Spirit September 2013

SPIRIT

Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri

September 2013 | Volume 5, No. 1

A SPECIAL EDITION UPLIFTING OUR YOUTH MINISTRIES

PUBLISHER The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field EDITOR Hugh Welsh

Spirit is published by the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri 420 West 14th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Hugh Welsh, Spirit The Very Rev. John Spicer, St. Andrew’s, Kansas City Angela Crawford, Events/Communication Assistant The Rev. Lauren Lyon, Communications Director The Rev. Dr. Steven Rottgers, Canon to the Ordinary SUBMISSIONS/LETTERS

Spirit welcomes submissions of news articles, photographs and letters to the editor on topics of interest to the diocese.

Submissions should include the writer’s name, e-mail, mailing address and phone number and are subject to editing.

PHONE (816) 471-6161 FAX (816) 471-0379 E-MAIL west.mo.communications@gmail.com WEB SITE www.episcopalwestmo.org

At Missionpalooza, Jeremiah Shipman (Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City) worked one-on-one with a disabled adolescent at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City. Read his story on page 14.

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In the general sense, Youth

The future of the Church lies

Sundays are an annual

with its youth. Yet, according

occasion featuring young

to an active member of the

people planning and leading

diocese’s youth ministry, a

a worship service. For many

church is complicating this

churches in our diocese, Youth

future when it refuses to

Sundays have an expanded

treat young people like young

definition.

adults.

By Hugh Welsh

By Connor McCarson

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7

The bishop writes about how

A seminarian recounts

much he likes “the grand

meeting the Rt. Rev. David

variety of a lavish buffet.” This

Than Lwin, bishop of the

issue is a smörgåsbord of why

Diocese of Myitkyina in the

we should have great hope for

Anglican Province of

our Church of tomorrow.

Myanmar. Lwin has a special

By the Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field

relationship with his diocese’s

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youth, many of whom are

Editor’s Letter

Bishop Talk

Youth Ministry The diocese’s youth ministry coordinator reflects on a summer that included a slew

SPIRIT

Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri

September 2013 | Volume 5, No. 1

ON THE COVER For the first time ever, this year’s Camp WEMO was held at YMCA’s Camp Wakonda near Springfield. The camp included many obstacle courses that

A SPECIAL EDITION UPLIFTING OUR YOUTH MINISTRIES

2 SPIRIT | September 2013

relied on teamwork.

Submitted photo.

of youth activities — and numerous opportunities for meditation about the truly important things in life.

By Kim Snodgrass

Calling Youth

Joyful Noise

uneducated refugees who, just a few years ago, coped by abusing drugs. They have embraced Lwin’s invitation to “sing and dance in church.”

By Mary Lynn Coulson

In July, 11 youth from Church of the Good Shepherd (Kansas City) attended a work camp in Belle, West Virginia. Projects included painting, weatherization, porch and wheelchair ramp construction and other work. Photos by Church of the Good Shepherd Youth Director Laura Williams.

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11

It was once advisable for church leaders to allow college

Prior to her call last year, the rector of St. Anne’s (Lee’s

students to chart their own course without any guidance, in the

Summit) learned of a remarkable organization while

hopes that they would return some day. Many never did. The

researching the diocese: Episcopal Community Services. This

diocese’s campus ministry coordinator writes of how church

fall, she’s sponsoring a 5K benefitting ECS, which delivers more

leaders can be a part of the journey: by offering them a

than 750,000 meals every year.

parish-based space.

By the Rev. Meg Rhodes

By Beth Marshall

12

Campus Ministry

9

The Ponder Box

KC Hunger Run

A Pilgrimage into God’s Country This past summer, a group representing the diocese’s youth

In a congregation, there are no junior or senior members.

ministry set off by bus to America’s northwestern frontier. What

Everyone is a full member — and should be valued as such.

they saw humbled them.

By the Rev. Dr. Steven Rottgers

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The Agenda

Camping for Christian Fellowship

A peek at all that is up-and-coming around the diocese:

This year’s Camp WEMO featured a new location, Camp

“In One Garden...So Shall You Reap,” St. Oswald’s-in-the-Fields’

Wakonda, and was longer than ever before. The results: a

Harvest Festival, the Presiding Bishop’s dedication of the Bishop

record turnout and tons of faith-based fun.

Kemper School for Ministry, a Communications

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Workshop, the Diocesan Gathering and Convention, the Diocesan Youth Gathering, Bishop’s Ball, Kirkin’ of the Tartans and the deadline for Millennium Development Goal grants.

A Lesson in Community The 13th-annual Missionpalooza was different than past years.

Steered by a committee of youth leaders, this year’s installment emphasized community service (work site commitments were longer and the responsibilities greater) with a variety of workshops offered each evening by the youth themselves.

By Hugh Welsh SPIRIT | September 2013

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Editor’s Letter | Hugh Welsh

Empowering youth There is no debating that youth are the future of the Episcopal Church. Some dioceses tap their

youth ministry’s potential, while others relegate them to subordinate roles, mere spokes in the wheel.

Fortunately, our diocese is among the former, treating its youth as part of the tread that propels the diocese forward.

That’s what this issue is all about.

In the pages to follow, we’ll be mostly focusing on the diocese’s youth and campus ministries. The churches play their part, too – not to coddle but to uplift, encourage and appreciate the vigorous nature of our youth.

Youth Sundays, which feature young people planning and leading a worship service, are practiced by many churches in our diocese. No templates exist on how Youth Sundays ought to look.

Anecdotal criticisms of Youth Sundays abound. By isolating one day annually for youth leadership, are churches indirectly telling young people they’re not worthy of full participation the rest of the year? And does Youth Sunday interrupt the rhythm of worship and the church year?

For the past four years, Church of the Redeemer (Kansas City) has abided by the once-a-year Youth Sunday model – theirs is the first Sunday every May. The service, however, is as much a celebration of youth accomplishments and the role played by their guardians as an opportunity for them to lead worship, serving as greeters, ushers, readers, acolytes and contributing to the sermon and music.

The event begins with a breakfast provided by the youth and their guardians, with donations going towards scholarships for Camp WEMO and Missionpalooza. High school and college graduates are recognized; one or two of them give personal testimony. Once the congregation is dismissed, guardians and adult leaders receive a packet of flower seeds with a note of thanks from the church’s youth.

“This leaves our congregation with a special message of remembrance from the youth,” says Sherri Edwards, Church of the Redeemer’s youth leader.

For a few churches, Youth Sunday isn’t an annual event – it’s a monthly or semi-monthly one. With frequency comes comfort, according to the Rev. Meg Rhodes, rector at St. Anne’s (Lee’s Summit). At St. Anne’s, Youth Sunday is held the second Sunday of each month. Youth serve in all the liturgical roles and Rhodes’ sermon tends to be intergenerational in tone.

Grace Church (Chillicothe) and St. Mary Magdalene (South Kansas City) host Youth Sundays the fifth Sunday

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After Youth Sunday at Church of the Redeemer (Kansas City), youth gave each guardian and adult leader sunflower seeds and a thank you note.

of a month, which occurs four times per year. According to the Rev. Denise Vaughn, Grace Church’s rector, youth read the lessons and assist with greeting and handing out bulletins. They also serve as ushers and oblation bearers.

Older youth count money raised from offerings.

“Besides acolyting, I try to involve the youth on other Sundays as needed,” Vaughn says. “They enjoy helping in the worship and the congregation enjoys it also.”

St. Alban’s (Bolivar) doesn’t host Youth Sundays. Instead, it assimilates its young people into the every Sunday workings of the church as they grow older and more capable. As soon as they can walk, they carry processional crosses. As soon as they can read, they speak Scripture.

When youth turn 16, they become Eucharistic ministers.

After graduating high school, they are expected to preach at least once. In between, youth are expected to participate in gardening, church maintenance and stocking the food pantry. During Sunday worship, they usher, gather the offering, bring oblations and sing special music.

“For us, children and youth are the church right now, and so we don’t single them out because of their age,” says the Rev. Cathy Cox, rector at St. Alban’s. “In worship, we are all there all the time.”

This issue will be my last as editor. Since July 2009, I’ve made many friends and learned a great deal about my own spirituality and duty as a Christian. I knew little about the Episcopal Church before accepting this job, having grown up in the Methodist tradition. There are many things I’ve learned to appreciate about the Church. Among them are its music, its prayer book and the fact that it is truly “Protestant, yet Catholic.”

Above all, I appreciate its people: the clergy and laity who have taught me charity and the meaning of the word that tethers all Christians, love.

Thank you for the past four years.+

Bishop Talk | The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field

West Missouri has the greatest, most awesome youth I’ve ever known My Friends in Christ,

Welcome to our first annual special edition dedicated to all things youthful — or at least all things about youth and young adult ministry.

Let me begin my Bishop’s Talk by saying: “I like buffetstyle restaurants.” My doctor, my wife, and my waistline council me to stay away from them. But I like the grand variety of a lavish buffet — what Scandinavian languages would call a “smörgåsbord”. That’s why I like this issue of the West Missouri Spirit; it’s a smörgåsbord, a visual and literary smörgåsbord. And it’s not just about youth and young adults; it’s about our Church, the Church of tomorrow and of TODAY. Therefore, I commend to you the articles that follow as they give you a taste here and a taste there of the many ways diocesan organizations, parishes, and congregations engage in ministry to and with youth and young adults. You’ll also be able to try a taste of the several ways our diocesan commissions are working to strengthen both diocesan and local ministries, to improve on an already excellent menu. So, the repast is spread upon the board. Dig in!

We have amazing young people in the Diocese of West Missouri! I have been involved in the youth ministry of God’s Church since I was added to the “cradle role” of my home congregation. That was back in 1956. Thus for just a month under 57 years, I have either been a child, a young person, or one who offers volunteer and professional ministry to the young. I started my first “job” in ministry as a 17-year-old college freshman. I’ve been in ordained ministry for over 30 years. I have some “street cred” from being around the block a few times in and with youth ministry. And I can tell you, with no fear of contradiction, that West Missouri has the greatest, most awesome young people I’ve ever known. They are the most involved, the most spirited, the most committed.

Our youth are not just recipients of ministry packaged and provided to them. They are part of the planning and execution of every event, every initiative: Camp WEMO, the Youth Pilgrimage, Missionpalooza, etc. They excel in every way.

I must give a lot of credit for this to parents, grandparents, etc. Families play a huge role in successful youth ministries. I must also give high praise and due credit to the many adults who minister to our youth (whether paid professionals or

volunteers), and who often do so by freely giving their time or who work for less remuneration than they might otherwise garner in a job outside the Church. Astounding our kids may be, but our adult leaders are also quite remarkable.

And I want you to know that I also include in that number the folks of our diocese who minister to college-age and young adults attending the many colleges and universities co-located with our congregations and parishes. Their dedication — please especially note with me the Campus Ministers and Interns working on campus among the students, faculties, and staffs — is excelled by none.

I must especially point out and give kudos to Kim Snodgrass (Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator) and Beth Marshall (Diocesan Campus Ministry Coordinator) for their tireless efforts to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the lives of young people and to help those young people to participate themselves in the ministry of the Gospel. Both of these wonderful ladies — whom I am privileged to have on my staff — will be blushing as they read this, but they deserve the recognition for their good, hard work, a work they do handin-hand with full synchronicity of effort so that graduates from high school flow into our college work as seamlessly as possible.

New to our diocesan smorgasbord of youth ministry is the development of regional Youth Ministry Networks; the first is even now kicking off in the Springfield area. The purpose of this initiative is to assure that all congregations, large or small or in-between, have a viable and attractive youth program for member families and for not-yet-member families. You’ll hear more about this in days to come as the first network begins its ministry and as we look to develop others. “We” means, of course, the aforementioned Kim and the diocese’s Youth Ministry Commission.

Lastly, I need to acknowledge and commend the man who has, for the last 4 years, edited and produced our diocese’s West Missouri Spirit and its companion e-version, E-Spirit. This is Hugh Welsh’s last edition. The incompatibility of his full-time, bread-winning occupation and the emerging needs of the diocesan communication effort mean that we must reluctantly say farewell to him from his role as editor. I, personally, hope that we will still hear from Hugh from time to time as he might offer freelance articles for our enjoyment. Well done, Hugh, and thanks!

As Hugh departs, I am glad to welcome Mother Lauren Lyon to the diocesan staff as diocesan Communications Director. She will take on the roles that have heretofore been Hugh’s and will also tackle, with us all, the development and implementation of a full, diocesan communications strategy.

She has already been an important actor in the re-development of our diocese’s website, our entry into the world of social media and the upgrading of West Missouri Spirit’s visual appeal. Welcome aboard, Mother Lauren.+

SPIRIT | September 2013

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YOUTH MINISTRY | Kim Snodgrass

A full, enriching and fantastic summer This summer has been everything the Youth Ministry Commission had hoped it would be...

If you were at Camp WEMO, you know that it was a time to relax, learn and play. Activity time was full of choices — from workshops with clergy, crafts, music and games to chill time and worship, there were options galore. Each day was centered in a body, heart, soul and mind theme using the Living Compass program as our guide for scripture and small group discussion. The feedback from camp has been extremely positive in part because it was a well-rounded camp experience — and we look forward to making YMCA’s Camp Wakonda our new summer “home away from home!”

And camp was just the beginning of summer! A week later, we left for Montana; the goal was to experience Glacier National Park before it’s namesake disappears! It truly is “big sky” country. Within minutes of entering the park, we were treated to the sight of a grizzly bear in his natural habitat and surrounded by the most beautiful, awe-inspiring landscape. Being on pilgrimage is an opportunity to glorify God; to acknowledge, accept and appreciate the glory of God is the beauty of His spirit — the essence of His nature. Pilgrims on this journey came to see this within man and in the earth, but recognize it is not of them. It is of God and it is constant. We saw it made manifest here and there, in this person or that forest, in a story or in our own personal lives - but it all is of God. Our pilgrimage was a journey with a hallowed purpose; every step along the way had meaning. We learned that though the journey might be difficult, life-giving challenges emerged. A pilgrimage is time to lose distractions and draw closer to God. It was possible to do all this…and have “fun” at the same time!

Pilgrimage chaperones led a day in prayer, direction and activities, including choosing a “saint of the day” and scripture specifically chosen so that the trip was literally full of opportunity to grow and learn. A 17-hour day in the car was challenging, as was a 12-mile hike to Glacier Lake – but when it is over, if you had been listening, there was something to discover about yourself, God and others. White water rafting is exciting, but it is also inspirational when viewed from a new perspective. Visiting historic sites and national treasures like the Battle of Little Bighorn, Mount Rushmore or the Badlands is educational, but equally thought provoking.

The entire experience was designed to stimulate our body, mind and soul. Each day, we opened doors of awareness to recognize the ever-present, ever-loving touch of God and, 6 SPIRIT | September 2013

Kim Snodgrass (far right) participated in a skit at Missionpalooza.

while this is a lot to absorb on a nine-day trip, the hope is that the pilgrimage experience will continue to unfold.

And, for the 13th year in a row, Missionpalooza has brought our summer to a close with an opportunity to put our faith into action – and this year was simply one of the best! We began Monday evening with Eucharist, celebrating our common life in Christ. Each morning started with an inspiring and perspiring “pump up” to get us ready to go out into the nine work sites that welcomed us throughout the week: Habitat for Humanity, Wayside Waifs, Bishop Spencer Place, Don Bosco, Kansas City Community Kitchen, Operation Breaththrough, the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City and several metro area churches! We can’t say enough good things about the work they do and appreciate the opportunity they provided.

Each evening, youth were given the choice between a variety of workshops led by adult volunteers that included something contemplative, athletic, fun and Biblical. From crafts and music to ultimate frisbee and “who is my neighbor?” discussions, workshops were a way to spend the evening with new and old friends and maybe learn a little something while running off some energy or sitting quietly and relaxing.

Saturday is always a “fun site” day, and this year was no exception! Everyone started the day serving at either St. Paul’s in Kansas City or Kansas City, Kansas and then chose between an afternoon at the movie or Schlitterbahn! Saturday evening we were empowered to go out as Christ’s hands, feet and heart through the commissioning service, and Sunday morning we were inspired to do the same by our four youth preachers: Connor McCarson, Emily Goodrich, Maddie Pursell and Daniel Spicer.

It has been a full, enriching and fantastic summer, but it couldn’t happen without all the people in this community who have served as design team members, adult chaperones, clergy guests and meal providers. Each one’s efforts and contributions are appreciated beyond words!

Through you, God made such good things happen!

Kim Snodgrass is the youth ministry coordinator for the Diocese of West Missouri. +

CALLING YOUTH | Connor McCarson

JOYFUL NOISE | Mary Lynn Coulson

Find passionate, thoughtful youth and get them involved

How do we invite others to come sing and dance with us?

In a world where youth are getting less involved by the day, it’s logical that the church is giving us less to do.

Bishop David Than lwin always wears a purple scarf that his wife knitted for him. His eyes light up when he meets new people, and his laugh is contagious.

As a generation, we’re getting our brains fried by social media and television. Our worldviews are shrinking, and we are becoming a more self-involved people. I wouldn’t give us any actual responsibilities. But maybe that’s the problem.

Someone reaching out a hand to us and giving us something to do, it changes us. We become hard-working, passionate people.

We just end up becoming passionate about the wrong things.

If a new family walked into your church today, your priest or maybe a vestry member would walk up and ask the adults to get involved in the Altar guild, ECW or any of the ministries the church is involved in. Then they would ask the children to come to the youth group and maybe do some physical labor three times a year.

Something I think we all forget is that you only have to be 16 to be an adult in the Episcopal Church. We’re adults too, but somehow can’t be trusted with the same work. I’m tired of the church treating youth like they’re special, while segregating them from the adult congregation. By keeping us in youth groups, you are taking us away from a world of wealth on how the actual church works.

The reason we have a lack of young adults in our Church is because we are not teaching our youth how to be involved in the “adult” ministries of the Church. Youth might not want these jobs, but we need them.

Take us away from our cellphones and our laptops and give us bread to share or God’s Word to read. A baptized member means baptized member. A driver’s license, the ability to vote in an election, rent a car or buy a drink shouldn’t affect our ability to do the work of the church.

Now, go out into your parishes and fix the problem before us.

Find those youth who have their heads buried in their phones who might scurry home after church, and talk to them. Treat them like you would a vestry member of your church. Strike a conversation, ask them about their lives. Ask them about their thoughts on the Gospel. If they don’t have any, teach them. Tell them what YOU thought about the Gospel. Ask them to read something next Sunday, suggest some ministries to get involved in.

We need more youth in this church, and as much as you might like it to be, it’s not the youth’s job to change that.

You’re a part of a team. Find passionate, thoughtful youth and get them involved. It’s up to you.

Connor McCarson is a member of St. Andrew’s (Kansas City).+

He’s the bishop of the Diocese of Myitkyina in the Anglican Province of Myanmar, and I met him this January when I traveled there with a group of seminarians from Virginia Theological Seminary.

During our week-long visit to Mytitkyina, a town in northern Myanmar, Bishop David took us to visit parishes. At each church we visited, the hospitality of our hosts blew me away. We were always greeted warmly with tea, an elaborate meal, gifts, or songs.

Bishop David knew everyone by name, especially the youth. At several parishes, the youth group sang worship songs in the Kachin language.

During our time in Myitkyina, we learned about a conflict that we had heard little about back in the U.S. The Kachin people, an ethnic minority in the predominately Burmese country, are in a civil war with the Burmese government, a conflict that’s lasted for decades.

Bishop David told us that it’s especially difficult for the young people of the region right now. Many of them are refugees in Myitkyina, as their villages have been destroyed by the army. A large percentage of the youth population struggles with drug addiction and has little hope of getting a solid education.

Myanmar has been inaccessible from the rest of the world for decades due to the military government that had control of the country from 1962 to 2011, and Myitkyina, which is difficult to travel to, is especially isolated. Bishop David told us the youth feel extremely secluded, and to have young people from America traveling so far just to see them is so impactful.

When we asked what he was most proud of in his ministry as a bishop, he told us about when he first arrived. Many of the youth were heavily involved in drugs and alcohol. In his broken English, he explained that they would go out to dance and party all night.

So he invited them to come participate in the Church. He told them: “Come sing and dance with me instead.”

Years later, the youth are still plagued with similar issues. But Bishop David’s ministry has had an effect on them. Many took him up on his invitation.

Young people, all people, just want the Church to show up for them, to invite them in. Meeting Bishop David made me wonder: how can I extend that invitation? How do we, as the body of Christ, invite others to come sing and dance with us?

Mary Lynn Coulson, a member of St. Andrew’s (Kansas City) and a postulate of the diocese, attends the Virginia Theological Seminary.+ SPIRIT | September 2013

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CAMPUS MINISTRY | Beth Marshall

Building a bridge for a new generation For many years, the Canterbury House located on or nearby a university or college campus was the model recognized for campus ministry. Most were staffed, and sometimes also occupied, by a college chaplain.

They served as a gathering place for Episcopal students attending that university or college.

At some point (I am told it was in the 1960s), the Church got the impression that our young adults headed for college wanted to be left alone in these years to explore and discover who they were, with the belief they would “come back” once they graduated. With this belief, many of the Canterbury houses were closed and sold. It took the church 20 plus years to realize they had made a mistake. The young adults didn’t come back as expected, and the church has suffered the consequences.

Today, we are faced with the challenge of not only rebuilding these important connecting ministries using a different model, but doing so with a generation unlike any in our history. As we rebuild, I think it is important for us to understand who our young adults are, and what they think. They are the children and grandchildren of the Baby Boomers, and have several generational labels: Echo boomers, Generation Y and Millennials. The age range is 18 to 35, of which there are nearly 80 million individuals, or approximately one third of the U.S. population. They are very tech savvy, are used to constant stimulation and have grown up with, and expect, instant communication and gratification.

These young adults are the most open, accepting and tolerant generation ever seen in history. They believe everyone should be a part of the community. When questioned about Christianity, studies and discussions with young adults reveal some disturbing common beliefs: Christians are judgmental, exclusive, hypocritical, intolerant, too political and anti-homosexual. As a result, they want nothing to do with organized religion. Because of this, there is an increasing percentage of young adults who identify themselves as Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNRs). In discussions about their “spirituality,” they talk about a desire to help others, build stronger connections and deepen relationships.

They are seeking ways to do this. They are asking to be fed.

In looking at this description of young adults today, I can’t help but see a connection between what they value, and the values we hold dear as the Episcopal Church. One of the ways we can reach out and connect, not only with our own Episcopal young adults but also with young adults in general, is through campus ministry. Open the doors – reach out – connect. That is our motto for campus ministry.

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There are very few Canterbury Houses in existence today throughout the Church, and none in the Diocese of West Missouri. Many dioceses, including our own, have begun developing parish-based campus ministries as a way to provide continued support, spiritual growth and connection to the Episcopal Church. Having an active campus ministry in parishes near our campuses creates a bridge for our youth to cross from being a youth to starting the next chapter of life. These ministries also give us the opportunity to open the doors wider and invite those who are “un-churched,” disconnected, or unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church to come and explore their faith, understanding and spirituality with us.

A parish-based campus ministry is a community within our church community that allows for a time, place and space where our college students can engage in discussions and events relative to their schedule, needs and desire for spiritual growth. The ministry program is run by the clergy and laity of the parish, with the help, guidance and support of the campus ministry coordinator. We invite and open the doors to all who seek a safe community to ask questions, learn about God and our relationship with Him, and what that means for our lives and our relationships with each other. While it is important for our young adults to have a space they can call their own, it is just as important for both communities to come together as one body.

We typically think of Sunday morning service as a time in which to do this but, for most college students, this is not a priority on Sunday morning. Do we invite them? YES! Do we expect them? No! Providing a time, place and space other than Sunday morning is vitally important to the success of campus ministry. The offering of our time, energy, gifts and talents to the ministry is just as important and provides the opportunity of shared community. Shared community goes both ways. Inviting them to be a part of your parish’s outreach and youth programs are good ways for both communities to work together as one body. It feeds their desire to help others and be valued as part of the larger community while giving us the chance to be mentors or just be present for them. I have found that our young adults have as much to teach us as we have to teach them.

The vitality and life of the Church depends on inviting, including and feeding multiple generations. Because of decisions made many years ago, we have lost some of those generations.

The college students of our diocese are begging for a place and space in which they can stay connected and continue their spiritual journey with us. Our youth are looking for that bridge of connection with us as they cross into a new chapter of their lives.

Right now, we have a unique opportunity to not only provide ministries that feed our Episcopal college students but to also invite and introduce those SBNRs to come, see and experience what it means to be a part of the Episcopal Church family and community.

Will we rise to meet this challenge? Or will we miss this unique opportunity, repeat the mistake of letting them go, and lose another generation?

Beth Marshall is the campus ministry coordinator for the Diocese of West Missouri.+

THE PONDER BOX | The Rev. Dr. Steven Rottgers

Youth and seniors working together as full members of a faith community Without exception, over the past decade — when I have conducted my doctoral process entitled, “Ripe for the Harvest” with congregations big and small — it is always stated somewhere in the top three priorities that there is a desire for “younger families with children. There is

a chronic hunger in our churches for this perceived lacking asset.

At the same time, there is a press back by the senior section of the same congregations to not be forgotten or swept to the side, given that many of them are paying the freight and keeping the doors open now! It gives way for an easy temptation for either/or thinking and not both/and thinking.

In many minds, the thought process goes as such: “They are the Church of Tomorrow (younger families with kids) and we are the Church of Today (seniors and existing members).”

Here is something worth pondering!

There are no junior or senior members of the Church!

We are all in the same boat and need each other! We tend to relegate newcomers and younger members to the side, while we, the existing and senior members, “do our thing” until we’re worn out, frazzled or resigned in frustration.

We say that we want new people to participate, yet find it hard to hand over the reins, or take the extra time to do the “relationship step” of incorporating even the courageous newcomer that will venture out and “try” to become involved.

If you say that you want new/younger people involved, show it! Be intentional about it! Don’t extend the offer falsely or out of desperation! Do it well!

In my last parish in Texas, we created a vestry position with seat, voice and vote for a high school junior or senior (age 16 or older) to be chosen by the youth members of the congregation for a one-year term. The youth member had the option of running a second consecutive term.

The vestry leadership role worked great for their resume and also provided a highly visible role for the youth to be active in parish leadership. Many times, this younger voice and lens of reason challenged the older members of the vestry to reconsider decisions before them and revisit “Did

Jesus die for this?!”

In my visits around the diocese, I have also seen older acolytes move past the invisible cap of only being a crucifer to functioning and vesting as vergers and doing a very good job as emcee for large liturgical celebrations on a weekly basis.

And, in closing, it was a joy to watch small children light up with sparkles in their eyes as they anticipated their role of processing out with the rector of St. Paul’s (Kansas City) and gather at the back of the nave.

As the Rev. Dr. Stan Runnels huddled them together in their excitement, he gave the cue at the right time for them to announce the dismissal with him: “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, alleluia, alleluia!” I quickly scanned the rearward facing mob of proud adults/parents who enthusiastically responded, “Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia!”

What a statement of collaboration! Youth and seniors working, challenging, encouraging and supporting each other as fully vested members of a faith community!

Now that is something worth pondering for future application in all of our congregations!

The Rev. Dr. Steven Rottgers is the diocese’s canon to the ordinary.+

SPIRIT | September 2013

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The Agenda | Upcoming events around the diocese

‘In One Garden...So Shall You Reap’

St. Oswald’s-in-the-Fields’ Harvest Festival

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 7 Church of the Good Shepherd 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 21 Grace Church in Carthage The diocese is sponsoring two sessions of “In One Garden...So Shall You Reap,” where participants can learn about a basic tool for navigating the inner journey known as “The Living Compass.” The event’s keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Scott Stone, an Episcopal priest, therapist and spiritual director for 30 years. He is the executive director of the Samaritan Family Wellness Foundation located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He will be joined by his wife of 34 years, Holly Hughes Stoner, who is an experienced marriage and family therapist and a former teacher. She focuses her work on adolescents, young adults, parents and families. More information, including registration, is available on the diocesan Web site.

11 a.m. Sunday, October 20 North of Mound City The Harvest Festival, a tradition since 1897, is located at Route N and Keystone Drive, 10 miles north of Mound City.

The sanctuary will be decorated with flowers and produce for the event. Bishop Martin Field will conduct the service. St. Oswald’s-in-the-Fields is on the National Register of Historic Places. For many years, the church served as a community and religious center for a group of English-born farmers who settled in Atchison County in the early 1870s.

Descendants of those families still own much of the surrounding land.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to dedicate Bishop Kemper School for Ministry Saturday, October 5 Topeka, Kansas The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, which will be centered in Topeka, Kansas, will provide theological education to lay people and those seeking ordination from the dioceses of West Missouri, Kansas, Western Kansas and Nebraska. Schori’s visit will feature a full-day schedule of events, including a worship service and a blessing of the site.

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Communications Workshop 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 26 Northwest Missouri State University’s satellite campus in Liberty The diocese will host a free communications workshop featuring Dr. Jodi Strauch, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Mass Media at Northwest Missouri State University, as the presenter. The workshop will also be streamed online.

Diocesan Gathering and Convention Friday, November 1 to Saturday, November 2 Embassy Suites near the Kansas City airport Deadline for nominations and resolutions: Friday, September 20

Nominations to Diocesan Council, General Convention or Standing Committee and resolutions to the diocese’s constitution and canons can be submitted via the following link on the diocesan Web site: www. diowmo.org/our-work/convention.html. The deadline is Friday September 20. Information about hotel reservations may also be found on the Web page above.

Diocesan Youth Gathering Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3 Location to be determined The Diocesan Youth Gathering, coinciding with the Diocesan Gathering and Convention, is an annual opportunity for youth (grades 6 to 12) throughout the diocese to convene in fellowship, fun and Christian learning. More information is available via the Youth Ministry’s Web site: www.wemoyouth.com.

Bishop’s Ball Saturday, November 2 Location to be determined The ninth Bishop’s Ball is about more than dancing the night away — it’s an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals who have inspired, educated and empowered youth. The event will be held as part of the Diocesan Youth Gathering. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit youth event scholarships. To make a reservation, please visit this link: http://wemoyouth. com/events/bishops-ball/.

Kirkin’ of the Tartans Saturday, November 2 St. John’s in Springfield The Scottish St. Andrew’s Society of Springfield will host the Kirkin’ of the Tartans, which has its origins in the 18th century. Scotland in the mid18th century saw the English parliament and monarchy ban the wearing of tartans or kilts by Highland clansmen. A latter-day legend has it that clansmen would carry small pieces of the banned tartan cloth to the Church (Kirk) and the clergymen would slip a blessing into the service. The special service is free and open to the public. All are welcome, regardless of heritage. An article written by St. John’s (Springfield) parishioner Todd Wilkinson may be read at www. scottishtartans.org/kirkin.htm.

Millennium Development Goal Grants Deadline: Saturday, November 2 A congregation can receive up to $500 in matching funds from the diocese if it develops an overseas ministry that meets MDG criteria. All grants must be approved by MDG overseer Deacon Galen Snodgrass and the Diocesan Council. Forms, which include a list of deanery representatives who can be contacted for questions, are available on the diocesan Web site. If you have any questions, please contant Snodgrass at: galensnodgrass79@gmail.com.

Please send information about upcoming events, at least three months in advance, to west.mo.communications@gmail.com.

KC HUNGER RUN | The Rev. Meg Rhodes

Hunger Run to benefit ECS Saturday, October 12 Unity Village near Lee’s Summit

MORE THAN a year ago, I found myself researching the Diocese of West Missouri, considering a move. An amazing organization came up during my search: The Episcopal Community Services.

ECS is a hunger relief agency operating in the dioceses of West Missouri and Kansas. Its flagship project, the Kansas City Community Kitchen, serves more than 12,000 meals every month through a weekday hot lunch program. Its constituent ministries include Meals on Wheels, parish-based hot lunch and breakfast programs and food pantries on both sides of the state line. The combined efforts of the Hunger Relief Network have served more than one million meals to the hungry in our communities each of the past three years.

ECS also operates Culinary Cornerstones — a training program

for commercial food service workers. Its trainees, many of whom have high barriers to job readiness such as single parent status or a prison record, prepare for jobs in hotel and restaurant kitchens. More information about Episcopal Community Services is available at www.episcopalcommunity. org.

Upon reading all this, my husband immediately turned to me and said, “We need to host a 5k for them!”

Luckily, Phil Nicotra, a member of St. Anne’s (Lee’s Summit), is a gifted athlete and offered to head up this amazing event.

Now, I find myself writing to invite you all, on behalf of Episcopal Community Services and St. Anne’s, to participate in our first-annual KC Hunger Run. Our run will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday October 12 at Unity Village.

Whether you are an advanced athlete looking for a certified course or

looking for a leisurely walk with some friends, the KC Hunger Run is for you!

There are many ways that you can participate in the phenomenal work happening via ECS: the KC Hunger Run is one of those ways. Please check out our website at www.kchungerrun. org to learn more about this exciting event. Online registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Pre-registration ends on Friday, October 11. Runners who sign up by Thursday, September 12 receive their choice of T-shirt. The top 3 finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions will be awarded custom cast medals. Kids 10 and under get a $15 discount on registration, a participation trophy and a T-shirt.

We are blessed to be a blessing in our community. Join us as we work to end hunger in our area!

The Rev. Meg Rhodes is rector of St. Anne’s in Lee’s Summit.+

SPIRIT | September 2013

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A Pilgrimage into God’s Country This past summer’s journey into America’s northwest brought forth images of the frontier, including two grizzly bears and a whitewater river. For the 20 diocesan youth and adults involved, it was also a meditation.

Andy Stebbins ST. ANDREW’S (KANSAS CITY)

“I HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL overall experience on this pilgrimage.

I feel that I have grown exponentially spiritually. I really enjoyed the scripture that we had daily, and I took a lot from the conversations and deep discussions we had. I saw much of God’s beautiful creation and know how amazing He is. I also had so much fun and have built better relationships with people on the trip.”

(Top): The Badlands National Park. (Left): Mount Rushmore. Pictured from left to right: Liz Trader, Sam Stuckey, Collin Larimore, Emilie Bridges and Joshawa Trader. (Bottom): Walker Adams leads a contingent of hikers through grizzly bear territory. Photos by Samantha Behen.

Emilie Bridges CHRIST CHURCH (SPRINGFIELD)

“I THINK THIS IS THE BEST WAY I can sum up this trip: time to grow up.

Through this trip, I’ve processed a lot of emotions and dealt with a lot of realizations. It’s my time to make change not only within myself and for myself

but changing my behavior for the people who will be here after I leave. I’ve realized that it isn’t about me, or what I want anymore – it’s about praising God in all that I do, in everything I say and in the way I fully love.”

Jenny Thurlow CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER (KANSAS CITY)

Emma Connelly ST. PAUL’S (KANSAS CITY)

“THIS PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE was awesome. Not only did I see amazing national parks, but I also learned more about myself. I saw how the little things changed people and how, as a large group, we could live as one big family. I think I saw more of God’s work on the mountains at Glacier National Park and really experienced his awesome creations. My patience was tested many times, and I think I have learned a lot from the experience. This was a great trip, and I loved it.”

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“I LOVED THE PILGRIMAGE. I HAD lots of adventures in the mountains and while white-water rafting. But it also challenged me. I was not used to so many people. It was overwhelming with all the different people. But I think that as a whole, I grew a lot. I learned to be more flexible and tolerant of certain people. I grew better at listening. I got to enjoy the many wonders of nature that I think I forgot still existed. I really appreciate the opportunity of getting to come on this trip. I want to thank all the adults who made this trip possible. Thank you.”+

Camping for Christian Fellowship This year’s Camp WEMO featured a new location, Camp Wakonda, and was longer than ever before. The result: a record turnout and tons of faith-based fun.

Hugh Welsh

The third-annual Camp WEMO, held for the first time at Camp Wakonda, a working YMCA camp near Springfield, attracted 69 youth. The event — Sunday, June 9 to Saturday, June 15 — was split between worship and fellowship.

(Top): Campers enjoyed ziplines at this year’s Camp WEMO. (Bottom): A section of Camp WEMO was designated to arts and crafts.

Worship services were held every morning and evening along with morning meditation. Activities included canoeing, swimming, music, arts and crafts, rope courses, ziplines, archery and riflery. Each evening was capped with a special event, such as a bonfire, variety show or the inaugural Camper Zombies vs. Counselors.

Bishop Martin Field made a cameo at Camp WEMO, delivering a sermon and leading the closing Eucharist.

“Bishop Marty’s sermon on Friday was very powerful, and he also made a visible impact on other people,” said camper Melissa Janney (Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City).

Adult volunteer Barbara Mountjoy (Grace Church, Carthage) said Camp WEMO represented an opportunity for her to become better acquainted with a diverse youth ministry. Their approach to worship inspires her.

“Worship with these young people is always a blessing,” Mountjoy said.

According to Janney, Camp WEMO, like so many of the events offered by the diocese’s youth ministry, bonded her with youth from churches throughout the diocese, whether big or small, urban or rural.

“Youth events always make a difference in my life. I always learn something different and take something new away,” Janney said. “This time, I learned that I need to balance things in my life better.”

Brynn Wolfe (All Saints’, Nevada) said the experience reminded her of her Christian heritage.

“It made me feel closer to God and made me feel more Christian,” Wolfe said.

For Christine Jenkin (St. Paul’s, Kansas City), the highlight of the event was the senior campout, which brought together high school seniors and college students.

“I liked getting advice from the college students and giving advice to next year’s seniors,” Jenkin said.

Natalie Kokjer (St. Andrew’s, Kansas City) said she left camp with a renewed appreciation of Christianity as well as new friends.+

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A Lesson in Community The 13th-annual Missionpalooza was different than years past. Directed by their peers, youth were more committed than ever before in affecting good deeds on Kansas City.

Hugh Welsh

Since its inception, Missionpalooza has become a hallmark in what youths from different congregations can accomplish in their communities when given a work site and a task.

“It’s about making a difference

in the lives of those who are less fortunate than you,” says Kim Snodgrass, who coordinates the diocese’s youth ministry. Since 2008, Snodgrass had been responsible for planning Missionpalooza. This year, the baton was handed to the Diocese of Kansas’ Youth Missioner Karen Schlabach and a committee of seven youth.

“We redesigned it this year because last year’s participants informed us they wanted to spend more time at the work sites and share in the leadership,” Schlabach says.

Five work site roles were devised for youth, including a break maker (who handled the cooler and lunchtime duties), a devotions leader (modeled after Daily Devotions for Individuals 14 SPIRIT | September 2013

and Families in the Book of Common Prayer), a progress reporter (who collected stories), an organizer (who took attendance and gave directions) and a work director (who compiled checklists each day). Youth volunteered at the work sites from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoyed a variety of workshops (ranging from “fun and contemplative to athletic and biblical,” Snodgrass says) during the evenings.

The workshops included music provided by youth.

“This past year, we’ve been trying to simplify everything we do in youth ministry in West Missouri,” says Emilie Bridges, a youth leader from Christ Church in Springfield. “We find we can accomplish so much more.”

SIXTY-FIVE TEENAGERS FROM the dioceses of West Missouri and Kansas participated in Missionpalooza 2013 from July 15 to 21. Youths’ days were divided among nine work sites. At Bishop Spencer Place, a retirement community offering all levels of care, youth assisted in the skilled nursing unit.

Youth prepared and served meals to the hungry and homeless at Kansas City Community Kitchen.

At Operation Breakthrough – whose mission is to help children living in poverty develop to their

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fullest potential – youth served as classroom assistants. The Don Bosco Center – offering recreational activities, meals and programs for adults 60 and older and adults with disabilities – was a site where youth could interact with seniors, emcee a game of bingo and beautify a vital place of community to so many.

Wayside Waifs, a no-kill animal shelter, was more than a petting zoo – it allowed youth to treat animals that have suffered neglect and abuse and help place the animals in responsible homes. Longstanding maintenance projects were completed at St. Paul’s in Kansas City, Kansas.

No Missionpalooza participants were dirtier, however, than those who volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. And perhaps no one was subjected to more real-world drama than the youth who selected the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City as their work site.

THIS YEAR, 12 YOUTH volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, a Christian housing organization that builds simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. Their time was mostly divided between three homes. The youth spent one day moving donations, including fixtures, furniture, appliances and construction materials, for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Prairie Village, Kansas.

“That was the day we thought we’d get done early,” says Jonathan Bickham (St. Michael’s in Independence). “We actually ran late – I’m still sore from all the heavy lifting.”

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This year’s Missionpalooza included nine work sites. (Opposite page): Bishop Spencer Place. (Top, left): Habitat for Humanity. (Bottom, left): Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City. (Center): Wayside Waifs. (Right): Kansas City Community Kitchen. Also included were the Don Bosco Center, Operation Breakthrough, St. Paul’s in Kansas City, Kansas and other churches in the metropolitan area. Submitted photos.

One of the three homes belonged to a handicapped elderly lady, whose overgrown yard was in violation of municipal code. The other two homes were under construction.

The work was toilsome: every site required the clearing of sticks, rocks, bricks and debris. Many were in need of ground leveling. And the youth were without power tools, employing rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows in 90-plus degree heat. “It was grueling wo-manual labor,” says Emma Fuller (St. Michael’s in Independence).

Fuller was the only girl among the 12. Still, she held her own, according to Tyler Dilsaver (Church of the Redeemer in Kansas City). “Emma was definitely a ‘bro’ when it was all said and done,” he says. Fuller’s initiation into the “bro-hood” came with a cost: regular encounters with earthworms, which the boys flung at her and set on her shoulders and head. “Worms are icky,” Fuller says.

For Bickham, who also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity in 2012, the site selection was a natural one. “Nothing else interests me,” he says. “I like to get dirty and feel like I’ve been working all day.”

For Dilsaver, the experience’s greatest reward was the impression it left on those who benefited from the hard work. “You feel like you’re really helping other people out,” he says.

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EMILY GOODRICH (ALL SAINTS’ in Nevada) didn’t hesitate in her work site decision. She says she has a close relationship with her cousin, who’s restricted to a wheelchair.

“I like to help people with disabilities,” says Goodrich, who volunteered at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City.

She was among only five youth who chose the institute. This was the first time it was an option for Missionpalooza. Annually, the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City helps about 2,000 individuals with developmental, physical and neurological disabilities that range from mild to severe.

“I thought it would be an interesting week,” says Jeremiah Shipman (Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City), who intends to pursue a career in medicine. “I had no idea the work would be so meaningful.”

Shipman led a Life Skills class for adolescents. They asked him of his goals for the summer. Shipman replied that he had no goals, other than to hang out with friends.

“They told me their goals were to walk again or be able to use their left hand again,” says Shipman, who worked one-on-one with a teen who had limited motor skills. Shipman accompanied her to the movies, where he assisted with money handling and assured she was safe as she ascended and descended stairs because she was a fall risk.

Shipman also assisted with clerical work and such maintenance projects as sealing cracks in a sidewalk, which were cumbersome for wheelchairs.

Goodrich participated in a camp for children with special needs that visited the zoo and interacted with adults who were stroke victims or suffered from cerebral palsy or were disabled from birth. Sometimes, the injuries were due to an error in judgment.

“It was eye opening for everyone involved,” Goodrich says. “I just hope I helped them as much as they helped me.”+ SPIRIT | September 2013

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