2025 Annual Convention

Built by the Spirit

Welcome to the 136th Annual Convention Information page for The Diocese of West Missouri. This year’s Convention will be held on November 7 & 8 at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. Information about registration, nominations, schedule, and more can be found below.

Announcements

Annual Convention

Registration is Open for the 136th Annual Convention

August 21, 2025 Read More

A Message from the Nominations Chair: Nominations for Convention are Now Open!

July 16, 2025 Read More

The 2024 Annual Convention Recap

November 15, 2024 Read More

Schedule and Agenda

*times are subject to change

Schedule*

Friday, November 7

2 p.m. – Ministry Fair participants can start to set up
3 p.m. – Check-in at Founders’ Hall
5 p.m. – Eucharist
6:30 p.m. – Dinner following the Eucharist

Saturday, November 8

7:30 a.m. – Ministry Fair and Check-in reopen
8:30 a.m. – Morning Prayer
9 a.m. – Business Session begins
11:45 a.m. – Noonday Prayer
12 p.m. – Lunch
1 p.m. – Business session continues

Business Session Agenda

TBD

Registration

Registration for the 2025 Annual Convention is now open. If you’ve registered as a delegate or alternate, you will need to bring a device with internet access in order to vote. Registrants are also allowed to bring a non-metal framed stadium seat cushion to use in the nave of the Cathedral.

You must register by October 17. If you missed the deadline, or if you have any questions or issues during registration, reach out to our Communications Director or the Bishop’s Assistant at 816.471.6161.

Delegate Changes

We recognize that we’re still aways from our convention date and the situation is constantly changing. So, if your attendance needs changed after registering, no problem; just let us know by October 17 by emailing the Bishop’s Assistant. After October 17, however, any delegate changes must be presented IN WRITING on November 7 using the form linked below. This form will also be available at the check-in desk, if needed.

Delegate Change Form

Hotel Block

The Diocese of West Missouri has reserved rooms at the downtown Holiday Inn Express in Kansas City (474 E 13th St., Kansas City, Missouri) at $149 plus a $25 parking fee. Breakfast is included in the rate. See below for instructions on how to reserve your room. You must reserve your spot by October 24th.

Call Instructions

Step 1: Call Holiday Inn Express Reservations Phone Number: 1-800-465-4329
Step 2: Tell them the Holiday Inn Express Kansas City Downtown
Step 3: Tell them the arrival date: November 7, 2025
Step 4: Ask for The Diocese of West Missouri Block or DWM Group Code
Step 5: Provide the Reservationist with the required information
Step 6: Complete reservation

Online Booking Instructions

Step 1: Click the link below
Step 2: Select Arrival date: November 7, 2025
Step 3: Select Departure Date: November 8, 2025
Step 4: Select the room
Step 5: Complete personal information
Step 6: Follow Prompt to apply credit card and complete reservation

Book Hotel Room

Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral

415 W 13th St,

Kansas City, MO 64105

November 7 – 8, 2025

This year’s Convention will be held in-person, with live-streaming available for people to watch.

Resolutions

Extract from the Canons and Constitution

Business before the Convention

No resolution shall be considered as before the house unless it has been submitted in writing (including electronic submission in a manner approved by the Bishop and the Secretary) and has been received by the Bishop and Secretary four weeks before the opening of Convention to allow distribution to all delegates and introduction by title at Convention.
Any resolution which has not been presented to the Bishop and to the Secretary four weeks prior to the convention date will not be considered as before the House unless copies of such resolution are made available to every delegate and, at Convention, two-thirds of said delegates agree to consider such resolution.

Resolutions Deadline & Submissions

The resolution deadline is October 10. For more information, please contact the Rev. Canon Robin James, Resolutions Chair, at rectorgrace520@gmail.com.

Submit Resolution

Resolutions Received

Resolution 2023-5: Eligibility of Deacons to Serve on Standing Committee
Resolution 2024-1 (Substitute): Election and Service of Diocesan Officers
Resolution 2025-1: Election of Assistant Registrar
Resolution 2025-2: Renaming Diocesan Council Departments
Resolution 2025-3: Convention Committees

Resolutions Referred to Dioceses from the 81st General Convention

A043. Amend Constitution Article VIII regarding Clergy in Local Ecumenical Partnerships [First Reading]

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention amend Article VIII of the Constitution by adding the following paragraph at the end of the existing article:

<Amended text as it would appear if adopted and concurred. Scroll below the line of asterisks (******) to see the version showing all deleted and added text.>

Of Clergy in Local Ecumenical Partnerships

Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) are ministries that may be formed between Episcopal dioceses and their parallels in other Christian denominations in order to provide shared pastoral leadership.

An ordained minister in good standing of one of the constituent denominations identified in the canons may be appointed by the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese to serve in this Church on a temporary basis as part of a Local Ecumenical Partnership as governed by the relevant canons.

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<Proposed amended resolution text showing exact changes being made:>

Of Clergy in Local Ecumenical Partnerships

Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) are ministries that may be formed between Episcopal dioceses and their parallels in other Christian denominations in order to provide shared pastoral leadership.

A224. Amend Article X with clarifying amendments (post 2024-A072) [First Reading]

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church repeal Article X, Sections 1 and 2, and replace with the following:

<Amended text as it would appear if adopted and concurred. Scroll below the line of asterisks (******) to see the version showing all deleted and added text.>

Article X: Of The Book of Common Prayer

Sec. 1.  The Book of Common Prayer is those liturgical forms, communal and devotional prayers, and other content authorized by the General Convention in accordance with this article and shall be enriched by our church’s cultural, geographical, and linguistic contexts. The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the General Convention shall be in use in all the Dioceses and other jurisdictions of this Church. Any Book of Common Prayer, or portions thereof, memorialized by the General Convention, is authorized for use at any service in all the Dioceses and other jurisdictions of this Church.

Sec. 2.  No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese and other jurisdictions, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses and other jurisdictions entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.

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<Proposed amended resolution text showing exact changes being made:>

Article X: Of The Book of Common Prayer

~~Article X: Of The Book of Common Prayer~~

Sec. 1. The Book of Common Prayer is understood to be those liturgical forms and other texts authorized by the General Convention in accordance with this article and the Canons of this Church.

The Book of Common Prayer in this Church is intended to be communal and devotional prayer enriched by our church’s cultural, geographical, and linguistic contexts. The Book of Common Prayer shall contain both public worship and private devotion. The Book of Common Prayer, as now established or hereafter amended by the General Convention, shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church.

Sec. 2. No alteration thereof or addition thereto shall be made unless the General Convention approve the same on first reading in one regular meeting of the General Convention and, by resolve so directing, be sent by the Secretary of the General Convention to the Secretary of the Convention of every Diocese, to be made known to the Diocesan Convention at its next regular meeting, and be adopted on second reading without alteration by the General Convention at its next succeeding regular meeting by a majority of all Bishops, excluding retired Bishops not present, of the whole number of Bishops entitled to vote in the House of Bishops, and by an affirmative vote by orders in the House of Deputies in accordance with Art. I, Sec. 5 of this Constitution, except that concurrence in the affirmative by the orders shall require the affirmative vote in each order by a majority of the Dioceses entitled to representation in the House of Deputies.

D049 Increase by one the possible number of bishops suffragans in a Diocese [First Reading]

Resolved, That Article II of the Constitution is amended as follows:

<Amended text as it would appear if adopted and concurred. Scroll below the line of asterisks (******) to see the version showing all deleted and added text.>

Article II: Of Bishops

Sec. 4. It shall be lawful for a Diocese, at the request of the Bishop of that Diocese, to elect not more than three Bishops Suffragan, without right of succession, and with seat and vote in the House of Bishops. A Bishop Suffragan shall be consecrated and hold office under such conditions and limitations other than those provided in this Article as may be provided by Canons of the General Convention. A Bishop Suffragan shall be eligible for election as Bishop Diocesan or Bishop Coadjutor of a Diocese, or as a Bishop Suffragan in another Diocese.

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<Proposed amended resolution text showing exact changes being made:>

Article II: Of Bishops

Sec. 4. It shall be lawful for a Diocese, at the request of the Bishop of that Diocese, to elect not more than ~~two~~ three Bishops Suffragan, without right of succession, and with seat and vote in the House of Bishops. A Bishop Suffragan shall be consecrated and hold office under such conditions and limitations other than those provided in this Article as may be provided by Canons of the General Convention. A Bishop Suffragan shall be eligible for election as Bishop Diocesan or Bishop Coadjutor of a Diocese, or as a Bishop Suffragan in another Diocese.

Changes to the Book of Common Prayer:

A116 Marriage Rites for Inclusion in the Book of Common Prayer (First Reading)

Resolved, That the 81st General Convention authorize for trial use under Article X.b the following revisions to the Book of Common Prayer 1979:

BCP pp. 349 and 381: Following the Preface of Marriage, add the rubric “or this”, followed by Preface of Marriage, Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) Blue Book report p. 39

BCP p. 423: Revise the title to read “The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage I”

BCP p. 433: Revise the title to read “The Blessing of a Civil Marriage I”

BCP p. 435: Revise the title to read “An Order for Marriage I”

Following BCP p. 438, add The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, SCLM Blue Book report pp. 28-36; The Blessing of Civil Marriage, SCLM Blue Book report pp. 36-37; An Order of Marriage, SCLM Blue Book report pp. 37-38; and Additional Directions, SCLM Blue Book Report, pp. 38-39; with the following revisions:

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 28: Revise the first paragraph Concerning the Service as follows: “At least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian; the ceremony must be attested by at least two witnesses; and the marriage must conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church.”

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 29: Revise the title to read “The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage II”

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 35: Replace “Preface of the Season” with “Preface of Marriage, or of the Season”

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 36: Revise the title to read “The Blessing of a Civil Marriage II”

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 37: Revise the title to read “An Order for Marriage II”

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 37: Replace the first paragraph of An Order of Marriage with the following text: “If it is desired to celebrate a marriage otherwise than as provided in the Book of Common Prayer or any authorized alternative thereto, this Order is used.”

SCLM Blue Book Report p. 37: Revise paragraph 3 of An Order of Marriage as follows: “The laws of the State and the canons of this Church having been complied with, the couple, together with their witnesses, families, and friends assemble in the church or in some other convenient place.”

Blue Book Report p. 37: Revise #1 of An Order of Marriage as follows: “The teaching of the Church concerning Holy Matrimony, as it is declared in the formularies and canons of this Church, is briefly stated.”

And be it further

Resolved, That these liturgies authorized for trial use be made available electronically at no cost; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music be directed to engage a dynamic equivalence translation of these texts into the Spanish, French, and Kreyol languages; and be it further

Resolved, That the liturgies The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, The Blessing of a Civil Marriage, and An Order for Marriage as authorized in The Book of Common Prayer 1979 continue to be authorized for use in all dioceses of The Episcopal Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Executive Council Budget Committee to allocate $12,000 for translation.

Sample Resolution

Title: Request for feasibility study for establishing a new congregation.

Proposer: Vestry of St. John by the Pond Church, Enterprise City, Vestry of St. Sebastian’s Arrowville.

Resolved: that the Diocesan Convention direct the Congregational Development Commission to undertake a research project to determine the feasibility and potential success of a new congregation in Jones County, Missouri and be it further,

Resolved: that the Convention allocate $500 from the Church Planting Fund to cover the cost of the study and be it further,

Resolved: that the Convention direct the Commission to report results of the study no later than six weeks prior to the 2014 Diocesan Convention.

Explanation:

Jones County is the third fastest growing geographic area in the diocese. New residents have been attracted by the satellite campus of South Lake Community College, the new microchip factory and the Amazon.com warehouse in Pike Center, the largest town in the county. The availability of jobs and the attractive surroundings of Jones County suggest the likelihood that population will continue to grow.

At this time, the two closest Episcopal Churches are St. Sebastian’s Arrowville and St. John by the pond Enterprise City. Both are more than one hour drive from Pike Center. Within a 25 mile radius of Pike Center, there are only three churches.

The proposers believe that sufficient population exists in Jones County to motivate a study in support of establishing a new congregation of the Episcopal Church. The proposers feel strongly that members of the Congregational Development Commission have the knowledge, expertise and experience to conduct and report a study that would provide additional information pertinent to a decision to establish a new congregation.

Diocesan Council Nominees

The Rev. Miranda Cully

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: 2024 – present
Head Chaplain, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Memphis: 2022 – 2024
Associate Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Memphis: 2018 – 2022

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Interfaith and Ecumenical Committee, The Diocese of West Missouri: 2024 – 2025
Sewanee Board of Trustees for the Diocese of West Tennessee: 2020 – 2023
Diocesan Council, The Diocese of West Tennessee: 2019 – 2023

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

N/A

The Rev. Jonathan Galles

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Central

Which church do you attend?

The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

I was involved in the church for many years before my ordination. I was deeply involved in service in the liturgy and around the church for a long time. In Canada, we don’t have conventions, we have synods. When I was still a lay person, I was a lay delegate to synod a number of times, and since ordination I have carried out all of the duties appointed to me by the church to the best of my abilities, hoping to bring renewal to the church with God’s help.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I have not sought out Diocesan involvement. However, I take seriously my ordination vow to “take my share in the councils of the Church.” When asked to serve, I serve. I was asked to serve on Diocesan council in Eastern Oregon, which I did until my departure for West Missouri. I will serve in whatever capacity this diocese requires of me as well.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

I have not been involved in the church at the national level. I simply seek to care and nourish my small portion of God’s garden.

Additional Comments

My perspective on many matters is often somewhat different from that of many of my Episcopal clergy peers. One of the largest facets of this is that I was ordained in Canada not the US. That was where my key formation happened as a priest. Though I am an American, I think like a Canadian clergyman. The Canadian church tends to always be mindful of our global communion; it’s participation as one in the many. This tends to be my perspective. When our Lord had his last supper with his friends, he concluded this time with a command to unity, that we all be one. Unity is the great driving force in my ministry, and any roles I take on in the church. We must seek unity above all if we are to be faithful to our Lord. In our churches, in our diocese, at the national level, at the communion level, and with our fellow apostolic Christians. This is the perspective I bring to all roles I hold in the church.

Ms. Anne Breid

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

I am a long-standing member of St. James in Springfield. Over the years I have taught Sunday school, and VBS. I am a member of the choir, and I am currently serving on vestry as senior warden. I also served on our search committee a few years ago.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I have been a member of Diocesan Council since December 2023. I have enjoyed learning more about the diocese and participating in the work of the council.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

I have not had the privilege of serving at this level.

Additional Comments

N/A

Ms. Hayley Cobb

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

Christ Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Youth & Children’s Commission: July 2024 – present
Delegate to Diocesan Convention: 2024 – 2025
Eucharistic Minister: 2024 – present
Acolyte: 2023 – present
Youth Leadership Team Volunteer: August 2022 – present
Episcopal Campus Ministry: September 2017 – April 2021

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Communications Committee: January 2025 – present
“All Things … Episcopal” Podcast Co-Host: November 2024 – present
Diocesan Council: November 2023 – present
Bishop Search Committee: November 2023 – July 2024
Diocesan Youth Program Summer Intern: 2018
Southern Deanery Youth Delegate: 2016
Youth Ministry Commission: 2015 – 2017

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Attended General Convention with WEMO Youth, 2018 and 2024

Additional Comments

The Diocese of West Missouri has been a central part of my life from my earliest days in the Christ Church and diocesan youth program to my current roles in ministry and lay leadership. In my professional life, I work in communications for a community leadership program, where I stay actively involved in the Springfield business and nonprofit communities. I remain deeply invested in the work and ministry happening in West Missouri and would be honored to continue serving on Diocesan Council to help further the mission of the diocese.

Mr. Philip Lofflin

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

General Convention Delegate: 2025
Senior Warden: 2024 – present
General Convention Delegate: 2024
General Convention Alternate Delegate: 2023
Junior Warden: 2022 – 2024
Vestry Member: 2021 – present
Also volunteer as a Eucharistic Minister & Visitor, Altar Guild, hospitality, outreach, and tech support.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Diocesan Emergency Planning Committee member: 2025 – present
9th Bishop Consecration Committee member and sub-committee chair over facilities, security, and logistics: 2024 – 2025
Diocesan Property Committee member: 2023 – present
Diocesan Episcopal Veterans/First Responder Fellowship member: 2023 – 2025
Regular attendee at Northwest-Metro Deanery meetings, Diversity and Reconciliation Commission events, and other Diocesan functions.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Episcopal Clergy and Lay Leadership Retreat planning team (Seattle, WA): 2026
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Episcopal Clergy and Lay Leadership Retreat co-chair and local host (Kansas City, MO): 2025
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Episcopal Clergy and Lay Leadership Retreat music planning team (Portland, OR): 2024
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Episcopal Clergy and Lay Leadership Retreat attendee (Austin, TX): 2023

Additional Comments

Thank you for the opportunity to be nominated to run for Diocesan Council.

Mr. Raja Reed

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

I have been a member of St. Mary’s since 2017. I was confirmed in 2018. I am currently the Parish Administrator since 2020. I have served on the Vestry until I began my employment with the church. I currently work with the following Ministries:

Lay Licensed Eucharistic Minister and Visitor
Lector
Co-Chair of the Hospitality and Outreach Committees
Pastoral Care Team
Stewardship Committee.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I have served on the Northwest-Metro Deanery Council since 2021 as a delegate from St. Mary’s to the Diocesan Convention.
I serve on the Commission on Ministry since 2023. I am the Lay License Chair on the Commission on Ministry.
I am the current Chairperson for the LGBTQA+ Ministry. We have hosted Pride events in Kansas City, Springfield, Joplin and Sedalia. We will host the Trans Day of Remembrance Mass on November 20th.
I currently am serving as Treasurer of the Heartland Cursillo Ministry and sit on both the Finance and Diversity and Reconciliation Commission.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

I have not had the pleasure in serving at the General Church Level as of yet.

Additional Comments

I feel called to serve on the Diocesan Council of West Missouri as a way of offering my gifts, energy, and commitment to the wider Church. I hope to bring a spirit of collaboration, prayerful discernment, and dedication to strengthening the mission and ministry of our diocese. With gratitude for the opportunities, I’ve already been given to serve, I now seek to help guide our common life faithfully, ensuring that our shared decisions support both present needs and future growth in Christ’s love.

Mr. Hayden Vaughn

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

When I began attending St. James in 2021, I served as a substitute organist. In February of 2023, I joined our team of volunteers who lead nightly online Compline, and I now train others to lead Compline. In April of 2023, I also began serving as a lector.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

At the deanery level, I began serving as a deanery delegate in 2023 and serve this year as an alternate. At the diocesan level, I have served as one of St. James Church’s delegates to the Annual Convention since 2023, serving this year as an alternate. I also served as a member of the Consecration Committee and the Music Subcommittee for our Bishop’s consecration in May of 2025.

Annual Convention Alternate Delegate: Present
Deanery Alternate Delegate: Present
Music Subcommittee: 2024 – 2025
Consecration Committee: 2024 – 2025
Annual Convention Delegate: 2023 & 2025
Deanery Delegate: 2023 & 2024

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

N/A

Additional Comments

Although I’ve only been a part of The Episcopal Church for a few years, I have served in relative capacities in my previous denomination. Before joining The Episcopal Church, I was Director of Music and Organist at a Roman Catholic parish. I also served as a music director and organist for the diocese, planning and implementing liturgy and music for diocesan-wide events, including ordinations, chrism masses, and retreats.

Eventually, I no longer felt at home in the Roman Church. One of the things I looked for before attending a new church was their approach to church government. Although I believe in an episcopal structure, I struggled in my previous denomination with the lack of laity in leadership. Without input from the laity, it can be a very slippery slope to a church or diocese becoming a sort of “clerical oligarchy.” I also found that it is difficult for a church to maintain an ethical level of transparency without lay involvement in leadership. One of the things that originally drew me to The Episcopal Church was the commitment to and high valuation of lay involvement in leadership.

My search for a new church brought me to St. James in Springfield. St. James is a very welcoming, genuine, prayerful, and loving parish. I have found a new home within our spiritual community, both in my parish and in the greater church. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to serve within different levels of the church, and I would love to serve in additional capacities within our diocese.

Standing Committee Nominees

The Rev. Jonathan Frazier

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

St. Peter & All Saints, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

I have served as the rector of St. Peter & All Saints for nine years and served as associate rector at Christ Church in Springfield for 12 years. I was confirmed at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City and was also a member of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit prior to seminary.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Standing Committee President and VP (3 terms);
Dean of the Southern Deanery;
Disciplinary Board;
Diocesan Council (ex officio as Dean and SC President);
Commission on Ministry (10 years);
Finance Committee;
Other Diocesan and Convention committees;
BKSM Board of Directors executive committee member

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Five-time General Convention Deputy (once as an alternate)

Additional Comments

Former officer at State Street Bank & Trust; Lockton Companies; Civic boards, including the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

The Rev. Canon Robin James

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, Grace Church, Liberty: September 2019 – present
Priest-in-Charge, St. Andrew’s Church, New Paltz, New York and Campus Ministry Chaplain, SUNY New Paltz, Vassar College, & SUNY Ulster: January 2014 – 2019
Canon Precentor & Children, Youth, Young Adult & Young Families Ministries, Cathedral Church of St. Mark, Salt Lake City, Utah: July 2003 – December 2013
Multiple Lay Ministries prior to entering seminary in 2000

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Member of Standing Committee and Vice President, Diocese of West Missouri: November 2023 – present
Dean, Northwest-Metro Deanery, Diocese of West Missouri: January 2022 – November 2023
- While Dean, I served on the following committees, commissions, Council:
  - Episcopal Ministry Support Team (Bishop’s Advisory team)
  - Diocesan Council
  - Finance Committee
  - Communications Committee
Constitution & Canons Committee, Diocese of West Missouri: February 2022 – present
Human Resources Committee, Diocese of West Missouri: December 2021 – present
Chair, Resolutions Committee for Diocesan Convention, Diocese of West Missouri: November 2021 – present
Campus Ministry Committee, Diocese of New York: January 2014 – August 2019
Standing Committee, Diocese of Utah: October 2011 – December 2013
Commission on Ministry, Diocese of Utah: October 2006 – October 2009
Diocesan Liturgy & Music Committee, Diocese of Utah: May 2005 – May 2008

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

General Convention Clerical Deputy, Diocese of West Missouri: November 2022 – present

Additional Comments

It has been my pleasure and delight to serve on the Standing Committee of The Diocese of West Missouri for the past two years. I welcome the opportunity to continue my service.

The Very Rev. Andrew Keyse

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Dean of the Cathedral: December 2019 – present
Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Florence, Alabama (The Diocese of Alabama): 2007 – 2019
Associate Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Hinsdale, Illinois (The Diocese of Chicago): 2002-2007

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Board Member and member of Executive Committee, Bishop Spencer Place, Saint Luke’s Hospital: Board member since 2021, Executive Committee member since 2024
Bishop Consecration Committee member, Diocese of West Missouri: 2024 – 2025
Diocesan Convention Planning Committee, Diocese of West Missouri: 2020 – present
Standing Committee: 2020 – present
Member of Standing Committee, Diocese of Alabama: 2018
Member of Development Committee for the South Youth Network: 2013 – 2015
Delegate to Diocesan Convention: 2012 – present
Southern Deanery Council: 2012- present
Program Leader for Middler Camp (5th/6th graders), Camp McDowell, Diocese of Alabama: 2009 – 2015
Appointed to serve on the Diocesan Dept. of Parish Development and Evangelism, Diocese of Alabama: 2009 – 2014
Appointed to serve on the Diocesan Dept. of Camp McDowell, Diocese of Alabama: 2009 – 2012
Appointed Chair of Committee for Liturgy and Diocesan Events, Diocese of Chicago: 2005
Member of Worship Committee for Diocesan Convention, Diocese of Chicago: 2003 – 2004
Bishop Day Conferences

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Planning member and Host of closing Eucharist for EPN Conference in Kansas City: 2025
Planning Committee for North American Deans Conference gathering in Omaha, Nebraska: 2024 – 2025
Alternate Clergy Deputy to General Convention: 2024
Member of the North American Deans Conference: 2019 – present
Member of the Episcopal Parish Network (formerly CEEP): 2019 – present
Member of the Executive Alumni Council, The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee: 2013 – 2017

Additional Comments

N/A

The Rev. Steven King

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church & Day School, Kansas City, Missouri: 2021 – present
Priest-in-Charge, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska: 2020 – 2021
Director of Congregational Life, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska: 2017 – 2020
Assistant Rector, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Overland Park, Kansas: 2014 – 2017

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Disciplinary Board (Diocese of West Missouri)
- President: 2024 – present
- Vice President: 2022 – 2024
Bishop Search Committee for IX Diocesan Bishop, Chair (Diocese of West Missouri): 2023 – 2024
Congregational Vitality Committee (Diocese of West Missouri): 2023 – present
Beginning Well leadership (Diocese of West Missouri): 2022 – present
Youth Ministry Commission (Diocese of West Missouri): 2022 – present
Diocesan Council (Diocese of West Missouri): 2022 – 2024
Commission on Ministry (Diocese of Nebraska): 2018 – 2020

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

81st General Convention Deputy, Diocese of West Missouri: 2024
78th General Convention 1st Alternate Deputy, Diocese of Kansas: 2015

Additional Comments

N/A

Ms. Kathy Alexander

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Member of Christ in Springfield
Current member of the Vestry
Outreach Chairman
Lay Eucharistic Minister and Eucharistic Visitor
Current member and secretary of Daughters of the King Chapter
Previous President of Daughters of the King Chapter
Previous Vestry Member and Senior warden at Calvary Episcopal in Columbia, Missouri
I also started a Daughters of the King Chapter in Columbia and helped start the Saturday Breakfast for the unhoused

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

In The Diocese of West Missouri:

Secretary of the Daughters of the King Diocesan Chapter: Present
Member of the Bishop Search Committee: 2024
Member of the Commission on Ministry: 2018 – present
Diocesan Convention Delegate: 2017 – present

In The Diocese of Missouri:

Delegate to Diocesan Convention and a Member of the Commission on Ministry
Also helped to start, and past President, of the Diocesan Chapter of Daughters of the King.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

N/A

Ms. Alison Black

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

St. Augustine Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Current vestry member St. Augustine’s
Former vestry, search committee, leader of health mission trips to Haiti, quilt ministry, “Green Team” (addressing environmental issues), lay reader at St. Paul’s, Leavenworth, Kansas
Former youth minister, prayer team, Health Minister at Church of the Resurrection, Omaha, Nebraska

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Attended BKSM for 2 years

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

Interested to serve the church in a broader role. Passionate about people and making sure under-served populations are heard.

Ms. Patricia Griffin

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Adult Formation at Grace, Liberty: 2025
Rector’s Assistant at Grace, Liberty: 2025
Lay Worship Leader License/Lunch & Learn at Grace, Liberty: 2024 – 2025
Clerk of Vestry at Grace, Liberty: 2023 – present
Choir Member at Grace, Liberty: 2022 – 2025
Lectionary Bible Study, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 2013 – present
Parish Administrative Assistant, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 2010 – 2022
Parish Treasurer, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 2005 – 2011
EFM-Student & Co-mentor, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 1999-2003

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Shepherd to Candidate for Bishop: 2024
Member of Bishop Transition Committee: 2024
Delegate to Convention: 2024 – 2025
Deanery Council: 2023 – present
Alternate Delegate to Convention: 2023

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

I am honored to offer my time and talents to The Diocese of West Missouri. I believe I have skills and experience that will be an asset to the Standing Committee. If elected, I look forward to the opportunity to grow into the calling God has set before me.

General Convention Deputy Nominees

The Rev. Vicky Anderson

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Central

Which church do you attend?

Trinity Episcopal Church, Independence

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

At the church level, Trinity, Independence, I serve as the Deacon. Activities include annual, recurring outreach efforts such as our back-to-school backpack supply drive, winter coats for the school children near our parish, coats for Tabitha’s Closet (a clothing bank for Independence school children their families. I have organized a drive for spring cleaning supplies for KC for Refugees.

I am responsible for attending Vestry meeting with voice and no vote, I am responsible for scheduling our Eucharistic Visit Ministry, our cleaning team, and the server schedule for those serving each Sunday. I teach Confirmation classes, Acolyte training, Eucharistic Ministry classes, episodic offerings like movie night and discussion afterward. I represent Trinity at the Independence Ministerial Alliance where I am the 2025-2026 elected Secretary, sponsoring and facilitating a furniture drive this past June. Later this fall Trinity will kick off an Outreach committee. That will meeting monthly where this committee will help define and promote our outreach ministries.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I am secretary for the Centralized Grants Committee, beginning with the charter of the committee, and will serve to the end of my third year 2026.
I was the secretary for the Consecration Committee responsible for planning the ordination and installation of Bishop Amy, concluding in March 2025.
I am a participant in the Central Deanery for the last two years.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

I am able to dedicate time now to working for the Church, on behalf of my assigned parish or at the Diocesan level.

The Rev. Miranda Cully

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: 2024 – present
Head Chaplain, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Memphis: 2022 – 2024
Associate Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Memphis: 2018 – 2022

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Interfaith and Ecumenical Committee, The Diocese of West Missouri: 2024 – 2025
Sewanee Board of Trustees for the Diocese of West Tennessee: 2020 – 2023
Diocesan Council, The Diocese of West Tennessee: 2019 – 2023

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

N/A

The Rev. Jonathan Frazier

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

St. Peter & All Saints, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Standing Committee President and VP (3 terms);
Dean of the Southern Deanery;
Disciplinary Board;
Diocesan Council (ex officio as Dean and SC President);
Commission on Ministry (10 years);
Finance Committee;
Other Diocesan and Convention committees;
BKSM Board of Directors executive committee member

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Five-time General Convention Deputy (once as an alternate)

Additional Comments

Former officer at State Street Bank & Trust; Lockton Companies; Civic boards, including the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

The Rev. Canon Robin James

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, Grace Church, Liberty: September 2019 – present
Priest-in-Charge, St. Andrew’s Church, New Paltz, New York and Campus Ministry Chaplain, SUNY New Paltz, Vassar College, & SUNY Ulster: January 2014 – 2019
Canon Precentor & Children, Youth, Young Adult & Young Families Ministries, Cathedral Church of St. Mark, Salt Lake City, Utah: July 2003 – December 2013
Multiple Lay Ministries prior to entering seminary in 2000

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Member of Standing Committee and Vice President, Diocese of West Missouri: November 2023 – present
Dean, Northwest-Metro Deanery, Diocese of West Missouri: January 2022 – November 2023
- While Dean, I served on the following committees, commissions, Council:
  - Episcopal Ministry Support Team (Bishop’s Advisory team)
  - Diocesan Council
  - Finance Committee
  - Communications Committee
Constitution & Canons Committee, Diocese of West Missouri: February 2022 – present
Human Resources Committee, Diocese of West Missouri: December 2021 – present
Chair, Resolutions Committee for Diocesan Convention, Diocese of West Missouri: November 2021 – present
Campus Ministry Committee, Diocese of New York: January 2014 – August 2019
Standing Committee, Diocese of Utah: October 2011 – December 2013
Commission on Ministry, Diocese of Utah: October 2006 – October 2009
Diocesan Liturgy & Music Committee, Diocese of Utah: May 2005 – May 2008

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

General Convention Clerical Deputy, Diocese of West Missouri: November 2022 – present

Additional Comments

It has been my pleasure and delight to serve on the Standing Committee of The Diocese of West Missouri for the past two years. I welcome the opportunity to continue my service.

The Rev. Steven King

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church & Day School, Kansas City, Missouri: 2021 – present
Priest-in-Charge, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska: 2020 – 2021
Director of Congregational Life, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska: 2017 – 2020
Assistant Rector, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, Overland Park, Kansas: 2014 – 2017

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Disciplinary Board (Diocese of West Missouri)
- President: 2024 – present
- Vice President: 2022 – 2024
Bishop Search Committee for IX Diocesan Bishop, Chair (Diocese of West Missouri): 2023 – 2024
Congregational Vitality Committee (Diocese of West Missouri): 2023 – present
Beginning Well leadership (Diocese of West Missouri): 2022 – present
Youth Ministry Commission (Diocese of West Missouri): 2022 – present
Diocesan Council (Diocese of West Missouri): 2022 – 2024
Commission on Ministry (Diocese of Nebraska): 2018 – 2020

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

81st General Convention Deputy, Diocese of West Missouri: 2024
78th General Convention 1st Alternate Deputy, Diocese of Kansas: 2015

Additional Comments

N/A

The Rev. Canon Chas Marks

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Priest-in-Charge and then Rector of St. Augustine’s Church: 2016 – present
Associate Rector, St. Mary’s, Kansas City: 2015 – 2016

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Diocesan Transition Missioner: 2022 – present
Dean of the Northwest-Metro Deanery: 2018 – 2021
Instructor at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry: 2017 – 2024
Member of Diocesan Reconciliation & Diversity Commission: 2016 – present
Member of Diocesan Council as a lay person and clergy person

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

At-large Member of the Provincial Council of Province VII: 2022 – present
Clergy Deputy from West Missouri at the 80th General Convention: 2022
Clergy Deputy from West Missouri at the 81st General Convention: 2024

Additional Comments

It has been a tremendous honor to represent The Diocese of West Missouri at two General Conventions as well as at the Provincial level.

The Rev. Isaac Petty Pierjok

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, St. James, Springfield: 2023 – present
Vicar, St. Luke’s, Excelsior Springs: 2021 – 2023
Curate, Redeemer, Kansas City: 2021 – 2023

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Standing Committee: 2024 – present
Stewardship Commission: 2022 – present
Bishop Search Committee: 2023 – 2024
Special Budget Committee: 2022 – 2024
Dean, Central Deanery; Diocesan Council: 2021 – 2023

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Deputy, 81st General Convention: 2024

Additional Comments

N/A

The Very Rev. Joe Pierjok

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, Grace, Carthage: 2022 – present
Associate Rector, Grace, Carthage: 2019 – 2022
Youth Pastor, Church of the Redeemer, Kansas City: 2012 – 2016

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Dean of the Southern Deanery: January 2025 – present
Constitution and Canons Committee: 2023 – present
Youth Commission: 2022 – present
Commission on Ministry: November 2021 – present
Diocesan Council: November 2020 – January 2025
Executive Committee: November 2020 – January 2025
Finance Committee: June 2018 – present

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

General Convention Alternate

Additional Comments

Hello! I’m Fr. Joe Pierjok, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, Dean of the Southern Deanery, and a member of the Community of the Mother of Jesus, a religious order. I’m running to serve as a clergy delegate to General Convention because I love this Church—its liturgy, its people, and its calling to be a force for love and justice in the world. Whether it’s leading worship in a small-town parish or helping shape diocesan ministries, I’ve seen how the Spirit moves when we come together to listen, pray, and act. I’d be honored to bring West Missouri’s voice to the wider Church, and I promise to approach the work with both a pastor’s heart and a hopeful spirit.

The Rev. Robin Rusconi

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Non-parochial

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Prior to my ordination, I was an active member of Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral for almost 30 years. From 1997-2000 I was the Parish Administrator, where I supported the committees that oversaw the operations of the Cathedral as well as the clergy. After Stepping down from that position, I served in a variety of roles including as a member of the Vestry from 2005-2010 and again for a short time in 2021. I also served on a number of committees including the Stewardship, Personnel (where we developed employee handbooks and analyzed employee compensation and insurance at the request of the budget committee), and the Nominating committees. During my time as parish administrator, I became licensed as a Eucharistic Minister and began serving as a lector, eucharistic minister and acolyte and continued in those roles until I was ordained.

I completed my chaplain residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in 2024 and am currently a PRN Chaplain. I have served at St. Paul’s in Kansas City and St. Mary’s in Kansas City as a deacon and at other times as requested.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I have been a leader for the Diocese at the Kansas City PrideFest since 2022, have served on the diocesan committee for Pride since 2023 and am a leader of the LGBTQIA+ ministry team. I am a member of the Peace and Justice Committee since 2022, leading the reproductive rights initiative. I have recently joined the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

I am a member of the Association of Episcopal Deacons.

Additional Comments

I believe my educational and professional background would help me if I were to be selected as a delegate for the General Convention. I have a law degree from KU and practiced law for 10 years. I also enjoyed studying and excelled in my Canon Law class at BKSM.

The Rev. David Wilcox

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend

St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Belton

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Rector, St. Mary Magdalene, Belton: January 2025 – present
Assisting Priest, St. Augustine’s, Kansas City: May 2023 – December 2024
Vestry Member, St. Mary’s Kansas City: January 2019 – August 2020
Chair, Evangelism Committee, St. Mary’s Kansas City: 2018 – 2020

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Co-host, All Things Episcopal: 2024 – present
Convener, Spiritual Formation Commission: October 2023 – present
Member, College & Young Adult Commission: June 2023 – present
Diocesan Missioner for Youth Ministry: May 2023 – December 2024
Lay Delegate to Deanery Council and Diocesan Convention: 2017

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

N/A

Mr. Walker Adams

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Lay Worship Leaders Coordinator: 2011 – 2013
Eucharistic Minister: 2009 – 2013
Lector: 2008 – 2010
Vestry: 2005 – 2007

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Canons & Constitution: 2023 – 2025
Communications Committee: 2012 – 2013, 2023 – 2025
Diocesan Futuring Task Force: 2011 – 2013
Campus Ministry Commission: 2009 – 2010
Youth Action Council: 2005 – 2007

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

General Convention Task Force on Leveraging Social Media for Evangelism: 2015-2018 (Chair, 2017-2018)
Bishop Search Consultant (Southwestern Virginia, Northwestern Pennsylvania)

Additional Comments

My work for one of the Episcopal Seminaries (Sewanee) takes me across the church to various diocesan conventions and conferences throughout the year. If elected, I plan to not only to represent the interests of West Missouri in the legislative business of the convention, but also to use my connections to help our diocese build relationships with other people, dioceses, and institutions for the ideas and resources we need to help our diocese in this new chapter in our history.

Ms. Amy Amason

Clergy

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Treasurer, Christ Church Foundation: 2022 – 2024
Stewardship Committee, Christ Church, Springfield: 2019 – 2020
Vestry, Grace Calvary, Clarkesville, Georgia: 2016 – 2018
Stewardship Committee, Grace Calvary, Clarkesville, Georgia: 2014 – 2015
Stewardship Committee, St. Stephens, Milledgeville, Georgia: 2005 – 2009
Finance Committee, St. Stephens, Milledgeville, Georgia: 2005 – 2008

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Stewardship Commission, Diocese of West Missouri: 2022 – present
Finance Committee, Diocese of West Missouri: 2020 – present
Stewardship Commission, Diocese of Atlanta: 2005 – 2015
Capital Campaign Committee for Chapel Rock (camp in Prescott), Diocese of Arizona: 1995 – 1998

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship) Board Member: 2005 – 2011

Additional Comments

I am excited at the prospect of serving as a delegate to the General Convention representing The Diocese of West Missouri because I care deeply about the life and future of our Church. Being a delegate is both a privilege and a responsibility: it provides the opportunity to bring the voices, concerns, and hopes of our diocese into the wider discernment of The Episcopal Church. I am drawn to this role because I value collaboration, listening, and faithful decision-making.

Ms. Cassie Brown

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Central

Which church do you attend?

Calvary Episcopal Church, Sedalia

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

I co-led Renewal Works program at Calvary in 2021. I have served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and an Acolyte since 2022. I have preached since 2022, and have been licensed as a lay preacher since 2024. I have served on Calvary Vestry. I have worked with my church’s ministries, including the winter Warming Shelter for Pettis County and the Little Free Library for Banned Books.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I have served as the Secretary to the Central Deanery since 2022. I am the former Chair of the LGBTQ+ Committee of The Diocese of West Missouri and currently serve on that Committee as a member. I have served as a delegate from Calvary to Diocesan Convention since 2022. I am active in diocesan Pride events. I graduated from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in their Lay Preaching Certificate Program in 2025.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

N/A

Additional Comments

Excited for the opportunity to find ways to serve.

Dr. Jeremy Chesman

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend

St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

I have been the organist-choirmaster at St. James for almost 15 years. In that role, I handle all music for the parish (selecting service music, playing organ, directing adult choir, developing children’s music programming). I have also helped at VBS.

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

I have served on the Standing Committee for one term from 2022 – 2024. During that time, I was the liaison from the Standing Committee to the Consecration Committee of the Bishop Search. I also regularly attended the optional joint Standing Committee/Commission on Ministry sessions as often as I could. I have assisted with music for two different visits of the Presiding Bishop to our diocese.

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

I provided music for the ordination of Bishop Jos Tharakan.

Additional Comments

N/A

Ms. Alexandra Connors

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Choir Member: present at St. Paul’s and prior at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Eucharistic Minister: present
Lector: present
Acolyte: prior
Vestry Member: present at St. Paul’s and prior terms at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Young Adult Ministry Events Coordination: present at St. Paul’s and prior at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Community Outreach Volunteer: present
Cathedral Youth Minister: prior
Congregational Instagram/Social Media Content Creator: prior
Member of Cathedral Committees and Task Forces: prior
Advisor for Cathedral building projects (Diocesan Close Renovation)

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Standing Committee Member: present
Former Secretary of Standing Committee
Diocesan Convention Delegate: present
Former Deanery Secretary
Former Diocesan Council Member
Regular Volunteer for Regional and Diocesan Youth Ministry, Youth Ministry Commission Member: present
Interim Regional Youth Ministry Coordinator: 2018

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Regular attendee of Episcopal Church training and conferences such as FORMA
West Missouri Deputy to the 80th and 81st General Conventions of the Episcopal Church
Member of the Dispatch of Business committee for the 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church
General Convention Official Youth Presence representative for Province VII: 2006
West Missouri representative to the Provincial Youth Network: 2003 – 2007

Additional Comments

Outside of involvement in The Episcopal Church, I work in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction technology for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Serving as the Chief of the Enterprise-wide Construction Management Technology Modernization Office, I have developed a wide range of leadership skills that bring a unique perspective to the work of our diocese and wider Church.

Serving the diocese and our larger Church communities across the many roles listed above has been an honor. I continue to be deeply passionate about our diocese; the people that make it up, each individual congregation, and all of its vibrant ministries. I’m invigorated by the possibility of continuing in this important work if selected as a General Convention Deputy.

Ms. Patricia Griffin

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Adult Formation at Grace, Liberty: 2025
Rector’s Assistant at Grace, Liberty: 2025
Lay Worship Leader License/Lunch & Learn at Grace, Liberty: 2024 – 2025
Clerk of Vestry at Grace, Liberty: 2023 – present
Choir Member at Grace, Liberty: 2022 – 2025
Lectionary Bible Study, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 2013 – present
Parish Administrative Assistant, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 2010 – 2022
Parish Treasurer, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 2005 – 2011
EFM-Student & Co-mentor, Church of the Resurrection, Diocese of Central New York: 1999-2003

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Shepherd to Candidate for Bishop: 2024
Member of Bishop Transition Committee: 2024
Delegate to Convention: 2024 – 2025
Deanery Council: 2023 – present
Alternate Delegate to Convention: 2023

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Additional Comments

Mr. Curtis Hamilton

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend

Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City (member 2002 – present)

Interim Youth Minister: 2021 – 2023
Acolyte Coordinator: 2005 – 2018
Eucharistic Minister
Convention Delegate
Youth Volunteer

Christ Episcopal Church, Warrensburg (member 1997 – 2002)

Acolyte
Eucharist Minister
Vestry (filled 1 year of unexpired term)
Convention Delegate

St. Peter’s, Harrisonville (member 1973 – 1997)

Acolyte
Eucharistic Minister
Convention Delegate

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Standing Committee: 2024
Member, Bishop Search Committee: 2023 – 2024
Diocesan Secretary: April 2014 – March 2024
Diocesan Council: 2011 – 2015
Youth Action Council/Youth Ministry Commission: 2005-2015, also served on predecessor as a youth 1989 – 1991
Commission on Ministry: 1999 – 2001
Diocesan Convention delegate in various years

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

4-time General Convention Deputy: 2024, 2022, 2018, 2015
Chair, House of Deputies Committee on Minutes: 2024
Member, House of Deputies Committee on Committees and Commissions: 2022

Additional Comments

N/A

Mr. Chris Morrison

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Northwest-Metro

Which church do you attend?

Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

Designed live streaming system: 2020 – present
Dean Search Committee: 2019
Youth Formation teacher
Various other committees

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Diocesan Council: 2019 – 2025
Diocesan Convention delegate
Northwest-Metro Deanery vice chair
Assist with communication, live streaming and other tasks for consecrations and other events

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Visitor for the 2024 General Convention

Additional Comments

N/A

Ms. Amanda Perschall

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

Trinity Episcopal Church, Lebanon

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

As a clergy daughter, Amanda grew up being steeped in Anglican tradition, worship, and ministry; being in church are some of her earliest and fondest memories. At Trinity, Lebanon:

Bishop’s Warden: January 2025 – present, January 2009 – January 2014
Bishop’s Committee Member: January 2022 – present, January 2007 – 2009
Eucharistic Minister: January 2013 – present
Altar Guild: August 2006 – present
Lector: August 2006 – present

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Diocesan Council member: 2020 – present, 2014 – 2018
Youth Ministry Commission Member: August 2011 – present
Convention and Deanery Delegate: 2010 – present
Vice-dean of the Southern Deanery Council

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

Chair of General Convention Deputation: 2024
General Convention Deputy: 2018, 2022, and 2024
Attended General Convention with WEMO Youth: 2012 and 2015

Additional Comments

In secular life, Amanda is a high school social studies teacher. She has held numerous leadership roles at school including social studies department chair and local NEA co-president. She is also a trustee for the Missouri State educator retirement systems, PSRS/PEERS. Amanda enjoys traveling to experience and learn more from the world.

Mr. Hayden Vaughn

Lay

Which deanery do you reside in?

Southern

Which church do you attend?

St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield

List your involvement at a Church level; what and when?

List your involvement at Deanery and Diocesan levels; what and when?

Annual Convention Alternate Delegate: Present
Deanery Alternate Delegate: Present
Music Subcommittee: 2024 – 2025
Consecration Committee: 2024 – 2025
Annual Convention Delegate: 2023 & 2025
Deanery Delegate: 2023 & 2024

List your involvement at a Provincial/General Church level; what and when?

N/A

Additional Comments

Reports

How to Submit a Report

The deadline for Committee, Commission and Ministry reports to Diocesan Convention is October 10.

Chairs of all Diocesan Commissions, Committees and Ministries are required to complete an annual written report to Diocesan Convention. Leaders are to complete the online form (below), which will assist you in answering the following questions for this year’s report:

When does your group regularly meet?
How many meetings were held this year?
What are the highlights of your ministry for 2025?
What are your plans for ministry in 2026?
Who are the members of your commission, committee or ministry (with email address, if possible)?

Careful and considered answers to these questions will continue to help guide us in being more missional minded and more consistent in thinking through how our ministries meet or fail to meet the imperatives of the Gospel.

Submit Report