Spirit October 2014

SPIRIT FAITH, FUN, AND FRIENDSHIP | AN INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP MARTY

Diocese of West Missouri

October 2014 | Volume 6, No. 5

PUBLISHER The Right Rev. Martin S. Field EDITOR Gary Allman

Spirit is published by the Diocese of West Missouri 420 West 14th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Gary Allman, Communications Director Angela Crawford, Communications Assistant The Rev. Dr. Steven Rottgers, Canon to the Ordinary SUBMISSIONS/LETTERS

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Editor’s Letter

Keeping The Feast

We have lots to be thankful for and our annual Convention and Gathering is in November.

A liturgy of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for the Diocese’s 125th anniversary.

By Gary Allman

By The Rev. Tom Punzo

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Keeping Watch Bishop Marty writes about the work of the House of Bishops, and the structure and governance of the Episcopal Church.

By Kim Snodgrass

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The Ponder Box Our past forms us, but, we form our future.

By The Rev. Dr. Steve Rottgers

and letters to the editor on topics of interest to the diocese.

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addresses and phone number and are subject to editing.

PHONE (816) 471-6161 ext. 17 FAX (816) 471-0379 E-MAIL communications@ediowestmo.org WEB SITE www.diowestmo.org FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/diowestmo

ON THE COVER A collage of historic and contemporary pictures of the Diocese of West Missouri.

Episcopal Relief & Development Celebrates 75 Years of Healing a Hurting World Episcopalians, friends and partner agencies around the globe are joining together to celebrate Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75th Anniversary.

An Interview With Bishop Marty Alewndra Connors asks Bishop Marty three challenging questions.

By Alexandra Connors

14 Church of the Resurrection’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations How the Church of the Resurrection has celebrated, and plans to continue celebrating its 50th anniversary.

By Episcopal Relief & Development

By Kitty Hampton

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Episcopal Gay and Lesbian Fellowship Group

Events and activities around the diocese.

A LGBT Fellowship Group has started up in the Kansas City area. Their first event was attended by 35 people.

By The Rev. Jim Robertson

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Camp WEMO, EYE, and Missionpalooza made for a busy summer for the diocese’s youth.

By The Right Rev. Martin S. Field

Spirit welcomes submissions of news articles, photographs Submissions should include the writer’s name, e-mail and postal

Faith, Fun, And Friendship

The Agenda

EDITOR’S LETTER | Gary Allman

Celebrations and Conventions Things to give thanks for.

I WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS EDITION OF THE SPIRIT WAS GOING TO BE A LITTLE TOO INWARD LOOKING AND SELF-INDULGENT. However, it’s not every year that you

get to celebrate a major anniversary, so, some allowance has to be made. The past four editions of the Spirit have been building up to October 15 when the diocese will become 125 years old.

In honor of the event, Fr. Tom Punzo has prepared a Remembrance and Thanksgiving Liturgy so that all the parishes can join the celebration on whichever of the Sundays immediately before or after the 15th best suits them.

You’ll find a copy on page 11. The liturgy is in the form of a collect followed by a litany. There’s also an article explaining the purpose and structure of collects and litanies. This should be of interest to anyone (like me) who has often sat in the pews and wondered about these things.

It is not just the diocese that is celebrating a major milestone. This summer the 15th Missionpalooza took place.

Missionpalooza is a joint ministry with the Diocese of Kansas.

This year over 80 youth and 40 adults engaged in more than 2,500 hours of mission work in just four days. That wonderful effort was the culmination of a busy summer for the youth, their leaders, and the volunteers. In June the youth attended Camp WEMO and this was followed by a trip to EYE in Pennsylvania in July. You can read all about it all in Kim’s report on page 10.

The Church of the Resurrection in Blue Springs has been celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. They took part in a community parade where candy, post cards and business cards were handed out to the local community. Reading about their plans for a ‘sixties-style’ celebration (page 12) reminded me of my age, and brought to mind the dreadful but hilarious Beatles wigs an uncle bought for my mother and myself. I’m pretty sure they were used as prototypes for tribbles, which first appeared in 1967. You can thank Google for that snippet of information.

Finally Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is celebrating 75 years of giving aid and assistance to those in need both at home and abroad. On page 6 you can read about Episcopal Relief and Development’s history, achievements and plans. I have to admit to a vested interest here. A while back I wasn’t quite nimble enough dodging one of Bishop Marty’s requests for a volunteer. As a result I am now getting to grips with

being the diocese’s ERD Coordinator. If you are a parish ERD Coordinator, or you are interested in becoming one, or you know of anyone in your parish who is, please get in touch with me. I’ll include my contact details at the end of this article.

Thank you for your help.

November 7 and 8 is the annual Diocesan Gathering and Convention. This year it is being held at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center in Springfield. This year to kick-off the year-long 125th celebrations in style we are combining the youth and adult evening events, with ordinations followed by dinner, awards and a125th Celebration on the Friday night.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, is welcome to attend the 125th Celebration. You’ll just need to register in advance.

As I write this the details of the Gathering presentations, Ministry Fair, and the Convention business schedule are being finalized. Expect to see lots more on this from us over the coming weeks. There’s a dedicated website for the convention that I’ll be turning my hand to as soon as this magazine is with the printer. I’ll add a link at the end.

For the hashtag literate, we will be using #dwmo125 for both the convention and the ongoing 125th events. So get tweeting and tagging. If you don’t know a tweet from your elbow then you are in luck, I happen to know that one of the Gathering sessions will be all about using Twitter to spread The Word.

One article I had hoped to get into this edition of the Spirit, but didn’t, was an ‘Idiots Guide to Convention.’ I suspect that a lot of people see the Gathering and Convention as some strange, possibly unnecessary, event that doesn’t really concern them.

In the absence of such a guide, here’s my very short, uneducated take on it. Convention is the only time each year when all the leaders and representatives, both lay and clergy, of our church and mission communities come together as a single group. At Convention they discuss, debate and vote on the business of the diocese. As in any organization, or household come to that, some of the housekeeping activities will not be of interest to everyone. However, it is all vital to the ongoing health of the parishes and diocese as a whole. + Convention and Gathering website: http://www.diowestmo.org/convention-2014 Contact Gary: communications@ediowestmo.org

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KEEPING WATCH | The Right Rev. Martin S. Field

Episcopal Leadership & Governance AS I WRITE THIS, THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS (OFTEN ABBREVIATED TO “HOB”) IS GATHERING IN THE DIOCESE OF TAIWAN FOR ITS FALL MEETING. As a bishop of The

Episcopal Church (TEC for short), I try diligently to attend all gatherings of the HOB in order to represent West Missouri in the collective deliberations that take place, to build and further relationships with key leaders of our Church, and to be part of the decisions that are made by this important body — decisions and teachings on the moral life, theology, and practice of TEC. As an aside — Unfortunately, I will not be joining my sister and brother bishops for this meeting due to my wife’s, Donna’s, recent surgery and continuing recovery. I can never adequately express my thanks to the many, many members of the diocese, clergy and lay alike, who took the time to send expressions of concern, to pray for Donna and me, and to make kind offers of any assistance we might need. A hundred fold more offers of assistance have poured in than those of which we could ever take advantage. Thank you one and all.

It has been my experience that many Episcopalians (new and long-term alike) are somewhat confused by our Church’s governance, about where ultimate authority lies, about how decisions are made, and about the place of the HOB in our Church.

The highest authority in TEC is the General Convention, which meets every third year. The General Convention is bicameral, meaning it is comprised of two deliberative houses: the House of Deputies (over 800 members) and the House of Bishops (nearly 300 bishops active and resigned). Deputies are priests, deacons, and laypersons who represent their diocese, area mission, or convocation of churches (4 clergy and 4 lay in each deputation). The House of Bishops is made up of all bishops whether active or resigned, all of whom have a voice and vote. The General Convention has the authority to amend the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church; adopt the budget for the church for the next three years; authorize liturgical texts and amend the Book of Common Prayer; adopt communions and covenants with other churches; set qualifications for orders of ministry and office-holders; elect officers of the General Convention, the Executive Council, and members of boards; and delegate responsibilities to the committees, commissions, agencies, and boards of the Episcopal Church.

So, the HOB has a duel function. It is part of TEC’s bicameral General Convention, which possesses broad authority, and it has a life and purpose between meetings of General Convention.

Perhaps the primary, non-legislative role the HOB assumes is a teaching role. At times, contemporary matters in the life of the world or of the Church call for the bishops of the Church to 4 SPIRIT | October 2014

speak on matters of morals and beliefs. While bishops might do this singularly, speaking to their respective dioceses primarily and to the greater Church secondarily, there is special weight and importance to the teaching letters or pastoral letters transmitted from time to time from the HOB to the Church. Recent examples of this shared teaching ministry being exercised by the HOB are: “Same-Sex Relationships in the Life of the Church” (offered by The Theology Committee of the House of Bishops – from the season of Lent 2010), “A Pastoral Teaching on the Environment” (from September 2011), and “Godly Leadership in the Face of Violence” (from March 2013).

Another important function the HOB fills for TEC is the election of our Presiding Bishop. The Presiding Bishop is a bit like a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Pastor, and Chief Teacher of the Church all rolled into one office. Like any head of a large organization, the Presiding Bishop also represents the Episcopal Church and is TEC’s chief spokesperson. The Presiding Bishop is the only episcopal office (meaning an office held by a bishop) that has a definite term; a Presiding Bishop serves 9 years. (See the link at the end of the article to learn more about the role and office of the Presiding Bishop.) Doing so is quite timely, as the HOB, during the General Convention that meets next year in Salt Lake City, Utah, will elect the Church’s next Presiding Bishop, which election is subject to confirmation by the House of Deputies before it is final.

While the HOB has more roles than I have mentioned here, the last I shall mention is as a place where bishops learn from one another. I cannot tell you how helpful it is to come together regularly to have blocks of concentrated time to be with, to converse with, and to learn from bishops of longer tenure and greater experience and wisdom. When bishops meet they join in and form a learning community where mutual teaching and learning are the norms of the gathering.

Since I was not born knowing how to be a bishop (is anyone?), I need opportunities to gather and to learn and to try out ideas, and moments when in a caring environment I can challenge old ways and have my own assumptions and suppositions challenged as well. Out of this healthy interchange, I hope and believe, I emerge a better bishop.

And that, of course, is what I want to be for all of you who are the Diocese of West Missouri. +

Link

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/07/17/ joint-nominating-committee-offers-second-essay-onpresiding-bishop/

THE PONDER BOX | The Rev. Dr. Steve Rottgers

Our Past Forms Us, We Form Our Future WHILE PONDERING THE TASK OF WRITING THIS ARTICLE FOR THE “SPIRIT” MAGAZINE AND THE THEME OF CELEBRATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIOCESE OF WEST MISSOURI, I TOOK A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE. I remember the collection of rector’s photos in the “Rec-

tors’ Row” of my home parish, St. Andrew’s in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I especially remember both the clergy and laity who were my mentors during the ordination process.

My first parish assignment as a newly ordained priest was at St. John’s in Florence, South Carolina. They were very proud of their newly renovated building built in red stone and with a dark wooden interior. They were even more aware of the ivy vine that grew along the courtyard side of the building that was a gift to the early parish from Queen Victoria.

My next stop on memory lane was my second parish, Old Colonial St. John’s in Hampton, Virginia. The building was their 4th built in 1728, it had survived being burned by the British during the Revolutionary War, and again in 1812 when the city was occupied. It was burnt a third time by the Confederates when McClellan and the Union Army marched out of Ft. Monroe and headed for the Peninsula Campaign early in the Civil War. St. John’s owned their previous three sites dating back to their origin in 1610. They were started by the Jamestown colonists who moved down the James River to recover from hard times at the Jamestown settlement, established in 1607. The Communion Silver in use today was given to the Elizabeth City Parish (as it was known back then) by King James of the King James Version of the Bible fame. Its hallmark is dated 1618. I was able to participate in their 375th and 400th anniversary celebrations. It was a true experience.

Even the Diocese of Southern Virginia joined in the celebrations at the time.

Having started a new mission and being able to revisit and celebrate their 25th anniversary, I can confirm that it is also just as special as ramping up a 400th.

The point of all this is, that our past has a lot to do with the formation of who we are as individuals, congregations and as a diocese. We are formed by our roots! As true as that may be, it is only part of the equation. I use a five question formula at times when I am working developmental issues with people during an examination of conscience, or with congregations that are forming “self-awareness” as a collective group.

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“Where did you come from?”

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“Who are you?”

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“Where are you?”

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“Where are you going?”

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“What are you going to need and how are you going to get there?”

There is an awesome responsibility and accountability handed to each of us from the generations that have gone before. There is a legacy to be celebrated and also preserved.

Great things were done before and for us that we have inherited by the very nature of being Christian and a part of a congregation and thus part of this Diocese. Will we pass it along to our current and future generations? If we do, what will it look like?

It is for this reason that we will start the celebration this coming Convention and carry it forth for the coming year! It allows us as individuals and collective communities of faith to discern just what did we inherit and what does that make us?

What are we passing along? How are we going to do that? What do we need to do to be able to successfully honor our past, celebrate our present and make an impact on the future? It is a worthy course of thoughts to ponder.

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What legacy are we going to leave for those 125 years from now?

What can we do to honor the vision of Bishop Kemper who’s efforts were instrumental in establishing the Episcopal church in this region?

How are we living out our baptismal covenant promise to make our Lord known to others? (Especially with the state of the world issues at the present day.)

Celebrating 125 years can easily warrant a great party! It also offers a long thread of historical accountability to be passed forward to future generations. That makes this a good point in time to be pondering, planning, and working to ensure that we are worthy of being remembered by those looking back at our efforts of stewardship 125 years from now. I pray that we are remembered well for our share of the history timeline! +

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GUEST COLUMN | Episcopal Relief & Development

Episcopal Relief & Development Celebrates 75 Years of Healing a Hurting World Schori and her predecessors, the Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold and the Rt. Rev. Edmond L. Browning, the 75th Anniversary Celebration provides many opportunities to engage more deeply with Episcopal Relief & Development’s programs and get involved in promoting and sustaining the organization’s ers to learn more about the organization’s programs and get work. These opportunities are detailed in a special web section, involved in campaigns to raise $7.5 million to sustain its vital which also includes a social media hub around the celebration work. hashtag #AllHands75, and an interactive historical timeline.

In 1940, the National Council of The Episcopal Church estab(Links are given at the end of the article.)

One of the cornerstones of the celebration is a traveling photo exhibition, which features 33 iconic images of Episcopal Relief & Development’s work, along with in-depth explanations and personal reflections through an accompanying e-docent app. Having previewed at Executive Council in June, the exhibition officially launches at New York City’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine and continues its national tour with stops in Denver, San Francisco and Cincinnati.

Other venues are being confirmed.

Similarly, the organization’s 75 Stories Project provides a window into the programs, events and personalities that have shaped the last 75 years and are changing lives today. Individuals and groups are encouraged to offer reflections and stoChildren collecting water - Ghana ries through the Share Your Story page, Photograph courtesy Episcopal Relief & Development and inspire and energize others to join lished Episcopal Relief & Development – originally the Presidthe celebration. ing Bishop’s Fund for World Relief – to respond to the needs “As the Chair of Episcopal Relief & Development’s Board of of European refugees fleeing World War II. Now, working on Directors, I am honored to have personally witnessed a deepbehalf of the Church with partners in nearly 40 countries, the ening in both the organization’s impact, through the strategic organization continues its legacy of bringing together the genintegration of programs that address poverty, hunger and diserosity of Episcopalians and others to help communities overease, and its ability to engage and energize supporters across come challenges and create lasting change. the Church and the wider community,” said the Right Reverend “At this milestone anniversary, Episcopal Relief & Robert J. O’Neill, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado.

Development is celebrating 75 years of healing a hurting world, “I invite everyone to join in the celebration of what together with our partners and supporters around the globe we have accomplished together over the last 75 years.” whose contributions of time, talent and treasure have made this work happen,” said Rob Radtke, the organization’s President.

Episcopal Relief & Development has created a variety of “Each year, more than 3 million people participate in innovaresources to help individuals, congregations, dioceses, schools tive, locally led programs that boost harvests while protecting and groups to join the 75th Anniversary Celebration. Worship the environment, prevent diseases by mobilizing local volunand prayer resources build awareness and solidarity with the teers and empower people to build livelihoods through finanorganization’s partners worldwide, and faith formation matecial and skills training. It is a joy to be part of the community rials can spark multi-generational conversation about global of people whose efforts support this life-giving work.” needs and what each person can do to help. Additionally, five Led by a volunteer Steering Committee and an Honorary campaign toolkits provide easy-to-use informational leaflets, Committee co-chaired by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts EPISCOPALIANS, FRIENDS AND PARTNER AGENCIES AROUND THE GLOBE ARE JOINING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY. THE 75-WEEK CELEBRATION, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE END OF 2015, invites support-

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NEW FELLOWSHIP GROUP | The Rev. Jim Robertson

images, videos and creative ideas to rally communities around a specific issue, or support the organization’s overall mission.

• 75th Anniversary Campaign: Lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and disease •

Carry the Water Campaign: Clean water, hygiene and sanitation

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Fast to Feed Campaign: Sustainable agriculture and livestock

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Thrive to Five Campaign: Maternal and child health

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Pennies to Prosperity Campaign: Vocational training and micro-finance

Tornado relief worker - Alabama Photograph courtesy Episcopal Relief & Development

The overall goal of the campaigns is to raise $7.5 million by the end of 2015. Downloadable toolkits are available on the organization’s website to help individuals and groups to invite their communities to make a 75th Anniversary contribution and join the celebration.

“Episcopal Relief & Development is one of the foremost outward expressions of faith for Episcopalians, and one of the best examples of what we can accomplish when we join with our brothers and sisters in the US and internationally to strengthen communities and create a thriving future,” said Dr. Catherine George, Chair of the 75th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee and former Episcopal Relief & Development Board Member from the Diocese of New Jersey. “I think this is great cause for celebration, and I am excited be leading the efforts to honor Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75th Anniversary.” +

Episcopal Relief & Development Links

http://www.episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/75 https://www.facebook.com/EpiscopalRelief

Episcopal Gay and Lesbian Fellowship Group

GRACE AND HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL HAS A LONG HISTORY OF ADVOCACY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES AND INCLUSION OF ALL PEOPLE INTO THE LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION. This has included the acceptance of gay

and lesbian people among other minorities. All have been welcome in God’s household, His church.

In August, a visioning group met at the home of Jim Robertson to discuss whether a Gay and Lesbian fellowship group might be a welcome addition to existing ministries in our parishes. Walker Adams, from St. Paul’s Church attended as did Marcus Halley from St. Andrew’s Church. All felt that such a group was another way in which we can live into our call to inclusivity and love of Colleen & Donna two of the 35 people at all God’s people. Three primary the first Fellowship Group meeting talking points came out of this visioning session.

First, the group might function as a safe place where people, perhaps some not out publicly, can gather for fellowship under the umbrella of church, without incurring judgment. All felt that a straight ally buy-in and presence would be essential for sustaining the group, reaffirming the notion that all are welcome, not just gay and lesbian people.

Next, the Group might be a way in which all parishes in the metro Kansas City area can share in a ministry if they so choose. There will be no boundaries. The notion of putting out the word from “Loch Lloyd to Liberty” prevailed, with no single parish having ownership of the group.

Finally, the group may become an effective evangelism tool, bringing new people not only into the gathering itself, but into the life and fabric of our parishes. “Invite your friends” will be the given, not the exception.

There will be no business meeting, presentations, or lectures. Rather, the agenda will focus on three F’s, Fun, Food, and Fellowship.

The first get-together was held on September 7. The event was a huge success with 35 people representing seven Episcopal parishes and two ELCA parishes. Future meetings will be held on October 5 at the Church of the Good Shepherd NKC, November 2 at St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran in KC and on December 7 at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. + Jim Robertson is a deacon of 21 years, a native of Southeast Kansas, and newly canonically resident in West Missouri. Jim attends Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.

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Keeping The Feast

Remembering, Giving Thanks, and Looking Ahead:125 Years of Dedicated Service to God.

By The Rev. Tom Punzo

ANNIVERSARIES ARE WONDERFUL EVENTS. WE CELEBRATE THEM IN THE PRESENT EVEN AS WE LOOK BACKWARD FONDLY TO MARK AND TO REMEMBER. Yet,

anniversaries also call us to look forward into the unknown future into which we take the past’s legacy forward. All those who remember and celebrate, whether from the past, present, or future, will find themselves hallowed because of the particular anniversary event they recall.

Such will be true for the faithful members of the Diocese of West Missouri come this October 15, 2014. Here’s why: In 1888, the Annual Convention of the Diocese of Missouri voted to allow its constituent congregations in the western half of the diocese (which is also the western half of the state) to form its own, new diocese. After Missouri’s permission was received, the nascent diocese petitioned the General Convention of the Episcopal Church for admission into union with that body. On October 15, in the Year of Our Lord 1889, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church voted affirmatively to admit West Missouri into its union as a full, constituent member diocese.

So, this year, on Wednesday October 15, the Diocese of West Missouri turns 125 years old. 125 years of service and ministry and faithfulness is something to celebrate.

Along with joining in other events being planned and soon to be announced, each parish and congregation of the diocese is encouraged to commemorate the diocese’s 125th in its local worship services on the weekend of either Sunday, October 12 or Sunday, October 19. In order to aid congregations and parishes to fulfill this request, and so that we might pray together with common words and purpose, a special Collect of the Day has been written, and a special Litany has been prepared for inclusion within the Sacred Liturgy of either of these two weekends.

Our common worship, especially the Holy Eucharist, is built upon two major pillars: remembrance and thanksgiving. Both of these are especially appropriate for marking an anniversary — especially this particular anniversary. Interestingly, the heritage of Jewish and Christian worship embodies and expresses this same dual focus of remembrance and thanksgiving. We recall and remember God’s mighty acts on our behalf; and, as God’s actions are life-giving and benefit us greatly, we give thanks! This is what we will do around October 15th.

The Collect Briefly described, a collect is a prayer of a distinctive stereotyped form … prayed in the singular voice of the bishop or priest presiding and referring to the mystery, person, or event commemorated on a given day and is a prayer normally preceded by a mutual greeting of the celebrant and the assembled 8 SPIRIT | October 2014

worshipers, then a bidding to prayer (“Let us pray”), and becoming itself a solemn summary by the celebrant of the “corporate” prayer of the gathered community. In short, a Collect collects the prayers of all those gathered and the worship theme for a particular day and brings all this into a single prayer that opens the community’s liturgy.

A collect uses a mostly unvarying structure: 1. an address to God the Father; 2. a reference to some divine attribute or divine act as a ground for prayer; 3. the prayer itself, short, simple and definite; and 4. a concluding doxology, which is an ascription of praise such as “words of glory” usually Trinitarian in form, such as: “to the Father, through the Son, and in the Holy Spirit.”

The Litany A litany is a form of prayer using a pattern of call and response in which the leader offers intercessions, which change throughout, and the peoples’ responses (in most examples) staying the same or repeating in groups. The litany is like an acclamation, a “by heart” response. The length of litanies will vary, but in each case there should be enough time to enter into the rhythm of refrain, the back and forth with the leader.

It is not really the leader’s texts that make a litany do its work.

Rather, it is the repetition of response and call, the play of the rhythm in which participants become the church at prayer, interceding for the world.

May all of us as the Diocese of West Missouri rejoice in our 125th Anniversary! + Fr. Tom Punzo is Dean of the Northern Deanery and Liturgical Assistant to the Bishop.

Link The collect and litany are available for reading and download on our website. http://www.diowestmo.org/dwmo125/liturgy.html

Acknowledgments Some of the information used in this article was taken from the Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship.

Remembrance and Thanksgiving On the occasion of the 125TH anniversary of the Diocese of West Missouri.

tions where people of devotion, faith, and worship would live in community. We proclaimed the good news of his salvation. While at times discouraged, we never lost heart for he was with us as he promised.

Collect Gracious Lord God, to whom belongs all time and all ages, and through whose Beloved Son the Church receives its call to mission and service: 125 years ago you led the founders of the Diocese of West Missouri to begin a new chapter in ministry in the western half of the State of Missouri. As the people of this diocese have been faithful through these many years, grant that, under the ever-present guidance of the Holy Spirit, we who serve today may continue from this day with renewed fervor, serving the advancement of your Kingdom, and growing into ever-deeper holiness: all this we ask to the glory of your great Name; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: Led by our diocesan bishops, the apostles-in-ourmidst, we became one pilgrim people of faith to bring former generations, as well as our own generation, to know you, love you, and serve you.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: We entrust anew to your everlasting care and to the protection of your unending kingdom the beloved forerunners of faith, upon whose shoulders we stand in the transmission and practice of our faith, our witness, and our worship.

Litany

People:

The Leader begins and the Intercessor continues

Intercessor: For the Church, which will continue after us, we ask you to cause your Spirit to abide, as your Son promised, to strengthen, guide, and protect the Church that serves in your name, so that this earth and the universe you have made may ever know you to be Our Father.

Leader:

Let us with thankful hearts approach our allvirtuous God, whom we worship in the beauty of holiness.

Intercessor: Our Creator, God, we thank you for the world you have made, for your loving and unending care over all creation, and for entrusting us, who are the Diocese of West Missouri, to be your partners to build up and to revere all you have made.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: You have made us and all your children in your image so that, in each other, we might discern your likeness and serve you by serving one another.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: Because our hearts are restless until we come to you, you have aided us to know you and to be near you. To bring us nearer to you when we were far off, you sent prophets, teachers, pastors, and exemplars of faith to show us the glory of your ever-present, never-failing love.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: The wonder of your redeeming love is fully shown to us in Jesus Christ, who gave his work first to his apostles, who in turn taught later generations and us that it is our mission to make him known, loved, and emulated.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: Christ’s name our forebears planted congrega-

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

Glory to you, Lord God.

Intercessor: Bind us to our fellow pilgrims in the journey of life who, while confessing you with other names, share also in your favor, blessing, and love, and help us to rejoice in the unity which binds us together as all your beloved children even if such unity lies beyond our comprehension.

People: Glory to you, Lord God. Intercessor: You have established us as your Church to be the custodian of memory and hope, a spiritual family in which adults transmit to the young the flame of faith received from our ancestors, the tales and memories of the witnesses of the past, that become to us a witness in the present and hope for the future.

People:

Glory to you, Lord God.

After a brief silence, the Leader concludes with the following Doxology.

Leader:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty;

People:

For everything in heaven and on earth is yours.

Leader:

Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;

People:

And you are exalted as head over all. Amen.

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Faith, Fun, and Friendship Camp WEMO, EYE, and Missionpalooza made for a busy summer for the diocese’s youth.

By Kim Snodgrass

Camp WEMO

A WEEK OF RAIN DIDN’T DAMPEN ANYONE’S EXPERIENCE AT CAMP WEMO! From dawn to dark, youth and

adults had more opportunities to interact, build friendships, worship, learn, grow than they could shake a stick at, and a wonderful community was formed in a matter of days! The common thread that wove the week together was Luke 10:27,

Episcopal Youth Event - EYE visit about a topic they were interested in sharing….and it was a big hit! Finally, toward the end of the day we could relax and enjoy community games, night swims, night walks, bonfires, skits and the annual Variety Show.

A big part of camp is living in a close community within the cabins. We nearly

“He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Each morning we gathered for worship and to hear someone speak from the heart about an element of this scripture.

Then we followed up with energetic “pump up’s” to get us revved up for the day ahead.

The days unfolded with one fun opportunity after another - low ropes, high ropes, rock wall climbing, cabin game time, zip line, music at the tree house, riflery, archery, fishing, crafts, games, swimming….and clergy time!

Once a day Community Time brought small groups together in the late afternoon to delve a little more deeply into our camp scripture to ask questions and consider our own perspectives. Twice a day we welcome clergy from all over our diocese to talk, discuss, teach, show or 10 SPIRIT | October 2014

didn’t fit this year, but that’s a great problem to have! Cabin time is where a lot of conversation starts and community is built. We find out what others are thinking or feeling, and open up to each other.

It’s a time to listen, learn and share.

Camp WEMO is a great place to learn a little independence, interact with positive role models, have fun and encounter God in an endless variety of ways.

It’s also moment after moment being reminded that although we are many parts, we are one body in Christ.

We are exceedingly grateful to the 40+ volunteer adults who made camp possible for the 99 youth who attended….and hope they all come back next year!

IMAGINE THE ENERGY IN A ROOM FULL OF 1,500 YOUTH, YOUTH LEADERS AND CLERGY FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. IT’S AMAZING. Hope-

fully, people here in West Missouri used the links available on the diocese and WEMO Youth Facebook pages to hear one or more of the dynamic sermons from EYE live, because they were absolutely inspiring. But that was just a portion of what was available during the Episcopal Youth Event (also known as EYE), at Villanova University July 9-13 this summer. Every three years EYE provides amazing opportunities for people to create friendships and learn about what it means to be an Episcopalian in other dioceses. Members of our diocesan delegation were able to meet other youth from places as distant as Connecticut, Wisconsin and even Taiwan!

The week focused on the 5 Marks of Mission: 1. to proclaim (tell) the Good News of the Kingdom; 2. to teach, Baptize and nurture new believers; 3. to respond (tend) to human needs by loving service; 4. to seek to transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence of every kind, and pursue peace and reconciliation; and 5. to strive to safeguard (treasure) the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

One of the participants put it well when they said,

Missionpalooza “The chorus of a familiar worship song sounds somehow different when sung by more than a thousand people – more like a command, a promise, a covenant, than anything I’ve ever heard. I think now I have a pretty good idea of what it sounds like when angels and archangels and all the company of heaven join together in song.”

A ‘Selfie’ with the PB (Presiding Bishop)

Again we were reminded that although we are many parts, we remain one body in Christ.

In a world where fear and darkness are fed to us on a regular basis it was good to know that the people who were gathered together in that room will shine with much light and goodness.

Everyone on the trip was immeasurably thankful to all those who provided the opportunity for 18 youth and four adult members of our delegation to be there. EYE 2014 was an experience we will not forget and it was one that I believe will leave a mark on this world because, throughout the week, we were reminded again and again that, just like Jesus’ disciples at the Last Supper, we weren’t gathered there in Philadelphia to just to sit around, hang out, and have a great time; we were gathered there to GO!!!

“DESPITE THE PERILS OF THIS WORLD, THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE TRIALS, THE ONSLAUGHT OF ATHEISM AND THE DRIVING FORCES OF DOUBT, THE CHURCH IS STILL HERE!” This marked the 15th year that

Missionpalooza youth and adult volunteers have put their faith into action in and around the greater Kansas City area.

Missionpalooza is a joint ministry of the Diocese of Kansas and the Diocese of West Missouri.

After attending Missionpalooza it is easy to see that the youth are not the church of the future; they are the church now. You can see this embodied beautifully when you consider that in just four short days 80+ youth and 40+ adults recorded well over 2,500 volunteer hours at Bishop Spencer Place, Habitat ReStore’s and Habitat for Humanity work sites, Wayside Waifs, the Kansas City Community Kitchen, Metro Area Churches, Operation Breakthrough and the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City.

Missionpalooza can be life changing, which is why 28% of youth attending Missionpalooza have been more than five times. Participants said: “It was a great way not only to serve those in need, but to show how the churches serve those in need.”

And, “This continues to be a great place to see the face of God in our fellow man. As we impact their lives they impact ours.”

When asked what they learned about their selves and their faith, one youth responded: “Mission work for a whole week is tough, but the rewards that come from the hard labor are awesome.

It was a great reminder of the joy and connection that can be made between people and how important that is.”

A variety of evening programs were provided as a well earned way to unwind after a day serving the community. They include quiet, contemplative space to reflect and relax; crafts, a Q&A session with Bishop Wolfe, ultimate frisbee Continued on page 13.

SPIRIT | October 2014

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An Interview With Bishop Marty

Alexandra Connors asks Bishop Marty what makes us unique, and where are we going?

By Alexandra Connors & Bishop Marty

HAVING VOLUNTEERED TO WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE DIOCESE, I THEN HAD TO FIND THE RIGHT WORDS AND INSPIRATION. WHO BETTER, TO ASK FOR SUGGESTIONS THAN BISHOP MARTY?

What makes the Diocese of West Missouri unique?

Clearly, one of the things that makes this diocese unique is the unique people who would ask such a unique question.

Now, while that may sound cutesy, it’s also true.

In many ways, the people who are the Diocese of West Missouri are not unique; instead they are very much like Episcopalians everywhere having the same hopes and dreams, the same challenges, the same joys. We are by many categories very homogeneous: the vast majority of us are white folks of European-backgrounds, most of us speak English (the American version) with a Mid-West accent tinted with a bit of Southern drawl, and most of us are middle class folks doing our best to be stewards of all the facets of life with which God has blessed us.

On the other hand, the mix of people that make up West Missouri is unique; it’s a distinctive combination of people.

Among us, I’ve encountered the rich and poor; conservatives and progressives; rank-and-file workers and daring entrepreneurs; traditionalist Episcopalians and cutting-edge Episcopalians; Missourians by birth and Missourians by choice (and, of course, some Kansans who cross the line to attend church). We live in rural, small town and urban settings. We are farmers and physicians, laborers and lawyers. And we enjoy everything from symphonies to bluegrass, from Broadway to amusement parks. In some ways this may be the least homogeneous place I’ve ever served.

Above all, the Episcopalians of West Missouri bring their distinctive Mid-Western practicalities into their spiritual and religious lives. No one in the “Show Me” state has ever said to me the exact words, “Show me!”, but I have been challenged, nevertheless, to show that my actions match my words, to prove that my walk and my talk are consistent, to earn trust rather than demand it. That is quintessentially West Missouri!

What are the goals of the diocese moving forward over the next ten years? What are we doing to accomplish these goals? And, what are the potential struggles you see the diocese facing in the next few years?

These are tough and interconnected questions because, in our society, the word goals often conjures up an expectation of achieving numbers: so many attendees on average, so many 12 SPIRIT | October 2014

new churches started, so much increase in giving, etc. It’s hard to put numbers on Church life, and it’s even harder to define “success” for the Church by using numbers. After all, we follow a Lord who did not take attendance, who apparently never knew how much money was available in the common purse to underwrite his ministry, and who judged achievement in terms of faithfulness, not in things quantifiable.

I’d love to be able to name goals for the diocese that include “x” number of church plants, “x” number of clergy ordained, “x” number of baptisms, confirmations, etc. I’d love to be able to say that a “x”% increase in the average Sunday Attendance of our worshipping communities is all we need to do. The trouble is, I just don’t believe that.

It becomes clearer each day that the Episcopal Church – indeed all forms of Christianity in this country as well as in the larger context of Western Culture – is at a crossroads. Much has been written by a lot of bright people about the status of the Church and its message in our day, how it’s being transmitted to and received by the public, how modern communications, social media, and technologies for sharing thoughts are changing the way communities are being formed in our day, etc. The unanimous voice is that the Church must adapt or become an irrelevant archaism of the past . . . which would be a shame because, I believe, the Gospel is as relevant in the United States of the 21st century A.D. as it was in the Roman Empire of the 1st century A.D. This crossroads time in which we find ourselves – this era of transformation, if you will – is going to be rough for people who want or need the Episcopal Church to remain what it has always been. And that makes sense. If the Church serves you as an anchor of sameness (even sanity) in a rapidly changing, high-speed world, the threat of losing that anchor is not happy news. The Church, however, may simply not be able to remain what it has been for we who are happy with what we’ve received and would gladly leave it alone.

Unfortunately, societal change is happening more quickly than the Church is able to adapt. Voices that do not represent or share Christianity as I know and understand it, seem to have seized the ear of the media and preempted the voice of mainline Christianity in the public sector. The message of Christianity that too many hear – and too few have taken the time to check what they hear against scripture and the moral teachings of the Church, or to see if other Christians might think differently – is often perceived as a voice of moral control or outright hate.

Fewer and fewer young people are taking the time to learn what a connection to God can be for them, to think about their lives in relation to a Creator God, or accurately to discern the main-

line Church’s voice speaking of Christian love and tolerance and community.

So, what are the diocese’s goals? I think it should be our goal to be willing to die.

Now, please hear me carefully. I did not say our goal should be to die; I said we should be willing to die. We should be ready to die to what we have been in order that God can lead us into the future God is building, in order to be the Church for the next millennium. Our goal should be to fall in love with what God is building next instead of what our forebears built in the past or expressions of the faith that no longer adequately share the Gospel in our society.

Achieving that goal will be a sea-change if there ever was one. To this point we have focused on the survival of the institutional Church, on preserving our congregations and parishes from closing their doors, on growing the Church we’ve always known by means we’ve always used, to achieve what we’ve always achieved. A radical new day is coming, so the big question before us is this: can we find it in ourselves to go along with God as he builds a new Church that is able and nimble and flexible enough to evolve into the Gospel-centered community of the next millennium? This will be especially true for the rural and small town congregations of the diocese where demographic studies either reveal diminishing populations or predict currently rural or sub-rural regions converting to suburban or even urban environments.

Saying yes to this goal, this aim, this new reality, guiding star, core value, basic principle (call it what you like) will be one of the biggest attitudinal changes and cultural changes ever, one of the biggest shifts ever in the ethos of a major institution.

But that, I am convinced, is the Episcopal Church’s greatest need, most important task, and most profound challenge in the next 10 years (or more). This will be the singular struggle of the next period of the diocese’s life.

where people come and go without guilt, join and participate when they feel called to do so, and self-select into other communities (which may be virtual) when and as often as they choose. The local church of the future – indeed the kind of local, faith community that is already emerging in many places – probably won’t look like the building-centric, membershiporiented congregation we have known for so long. And that evolutionary process will be a challenge for the foreseeable future. + Alexandra Conners is a member and youth leader at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. She also serves on the Diocesan Council.

Continued from page 11. and a Book of Common Prayer challenge. We walked to local ice cream vendors for something cool one evening and spent another at the Nelson Art Gallery touring or relaxing on the lawn. We topped off our Saturday morning mission activity with some afternoon fun with a choice of either Oceans of Fun/ Worlds of Fun or lunch and a movie.

Missionpalooza wouldn’t be the same without two other elements. The Commissioning Service that sends participants and volunteers out into the world having made a commitment to exercise their ministry to the honor of God, and the well-being of his Church. And, Sunday morning youth preachers reflecting on their Missionpalooza experience, which is both uplifting and motivating to hear.

