Spirit October 2016

Spirit SANTA FE GROUP 40TH REUNION | THE CHURCH WE LONG FOR...

The Diocese of West Missouri OCTOBER 2016 | VOLUME 8, NO. 5

ACOLYTES AT ST. ALBAN'S, BOLIVAR

Publisher

The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field

Editor

Gary Allman

Spirit is published by: The Diocese of West Missouri 420 West 14th St. Kansas City, MO 64105

Editorial Board Members

Gary Allman, Communications Director Angela Crawford, Communications Assistant The Rev. Canon Dr. Steven Rottgers, Canon to the Ordinary

Submissions

We welcome submissions of news articles and photographs on topics of interest to the people of the diocese. It helps us immensely if you can follow the submission guidelines provided on the diocesan website. Link bellow.

 www.diowestmo.org/spirit-article-submission.html Deadline for the December Edition: November, 7 2016.

Back Copies

You can see the latest Spirit magazine and an archive of Spirit issues going back to the winter of 2011 by following the link below.

 www.diowestmo.org/spirit/spirit-magazine.html

Contact

 (816) 471-6161 ext. 17  communications@diowestmo.org  www.diowestmo.org  www.facebook.com/diowestmo

In This Issue

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Editor’s Letter The call to ministry can come at any time.

There are times when all you need are the right words and a prayer to help someone in need.

Gary Allman

4

Keeping Watch The 127th Diocesan Convention is almost

upon us; Bishop Marty salutes those who give freely of their time and invites everyone to come and join us.

The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field

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The Theology of Music Music opens a door for us to experience God on many levels and speaks to us in ways that are too deep for words.

Allin Sorenson

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What Could Mysticism Mean For You A mystic need not choose between enjoying the Bliss of God’s presence and responding to the world’s needs.

Vern Barnet

8

Santa Fe Outreach Group 40th Reunion St.

Augustine's Santa Fe Outreach Group recently held their 40th reunion. Brett Kynard reflects on the impact of their outreach ministry.

Brett Kynard

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BKSM Lay Courses Find out about the roles of

Catechist, Preacher, and Pastoral Leader and also the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry courses that prepare lay persons for service in these roles.

The Rev. Dr. William Fasel

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The Church We Long For... The Summer Church

Summit looked at where we've been, where we are going, and how to change our direction.

Cover image: Gary Allman

Mickey Simnett

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SPIRIT | October 2016

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Youth Summer Activities It's been another

ON THE COVER Acolytes at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Bolivar.

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You Can’t Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd!

St. Alban's is a small, energetic and to quote their website "not very formal congregation actively engaged in serving the community of Bolivar and the surrounding counties."

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Directory A directory of the churches of the diocese.

St. Alban's also has a companion relationship with St. Peter's, Mogoditshane, Botswana.  www.stalbansozarks.org

action-packed summer for the diocesan youth.

Kim Snodgrass

Finding new ways to look at old problems.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Steven Rottgers

Gary Allman | Editor’s Letter

The Call to Ministry CONTACT  communications@diowestmo.org Direct:  (417) 522-5151 LINKS  www.diowestmo.org Diocesan Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/diowestmo/

T

he morning session of the Summer Church Summit at Calvary Episcopal Church in Sedalia had just finished when I received a text from my wife. She informed me that our friends Roy and Jan's home office in the UK had caught fire.

She went on to tell me that apart from smoke damage, the fire had been contained in the office and their house was smoke damaged but okay.

It wasn't until much later in the day, after I'd driven home and had dinner, that I was able to check out what had happened.

As Roy is a retired fireman, the irony of the situation wasn't lost on me, and in the best of British traditions, I messaged them on Facebook informing them that they "were not to be trusted to be left alone for five minutes." Despite the six-hour difference in time-zones, Jan replied. She was staying with family to get away from the smell of smoke, and after the events of the day she couldn't sleep. Could we talk?

