February 9, 2022

Worship with the Diocese:

Absalom Jones Celebration 2022

Saturday, Feb. 12

11 a.m.

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.

Learn more about the event.

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

Get to Know Your New Convocation!

In our ongoing effort to engage members of every parish and encourage shared ministry between parishes, the Diocese is restructuring our convocation system.

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 these new groups or who may be interested in serving in a leadership position within your convocation to attend their convocation's first meeting.

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)

Episcopal City Mission Sunday

Sunday, Feb. 27

The Diocese of Missouri encourages all our congregations to mark Episcopal City Mission Sunday.

Learn more about this special designation and download prayers and resources.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew Monthly Gathering

Thursday, Feb. 10

7 p.m.

The Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George

OR Zoom

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew invites all to their monthly meeting on Feb. 10. The group will be discussing the Hindu concept of God at this month's gathering.​

The group meets on the second Thursday of each month.

Learn more about this event.

Dying, Death, and Bereavement Annual Conference

April 20-23

St. Louis

The Association for Death Education and Counseling, one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations in the field of thanatology, will hold its 43rd Annual Conference in St. Louis. Full and half-day workshops are also available the following week.

Get more information about the conference.

The Rev. Paul Metzler has been a member of this organization since 1994 and welcomes your interest and questions.

Updated COVID Guidelines

Bishop Deon Johnson issued a letter this week, expressing hope in the declining COVID numbers and updating safety guidelines to use in our parishes.

Read the Bishop's letter.

Diocesan Week of Sabbatical

The last two years of pandemic have been difficult for everyone. Bishop Deon Johnson invites all in the Diocese to take intentional time to be in prayer, worship, reflection, and rest.

Throughout the week of March 7-11, we will provide opportunities for a self-guided sabbatical. More details will be announced soon, but please mark your calendars and plan to recharge your spiritual batteries.

Read the Bishop's letter.

Hymn of the Week:

In Christ there is no East or West

Music Director Mary Chapman from Holy Communion in University City brings us the story of a composer who grew up on traditional spirituals and slave songs, then went on to become an inspiration for generations of artists.

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

Epiphany Reflection:

Ennui vs. Epiphany

The Rev. Paul Metzler reflects on COVID-related ennui, an existential experience of languishing. He shares how he is finding Epiphany through the darkness.

• Read this week's reflection.
• Read past reflections in the Epiphany series.

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