January 26, 2022

Convocation Meetings

As of Jan. 1, 2022, the Diocese of Missouri is operating under a new convocation structure designed to encourage more engagement and shared ministry between our parishes.

Read more about the new convocations here and find out which of the four convocations your parish is now a member.

We invite everyone who wants to learn more about the convocations or who may be interested in serving in a leadership position within your convocation to attend their convocation's first meeting. (We will post information about the Jane Dey Convocation as soon as it is available.)

Elizabeth Dyer Convocation Meeting

Saturday, Jan. 29

10 a.m. - Noon

Join the Zoom meeting

(no registration required)

Learn more about the Elizabeth Dyer Convocation.

Jackson Kemper Convocation Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 8

7 p.m.

Join the Zoom meeting

(no registration required)

Learn more about the Jackson Kemper Convocation.

Emery Washington Convocation Meeting

Sunday, Feb. 13

2 p.m.

Zoom

(registration t.b.a.)

Learn more about the Emery Washington Convocation.

Absalom Jones Celebration 2022

Saturday, Feb. 12

11 a.m.

Zoom or Livestream

The Commission on Dismantling Racism invites all to celebrate the Life and Ministry of Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church.

Join Bishop Deon Johnson as he leads the Celebration of Holy Eucharist from the Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton. Our special guest preacher will be the Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, Canon Theologian at Washington National Cathedral.

Register to watch on Zoom

OR

Watch the livestream on the Diocesan website.

Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs

Feast Day of Absalom Jones: Feb. 13

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites people of all backgrounds and faiths to support the hope-filled, life-impacting work of two historically Black institutions of higher education through donations and dedicated offerings on the Feast of Absalom Jones - the first Black priest ordained by the church - observed Feb. 13.

Get parish resources to promote the Absalom Jones Fund. (bulletin insert, children's lesson plans, Absalom Jones biography, and more)

Make a donation online

or text GIVEHBCU to 41444

Annual Prayer for Christian Unity

Sunday, Jan. 30

7 p.m.

In-person or Virtual

Catholic Archbishop Rozanski invites the St. Louis Christian community to an ecumenical prayer for unity.

Learn more and register.

Episcopal City Mission Annual Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 22

12:30 - 1:15 p.m.

Zoom

All are invited as the board of Episcopal City Mission gathers to celebrate the many ways God continues to bless our ministry with children in the juvenile justice system in St. Louis.

Learn more and RSVP (by Tuesday, Feb. 15)

The Great Middle:

A follow-up to COP26

Wednesday, Jan. 26

7 p.m.

Zoom

Episcopalians from North Dakota to Texas and the Great Lakes to the Rockies are invited to this virtual event to discuss COP26. You'll hear from members of the Presiding Bishop's delegation to the United Nations World Climate Conference.

Find out what happened at the October event in Glasgow, Scotland, and what we can do as Christians to help protect our environment.

Register for the event.

Creation Care Movie Group:

My Octopus Teacher

Wednesday, Jan. 26

7 p.m.

Zoom

The Diocesan Creation Care Ministry Team invites you to a discussion of the documentary My Octopus Teacher. This 2020 Oscar winning film follows diver Craig Foster and the unique relationship he builds with an octopus.

Watch the film on your own, then join us on Zoom for a casual discussion with your friends.

Learn more and register.

Updates from the Diocesan Commission on Dismantling Racism

After 40 years of leadership, the Rev. Deacon Chester Hines is retiring as the chair of the Commission on Dismantling Racism. Anyone who has been a part of the commission or engaged in one of his trainings can tell you what a blessing Chester is to our diocese.

Now, a new leadership team is in place to pick up this important work. Read about their plans.

Free At-Home COVID Tests

The U.S. Government is making free COVID tests available to all households. The Diocese encourages everyone to order tests and use them if you begin having symptoms or need to make sure you don't have the virus before gathering with others. Increased testing will save lives!

Learn more and order tests.

Hymn of the Week:

God is Love and Where True Love Is

Mary Chapman, Music Director at Holy Communion, brings us the story of a composer, organist, Benedictine monk, author, and BBC performer whose goal was to provide music to enhance liturgy.

• Read this week's column.
• Read past Hymn of the Week columns.

Epiphany Reflection:

Live Expectantly

Confluence board member Sabine McDowell shares a story about God showing up in unexpected places, and for unexpected people.

Read this week's reflection.

Recommended Resources:

Best VBS List

from Building Faith

Christian Formation & Discipleship:

January newsletter

from Virginia Theological Seminary

Lent Resources for Parish & Family

from Building Faith

Absalom Jones Resources

from The Episcopal Church:

• Presiding Bishop Video: Give to Episcopal HBCUs
• Absalom Jones Updated Biography
• Lesson Plans for Children

Job Openings in the Diocese

Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood is hiring a part-time parish secretary.

• View job description.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in University City is hiring a part-time sexton.

• View position and apply through Indeed.

If you have news, announcements, or pictures you'd like to share with the diocese, please send your information to Communications Director Janis Greenbaum.