Topeka (WIBW) - Missions at home, abroad and within its own community are the focus in the Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is celebrating its 150th anniversary this weekend with its annual convention in Topeka.

The event kicked off Friday with a keynote address from Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Jefferts Schori, elected in 2006, is the first woman to head a branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Jefferts Schori discussed some of the church's three-year goals. Poverty is one major focus, particularly in Native American communities. Jefferts Schori says the church must be better able to meet the needs of those around them.

Disaster relief is another area of focus, serving those affected by floods and other events.

Jefferts Schori says the church also has some internal goals, including communication. She says they want to develop and communicate a clear message about who the Episcopal Church is. They also want to focus on new congregations and forms of faith communities, as well as help congregations that are becoming reinvigorated.

Around the world, Jefferts Schori says the Episcopal Church continues to send missionaries. They especially want to help developing countries, such as sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty and malnutrition contribute to the deaths of as many as 3000 children a day.

Jefferts Schori was scheduled to meet with youth of the diocese Friday afternoon.

She will officiate and preach at a Eucharist Service at 10:45 am Saturday at Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave.