One of the highlights of the 2023 convention was hearing stories from ministry leaders about their new and growing faith communities throughout the Diocese of Missouri. These specialized communities show the variety of ways we are spreading the Good News.
We invite you to learn more about these five exciting ministries in the Diocese of Missouri:
Faith Christian Church of India
FCCI became a mission in the Diocese of Missouri six years ago. Today, their ministry serving the Asian population in our Diocese is stronger than ever. The Rev. Sujanna Raj and the Rev. Clive Samson shared their inspiring stories.
Grace African Christians Connection
GACC celebrated its one-year anniversary in October 2023 as a church plant in the Diocese of Missouri. The Rev. Mtipe Koggani shared the challenges and the high points of this exciting new ministry.
The Journey
The Rev. Jessica Wachter introduced the newest church plant in the Diocese and showed us how this non-traditional Episcopal Church is bringing God's love to an underserved community in Central Missouri.
Deaconess Anne House
As the Ministry Developer for Young Adults in the Diocese of Missouri, The Rev. Aaron Rogers announced that we can expect an announcement of a redesign for DAH in 2024. His video brings congratulations messages on the 10th anniversary of this young adult ministry.
Gathering Space Task Force
Betty Bowersox and the Rev. Kevin McGrane updated the work of this committee, which has been tasked by the Bishop to discern whether to pursue creating a space for the Diocese to gather together for shared ministry, formation, recreation, and fun.
Bishop Deon Johnson formed a task force in 2021 to discern whether to pursue creating a space for the Diocese to gather together for shared ministry, formation, recreation, and fun.
The Gathering Space Task Force has been working steadily since that time to consider what a potential shared gathering space might look like and how the Diocese might work towards developing this ministry.
What we've learned from you:
- Try to keep the drive less than 1.5 hours.
- Emphasize children, family, youth & young adult; Creation Care.
- Get buy-in from the 'people in the pews' before moving ahead with purchasing property or a facility.
- Share a gathering space with a broader audience through an expanded mission.
What our next steps will look like:
- Begin to develop a culture of 'Gathering' in the Diocese.
- Partner with an established center first, to gain experience.
- Start smaller: undertake a Gathering Space for 20-70 people.
Read our full 2023 convention report:
Get more details about the work completed (as of October 2023).
GATHERING SPACE TASK FORCE REPORT
Gathering Space Task Force members:
The following diocesan members make up the Gathering Space Task Force:
- Betty Bowersox, Co-leader
Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood - The Rev. Kevin McGrane, Co-leader
Trinity Episcopal Church, St. James - Katie Ong, Facilitator
Consultant for Strategic Visioning - The Rev. Deacon Betty Bowen
Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles - Angela Breeher
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Carondelet / St. Louis - The Rev. Deacon Loretta Go
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Ellisville and the Episcopal Church of All Saints & Ascension, Northwoods - The Very Rev. Bill Nesbit
Grace Episcopal Church, Jefferson City - The Rev. Dr. Clive Samson
Faith Christian Church of India, Ballwin - Machelle West
The Episcopal Church of All Saints & Ascension, Northwoods - The Rev. Andrew Archie, ex-officio
The Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton
If you are interested in joining the Gathering Space Feasibility Task Force, please contact:
- Betty Bowersox – bowersoxb@gmail.com
- The Rev. Kevin McGrane – KJPMcGrane@yahoo.com