Volume 2, Number 4 November-December 2009

The Face of Mission at Advent

Our Garden Continues to Growby James Wagner
Returning from Lui last
Christmas, Fr. Dan Handschy, vegetables and pickles made from the garden’s squash as well as
Rector of Church of the Advent, over 510 pounds of fresh vegetables taken to Feed My People
in Crestwood, described part of for distribution to their clients. Additionally, one of the gar-
his experience there in words not den’s sunflowers, with a visiting bumble bee, appears on Advent’s
found in the everyday Episcopal “Remembered in Prayer” cards that are sent to people who are
lexicon. Dan shared that he’d had prayed for at Sunday worship.
a conversion experience.
Church of the Advent’s garden
For the Advent community, experiment has grown not only
life began to change. Dan told vegetables, but raised the congre-
the congregation that he expected gation’s awareness of new ways of
that by the end of 2009 at least doing mission to the larger commu-
Father Dan Handschy (far left), Bishop Wayne 30% of the congregation would nity. While the garden’s bounty is
Smith (right), and clergy and people of Advent be involved in hands-on ministry slowing as fall begins, consideration
Image on Advent’s Remembered
on Palm Sunday, blessing the garden plot. beyond the people and walls of is being given to doubling the size of in Prayer cards
Advent. Dan’s enthusiasm for next year’s garden. Perhaps a garden
mission has been so contagious twice in size will result next year
that by mid-2009, the 30% goal with Feed My People receiving $1,000 and half a ton of veg-
was met and continues to grow. etables. And maybe 60% of the congregation will be involved in
Members are volunteering at personal mission beyond the local church and congregation.
Feed My People and Ronald
McDonald House, serving as Our garden continues to grow.
listening guests at a nursing
home, and a variety of other Author James Wagner and photographers Jan McGrath and Bill Sanders
individual mission endeavors. are parishioners at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Crestwood at
9373 Garber Road. www.advent-episcopal.org
Early on, a group of Ad-
venters decided that one form
of mission could be a church
garden. The produce would be
sold and the money donated to
Feed My People, which Ad-
vent has long supported. Fresh
vegetables not sold would be
donated to the clients of Feed
My People.

Turning over the first shovel of soil.

The idea began to grow. A
15’ x 60’ plot was marked out,
and $12 worth of seeds purchased. On Palm Sunday, Bishop
George Wayne Smith blessed the ground and the gardeners went
to work. The ground was tilled, the seeds were planted, and the
garden began to grow.

On May 17, Rogation Sunday, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Fr..

Dan led a Rogation procession around the garden. Rogation is a
tradition that began in Western Christendom in the fifth cen-
tury and Rogation processions
became common in the early
summer when priests and the The mature garden.
townsfolk walked the perimeter “Part of what was exciting about the garden
of the parish to ask God for this year is that it cost us essentially nothing
blessings on the harvest.
in terms of dollars, but more in terms of time
At first there were peppers, and talent. We gave of ourselves, and en-
followed by sunflowers, squash joyed the fruits of our efforts. Giving involves
and tomatoes. By the end of
September, the original $12
us in that web of reciprocal exchanges that
worth of seeds has grown into gives us hope, gives us the assurance that
Rogation Sunday approximately $500 in sales of we have a place in community, that we have
something to add. Giving is a part of spiritual
INSIDE: discipline to find what God wants us to be.”
This Practice of Mission-Bishop Wayne Smith pp. 2-3
Community Meal at the Red Door Church, p.4 -Father Dan Handschy
Our Lives Were Changed Forever: Emmanuel Youth Mission to Guatemala, p. 5
Trinity, St. Charles and Bike for Bikes, p. 6 At last word from Advent, total yield from this
Befriending Women from the Bible, p. 6
Diocesan Convention Nominees, p. 7, Calendar, p. 8 year’s garden is over 650 pounds of food.
This Practice of Mission
-Wayne Smith and the challenge—of journeying to Sudan. It is a
long and expensive journey and living conditions
there are physically demanding on Westerners. But it
is well worth doing.

Our friends and colleagues in Lui cherish the

time we spend there with them, so much so that it is
humbling. They had felt very much alone, forgotten,
and cut off from Christian friendship during twenty-
one years of war (ending in 2005). They never fail to
express gratitude to God that we have come to stand
with them.

Whatever little bit of material aid we can contrib-

This November, two missioners from the Black-
more Vale Deanery in Salisbury, U.K., will join nine
missioners from Missouri as we travel to Lui Diocese.
We depart St. Louis the day after Diocesan Conven-
tion, and I am trying to remain calm in the face of
countless details that a convention and a mission trip
both require.
ute to development leverages great change for good.
The wells we have helped to drill in Lui Diocese
have increased the quality of life, increased it beyond
my own ability to imagine. The Moru people (the
name of the tribe living in Lui) are more than eager
to learn—education having been nearly impossible
during the war—and any expertise we might share is
gratefully received. It needs not be profound expertise
to make a difference, and education is a focus for our
November trip.

