Seek: voices of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, Feb. 2015

Seek

February 2015

voices from the

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

A Call to Community, Prayer, and Beyond Impressions from a first time delegate to diocesan convention.

A reflection from Gloria Miller, Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau I attended my first Episcopal convention on November 21st and 22nd, which was held in the University Center of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. This was the 175th time for this annual meeting in this diocese, itself an impressive fact. The feeling was somewhat like that of being a part of a large family reunion.

There was the business of voting on resolutions and on people elected to fill positions in diocesan governance. Bishop Smith made the point that when there are 2 or 3 Episcopalians gathered together, there will be 5 opinions. That being said, however, all resolutions passed. (Resolutions and election outcomes, as well as the bishop’s address are included in this newsletter.)

Three areas of focus for church life were addressed in presentations and in the table discussions. These were Community, Prayer, and Beyond. There was also acknowledgment and discussion about the Ferguson situation. Business was conducted first so that people could be free to return home to tend to their communities in light of the expected announcement of a verdict in the Ferguson situation.

Community. Bishop Smith made the distinction between Christendom and Christianity. Christendom is shrinking but Christianity is alive and well. The good

news/bad news scenario presented includes the facts that while the numbers of Episcopalians are shrinking nationwide, the footprint we are leaving is mighty.

Prayer. Shug Goodlow presented a courageous, hilarious, and moving account of her own journey with prayer entitled, “Yada, yada, yada, Amen: Why do we pray what we pray?” She described prayer as raising one’s heart to God, a place where one can take all our troubles, and about being willing to leave an opening in our spirits into which God can enter and breathe. She made me laugh and cry with her personal account of her life of praying without ceasing in all manner of situations.

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L. to R. Deacons Burnell Esbenshade, Jan O’Neil, Dayna Geddes Jewson, newly ordained deacons Jerre Birdsong and Deborah Goldfeder, Bishop Wayne, newly ordained deacons Chester Hines, Jr., Nancy Belcher, Kevin McGrane, Rebecca Barger, Deacon Susan Naylor, Archdeacon Mark Sluss.

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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A Call to Community, Prayer, and Beyond (continued) Beyond. The Rev. Mike Angell spoke of taking the Church “Beyond the Camp” quoting Hebrews 13:13, “Let us go to him outside the camp...”

He made the point that it is a matter of people, not programs, that is the focus of taking Christ beyond the church walls.

People are the program.

We saw videos of examples of communities that are responding to community needs in partnership in effective ways. One example is from eastern Tennessee where an art gallery for mental and emotionally challenged folks is the site of an open meal and Eucharist.

Another, a laundromat in Venice Beach, California, referred to as the modern day washing of feet. Several Christians show up and provide lots of quarters, soap, coloring books for kids, and smiles for people who need laundry done. They help with 600 loads of laundry per month! A deacon who works with this ministry was even ordained in the laundromat.

We were encouraged to build relationships with people and see what ministries emerge from our relationships, rather than to start with a program and push it on people.

Fellowship. There was time to connect with new people form other churches and

to learn of what is going on with them. I was particularly impressed with a church in St. Louis, Good Shepherd, that is doing a garden ministry and produced over 2000 pounds of food, much of which was shared with another church (St. John’s in Tower Grove) in their Peace Meal, offered to the community in the neighborhood.

Starting small, it has grown from a handful of participants to many and fed multitudes.

During breakout sessions, the Rev. Edie Bird of Christ Church, Cape, lead a workshop on circle dances and Dr. Kathy Farwell, a Christ Church member, lead a session on weaving. I left feeling encouraged, inspired, and excited to be a servant of Christ. Thanks be to God!

A Call to Community, Prayer and Beyond

by Gloria Miller

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The End of Christendom

by Bishop Wayne Smith

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Joe Chambers: Canon for Mission & Young Adults

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Confession #1: Magdalene has changed my life!

by Sherry Nelson

Resolutions passed

in Contradiction 8 Truth

by Brendan Jones O’Connor conversation about Fer9 Youth guson by Elle Dowd Episcopal, Lu10 Midwestern theran bishops’ statement

11 Leadership conference 3/7

Our ministry together this year: diocesan reports

12 13 Coming to a diocesan event near you...

l a p o c Epis Opinion on the Street interviews

g/opinions diocesemo.or MAKING DISCIPLES

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INSIDE

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

14 15 16 17

Deep in construction, then the boiler goes out by Maria Evans In the Aftermath, How will we go forward? by Martie Metzler A Theology of Ministry The Ministry of the Body of Christ Ministry of Baptism Ministry of the Episcopate Working through the struggle and confusion

by Daniel Appleyard

18 Elected by convention 20 Clergy transitions

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In the era of Christendom’s demise, three signs of the Church’s life Bishop Wayne Smith’s Address to the 175th Convention.

I used to think that Christianity in tice, and then began a hundred years of North America, across the board, was slow- Christendom’s demise. But not without ly dying. There are after all only two bodies some last instants of its flourishing. showing any growth at all, the Assemblies 1952-68 was probably the last of God and the Mormons. Southern Baptists heyday of Christendom. And I do hear are shrinking; big box churches everywhere people speaking of those days with are shrinking; the Roman Catholic Church some wistfulness, some pining-away Bishop Wayne praying over the six to be ordained. is shrinking; and yes, the Episcopal Church after those good times past. In every is shrinking. It looks like Christianity on parish that I served as a priest, there was age tilts much older than the population our continent is someone to remind me that in the around us. Statistically we have seen tiny slowly fading away. fifties there were two hundred losses like these, continuing over many ...it’s not the Church, and I have come to children in Sunday School. I wish years, beginning in the late sixties. Most of it’s not Christianity that’s realize that it’s not that I could have had the nerve our losses are demographic; which is to say, dying.

But it’s Christendom. the Church, and to ask, “where did all those chilmost of our losses are deaths.

Christendom is dying.. it’s not Christianity dren go?” You know and I know that’s dying. But it’s that those children, who are my The good news Christendom. Christendom is dying. own age cohort, essentially graduated from But if Christendom is over, the Church Church. And the vast majority of them are is not. And are you ready for some good A brief history of Christendom not among us anymore. news in this picture? The There are important distinctions to Christendom is dying, and it’s truth is that though we The demise of Chrismake here. Christendom encompasses that hard for us to recognize or accept are smaller in number tendom means that part of the world where Christian faith pre- this death. The demise of Chrisand influence, Churches an assurance of large and people in this Diodominates, albeit often in nominal forms. It tendom means that an assurance is the cultural artifact of the Emperor Con- of large numbers and wealth and cese are leaving a bigger numbers and wealth stantine’s having made Christianity a state influence is slowly fading away. and influence is slowly footprint in their comreligion in the Roman Empire in 313, and Life then must change. So for fading away. Life then munities, perhaps bigger Theodosius having made it the only state example, the strategy for teaching now than ever before. religion in 380. Christendom flourished in the faith now looks more like a tu- must change.

The engagement in misour country, not as a legal reality, for our torial than a lecture hall, different sion is real, and it never Constitution prohibits such a thing, but as a approaches being necessary when you have ceases to startle me. cultural one. seven kids rather than seventy. That’s not Ascension Church in Northwoods, Christendom continued for centuries, a bad thing; in fact I think it’s a good thing, North Saint Louis County, is a little Church and it worked pretty well. But its strucsince it leaves us freer to make disciples, to with not much wealth at all. With few retures were so prevalent that most people emphasize character and faith, rather than sources except their own lives, the people did not notice that it was around. Ah, but making content the primary aspect. of this parish have taken on the work of Jews noticed. Counter-cultural believers So prepare to hear some statistics, but tutoring students living in the neighborlike Mennonites and Quakers noticed. And just a couple of them. In 2012-2013, the sum hood. Because they looked around and saw in North America, where Christendom had total membership in the Diocese of Mischildren and adolescents who needed more been robustly Protestant in nature, Roman souri dropped by 378, and average Sunday than they were getting in school. They also Catholics noticed. attendance fell by 122. This is exactly what have a brilliant food ministry in a part of The calamity that was the First World you would expect in a post-Christendom metro Saint Louis where there are a lot of War made many more people start to noChurch like ours, and in which the median continued on next page The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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In the era of Christendom’s demise

(continued)

I need to say to you that I hungry people. With Deb Goldam thinking about what might feder’s presence when the food pantry is open, they offer health happen this weekend—but I am also thinking about what needs screening to people who othto happen six months from erwise would have now. The isnone. Small things I point to these two sues have leveraging something small parishes because been long in much larger, which the making what they leverage, is how the likes of and they will mustard seeds work, in the name of Christ that seed that Jesus Jesus and for his sake, be long in the unraveling. so admired. comes not from a place And I St. Stephen’s, of money and power, know that we Ferguson, has been are not of one diligently build- which is the way of mind. As far ing connections to Christendom, but from as I can tell, the neighborhoods their own lives and whenever around it for years. their faith. two or three Who could have Episcopalians known the payoff gather together, there will be those relationships would have five opinions among them. I after August 9?

I point to these two small want you to know that I am comparishes because what they pletely at ease with that reality.

As a bishop, though, I have leverage, in the name of Christ Jesus and for his sake, comes not a particular responsibility in from a place of money and pow- light of the racism revealed in er, which is the way of Christen- the tragic circumstances of Ferdom, but from their own lives and guson.

When I became a bishop, their faith. Off the top of my head one of the solemn vows that I I could point toward twenty other places, so engaged in mission. took was to “defend those who have no helper.” I said that I would do it, for the sake of A vow to defend those who Christ Jesus. These are the exact have no helper I mentioned St. Stephen’s, words from the ordination rite.

And I tell you that I am goand I simply must say more about Ferguson. I realize that there is ing to fulfill that vow. It is my fatigue among some Episcopa- bounden duty to defend those lians when it comes to the issues who have no helper. That is the that Ferguson raises, and that direction I am heading, and among others there is impa- I hope that you will see fit to tience and great hurt. I know that come along with me. we are not of one mind. There is no quick fix to what ails us, and Three signs of the church’s life In this era of ChristenFerguson is going to be with us a dom’s demise, there continue long, long time.

MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

to be three signs of the Church’s life. Signs that people in the surrounding culture might find compelling. These are gifts inherent to the Church’s life and I think that we need to give them starker contrast, practice them more clearly, and undertake the exercises necessary to strengthen them in our life together.

I have labeled these three signs: Community, Prayer, Beyond. These are over-lapping realities, and the body of Christ is present in all of them. In the community, which is the Body of Christ. In the sacrament of the Eucharist, which is the body of Christ, and Christ’s blood. In the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the ill, the naked, and those in prison, where we will find the body of Christ.

These three realities answer yearnings common in the world around us. People yearn for genuine community but will not settle for a club or pseudo-community.

People in fact do seek God, and a deeper knowledge of God, but will not settle for clichéd prayers or worship that just goes through the paces. And people want honest venues for making a difference in the world but may become bored by holier-than-thou types, and impatient with do-gooder-ism.

aconate in a few minutes, because their purpose and their very existence serve to draw the attention of us all to the servant ministry that belongs to everyone who is baptized.

Deacons cannot be so diminished in their life and purpose that they are the token servants for the community. That may be a clericalized sort of notion left over from Christendom, and it is not sufficient.

They are instead to be servant leaders, showing us where Christ resides among the poor and the marginalized, and inviting us to go there with them.

They serve as leaders to show us the presence of Christ beyond the walls, just as priests serve as leaders in showing the ways Christ is present in the Body, the community, and in the Prayers, at the table, and whenever two or three are gathered in Christ’s name.

Ordinations in convention

I love this venue of gathering for worship in the same configuration that we will use in the rest of Convention.

There has to be continuity between what happens in worship and what happens in the rest of our life. It’s about authenticity, which is a post-Christendom value.

It also well describes Jesus Our shared servant ministry Christ, who is the one true huThis third area, Beyond man, in whose life, teaching, mir(as in beyond the walls of the acles, death, and resurrection, we Church), may be the linchpin know the one true God. for us. I’m talking about servant ministry, for the sake of the ser- The Right Reverend George Wayne vant Christ, out in the world. It Smith is the tenth bishop of the is no small thing that we are or- Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. Read daining six of our own to the di- more of his writings collected at

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

diocesemo.org/bishop.

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For the Life of the World

Resolutions passed by convention A-175: Minimum Clergy

Compensation, submitted on behalf of the Diocesan Council 1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 175th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri set the annual standard base compensation for fulltime clergy in 2015 as follows: CASH SALARY & HOUSING ALLOWANCE $58,480 [The actual compensation should be determined

by Resolution of the Vestry/Bishop’s Committee, in consultation with the clergy.]

2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Church Pension Fund assessment will be paid by the congregation; 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $50,000 group life will be paid by the congregation; 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the medical coverage for clergy be in compliance with Diocesan Resolution A-172; 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a standard of ten days per calendar year and $500 will be provided for continuing education; 6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the standard auto allowance will be $2,000 per year; 7. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions encourage their fulltime clergy to set aside the equivalent of two days each week for personal time, 24 hours of which must be consecutive; 8. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all parishes and missions be strongly encouraged to provide dental insurance for clergy and eligible dependents, or be assured they already have

such coverage; and 9. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clergy in Charge shall accrue two weeks of sabbatical time for each year of service.

B-175: Removing Barriers to

Access, submitted by the Rev. Emily Hillquist Davis, Ms. Lisa Fox, The Rev. Knute Jacobson, the Rev. Johnnette Shane, Ms. Julia DeLancey, the Rev. Peter Van Horne 1. BE IT RESOLVED that this 175th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri commits itself to a wide diversity of membership on its canonically mandated, diocesan-wide bodies, specifically the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Disciplinary Board, and Commission on Ministry; 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Convention commits itself to reducing the disproportionate attendance burden carried by some of the members of the aforementioned bodies, possibly including members residing outside of the St. Louis metropolitan area, members with children, members with disabilities, and members of lower socioeconomic status; 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this Convention encourages the use of email, video conferencing, or other electronic transmission as a means of reducing travel barriers (such as travel time and travel expense) for members to attend meetings of the aforementioned bodies; 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this Convention en-

courages accommodation of all members of the aforementioned bodies when scheduling the time and location of meetings that require the physical presence of its members; 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this Convention encourages some meetings be scheduled outside of the St. Louis metropolitan area if such scheduling would reduce barriers for members of the aforementioned bodies; and 6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this Convention encourages accommodation of the specific needs of all of its members, including provision of childcare, transportation, wheelchair accessibility, interpreters, and other reasonable accommodations requested by members of the aforementioned bodies.

C-175: Increasing size of

Nominations and Election

Procedures committee, submitted by Ms. Betty Bowersox, Chairperson of the Committee on Nominations and Election Procedures BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1 of Article III.6 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri be revised to increase the number of persons appointed to the Committee on Nominations and Election Procedures from six (6) to seven (7). The first sentence would then read as follows: Section 1. At each annual meeting of Convention the Presiding Officer shall, with the consent of Convention, appoint a Committee on Nominations and Election Procedures, consisting of not more than seven persons, both Clergy and Laity [As this is a change to the Constitution and Canons, it will need to be voted on again in 2015.]

Music between business sessions: Leslie Scoopmire, Holy Communion, Chancellor Hal Burroughs, St. Peter’s, Bishop Wayne, music coordinator Eliza Lynn, St. John’s-St. Louis, Marshall Crossnoe, rector of St. Alban’s, Clay McKinney, Music Director at St. Martin’s on cello.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Joe Chambers appointed Canon for Mission and Young Adults Bishop Wayne Smith has appointed the Rev. Joseph Cortright Chambers to Canon for Mission and Young Adults. Joe will continue as Chaplain of Rockwell House, Episcopal Campus Ministry at Washington University in St. Louis. He will begin to expand campus ministry relationships in the diocese as well as network young adult ministry and assist the work of Canon to the Ordinary Dan Smith with congregational transitions. The bishop sees this position as one of visioning and involvement in missional projects.

Joe brings expertise from campus ministry. He is in his ninth year of serving as a chaplain in the diocese and has served in a variety of campus ministry related leadership positions locally and church-wide. He served on the Young Adult Ministry Council of the Episcopal Church and continues to work with TEC on projects for young adults.

Joe was one of the 24 members of the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal

Church (“TREC”) appointed by the Presiding Bishop. A former president of diocesan Standing Committee, Joe worked to develop its mission of visioning for the diocese and the life of the world. Joe also serves on the faculty of CREDO, a Church Pension Group wellness conference and retreat for clergy in the Episcopal Church.

Not only is Joe the chaplain of Rockwell House, he is also an alumnus. As a student at Saint Louis University he participated in the life of the Rockwell House from 2001 until 2003 when he was sponsored for ordination to the priesthood. Joe attended The General Theological Seminary and graduated with an M.Div in 2006.

He is married to Canon Amy Chambers Cortright, Vicar at Christ Church Cathedral, and they have two beautiful children. Joe is an avid runner and mountain climber; he loves the outdoors and playing golf. His interests are wide-ranging, from music and playing guitar to graphic design

and website development.

Joe’s schedule will include time at Rockwell House, time on the road, and time in the Offices of the Bishop. You can contact him at jchambers@diocesemo.org or office phone: 314-255-1377.

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Confession #1: Magdalene has changed my life!

Deaconess Anne House Corps Member Sherry Joy Nelson writes about her internship at Magdalene St. Louis Love Heals. This is the motto of Magdalene St Louis. This is what I focus on every day. This is what I am shown every day. This is the most important thing for the women who will enter our program. This is beauty.

This is truth.

The biggest part of my life recently has been working at Magdalene St Louis. Let me tell you a little about who we are and our background. We are a community for women who have survived lives of prostitution, trafficking, addiction, and abuse.

Our first home will be opening this spring to about 7 women to start who will enter our 2 year program. We are modeled after a program in Nashville which is now known by the name of their social enterprise, Thistle Farms. The reason we have started a program in St Louis is because there is a huge need here. We are a top 20 city for sex trafficking. I have seen interactions happening with women working the streets and johns. We have a problem. We are opening our doors because our program is unlike any other. We don’t charge our women anything and we provide them with every possible service needed. The key difference is the love at the center of it all.

One of my most memorable experiences so far was experiencing the culture of the community started already in Nashville.

They don’t only talk about how love heals,

Absalom Jones Challenging Colorblindness: A Multigenerational Conversation on Race, Identity and Equality

but they live it. It was a surreal weekend and the closest thing to the kingdom of God I have ever experienced.

We will be cultivating that same environment literally in my backyard because I live just a couple blocks away from the home. We have a large support network here in St Louis as well, and many people are actively involved in our circle. I instantly experienced this love from them as soon as I heard about Magdalene. I was warmly welcomed into the everyday life there. The same will be true for our women in just a few short months. We are serious when we say that everything we do is for our women.

This job is obviously very emotional. It doesn’t get any easier to read a heart-wrenching story of a woman. It doesn’t get easier to hear the ignorant comments from those who don’t truly understand what is happening. However, we support one another. We are truly a community. We have to be to bring about the type of change we want to see. We need everyone engaged to make a difference in our culture that says it is okay to buy woman’s bodies and sets them up for failure.

There are days I cry because of all the discouraging things surrounding us. There are days I cry because of all the beautiful things surrounding us.

I know that love heals because it’s been

Ash Wednesday 40 Days of Lent begins. More at: diocesemo.org/Lent

true in my own life when I have been struggling. We have seen it through interactions with our women as well. It is hard for them to believe that we truly mean what we say because they have only been told and shown that they are unworthy their whole lives.

This is why what we do must be so radical.

We are changing lives. We are changing a culture. Love breaks through all the barriers. It comes with no strings attached and no judgment. It’s unconditional.

Love Heals.

Leadership Conference at St. Martin’s Church in Ellisville

Palm Sunday

Easter Sunday The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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8 toxic behavior patterns that destroy communities. Still, it’s never easy most difficult for me has been accepting that I will not be close friends with everybody in the house.

And that’s all right, we are here to love and

By Brendan Jones O’Connor, support each other, but we are not required 2014-2015 Deaconess Anne House corps member to be drinking buddies. This is hard work, and yet it is fulfilling work, especially as I see my home life and my work life as workI am a dialectician. I don’t generally strations in State history against the ing together for the same mission this year. mention this on the first date, but I perceive anti-union policies of the state governor.

I want to emphasize to anybody considering the world as a series of opposing ideas inter- The conservatism of my home parish and acting in opposition, and eventual reconcili- my high school met a formidable challenge applying for the Deaconess Anne House, or a similar program, that living with a unified ation, with each other. For me to process my in the prophetic witness of Madison’s purpose is a profound experience to hold experience and plan for the future, I need faith communities. I knew something had for a year, especially in to bounce ideas, observations, and insights changed within me when I realized the formative time of off another person, or work through them that the salvation Jesus preached, St. Louis itself is a city one’s twenties. in a notebook, for me to feel like I’ve gotten that the apostles followed until of contradictions, St. Louis itself a handle on a reasonable position. Seldom death, and that the saints devoted which was one of the is a city of contradicdo I think I have reached a final position. their lives to, is something very reasons I choose to tions, which was one Certainty can be boring, I have found. real and achievable in this life. move here... of the reasons I choose This is why I decided to join the DeaDeaconess Anne House to move here: A city coness Anne House; just like a bicycle, for promised me something I needwhose design and cultural identity is rooted me to be a stable person, I need to be in ed, a community dedicated to both social in a World Fair 111 years ago; a city named motion. Paradoxically, the great challenge justice, and intentional life together. After after a violent, antisemitic French king, but of moving to a new city, living in an impovtwo years past my graduation of failed erished urban area with six other situations and emotional primarily occupied by Blacks and Germans; a city of 318,000 people, and a metropolitan Deaconess Anne House fatigue, I wanted more strangers, to work in a job field I area of 2.9 million; the highest crime rate had little experience, during the than anything to be part promised me somein the United States next to three of the 25 midst of an international politiof a supportive group, thing I needed, a comwealthiest suburbs; an East Coast city that cal movement, has done wonders willing to do the hard munity dedicated to happens to be on the Mississippi; The starkfor my well-being. With no jest, work of bringing the both social justice, and est street divide between rich and poor (The I can say that I am happier now Kingdom of God into the Delmar Divide); the largest Bosnian popuintentional life together. than any time since my senior world, including ourlation outside of Bosnia & Herzegovina; the year of high school. selves. Especially ourA little background on me, I grew up selves. My job placement at Christ Church biggest companies are Monsanto, Peabody, and Anheuser-Busch; and everything, yes, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, a conservative Cathedral as the digital missioner (social everything is made out of bricks. hotbed fifteen miles west of Milwaukee, media outreach position) has challenged I am so grateful for this ability to intern and attended the University of Wisconsin in me to take social media very seriously as at Deaconess Anne House in the “Gateway Madison, the great Berkeley of the Midwest. a way of fostering community. My houseContinuing my theme of taking contrasting mates have allowed me to notice strengths to the West.” In all my confusion, in all my experience as a contradictory person, and ideas and making them work together, I and weaknesses I did not realize I have. active dialectician, the Deaconess Anne spent my college years in a tiny, residenFor example, I’m a better listener than House leads me to believe in precisely one tial Episcopal ministry while studying in I knew, but I’m not especially playful or foundation: the salvific Kingdom of God. a colossal, very secular school. I loved the competitive.

From the outside, it might not seem like contradiction, as it helped me re-frame the Living in a co-operative, co-ed house much to be sure of, but I would not have it Christian experience as a commitment to has taught me patience, as we hold weekany other way. justice, reconciliation, and community livly meetings to evaluate what is working, ing. At the same time, Madison experienced and what does not. We constantly watch More of Brendan’s writing at his blog the biggest round of protests and demonourselves to avoid triangulation and other “Writing on Religion and the History of

Truth In Contradiction

Ideas” at brendanjonesoconnor.com

MAKING DISCIPLES

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Discussion Questions

Youth conversation about Ferguson Youth missioner Danielle Dowd writes about the gathering at St. Stephen’s Church in Ferguson on January 25 When I went to St. Stephen’s in Ferguson the Wednesday after the Michael Brown shooting, I asked Father Steve Lawler the same question that all of us were asking, “What can I do to help?”

Father Steve paused in his thoughtful way and then answered, “In a few months, host a youth event at St. Stephen’s.”

He told me that he wanted people to see that there was more to Ferguson than what we saw on the news, that Ferguson was a normal town, a town just like the one in which many of us live.

So when a couple of youth leaders came to me and said that they saw a need for youth from our diocese to be able to come together in a safe space and process their thoughts and feelings, St. Stephen’s felt like the right place to be.

On January 25th around two dozen youth from various parishes around St. Louis county came to St. Stephen’s.

Youth began by hearing about the food pantry ministry at St. Stephen’s and participating in a short time of service by decorating and writing homemade “Thank You” cards to donors who had provided food to the food pantry.

Rob Good from the Commission on Dismantling Racism then facilitated activities and a discussion surrounding the media portrayal of Ferguson. Youth discussed the different messages they had heard about Ferguson and what the over-arching narrative was.

Brittany Ferrell and Alexis Templeton, two young leaders from the activist group Millennial Activists United, spoke on their experiences and answered questions.

Finally, there was time for prayer and quiet reflection. Youth used art supplies to write their hopes and prayers for our communities.

At this point, youth were able to make the choice to participate in an optional pilgrimage prayer walk to the memorial site on Canfield Dr. I told the participants that regardless of how we might feel about the Michael Brown shooting, this was a place where something happened that shifted the consciousness of our city and changed our world.

About half of the participants came on this prayer walk. We gathered together in a parking lot on the corner of West Florissant and Canfield and prayed out our voices and asked God to give us eyes to see what God would have us see.

Then we silently walked to the memorial site, holding in our hands the pieces of paper with prayers that we had written together earlier.

When we reached the memorial, we circled up for a time of silent prayer and placed flowers and prayers at the memorial.

We walked back in silence again, circling up again in the parking lot to pray our voices back in, and took some time to reflect with one another about what it felt like to see the physical space which was the epicenter of so much that has happened in our communities.

Before leaving, each youth and youth leader was provided with both an electronic copy and a hard copy of a hand out with resources, support, and discussions questions.

These issues are complicated, difficult, and emotional, and deserve ongoing reflection and conversation. I was honored to bear witness to our young people doing just that.

Photos and video of the MAU presentation and Q&A available on the diocesan Youth Ministry Facebook group, contact Elle Dowd.

1. What was the most meaningful part of discussion for you today and why? " 2. What points of view did you hear that you had not previously considered? What surprised you? " 3. How do these new points of view affect your own current understanding? How will this affect your life moving forward?

Resources Talking with Youth About Tragedy http://tinyurl.com/n6ae98w Sharing Stories, Building Trust http://tinyurl.com/ngsekna Dismantling Racism http://tinyurl.com/mg7rcqo Bishop Smith’s statement http://tinyurl.com/q2v5u7y Presiding Bishop’s statement http://tinyurl.com/l5a5dd3

Support The issues surrounding the events in Ferguson are complex.

They need and deserve ongoing conversation. These topics are difficult and emotionally charged.

In order to aid you and your youth as you wrestle with the issues at hand, here are some resources.

Do not hesitate to contact me for further resources, pastoral care, and support.

Danielle Dowd - Youth Missioner Email: ddowd@diocesemo.org Cell: (314) 665-4123

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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 in The Episcopal Church: 2 million Episcopalians in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 17 nations, led by the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate. in the Diocese of Missouri: 12,500 members in 43 congregations, campus ministries and an intentional community, led by the Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, 10th Bishop of Missouri.

SEEK, February 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. Dr. E. Daniel Smith, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Missouri.

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

Deadline: May 5, 2015 for the edition available June 2015.

MAKING DISCIPLES

Midwestern Episcopal and Lutheran bishops issue joint statement Meeting on November 7, 2014, in Kansas City were: Bishop Roger Gustafson of the Central States Synod of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bishop Martin Field of the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri Bishop Wayne Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Bishop Michael Milliken of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas Bishop Dean Wolfe of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas

Dear Friends in Christ: “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the habit of some is, but encouraging one another, so much the more, as you see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 In this transitional season in the life of the Christian Church, we five bishops have gathered to discuss new ways for our two traditions to work more closely together.

We want the people and clergy of our synod and dioceses to know how important we believe these conversations are and how crucial we believe it is to invest in relationships across denominational boundaries. We are committed to working collaboratively toward a common mission and purpose. Indeed, we feel the Spirit of God urgently calling us to do so!

To this end: • Each of us has made it a priority to explore joint opportunities for ministry in Christ’s name.

• Each of us is fully committed to continuing this conversation and to engage in further interdenominational prayer and Bible study.

• Each of us is committed to the faithful consideration of every reasonable opportunity to work more closely together.

We invite others, lay and ordained, from our two great faith traditions to join us in engaging in the deepest fellowship.

Brothers and sisters, we continue to ask for your prayers, just as we continue to pray for all of you.

Web link to this issue’s online galleries.

or open your browser to:

diocesemo.org/Feb2015Seek

(cc) Photo credits: pg 1, CCC Lenten video series: image from Cr4nberry, https://www.flickr.com/photos/hazael/2102853439/ ; pg. 1 Opinions: image from Garry Knight, https://www.flickr.com/photos/garryknight/5519583998/

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Leadership conference is March 7 Held at St. Martin’s Church in Ellisville from 9am-2pm, this year’s conference explores the dynamics of change within American society and the church, and potential leadership strategies to address them.

Again this year the cost is $20 per person which includes lunch.

Our main presenter will be Dr. Matthew Price, Church Pension Group’s Vice President for Research and Data. Matthew works closely with the Episcopal Church Center to collect and

analyze demographic trends and other data on the growth of the Church. Their work on the State of the Church has sparked quite a lot of conversation among the CPF Trustees and Executive Council; conversations that will likely continue throughout the year. We will hear about the changes going on inside and outside of the church, and how it is leading change in the church.

After the main presentation there are break-out groups to discuss how these changes affect

specific ministry areas: mission and ministry, worship, finance, formation, facilities, and leadership and renewal. Each session’s notes will be brought back into the gathering for further discussion. It’s hoped that the session notes will also be shared in future diocesan publications.

This is a one day conference you don’t want to miss, as we look at how our diocese can experience change to grow and to teach and to spread the Gospel throughout Missouri.

RSVP with Robin Weisenborn, rweisenborn@diocesemo. org. Bring a check on the 7th.

Upcoming training, conversations, and series on institutional racism diocesemo.org/racism diocesemo.org/ferguson

This year in the diocese, our ministry together Each year for convention, the governance bodies and organizations submit a summary of the calendar year’s work. They are published online and in the year’s official Journal.

This year we heard from:

Arts&Faith STL, an effort to encourage arts organizations of all disciplines to develop programming inspired by or in collaboration with faith partners to promote interfaith dialogue and respect Camp Phoenix about the successful 2014 season with 75 young people (ages 8 to 15) at the annual summer camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Commission on Dismantling Racism is charged by the National Church and the Diocese of Missouri to promote racial justice in the Episcopal Church.

Commission on Ministry is charged with assisting the Bishop “in determining present and future needs for ministry in the diocese”, “in enlisting and selecting persons for Holy Orders”, and making recommendations to the Bishop. The charge to the Commission includes guiding and examining postulants and candidates, assisting with ministry enrichment for deacons and

priests, and helping to explore and implement ways in which the diocese may live out its baptismal ministries.

Community of Hope, which trains and supports laypersons for pastoral ministry within and beyond their congregations.

Companion Diocese Committee offers narrative from this past year in the Diocese of Lui, South Sudan, and news from all the mission partners. Due to the continued unrest in South Sudan the diocese did not be travel to Lui this past year, but hopes to continue mission trips in the future.

Daughters of the King are a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism.

Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee reported on their meetings this past year. Inside the Offices of the Bishop we offer reports from the Canon to the Ordinary, Communications and the Archivist, and the Youth Missioner.

Episcopal Campus Ministry-Rockwell House has grown steadily over the last four years, the students have become really good friends, and the community has great depth.

Episcopal School for Ministry launched the Program for Congregational

Vitality (once called the School for Congregational Development) in Fall 2014, including a first attempt at offering programs at remote sites. The Program for Congregational Vitality has enrolled participants attending sites at Grace Church, Jefferson City, Trinity Church Hannibal, Holy Cross, Poplar Bluff and Eden Seminary. Beginning in the Spring term of 2015, ESM will begin offering courses in Anglican Studies through Eden Theological Seminary.

