iSeek news & events

November 17, 2021

2021 Diocesan Convention

Thursday, Nov. 18 - Saturday, Nov. 20

GET EXCITED!

Convention is a time for everyone in the diocese to come together and celebrate our life as a community of faith.

We'll be livestreaming all business meetings on Facebook and our website. (All those with seat, voice, and vote will be gathering via Zoom.)

Along with the required business meetings, there are many opportunities for ALL to engage in the 182nd Diocesan Convention.

Here's how to participate:

Thursday, Nov. 18

Convention Business Meeting

Thursday at 6 p.m.

Watch as Bishop Deon Johnson officially calls the convention to order. We'll appoint officers, catch up on clergy transitions, and present the slate of nominations for election.

Convention participants will gather on Zoom.

Everyone else in the Diocese is invited to watch on our website or Facebook page.

Convention Eucharist

Thursday at 7 p.m.

(Musical Prelude begins immediately after business meeting - about 6:30 p.m.)

Bishop Deon Johnson leads this diocesan worship service that also includes the bishop's convention address, a celebration of Episcopal School for Ministry, and Bishop's Awards for exemplary service throughout the Diocese. Oh... and did we mention there will be great music?

The Diocese is invited to watch on our website or Facebook page.

Friday at 7 p.m.

All are invited to this webinar, featuring the Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Bishop of Atlanta.

If the webinar is full, you can also watch on our website or Facebook page.

Join the Keynote webinar

Compline

Friday at 8:15 p.m.

Join college students from Rockwell House Episcopal Campus Ministry for a lovely evening prayer service.

Following the Keynote Address, stay on the webinar, or watch on our website or Facebook page.

Zoom Dance Party

Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes (or no shoes at all!) and have some fun with a D.J. and your friends on Zoom.

Don't worry -- this event will not be livestreamed or recorded!

Join the Zoom Dance Party

Saturday, Nov. 20

Convention Business Meeting

Plenary Sessions II and III

Saturday at 9 a.m.

Hear and watch ministry reports, the 2022 budget presentation, resolution voting, diocesan elections, and many special ministry presentations to review 2021 and look ahead to 2022.

Convention participants will gather on Zoom.

Everyone else in the Diocese is invited to watch on our website or Facebook page.

All convention details, resources and links are available at:

www.diocesemo.org/2021-convention

Convention participants: Please watch for a special convention newsletter with your Zoom links.

News

New Guidelines for Distributing Wine during Holy Eucharist

As COVID vaccination rates increase across the state, Bishop Deon Johnson is once again allowing the distribution of wine during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Read his letter and learn about the new procedures to follow to keep everyone safe.

Download the bishop's letter and new guidelines.

In Sympathy

We are sad to report the death of Beth Felice, former Communications Director for the Diocese of Missouri. Beth died of cancer on Sunday, Nov. 14.

Beth served on the diocesan staff under Bishop George Wayne Smith from September 2009 until July 2019.

Beth was a communications professional, sharing her impressive creative and technical skills throughout the Diocese. We give thanks for Beth's decade of service with us and offer our prayers for all who knew and loved her.

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We have also learned that former Episcopal priest Paul Walter died from COVID pneumonia on Monday, Nov. 15.

Paul came to the Diocese of Missouri in 1996 and served as Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Town & Country until 2004, when he was deposed. He went on to lead Church of the Resurrection, a member of the Anglican Church of North America.

We offer our prayers to his family and friends.

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Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;

And let light perpetual shine upon them.

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Apply Now for Hunger Ministry Grants

The Task Force on Hunger invites food ministries affiliated with an Episcopal congregation within the Diocese of Missouri to submit an application for funding for the 2022 calendar year.

The application process is open from November 1 - December 1, 2021.

Apply here.

Finding Joy in Advent

Congregations and other organizations in our diocese have the opportunity to watch a free screening of the new documentary "Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times."

This film is about the meeting between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama -- just two friends discussing happiness.

This laugh-out-loud film is a perfect opportunity to spread joy this Advent season.

Learn more.

Events

Deaconess Anne House:

Chili and Coats

Friday, Nov. 19

12 - 3 p.m.

1416 Sullivan Ave.

Old North St. Louis

Deaconess Anne House asks for your donations of gently worn, clean winter coats and accessories (sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, socks) for their "Chili and Coats" event.

Donations will be distributed to their Old North community and the transient or unhoused neighbors of North City.

Drop off your donations at the Deaconess Anne House or contact Rev. Michaelene to arrange to have items picked up or if you would like to volunteer with this event (make chili and hot dogs, help organize clothes, greet neighbors).

DioMo partners with YWCA to offer "Witnessing Whiteness" program

The Dismantling Racism Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is partnering with the YWCA to host a group of diocesan members in the Y’s acclaimed Witnessing Whiteness program.

The program begins in January and is open to any diocesan member who feels moved to deepen their racial education and to explore how “whiteness” might hinder that education.

Learn more about the program and how to sign up.

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Celebration of Advent:

Concert at St. John's, Tower Grove

Sunday, Nov. 28

5-6 p.m.

3664 Arsenal, St. Louis

St. John's Episcopal Church in the Tower Grove neighborhood of St. Louis invites you to a special musical event to celebrate the season of Advent.

Learn more.

Creation Care Ministry

Movie Group:

The Biggest Little Farm

Wednesday, Dec. 1

7 p.m.

Zoom

The Biggest Little Farm is a documentary about a couple who moves from L.A. into the countryside to build one of the most diverse farms of its kind in complete coexistence with nature.

Watch the movie on your own, then join the discussion on December 1.

Learn more.

Dismantling Racism:

6th Annual Conference and Celebration

Saturday, Dec. 4

10 a.m.

Zoom

The Commission on Dismantling Racism invites all to discuss and celebrate social justice work happening throughout the diocese at this annual event.

Learn more.

ECW Connections Event:

Voices of the Nativity

Sunday, Dec. 5

4 p.m.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church & livestream

The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Missouri (ECW) is partnering with St. Paul's in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis for a creative storytelling experience.

Learn more.

Learn about our New Convocations

Convocations are groups of congregations within our diocese that act as liaisons between Diocesan Council and the congregations and conduct other diocesan business.

At this year's convention, Bishop Deon Johnson will be announcing a new structure to our convocation system.

Bishop Deon invites all to attend one of two special virtual meetings to learn about the changes and what it all means to you!

Tuesday, Nov. 30

7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

6 p.m.

Engage

Get to Know:

St. Martin's Episcopal Church

St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Ellisville is one of the "youngest" churches in our diocese. Founded in 1965, this parish is continually evolving, learning, and growing into a vibrant and loving community of faith in West St. Louis County.

Learn more about this parish on the diocesan website and watch for posts on our social media this week!

#GetToKnowDioMO

More Information from DioMO:

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

314-231-1220

www.diocesemo.org