The Diocese of Salisbury, in the Church of Eng-

land, has been in relationship with the entire Episco-
pal Church of Sudan for thirty-six years. In fact, when
Salisbury began a partnership with Sudan, there was a
single diocese encompassing the whole country. Now
there are twenty-eight dioceses in a rapidly growing
Sudanese Church. Salisbury’s long experience with
Sudan will no doubt enrich Missouri’s own partner-
ship with Lui. There are nineteen deaneries in the
Diocese of Salisbury; Blackmore Vale seeks to focus
its own mission with Lui, where there is certainly
enough work for everybody who wants to join in.
Would that more of God’s people would join in! It
is obvious to me that a third Anglican partner could
strengthen the bonds of communion during a season
when these bonds are under a lot of stress.

It has been said that mission is to the life of the

Church as flame is to the life of a fire. Without the
flame, there is no fire. We cannot dissect one from the Is this Mississippi post Katrina? North St. Louis? the Bootheel? Lui?
other. How would we describe a fire without a flame?
So it is with Church and mission.

The very practice of mission produces

more energy than it consumes. This seems
counter-intuitive but data show that church-
es engaged in mission have a more robust
spirituality, are more engaged in worship, are
more adept in welcoming new people, and
are more likely to be in good health. This
formula works for large churches and small,
and it is quantifiable. Mission enhances spiri-
tuality and learning, which in turn enhance
worship, which in turn makes the commu-
nity both more authentic and inviting, which
in turn gives the community the courage to
engage in mission.

Lui Diocese cannot be the only venue

for the work of mission in our own Diocese.
And let me be clear that only a few handfuls Is this Mississippi after Katrina? North St. Louis? the Bootheel? Lui?
of Missourians will ever have the privilege— What does need look like in your neighborhood or across town?

2 Seek November-December 2009 The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri Making Disciples • Building Congregations • For the Life of the World
 November 22 through December 4, 2009
The exchange Every mission trip to Lui is an unfolding blessing, empha-
of Christian sis on unfolding. There is much ongoing consultation be-
faith between tween Bishop Bullen and his diocesan team with our mission
two vastly dif- team, our companion relationship committee, and Bishop
ferent cultures Wayne. Long and impossible lists are drawn up of needs, long
and short term. The mission team’s agenda is influenced by
helps both to
the current situation on the ground, and that can change in
hear the gospel
a heartbeat. A call goes out for the next mission team and a
more clearly. It new blessing of talents arrive to flesh out the work of the next
always seems visit. Ideas are exchanged in emails and phone calls. They
to me that help organize the team’s agenda—but the work really com-
Missourians mences face to face during the trip.
are the greater
beneficiaries in From the list of needs identified by Bishop Bullen are
this economy pastoral and management conferences for the clergy and lay
of grace. leadership of Lui Diocese. Bishop Wayne and the Rev. Dan
Handschy, Rector of Advent, will be the main pastoral pre-
senters. The two missioners joining the trip from Blackmore
It is clear
Vale, Anne Powell and Warren Ingham-Barrow, will be the
to me that no
main management presenters. The Rev. Anne Kelsey, Rector
one can go to of Trinity-CWE leads a most ambitious project, the children’s
Sudan without art project (profiled in last edition of Seek). First time travel-
being changed. ers to Lui Evelyn Smith, parishioner at Christ Church Cathe-
Brothers in Christ, from the 2006 mission trip. Every mis- dral and primary school teacher, and Sam Christy, parishioner
sioner I have at Holy Cross-Poplar Bluff and retired school principal, will
known makes support Kelsey’s work with primary school teachers at each
this clear. But mission of any sort works the same way art project site (Kedibah, Wandi, Mideh, Buwagyi, and the
with us. Herein lies the great grace for the missioner, Lui-Lunjini school).
and for the church who engages in mission, it changes
In addition to documenting this trip photographically,
us. It transforms us. It converts us. And for this rea-
Marc Vanacht, parishioner at St. Tim’s-Creve Coeur and
son I yearn for every believer to have the chance for
international agriculture consultant, will be talking “ag” in
hands-on mission, far off or near—or both. each location. He has been in deep conversation with Robin
Denney, the Episcopal Church missioner in Sudan. She is an
The greater missional value for our partnership agriculturist and is planning to visit Lui while the missioners
with Lui and, potentially, with Blackmore Vale, does are there to consult along with Vanacht. Marc is taking pro-
not end with whatever good we might accomplish in vincially applicable ideas for Lui and for the South in general,
Sudan. Such practice in mission will open our eyes as well as ag equipment Denney has requested.
to what is perhaps more difficult to see, the need and
possibility for engaging in mission right here in Mis- Another large project and conversation will center around
souri. Are we so accustomed to what we see in our ideas from the returning nurses, Deb Goldfeder, parishioner
at Advent, and Archdeacon Susan Naylor, Deacon at Em-
own neighborhoods that we fail to take notice?
manuel. Their conferences on parish nursing will be with pas-
tors and Mothers’ Union leaders in each place the team visits.
The work of mission for Missouri Episcopalians is Goldfeder has researched African parish nursing and will
not just in Lui. It is in Lui and St. Louis City. Or it is work to bring this idea forward for the whole ECS province.
in Lui and in the Bootheel. Or it is in Lui and in the
Ozarks. Or it is in Lui and in the locale of wherever Mission team leader Debbie Smith, parishioner at St.
you live and worship. Tim’s-Creve Coeur and adult literacy administrator, will be
working with adult literacy teachers at each stop the mission-
Work that is far off and stark, but full of joy, can ers make.
open our eyes to see possibilities at home—possibili-
ties which may be stark but also brimming over with Again, we invite you to join in a common prayer time with
the missioners each day of their trip. We pray at 7 a.m. Mis-
the likelihood of joy.
souri time, which is 3 p.m. Lui time. The mission teams blog
before, during, and after trips at two locations: http://stl2lui.
The Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith blogspot.com and http://luinotes.blogspot.com. If you are so
Tenth Bishop of Missouri moved to help financially, any contribution is to Lui mission
is gratefully received at http://diocesemo.org/donateonline.

Preparing for November’s trip to Lui Diocese: Marc Vanacht, Anne Kelsey, Dan Handschy, Evelyn Smith, Deb Goldfeder, Susan Naylor, Sam Christy, Wayne Smith.
Taking the photo is mission team leader Debbie Smith.

Seek November-December 2009 DioceseMo.org 3

 Christ Church, Cape Girardeau
Community Meal at the Red Door Church
At the most recent community meal at the Red
Door Church, known to the diocesan family as Christ
Church in Cape Girardeau, the parish hall tables were
set for guests, a long table groaned with desserts, and
spices from simmering pots filled the air. Chef Shadow
declared it was now time for all kitchen help to be
wearing either hair nets or scarves, and the kitchen
crew set about their tasks.

Father Bob Towner after another successful community meal, on the church kitchen porch.

“What I’d really like our diocesan brothers and sisters to

know, is that they can do this too,” said Towner. “If our re-
sponse to community need is to shake our heads and say we
don’t have enough money, we’re missing a great opportunity
to trust God.” Yields from money donations, alms baskets,
in-kind donations and prayer make this work. “And we try not
to worry; worry gets in the system and makes everybody itchy.
We have this ‘new idea,’ we will pray that it works and trust
God.”
Alexis Wright and Mashanda Reed, volunteers.
To advertise, Red Door ministries created a huge yard sign
and volunteers walk the neighborhood with flyers the week
Song and Kathy prepared to welcome guests. Song’s before the monthly meal. “At our first meal, with the same
granddaughter, Alexis, and her soccer buddy Mashanda amount of advertising, we had about sixteen guests,” continued
donned aprons and gloves to work as servers. Song and Alex- Towner. “Then we met Flash.” Flash added, “Word of mouth
is volunteer every month. Flash was there early, sharing im- is key. When I’m on the streets I talk to everyone I meet, tell-
ages caught on his camera of the neighborhood festival held ing them about this place. It’s a good sign when people I meet
the day before. After grabbing an early plate, he sat down at start telling me about this place.” Currently there are around
the keyboard to play. The guests ar- 100 guests and twenty volunteers;
rived through front door back, some Father Bob tells volunteers to feel
carrying trays of food or bags of fruit, free to sit down and enjoy the meal
some with stories and jokes to share. and people.
For three hours there was the warmth
of good food and great conversation. Dr. Kathy Farwell, professor
of Nursing at Southeast Missouri
The people of Christ Church spon- State University, and Red Door
sor this community meal on the last Church parishioner, said the food
Sunday of each month, a time when ministry committee meets monthly
tightly stretched dollars often don’t cov- to coordinate the upcoming meal,
er much food. Some of the guests need food pantry, and now a fresh food
the nutrition, some value the fellowship. delivery and pickup. “We learned
Guests came with families or alone, The kitchen crew before hair net call.
about food safety and preparation.
but each person seems to know Father And we see the miracle of trusting
Bob. The Rector of Christ Church, God, in how things come together.”
the Rev. Bob Towner, has a very old concept of “parish”— it
includes both the members of the church and the people of The day before, the sixth annual
the neighborhood. Awhile ago the Red Door Church made neighborhood street fair took over
an important decision in the life of their parish. They owned the block. In addition to pony rides,
a piece of land on the outskirts of town, where many other fire trucks, and face painting, Red
Christian churches were building on manicured acres. They Door ministries set up café tables
decided to not to move and rebuild but to remain as a part- and served free food, distributing
ner and neighbor in downtown Cape. Every year Towner 300 hot dogs. Parishioner and chef
tries to knock on each door of the neighborhood, each door Doc Cain brought a huge restaurant
of the parish. tray of pulled pork. And when it had
been gratefully devoured, he brought
another.

At the end of the Sunday meal,

Flash commented, in his opinion, this
Dessert table. This Sunday’s main
is successful because it is a place of
chef, Shadow, shared some of his
genuine welcome. Guest Kevin add- Cajun seasoning secrets if you were
ed, “And that is all we really wanted, hanging around the kitchen.
you know, just to be welcomed, just to
be loved.”

Dr. Kathy Farwell readies the overflow seating in the church narthex.
This year’s diocesan convention will be held in Cape Girardeau, Nov. 20-
21. Saturday Morning Prayer is an excellent time to see Christ Church’s
recently completed renovation. Also available at convention, Doc Cain’s
smoked turkeys, a fund raiser for Red Door hunger ministries. More infor-
mation at the parish web site, http://RedDoorChurchCape.org

4 Seek November-December 2009 The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

 Emmanuel’s Senior High Youth Group Reports on Trip to Guatemala
Our Lives were Changed Forever...
Emmanuel’s Senior High Youth Group Missioners to Guatemala presenting a check for $10,000 to the The God’s Child Project
and founder Patrick Atkinson at Adult Forum, Sunday morning, September 20, 2009.
On June 7, 2009, twenty-nine youth from Emmanuel’s
Senior High Youth Group and eight adult leaders arrived
in Antigua, Guatemala—excited, apprehensive and eager to
begin this long awaited adventure. Over the course of the
next week we built seven houses, worked with the home-
less at Central America’s only homeless shelter open to the
general public 365 days a year, fed
Since its founding in 1991, the and nurtured babies at two sepa-
God’s Child project has wel- rate Infant Malnutrition Centers,
comed thousands of volunteers visited two schools, and accompa-
each year. Presently they care nied social workers on home visits
for and educate 4,000 orphaned, into the surrounding mountain-
abandoned, and poverty-strick- side villages.
en children, and nearly 9,000
On September 20, 2009, dur-
widowed, abandoned, and single ing Emmanuel’s Adult Forum,
mothers and their dependents the Senior High Youth Group
in many of the world’s poorest described how their mission trip
neighborhoods. http://gcpnc.org/ to Guatemala changed their lives.
They were joined by God’s Child
project founder Patrick Atkinson, an international educator
and human rights worker. Patrick is a native of Bismarck,
North Dakota, and a naturalized resident of Guatemala.
In an emotional presentation facilitated by Atkinson,
the youth and leaders told their stories. Many
were caught up in the conflicting emotions
of happiness for what had been accomplished
and sadness for what is left to do.
We could easily talk about the hard, physi-
cal work we did and the homes we gave to
seven very deserving Guatemalan families. We
built the seven homes without power tools.
We hauled tons of building material—gravel,
sand, cinder blocks, lumber, wallboard, sheets
of corrugated tin—up hills at every work site.
We mixed at least 9,000 pounds of concrete
by hand and gave the homes concrete floors,
which not only keeps homes dry, but greatly
reduces the parasites that infants and children
can pick up from the soil.
It was not as easy to convey what we
received in return. We shared the brilliant smiles of the
children of Guatemala amid overwhelming poverty. We
felt deep gratitude and love from the families who received
the homes. We saw hope shining in the eyes of people who
have experienced more war, poverty, and violence than we
could possibly imagine. We learned in a way we will never
forget just how lucky we are to be born into families that
live in suburban St. Louis.
In an experience too powerful for words, some of us
had the honor of throwing one 11-year old boy his first
birthday party, complete with cake and balloons. It was his
Making Disciples • Building Congregations • For the Life of the World
first day in a one of the “When we help a homeless
new homes we had built. person, or a sick person, we
deepen your own relationship
Kelly Murphy told
the story of one older, with humanity, we deepen our
homeless man. The first relationship with God.”
time she met him in the - Patrick Atkinson
homeless shelter, he told
her of his life’s many troubles, including constant pain be-
cause one leg was shorter than the other. He couldn’t find
or keep a job because of this disability. The second meeting
was on the streets of Antigua, where from a short distance,
she observed the man stumbling down the street and stop-
ping when he saw a little girl sitting on the sidewalk begging.
He reached into his pockets and gave the girl the few coins
he could find.
Who knew the tough guys and girls in our group who
reluctantly took babies to hold at the malnutrition centers
would actually warm to the experience, or how hard it
would be to pry the babies away from them. Though the
roads were steep and rock-strewn, we gladly climbed back
up the mountains to accompany social worker visits.
It’s true we often laughed with joy, but as we turned over
the homes to the families or put children
back down in their places at the malnutri-
tion center, we had tears streaming down
our faces. And as we prepared to leave
the Dreamer Center, the people, and the
children, we knew our lives were forever
changed.
As we related these stories, we were
transported back to the tender moments
of the love, pain and heartache we experi-
enced. Because of the tremendous support
of parents, parishioners and the surround-
ing community, very generous donations
from parishioners, and hundreds of items
donated for the Raising Homes-Raising
Hopes auction in February, we were able to
present the God’s Child Project $10,000.
We vowed to continue to support the
project: sharing with others the incredible work they do
in Guatemala and worldwide; through our weekly collec-
tions at the 10:30 service in colorful Guatemalan bags; and
through daily prayer for the people of the God’s Child
project and the people they serve.
We hope to return each four years with our youth group
to keep this circle of hope alive and to inspire continued
work for the poor.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves at 9 S Bompart Ave
www.emmanuelepiscopal.org
Seek November-December 2009 DioceseMo.org 5
Trinity-St. Charles’ annual
Bike-for-Bikes
Bike for Bikes, the fifth annual bike-a-thon organized by the
people of Trinity, St. Charles, was held on October 10th. While
participation was down this year, fellowship was high. If you’ve
not participated individually or with your parish, in this bike-
a-thon participants meet at the south end of Frontier Park and
travel out for an hour then return. Youth and adults ride and
walk taking advantage of water stops and checkpoints to keep
everyone safe and hydrated. After the ride, carpools ferry partici-
pants back to Trinity for a great outdoor meal around a bonfire,
including everyone’s favorite, s’mores. Riders and churches con-
tribute money for bicycles for the Diocese of Lui.
Praying before the ride
Diocesan participation has been great over the five years, with
representatives riding from Transfiguration, St. Tim’s, Trinity St he replied no, so we made him one and when we gave it to
Charles, All Saints-St. Louis, St. Martins, St Matthew’s-Warson him. I don’t think he was quite sure what to do with it, but he
Woods, St. Stephens, Calvary-Columbia, Trinity-Central West took a bite and he said ‘Ooooh! It is good!’ We explained to
End, Church of St Michael and St George, Campus Ministry him that s’mores are a big camping/campfire thing in USA.
Mizzou, Grace-Jefferson City, and Christ Church Cathedral. He seemed impressed.” Dokolo graduated and returned to
Lui Diocese, where he is now also the Diocesan Secretary.
Trinity’s Rector, the Rev.
Tamsen Whistler explained For several years Dokolo won the award for bike-a-thon
how this effort began. About six participant from the farthest distance. Saturday those honors
years ago Bishop Bullen visiting went to Bastian Tolksdorf, a 16 yr. old from Ludwigsburg,
from Lui diocese, stopped by Germany, who is in St. Charles as a part of their sister city
Trinity on a Wednesday eve- program.
ning. He spoke about the civil
war that had just concluded. He After this year ride, organizers reported funds collected
related the horrific story of his were at $1635, down a couple of hundred dollars from last
being removed from the cathe- year’s high record. The cost of a very sturdy bicycle from
dral at gun point by a young Uganda, shipping It’s not too late to support Bike for Bikes,
soldier, of thinking that he was even if you weren’t able to ride this year. Checks will be
Last minute directions from the Rev. Tamsen going to be killed, of asking the gratefully accepted at Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S.
Whistler, Rector of Trinity, St. Charles soldier if they could first pray Duchesne St. Charles, MO, 63301. On Saturday, riders
together, and of praying with received bright orange wristbands that read on opposite sides
the soldier in Arabic. In the silence surrounding Bullen’s stories “Biking for Lui” and “Praying for Lui,” and there are a few
of the faithfulness and hope of the Christian people of Lui, a wristbands left. Until the supply runs out, a minimum dona-
Trinity parishioner asked, “Is there something that we can do tion of $5 will secure one of the remaining wristbands. Please
that would make a difference…something simple, something our note on your donation check for Bike for Bikes and if you
young people could participate in, something meaning- would like a wristband.
ful?” The Bishop replied that such a simple thing as
Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Charles
providing bicycles would help enormously. Lui clergy
at 318 S. Duchesne Street
often walk three to four hours between churches they www.trinity-stcharles.org
are visiting. Bicycles would cut those hours dramatically.

Everyone at Trinity wanted to participate, particu-

larly the youth. Being so close to Katy Trail helped birth
the idea to ride the trail to raise funds for a few bicycles
each year.

Trinity parish was also touched by the visits of the Seek is published six times a year by
Rev. Stephen Dokolo, a priest from Lui that Missouri the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
diocese sponsored for two years at Eden Seminary. Bike-
for-bikes organizer and Trinity parishioner Katie Lillard The Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith
said, “We asked him if he had ever heard of s’mores and Tenth Bishop of Missouri
The Rev. Stephen Dokolo with a
second s’more. Executive Editor: Bishop Wayne Smith
Editor: Ms. Beth Felice

Befriending Women of the Bible
Twenty two women gathered at St. Matthew's, War-
son Woods in October for a day of reflection on friend-
ship; with selected women of the Bible, and with the
women in our lives. They came from St. Matthew's, St.
Mark's, Emmanuel, Trinity-St. Charles, Grace-Kirk-
wood, St. Francis Xavier, Christ Church Cathedral, and
one other Catholic church.
The day was structured around four meditations led
by the Revv. Tamsen Whistler, Lydia Speller, Doris West-
fall, and Ms. Deborah Caby. There was time and space
for individual reflection followed by small group discus-
sion of four biblical women—Eve, the visit of Mary with
Elizabeth, Deborah, and Mary of Magdela. Attention to
details made the day retreat a great success, from journals
for writing, markers and craft materials to reflect using
color and texture, and even strategically placed bowls of
chocolate. Participants were so receptive, most wanted
to return with friends, and this retreat will be repeated in
the spring. Watch iSeek for upcoming announcements.
www.diocesemo.org/subscribe
Editorial Board: Ms. Jodie Kuhn Allen,
Glendale; Ms. Martha Baker, St. Louis;
the Rev. Joe Chambers, Columbia;
the Rev. Ralph McMichael, Canon for
Ministry Formation, Diocese; the Rev.
Bob Towner, Cape Girardeau; the Rev.
Dan Smith, Canon to the Ordinary,
Diocese.
Vol. 2, No. 4, November-December 2009
Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Offices of the Bishop
1210 Locust St, 3rd floor
St. Louis, Missouri 63103
314-231-1220
Diocesan members may request a compli-
mentary subscription by mail; send your
address to the Offices of the Bishop, attn..
Seek subscription. Seek is also distributed in
each parish, mission, and preaching station
in the diocese. Seek is available online at
diocesemo.org.
Submissions by post, attention
Beth Felice, or by email to
bfelice@diocesemo.org

6 Seek November-December 2009 The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

 updated information online at diocesemo.org
Diocesan Convention Nov. 20-21 in Cape Girardeau
Candidate for Diocesan Council
Electing Two At-Large Members-Trustees of COEDMO
Mr. John S. (Jerry) Martin
Parishioner, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,
Carondelet, St. Louis
Having been involved in various aspects of church gover-
nance for some time, I would like to continue in that arena, and
feel that I have experience and perhaps some degree of perspective
and insight to offer.
It has been my honor to serve in two parishes of the Diocese
as junior and senior warden, senior minister of ceremonies, del-
egate to Diocesan Convention, member of Diocesan Council (representing Metro
III Convocation), as well as licensed lector and cup bearer.
Candidates for Standing Committee
In 2009 Electing One Clerical and Two Lay Members
The Very Reverend Ronald Clingenpeel
Retired Clergy
Serving on Standing Committees in two other dioceses, and
consulting in a number of dioceses in the Church, I believe I bring
a wide perspective to the ministry of the Standing Committee in
Missouri. In addition, I have been the Dean of Christ Church
Cathedral for seven years and twice served as a General Conven-
tion Deputy in this diocese. The Commission on Ministry works
closely with the Standing Committee and having served on the
former I believe my presence on the latter will be of great value.
The ministry of the Standing Committee is to give advice and consent
to the Bishop of the diocese and to make decisions that can affect the entire
Church. I believe I have both experience and the background to approach these
decisions with an open mind and a sense of commitment to the mission and
ministry of the Episcopal Church.
I am currently retired from parish ministry, but am very active in the life of
the Church assisting at Trinity Church in the Central West End and supplying
in a number of congregations. I also am a consultant for the Office of Pastoral
Development of the Episcopal Church.
The Reverend Daniel Handschy
Rector, Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood
I would like to serve on the Standing Committee as
it takes over and continues the work of the Design Team.
The Design Team, which I have served, sought to find
ways for the Diocese to make the shift from thinking about
the institution toward becoming missional. I am pas-
sionate about this work, and think the new purpose of the
Standing Committee will make this good work, and a good match for
my passions and abilities.
Ms. Nan Haynes
Parishioner, Church of the Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis
Some years ago after spells of attending church and often not, I
was drawn back to the Episcopal Church, the church I was born into.
My rector nudged and gave me gentle encouragement to become an
active member. I have been given many opportunities to grow into my
God given gifts of leadership and mentoring. Being involved gives me
the chance to give back what has been and continues to be so freely
given. When I first served at the Diocesan level, I really found one of
my passions.
I have had many occasions to work at the parish level; vestries, Senior War-
den, with and without a rector, rector’s search committee, delegate, Stephan
Minister Leader and EFM mentor to name a few. My Diocesan service in Mis-
souri includes Commission on Ministry where I had the privilege of being part
of the Discernment Committee.
While living in Montana from 2000 to 2005, I served on the Diocesan
Council and also on the search committee for the current Bishop of Montana. I
currently serve on the Bishop’s Committee at Transfiguration and we are begin-
ning our visioning process as we move into parish status in November 2009.
Every time I am able to serve my Church I feel I have the opportunity to grow in
my spiritual journey. I would consider it a privilege to serve as a lay member of
the Standing Committee.
These are nominations received by our canonical deadline. Our Di-
ocesan Constitution and Canons allow nominations from the floor.
Nominees should fill out a nomination application and on the floor
of convention present “to the presiding officer of a written petition
signed by at least five voting members” of convention.
There are thirteen resolutions which will be presented to conven-
tion, in addition to the 2010 budget. Complete text is available
online at diocesemo.org
Making Disciples • Building Congregations • For the Life of the World
Candidates for Cathedral Chapter
In 2009 Electing One Clerical Member and One Lay Member
The Reverend Daniel S. Appleyard
Priest-in-Charge, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Webster Groves
I was a member of Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis from 1976–1983
(prior to ordination to the priesthood), and would consider it an honor to
serve the Cathedral household and support its ministry in the city and dio-
cese.
From 1994 to 1998, I was elected to the Chapter of the Cathedral Church
of St. Paul, Detroit MI and served as Chair of its Finance (1996-98), as it
wrestled with issues of finance, property, developing the Herlong School and
it’s identity as a Diocesan center and a parish community seeking to serve
Christ in the world. The Bishop appointed me to the Evaluation for Bishop’s Capital Fund’s
Campaign Committee, 1997-1998, and as Co-chair of The Diocesan Mission Budget Com-
mittee, 2002–2005.
I have served on The Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Ecumenical and
Interreligious Relations, (SCEIR) TEC, 2003–2009, chairing its Interreligious Relations
Subcommittee (2003–2009); been a member of The Advisory Council to the Anglican Ob-
server at the United Nations (2000-present, Chair, 2008-present), served as the Ecumenical
Officer of the Diocese of Michigan, 2006–2009; and, as Community Advisor for the Michi-
gan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, Detroit from 1995–2009 (formerly the National
Council for Community and Justice—N.C.C..J.) and its Bridging the Congregational Divide
Task Force (anti-Racism), 2004-09.
I believe it would be a creative opportunity to serve the Chapter and the diverse racial,
religious and cultural community that lives in the City of St. Louis and our Diocese because
I have a passion for these ministries.
Ms. Sandra L. Coburn
Parishioner, Episcopal Church of St. Michael and St. George, Clayton
I would like to serve on the Cathedral Chapter for a number of
reasons. While I worked for Bishop Smith as Canon for Communica-
tions for the Diocese of Missouri, my perspective of the diocese and
its “family of faith” grew immensely—as did my fondness for the
Cathedral itself. You don’t pray somewhere each and every day and not
develop a deep sense of reverence for “that place.” Working there also
afforded me a unique relationship with the staff and members of the congregation.
The Cathedral is the natural “seat” of our Bishop and our diocese, both in the
historical sense, and spiritual sense: it is the natural hub and touchstone for impor-
tant events and celebrations, and it serves as the symbol of our faith to those outside
the faith in St. Louis and to visitors from out of town. It carries a special signifi-
cance in who we are as a church and how we serve and are known in our commu-
nity.
I care deeply what happens there. I want to see the Cathedral grow and thrive
and flourish; yet I understand how challenging that course has become. I feel I could
serve the Chapter well based on the perspective of all of its intricacies which I have
garnered over the last few years working at the Cathedral, and will devote my time
and energy to the important work ahead.
Mr. David J. Johnston, Jr.
Parishioner, Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood
I wish to serve on the Cathedral Chapter. I believe serving in this Min-
istry gives me an opportunity to offer my service to the Diocese in a broader
manner than I have been able to do in the past.
Church related experience that I bring to this position includes current
Verger for Church of the Advent; a 3 year term on the Advent Vestry includ-
ing 2 years as the Clerk. I am now and have been a delegate from Advent to
Metro III for the past 3 years.
My professional experience includes 25 years as a member of the Federal Govern-
ment, primarily with the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. I served many years
in foreign countries, many of which were underdeveloped. Upon retirement, I served as a
Director and Program Manager within the Aerospace industry. All of this gave me valu-
able experience in the areas of leadership, budgeting, program development and manage-
ment. My foreign experience gave me the opportunity to interact with numerous peoples
with several different ethnic, social and religious backgrounds.
I look forward to serving you and the Diocese.
Mr. Sandy Peters
Parishioner, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Ladue
Several years ago, I was asked to fill an unexpired term of an individual
who was moving out of the diocese shortly after that person took office as an
elected member of Cathedral Chapter. Back then I had no idea what I was get-
ting myself into, but things are different now and I do know what lies ahead.
My eyes are wide open and I have the benefit of past experience to guide me.
Not only did I agree to fill that seat for the entire first term of office, but I
eventually stood for election when that term expired and won it for a second term. Those
years were tumultuous at best. I stood for re-election and ran for that office at a time when
many members chose not to do so. Members on that board were under intense financial pres-
sure to make ends meet. It was not easy then and it will not be easy going forward. As that
time, the cathedral’s finances came under heavy scrutiny and, from what I am able to gather,
still do.
What makes me qualified to serve on Chapter again is I know the finances of this insti-
tution and all of its various funds cold. When I rotated off, I picked up the Cathedral’s bank-
ing business and became its banker. I can advise and participate in conversations in a very
meaningful way, almost immediately. At the time I acquired the Cathedral’s business I was a
Vice-President at Midwest Bank Centre in Clayton. I am no longer in the banking industry,
but am the Director of Development of the Animal Protective Association in Brentwood,
Missouri., a non-profit organization. While there are many people who share with me the
devotion to this great Cathedral, my financial background informs my desire to serve.
Seek November-December 2009 DioceseMo.org 7
 Seek from the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
1210 Locust Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103

Nov/Dec
2009

Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis • All Saints’, Farmington • All Saints’, St. Louis • Church of the Ascension, Northwoods • Calvary Church, Columbia • Calvary
Church, Louisiana • Christ Church, Cape Girardeau • Christ Church, Rolla • Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton • Church of the Advent, Crestwood • Church
of theWeGoodare 45 congregations
Shepherd, Town & Country in the eastern
• Church of the Holy Communion, University City • Columbia Hope Church • Emmanuel Church, Webster Groves • Grace
Church, Jefferson Cityhalf of Missouri
• Grace Church, Kirkwood • Holy Cross Church, Poplar Bluff • St. Alban’s, Fulton • St. Barnabas’, Florissant • St. Francis’, Eureka • St. John’s,
Eolia (Prairieville)
We are •31 Making Disciples
parishes andWorkshops
14 missions • Clergy Conversations with the Bishop • COEDMO • Standing Committee • Companion Diocese Relationship
Committee • Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation • Grace Hill • St Andrew’s Resources for Seniors • Missioner to Jerusalem • Episcopal School for Ministry •
We are
United Thank Offering Campus
• Episcopal Ministry
Campus Ministry • Care and Counseling, Inc. • Paseo Con Christo • St. Luke’s Hospital • Community of Hope • Youth Ministry •
Christian We are 13,485
Formation baptized
• Commission members
on Dismantling Racism • Episcopal Church Women • Episcopal City Mission • Episcopal Recovery Ministry • Task Force for the
Hungry • Oasis Missouri • CampAccording
Phoenix • The Happening • Diocesan Mission Trips • Diocesan Convention • Conversations with the Bishop • General Convention
to our 2008 Parochial Reports
• Waters of Hope • St. John’s, Tower Grove • St. Luke’s, Manchester • St. Mark’s, Portland • St. Mark’s, St. Louis • St. Martin’s, Ellisville • St. Matthew’s, Mexico • St.
Matthew’s, Warson Woods • St. Paul’s, Carondelet • St. Paul’s, Ironton • St. Paul’s, Palmyra • St. Paul’s, Sikeston • St. Peter’s, Ladue • St. Stephen’s, Ferguson • St.
Thomas’ Church for the Deaf, Kirkwood • St. Timothy’s, Creve Coeur • St. Vincent’s-in-the-Vineyard, Ste. Genevieve • Church of theTransfiguration, Lake St. Louis •
Trinity Church, Jefferson County • Trinity Church, Hannibal • Trinity Church, Kirksville • Trinity Church, St. Charles • Trinity Church, St. James • Trinity Church, Central
West End Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis • All Saints’, Farmington • All Saints’, St. Louis • Church of the Ascension, Northwoods • Calvary Church, Columbia •
Calvary Church, Louisiana • Christ Church, Cape Girardeau • Christ Church, Rolla • Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton • Church of the Advent, Crestwood
• Church of the Good Shepherd, Town & Country • Church of the Holy Communion, University City • Columbia Hope Making Disciples
Church • Emmanuel Church, Webster Groves
• Grace Church, Jefferson City • Grace Church, Kirkwood • Holy Cross Church, Poplar Bluff • St. Alban’s, Fulton • St. Barnabas’, Florissant • St. Francis’, Eureka • St.
John’s, Eolia (Prairieville) • Making Disciples Workshops • Clergy Conversations with the Bishop • COEDMO • Standing Building Congregations
Committee • Companion Diocese Relation-
ship Committee • Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation • Grace Hill • St Andrew’s Resources for Seniors • Missioner to Jerusalem • Episcopal School for Ministry
• United Thank Offering • Episcopal Campus Ministry • Care and Counseling, Inc. • Paseo Con Christo • St. Luke’s ForHospital
the Life of theofWorld
• Community Hope • Youth Ministry •
Christian Formation • Commission on Dismantling Racism • Episcopal Church Women • Episcopal City Mission • Episcopal Recovery Ministry • Task Force for the
Hungry • Oasis Missouri • Camp Phoenix • The Happening • Diocesan Mission Trips • Diocesan Convention • Conversations with the Bishop • General Convention
We Are the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Episcopal Youth Event at the City Museum’s Architectural Hall w/live band
Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Dr. Aune Strom, Christ Church,
St Mark’s, St. Louis, Eucharist to dedicate new Juget-Sinclair pipe organ
Episcopal Church Women’s Speakers Series presents the Rev. Irene
Preventing Sexual Exploitation in Communities of Faith. Required
Deaconess Dawn Riske. Free will offering for the St. James Caring
Christian Education events with Kathleen Capcara on Godly Play.

An Afternoon of Sacred Music for Organ, Trinity, St. James with

Dedicatory Concert of Trinity’s new Quimby Pipe Organ, Zach

Safeguarding workshop held at Care and Counseling, Ladue.

Diocesan Lessons and Carols at Christ Church Cathedral

Sunday, Dec 13 Church of St. Michael and St. George

Complete diocesan calendar is online at

Sunday, Nov 1 Good Shepherd, Town & Country

Health and Wellness Fair, St. Martin’s-Ellisville

featuring six parishioners. Reception following,

http://diocesemo.org/calendar
170th Diocesan Convention, Cape Girardeau.
St. Paul’s, St. Louis

Fri, Nov 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m., St. Martin’s-Ellisville

Next Mission trip to Diocese of Lui, Sudan.

Bishop Smith’s Visitation Schedule

Sunday, Nov 8 St. Barnabas’, Florissant

Sat, Nov 7, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Cathedral

Sunday, Jan 10 St. Luke’s, Manchester
Sunday, Jan 24 St. Matthew’s, Mexico
Sunday, Jan 31 Trinity, St. Charles
Hope, Columbia
Sunday, Nov 15 Grace, Kirkwood

Sunday, Dec 20 Trinity, St. James

Selected Upcoming Events

Sat, Nov 14, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Sat, Nov 7, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Center and GRACE of Rolla.

Jones at Grace, Kirkwood.

November 22- December 6

Sun, Nov. 15, 10:00 a.m.

Thurs, Jan 14, 7:00 p.m.

Sat, Nov 14, 10:00 a.m.

Sun, Nov 15, 4:00 p.m.

Sun, Nov 8. 2:00 p.m.

Sun, Dec 6, 6:00 p.m.

Hemenway, organist

Fri, Jan 15, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 3, 2010

Fri-Sat, Nov 20 & 21

Sunday, Feb 7

Rolla

8 Seek November-December 2009 DioceseMo.org