Congregations in Transition Â
We have a few churches across our diocese that are preparing to begin or continue the process of a rector search. As these congregations discern and prayerfully consider the leadership and ministry needs of their communities, let us hold them in our prayers. They are:
- Christ Episcopal Church, St. Joseph
- St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City
- Trinity Episcopal Church, Independence
- Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City (Interim in place)
 Clergy Transitions 
From farewells to new calls to the priesthood, here is a list of clergy transitions taking place across our diocese through the end of August.
- The Rev. Canon Morgan Mercer Ladd, Associate Rector at St. Paul’s, Kansas City has been called as Director of Children’s & Family Ministries at St. James’ Church, New York City.
- The Rev. Dr. Christopher (Chris) Dodson was ordained to the Priesthood on August 29 and will continue to serve at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Ozark and assist in the Southern Deanery.
- The Rev. Dr. Richard Liantonio was ordained to the Priesthood on August 29 and will continue to serve on the faculty of St. Paul’s School of Theology, Leawood, Kansas.
- The Rev. Barbara (Janette) Platter was ordained to the Priesthood on August 29 and will continue to serve as Chaplain and Manager of Spiritual Wellness at Bishop Spencer Place, Kansas City.
- The Rev. Brandon Smee was ordained to the Priesthood on August 29 and has been called to serve as curate at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City.
Congratulations to our new ordinands and thank you to the Rev. Canon Morgan for your ministry and faithful service in our diocese. As our clergy begin new chapters of ministry, and our churches continue to discern and prepare for the path forward, let us offer them a prayer.
Almighty God, you know the needs of your Church in every place: Look graciously upon these churches and clergy in transition. Grant them the guidance of your Holy Spirit during this time. Give them discernment, wisdom, and patience as they continue in faithful worship and service. Strengthen them to be genuine in self-reflection, loving in communion, and daring in faith, that they may continue to walk together in your ways until you call all of us forward into the future you have prepared; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
For questions about transitions, please contact the Rev. Canon Chas Marks for more details.
