In this episode…we invite two vocational deacons (their permanent ordained calling vs. a transitional deacon who later goes on to the priesthood) to join us. They talk about the role and function of a vocational deacon, their call story, and how they each live out their calling in very different ways.
The Reverend Barbara Wegener and The Reverend Adam James join us in conversation.
About Our Guests
Deacon Barbara (she/her) was born in Cocoa Beach, FL and moved with her family to Alaska and New York before settling in Kansas City when her Father retired from the Air Force. A ‘cradle’ Episcopalian, Barbara was confirmed at the then St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (now St. Peter’s and All Saints) while living at Richards-Gebauer AFB. She graduated from Raytown High School and retired as a Human Resources Director after a career with the federal government. Barbara attended St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Raytown for over 35 years and was Ordained in 2022. Barbara serves as Deacon at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kansas City. She also serves as the Intake Officer for The Diocese of West Missouri.
Adam James is a deacon and digital evangelist at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, facilitating the parish’s livestreaming efforts, local podcast programming, and social media management. Adam spent fifteen years serving the Kansas City Fire Department as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and union business agent before a career-ending injury caused him to retire medically. Adam serves the veteran and first responder community in The Diocese of West Missouri and as the secretary of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry.
Our Hosts
The Rev. David Kendrick
The Rev. Colin Larimore
Clare Stern-Burbano
The Rev. David Kendrick — St John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, the Rev. Collin Larimore — Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage, and Clare Stern-Burbano — Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City hosts sessions that include conversations, interviews, and even an occasional sermon.
Our Podcasts
We want to introduce the Episcopal Church from multiple perspectives and with different voices, utilizing social media to find out what questions students may have about who we are and what we do. Guest speakers, including college students from around our diocese, are already being scheduled for future sessions.
We do not currently have a physical presence on college campuses in our diocese, but we think podcasting offers a great opportunity to meet young adults where they are and share our faith in a way that is personal, comfortable, and always accessible. We hope that these sessions will be a bridge to connect college students with local parishes and with other young adults.
For more information and to suggest a topic or pose a question, please visit our Suggestions and Questions webpage. Look for All Things … Episcopal wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
Deacon Alisa Carmichael currently serves as Chair of the Campus Ministry Commission in the Diocese of West Missouri. She assisted with an Episcopal campus ministry at the University of South Florida in Tampa prior to moving with her husband John to their current home in Kansas City. She is the organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lee’s Summit.
