“And Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” - Matthew 4:23

Dear Siblings in Christ,

I love to tell our story! I love to tell the story of the people of the Diocese of Missouri. Our story is that of a diocese sharing the Good News, transforming lives, and engaging the neighbors we have from God in new and exciting ways. You can help us tell that story by supporting the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal.

Ours is a story of resilience, hope, and inspiration as we look toward the future. Despite a global pandemic, political upheaval, and an atmosphere of uncertainty, we are clear in our call to follow Jesus into the world and apprentice our lives to his teachings. We as a diocese have shown ourselves to be compassionate, innovative, and generous in reaching out beyond ourselves to minister to and partner with Christ in the guise of others.

As we move further forward into the realization of God’s dream for our diocese and we continue to tell the story of God’s love in countless ways, I invite you to generously support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. This year’s goal is $40,000, which will enhance three vital ministries within our Diocese:

• The Deacon Chester Hines Racial Reconciliation Fund
Seeds an endowment to broaden the work of racial healing and justice.

• Children and Youth Ministry Fund
Supports ministry with young people across the Diocese.

• Episcopal City Mission
Supports the work of healing for those in the juvenile justice system.

Financial support of these ministries will allow us to heal the wounds of racial division, transform the lives of young people, and offer hope to youth and families experiencing the trauma of juvenile incarceration.

Ours is a story of generous-spirited followers of Jesus who seek to be the hands and heart of Christ in our neighborhoods and communities. God is working on, in, and 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 proclaim in our lives the story of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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. I love to tell our story!

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson,
XI Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri

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Download a printable copy of the Bishop's letter.

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How to Give

Give Online:

The Bishop's 2023 Appeal runs through the seasons of Lent and Easter (Feb. 22 - May 27, 2023).

Visit the "Give" page of our website, click on the DONATE button and select "Bishop's Annual Appeal" from the dropdown menu.

OR -- scan this QR code:

Write a Check:

Send a check to:

Bishop's Annual Appeal
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
1210 Locust Street
St. Louis, MO 63103

Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Missouri!