Celebrating Women's Ministry 2022
The Diocese of Missouri invites everyone to celebrate the many women, past and present, who play such a vital role in the ministry of our church.
Bishop Deon Johnson will lead a special worship service on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral. All are welcome to attend. Bishop Kym Lucas from the Diocese of Colorado will be our special guest preacher.
As part of this year's celebration, we've asked lay and clergy women from throughout the Diocese to reflect on their role as we walk humbly with God and our neighbor. We thank everyone who participated in this project. Click on the names below to read or watch their reflections:
Reflections on Women's Ministry
Lyn Ballard - Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood
Women in ministry today must overcome the cultural pressures that cause them to feel unworthy of attention, unworthy to tell who they are. This woman’s story resonates with me because she overcomes fear and yields to that amazing hope that Jesus can and will heal her. She reaches out to touch him; she accepts Jesus’ compassionate gaze and responds by telling her story.
The Rev. Edie Bird - Retired Priest
During the past 33 years, I lived and worked "out there," raised my children "out there," while serving a number of small congregations in the Ozark bioregion (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri). I also administered a campus ministry, taught school, and worked in restaurants to support my family.
The Rev. Deacon Betty Bowen - Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles
I think one of my gifts is to encourage people into ministry. I seek people out who are not yet involved in the life of the Church and ask them to pray about whatever it is I am going to ask them to do. I must say that 99% of the time they willingly say YES!
The Rev. Deacon Barbi Click - St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Carondelet
Women in ministry IS our church life, past and present. Men were the only clergy for many decades, even centuries, yet women took care of the parishioners, the neighborhoods, and anyone who had a need.
The Rev. Dr. Maria Evans - Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal
Just a reminder to all you young girls: you can be anything you want! You can be a doctor, you can walk the Camino, you can be a priest.
The Rev. Renee Fenner - The Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension, Northwoods
The most life-giving to me is being with the people of God. Sharing in their lives in good times and not so good, gathering for worship and joy of worshipping God together.
The Rev. Dr. Angela Ferree - Deacon at Church of the Good Shepherd and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Town & Country and Ballwin
As Bishop Deon spoke with Josh [Huber] and myself before our ordination on December 18, 2021, his emphasis was on “love my people.” This has come naturally to me, and it truly is life giving. I love the people the bishop has requested that I serve. I think that caring must radiate from me.
The Rev. Dr. Deborah Goldfeder - Deacon at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood
I questioned myself if I was up to the mission. What did I have to offer to the Moru people? Was I foolish to even think to go? Those where all the wrong questions. The question I should have asked myself was, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”
The Rev. Julie Graham - The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, University City
We’re more collaborative, more language inclusive, as an organization as a result of the full inclusion of women in leadership and power roles.
The Rev. Lindy Cornelius Hardwick - Chaplain, Phelps Health Hospital, Rolla
As a hospital chaplain, I love the moments when I suddenly connect in a very deep way with patients and family members.
