iSeek news & events

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

Back-to-School Fun:

Backpack blessings and family fun of all kinds are happening at churches throughout the Diocese of Missouri as our students go back to school.

Top Photo: St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Ironton filled and gave away dozens of backpacks full of school supplies and offered food and fun for community families.

Bottom photo: Trinity Episcopal Church in Kirksville gave away bags of school supplies and offered fun events like face painting and sack races at their Back-to-School Carnival. Vicar Amy Fallon embraced the spirit of the day, happily accepting a pie in the face from students!

Do you have pictures from an event at your parish? Share them with the Diocese! Send your pictures and stories to Diocesan Communications Director Janis Greenbaum.

Events

Province V Dismantling Racism Network: Civil Discourse

Thursday, Sept. 1

Noon

Zoom

Alan Yarborough from the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations will be the guest speaker for the next meeting of this Province V networking group. Yarborough will offer an overview of "Make me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse."

Learn more and get the Zoom link.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention

Monday, Sept. 5

9 - 10 a.m.

Zoom

National Suicide Prevention week is September 4-10. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Missouri Chapter of AFSP offer many resources, including this Zoom event.

This community-based presentation covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

Learn more and register.

Communications Forum:

Sharing our Stories

Friday, Sept. 9

1 p.m.

Zoom

There's a lot of good news happening in the Diocese of Missouri right now! Let's come together to find creative and effective ways to share our stories.

Our First Fridays events return after the holiday weekend. Anyone who works or volunteers in any kind of communications position throughout the Diocese is invited to join the discussion.

Learn more and get the Zoom link.

Month of Grace + Prayer

A Retreat in Everyday Life

Begins September 11

Hosted by St. Francis Episcopal Church, Eureka

You are invited to go on a spiritual retreat without taking time off work or even leaving your home. The Month of Grace + Prayer is an individually directed retreat -- you pray each day on your own, meet once a week with a spiritual companion (in-person or via Zoom) at times that are convenient for you, and grow closer to God. All adults are welcome. Committed couples can also take part together.

Learn more about the retreat.

To register, contact Clarence Heller.

The Moon and I

Free Concert at St. Timothy's

Sunday, Sept. 11

3 p.m.

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Creve Coeur

Acclaimed soprano Leann Schuering will be performing songs that celebrate our connection to the moon at this free concert.

Learn more and register.

Project Resource

A program for stewardship leaders

5 consecutive Sundays, beginning Sept. 11

4-6 p.m. (Central Time)

The College for Bishops offers this 5-week program to equip clergy and lay leaders to develop their year-round annual stewardship campaigns.

Get program details and register.

Faithful Readiness

An emergency preparedness workshop for faith communities

Tuesday, Sept. 13

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Woodcrest Chapel, Columbia

This workshop features presentations and panel discussions focusing on the proper approach to responding to an emergency event within your church and/or community.

Province IV & V Creation Care Networks

Monday, Sept. 12

12 p.m. (Central Time)

Zoom

Join Episcopalians from across our region to learn about environmental actions coming from the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

Learn more and get the Zoom link.

This Creation Care group will be meeting regularly on the second Tuesday of each month -- mark your calendar for more important discussions!

Sacred Ground: Fall Kickoff Webinar

Thursday, Sept. 15

12:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Zoom

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will share his vision for racial reckoning and justice ministry in this webinar to kick off a new year of Becoming Beloved Community programming.

This webinar will also include discussion with Sacred Ground leaders to explore strategies for hosting this powerful program in your communities. Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. The program is free and available for all parishes and ministries to engage.

Learn more and register for the webinar.

News

Mutual Ministry Review Guide

A Mutual Ministry Review is a disciplined time of reflection on how the life of a congregation is going, including a look at the goals for the congregation and the roles and responsibilities of those working toward those goals. The main purpose is to clarify objectives and consider how best to make changes that will lead to more effective ministry aimed at those shared goals.

You will find a new guide with fillable forms on our website on either of these pages:

Engage

Supporting International Students

Did you know hundreds of students from Africa come to St. Louis every year to attend college?

Our African Diaspora and Allies Missional Community is working to provide support to African students living in the St. Louis area. You can help by donating specific goods and services.

Learn more.

Summer Schedule in the Diocesan Offices

It's a busy summer for Bishop Deon Johnson and Canon Doris Westfall as they travel for General Convention in Baltimore (July 8-11) and the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England (July 26 - Aug. 8). Following those big events, the Bishop is taking vacation time and Canon Doris is on sabbatical.

Please note the dates our leaders will be away:

Bishop Deon will be away from the office through September 6
Canon Doris will be away from the office through November 2.

The Diocesan offices will maintain regular business hours, with all other Diocesan staff available.

More Information from DioMO:

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

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

314-231-1220

www.diocesemo.org