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Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
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Rural Ministries

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About one-third of the congregations in the Diocese of Missouri are located in rural communities. These churches can be found as far north as Kirksville, and as far south as Poplar Bluff. We define a "rural community" as a town with a population of 20,000 or less and surrounded by green space.

The joys, challenges, and opportunities for our rural parishes are very different from the parishes based in larger cities like Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, and the St. Louis metro area.

The Rev. Annette Joseph is the Diocesan Missioner for Rural Communities. She is tasked with making connections for our rural congregations and lifting up their ministries. She helps introduce new opportunities for our rural communities to grow in faith, regardless of the size of their congregation.

Our rural congregations include:

  • All Saints Episcopal Church, Farmington
  • Calvary Episcopal Church, Louisiana
  • Christ Episcopal Church, Rolla
  • Episcopal Church of St. John & St. James, Sullivan
  • Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Poplar Bluff
  • St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Fulton
  • St. John's Episcopal Church, Eolia
  • St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Portland
  • St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Ironton
  • St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Sikeston
  • St. Vincent's-in-the-Vineyard, Ste. Genevieve
  • Trinity Episcopal Church, DeSoto
  • Trinity Episcopal Church, Kirksville
  • Trinity Episcopal Church, St. James
  • Trinity Episcopal Church, Hannibal

Resources

We're developing a list of resources to assist our rural churches. Please click on the links to visit or download materials:

  • Small Church, Big God
    SmallChurch.org is a free, online resource designed specifically for small congregation worship. Each week, Teresa J. Stewart offers stories of innovation and inspiration. She shares practical ideas, theological insights, and worship help for settings with fewer than 95 worshipers.
  • The Urban-Rural Divide: A Guidebook to Understanding the Problem and Forging Solutions
    Anthony Flaccavento, who describes himself as a rural progressive, explores the causes of this divide and looks for a way forward.

Share this page: Rural Ministries
The Very Rev. Annette Joseph
Regional Missioner, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Sikeston and Christ Episcopal Church, Cape Girardeau, and Dean of Elizabeth Dyer Convocation, and Diocesan Missioner for Rural Ministry
573-335-2997 

    The Very Rev. Annette Joseph

    Regional Missioner, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Sikeston and Christ Episcopal Church, Cape Girardeau, and Dean of Elizabeth Dyer Convocation, and Diocesan Missioner for Rural Ministry
    573-335-2997 |
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    Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
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    St. Louis, MO 63103

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    We believe in a loving, life-giving and liberating God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe God loves you -- no exceptions!

    We invite you to be a part of our faith journey.

    The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson is the leader of our diocese. He was elected as our bishop on Nov. 23, 2019, and ordained on June 13, 2020, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis.

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    Approximately 10,000 people throughout Eastern and Central Missouri find their faith home with us. About three-quarters of our members are in the metro St. Louis area, but our diocese reaches much farther than St. Louis. You will find more than 40 Episcopal churches, missions and faith communities as far north as Kirksville, as far west as Columbia, and as far south as Poplar Bluff (and many points in between).

    If you are looking for a church home or a just a faith community to visit, we invite you to explore The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

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