How do you see the diocese changing in the next ten years?

Like others who predict such matters, I think the greatest change coming is the changing paradigm of what constitutes the local church. In the next period of years, perhaps far more than just a decade, what the local faith community looks like will evolve. Church futurists tell us that voluntary associations without rigid membership lists will replace the institutional and rostered form of congregation we know now. For many reasons, congregations (or faith communities) will be less and less likely to want or need expensive buildings and the maintenance costs of the same. Leadership, such as clergy leadership, may transform from the professionally trained and academically credentialed who are called from outside the congregation to roles of leadership to locally lifted-up leadership with or without significant academic credentials. (We are, perhaps, seeing the beginning of that now.) We may begin to lose the use of the terms parish and congregation in favor of terms, like faith community, that will indicate a more fluid, less rigid community

From work sites to evening programs, youth and adults build strong, long-lasting relationships with each other.

Everyday the opportunities were there to strengthen and transform our own faith as well as while serving individuals and communities.

Missionpalooza wouldn’t still be going strong after 15 years if it were not for the generosity, hospitality and kindness of the people of St. Paul’s, Kansas City. And, it should not go without saying how very appreciative both the Diocese of Kansas and West Missouri are for the 40+ dedicated volunteers who also put their faith into action. + Kim Snodgrass is the Diocese of West Missouri’s Youth Ministry Coordinator.

SPIRIT | October 2014

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Church of the Resurrection’s th 50 Anniversary Celebrations A parade and sixties-style service are part of Resurrection’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

By Kitty Hampton

“Celebrating 50 Years” Bill Carle and Jane Wallace carry our banner

Pat Carle pastes up signs for our “float” Photograph: Gary Zumwalt

14 SPIRIT | October 2014

throughout the crowds watching the parade.

The church celebrated the successful completion of a three year capital improvement campaign in June. The Reverend Ronald Keel was warm in his praise of member efforts throughout the past three years. Funds were used to renovate the sanctuary, build a colum-

Photograph: Gary Zumwalt

barium, and improve the lighting and landscaping around the building.

The church will continue its celebrations on October 5, 2014 with a communion service reminiscent of those held in many activities celebrating its 50th year in 1964. The service order and music will be the community. familiar to those who were attending the The parade which proceeded down Episcopal Church in that year. Members Main Street on Saturday, September 13 is are being encouraged to wear sixties style an annual event in the city. clothing for the Members of the service. Plans for parade team speara potluck lunheaded the process cheon are being for registration; made with memcoordinated the bers expected efforts to develop a to bring typical mobile entry; and 1964 casseroles marched along the and Jello salads. route with other Trivia questions members and their and advertisefamilies. Candy, ments of 1964 post cards and prices will be business cards with available for the church’s locaviewing during “Getting a Front Row Seat” Steve Flaigle, Ina Lewis, and Roy Hatfield with youth from the church tion were distribthe luncheon.

Photograph: Gary Zumwalt uted by members THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION JOINED THE PARADE AT THE RECENTLY HELD BLUE SPRINGS FALL FUN FEST, as one of

THE AGENDA | Upcoming events around the diocese

Another service, scheduled for All Saints Day on November 2, 2014, will be designated “Home Coming Sunday” with invitations being sent to former clergy, staff and members of Resurrection.

Brunch will be served after the service. It is anticipated that a proclamation

Events

Send Us Your News & Articles

Daughters of the King Fall Retreat

We welcome your news articles, photographs and letters to the editor on topics of interest to the diocese. Submissions should include the writer’s name, e-mail and postal addresses and phone number.

October 4.

Venue: Saint Michael’s, Independence.

Mediation Skills Training Institute of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center October 6 - 10.

Venue: Founders’ Hall, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City.

“Finishing Touches” Bill Carle, Debbie Carle, Pat Carle

Kitty Hampton is a long-term member of the Church of the Resurrection. She serves on the Vestry, altar guild and is a lay Eucharistic minister.

If you have an idea for an article please tell us.

KC Hunger Run

You can contact us at:

8:00 a.m. Saturday October 11.

Venue: Unity Village near Lee’s Summit

communications@ediowestmo.org

Photograph: Gary Zumwalt

congratulating Resurrection on its 50 years in the community will be issued by Blue Springs Mayor, Carson Ross. Even Song is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and will be sung by members of the Resurrection and Cathedral choirs. The service will be followed by a reception in the undercroft.

A photo directory of church members is being planned, coordinated and scheduled. Portraits will be taken in October in order for the directory to be available before Christmas. +

Whenever possible we will share your submissions with the members of the diocese in the Spirit Magazine. The earlier you can get your news to us the better. To ensure inclusion please send in your news an absolute minimum of three weeks before the end of the month in each of January, March, May, July, September and November.

Diocese of West Missouri is 125!

October 15.

Evensong to Celebrate the Diocese of West Missouri’s 125th anniversary 5:00 p.m. Sunday October 19.

Venue: Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City.

Please note: because of space and time constraints we cannot guarantee to be able to always use your news material or pictures. Any supplied text and images may be edited.

The Spirit & eSpirit online:

SPIRIT PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS | COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF THE OZARKS

Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri

August 2014 | Volume 6, No. 4

Gathering and Convention 2014 November 7 & 8.

Venue: Ramada Oasis Convention Center, Springfield.

DYG - Diocesan Youth Gathering November 7 & 8.

Venue: Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

www.diowestmo.org/spirit/spirit-magazine.html

Online Diocesan Calendar For the latest information on diocesan events don’t forget you can also check the diocesan calendar online at: www.diowestmo.org/our-work/our-work.html

www.diowestmo.org/espirit/espirit-newsletter.html

SPIRIT | October 2014

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