Seek, voices of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

Seek

September 2015

voices from the

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

A meeting of the Episcopal Church, the election of the next presiding bishop The Overview

It was a gathering marked by a spirit of unity and revival, with momentous large and small moments squashed into ten overly-scheduled days. "The best General Convention I've attended," said Bishop Wayne, a sentiment echoed by many.

• Election of the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry as the next presiding bishop. Joy and jubilation, a spirit of revival, a focus on Jesus, a historic vote • and process, and momentum into this next decade.

A renewed commitment to the work of dismantling racism. Clarity on the continuance and membership of the Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism, renewed energy on racism training for clergy and lay leaders of the Church; A024 directs diocese to examine the impact of the Doctrine of Discovery; A182 encourages using education, community dialogue and Ian internal audit to re-

A budget, based on the five marks of mission, that lifts up evangelism and racial justice. And resolutions that decrease the contribution of dioceses to the wider church from the current 19% by steps to 15% in 2018, along with an increase in exempted income. Almost doubling a request for anti-racism budget, a line item of 2 million for an initiative on racial justice and reconciliation. Increased funding for church plants (a line of 2.8 million), youth and young adults, and creation care. continued on page 4

The Election

On Saturday, June 27, the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, bishop of North Carolina, was elected Presiding Bishop. He begins in that role in November of 2015.

After morning worship at convention, the bishops left the Salt Palace for St. Mark's Cathedral (photo), to pray, discern, and vote for presiding bishop The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop-elect, from four nominees. The photo Dave Drachlis, Diocese of Alabama election was not even close.

Twitter leak, but no one knew Curry received 121 of the 174 for sure. Then word from the votes cast by the bishops. And committee was announced to he received them on the first the House of Deputies. The ballot, which was another first. bishops had chosen Michael Curry. Jubilation ensued. His A formal process election by the House of Bishops About an hour after the was confirmed by the House of bishops departed convention, Deputies by a vote of 800 to 12. word was received by the depu- Bishop Michael and his family, ties that bishop representatives and the deputation from North were on their way to deliver Carolina made their way to the word to the house committee. front platform. The bishops That meeting lasted some time, joined deputies in the house for the wait was hard. There was a his introduction.

continued on page 3

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

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spond to racism; partnering with Youth Ministries to commission a gospel-centered, -internet-integrated, action-oriented, anti-racism youth ministry curriculum; A183 recommended book study of the triennium: “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander (2010/2012)

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

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INSIDE

Convention: Overview, 1 General Electing a presiding bishop eye-view of convention 5 Abybishop’s Bishop Wayne Smith drive launch of 6 Conversations Ministry on Racial Reconciliation

by Kurt Greenbaum

Privilege: Living, 7 Exercising Learning, Law Children in Detention 8 Serving

by Beth Goad of Hope and Heal9 Conversations ing; The Gardens of DioMO; Rebuilding the Churches

And then there were 95...

It was a record year for camper registrations, and a successful and fun year at the 2015 Camp Phoenix. Kudos to directors Brenda Butler and Kevin Williams, spiritual directors Elle Dowd and Jillian Smith, and Pam Fadler, Paul Jokerst, all camp counselors and volunteers and the campers themselves for making this such a memorable year.

View photos on the camp’s Instagram account: http://instagram.com/MOCampPhoenix.

Web link to this issue’s online galleries.

Find Pictures and Videos online

MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

Hall pulsing with passion 13 Exhibit

by Emily Hillquist Davis 14 Stir Up the Spirit by Jeanne King Moments Urban Mission 15 Wonder

by Kyleigh Wacasey the next Deaconess Anne 16 Meet House corps members

Around 10,000 images from the life of the diocese online at Flickr.com/DioceseMO

newly-tuned discernment pro18 Acess in the diocese

Our growing library of videos is at Vimeo.com/DioceseMO

19 Workshops in the diocese out our Baptismal Covenant 20 Living

by Nancy Belcher

Diocesan news options or open your browser to: diocesemo.org/Sept2015Seek

10 The Acts of Convention 11 A Memorial to the Church and Gratitude, and 12 Collaboration a new kitchen for St. Stephen’s

Our weekly news roundup is called iSeek and is emailed each Thursday afternoon. Subscribe at: diocesemo.org/subscribe Major dio news online at diocesemo.org/news

21 Mary at St. Paul’s for JoJo 22 Brownies

by Kevin McGrane 23 24

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

Book review: My Church is Not Dying by Greg Garrett reviewer: Debbie Smith Is There More than the Summit?

by Joe Chambers

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The Election of a Presiding Bishop Bishop Michael's first press conference as presiding bishop-elect then took place: PB-elect: The church needs to be a reconciling voice and agent in the public square, seeking to be a conversation partner in the community, a positive and proactive voice in the public square....It's the voice of the Christian community in Charleston that really did change the narrative, to a narrative of forgiveness and trying to find a different way.

Where is the positive way forward? I do believe, profoundly, Dr. King was right, we are put here to create the beloved community. We all come from the same source, we are the brothers and sisters of each other.

The hard work is to figure out how we live as a beloved community, as the human family of God. That's where the church and people of faith can join hands.

Question: What is significance in your being first African American bishop of this church, also, would you describe yourself as evangelical?

PB-elect: We'll see what terms get used about me. I think the election of Bishop Katharine as first woman—I was there and I remember realizing it was an experience of the Holy Spirit—for real.

Today I had that same feeling. I think that it's a sign of our church growing more deeply in the spirit of God, in the movement of God's spirit in the world.

It is that way in Pentecost, people whose lives are really living in the spirit of God's love, and when that happens we find ourselves growing more in the direction of God's dream.

My election, Katharine's election,

(continued from page 1)

these are a sign of that same thing-that the church is willing to grow and be all that God dreams it to be.

Question: But are you an evangelical?

PB-elect: Michael Curry is a follower of Jesus.

unto you Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Love the Lord your God and neighbor as yourself, We're here because of that trinity.

And it is there my brothers and sisters that we will find the common ground..."

To his remaining days at this working convention were added hundreds of selfies and group photos, much to the delight of all.

Bishop Michael preached at the final Deputy Pat Glenn said, "It was a wonworship service of convention, "GO!" derful feeling to be a part of that process.

At the worship service, Presiding I hope every member has the chance to Bishop Katharine read a letter of congrathear Bishop Curry speak at some time!" ulations to him. We sat on the edges of our Bishop Wayne added, "This man is happy, chairs with him wondering from whom unand he loves Jesus." Could there be more contagious traits? After the election, Bishop til she read the signature, President Barack Obama.

Wayne gave the presiding bishop-elect a In addition to his canon of sermons, fountain pen Bishop Michael had particuBishop Michael is author of many articles larly admired.

In a week full of news, media picked up and two books, Songs My Grandmother Sang (Morehouse Publishing, Spring 2015) this dramatic story of firsts, a small samand Crazy Christians: a Call to Follow Jesus pling of those links included below.

(Morehouse Publishing, 2013). Crazy ChrisThe next morning Bishop Michael tians was made into an online course in Jan. spoke eloquently at a Bishops United 2014 by churchnext.tv as part of their “Big against Gun Violence pilgrimage: Course” where an item from their catalog is "...My brother Bishop Sutton spoke offered church-wide at no cost. earlier of an unholy trinity of probBishop Michael is married to Sharon, lems of poverty, racism and violence. they are the parents of two adult children.

And we are here because that unhoThe Holy Eucharist with the Instally trinity has squelched life. We are lation of the 27th Presiding Bishop of The here because that unholy trinity Episcopal Church, Bishop Michael Bruce threatens the life of us all. But we are Curry, will occur on Sunday, November 1 at really here because there's another noon Eastern at Washington National Catrinity. thedral. The service will be livestreamed.

There is another trinity that is a Bishop Curry will preach at the serHoly Trinity, a lifegiving trinity, of a vice.

Information on the process for general God who is a creator, of a God who is seating tickets will be announced after a redeemer. God who is a sanctifier.

Labor Day, in the recent past it has been via I want to submit that we must be lottery. about the business of the Holy Trinity. The business of the Jesus who You can find links to galleries of photos and came and taught us, you have heard videos, and the cascade of media articles that it is said that life was cheap. about Bishop Michael’s election in the secu You have heard that it was said lar and religious press, in addition to deeper that violence was the way, you have inks on all stories in this issue, online at heard that it was said that racism is diocesemo.org/Sept2015Seek. okay, you have heard that it was said that poverty doesn't matter, but I say The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Overview of the work of General Convention •

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Amendment to the marriage canon and trial liturgies authorized for use, beginning Advent 2015 (Nov. 29, 2015), “Bishops exercising ecclesiastical authority or, where appropriate, ecclesiastical supervision, will make provision for all couples asking to be married in this church to have access to these liturgies. Trial use is only to be available under the discretion and with the permission of the diocesan bishop.” Both resolutions say that clergy retain the canonical right to refuse to officiate at any wedding. Bishop Wayne Smith will articulate how this will work in our diocese, after conversation with Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, and likely issue guidelines near • the end of September. Until Advent when published materials are available and the trial liturgies are authorized, we are following current guidelines for blessings of same-sex unions.

An updated, suggested for dioceses to use as a guideline, alcohol policy. Committee 22 was called just before convention began, Convention passed A158 to create a task force to review and revise policy on substance abuse, addiction and recovery. It also contains a "policy on alcohol and other substance misuse and encourage MAKING DISCIPLES

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dioceses, congregations, seminaries, schools, young adult ministries, and affiliated institutions to update their policies on the use of alcohol and other substances with the potential for misuse," to use as a starting point for local conversations.

Also passed were A159, acknowledging the church’s role in the culture of alcohol and drug abuse, and D014, which recommends that ordinands should be questioned at the very beginning of the discernment process about addiction and substance use in their lives and family systems. Deputy Doris Westfall was a member of this committee.

Katharine. The long list of CCABs (churchwide commissions, councils, agencies, and boards) was reduced to just two: Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music; and Structure, Governance, and Constitution and Canons.

Other work will be headed by task forces (which sunset at the next meeting of convention) or committees of the Executive Council (which is elected and operates between convention to administer the will of General Convention).

Establishing a Parental Leave Policy, D030.

Teresa Danieley, rector of St. John's in St. Louis, along with other members of the Young Clergy Woman Project worked on the initial language for this resolution.

Beginning work on restructuring the church, an outgrowth of the work that the task force on reimagining the church began after being created

by GC in 2012. Joe Chambers was one of the 24 from around the church appointed to this task force by Presiding Bishop

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

(continued from page 1)

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Beginning the study for revisions to the Book of Common Prayer, the Book of Occasional Services, and the Hymnal 1982.

GC makes available but does not authorize A Great Cloud of Witnesses:

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

A Calendar of Commemorations, and directs the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to review all entries using criteria established in A056.

Great Cloud of Witnesses replaces Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints. Remaining the authorized calendar of commemorations is Lesser Feasts and Fasts.

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A focus on creation care with resolutions to divest in fossil fuels, an increased budget over the next triennium, and authorized use of “Liturgical Materials Honoring God in Creation.”

Photo take in Salt Lake City on the convention floor, l. to r: Jay Kloecker, Liz Yount, Michael Booker, Mike Clark, Dan Appleyard, Mark Sluss, Patricia Glenn, Wayne Smith, Doris Westfall, Tamsen Whistler, Kathy Dyer.

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For the Life of the World

A bishop’s eye-view of convention Bishop Wayne penned this wrap-up of convention the week after it ended.

As I write this brief wrap-up of the events of the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, I am aware that this meeting has been the most congenial and most productive of the five that I have attended as Bishop of Missouri. More important, the most evident affect during Convention was that of joy. I never thought that I would write such words about this triennial gathering.

The Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of a Presiding Bishop presented four excellent nominees for us bishops to consider, and any one of the four could have made a fine presiding bishop. But the will of the House of Bishops, and pray God, that of the Holy Spirit, was to elect Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, on the first ballot and in an overwhelming landslide. He is, I firmly believe, the right bishop at the right time for our Church. The convergence of the extraordinary ballot with the energy that Michael brings with his ministry, unleashed joy among the bishops gathered for the election. We sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as we began signing the paperwork attesting to the election. Michael being the first African-American elected Presiding Bishop, the other bishops of African

descent received the honor of signing the testimonials first. The room was charged with electricity for over an hour following the election.

Bishop Michael Curry is a great preacher, a visionary leader, a fine teacher, and gifted with a sense of humor. Expect good things ahead.

The Supreme Court released its decision extending same-sex marriage to all the states on June 26, the second full day of General Convention. The decision caused a ripple of excitement everywhere in the meeting rooms and hallways. The Convention subsequently voted by large majorities in both Houses, Bishops and Deputies, to make same-sex marriage available in our Church. The rites become available on the First Sunday of Advent this year, and they can be used a trial basis, subject to the oversight of the bishop of the diocese.

I voted in the majority on the two enabling resolutions, and after consultation with the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, I will draft guidelines for the rites in the Diocese of Missouri.

The Court decision and the actions of General Convention became occasions for joy among many in Salt Lake City, but

there remains a minority in our Body who dissent from these movements in the Court and in the Church. Even here there is cause for hope. Those who dissented among the Bishops voiced their differences with explicit and high regard for the majority, acknowledging that we all remain members of one Church. The majority in turn moved a resolution to express affection for the dissenters, to honor their position, and to state that they hold a place that is irreplaceable in the life of our Church.

I pray that we in this Diocese can continue in such a path of graciousness, as we have done in the past. I will say here what I have said before: I intend to be the Bishop for all the Diocese of Missouri.

Some other decisions did not have such high visibility, but they are important nonetheless: preliminary plans for revising the Prayer Book to be presented at the 79th General Convention in 2018; work toward a new hymnal and Book of Occasional Services; incremental but substantial reduction in assessments that dioceses pay to the Episcopal Church; and a few adjustments to the structure of the Church.

Finally, it's worth noting that the General Convention included St. Louis among five cities under consideration to host its 80th meeting, in 2021. We should learn the planning committee's decision in about eighteen months. It would be hard work and a great opportunity for our Diocese!

More online! www.DioceseMO.org/GC78 • Photo galleries • Video archives of all convention Eucharists, linked sermon texts and information about music • Video archives of all public legislative session and a day-by-day recounting by members of the Missouri deputation

• Video archived of the bishop and deputation during July’s post-convention reporting session, with text available.

Recounting the Rebuilding the Churches and Black Lives Matter initiatives and memorable moment as experienced by the team from Missouri

• Links to major media stories on the election of Michael Curry as first African American presiding bishop, the change to the marriage canons coming directly after the Supreme Court marriage equality ruling

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Conversations drive launch of Ministry on Racial Reconciliation at St. Tim’s by Kurt Greenbaum A parish spirit moved by the events of Ferguson and a chance meeting between two people who didn’t realize they attended the same church has gelled into a full-fledged racial reconciliation ministry at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church.

Tony Corey, who leads the Ministry on Racial Reconciliation, recalls the chain of events that led to its formation and its first official meeting in early March with four members—two couples.

Today, that ministry has 15 members and is organizing events designed to educate ministry members and the parish at large on issues involving race, racism, and oppression by being in dialogue around reconciliation and social justice. Ministry goal is to welcome as many people at St. Timothy’s as possible to become part of the conversation.

The first four members of the ministry were Tony and his wife Leslie, and Cathy and Rob Muschany. Rob and Leslie met in the Leadership St. Louis training program.

Each month focuses on a specific aspect of St. Louis, including criminal justice, poverty and homelessness. One of the sessions is focused completely on race. This particular session deeply moved both Rob and Leslie.

They found out shortly thereafter that they were both members of St. Timothy’s.

First steps

The fledgling group yearned to get more involved in social justice issues. The events of Ferguson compelled them to get more involved. They received early encouragement and guidance from Marvin Foltz, rector of St. Timothy’s, and Chester Hines, leader of the diocesan Commission on Dismantling Racism, who was serving at St. Timothy’s during his training for the diaconate.

MAKING DISCIPLES

In early February twelve St Timothy parishioners attended the Absalom Jones Celebration at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.

Organized by Rob Good and Adrienne Dillon, commission members, and Elle Dowd, diocesan youth missioner, this event generated important conversations on race, in an expanding group of St. Tim’s members.

The work of the Commission in 2014 and an introduction to the new ministry was included in the church’s 2015 annual report. The two-page write up closed by saying, “If you’ve read this far, you’re probably interested in doing more. Please call.” And one parishioner did!

The ministry made a presentation and hosted its first parish-wide dialogue on racism at a St. Tim’s “Wonderful Wednesday” Lenten program on March 25. Two more people joined.

Deacon Hines and the commission organized a Dismantling Racism training which the parish hosted in April 2015. From that two-day event another four St Timothy parishioners joined the ministry.

Now at 15 members, the ministry credits Foltz’s support and encouragement for making this ministry blossom: “It’s really important that the leadership of the church is behind this and more importantly, talks about it.” The ministry also values the guidance of Hines and the commission members who have provided invaluable training, resources, and support.

Members of the Ministry on Racial Reconciliation guide themselves by remem-

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

bering to use personal relationships and individual experience to spread the word about the ministry; by acknowledging their own place in the journey; and by meeting people where they are, with love and caring.

Ministry members have attended a variety of workshops and programs around the region. In July, they hosted a discussion around “The Children’s March,” an Oscar-winning documentary about young peoples’ roles confronting racism in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama. This event also added new members.

What the future holds

Their slate of coming events includes more parish-sponsored outings to lectures and workshops; a book review; and another film-based discussion.

The St. Timothy Ministry on Racial Reconciliation meets biweekly to discuss, share, and plan. They open each meeting with the same prayer, which includes a statement of their “commitment to working for reconciliation; with a willingness to challenge and be challenged.”

If you have read this far, you’re probably interested in doing more. Please call.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

Kurt Greenbaum is a member of the diocesan Dismantling Racism Commission, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, and lead at Greentree MediaWorks LLC, helping businesses and nonprofits tell their story.

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Exercising Privilege: Living, Learning, Law Tim Wise, prominent anti-racist writer and educator, returns to St. Louis to speak and moderate on Saturday, November 7, at a one day workshop organized by the diocesan Dismantling Racism Commission and the YWCA. The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is dedicated to racial reconciliation through the work of its Commission on Dismantling Racism, which develops educational programming about the issues surrounding race, racism, prejudice, privilege, and equity.

To further our ongoing conversation about race and reconciliation in our region, the commission has developed a program of speakers and dialogue on these issues scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. The date is close to the one-year anniversary of the grand jury decision in the Michael Brown case — a timely moment to continue this conversation.

Tim Wise is a nationally known speaker and scholar on these topics, and speaks passionately about racial reconciliation, white privilege, and misconceptions that prevent honest dialogue. He will appear that morning to moderate a panel discussion involving the effect of race on housing, education, law enforcement and religion.

After a boxed lunch we will provide attendees, Tim will make his own presentation and answer questions.

The program will run 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center, 2711 Locust, St. Louis. YWCA Metro St. Louis is our partner in this event.

The morning’s panel will address four topics with regional experts. Amy Hunter is the Director of Racial Justice at the YWCA Metro in St. Louis and is responsible for ensuring that eliminating racism, part of the YWCA’s two-prong mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, is incorporated in all of the organization’s internal and external programming. She will present on housing and zip codes through the lens of race and privilege.

George Wayne Smith, the 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri will speak to the interrelatedness of racial justice and the work of the church in reconciliation. Additional panelists will address education and legal systems.

There will be an opportunity for community discussion and engagement.

Elements of the commission’s dismantling institutional racism training will be incorporated into the morning and afternoon session; these are the same topics that are discussed and presented in the fourteen hour workshop.

The Wheatley Heritage Center holds 350-400, and we hope to see many diocesan members there. This event is free and open to the public. If you feel moved to contribute as a volunteer or with a donation to help defray the cost of lunches, please contact a member of the commission at your church, or commission chair Chester Hines.

More online at www. DioceseMO.org/DR Dismantling Racism open house Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 10 am - Noon Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis Historian, author, and educator Kris Zapalac, PhD, will be the featured speaker at this annual celebration.

Open to the public. No cost.

The next 14-hour training in dismantling racism will be held Jan. 16 & 17, 2016, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves.

No cost, childcare and lunch provided.

Register by Jan. 7, 2016.

Absalom Jones commemoration Saturday, February 6, 2016 St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur This event is designed for youth and adults.

Open to the pubic. No cost.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Serving Children in Detention

ance. The youth in detention need someone with whom they can have a confidential conversation—someone with whom they can connect and reveal their true selves.

St. Louis detention by the numbers The ECM chaplains are those people, Due to a systematic effort to keep only as they have been over the last 60 years. high risk children in detention, the overall They are there to listen to the children and number of children in the centers is deprovide comfort when they are frightened creasing. For example, the average daily and alone. ECM celebrates the opportunity detention population at St. Louis City Deour chaplains have to have conversations of tention Center in 2010 was 43, while in 2014 hope and healing with the children. it was down to 25.

Studies show that the more exposure In July 2015, several ECM Board and children have to positive adult role modstaff members attended a training provided els, the less likely they are to demonstrate

by St. Louis County Family Court personat-risk behaviors and negative choices. Our nel. The training was extremely helpful in chaplains can be those role models and they assisting ECM stakeholders better underprovide many activities and programs for stand how the Family Court and Juvenile the juveniles.

Justice System works in St. Louis County.

As ECM chaplains do their work, they One thing was extremely evident after a have the support of the directors of the two-hour session: The Juvenile Justice juvenile centers, as demonstrated by the System is very complex; and there are many following statement from Cheryl Campsocietal issues that affect how well it can bell, director at St. Louis County Detention work.

Center: “ECM programs challenge our residents A ministry of presence, a constant in the to reach out and care for others and be detention centers able to set goals that will enhance their The St. Louis metropolitan area has futures. These kids know that they have evidenced over the past year the complexity someone on their side that cares about of the system and the difficulty of dealing them and is not getting paid by the court with the variety of societal issues that our to be here.” youth are facing today. This is very important for ECM to remember as we continue to Moving into the next 60 years be a “constant in the detention centers” in As ECM moves into our next 60 years a “sea of change” in the St. Louis metropolof service, please know that we value your itan area. ECM will always be there for the prayers, gifts, and continuing support as children promoting what is needed for and volunteers at our birthday parties and in the best interest of all the children. holiday gift wrapping party. We strive to ECM provides a “ministry of presprovide hope and healing for the children ence” through our chaplains in the juvenile in detention. We could not do it without facilities. They eat meals with the youth, you! Together we can make a difference spending time with them, playing basketFor more information about ECM or any of ball, letting them know someone cares and our activities or events, please contact Beth is there for them.

Goad, Executive Director at 314-436-3545 or The chaplains provide a stable and ecmdirector@sbcglobal.net. caring relationship of compassion and guid-

Beth Goad, Executive Director of Episcopal City Mission, on the ministry and practice of ECM For over 60 years Episcopal City Mission (ECM) has delivered the mission of “Chaplaincy providing support, hope, and healing to children in detention.” ECM chaplains are available to listen, console and support the youth detained by the juvenile courts in St. Louis City and County detention centers.

ECM is the only organization authorized by the Family Courts of St. Louis City and County to provide chaplains in their juvenile detention centers, along with the county’s Lakeside Residential Treatment Center. The courts trust us to serve all children regardless of their faith background.

Attendance at all ECM chaplains’ programs is voluntary. Our chaplains do not evangelize or try to change a child’s basic faith orientation.

What is detention?

The Detention Center is defined as a secure facility where juveniles are held pending a hearing on delinquency matters.

Today, juveniles are detained only if they are considered a risk to themselves or the community, or if they have failed to appear for a prior Court hearing. These facilities detain juveniles ages 11 to 17, with most having an average age of 14 to 15.

The purpose of detention is not “to teach a child a lesson,” because this approach has been proven to have the opposite effect. Research has shown that mixing low risk children with high risk children is not a good idea, because the low risk children actually learn bad habits from the other children. Children who have been in juvenile detention, regardless of race or economic standing, are not as successful as those who have never been in detention.

MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

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Conversations of Hope and Healing ECM Chaplain Jeff Fabbiano describes meeting children “where they are” Episcopal City Mission Chaplains meet the children where they are.

One tool I use to make an initial connection with a child is basketball. One day in the gym, I saw a boy I had met a year prior. This boy, let’s call him Steve, had spent time at Lakeside Residential Treatment Center and recently returned to detention for missing a court date.

Steve requested time with me. He was barely able to keep his emotions in check in front of the other kids, but when we had a private conversation, Steve was able to let his guard down. He was very emotional

and I felt blessed that he was comfortable enough with me to open up. I discovered Steve had lost his father in 2009 and since that event, he says that he’s different. He feels as if he constantly has to put up a front around others. I feel like I was able to fill a need for this child in that moment.

The children in detention need someone with whom they can have a confidential conversation. Someone they can connect with and reveal their true selves. The ECM chaplains are those people. We are there to listen to the children and provide comfort when they are frightened and alone.

The Gardens of DioMO The call went out in late May to parishes growing food: would you make a 3 minute video about what you do? The call came from a developing grassroots community, the Episcopal Faith Food and Farm network. A prize was offered for best video.

The looped videos would be shown at General Convention, then collected for the whole church to watch.

From the Episcopal Church's 109 dioceses, 24 videos were collected.

Five of them came from this diocese. All 5 are on diocesan YouTube and Vimeo sites, captioned and with transcripts included.

Trinity Church in St. Charles hosts a 1500 sq. foot community garden with the St. Charles Ministerial Alliance and delivers produce to a weekly

community meal and their Smart Choice clients, among others.

Shepherd Farm at Good Shepherd delivers produce to Circle of Concern and the Peace Meal at St. John's.

St. Stephen's church gardens plots at the community garden, and partners with Earth Dance Farms to supply their food pantry.

Advent Church delivers garden produce to SAJE ministry and Feed My People.

The densely packed plots on the front lawn of Holy Communion deliver produce to Trinity food pantry and their Sunday meals.

Of the 24 videos collected, we didn’t win the prize. Or did we? Watch (or read) online at vimeo.com/diocesemo.

“Celebrating Conversations of Hope and Healing” is the theme of this year’s annual Episcopal City Mission fundraiser, A Moment in Time. The cocktail reception, dinner and celebration will be held October 8th, 2015, 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Windows on Washington.

Just what is A Moment in Time? For the chaplains of Episcopal City Mission, a moment in time is the space in which relationships are formed with children in detention. It is the opportunity to hear a story, offer support, or invite a new perspective. A Moment in Time can be brief.

It can be simple. And it can change everything. Together we can make a difference.

For more information or to secure tickets, please call the ECM office at314.436.3545.

Rebuild the Churches With the news of the several black churches burning, likely due to arson, the people of Christ Church Cathedral needed to do something. Dean Mike Kinman started an online fund to collect money.

An initial collection amount of $1500 was reached almost in minutes, and several times the collection goal was revised up. And up. Was a quarter million possible? Dare to dream a half?

From its start it was an interreligious effort. Churches and faith communities were encouraged to take a collection and add it to the total. The money would be split between the churches identified as recipients.

If you look closely at the photo of the deputation on page two, in the background you’ll see

a slide asking for fund donations at General Convention.

Collections continued. Two other major funds decided to add monies they had raised to the total. The total was over half a million.

This week (8/23), six black churches burned in the wake of the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charlotte, SC, are receiving gifts from the Rebuild the Churches Fund of more than $92,000 to help rebuild.

The fund remains active through the end of September, and anyone can contribute online at https://cccathedralstl. dntly.com/campaign/2571#/ Those wishing to give can also make a check out to Christ Church Cathedral with "Rebuild the Churches Fund" in the memo line.

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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: 12,000 members in 42 congregations, campus ministries and an intentional community, led by the Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, 10th Bishop of Missouri.

SEEK, September 2015

Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Offices of the Bishop 1210 Locust St. St. Louis, Missouri 63103

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

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

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

Deadline: Oct. 2, 2015 for the edition available November 2015.

MAKING DISCIPLES

The Acts of Convention referred to dioceses for action, consideration, or information

From about 300 passed resolutions, at least 200 of which require action or information for some entity in the church, these are the resolutions affecting dioceses. Purely legislative amendments to canon not included.

The Secretary of the General Convention will sends an official notification of each resolution to the Bishop and Secretary of the Convention of each diocese. Dioceses report to the Secretary of the General Convention by December 1, 2017, with such information to be included in the Report of the Executive Council to the 79th General Convention.

The resolution texts are available in their unofficial form on the General Convention website (http://generalconvention.org).

The final and certified form of the legislation will be available in the Journal of the 78th General Convention, and subsequently in the Digital Archives of the Episcopal Church on the Archives website.

A001 Restructure for Spiritual Encounter: mutual ministry, collaboration with seminaries, encourage and support diverse ways for ordained clergy to make a living inside and outside the Church A011 Recommit to Criminal Justice Reform Study and Advocacy: acknowledges that implicit racial bias and racial profiling result in a criminal justice system that disproportionately incarcerates people of color, encourages churches to participate in one of 14 enumerated initiatives A012 Continue Funding of Mission Enterprise Zones : and encourage diocesan participation and that the church develop a web based platform for sharing A013 Continue Financial Support for Global Missions, Young Adult Service Corps, and Episcopal Volunteers in Mission A014 Celebrate Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75 Years of Healing a Hurting World: encourages dioceses to support

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these organizations A018 Encourage Interfaith Engagement: links to resources on the TEC website and encourages dioceses to offer support of bishop appointed Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer.

A021 Continue Our Commitment of 0.7% of the Millennium Development Goals A024 Direct Dioceses to Examine the Impact of the Doctrine of Discovery: as well as the related Doctrine of Manifest Destiny, and the effect it has had on all people, especially on people of color and indigenous peoples.

A030 Create Task Force on Climate Change: program to develop parish and diocesan resources designed to support local ecologically responsible stewardship of church-related properties and buildings

A159 The Role of the Church in the Culture of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse: confront and repent of the Episcopal Church’s complicity in a culture of alcohol, denial, and enabling; speak to cultural norms that promote addiction; promote spiritual practices as a means of prevention and healing; advocacy A176 Humanitarian Relief In Liberia A179 Commending Memorial V to The Episcopal Church: A Call to Action A182 Using Education, Community Dialogue and Internal Audit to Respond to All Forms of Racial Injustice A183 Recommended Book Study of the Triennium: “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness”

by Michelle Alexander (2010/2012) B007 Participation in the Bible in the Life of the Church Project of the Anglican Communion: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/theology/the-biblein-the-life-of-the-church.aspx B008 Support Handgun Purchaser Licensing

A033 Support Latinas in Ordained Ministry

B018 Support for Sudan and South Sudan

A034 Support Latinas in Lay Ministry

C014 Commend Charter for Compassion : text of the charter is included in this resolution

A037 Continue Work of the Task Force on the Study of Marriage A072 Develop Awareness of the Five Marks of Mission: use materials such as Marked for Mission and adopt the practice of intentionally stating how each activity relates to the Five Marks

C018 Pursue Justice, Peace and Security in the Holy Land C020 Ministry to People with Mental Illness and Their Families C031 In Support of Diocesan Mergers

A076 Commend Use of Christian Formation Certifications

C037 Sponsoring and Supporting Scouting Units

A078 Reaffirm The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation

C045 Environmentally Responsible Investing

A091 Affirm Work for Food Ministries and Food Security

C048 Increase the Minimum Wage

A096 Affirm Relationship-Based Social Justice A112 Encourage Support for YASC and EVIM (Episcopal Volunteers in Mission) A158 Task Force to Review and Revise Policy on substance abuse, addiction and recovery the 78th Convention adopt the following policy on alcohol and other substance misuse and encourage dioceses, congregations, seminaries, schools, young adult ministries, and affiliated institutions to update their policies on the use of alcohol and other substances with the potential for misuse (policy included in resolution)

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D014 Question Ordinands About Addiction D015 Encouraging Advocacy for Hunger Relief D030 Establish Parental Leave Policy D034 Affirmation and Support of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 D045 Support For Men's Ministry D061 Task Force for Scholarships For Undocumented Youth D073 Supporting Home and Community Based Services D077 Uniting Families D079 Education for Undocumented Families

11

A Memorial to the Church Signed by hundreds including Bishop Wayne Smith, this text is referred to in General Convention resolution A179, and is commended to the entire Church.

Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did. So there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:4-6,8 In the eighth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the newly formed church of disciples of the risen Savior found itself in a new situation.

No longer could Christians depend on traditional ways of following Jesus and traditional places in which to do it. Driven out of their comfortable existence praying in the Temple in Jerusalem and waiting for the kingdom to come, they found themselves in new and unexpected neighborhoods, developing new ways of proclaiming the Word. Yet they found that the crowds were eager to hear the Good News of Christ and welcomed it with joy. The very loss of the old ways of being the church gave them opportunities to expand and multiply the reach of Christ’s loving embrace.

Our beloved Episcopal Church is in a similar situation. We must find new ways of proclaiming the gospel in varied and ever changing neighborhoods. Old ways of being the church no longer apply. We can no longer settle for complacency and comfort. We can no longer claim to dominate the political and social landscape. We can no longer wait inside our sanctuaries to welcome those who want to become Episcopalian.

We have a choice before us. We can continue, valiantly and tragically, to try to save all the rights and privileges we have previously enjoyed. We can continue to watch our church dwindle until it someday becomes an endowed museum to the faith of our forebears. We can continue business as usual until we lose our common life entirely.

Or we can lose our life for Jesus’ sake so that we might save it.

We, the undersigned, hold dear the Episcopal Church and believe passionately in the gift this church offers. Washed in the waters of

Baptism and nourished from the deep springs of word and sacrament, we experience the power of God’s presence as we open the Scriptures and celebrate the Eucharist. We stand in awe of the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the power of the triune God to love, to forgive, to make whole.

We know the joy of serving God through serving others. We long for a world with every unjust structure toppled. We love this church enough to yearn for it to be transformed.

We recognize the importance of this present moment. We join the Task Force for Reimagining the Church in calling for the church to follow Jesus into the neighborhood, traveling lightly. Our deepest hopes and aspirations are not dependent upon any particular act of this Convention. Many essential steps are found in the daily walk of discipleship undertaken by congregations and individuals throughout the church, and we commend the work of many who

are helping the church adopt these discipleship practices. This Convention, however, has the opportunity to act on a number of matters that can support God’s faithful people, our parishes and missions, and our dioceses in living out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

Specifically, we call upon the people of the Episcopal Church to: Recommit to reading scripture, praying daily, gathering weekly for corporate worship, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom, knowing that engaging in these practices brings personal and corporate transformation; Share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed, including learning how to tell the story of how Jesus makes a difference in our lives, even and especially to those who have not experienced true transformation;

Pray and fast for the Holy Spirit to add day by day to those who come within the reach of Christ’s saving embrace; Encounter Jesus Christ through loving service to those in need and through seeking justice and peace among all people.

And we call upon those bishops and deputies gathered for Convention to the following actions as specific ways we may enter this time of transition in a spirit of exploration, discovering the gifts that the Holy Spirit has for us in this moment: Engage creatively, openly, and prayerfully in reading the signs of the times and discerning the particular ways God is speaking to the Episcopal Church now; Pray, read the scriptures, and listen deeply for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in electing a new Presiding Bishop and other leaders, in entering into creative initiatives for the spread of the kingdom, and in restructuring the church for mission; Fund evangelism initiatives extravagantly: training laborers to go into the harvest to revitalize existing congregations and plant new ones; forming networks and educational offerings to train and deploy church planters and revitalizers who will follow Jesus into all kinds of neighborhoods; and creating training opportunities for bilingual and bi-cultural ministry; Release our hold on buildings, structures, comfortable habits, egos, and conflicts that do not serve the church well; Remove obstacles embedded in current structures, however formerly useful or well-meaning, that hinder new and creative mission and evangelism initiatives; Refocus our energies from building up a large, centralized, expensive, hierarchical church-wide structure, to networking and supporting mission at the local level, where we all may learn how to follow Jesus into all of our neighborhoods.

Like those early followers of Christ, we find ourselves being scattered out of familiar and comfortable places and ways of being the church.

Rather than be ruled by memory and consumed by fear, we can embrace this crisis, trusting that the Lord of Life will give us everything we need to spread the Gospel, proclaim the kingdom, and share the love of God. May God grant great joy in every city and neighborhood into which we go.

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12

Collaboration and Gratitude, and a new kitchen for St. Stephen’s The United Thank Offering awards $31,804 to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ferguson to build an industrial kitchen, announced during General Convention at the Episcopal Church Women’s Triennial The United Thank Offering, a ministry of the Episcopal Church, encourages Episcopalians to daily recognize our blessings both big and small, and give a thank offering in gratitude for each blessing. The thank offerings, traditionally given as coins in a Blue Box, are gathered at the end of the year and then given away as grants to fund innovative ministries across the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

During this General Convention, the United Thank Offering celebrated 125 years of ministry. One of the 44 grants awarded this year was to St. Stephen's Church in Ferguson. Their project is to update the church kitchen "in order to achieve health code certification, which will allow the church to continue being highly engaged in the community through its ministries and to become a partner with local organizations by providing a place where food can be prepared." The updated kitchen will allow St. Stephen's to partner with several community organizations that would benefit Ferguson, a community that has had difficult times, especially since the summer of 2014.

the Province V UTO board and grants convener."

Collaboration might be St. Stephen's middle name.

begun some conversations around Ferguson work and food-based businesses, and having the kitchen up to code and running will support fledgling endeavors.

Food is a central part of St. Stephen's collaboration. When Lawler first arrived as interim rector of St. Stephen's, he'd get people together to reach back into their memories and share stories of the parish. In everyone's memory were times around the table.

Meanwhile in Salt Lake City. On Friday (6/26) at UTO's 125th celebration, they waited for news of the UTO grant recipients at the Triennial of the Episcopal Church Women. From Missouri were Cheryl Ward and Jeanne King, (pres. and v-p of diocesan ECW), Karen Birr, diocesan rep to Province V ECW, and Peg Cooper. The announcement came that St. Stephen's had received their grant, and texts and emails flew back and forth between Salt Lake City and St. Louis.

The list of all 44 awardees is here. Saturday of convention was filled with election of the next Presiding Bishop and the final sessions of Triennial. On Sunday morning at community worship, the total in-gathering from 2012-2014 was presented: $4,378,328.16.

The church and their related outreach, the Vine, continue to be available for the community. After the killing of Michael Brown on August 9 last year, a plea to replenish the shelves of the church food pantry went out on a local television news.

That call resonated and St. Stephen's, along with a host of volunteers from the diocese and community, expanded the pantry to its entire parish hall, and became a delivery coordination service.

Just recently, St. Stephen's has begun a weekly shared meal with the community, also called a 'Peace Meal'. They spent some time learning from the work that St. John's Episcopal Church in Tower Grove and their weekly Saturday Peace Meal.

They're thinking about how to tailor the Ferguson meal to the neighborhood, perhaps to a daytime meal Deaconess Anne House’s Tori Dahl for seniors, who tend not "This is a great example of why it's to drive much at night. wonderful to have the Episcopal Service Corps here," began the Rev. Steve Lawler, Another way the kitchen will be engaged rector of St. Stephen's. One of the Deaconess Anne House corps members, Tori Dahl, is through their collabosplit her intern hours between St. Stephen's ration with Earth Dance and the Vine, and Earth Dance Farms. Tori Farms. The farm has a was responsible for pulling the application junior farmer program, together. "She saw it through," said Lawler, and they've already had "from getting estimates, to conversations Operation Food Search Peg Cooper, UTO board of directors and Province V convener, at the UTO with the health department, to working out as a presenter. ingathering on Sunday morning in Salt Lake City with Peg Cooper, our diocesan member of The church has already MAKING DISCIPLES

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FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

13

An Exhibit Hall Pulsing with Passion Working during General Convention in the Episcopal Conference of the Deaf exhibitor booth, ECD board member Emily Hillquist Davis offers the view from this perch Not only Diocesan Deputies and Bishops populate General Convention, but also advocates, artists, architects, authors, Christian Educators, deacons, editors, jewelers, makers of Communion vessels and vestments, travel consultants, and representatives of seminaries, religious orders, convention centers and retreat houses.

They brim with joy sharing their witness and inviting new partners into their missions. All offer information. Most sell something. Many give free gewgaws and buttons for people to pin on nametags or satchels.

The cacophonous Exhibit Hall was my home-away-from-home during General Convention. As a board member of the Episcopal Conference of the Deaf (ECD), I shared current Deaf ministry news and encouraged others to reach out to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people in their churches.

We met many due to our great location on the main aisle between the hosting Diocese of Utah (free taffy & moose pins!) and the grand centerpiece exhibit of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (i.e. The Episcopal Church) that hosted performances and changed every day to highlight different missions.

Many exhibitors attended early-morning legislative committee hearings, where deputies and bishops gathered information from informed and impassioned attendees in order to reflect wisely on motions to be presented in their houses. In Deaf ministry, we focused on measures to promote inclusion of people with disabilities.

Community Eucharist began at 9:30am daily — thousands of Episcopalians tasting prayer and music linked to the ministry of the holy person commemorated that day. June 27, for instance, we remembered

ing of soul-stories.

Cornelius Hill, Priest and Chief among Overwhelmingly, the Oneida, with a moving sermon from the delegates and the Rev. Cathlena Plummer of Navajoland, exhibitors I met were committed members Eucharist with the Bishop of North Dakoof their home parishes, grounded in their ta presiding, flute music you could float local faith community. I come away from my on during communion, and soul-rattling first General Convention inspired by their chanting from the RedSpirit Singers. As integrity in living out in word (including for the Taiko drummers in the Eucharist legislation) and deed Christ’s love for the honoring Hiram Hisanori Kano with Bishop world.

Scott Hayashi of Utah presiding, even the Deaf could hear them! The drum vibrations shook every cell in the body!

Feeding the thousands requires many helpers. A host of deacons invited people to bring the elements to the huge altar for consecration and carry them back to a dozen Communion stations, where 2 volunteers distributed bread and 4 served the chalice. Mark Sluss, our diocesan archdeacon, delighted me by inviting our Deaf people into the Eucharistic procession. Really, if you came a bit early, anyone could find a way to participate.

Bishop Smith and Joe Chambers made sure to include even those of us not officially representing our Diocese in dinners and evening fellowship and debriefing.

As a rabid extrovert, I loved meeting several hundred new friends while the ECD gathered over 1000 signatures for an informal petition to The Rev. Emily Hillquist Davis is vicar of St. Thomas Deaf Episcopal Church and caption Episcopal videos. Many assistant at St. Martin’s Church. Top: ECD board members at the booth sign ‘I conversations led to deep shar- love you’, Emily Davis teaches visiting youth leaders how to sign their names.

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Stir Up the Spirit !CELEBREMOS! Jeanne King, ECW diocesan vice-president and member of St. Martin’s writes about the Triennial, which is held during General Convention The theme of the every three years gathering of Episcopal Church Women was “Stir Up the Spirit !CELEBREMOS!” and it certainly did that with me.

I was in Salt Lake City as a representative of the Diocese of Missouri. There were more than 500 women in our Plenary, representing every diocese and province under the Presiding Bishop. There were women from Haiti, Ecuador, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the USA. Just being in the room with all those women with diverse backgrounds and experiences was energizing and transformational, because we stood together on common ground as Episcopal Church Women. I enjoyed that fact!

All the days were remarkable, but Sunday was over-the-top for me.

The day began early at 6:30 am. This was the start time of the ECW 2nd Annual Triennial 5K Fun Run. The run was to support the Homeless Youth of Salt Lake City (ask me about this resource center).

The route brought us past the Mormon Temple, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral (where the bishops would vote for the next presiding bishop) and the historic St. Madeline’s Roman Catholic Church. A blessed 5k.

After the run, I walked through the convention center to cool down; I emerged on the other side to find the House of Bishops walking and chanting, followed by clergy who were followed by lay folks. The walk was to draw attention “Claiming Common Ground Against Gun Violence.” (claimitgc. org). I saw some Diocese of Missouri clergy and joined them in the walk. The walk ended at Pioneer Park with a rally. I listened to the passionate speaker, a former Washington DC police officer of 20 plus years now a clergy person, address the Second MAKING DISCIPLES

Diocese of Missouri who happens to be in Salt Lake City. Not only was our bishop Amendment and the gospel. She made it a gracious host and the food clear that there was common ground; both delicious, the conversation advocates are looking to be safe. Both sides was lively, spirited, and inof the debate want safety for our families spiring. (I have also come to and ourselves. As I left the rally to walk to the conclusion that all clergy my hotel, the Bishop from Connecticut was are overachievers). educating the audience about a study of 2 It was full day. And it wasn’t my “best” states: Connecticut and Missouri. Connecti- day at convention! I am trying not to allow cut tightened their gun laws and there has the transformation of my spirit to return to been a 25% drop in gun deaths. Missouri on business as usual. the other hand loosened their gun laws and There was too much for me to “do it all” have seen a 45% rise in gun related deaths. but I pray that my heart and soul will mainI returned to the Salt Palace by 9:30 tain the !CELEBREMOS! Spirit with which I am for the United Thank Offering Liturgy. left convention.

I had the honor to represent the Diocese of Missouri.

At a previous ceremony, I accepted the UTO grant of $31,804.00 in behalf of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Ferguson for an Industrial Kitchen to augment their existing food pantry. Now, along with representatives from every diocese, I processed across the altar stage to present our Diocesan UTO offering of $12,131.58 to the Presiding Bishop.

This liturgy was not only attended by 5000 people, it was lived streamed so many more at St. Mark’s Cathedral or in your hotel rooms (or Missouri) could witness this liturgy of thankfulness. IT’S NOT EVEN NOON YET! In the afternoon, I attended a workshop on Bible Women and Leadership presented by the Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman ,author of BIBLE WOMEN: All Their Words and Why They Matter.

This past winter and spring Mary Richardson lead a book study on Freeman’s book. It was a powerful study of women.

Later, I went to a book signing and had dinner as guest of our bishop, BishJeanne King, Joe Chambers, and Karen Birr, op Smith, along with any member of the

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ECW Province V board

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15

Wonder Moments Urban Mission Trip Kyleigh Wacasey writes about the youth mission experience in July, with youth from the diocese and a church in Arkansas My grandmother told me about a summer mission trip that was five days long and to be held in St. Louis. My big brother always had fun on his mission trips; I figured I wanted to go.

We stayed at St. Louis University, where I had my own dorm room. After unpacking and meeting new friends from Arkansas, we began our day at Deaconess Anne House to learn about their mission. We shared some of the best barbecue from Pappy’s, before going to Magdalene house to learn about their work. We celebrated Eucharist and finished off with a visit to Crown Candy. That night we had a group discussion about our “moment of wonder” —which was my favorite part of the day. Lights out at 11:30.

Up at 6:45 am and then off to the Mary Ryder House, a residential care facility, for low-income senior women. We painted, cleaned, and did office work. After lunch we played a dice game, Bunco, with the residents. The afternoon was a tour of the Cathedral and a talk with three Ferguson activists: Rosemary Haynes, Alexis Templeton, and Brittany Ferrell. That night, I

shared my moment of wonder was having so much fun playing Bunco with the ladies at Mary Ryder, and seeing their faces light up!

Wednesday was more service at a food outreach service for clients with cancer or HIV. We worked pulling weeds, in the kitchen, and helped in the pantry. Toured the Arch, the Cathedral Basilica, then back to Pappy’s again, it was that good. Our moments of wonder included: “The clients kept talking and sharing about their past and how their treatments were going,” and “I went out of my comfort zone and asked questions, something I don’t normally do,.”

Thursday’s service was at Lydia’s House, the only transitional housing program in Eastern Missouri specifically for battered and abused women and their children. This place had a really big impact on me and I connected with the house and the people. I was able to tell my friend and youth advisor Elle Dowd about my story and why this place had a huge impact on me. Afternoon entertainment was either the Zoo or the Art Museum, followed by pizza and

sharing wonder moments.. We talked and drew what we thought God looked like.

Friday we headed to Ferguson to observe the Mike Brown memorial. This had a big impact on me as well; as soon as you entered the community you could feel the love and the feeling of being welcome. We stood at the memorial for four minutes in silence while holding hands; we did the same thing where they paved over the road where his body lay. That night we shared our moments of wonder that day and the week, and who we saw moments of wonder in. Our last day, we collected for the Kingdom House, before departing after lunch.

This experience was amazing for me and I loved it!! I met new friends, who I still talk to.

That week made us want to try new things, go beyond our comfort zone, bond with people, and just talk to them about simple things, just to see the smile on their faces. If I was given the chance I would do this again in a blink of an eye, that is how much I loved it, how much fun I had, and how good I felt at the end of the week knowing I could help in little ways. Thanks to everyone that made this possible for me, Fr. Robert and St. Paul’s Church Carondelet and Elle Dowd, Bishop Wayne, and the Diocese of Missouri.

Annual Conference of the Verger’s Guild of the Episcopal Church is meeting in St. Louis October 1 - 4, 2015 vergers.org

Reconciliation

Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

Nov. 20-21, 2015

Chesterfield, Missouri Doubletree Conference Center Host congregation: St. Timothy’s diocesemo.org/convention2015 The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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16

Meet the incoming Deaconess Anne House corps members Stephanie Rowlett

Stephanie grew up in West Hartford, CT. In 2010 she graduated from the University of Connecticut with bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics. Following graduation, she served in AmeriCorps NCCC in the Southwest, helping build and repair homes, maintain national parks, and respond to wildland fires after becoming certified as a type II wildland firefighter.

She returned to Colorado to intern with a refugee resettlement agency in 2013, helping community members adjust to life in the U.S., prepare for interviews and work experience, and apply for and attain jobs.

Since then she worked as a special education teaching assistant in elementary and middle schools in West Hartford. Stephanie is thankful to have the opportunity to join Deaconess Anne House and serve the community of St. Louis while meeting new people and growing closer to God.

Service. After spending his junior year abroad in Germany, however, he realized that what he really cared about most was studying theology, and plans to apply for a master’s degree in that field. Raised nonreligious, he found himself increasingly drawn to religion while at Georgetown and began to take theology courses and meditate in the tradition taught by John Main, OSB. Though Stephanie Rowlett, Burton, Peter Armstrong, Jose Marks, Sophia Lively, still rather new to the Olive Swinski, Martin Geiger, Maria Maguire Episcopal Church, and gender equality and in helping meet the Peter chose to join the ESC to discern his own calling, while learning more about the health care needs of underserved people.

Church and himself through service.

Burton Guion

Jose Marks

Burton is a Missouri native, having attended both high school and college in his hometown of Springfield. He grew up and was baptized in a Disciples of Christ church, but is excited to explore the Episcopal Church while he also explores St. Louis.

He chose to be a part of the house because he wanted to challenge himself in a city like St. Louis, where there is injustice. He majored in philosophy and English literature, and is unsure which he likes more. You can usually find him reading a book, listening to pop music, riding his bike, or glued to the TV during football season.

Peter Armstrong

Peter grew up in Sonoma, California before taking a gap year after high school to live in Russia. There he discovered a love for learning languages, and attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign MAKING DISCIPLES

Olive Swinski

Olive is originally from Cranston, Rhode Island but spent the last four years in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a BSc in Psychology and Sociology/Social Anthropology.

Although she is taking this year “off ” from school, she intend to continue with Masters in Counseling, with the goal of one-on-one counseling with military veterans. Olive loves music, and during her time in Halifax, has gained an appreciation for Maritime tunes. Above all else though, she identifies Sophia Lively as a choir geek. While the 1982 Hymnal I am a small-town girl from East is her favorite, she’s not opposed to LatTennessee, where I have loved being surin masses or “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” rounded by natural beauty. I graduated Having always lived near the ocean and not from Maryville College with a degree in biochemistry in the spring of 2015. Through gone farther west than Pennsylvania, Olive is looking forward to exploring past the church outreach, volunteer opportunities Mississippi River. She hopes the year with at Maryville and an internship experience in Memphis, I have become deeply aware of Deaconess Anne will be a time of great spiritual and personal growth. many injustices in our culture. I am especially interested in working towards racial Jose’s the name, but feel free to address me as JJ. I’m a bit of an introvert at times, so don’t mind the abnormal facial expressions & silence. Music’s my absolute muse, tyranny tops my list of biggest pet peeves & meaningful conversations about what we could do as a species to promote equality is a conversation that I’m always willing to have.

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Martin Geiger

Martin will be continuing at Deaconess Anne for second year. He hails from Champaign, Illinois, from a family deeply invested in education, the church, and having dessert. He attended Cornell University, graduating with a degree in English in 2013. He joined the Episcopal chaplaincy at Cornell, and became deeply committed to the church’s expression of ancient Christian traditions in fresh ways.

While at Cornell, he spent time singing in choirs, and living and sharing in the governance of a student cooperative. He worked for summer programs for gifted high school students, his university’s writing walk-in service, and a classroom for high schoolers with intellectual disabilities. Last year, he served at Grace Hill Settlement House. Martin is discerning a call to ordained ministry, and interning this year in the Offices of the Bishop.

Maria Maguire

Maria hails from Richmond, Virginia.

She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2014, and since then has worked at an Episcopal summer camp, an art collection in Tuscany, and a public middle school as a substitute teacher. She looks forward to growing as a Christian in community and in service to God and others.

www.esc-stl.org

Stories And THE Story Martin Geiger begins a second year as a Deaconess Anne House corps member "The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!"

We've said it constantly since the Easter Vigil, but it never stops losing its thrill.

Eucharist at Deaconess Anne refocuses us around the astounding story of Christ's resurrection, and reminds us to look for the wonderful and often scary moments of resurrection in our own lives.

One of the things I love best about the church practices we've developed is our "sermon" - Rebecca or Mark spends some time explaining the story they hear in the Gospel, and asks us to reflect about the experiences we've had that connect us to that story.

We tell a lot of different stories in

that space - stories of closeness with God and others, stories about pain and difficulty and the times we've been hurt, and stories about where we found healing. I value the chance to hear stories from my housemates and our many visitors, to sit at the place where our stories and the words of the Gospel meet - not to solve all our theological problems, but to share where we are, and begin to think about our own stories as shaped by God's grace and the love our community has for each other. What we have on the altar when we celebrate communion together is more than bread and wine - it's our selves, soul, body, and story together, awaiting the transformation of the Spirit.

A Community Organizer looks back at DAH Chris Potter on this past year at the house Intentional communities are places where people can be role models for each other to grow in discipline and ability. The Deaconess Anne House has done that for me, helping me form better habits and work harder toward my goals.

Its focus on systemic change and constant discussion of philosophy and theology have given my work ideological fuel. Its discernment-based curriculum has given me clear direction. And, its Benedictine Rule of Life creates routines and expectations for chores, worship, and relationships that develop positive habits.

While at the Deaconess Anne House, I've worked as a community organizer, giving students leadership training and supporting them in political campaigns.

The set of ideas that comes with organizing has made me disciplined and motivated, but also aloof and demanding.

Feedback from my housemates, reminders from the Rule, and regular prayer have

helped magnify the good and minimize the bad. ​The success I’ve had as a community organizer is attributable to the structure and culture of Deaconess Anne House, which has helped me gain clear direction and constant reminders to live up to my values. For a person who wants to grow in discipline and ability, there is no better place than Deaconess Anne House.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

House Warming Party Sunday, Sept 13 2- 5 pm Come meet the new Corps members and explore the house.

Tea, coffee, and desserts DIOCESEMO.ORG

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A newly-tuned discernment process in the diocese Discernment is a lifelong process for all of us. How are you called to live out your baptismal covenant?

About two years ago the Bishop asked the Commission on Ministry (COM), the Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains (DBEC), and the Episcopal School for Ministry (ESM) to examine and review the process of discernment for our Diocese. Representative members from each group have been meeting regularly since that time with the result in a new process and approach to discernment. Discernment is a lifelong process for all of us. In the past when someone was interested in discernment it was for the possibility of ordination. The reality is that most of us at one time or another have changes in our lives that lead to questions about how we should proceed with our lives--and it certainly doesn’t always include ordination!

The above committee has put together a process that can be used by anyone in our parishes to look at their life with a group of

individuals and discern in what direction they might go for the future. We have put together an eight session process which, if for changes in lay life, ends after four sessions. But if there is discernment made for ordination of some sort (priest or deacon) then the process continues for the remaining four sessions. There are new forms for the discernment committee to complete.

We attempted to reduce the forms required for those entering the ordination process but quickly realized we were bound by canon law for most of them.

The biggest change is the first step – no matter if someone comes to you asking for discernment help with life changes or ordination in mind - you will contact the chair of the COM to begin the process. If it leads to ordination discernment we will involve the Bishop at the appropriate time.

Once the chair of COM is contacted

he/she will designate a team to train your committee. Your committee will consist of 4-5 individuals who may know the individual or not. It is our expectation that COM will have a group of individuals who are graduates of the ESM who can act as an “outside” individual member or members of the committee.

As of the June Discernment Conference this new process is now functional.

We know that there will be some ups and downs as we actually work with the process.

We are hoping it will be more helpful to all our churches and members.

Peace, Rev. Dan Handschy, Dean ESM Rev. Warren Crews, Chair DBEC Rev. Pat Glenn, Chair COM Discernment Task Force members

Changes in the Offices of the Bishop, diocesan clergy Bishop Wayne Smith announced staff and responsibility changes in the Offices of the Bishop on June 18, 2015.

Beginning in August, the Rev. Joe Cortright Chambers, who had been appointed Canon for Mission and Young Adults, transitioned to the position of Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Missouri.

Also in August, Finance Officer Desiree Viliocco transitioned to the newly created position of Executive Director of Finance and Administration.

Diocesan Council has appointed both Chambers and Viliocco to serve as Vice-Presidents of the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri (COEDMO).

MAKING DISCIPLES

Rita Benson has transitioned to Finance Assistant/Benefits Administrator.

Early fall, the diocesan website will reflect how the reorganization affects the business of the diocese with a clear “who does what” directory page.

The Rev. Beth Scriven was hired as next Rockwell House chaplain, and she began her work mid-August.

The Church of St. Michael and St. George has welcomed the Rev. Blake Sawicky as assistant rector , and the Rev. Ezgi Saribay as curate. Saribay will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on Sept. 14 at CSMSG.

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

The Rev. Mike Angell will be installed as rector of Holy Communion Church in University City at 7 pm on September 16.

The Rev. David Fly has stepped down as Chaplain to the retired clergy, their spouses and partners. Bishop Wayne has appointed the Rev. Susie Skinner to that position.

The Rev. Suzanne Wolfenbarger, rector of St. Paul’s Church in Sikeston, has answered a call to be rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

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Learn Two Ministry Tools at a hands-on workshop, Oct. 10 Get your parish or dio ministry on the Episcopal Asset Map and learn how this is becoming a powerful networking tool. Dive into the small groups network for diocesan members, now called ConnectDioMO (formerly the table).

This year’s communications workshop explores two powerful tools, available to all diocesan members at no cost and for minimal set-up time.

Seating is limited to 30 diocesan members on Saturday, October 10 in our workshop held at Church of the Good Shepherd.

Bring laptops and smart phones and we’ll work online together.

Doors open at 9:30 am, time to plug in, grab a bagel and coffee. At 10, we’ll begin first session with an hour of panelists using the program, followed by an hour of setting up accounts and adding information.

Lunch provided is pasta and a salad, available at no cost, or bring your own. Our second session begins at 12:30, with an hour of panelists and an hour of applied practice.

Please RSVP, this is a hard cap of 30 participants. Registration is online: diocesemo.org/commsconf

Why me, why us, why now?

We get a lot of requests for the same information, over and over, (church information sheets, reports, web page profiles).

The asset map provides a central, open and accessible repository of how we do ministry. ConnectDioMO provides a private-to-the-diocese small group network to converse and share best practices.

But to be effective, we need that yeasty core of participants—you!

The Episcopal Asset Map

The map began in 2012 post-Katrina Diocese of Louisiana, working with Episcopal Relief and Development, to create a mapping platform for all of their churches, schools, and ministries. Additional ministry areas were added to the information collected, and in 2013 Diocese of New York signed on. Was it able to become a national platform? By March of 2015 the pilot program added 16 additional diocese as beta-testers.

Now the map is open for all and a push was made to get each diocese onto the map during General Convention.

ConnectDioMO

Formerly called the table, it’s an online, ad-free, private working space for small groups. Ideal for connecting when in a different location from others. But, the one thing missing was a reasonable mobile app.

Because the table is really made for mobile.

Last December, a significant update brought apps for both Android and iPhone.

While it works on laptops and with email notification, mobile users will feel the possibility, particularly with the prayer app and volunteer/sharing app.

We’d like to explore how this can be used in parishes and for any diocesan group with geographically dispersed membership.

Hope you can join us on Oct. 10.

Safeguarding Our Children Required workshop scheduled for Oct. 3 at Holy Communion Have you attended a workshop for the prevention of child sexual abuse?

This is a required workshop for youth workers, employees, and volunteers who regularly supervise youth activities and is based on the Church Pension Group program "Safeguarding God's Children." It is also highly recommended for parents of children of all ages.

A workshop for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse for congregations and ministries is offered: • Saturday, October 3, 2015 • 8:30a-12:00p • Holy Communion, U. City • Registration deadline is 9/25/2015 • Childcare is available if you let us know by the deadline.

• To sign up, please fill out the registration form, available online at diocesemo.org/safeguarding or from the Offices of the Bishop. Return to Robin MacLaughlin, via email, robinmac@diocesemo.org, or by mail, Robin MacLaughlin, Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, 1210 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103.

This workshop is offered at no cost to participants.

Workshops begin and end promptly and certificates may not be issued if a portion of the workshop is missed by an individual. Please report any cancellations prior to workshop date.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Living out our Baptismal Covenant Deacon Nancy Belcher on respecting the dignity of every human being and the Elder Ministry at St. Mark’s Church in Portland, Missouri If you aren’t careful, you will miss this small village of Portland, Missouri that parallels the Missouri River on Highway 94. It would be a big mistake to go too fast as you might miss it! If you have a few minutes to sit amid the birds singing, wind whistling through the trees, dogs barking and sounds of an occasional car passing by, you will experience God’s beauty. If you hang around after Morning Prayer or Holy Eucharist, you will experience the hospitality of a small but caring group of people.

Great things are happening at St. Mark’s. The Church and parish hall are scenes of worship, learning, discernment and decisions to help those in need.

Nearly two years ago, the St. Mark’s congregation began traveling to Mokane, Missouri, ten miles southwest of Portland to engage in elder ministry at Riverview Nursing Center.

What began as a monthly worship service and sing-a-long has become a welcoming, family event for all of us. One of the residents said to us, “Oh, you’re back. It’s so good to see you.”

Riverview has become our extended family. With the help of our own St. Mark’s parishioner and Riverview Activities Director, Connie Taylor, this ministry has continued to thrive and grow.

We are making disciples, building congregations for the life of the world. We are also living out our Baptismal Covenant to “respect the dignity of every human being”.

Each month we sing three favorite hymns which most everyone knows by heart and sings with us, we say together Psalm 23, the Lord’s Prayer, and pray for the whole community at Riverview and St. Mark’s. We then move into our sing-a-long accompanied by our talented guitarist and MAKING DISCIPLES

Priest, Marshall Crossnoe and fellow musician from Grace Church, Ted Koenig.

We sing familiar oldies and have great fun.

We follow what Paul L. to r. Ted Koenig, Michala Roll, Marshall Crossnoe, Nancy Belcher, Vickie Catalina, said to the Romans in Nancy (a visitor to St Mark’s), and Rusty Rosenkoetter. ; not pictured but faithful 12: 1-2: “I appeal to you ministry members: Kim Curdt, Carolyn Leeper, Melody Brownell and Connie Taylor. therefore, brothers and Vickie Catalina: “ I have a hard time sisters, by the mercies of God, to present going because I’m not really outgoing your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and but I look at the residents and know acceptable to God, which is your spiritual I’ll be one of them someday, hoping worship. Do not be conformed to this world, someone comes to visit and break up but be transformed by the renewing of your my day. Seeing Mr. Bill enjoy singing minds, so that you may discern what is the with us is a highlight.” will of God—what is good and acceptable Rusty Rosenkoetter: “After having and perfect.” spend six years visiting my mother in We present ourselves as a living sacan Alzheimer’s care center, I was not rifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is excited about joining a ministry at our spiritual worship. We feel renewed by another nursing home. However, as our visits. We watch their faces and engage it turns out, I think I’m blessed to be in conversations and are transformed doing able to talk and touch those who are what we believe is the will of God for us at ill, alone, or in need of someone who will listen. I enjoy our time at RiverSt. Mark’s. view and am thankful for the opportuThese wonderful people have become nity for me to understand that we, as part of our family. Here are a few comChristians, must do unto others as we ments from members of the congregation would have them do unto us!” who faithfully visit Riverview: Carolyn Leeper: “When we come each month, we see the same people, this helps us form a personal connection.”

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

Michala Roll, Treasurer: “To be the reason they laugh, smile, and even

continued on next page

21

Mary for St. Paul’s

green, orange, purple. Evan uses the technique of mixing all the colors to get a universal brown for skin tones.

Artist Evan Smith on completing the second of his three “Icon painting, I enjoy it, but my enjoyicons for the church in Carondelet neighborhood ment comes from doing it for St. Paul’s and for Christ. I’d not paint this for myself, I do of artwork for the church, perhaps in the “Going in to this, I thought Christ other artwork. Working on this has allowed back chapel. The image of Christ, painted would be the difficult one and Mary would me to tap into something I didn’t know I be easier.” The icon Evan Smith was prepar- on the largest wood Evan and Robert could wanted to do.” find at a hardware store was installed Easter ing to paint for St. Paul’s Church in Caron“At St. Paul’s, everyone is welcome just delet would only be six foot tall, unlike the 2014. It had the height needed, but perhaps the way they are. You’re cared for because of not the width of the previous hanging. The image of Christ he wrote last year that now who you are, not who we want you to be.” spots on Christ’s left and right “felt empty.” hangs above the altar.

There was historical complexity and Robert and Evan worked to a vision of icons for either side, Mary to Christ’s right, he wanted us to feel her as both kind and strong. “I had a lot of conversations with the and St. Paul to his left. Evan is headed into his senior year at Webster University and women of St. Paul’s, I wanted this image to be relate-able.” Much conversation precedknew he had only summers for this project.

He completed Mary this month and will ed this icon, with Fr. Robert Ard, St. Paul’s rector, and with the congregation. Where to write Paul next summer. Feeling the symplace Mary in her life. Evan settled on short- metry would be too strange with Mary and not Paul, they’ll wait to put Mary above the ly after the resurrection. “She’s still young, altar until next summer when the project is but timeless. I want her to be strong.”

“I’m a painter, I’m an artist, I have his- complete. For this year, Mary will be in the back by the corner chapel. torical considerations, but also theological While the icon of Christ uses the color questions. Robert finally said, you just need palette of St. Paul’s stained glass, Mary emto paint it. All of that thought can be overploys the primary colors, red, blue, yellow. whelming, the history and everything. ” This project started out as a small piece Paul will be placed into secondary colors,

Living out our Baptismal Covenant

(continued)

sometimes cry, all because we pray with them, sing with them, listen to their stories…it’s one of the best feelings in the world to be a part of that.”

ask, “are you coming back?” and, “please make sure I am in the lobby area when you do.” I hope our visits mean as much to them as the joy and love we feel.”

Kim Curdt, Bishop’s Warden: “I try to make our once a month visit to Riverview Nursing Center. Sometimes I feel like I’m not sure if I want to go this Sunday, but when I think of how important it is to the residents, I change my mind and go with the group. When we get there and see everyone coming to see us, it makes me so happy. I love making them smile, and especially watching their faces when we are singing. They really enjoy that part of our visit. When the worship service is over and we are ready to leave, some of them

Melody Brownell: “My mom was at Riverview for her last eight months before she passed away from cancer. It is my way of giving something back to the residents.

We get back as much from them as we hope they get from us.”

Vicar Marshall Crossnoe: “We went to Riverview and found God at work there, in the spirits and openness and courage of the people. We appreciate them having us into their home for prayer and some music each month. I look forward to it!”

If you have ever felt God’s call to God’s oldest friends, please contact anyone at St. Mark’s in Portland to find out what a wonderful experience it is to give and receive Christ’s love with one of the wise elders who may be forgotten by others. These are the neighbors Christ’s asks us to love as ourselves.

The Rev. Nancy Belcher serves as Deacon of St. Mark’s, Portland and St. Alban’s Church in Fulton. Her ministry area in this diocese is working with the elderly. She can be reached at nanknitter@gmail.com or 573999-1549.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Brownies for JoJo Deacon Kevin McGrane updates us on the May collection for Task Force for the Hungry.

Dear Diocese of Missouri I am sitting with Mary and JoJo for lunch. Mary is JoJo’s mom, and JoJo is seven years old. This is their first meal of the day. Chances are very good they have you to thank for it.

Our collection for Hunger Awareness Month in May garnered $4,896.00. Another two parishes collected in June, the amount is yet to be counted. All the money collected for the diocesan Task Force for the Hungry goes directly to meals and pantry programs exactly like the one that is feeding Mary and JoJo right now.

Eleven parishes and several Episcopalians contributed to the program, 20% of the diocese in all, and the entire program was conceived, planned, and implemented in under seven weeks, with a zero budget. I heard from a number of rectors and parish members who caught the vision and pushed the program forward, and the result is $4,896.00 so far. At $2.25 per meal, that is 2,176 meals for seven year old girls like JoJo. It is amazing what we can accomplish together if we simply try!

I and the members of the Task Force cannot thank you enough for the contributions you have made to Hunger Awareness Month, but also for raising awareness about the chronic issues of hunger in our community. Faith communities such as Good Shepherd, Grace, St. Barnabas, Trinity-CWE, Christ Church, and St. John's all contributed to our program, with Emmanuel-Webster Groves the largest contributor.

Several mentioned that they intend to make their contribution an annual budget event.

It has been so encouraging to the Task Force that we intend to engage in two major annual events per year, not necessarily fund-raising in nature but both surrounding the issue of food and hunger.

We have started The Hunger Page on Facebook, and it will morph soon into a formal forum for the Task Force; stay tuned for that development and friend Deacon Kevin preparing produce contributed from Shepherd us on Facebook. Also, watch Farm at Church of the Good Shepherd for St. John-Tower soon for our own webpage.

Grove’s weekly Peace Meal.

Well, JoJo is looking for desert, and we have brownies today, so I must go. If you have not had the pleasure of engaging in a food and hunger ministry Join the conversation in your parish or in the diocese, give me a call at St. John’s-Tower Grove. I can help you Facebook.com/ look into a program near you and close to EpiscopalDioceseOfMissouri your skill-set. Jesus said in Matthew 25, “… when I was hungry, you fed me…” Feeding Twitter.com/ the hungry is worship, and it is the natuDioceseMO ral extension of the Eucharistic meal we celebrate every Sunday morning. Join us!

Twitter.com/ DioMoNews Ask me about joining the Task Force for the Hungry. We need you.

Pinterest.com/ God bless, DioceseMO Deacon Kevin McGrane

Photos on next page, scenes from General Convention: Michael Booker, Doris Westfall, Pat Glenn, Tamsen Whistler, Bishop Wayne, Mark Sluss; Joe Chambers, Michael Curry; Doris Westfall, Tamsen Whistler, Pat Glenn. More online: diocesemo.org/gc78

MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

Instagram.com/ MissouriEpiscopal

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My Church Is Not Dying A book review from Debbie Smith My Church Is Not Dying: Episcopalians in the 21st Century by Greg Garrett (New York: Morehouse, 2015, 143 pages)

Reading My Church Is Not Dying at the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church was a fortuitous choice. While bishops and deputies debated streamlining the church in response to changing demographics and culture, I was reading about vibrant and innovative ways people and congregations are reaching out to their communities and beyond. In turn GC78 reinforced my reading with its demonstrations against gun violence and for awareness that black lives matter, and with the widespread joy in marriage equality and the election of the first African American Presiding Bishop.

Garrett’s first four chapters provide a quick overview of Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church, setting our worldview against parts of American culture, particularly radical individualism, and within the historical, theological, political, and liturgical context of the Anglican Communion. It introduces concepts such as the via media and the Hooker-derived three-legged stool of authority. It lays out the priority of worship and the Book of Common Prayer, stressing the expression of our shared faith in how we pray: “Whatever else we may be as a Church, our foundation is common worship

that directs us to do all the other things we are called to do in the rest of the week, and offers us comfort, insight, and strength for the journey” (59).

The book’s remaining four chapters look at the work of the church in the world.

Acknowledging that the Episcopal Church has been shrinking over the past half-century—presumably the source of the idea that the church is dying—Garrett tours the creative ways Episcopalians around the country engage in evangelism, social justice, and outreach. He talks about using social media, bumper stickers, and venues like laundries and coffee shops to reach people. He offers some suggestions for easing into evangelism. He contrasts the church’s focus on social justice with the focus of other branches of Christianity on personal morality, stressing the mandate to serve “the poor, the dirty, the marginalized, the mentally ill, the elderly, the immigrant” in our baptismal covenant, which calls us “to seek justice and peace, to regard all human beings as our neighbors, and to understand… that we love God most powerfully and tangibly when we express love to our fellow human beings” (109).

My Church Is Not Dying is Anglican apologetics. It argues that the vitality of the Episcopal Church should be measured by the work of its people—in faith, worship,

evangelism, and action for social justice— not by its numbers. In its many references to current thinkers and church programs, the book may age quickly, but for perhaps the next decade, this book would make an excellent text for an adult inquirers’ class, for which each chapter’s “Questions for Discussion” would be useful, and an encouraging read for any Episcopalian, who would appreciate the chapters’ suggestions “For Further Reading.”

We have periodic book review opportunities. If you’re an avid reader who would share a review with the diocese, we’ll put you on the review rota. Email communications director Beth Felice, bfelice@diocesemo.org.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

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Is there more than the summit?

covenant on the mountain.

I guess one could surmise from the Bible that mountains are vessels of divine A reflection from Canon to the Ordinary Joe Chambers messages. Maybe God speaks to us through mountains. Think Mount Sinai and the Ten on a summer adventure the major peaks in Commandments, Mt. Carmel and Elijah, and of course Jesus and the Transfigurathe Cascades. I’ve tion, on the Mount of Olives, and the Seralready climbed mon on the Mount. thirty 14ers and All of these biblical accounts include bagged Mt. Shasta (the second tallest an inspiring message bursting with metaphor and imagery. So much so, that one Cascade) a few must stop and pay attention. Mountains years ago, so I’m draw us in and capture our attention. Maydoing pretty well for a Missouri boy. be it’s their size, or maybe it’s the mystery of But as I sit on how they take shape. Too big to conceptualize. the cold rocks of By going climbing I’m stopping to give the clever in the thanks to God for all of creation. I’m slowmiddle of night ing down and celebrating the beauty of the I had to wonder: earth and I’m taking time to pay attention Why do I do this? and to listen.

I love that We could have made the summit. No mountain climbing is a simple concept: doubt. The crux was still ahead, two crevasse crossings on twelve foot aluminum It’s 3:30am and I’m tired. Exhausted, get to the summit ladders, and we also heard that the winds really. I’m with two friends at about 12,400 and then get down, even though there is ft. on Disappointment Clever, a rock forma- nothing simple about it. For me it’s the per- on the summit were pretty high, but those tion on Mt. Rainier, the highest mountain fect mixture of an intense athletic challenge were not the reason for our eventual deciin the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northcoupled with the best of what God’s earthly sion to turn back early. Really, it was poor planning. We simply didn’t give ourselves west. We have been climbing since 1:00 AM creation has to offer. enough time on the mountain. We needed and up since 11:30 PM only after taking a I resonate with what the great Scotmore food and water, and maybe a rest day two hour nap. We have two thousand feet to tish-American naturalist John Muir once at high camp after the summit. Simple go to the summit, and then a crushing nine said, “Keep close to nature’s heart...and thousand feet back down to our car, most of break clear away, once in a while, and climb mistakes.

When we turned around I felt which will include 50 pounds of gear on our a mountain or spend a week in the woods. relieved.

I’ve only had to do this one other backs. It’s our second and last day on the Wash your spirit clean.” This, to me, is probtime and it’s not easy, but it was the right mountain. ably the biggest reason why I do this year decision this time. But I realized, maybe The wind is howling steady at 40mph after year...mountaineering is cathartic.

God was telling me something. and it’s about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold, When I ponder the relationship of Maybe I needed to be reminded that tired, and hungry. Not a good combination. mountain climbing to Christianity I immethere is more to the mountain than the And it’s not just a tired body, but it’s an emo- diately scoff. There is no service to others summit, that there is more to life than just tional and mental exhaustion. in being a mountaineer. It’s a selfish enBeing high on a mountain is not new deavor that hardly takes into consideration completing tasks. Maybe it was a reminder to stop and recognize how amazing life is to me. For the last 8 summers I’ve briefly the poor, lonely, sick, or needy. There’s even in the midst of difficult times. escaped the heat and humidity of Missouri no intentional Christian community of Regardless, I’ll be back for the message, to scale high peaks in the mountain west. like-minded believers, and even though to celebrate the gift of God’s creation and My goal is to climb all 58 fourteen thousand climbing might be spiritually cleansing, my good health that allows me to explore it. foot mountains in Colorado along with all there’s really no living into your baptismal MAKING DISCIPLES

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD