February 2, 2022

Faith in the Time of COVID

The Rev. Ana Mendez from our Companion Diocese of Puerto Rico shares a heartfelt reflection on finding strength again after great loss. She is the director of their diocesan disaster response and recovery ministry, Programa Redes.

• Click the video box to hear her message.
• Learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development's mission.

Training Your Brain

Dealing with COVID Stress

Dr. Dale Anderson, a board-certified psychiatrist and member of Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis, has created a free, interactive app called CoPow. His program is designed to help you use your own cognitive power to face tough challenges with calmness and resilience.

Get more information about this free program.

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.

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

First Fridays:

Communications Strategy

Friday, Feb. 4

1 p.m.

Zoom

Everyone who works or volunteers with church communications is invited to our monthly open forum discussions.

This month, Communications Director Janis Greenbaum will make a short presentation about creating a communications strategy for your parish or ministry. Then we'll open the discussion to ask questions, share ideas, and get advice on your communications issues.

Join the Zoom discussion.

(no registration necessary)

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)

Hymn of the Week:

The God of Abraham praise

Nick Bideler, Acting Organist and Choirmaster at the Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton, brings us the story of a hymn inspired by a Hebrew doxology.

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

Epiphany Reflection:

Go Tell It

The Rev. Susie Skinner reflects on a favorite hymn and the message it still conveys during Epiphany.

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

The Ayers Center for Spiritual Development at St. Mary's, Sewanee is looking for a full-time, lead executive director.

• View job description

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.