Reports from our ministry partners: St. Luke’s Hospital , University of the South, and Episcopal City Mission.

Task Force for the Hungry has been revitalized in 2014 with a solid group of members that meet quarterly. We continue to direct funding to 6 hunger ministries within the diocese, and the amount of $ we have been able to provide is slightly above this point in 2013 due to continued generous donations. We are encouraging other hunger ministries within the diocese to apply for funding in 2015 and adjusting percentages given to existing ministries based on changing needs within our communities. diocesemo.org/convention2014

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Deep in construction, then the boiler goes out

perhaps because we could all hear each other’s individual voices. The makeshift altar Can a small parish hold services in an even smaller rectory attracted close attention, especially from and still be on speaking terms? By Maria Evans. us Altar Guild members. When the Vicar spoke her sermon, she looked right into What’s a little parish to do when your some of the originally scheduled hymns our eyes from only a few feet away, and it furnace decides to become possessed and remained, a few changes were made that ac- seemed as if she was sharing some heartfelt belch soot all over the inside of the church? commodated a capella singing a little better. thoughts that she really wanted us to hear.

Well, in the case of Trinity-Kirksville, we The song that caught many parishioners’ The experience reminded me of our annual held Sunday services next door in the living ears the first week was when we sang “His Liturgy at the Lake, where we hold service room/dining room of the vicarage for two eye is on the sparrow”—because outside the at the state park beside a lake on a morning weeks until an abatement company came to window, several sparthat has invariably been cool and rainy restore the sanctuary and the undercroft. rows were in attendance, each year. Familiarity is comforting, but Familiarity is Although we were able to move back perched on nearby the unfamiliar can be renewing.” comforting, but into our usual worship space before Christ- bushes, with their eyes Dr. Maria Evans, is a member of Trinity mas, the two Sundays in smaller quarters on us! It was a reminder the unfamiliar Church, a pathologist, and a postulant in gave worshipers an opportunity to explore that our stained glass the diocese. She blogs for the Episcopal can be renewing. just how big a part the building does--and windows block our view Cafe’s Speaking to the Soul, the Christian doesn’t--play in understanding what worof God’s realm at times.

Century, and others. ship is about for us, individually and collecSeveral in attendance remarked that tively. Parishioner Sally West, who grew up much was the same as any Sunday--familQuaker, saw the sudden change in plans as iar hymns, four-part harmony, the familIn the Aftermath (continued) an opportunity to return iar words of the Eucharistic to the idea that sitting in a ...reminded me of the Prayer—but having a relaxed oppressed, and those who suffer for conchurch doesn’t necessari- ultimate unimportance attitude about the glitches (and science sake, for those bereaved and for ly make it “church.” of trappings--no matter the occasional muffled barks courts of law, and others. So many per“Having church in of the vicar’s dog, Harvey, in how traditional and spectives, all humbly lifted up to God! a home highlighted the the basement) seemed to keep In those moments, offering and valued they might be. intimacy of community,” worship focused. We even had hearing the yearnings of all our hearts, she reflected.” “It also refirst time visitors one week, who we held each other’s deep concerns and minded me of the ultimate unimportance of seemed to be fine with jumping right in and hopes sacred. trappings—no matter how traditional and bringing the gifts to the altar. Coffee hour We let others touch and change our valued they might be.” also seemed to last a little longer and the own hearts.

We opened to transformaThe first challenge came in wondering conversations seemed more like the kind of tion by God and one another. how we’d fit the usual Sunday crowd into conversations one would have at a dinner The more thoroughly we are transtwo rooms. The incident happened during party. formed to listen and understand the Truman State’s fall break, so we did have Perhaps the experience was best yearnings of all God’s children, the more a slight safety net in knowing these were summed up by Trinity-Kirksville parishurgent it will be for us to become God’s generally low Sundays. Thanks to Hospice ioner Jessie Cragg: “Holding our Sunday reconciling people. of Northeast Missouri, we managed to add service in the Vicar’s house had us sitting We will need the faithful endurance a few extra chairs; some people, however, close together, although in disarray – no of pilgrims, the strategy of seasoned willingly opted for sitting on the floor. The neat rows of pews. Juggling hymnals and missioners, the company of one another cozy but friendly atmosphere seemed to service bulletins was awkward. Passing the to keep us from falling away into comhelp everyone to roll with the circumstanc- alms basin and even receiving Eucharist in placency or crusade. es a little better. such a close setting was a challenge. PassThat is a long term journey and may Another challenge had to do with what ing the Peace was actually a lot of fun as seem impossible, but as the angel said to we’ve come to expect in terms of music. we milled about. The familiar words of the Mary, “With God, all things are possible.”

Music director Scott Alberts quickly forliturgy seemed different somehow. Even in mulated some hymn changes. Although such a close environment, focus was easier, MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

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In the Aftermath, How will we go forward?

Pilgrimage is an altogether different journey

Pilgrimage has a direction toward God. The point is to travel towards the holy with others, and to let ourselves be lead and By the Rev. Martie Metzler, associate priest at Emmanuel transformed according to God’s desires.

Episcopal Church in Webster Groves Pilgrimage often leads us in unexpected paths with unlikely partners, and breaks In the aftermath of the death of Miin very different places and as long as none us open to new revelations.

Each of us must choose how we will chael Brown, we have witnessed a crisis of expects the other to be exactly where they journey with our neighbors in this time of racial distrust and outrage in our city. We are, they can push and prod one another, crisis and in the long have seen the pain of those who grieve or challenge and chide one another, Pilgrimage often leads journey before us. who fear similar ends for their loved ones. love and share with one another, us in unexpected paths Will we be tourWe have seen peaceful demonstrators, and they will all go deeper into the ists, risking nothing, with unlikely partners, braving teargas to make their voices heard, journey together. They will all be watching from a safe and we have seen antisocial rioters, hurling changed.” and breaks us open to distance, retreating missiles and insults at police, and leaving new revelations. to the comfort of distraught business owners in piles of Mission or Crusade complacency?

Will we arm ourselves only charred rubble.

Watching events unfold, I have thought Local public officials and police have of another journey that Christians have tak- with preconceived notions and crusade to enforce our own point of view? Or will we struggled, sometimes heroically and some- en through the centuries: the Crusade. times ineptly, to keep control, and some citThis is not such a holy journey, though be pilgrims, pushing away from our home izens, including clergy have trained to place always taken in the name of God. A mission base to walk with others, whether or not we are of the same mind, with the possibility of themselves in the hotspots as de-escalators. journey is taken to accomplish an end. It is being transformed by God, and those with Whose heart is not breaking to realize prayerful, faithful, collaborative, obedient, the devastating distrust, and resentment humble, powered by love of God and neigh- whom we walk?

Will we take on a mission to build that divides our community, and, in fact, bor. Often requiring self-sacrifice, it can be something positive, more like the Kingdom communities throughout our nation? a creative force for God’s Kingdom, and if that Jesus came on earth to initiate, the successful, will incarnate God’s love in the Beloved Community of Jesus that the Rev. How are we to respond? world.

Martin Luther King envisioned?

We Christians avow that the ministry Sometimes, if ungrounded and unFor myself, the remote stance of a of each baptized person is to “represent checked by faith, the missional journey tourist makes me feel powerless and disconChrist” and “to carry on Christ’s work of crosses over to become a crusade. nected from God and my neighbors. I also reconciliation in the world” (BCP p. 855).

A crusade is also a means to an end, abhor my occasional crusader impulses, Mike Kinman, Dean of Christ Church but quite different in nature. A crusade is Cathedral, reflected: “This is only the next self righteous, proud, judgmental, powered when momentarily convinced of my own stage in an ongoing journey that began well by anger and entitlement. It leaves a trail of righteousness, I want to enforce it upon others. It distresses me that I also have had before August 9 and will continue for years destruction, physical, emotional, and spirmoments of being both tourist and crusader after… We can approach this itual in its wake. Crusaders Watching events unat once, pontificating about what those on journey as tourists, consacrifice others, not self. the front line are doing wrong while sitting fold, I have thought of suming the experience as it Most of us today absecurely in front of my TV. comes to us on TV and social hor the idea of crusade, but another journey that On the evening of the Grand Jury media. We can approach this Christians have taken whenever we set off on a misannouncement and again last week at our journey as missioners and through the centuries: sion to make things better, Adult Forum, we have gathered at Emmanhave as our goal to make the we are vulnerable to slip into the Crusade. uel to voice our fears and hopes through the world a better place... But I crusading mode if we listen Collects in the Book of Common Prayer. want to suggest Christ calls to approach this only to ourselves and like-minded friends.

We chose prayers for peace, for justice, journey as a pilgrimage—the real gift of a We have seen this happen before our for times of conflict, for guidance, for those band of pilgrims is that even though every- eyes recently. one is walking the same steps, they are all continued on page 12 The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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A Theology of Ministry The Ministry of the Church

Called together by Bishop Wayne, the Joint Task Force on the Ordination Process includes members of the Episcopal School for Ministry, the Commission on Ministry and the Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains. In re-assessing the whole process to becoming ordained they have developed a common language for us to talk about the ministry of the baptized, the ministry of ordained clergy, and the ministry of the church.

The Ministry of the Body of Christ The Church shares Christ’s ministry of bringing the created order into relationship with its Creator. The Church, in its corporate reality as the Body of Christ, animated by the Spirit, extends the Incarnation of Christ throughout history. As the continuation of the Incarnation, the Church incorporates both the divine and human natures of Christ.

Q. What is the mission of the Church?

A. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.

Q. How does the Church pursue its mission?

A. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace and love.

Q&A from the Book of Common Prayer: An Outline of the Faith commonly called the Catechism

others to enter into the community of the Body of Christ and seeks to establish relationships of justice and dignity among all people through proclamation of the Gospel.

community in the effort that transforms those gifts to bread and wine.

The Church offers to God its own common life and the whole economy of the household of God under the signs of A shared priesthood bread and wine to be consecratThe whole Church shares ed to God’s purposes. in the priesthood of Christ. It In the Church’s worship, carries out its mission of restor- through the agency of the ing the created orHoly Spirit, God der to its proper transforms the Through the ministry of Church’s offering “As the father has sent me, so I relationship with send you” (John 20:21). itself and the Cre- all its members, lay and into the Body of ordained, the whole The whole Church shares ator as it gathers Christ for the in the mission of the apostles as for its worship of world.

Church participates it witnesses to the resurrection God, as it prays Gathered in the divine life of the of Christ. for the world and as that Body, the Trinity, and seeks to In the baptismal vows, each as it proclaims Church interdraw all creation into Christian promises to “proclaim the good news of cedes on behalf that life of love. by word and example the good God in Christ. of the world, news of God in Christ.”

As it gathendeavoring to The Church proclaims the ers for worship, discern God’s Good News as it reads and inmembers of the Church bring purposes and intentions in the terprets the Scriptures, as it ad- the fruits of their labor in the specific context of each gathministers the Sacraments, and world as an offering to God. ered local community. as it models in its common life The bread and wine of the the reconciliation and restored Eucharist represent both God’s A shared servant -ministry relationships between creation free grace in the fruits of nature The whole Church also and its Creator.

– grain and grapes – and the lashares in the servant-ministry The Church both invites bor and economy of the human of Christ. As members of the

Church return to the world, transformed and empowered by the Spirit, they endeavor to realize in the Church’s common life, and in the economies from which they presented their gifts, the relationships that characterize the Incarnate Body of Christ.

As the Body of Christ for the world, the Church serves to make relationships within the various communities in which they live and work more worthy of being offered to God. The Church does this through the ministry of its members as they seek to heal broken relationships and economies in the world, as they uphold the dignity of all the creatures of God and seek to discern the divine energies working through the whole created world. Its members bring these relationships back to the assembly gathered to worship.

Through the ministry of all its members

The whole Church shares the apostolate, the priesthood and the servant ministry of continued on pg. 16

MAKING DISCIPLES

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The Ministry of the Baptized

Q. What is the ministry of the laity?

A. The ministry of the laity is to repGifts of the Baptized Baptized persons have roles “seek Christ in all per- resent Christ and his Church; to bear sons” and to “strive Baptized persons are called within the life and governance witness to him wherever they may for justice and peace to be actively involved in Chris- of the parish. They financially be; and, according to the gifts given tian life. support the work of the Church among all people.” to them, to carry on Christ’s work of Each baptized person through prayerful stewardship.

Ministry of the Bapbrings unique gifts to ministry, Their presence on vestries, reconciliation in the world; and to including gifts of time, talent committees and boards assures tized in the Diocese take their place in the life, worship, Baptized perand treasure. Baptized persons the orderly management of and governance of the Church. sons serve with are musicians, teachers, learnparish affairs, including busiers, leaders, workers and supness matters, stewardship of porters of work, and have the property, the work of hospitality opportunity to move in to all, and and out of various roles Scattered throughout ministry in as they discern where pursuit of the community, bapthe needs of the commu- tized persons witness social and nity, gathered and scateconomic in word and deed to the justice. tered, match with the good news of reconcilgifts of the individual.

Bapiation through Christ; Baptized persons, tized through their faithfulpersons such witness is their ness, integrity and com- most powerful tool for have roles passion, carry on the as teachevangelism. work of reconciliation in ers and the gathered community continuing and in their witness and service learners in the formation of to the community at large. mature Christians who seek to develop a Christ-centered patMinistry of the Baptized Within tern of life. the Community: All of this work is sustained Baptized persons are called through the prayers and gifts of to continue in the Apostle’s the faithful. teachings and in prayer.

Scattered throughout the The liturgy begins with the community, baptized persons gathering of the people whose witness in word and deed to faithful presence in prayer and the good news of reconciliation praise enables the creation of a through Christ; such witness community that is welcoming, is their most powerful tool inclusive and reconciling. for evangelism. This includes The baptized may serve faithfully joining with others with the clergy in the minisin ecumenical and interfaith try of word and sacrament, as actions, witnessing to the spirit ushers or hosts, acolytes, lecof reconciliation within the tors, Eucharistic ministers, lay community. preachers, Eucharistic visitors Through secular employand worship leaders, as well as ment and work with community through music and preparation agencies, they are called to carry of the altar. out their baptismal vows to

clergy as delegates to regional convocations and to the annual diocesan convention, representing the people in the formation of vision and policy. They serve on a variety of boards, councils and commissions for the diocese.

Through the diocesan cycle of prayer, they support the work of parishes, missions and ministries throughout the diocese.

Within the region, the Diocese of Missouri exercises its prophetic voice to call for compassionate justice for God’s people and care for God’s Earth. The work of the diocese is supported through faithful stewardship of the baptized.

Ministry of the Baptized within the Church and the World

Bearing the message of reconciliation to a broken world, baptized persons are found serving through national and international ministries, including representation at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the National Council of Churches and the Anglican Communion. They join in prayer for people throughout the world and for peace in the world.

Through gifts of time, talent and treasure, baptized persons reach out in love in the name of Christ throughout the world.

You can read all of the Task Force’s Theology of Ministry online at diocesemo.org/theologyofministry .

This group was also tasked with updating the nuts and bolts of the discernment process and are creating materials for seekers beginning discernment and parish discernment committees, in addition to revising and updating the forms and checklists used in the process.

They started with the more global task of our need for common language about discernment and the theology of ministry in all orders (bishop, priest, deacon, lay) and the ministry of the church in the life of the world. They used that to inform creation of a discernment manual which will become available around the time of the diocesan discernment conference in June 2015.

There are plans to create an introductory video for general use, as well as printed pamphlets with this material. Watch the web news and weekly email for updates. diocesemo.org/subscribe

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The Ministry of the Episcopate When someone is baptized strengthening the work of the or we all renew our baptismal laity in their various congregacovenant, the first action we tions. take is to recite the Apostles' The discernment of minCreed, the ancient summary of istries — both lay and ordained apostolic faith and teaching. We — is vital to a healthy and follow that with the promise to spirit-filled Church. The bishcontinue in that apostolic teach- op has the unique opportunity ing and fellowship, in the break- to be the link between those ing of bread and in the prayers. congregations, and to encourage From the earliest times, the the discovery of spiritual gifts order of ministry both within individthat has continual congregations, The discernment of ued and guarded as well as mutual that faith has been ministries — both lay ministries among and ordained — is the episcopate. them.

Bishops have vital to a healthy and modeled that The chief pastor spirit-filled Church. ministry in their As the chief own proclamation priest and pastor of the Gospel and in administra- of the entire diocese, the bishop tion of the Sacraments through- also is responsible for overseeout their dioceses. ing these apostolic ministries, In their regular teachso they remain faithful, united ing and preaching, and in the and disciplined. baptizing and presiding at the Bishops regularly do so by Eucharist, they seek to encourbeing the chief presider in the age and support the apostolic congregations of their dioceses ministry of all the baptized to as they make their circuit of parproclaim by word and example ish visitations. the Good News of God in Christ, They also do so when their to serve Christ in all persons, to dioceses gather for their anstrive for justice and peace, and nual conventions and on other to respect the dignity of every occasions, as well as at regular human being. meetings with the clergy of the dioceses.

Bishop as link

From the beginning, the bishops' apostolic ministry has been extended by the priests and deacons of the diocese.

A major responsibility of bishops is to ordain sufficient numbers of priests and deacons to work beside the bishops in MAKING DISCIPLES

Governance and oversight

of the Church—congregational, diocesan, provincial, national and even international—is to assist the mission of the Church to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.

The bishops are in a unique position to do so as they represent their dioceses in the councils of the province, the Episcopal Church and of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Each level of our Church has gifts of ministry to enrich the whole Church. One way that is demonstrated is that bishops participate in the ordination of other bishops.

The reconciliation of the world

Finally, bishops have the responsibility both individually and collectively to act in concert with others in our civic communities for the reconciliation of the world in the name of Christ.

The world naturally looks to our bishops to provide such leadership as our communities strive to live in peace with justice, respecting the dignity of every human being.

Read all six chapters (ministries of the Body of Christ, the baptized, the episcopate, the priesthood, the diaconate, and on discernment) online at diocesemo.org/theologyofministry.

Weekly email news? Yes! Subscribe here: diocesemo.org/subscribe

The Ministry of the Body of Christ

(continued from pg. 14)

Bishops share the ministry of oversight with the laity and the clergy through the various forms of governance in our Church.

The fundamental purpose of that governance at every level

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

Q. What is the ministry of a bishop?

A. The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry.

Christ as it offers itself to embody Christ in the world, bringing the divine and created natures into relationship in the Body of Christ.

Through the ministry of all its members, lay and ordained, the whole Church participates in the divine life of the Trinity, and seeks to draw all creation into that life of love.

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Working through the struggle and confusion as we consider the events unfolding around

by Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s rector, the Rev. Dan Appleyard. Writ- us: 1:10 Shmaayah would say: Love ten in the week of November 16th, as work, loath mastery over others, and the region awaited the announceavoid intimacy with the government. ment of the Grand Jury decision in the matter of the shooting of Michael 1:14: Hillel would also say: If I am not Brown, Emmanuel and their rector for myself, who is for me? continued with their ongoing work in And if I am only for myself, what am dismantling racism.

I? And if not now, when?

In the midst of the tension in the air in our region, Emmanuel held another Alliance for Interracial Dignity (AID) meeting on November 11, hosted by Dr. Jason Q. Purnell, assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University. His presentation was on his research and the project, “For the Sake of All” (http://forthesakeofall.org/) This multi-disciplinary project on the health and well-being of African Americans in St. Louis was well received and good discussion followed.

Two days later I attended a Jewish/ Christian dialogue meeting at Eden Seminary and felt blessed to have some heartfelt, prayerful conversation with people from both faith communities.

It won’t surprise you that our topic was “What does your faith tradition say about the events of Michael Brown’s death and the possible outcomes of the Grand Jury’s assessment of Officer Darren Wilson’s killing him?” It was a nuanced and thoughtful discussion about the challenges facing our region and nation.

In the midst of it, I walked away with some gems of wisdom from ancient and modern Jewish traditions. One Rabbi offered several passages from Pirke Avot which translates into English as: Chapters of the Fathers. It is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims of the Rabbis of the Mishnaic period, around 200 CE. Here are some of the passages (quotes of the Fathers/Elders) he offered us to reflect on

2: 3. Be careful with the government, for they befriend a person only for their own needs. They appear to be friends when it is beneficial to them, but they do not stand by a person at the time of his distress.

2:10 Rabbi Eliezer would say: The honor of your fellow should be as precious to you as your own, and do not be easy to anger.

2:16 Rabbi Tarfon would also say: It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but neither are you free to absolve yourself from it.

A light across borders, beyond fear.

Blessed are You, Source of Life, Who helps us to bring Light where there is darkness, Healing where there is brokenness, and, Peace to all of the earth’s inhabitants.

I, in turn, shared with them passages from scripture, the August statement from Emmanuel’s vestry, and our church’s history in combating racism. I also shared this prayer from The Book of Common Prayer, entitled “A Prayer for the Human Family”: O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3:2 Rabbi Chanina, deputy to the kohanim, would say: Pray for the integrity (peace) of the government; for were it not for the fear of its authority, a man would swallow his neighbor alive.

I don’t know what has happened since my writing this article, nor what you are experiencing as you sit and read it. But I do know that all that is happening in our region creates an opportunity for learning, listening, active engagement, and change.

We are being given an opportunity to He followed those quotes, with “A live into the prayers we pray, like the one Meditation for Peace: St. Louis, 2014.” It was above. We are being invited into a seminal inspired by and adapted from the words of moment in the history of St. Louis, and perIbtisam Mahameed & Tamar Elad-Appelhaps our nation. baum from Kolot: The Center for Jewish I hope you will join me in looking for Women’s and Gender Studies. It goes like ways that you can “break down the walls,” this: “unite in bonds of love” and “work through Let us be a light— for peace, the struggle and confusion” so that all Now, more than ever, during these peoples and races and nations in the human days of so much crying. A light to family may live in harmony. illuminate our future, face to face, The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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18 ed leader who loves God and the Church.

And when it comes to fiscal things, she has a “task-oriented sense” that allows her to see what needs to be done, and how to get

by Diocesan Convention at its there.” annual meeting in November Adam Pearson is a member of Holy Communion Church in Standing Committee University City. Rebecca The Standing Committee of the diocese Ragland, serving as Holy functions as the council of advice to the Communion’s associate bishop, is a visioning group for the diocese. priest, then as interim Certifies candidates for ordination in this rector nominated Adam diocese and votes on consent to the election, saying, “He has a strong ordination, and consecration of bishops churchwide. They also may serve as ecclesi- and enduring track record of community engagement, as evidenced by his profesastical authority for the diocese in the absional and volunteer endeavors in St. Louis sence of a bishop.

To maintain parity between clergy and City, and would make an outstanding committee member.” lay members, the three positions are stagAdam is an occupational therapist by gered from year to year. This year conventrade, and has worked in several settings tion elected one clergy person and two lay where he has specialized in serving the members to four year terms, Mrs. Simone homeless population. As a clinician and Camp, Dr. Adam Pearson, and the Rev. Jerre educator, he started a clinical program Birdsong. at a large drop-in day shelter, and, along Simone Camp is a with graduate students, provided therapy member of St. Alban’s services to almost 100 men, women and Church in Fulton. She children. In current position, he is the first has a long and impresdirector of a permanent supportive housing sive history of faithful program that will deliver clinical services service and leadership and housing to homeless clients with seat St. Alban’s. She’s vere mental illness. served several times on He is enthusiastic about the mission to the bishop’s committee, end homelessness in St. Louis. Most imporand as Bishop’s Warden. tantly, his faith influences his works. “He She is currently Treasurer. Simone is a Lecrecognizes that social justice and equality tor and a Lay Eucharistic Minister.

Rector Marshall Crossnoe said, “At St. are not only essential to our community’s vitality, “ continued Rebecca, “but are cenAlban’s we rely on Simone, and she always tral to the gospel of grace. This faith-based comes through. Right now, we are benefiting from her gifts and service in our Capital foundation has spurred much of his involveCampaign to finance and install a lift at the ment in the church, and other volunteer leadership endeavors that focus on serving church.”

In the diocese, she’s served repeatedly the underserved.”

Jerre Birdsong, recently ordained as St. Alban’s delegate to Diocesan Convendeacon, serves St. Mark’s Church in St. Loution, and more than one term on Diocesan is. Before becoming a deacon, he was active Council. “She knows her way around the in his parish and the diocese since moving diocese, both literally and figuratively as it pertains to leadership and ministry,” added to St. Louis in 1977, In the fiscal arena, he served as a Crossnoe. “She is a practical and level-head-

Elected

MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

trustee on the Diocesan Investment Trust for fifteen years with much of that time as Chair.

Jerre served as Diocesan Treasurer from 2004 to 2009. While Diocesan Treasurer, he was instrumental in increasing the transparency of all diocesan assets, clearly delineating responsibility for funds, and communicating procedures for requesting such funds for ministry. “I do not view such efforts toward good corporate governance as legalistic formalities,” he said, “but rather as attention necessary to make the ministries of the diocese more effective.”

Jerre has been active in food, homeless, and youth ministries, creating diverse worship experiences, low income housing, stewardship, national and international missions, children’s advocacy, and hospice chaplaincy.

He served as the alumni representative on the Board of the Episcopal School of Ministry.

“In providing a council of advice for the bishop, all views must be brought into light,” Jerre continued, “and discernment should involve Spirit-led good judgment. As a newly ordained deacon, I will ensure that the voice of the poor and oppressed not be forgotten in any business or ministry before the Standing Committee.”

Diocesan Council

The Council carries out the work of diocesan convention between annual meetings, prepares and oversees the budget, develops and reviews diocesan programs. It consists of members elected (by convention and convocation) and appointed by the bishop.

Council functions as the Corporation of the Diocese.

Each year two lay members are elected to Diocesan Council by convention for three year terms, and this year they are Ms. Patricia N. Heeter and Ms. Elizabeth Yount.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

19 Pat Heeter is a lifelong member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in St. Louis. She is the church historian/ archivist and is writing the history of the 140 years of All Saints’.

Pat served as a delegate to the 2001 Special Convention to elect George Wayne Smith as Bishop Coadjutor and as a delegate to the 162nd Diocesan Convention. She was a member of Metro II Convocation. Pat has served on the vestry as clerk (at present time as Jr. Warden) and has served on a search committee for a rector. She has been a member of the diocesan Episcopal Church Women Board. and served as registration chair for ECW’s Province V Annual Meeting held in St. Louis in April 2013. At the present time she is serving as the ex officio chair of the ECW Board Scholarship Committee.

Pat is a retired educator/school psychologist/psychological examiner.

Elizabeth Yount is a lifetime resident of University City. She grew up in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, spent some time at St. Michael and St. George’s, and returned to St. Peter’s a decade ago. Liz has been a Sunday School teacher and Children’s Program volunteer for years, and is currently serving a second term as lay delegate to the diocesan convention. She was elected as an alternate lay delegate to the 2015 General Convention. She’s married and has three children, Katherine, Michael, and Christopher. Professionally, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and works in the tax area serving high net worth individuals, corporate executives, professional athletes, and expatriates. In her free time she loves to be outdoors, whether watching her son play soccer, sitting on a beach, or hiking in the mountains.

Disciplinary Board

This board exists to help in cases where clergy have been presented with charges under the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Canons (Title IV), of the Episcopal Church Canons.

If a presentment arises the board president along with the bishop will review the work of the Intake Officer to determine need for further investigation.

Depending on investigation’s outcome, the board may work in two groups, one that would seek conciliation, the other to serve as a trial court should a case go that far.

The clergy person and lay member elected to four year terms by convention are the Rev. Dawn-Victoria Mitchell and the Hon. Shirley Padmore Mensah.

Dawn-Victoria Mitchell is the rector of Trinity Church in Hannibal and St. Paul’s Church in Palmyra.

She has previously served the diocese as a convocation clergy representative to Diocesan Council (once from West Convocation and once from Kemper).

She is involved in her community as a volunteer hospital chaplain, where she serves as president of the executive committee for the chaplaincy corps.

“The Disciplinary Board is a board that we hope never needs to meet,” she explained. “As a priest, I have had to navigate sensitive issues. In each instance I have tried to minister in a loving way and to not jump to judgment. I strive to always listen carefully and to treat others fairly, with respect and dignity, in all situations. My ministry with the local hospital means that I am attuned to the need to listen carefully to all sides of an issue and to the importance for maintaining confidentially. “ Shirley Padmore Mensah is a member of Holy Communion Church in University City. She has been a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri since 2012. Prior to

that, she worked in private practice as a trial lawyer beginning in 1995. After spending two summers as a summer associate for what is now Husch Blackwell, she joined the firm in 1995 as an associate in the Litigation Department and remained with that law firm until she was selected in 2012 to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. During her time in private practice, Judge Mensah concentrated her practice in areas of commercial, construction, product liability and toxic tort litigation. Her professional experience also includes serving as an adjunct professor teaching trial practice and procedure at Washington University School of Law. Extremely active in the community, Judge Mensah has served as a member of the board of directors for Safe Connections, and has served organizations such as The Links Incorporated and the African Refugee Service. In addition, she serves as a mentor for college and elementary students and is often asked to speak to students of all ages about the legal industry. She is a graduate of the 2006-2007 class of Leadership St. Louis.

Judge Mensah received her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and her B.A. in political science with an emphasis in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Originally from Monrovia, Liberia, she came to the United States with her family at the age of 10 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1988.

Cathedral Chapter

A chapter is similar to a vestry or bishop’s committee; it’s a governing body of a congregation. The chapter of the Cathedral has positions for six diocesan convention elected members. Each year two positions are open, one lay member and one clergy person, and we alternate years with candidates who re-

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Elected continued side in St. Louis city and county, with candidates residing outside of St. Louis city and council.

Of the slate of nominees, (this year residing in the city or county), convention elected the Rev. Susan Bartlett and Ms. Daphne Hedges.

Susan Bartlett. Ordained deacon in 2005, her ministry in the church and the community has included “Holiday of Hope” for those grieving during the holidays the loss of loved ones, “Waters of Hope” to raise funds for wells in Lui, and serving as Coordinator of an Alpha program in her congregation. She offers experience as a two-term Senior Warden and vestry member, leader in non-profit community agencies, and her servanthood ministry as a deacon in the diocese, where she served on the Commission on Ministry, Board of Directors for the Episcopal School for Ministry, and the Board of Examining Chaplains.

Susan was trained in speech pathology and for almost 30 years was the Coordinator of the Parents as Teachers program in the public schools of Rolla.

Daphne Hedges is a member of Grace Church in Jefferson City. From her first cathedral visit in the ‘80s to Flower Festival, through workshops and ordination services held there, to her recent ‘pilgrimage’ visit this summer, she’s appreciated our Cathedral for “its beauty as a holy space and its importance to the diocese and the community. The Cathedral’s welcome for neighborhood use is particularly appealing, as are ideas being considered there now, particularly Magdalene House and the charter school. I have become invested in the mission and ministry of our Cathedral; it already has a place in my heart.”

Daphne has served in various ministries in her local parish, from leading the stewardship team, to Lay Eucharistic Member, Altar Guild, Godly Play storyteller, and vestry member.

“As much as I am invested in the vitality of our parish, I also care deeply about the vitality and mission of our Cathedral as a significant voice in the life of St. Louis and of the diocese.”

MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

Clergy transitions Michael Angell was called as the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in University City. His first Sunday will be on Palm Sunday.

Jonathan Stratton was called as the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in the Central West End (St. Louis). His first Sunday was January 25th.

Rebecca Ragland left the position as interim rector of Holy Communion Episcopal Church in University City and was appointed Director of the Deaconess Anne House.

William “Bill” Luley has retired as rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Manchester.

Doris Westfall, is the interim rector for St. Luke’s Church in Manchester.

Alfred “Al” Jewson is the interim rector of Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Lake St. Louis.

Jerre Birdsong is appointed deacon at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in St. Louis. His ministry area is Hospice.

Kevin McGrane is appointed deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tower Grove (St. Louis). His ministry area is hunger ministries.

Deborah Goldfeder is appointed deacon of Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Northwoods. Her ministry area is health ministries and advocacy.

Nancy Belcher is appointed deacon of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Fulton. Her ministry area is elder ministries.

Rebecca Barger is appointed deacon of St. Francis’ Episcopal Church in Eureka. Her ministry area is national and international concerns.

Chester Hines, Jr., is appointed deacon of Christ Church Cathedral. His ministry area is St. Louis City a/ County concerns.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD