... congregations regularly report the progress of their initiatives to their deaneries, via Deanery Council meetings, a
Resolution #1 2014
RESOLVED: That in observance of the Diocese’s quasquicentennial (125th) anniversary year (2014-2015) every congregation and parish of the Diocese of West Missouri is called and charged to develop and implement a new initiative to “CHANGE 125 LIVES” in a way that lives into the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, and be it further RESOLVED: That every deanery, commission, and committee engage itself to effect or participate in a quasquicentennial project appropriate to its function within the diocesan ministry, and be it further
RESOLVED: That parishes and congregations regularly report the progress of their initiatives to their deaneries, via Deanery Council meetings, and to the wider church via an online weblog created for such purpose by the diocese’s Director of Communications.
EXPLANATION: The Diocese of West Missouri is celebrating its quasquicentennial. In this time and at all times, our Baptismal Covenant calls us to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers; to persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord; to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ; to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as ourselves; and to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. The diocese, therefore, seeks on this special occasion to incarnate the Baptismal promises of the faithful while simultaneously celebrating appropriately the 125 years of mission and ministry that is the diocese’s legacy. It seeks to do so by supporting its local congregations and parishes. The Congregational Life Department is available as a resource for those congregations and commissions who wish for assistance in developing and implementing a plan. Notes: Sample projects may include, but are not limited to:
Gathering back to school supplies for underprivileged children Providing tutoring/literacy programs to the undereducated of all ages Engaging the community in fitness issues via walking/running meditations Working farms that serve as group homes Church sponsored artist colonies Monthly monastic days Partnerships with food trucks to provide meals to those of low socioeconomic status Ministries of presence to the sick - Visiting, Food baskets for waiting rooms
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Resolution #2 2014
Resolved, the 125th Annual Convention of the Diocese of West Missouri memorializes the General Convention to authorize the officiating presbyter, at the baptism of adults aged sixteen or older, to confirm that person immediately after the chrismation.
Proposers: The Rev. John Biggs, Christ, Springfield The Rev. Tim Coppinger, ECHO The Rev. Cathy Cox, St Alban’s, Bolivar The Rev. Jerry Miller, Trinity, Lebanon The Rev. Charles Uhlik, St. James’, Springfield The Very Rev. Steven Wilson, Grace, Carthage
Explanation: For those baptized as adults, the separation of confirmation from the rite of baptism serves no ‘rite of passage’ purpose. While recognizing the value of such rites of passage for those baptized in infancy or childhood, there is no compelling reason to delay confirmation of those baptized as adults until the visit of the Ordinary, which can be a year or more after that adult’s baptism. In all other branches of the Catholic Faith, whether Roman, Eastern or Lutheran (even Lutheran Churches possessing an historic episcopate), the officiating presbyter at such baptisms confirms those so baptized. The Episcopal Church already recognizes these confirmations as valid, paradoxically suggesting that priests not in communion with this Church have greater sacramental authority and power than presbyters of our own branch of the Catholic Faith.
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Resolution #3 2014
TITLE: Admission of St. Matthew's, Ozark, as an Organized Congregation of the Diocese of West Missouri RESOLVED: That the125th Convention of the Diocese of West Missouri, meeting in Springfield, Missouri, November 8, 2014, ratifies the preliminary approval of the Bishop and Standing Committee to grant St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Ozark, MO status as an organized Congregation of the diocese, and be it further, RESOLVED: That the Convention admits St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church into union with the Diocesan Convention with all rights and responsibilities thereunto appertaining. Proposed by: The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field, Bishop of West Missouri
EXPLANATION: In September of this year, the members of St. Matthew's Church, Ozark, Missouri, in accordance with Article XI and Canon XI of the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of West Missouri and the requirements thereof, made application to the Bishop and the Standing Committee requesting admission to the Diocese of West Missouri as an organized Congregation. The original members of St. Matthew's Church first gathered to worship on the evening of September 10, 2001. Since that time, they have been an active (though unorganized) worshipping congregation initially under the supervision of St. James' Church, Springfield and, more recently, St. Mark's Church, Kimberling City. The worshippers who gather as St. Matthew’s have always desired to become an organized Congregation of the diocese, but that goal was not financially feasible until now. For the past two years, however, St. Matthew's has been financially self-dependent, apart from a diocesan assessment and the portion of Fr. Tim Coppinger's compensation paid by the diocese. The Congregation is now in a position to take full worshiping, ministerial, and financial responsibility for itself, paying all its operating expenses, its portion of the Episcopal Churches of the Ozarks (EChO) budget as a full member of that Regional Ministry, as well as its calculated diocesan assessment.
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Resolution #4 2014
TITLE: Request for an Episcopal statement on the theology and meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
RESOLVED: That the Diocesan Convention ask the Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field, the Episcopal Support Team and other staff of the diocese to develop a teaching on the meaning of the sacramental rite of Confirmation consistent with the doctrine and discipline of the Episcopal Church, and be it further Resolved: That the Convention authorize the gathering of data from congregations and parishes of the Diocese about their understanding of the sacramental rite of Confirmation and the development of regional and diocesan-wide catechesis to support the theological and sacramental rite of Confirmation as outlined by the Bishop and that funds for such work be drawn from resources as designated by the Bishop and Finance Committee, and be it further, Resolved: That the Convention request this teaching on the sacramental rite of Confirmation and the resulting catechesis be provided to all clergy and congregations as soon as it is developed but no later than six weeks prior to the 2015 Diocesan Convention. Proposer: Central Deanery Council.
Explanation: The Central Deanery Council comprised of clergy and lay delegates from each parish and congregation believe that there is a lack of clarity about the Sacrament of Confirmation and the theological framework which supports this sacrament. In addition, there is a need for a document which would allow strong preparation for individuals desiring confirmation so that they become effective disciples for God’s kingdom. This request acknowledges that the Bishop as the chief pastor of the diocese is the primary individual responsible for providing the teaching necessary for a full understanding of the sacramental rite of Confirmation and that this teaching will provide a basis for decisions about theological preparation for those seeking confirmation and will also provide guidance about the age of those mature enough to be considered for this sacrament.
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Resolution #5 2014
Title: Congratulating the American League Champion Kansas City Royals on their appearance in the 2014 World Series. Whereas, baseball is essential to the fabric of American social life; Whereas, appearing in the World Series is the pinnacle of achievement in the sport of baseball; Whereas, after last appearing in 1985—29 years previous—the Kansas City Royals appeared in the 2014 World Series; and Whereas, the Kansas City Royals fought valiantly against the San Francisco Giants—a stronger opponent—not unlike David fighting Goliath—but came up short in the last innings of the seventh game. Be it resolved, that the Diocese of West Missouri, congratulate the Kansas City Royals for winning the American League Championship, for representing the resolve and ethic of the people of western Missouri in the World Series, and for making their region proud.
EXPLANATION This resolution is offered to congratulate the Kansas City Royals, a professional baseball team located within the Diocese of West Missouri.
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