From the Dean

What a wonderful Diocesan Convention it was this past weekend. Friday saw the business of the Diocese conducted as we elected new members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, passed the 2025 budget as well as other resolutions, and had a reception to end the evening. On Saturday, following the Eucharist, we elected the IXth Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri. Elected on the first ballot was the Very Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux, Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock, AR, and now our bishop-elect! Many thanks to the Cathedral staff and Diocesan staff for their work in…

It’s time for another election! Our nation voted on Tuesday and now our Diocese will vote tomorrow as we elect a new Bishop. The 135th Convention of the Diocese of West Missouri begins today with our business session and a reception. Tomorrow we will have a Eucharist at 9 a.m., followed by the election. The clergy and lay delegates will elect one of the following: The Rev. Jimmy Abbott, The Very Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux, The Rev. Dr. Bradley Pace, or The Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin. An election happens when one of the candidates receives a majority of votes in both…

November 6, 2024 Dear Cathedral Family, I feel like we could all use a little reassurance today, so I want to reassure you that the love of Christ is with you today, just as it has been with you every day. I am with you as well, ready to love you and support you always. On Sunday, I asked you to be kind to everyone while going out to vote in yesterday’s election. Politics shouldn’t change how we treat one another. Today, I ask you to do the same—be kind to everyone. Whether you are pleased with the outcome of…

Today is All Saints’ Day. One of the seven principal feasts of the church year, it commemorates all saints, known and unknown. It is believed this commemoration began in Ireland, moved to England, and then spread to the European continent eventually reaching Rome where it was added to the church calendar. In addition to celebrating the feast on its day, it can also be observed on the Sunday following, which we will do this Sunday. In preparation for our All Saints’ celebration and other upcoming celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, the Altar Guild will be holding a workday…

As I drive around the city, or travel anywhere at this time of year, it is clear by the decorations that fall is in full swing. And, yes, there are plenty of Halloween specific decorations, but more than that I see emblems and colors representing harvest time. Harvest is all about gathering in something, whether that’s the fruits of the field, family coming home for the holidays, or our giving back to God from the fruits of our labors in stewardship. It is a time for giving thanks and for appreciating all the blessings of our lives. We will gather…

Today is the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. St. Luke was a companion of St. Paul the writer of the Gospel bearing his name and its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. He was also believed to be a physician which is why we will have a healing rite at both morning services this Sunday. Luke’s gospel gives us the familiar narratives of the Annunciation to Mary, the Visitation with Elizabeth, the birth of John the Baptist, and Jesus born in the manger. Early tradition holds that Luke wrote his gospel in Greece and died in Boeotia, a regional…

Once again, we are asking prayers for those affected by another hurricane in the southeast. Hurricane Milton struck Wednesday night from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the East Coast, spawning a series of tornadoes along the way. This, of course, following directly on the heels of Hurricane Helene which affected areas of many states including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Relief efforts that were already underway will certainly continue. Please go to Episcopal Relief and Development’s website to see ways you can donate and help. In the weeks to come, I will see what other ways we can help and share…

Most High, omnipotent, good Lord, To thee be ceaseless praise outpoured, And blessing without measure. Let creatures all give thanks to thee and serve in great humility. These words were written by St. Francis of Assisi in his “Canticle of the Sun.” We celebrate his feast day today and, tomorrow, will have our annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis because of his devotion to all of God’s creatures. Feel free to bring as many pets and animals as you like to our north lawn at 11 a.m. Sunday afternoon will be our annual Hymn Sing. It’s…

As you read this, I will be on my way home from Omaha, Nebraska, where I just had a two-day planning session for the next North American Cathedral Deans Conference. It will take place May 8-11, 2025, in Omaha. Trinity Cathedral will be the physical host, but the planning duties are being shared by six regional Deans/Cathedrals: Trinity Cathedral in Omaha, Grace Cathedral in Topeka, Christ Church Cathedral in Salina, GHTC in Kansas City, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Des Moines, and St. Mark’s Pro-Cathedral in Hastings, NE. I am glad to join with my fellow Deans to welcome all North…

Many thanks to all who came last night to meet and listen to our four nominees for IX Bishop of West Missouri. It was a great turnout, and I appreciate everyone’s interest in getting to know the nominees better. The Q&A session was livestreamed in the Nave and is available on our YouTube channel for anyone to view. Please check it out if you were unable to be with us last night. There is one more session tonight at Church of the Redeemer in Parkville. While I’m saying thank you, I’d like to also thank everyone who came to our…