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
The Rev. Deacon Paula Hartsfield - Grace Episcopal Church, Jefferson City
A part of my ministry which is life-giving is walking with people as they are experiencing the challenges of life on this Earth.
Darlene Hillier-Kaczkofsky - Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia
As a woman in ministry, one of the stories that most resonates with me, is the story of The Woman At The Well. Although I do not share the same social status as the woman in the story, I am reminded of the lessons we can learn from the Woman At The Well.
The Rev. Deacon Janet Schisser - Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia
After 50 years of active ministry, of which 15 were as an ordained deacon, I retired last year, so I’ve done a lot of reflection recently on how I got to where I am today. And, I can say without a doubt that the most life-giving part was successful discernment of what God wanted me to do at any given time and place.
The Rev. Deacon Beth Simpson - Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia
My grandmother died more than twenty years ago, but her spirit lives on in me. I will always be grateful that she invited me to join her in her ministry. As a deacon, I am reminded of the importance of asking others to join me in mine!
Jillian Smith - Executive Assistant to the Bishop
From the outside, it may seem like I am simply scheduling calendar events, but I have really come to see my ministry as bringing people together. It is so valuable to have a diocese feel seen and heard by their Bishop.
The Rev. Sally Weaver - Retired Priest
What I love most about ministry is the opportunity to walk alongside people as we seek to follow Jesus and his way of love.
Annette Webb: Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia
I had a rather rocky beginning in my faith journey. With my new dress and fabulous new hat this 8-year old made her way gingerly down the church aisle, turned into the pew and promptly fell over the kneeler!