Bishop's 2022 Appeal: Bishop's Letter
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old ones will dream dreams, your young ones will see visions.” –Joel 2:28
Dear Siblings in Christ,
After a year of intentional discerning, dreaming, and daring I am excited about the future of the Diocese of Missouri and the compelling vision of a renewed Diocese. We are a Diocese on the move, serving a God who is always calling us towards a wider vision.
God is calling the Diocese of Missouri to chart new paths, to discover renewed ministries, to scatter fresh seeds of hope in our world. As a step towards realizing a part of this vision, and recognizing that this important work needs the generosity of many, I invite you to contribute to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. This year's goal is $30,000, which will enhance three vital ministries within our Diocese:
- The Chester Hines Racial Reconciliation Fund
Seeds an endowment to broaden the work of racial healing. - Young Adult Ministry Fund
Supports Campus Ministry & Deaconess Ann House - Bishop’s Curacy Leadership Academy
Supports newly ordained clergy and underserved congregations
Investment in these three ministries will allow us to transform the lives of young people, heal the wounds of racial division, and empower clergy to serve congregations in need of revitalization.
God is working through us and the things we do to accomplish positive change in the world. Every gift, great or small, becomes ministry and mission and helps us to continue to live the Good News of Jesus Christ.
This is an exciting time in the life of the Diocese of Missouri. We are a diocese on the move. We are engaged in renewed ministries, discovering new possibilities, and venturing along new pathways. We are transforming lives and being transformed by the love of God at the same time. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is an invitation for us to share the Good News of Jesus through our giving and proclaiming the abundance of our God!
Thank you for your generosity and for the many ways you live and share the Good News of God. You are a vital part of God’s vision for the world and I am grateful to be a companion as we walk towards God’s abundant future.
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson,
XI Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri