In this episode… we invite two vocational deacons (their permanent ordained calling vs. a transitional deacon who later goes on to the priesthood) to join us. They talk about the role and function of a vocational deacon, their call story, and how they each live out their calling in very different ways.  

 
The Reverend Barbara Wegener and The Reverend Adam James join us in conversation.  

About the Hosts 

Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a college, youth, and children’s minister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and third-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary and a candidate for Anglican Studies at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She hopes of one day becoming an Episcopal priest. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.  

 The Rev. David Kendrick (he/him) serves as the Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Springfield, MO in the Diocese of West Missouri. He is married to Laura and they are really proud of their son, John, their daughter-in-law, Nancy, and two young grandsons. 

The Rev. Collin Larimore (he/him) serves as Associate Rector at Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, Missouri in the Diocese of West Missouri. Fr. Collin has a passion for the outdoors, travel, and food. A native of the Ozarks of southern Missouri, Fr. Collin was raised in the Episcopal Church, studied religion and conservation in undergraduate, and completed his seminary studies at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. 

About our Guests: 

Deacon Barbara (she/her) was born in Cocoa Beach, FL and moved with her family to Alaska and New York before settling in Kansas City when her Father retired from the Air Force. A 'cradle' Episcopalian, Barbara was confirmed at the then St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (now St. Peter's and All Saints) while living at Richards-Gebauer AFB. She graduated from Raytown High School and retired as a Human Resources Director after a career with the federal government.    

Barbara attended St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Raytown for over 35 years and was Ordained in 2022.  Barbara serves as Deacon at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kansas City. She also serves as the Intake Officer for the Diocese of West Missouri. 

Adam James is a deacon and digital evangelist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, facilitating the parish's livestreaming efforts, local podcast programming, and social media management. Adam spent fifteen years serving the Kansas City Fire Department as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and union business agent before a career-ending injury caused him to retire medically. Adam serves the veteran and first responder community in the Diocese of West Missouri and as the secretary of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry. 

Relevant links… 

To learn more about the College and Young Adult Retreat on February 24th click here

To learn more about The Episcopal Veterans Fellowship of West Missouri 

 A ministry for veterans, first responders, front-line first responders, and those who care, click here. 

To learn more about Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, click here. 

Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment.  

 All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri in association with Resonate Media.  

Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions 

Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise