Nov. 23, 2009
Submissions
Anyone interested in submitting materials for publication in Spirit, E-Spirit or Around the Diocese may do so via email, westmo_spirit@swbell.net. I (Hugh Welsh) welcome any and all submissions. Also, I am accepting letters to the editor for the next edition of Spirit magazine.
If you have questions regarding any of the publications or would like to suggest a story idea, you may email or call me at 816-471-6161 Ext. 15.
Bishop search update
The Standing Committee as well as the Search/Nomination and Transition Committees held a retreat Nov. 14 at St. Paul’s in Lee’s Summit. The Very Rev. Ronald Clingenpeel, retired dean of Christ Cathedral, St. Louis, acted as facilitator. According to the Rev. Russ Johnson, Standing Committee president, members were given special responsibilities as the committees gathered for the first time. For the names of committee members and their parishes, please follow this link: http://www.diowestmo.org/Committee%20Election_Appointments.pdf
For a timeline of the bishop search process, please go here: http://www.diowestmo.org/NewDiocesanBishop.asp
Servin’ up Thanksgiving
The Episcopal Hunger Relief Network, a ministry of Episcopal Community Services, will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving lunch to the guests of Kansas City Community Kitchen 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 26 in Founders Hall at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City. Those who wish to volunteer at the lunch may email Peggy Salts, psalts@episcopalcommunity.org.
Botswana
St. Luke’s in Excelsior Springs will direct proceeds from its Christmas outreach project to the purchase of food and the installation of running water for the orphans living in Palapye, Botswana. The cost for the water project is $100 for installation and about $10 per month thereafter. St. Luke’s is cooperating with the Companion Diocese Committee, which has identified lack of running water at an orphan camp in Palapye as a priority in its partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Botswana.
Members of the Companion Diocese Committee are hosting the chairperson of Botswana’s HIV Committee, Gosego Nthume, Nov. 21 through Nov. 30.
New children’s materials
Christian Formation Commission Chairperson Judy Kile writes about two texts now available through Morehouse Education Resources. To Bless a Child outlines how families can begin a tradition of blessing their children regularly. Abuenzi Means Friends, which was written for children ages 7 to 10, chronicles a visit to Africa, providing children with an understanding of the impoverished conditions there. For a PDF of the article, please click here: http://www.diowestmo.org/e-Spirit%20CFC%20New%20Childrens%20Materials.pdf
For Around the Diocese (a collection of congregational news briefs and photos): http://www.diowestmo.org/e-Spirit%20CFC%20New%20Childrens%20Materials.pdf
For a calendar listing of upcoming meetings and events within the diocese: http://www.diowestmo.org/Calendar.asp
For a PDF of the prayer cycle: http://www.diowestmo.org/Advent%20through%20Epiphany%202009-2010.pdf
