Friday, May 8, 2026
Julian of Norwich, Mystic & Theologian (c. 1417)
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Siblings in Christ,
The author of the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for all things and that God is the one constant through all the changing seasons of life. Over the last six years, we, as the household of the Diocese of Missouri, have experienced much change, and we have met this time of transition with grace. We now enter a new season of transition within the diocesan staff.
The Rev. Canon Doris Westfall has served as Canon to the Ordinary since 2019. She has been a tremendous gift of care and compassion to me and to the Diocese of Missouri as a whole. Canon Doris is deeply passionate about this Diocese and has been a source of wisdom, encouragement, and grace to countless communities of faith—not only in Missouri, but throughout the wider Church. For me, she has been an invaluable counselor, a spiritual sojourner, and a fellow lover of all things chocolate. Canon Doris will begin a new season of retirement on June 30, 2026. I invite you to join me on June 20, 2026, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Webster Groves, as we give thanks for her more than 40 years of faithful service to the Diocese of Missouri. More details about Canon Doris’s celebration will be shared soon.
I am pleased to announce that the Rev. Canon Whitney Rice, who has served as Canon for Evangelism and Discipleship Development, has accepted my call to serve as Canon to the Ordinary. Canon Whitney will transition into this new role beginning July 1, 2026. We have been blessed in countless ways by her enthusiasm for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, as well as her passion for igniting faith in others as they discover their joy. She will be an outstanding companion to me and to the Diocese as we continue to discern God’s call and seek to build “a world transformed by God’s love, justice, and peace.”
The Rev. C. Earl Mahan has accepted my invitation to serve as Interim Canon for Ministry Development, beginning May 15, 2026. In this role, Canon Earl will oversee the formation processes for both lay and ordained ministry and will assist in the development of the Diocesan Lay Academy. He will also work closely with lay and ordained leaders across the Diocese as we continue the shift toward a Church that is lay-led and clergy-supported. A trained interim, Canon Earl brings a deep commitment to empowering others, along with a gracious pastoral presence, shaped by his faithful service in congregations within the Diocese of Missouri and beyond. I am honored that he has accepted this call to serve in this interim season.
Canon Desiree Brattin continues to serve faithfully during a challenging time in her health. I have been heartened by the number of communities that have added her to their prayer lists each week; please continue to hold her in your prayers. I also want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the remaining staff members, who have adapted in countless ways and continue to serve with enthusiasm and grace.
In this season of transition and change, I invite your continued prayers for the diocesan staff, for our communities of faith, and for our world. I remain deeply honored to be a fellow pilgrim with you, and I give thanks for the blessing of serving as your bishop. May God continue to work in, on, and through us, today and always.
Eastertide blessings,
The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson
XI Bishop of Missouri