maynard to roll out the new process for ordination. This process will help with discernment for diaconate or presbytery. The process will formally go to COM and the Clergy in September and roll out in October. Congregational Discernment Psych Eval & Background Check Meet with COM Serve in a different congregation for more discernment One Saturday per month meet with mentors (1 clergy & 1 lay) Postulancy Seminary BKSM students will take National GOES Ordinations will take place as follows: Presbyterate – First Saturday in January Transitional Diaconate – First Saturday in Feb or May Vocational Diaconate – First Saturday in June There will be yearly classes of priests, and deacons Ordinands will meet with the preachers for their ordination a few days before. Bishop Diane is the Co-Consecrator at Fr. Jos’ Consecration as Bishop of Idaho and will be Bishop Jos’ coach. Bishop Diane presented her schedule for the next several months including her plans to be present when the triplets come home from hospital. Bishop Diane and Shirley will write up-date from SC to the Diocese. Bishop Diane left to go to G&HT for the vigil. Approval of the April 2022 minutes – Estes moved the approval of the April 2022 minutes. Frazier seconded. The motion carried. There are no candidates for postulancy to be presented at this time. Consent to the election of The Rev Phillis Spiegel as Bishop of the Diocese of Utah. Kyle moved to consent to elect. Rhodes seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Consent to the election of The Rev Jeffrey Mello as Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut. Estes moved to consent to elect. Spicer seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Consent to the election of The Rev Canon Shannon Rogers-Duckworth of the Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana. Spicer moved to consent to elect. Estes seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Shirley said she is receiving comments/letters concerning the election of the Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Florida. She will forward all information to us. The election has been challenged and is now with the Presiding Bishop. July 2022 The Standing Committee (SC) was called to order shortly after 2:00 p.m. Those present included Shirley Bolden (president), Ted Estes (vice-President), John Spicer, Alexandra Connors, Eric Rhodes, Bishop Diane Bruce. Absent with excuse: Marsha Patterson, Anne Kyle, and Jonathan Frazier Comments from Bishop Diane – Bishop Diane shared the following details of her busy schedule: Continuing with visitations K C Pride as a Diocesan event Kent McCall will retire from the Diaconate Michael Johns will continue as a Deacon-in-charge. Bishop Diane was the Co-Consecrator at Father Jos’ Ordination as Bishop of Idaho. She will be his mentor/coach. Stewardship Committee has met once and will be working along with congregations on stewardship and plan giving. The Peace and Justice Committee has been re-established after the prayer vigil. Budget for 2023 were due on July 15, 2022. The job description for the youth director is complete and will be forwarded to Josh for review. The 2022 Convention Planning Committee has been working very hard. A suggestion was made to have a Chaplain for the Diocesan Convention. Mark Galus is putting together an attorney list. The list will include attorneys who handle various areas of law. There will be a Women Retreat on Saturday, August 6 at Good Shepherd. Bishop Diane informed the Standing Committee as part of her letter of agreement a Mutual Ministry Review was to be discussed as it determines the continuation of her position as provisional bishop. It was suggested and agreed that we have input from the Diocesan Council. Approval of the June21, 2022 minutes -Father John Spicer moved the approval of the June 2022 minutes. Father Ted seconded. The motion carried. The Standing Committee interviewed David Wilcox as a candidate to the priesthood. A motion was made by Father John and seconded by Father Ted to accept David Wilcox as a candidate to the priesthood. Motion Carried. The Standing Committee interviewed Ryan Zavacky as a candidate to the priesthood. A motion was made by Eric Rhodes and seconded by Father John Spicer to accept Ryan Zavacky as a candidate to the priesthood. Motion Carried. Consent to the election of The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson as bishop elect to the Diocese of Virginia. A motion was made by Father John Spicer and seconded by Father Ted Estes to consent to the election. Motion Carried. August 2022 The Standing Committee (SC) was called to order shortly after 2:00 p.m. Those present included Shirley Bolden (president), John Spicer, Alexandra Connors, Marsha Patterson, Jonathan Frazier and Bishop Diane Bruce Ted Estes (by phone). Absent with excuse: Anne Kyle, and Eric Rhodes. Comments from Bishop Bruce Visitations continue to go well. No one is running out screaming, per the Bishop. Deanery picnics were very successful with attendance well over a 120 at each one. People were happy to be together and …
Report — Board of Examining Chaplains
Dr. Victor H. Matthews, Chair What are the highlights of your ministry since the 2021 Diocesan Convention? The Board meets as needed to prepare for examinations and to conduct written and oral examinations of candidates to the diaconate and the priesthood. Most of its business is conducted by email. In January 2022, the DBEC was asked to evaluate the GOE responses of Krista Heuett and Collin Larimore, candidates for ordination to the transitional diaconate and subsequently to the priesthood. The responses from the members of the Board were unanimously supportive and judged their responses to be proficient in all areas of the canonical exam. The recommendation was made that they be ordained to Holy Orders. In March 2022, the DBEC administered a written canonical exam to Jean Long, a candidate for ordination to the transitional diaconate and priesthood. The unanimous evaluation of the Board is that she provided satisfactory responses to all areas of these exam questions. They recommended that she be ordained to Holy Orders. In July 2022, the DBEC administered a written canonical exam to Brittany Savage and William Ryan, candidates for ordination to the transitional diaconate and subsequently to the priesthood. The responses from the members of the Board were unanimously supportive that they had shown proficiency in all areas of the exam. They recommended that both be ordained to Holy Orders. In July 2022, the DBEC administered a written canonical exam to Vicky Anderson, Adam James, and Barbara Wegener, candidates for ordination to the vocational diaconate. The unanimous evaluation of the Board is that they provided satisfactory responses to the exam questions and that they be ordained to Holy Orders. What are your plans for ministry in 2023? The Board will continue to refine and update its examination questions for priest and deacon candidates to better gauge their competencies and make the questions timely. Coordinate with the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry on the examination of their students and seek ways to share ideas with Examiners in other Dioceses. At this point, DBEC members Bill Stancil and Victor Matthews are teaching courses at BKSM and are gaining a better sense of the skill levels of the candidates. Continue to coordinate with the Commission on Ministry as part of the discernment process for ministry. The Board Chair will continue to serve as ex-officio member of the Commission on Ministry and to make reports at their meetings. How does your ministry reflect the priorities of the diocese? The work of the Board primarily relates to leadership development for those persons who have been discerned to have a call to ordained ministry. Candidates for ordained ministry are examined and evaluated. Congregations are better served by well-prepared and dedicated ministers. If you have any questions about this report, please feel free to contact me at VictorMatthews@missouristate.edu To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — Commission on Ministry
Bob Maynard, Chair The Commission on Ministry (COM) exists in compliance with Title III, Canon 2 of the Canons and Constitutions as an advisory role to the Bishop in the implementation of Title III. The primary responsibilities are the encouraging and enabling present and future opportunities for the ministry of all the baptized, in the design and oversight of recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry and assisting in accessing individuals’ readiness for ministry. Our Subcommittees have been formed to cover these areas articulated in specific Canons under Title III. These four subcommittees are Discernment, Ordination Process, Licensed Ministry, and Clergy Continuing Education, Orientation and Mentoring. Membership in these subcommittees is not limited to members of the Commission. The chairs of the subcommittees will be ex-officio members of the Commission, if not already elected or appointed members. For the majority of 2022 all activities of the Commission have been held via Zoom. In August we resumed in-person meetings which also included participation via Zoom. Highlights of 2022 The Clergy Continuing Education, Orientation and Mentoring subcommittee finished its work on guidelines for Mentoring. This has been published on the Diocesan Website. Early in the year Bishop Diane charged the subcommittee with developing a plan to incorporate clergy recently ordained or new to the Diocese. We have created a working document for the program named Beginning Well. This program will be presented to clergy this fall. The subcommittee for Licensed Ministry has continues reviewing and revising diocesan policies regarding licensed ministry for recommendation to the Bishop. We have been doing this in with the assistance of the Dean of the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, which is developing curricula to support licensed ministries. Commission on Ministry Actions since last reported to Diocesan Convention 2021: October 2021 Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood – Krista Heuett Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood – Collin Larimore Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood – Jean Long Recommended for Candidacy for the Diaconate – Adam James Recommended for Candidacy for the Diaconate – Barbara Wegener February 2022 Recommended for Ordination to the Priesthood – Krista Heuett Recommended for Ordination to the Priesthood – Collin Larimore April 2022 Recommended for Candidacy for the Diaconate – Vicky Anderson Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood – Ryan Williams Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood –Brittany Savage Recommended for Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate –Jean Long June 2022 Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood –David Wilcox Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood –Ryan Zavacky August 2022 Recommended for Candidacy for Priesthood –Brian Cowley Recommended for Ordination to the Vocational Diaconate –Vicky Anderson Recommended for Ordination to the Vocational Diaconate –Adam James Recommended for Ordination to the Vocational Diaconate –Barbara Wegener Recommended for Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate –Brittany Sparrow-Savage Recommended for Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate –Ryan Williams Plans for 2023 Complete design and implement a revised Discernment process modelling ourselves similarly to other Dioceses Participate in joint conversations with Commissions on Ministry associated with the BKSM membership. Continued support of Lay ministry development and training. Further development of guidelines for continuing education. Implement strategy for continuing vocational discernment in all congregations. Diocesan Priorities While some of our work ultimately impacts all of the priorities, perhaps most directly we are assisting in growing leaders. Identifying and encouraging individuals for being ordained clergy, obviously, but we intend our work to include occasional training opportunities for lay individuals. Coordination with BKSM will be a new opportunity for lay education and training. The Diocese of West Missouri currently has 6 Nominees, 2 Postulants for the Diaconate 5 Postulants for the Priesthood, 7 Candidates, and 3 Transitional Deacons active in the ordination process. To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.
Report — The Order of the Daughters of the King
Cheryl Webb-Laughlin, President What are the highlights of your ministry since the 2021 Diocesan Convention? We held our first post-covid in person Fall Assembly at St. Mary Magdalene in Belton. It was well attended and very appreciated by daughters across the diocese. Held our in-person Spring Assembly at Trinity Episcopal in Lebanon and provided a “Ride Share” opportunity for 14 daughters from the K.C. Metro area to attend. Attendance was increased as some of our members don’t or can’t make the long drives any longer. Sent a donation to the KC Refugees organization in support of their ministry to incoming refugees from various countries. Sent a $1000 donation to be divided among our 4 national funds in compliance with our vows as daughters. Made a $500 donation to support our National Triennial meeting in Baltimore, MD in June of 2022. Assisted our diocesan president with some expenses in her attendance and participation at our National Triennial convention in Baltimore, MD. Members attended, via Zoom, the Province VII Spring Assembly held in San Antonio, Tx. Made financial assistance available to daughters in the diocese who needed help with paying their yearly dues. Continued to bring new members into the 13 chapters in our diocese. Provided support required for their 3 month discernment period. Held our first post-covid diocesan Board Retreat at Trinity Meadows with all but three chapter presidents present. Explored new ideas for continued growth of Daughters of the King within our Diocese. Daughters continued to be faithful in their rule of life by praying daily for their parishes, dioceses and provinces, as well as national and international daughters. Describe how these activities have furthered the work of the diocese and strengthened the parishes. Daughters of the King provide spiritual formation for the parish through their commitment to prayer, service and evangelism. Daughters are a rich resource to the priests of each parish where a Daughters of the King chapter is located. Daughters often attract new members through their external/internal evangelism and service which strengthens the parish as well as the diocese What are your plans for ministry for 2023? Continue to seek opportunities for new chapters of Daughters of the King throughout the diocese. Provide relevant and meaningful education that will nurture daughters for the furthering of God’s Kingdom. Listen intently to the needs of daughters in the diocese and take direction from their input. How will you measure success in 2023? Track (through our national office) new member numbers, which are only reported to the diocesan level once every three years. Within the diocese, track interest in new chapters and applications for membership Follow the involvement of Daughters in reported participation within the life of their respective parishes. Chapter presidents report this information to the President of the Diocese once a year. Utilize our diocese membership chair to work closely with those chapters who experience issues in dues payment annually. How does your ministry reflect the priorities of the diocese? Grow Congregations: The presence of Daughters of the King Chapters within a parish helps stabilize and sustain the parish so the church can grow and ministry can be on-going. Grow Personally: Daughters grow personally through practicing their Rule of Life: to pray, to serve and to evangelize in furthering the Kingdom of God. Grow in Community: The activities of the individual Chapters of Daughters of the King represent the accounting of the work carried out in communities, often hand-in-hand with other community partners. Grow in Compassion: Daughters recognize the need to aid others, as is seen time and time again, in the work they do throughout the diocese. Service is one of the rules daughters vow to uphold in becoming a member of the order. Daughters wear their crosses daily and hold each other accountable in an effort to show the world who we are and to whom we belong. Grow Leaders: Through prayer, service to others and evangelism, many daughters have found their role as leaders within their parish, the diocese, the province and even at the national level. We nurture chapter members in leadership so the future of Daughters of the King in the Diocese will be on-going for years to come. Continue to provide a retreat every 2-3 years for the chapter presidents to assist in their growth of Daughters of the King within our diocese. Chapters of The Order of the Daughters of the King in the Diocese of West Missouri St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Belton, Missouri Church of the Resurrection, Blue Springs, Missouri St. George Episcopal Church, Camdenton, Missouri St. Thomas a’ Becket Episcopal Church, Cassville, Missouri Grace Episcopal Church, Chillicothe, Missouri St. Michael Episcopal Church, Independence, Missouri Trinity Episcopal Church, Independence, Missouri Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City, Missouri St. Matthew Episcopal Church, Raytown, Missouri Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield, Missouri Trinity Episcopal Church, Lebanon, Missouri St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri To print a copy of the above report, please use your browser’s print facility.