2026 Annual Convention
Welcome to the 137th Annual Convention Information page for The Diocese of West Missouri. This year’s Eucharist will be held on November 6 at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Business Session held at The Kansas City Convention Center on November 7. Information about registration, nominations, schedule, and more can be found below.
Announcements
What to Know for the 2026 Annual Convention
What to Know for the 2026 Annual Convention
Read MoreThe 137th Annual Convention Registration is Now Open!
The 137th Annual Convention Registration is Now Open!
Read More
The 2025 Annual Convention Recap
The 2025 Annual Convention Recap
Read MoreSchedule and Agenda
Schedule
Friday, November 6
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3:30 p.m. – Vesting in the Common Room at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral opens (Please note: Clergy are to vest in Cassock, surplice, and white stole)
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5 p.m. – Holy Eucharist at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
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6:30 p.m. – Buffet dinner in Founders’ Hall following the Holy Eucharist with guest speaker & The Bishop’s Shield awards
- 7 p.m. – Diocesan Youth Gathering Check-in opens in Haden Hall
Saturday, November 7
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7:30 a.m. – Check-in and Ministry Fair opens at Kansas City Convention Center Lobby 2200 | Daughters of the King Prayer Chapel opens in room 2210
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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
A vestment donation rack will be available on Saturday at the Kansas City Convention Center for people to take home or dropoff any gently used vestments and items that are still suitable for use. Anything stained, soiled, or in a state of disrepair are not allowed for donation and should be properly discarded.
Business Session Agenda
8:30 a.m.
Morning Prayer
9 a.m.
Call to Order
Procedural Instructions
Report of the Credentials Committee
Certification of Quorum
Appointment of Parliamentarian/Comments
Report of the Committee on Minutes
Election of Diocesan Officers
Announcements from the Secretary
Report of the Committee on the Dispatch of Business
Referral of Resolutions
Ministry Presentations
Nominations & Elections
Bishop’s Address
11:45 a.m.
Noonday Prayer
Noon
Lunch
1 p.m.
Strategic Planning Listening Session
Ministry Presentations
2027 Budget
Reports
Presentation of Resolutions
Report of the Constitution & Canons Committee
Elections and Appointments
Presentation of Honorary Canons of the Cathedral
Report of the Courtesy Resolutions Committee
2027 Convention Announcement
Closing Liturgy
Holy Eucharist & Dinner
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
415 W 13th St,
Kansas City, MO 64105
November 6, 2026
Holy Eucharist will be held at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, with live-streaming available for people to watch.
Business Session
The Kansas City Convention Center
301 W 13th St. #100
Kansas City, MO 64105
November 7, 2026
The Business Session of our Annual Convention will be held at The Kansas City Convention Center.
Kansas City Convention Center & Ministry Fair | Lobby 2200
Daughters of the King Prayer Chapel | Room 2210
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Annual Convention is now open. Please register by October 23 if you plan to attend. If you’ve registered as a delegate or alternate, you will need to bring a device with internet access in order to vote.
Please note that all delegates are expected to attend the dinner with the guest speaker on Friday evening. If you are not a delegate, please indicate in the form if you would also like to attend the dinner following the Eucharist.
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 23 by emailing the Bishop’s Assistant. After October 23, however, any delegate changes must be presented IN WRITING on November 6 using the form linked below. This form will also be available at the check-in desk, if needed.
Hotel Options
The diocese will NOT be providing blocks for hotel rooms this year. Rather, hotel accommodations will be the responsibility of each registrant. Below you will find nearby hotels that we recommend. If you have any questions about reserving a hotel room, please contact Rachael Orth, Events Coordinator, for more information.
Spark by Hilton Streetcar
Room Rate: $159-180
4309 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111
3.5 miles from the Kansas City Convention Center
816-561-9600
Breakfast Included
Free Parking
LaQuinta Inn and Suites
Room Rate: $115-149
2321 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108
1.4 miles from the Kansas City Convention Center
816-875-0711
Breakfast Included
Free Parking
Kansas City Marriott
Room Rate: $225-350
200 W 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
0.1 miles from the Kansas City Convention Center
816-421-6800
Parking Fee: $35-45
Holiday Inn Express
Room Rate: $155-181
417 E. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64106
0.5 miles from the Kansas City Convention Center
816-474-1000
Breakfast Included
Parking Fee: $30
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 deadline to submit resolutions has passed. For more information, please contact the Rev. Canon Robin James, Resolutions Chair, at rectorgrace520@gmail.com.
Resolutions Received
Please note: The Constitutions & Canons Committee will meet Monday, October 19, 2026. Some resolutions may be updated. Please check back in after October 19 for any updates.
- Resolution 2024-3 (Substitute, as amended): Composition of Diocesan Council
- Resolution 2025-1: Election of Assistant Registrar
- Resolution 2026-1: Change Resolution Submission Deadline
- Resolution 2026-2 (Substitute): Artificial Intelligence Accountability and Disclosure Policy for The Diocese of West Missouri
- Resolution 2026-3: Intention to Become a Constituent Diocese of the University of the South
- Resolution 2026-4: Broadcast of Diocesan Convention
- Resolution 2026-5: Church Pension Fund Benefits for Vocational Deacons
- Resolution 2026-6: Diocesan Council Quorum
- Resolution 2026-7: Parish-Congregation Definitions
- Resolution 2026-8: Change in Diocesan Council Composition
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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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.
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
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.
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
Which deanery do you reside in?
Northwest-Metro
Which church do you attend
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
Involvement at a Church Level:
- 2019 – 2023: Communicant at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church
- 2021 – Spring of 2023: Children’s Coordinator at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
- 2022 – Spring of 2023: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Researcher for the Cathedral
- Summer of 2023 – present: Associate Rector and Chaplain of St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School
Involvement at Deanery and/or Diocesan Levels
- 2011 – 2025: Be S.M.A.R.T Presenter
- 2022 – September of 2023: Peace and Justice Committee
- 2022 – Winter of 2023: Access For all God’s Children
- 2022 – 2024: Member of the UBE
- 2022 – present: Formation Committee
What is your vision of the ministry for Diocesan Council? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
The ways I endeavor to support the Diocesan Council are by offering clear and constructive thoughts on the use of financial resources and by serving as the Diocesan Council liaison to ministries that fall under the category of the second pillar, forming disciples.
I have been honored to support and lead several committees and Ministries at St. Paul’s Church and Day School and for the diocese. These ministries include the Chapel Leadership Team for St. Paul’s School, the Pastoral Care Network, The Finance Committee, the diocesan Spiritual Formation Committee with particular oversight of the Godly Play Lending Library, and Children and Youth Ministries at St. Paul’s church. My experience has allowed me to work with diverse groups of people to collaboratively cast a vision and execute the business entrusted to them. I desire to bring this posture of curiosity and constructive conversation to the Diocesan Council as it welcomes the ninth bishop of The Diocese of West Missouri.
Additional Comments
N/A
Which deanery do you reside in?
Northwest-Metro
Which church do you attend?
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
Parish Leadership:
- 2002 – 2005: Vicar, Church of the Good Shepherd, Springfield
- 20025 – 2011: Associate Rector, St. Andrew’s Kansas City
- 2011 – 2012: Priest-in-Charge, St. Andrew’s, Kansas City
- 2012 – present: Rector, St. Andrew’s, Kansas City
Diocesan Leadership:
- 2003 – 2012: West Missouri Spirit Editorial Board
- 2003 – 2007: Diocesan Liturgy and Spirituality Committee
- 2004 – 2007 (President 2006 – 2007): Standing Committee
- 2006 – 2007: Diocesan Council
- 2006 – 2009: Diocesan Communications Committee
- 2013 – 2014: Dean of the Metro Deanery and member of Episcopal Ministry Support Team
- 2017: Presenter at Summer Church Summit
- 2017 – 2023 (President 2022 – 2023): Standing Committee
- 2017 – present: Finance Committee
- 2018: Presenter at Bishop’s Day
- 2023: Diocesan Council
- 2023 – 2024: Bishop Search Committee
- 2025 – 2026: Diocesan Council
Provincial/General Church Involvement:
- 2013 – present: Member and participant, Episcopal Parish Network
- 2017, 2026: Participant in The Episcopal Church’s Project Resource
- 2018: Workshop leader in Columbus, Ohio (Diocese of Southern Ohio)
- 2022: General Convention Deputy
- 2026: Instructor at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
Publications:
- Author of “Beating the Boundaries: The Church God is Calling Us to Be,” Morehouse, 2016.
- Author of “Bringing Us to Our Knees: The 1906 Springfield, Missouri, Lynching,” Anglican and Episcopal History, March 2024.
What is your vision of the ministry for Diocesan Council? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
At a time when West Missouri, like most dioceses, needs to approach its life with a mindset of reinvention, Diocesan Council is the leadership body tasked with guiding and catalyzing that work. As the “convention between Conventions,” Council oversees implementation of our diocesan ministry plan for each year. But, incarnated by Council’s responsibility to develop each annual budget, Council also leads us into what’s next, asking the question, “How is God calling us to carry out God’s mission here and now?” Our history roots and supports us; our vision and pillars of mission direct us. But the world that the Church serves today has changed tremendously from even a couple of decades ago, and Council must lead the diocese in bearing God’s love to our corner of the world with clarity, intentionality, nimbleness, and hope.
Additional Comments
N/A
Which deanery do you reside in?
Northwest-Metro
Which church do you attend?
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
A lifelong member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City and The Diocese of West Missouri. She has served on Diocesan and Province VII committees and represented The Diocese of West Missouri at multiple Triennials (Episcopal Church Women’s Convention.) She is currently on the Diocesan Council, Strategic Planning Committee, Treasurer of the Diocesan Episcopal Church Women, and chair of the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission.
What is your vision of the ministry for Diocesan Council? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
The four pillars of our missional work—proclaiming the Good News, forming disciples, serving others, and striving for justice—became the framework for discerning which new and renewed ministries align with our diocesan mission. Building our ministry around these pillars continues the discernment begun by the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee and invites the whole diocese to help shape our response to God’s call.
As the Body of Christ, we seek, serve, and save the lost by proclaiming the Good News, forming disciples, serving others, and striving for justice. What I bring to the table is my knowledge of the Episcopal Church, my experience as a layperson and chair of the Diversity and Reconciliation Committee, and my continuing commitment to seeing the Church live more fully into our response to God’s call.
Additional Comments
“God’s just and peaceful beloved community built on our shared love of God and one another.”
Which deanery do you reside in?
Central
Which church do you attend?
St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Belton
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
I currently serve on the Vestry at St Mary Magdalene as secretary. I have volunteered at convention and am a lay delegate.
What is your vision of the ministry for Diocesan Council? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
I would like to see our diocese become a model of inclusive orthodoxy: professing the ancient faith in the all powerful love of Christ to the world today. My passion is for formation, specifically empowering others to hear the Holy Spirit speak through the scriptures.
Additional Comments
N/A
Standing Committee Nominees
Which deanery do you reside in?
Northwest-Metro
Which church do you attend?
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
- 2014: Ordained as a deacon and assigned to serve at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City
- 2014 – 2022: Served on Commission on Ministry
- 2014 – present: Chair the International Outreach Grant Commission
- 2015 – 2025: Assigned the role of Archdeacon in The Diocese of West Missouri until retirement.
- 2020 – present: Serve on Board of Examining Chaplains
What is your vision of the ministry for Standing Committee? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
I bring solid leadership and communication skills, a finance and organization background and a listening/pastoral heart. I have worshipped in every church in our diocese and have a good general understanding of challenges and opportunities that our various parishes face. I would bring a deacon’s prophetic voice and heart of service to the Standing Committee.
Any additional comments?
With our diocesan constitution changed to now allow deacons to be voted to Standing Committee, the Community of Deacons has determined to nominate me to run for this position.
Which deanery do you reside in?
Central
Which church do you attend?
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lee’s Summit
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
I have been a priest of the diocese for 29 years. Having grown up a member of this diocese, I was involved in youth and adult lay ministry and leadership before ordination. I have served in small community and suburban parishes throughout my life here in our diocese, as well as other dioceses in the US and England. I am a current member of the Standing Committee and have served on the Commission on Ministry (2022-2024), Dean of the Central Deanery and Diocesan Council (2023-2024), Diocesan staff (2012-2020), Liturgy and Music Commission (2022-2024)
What is your vision of the ministry for Standing Committee? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
Standing Committee ought to be made up of new perspective and experience as well as longtime experience and understanding of how our diocese functions. As a lifelong member of the diocese, and a clergy person of nearly 30 years’ experience, mostly in the diocese, I feel that I understand what our diocese is and have a sense of what should be maintained and what should evolve.
Any additional comments?
N/A
Which deanery do you reside in?
Southern
Which church do you attend?
St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
Parish Leadership Experience:
- 2021-2023: Curate, Redeemer, Kansas City
- 2021 – 2023: Vicar, St. Luke’s, Excelsior Springs
- 2023 – present: Rector, St. James, Springfield
Diocesan Leadership Experience:
- 2021 – 2023: Dean, Central Deanery; Diocesan Council
- 2022 – 2024: Special Budget Committee
- 2022 – present: Stewardship Commission
- 2023 – 2024: Bishop Search Committee
- 2024 – present: Standing Committee
Churchwide Leadership Experience:
- 2024: Deputy, 81st General Convention
What is your vision of the ministry for Standing Committee? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
The vision I hold for the Standing Committee is that of a faithful conversation partner with our bishop. As the bishop’s formal Council of Advice, we must remain familiar with one another through open and honest discussions around the ideas and struggles shaping the direction of our beloved diocese.
As a faithful conversation partner, the Standing Committee’s role is to bring a diocesan-wide perspective when the bishop seeks our advice on many sensitive matters while navigating the complexities of working with congregations, clergy, committees, and all kinds of boots-on-the-ground ministries.
Having served in all three deaneries and in various diocesan capacities, including serving on the Standing Committee at present, I bring not only the insights of those experiences but have grown familiar with engaging in the kind of conversations this body must have to fulfill its vision well in conversation with our bishop.
Any additional comments?
It is such an honor to serve our Lord through the ministries of this diocese. For all the opportunities afforded me, I am grateful.
Which deanery do you reside in?
Southern
Which church do you attend?
St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
I have been the organist-choirmaster at St. James in Springfield for more than 20 years. In that capacity, I have planned, performed, and led music for diocesan events and for two visits of the Presiding Bishop. I also led music for the ordination of Bishop Jos Tharakan in The Diocese of Idaho. Within my parish, I have led music-focused Lenten retreats and provided music for VBS. At the Diocesan Level, I served one full term as a member of the Standing Committee. I was appointed to fulfill the term of a Standing Committee member who had to resign due to health reasons and currently serve on the Standing Committee as a member and the Vice-President. During the recent bishop search, I was the Standing Committee liaison to the Consecration Committee.
What is your vision of the ministry for Standing Committee? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
While Diocesan Council handles the regular business of the diocese, the Standing Committee has a slightly different mission. We work to represent the people of the diocese in dialogue with the bishop. That includes providing an advisory body to the bishop, representing the people of the diocese to the national church with things like assent to bishop elections in other dioceses, and providing oversight for processes (such as the process for becoming a member of the clergy). I have a variety of experiences in higher education (teaching and administration) and non-profit administration. I recently finished a term as Treasurer for the American Harp Society. In that role, I served in an advisory and oversight capacity to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee regarding financial decisions. This required me to ensure that processes were being followed and that we were transparent with our membership. This is very similar to the role that the Standing Committee plays for the diocese: oversight, advice, and communication. As a college music professor, I have worked closely in advising of undergraduate and graduate students. I have found those experiences helpful in working with those discerning a call for vocation in the Church.
Additional Comments
N/A
Which deanery do you reside in?
Southern
Which church do you attend?
Trinity Episcopal Church, Lebanon
Please describe your leadership experience within The Episcopal Church (parish, diocesan, etc.)
Involvement at a Church level:
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:
- August 2006 – present: Lector
- 2006 – present: Altar Guild
- January 2007 – January 2009, January 2022 – 2025: Bishop’s Committee Member: Bishop’s Committee Member
- January 2009 – January 2014: Bishop’s Warden
- January 2013 – present: Eucharistic Minister
At Trinity, Kirksville:
- August 2003 – December 2005: Choir Member
- August 2003 – December 2005: Lector
- January 2004 – December 2005: Peer Minister for Campus Ministry
- January 2004 – December 2005: Bishop’s Committee Clerk
Involvement at a Deanery Council/Diocesan level:
- 2010 – present: Convention and Deanery Delegate
- August 2011 – present: Youth Ministry Commission Member
- 2014 – 2018, 2020 – 2025: Diocesan Council Member
- Vice-dean of the Southern Deanery Council
Involvement at a Provincial/General Church level:
- 2012, 2015: Attended General Convention with WEMO Youth
- 2018, 2022, 2024: General Convention Deputy
- 2024: Chair of General Convention Deputation
What is your vision of the ministry for Standing Committee? What talents would you offer to fulfill this vision?
I bring years of experience on our Diocesan Council to what would be a new ministry to me on Standing Committee, allowing me to bring an informed lay perspective to the “bishop’s council of advice,” as Standing Committee is often viewed. My vision for all ministry in the church is to bring people closer to God. I feel my gifts, talents, and skills could be utilized in this way now.
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 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.
Reports
How to Submit a Report
The deadline for Committees and Ministries to send reports to Diocesan Convention has passed.
Chairs of all funded Diocesan 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:
- What are the highlights of your ministry for 2026?
- What are your plans for ministry in 2027?
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.
Submitted Reports
Convention Materials
Ministry Fair
If you’d like to sign up your committee or organization for a booth during the ministry fair, please click the button below to register by October 23. The ministry fair will ONLY be held on Saturday.
Please note: Submitting this form does NOT fulfill Convention Registration. You must still register for Convention by using the registration link above. It is also against policy to sell anything at the Convention Center on Saturday. If you have any special requests or need more information, please contact Ronald Weil, Finance Administrator, for details.