We chatted about the events of the day, then suddenly, without warning, she wrote, "I know you have spiritual beliefs so please have a word with the big man for me." She went on to tell me how the fire was the latest in a series of knocks that she and the family have received recently. A very close friend lost her battle with cancer, another friend's husband committed suicide, there had been some family issues, and she'd just heard that her elderly mother has been diagnosed with cancer which has spread to several organs. She wrote, "I don't think the big man is listening to me. Or alternatively I am being tested."

Oh boy, I thought. Working for the diocese and taking Education for Ministry can sometimes give my friends a skewed view on my theological prowess, abilities, and contacts. Was this going to be the "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" conversation? Jan is one of those good people. She worked for many years in the health service and has volunteered tirelessly with children. She is most definitely a good person.

What's the deal here? More relevant to you and I, what can we offer a person who is facing life's traumas and feels God is asking too much of them? Ordained or not, this is where our ministry tires hit the road. My answer was to be there. I could listen and be of service in the words I chose to share. My response was very simple, but direct - possibly too direct for those trained in dealing with a question like this. I wrote, "That's a lot to 'process' in a short time. It makes you feel the deck is stacked against you. It's not. It's just life." I went on, "We know of one certainty after we start this life - and that is that we will exit it. It is a natural process. Sad. But it leaves room for the young 'uns to grow."

I reminded her of how she had helped her friends, and how she will be there to help her mother in the days and months to

come. I suggested that she let go and let others look after her for a while. Her request for intercession was still hanging there.

I have trouble with praying. In particular prayers of intercession and petition. What right do I have to pray for Jan, or the health of her mother? At the very moment I would be doing so, or right now as you read this, someone somewhere is facing horrendous suffering, torture, rape, or teetering on the brink of death. What right do I have to ask God to give special treatment to those I know and love, or even myself? Isn't it an arrogant assumption that I know better than God who needs attention?

I do, however, believe that prayer does good. Does God listen and respond? I don't know. I do know that prayer reassures and gives comfort to both the one praying and those being prayed for. It's a part of life's web of interconnections that we weave.

Preparing the diocesan evening prayers for Facebook, I often have a specific person or group of people in mind, knowing that the prayers I pick will also touch the lives of others. So it was that Jan's request that I "have a word" prompted me to think of two of my favorite evening prayers. I find them comforting and I shared them with her.

The peace of all peace be mine this night. Let all the tumult within me cease. Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace.

Circle me Lord; keep peace within; keep evil out. Hide me in the shadow of your wings, O Lord. - The Insomnia Rosary, Tim McNaught, St. John’s Canberra

And: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake.

Amen.

Jan wrote, "It's not that I don't have faith. It's just I don't always feel as close to God in church as I do in nature." I was reminded of something Bishop Marty said earlier in the day at the Summer Church Summit. I told her that living her Christian faith was more important than worshiping. That being the hands and feet of Jesus is far better than attending church, piously worshiping, and then, duty done, turning one's back on Christian values until the next Sunday. She agreed, and we chatted on.

After we'd said goodbye I realized that I had been given the opportunity to serve my friend that evening. I also realized that by writing about it, I might help others understand that they too offer themselves in ministry everyday just by being there, listening, and sharing their faith. +

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KEEPING WATCH | The Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field

Diocesan Convention 2016 CONTACT bishopfield@diowestmo.org   (816) 471-6161 LINKS  www.diowestmo.org Diocesan Convention:  www.diowestmo.org/convention-2016

D

uring the first weekend of November; the 4th and 5th to be exact, the annual Gathering & Convention of the Diocese of West Missouri will be called to order at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri.

This is the diocese’s 127th time to gather — lay delegates and clergy leaders alike — to make decisions on the business of the diocese. Elections will put willing diocesan members (both lay and clergy) into positions of leadership in which they will: represent all of us in the councils of the higher Church, guide our corporate life as a diocese, mentor those who feel the call of God upon their lives through our ordination discernment process, and those elected will do so much more. I salute all those who are responding to the needs of the diocese and the call of God by placing themselves or agreeing to be placed in nomination for various offices throughout the diocese.

For the last four years, the themes of our annual convention have come from the promises each Episcopalian Christian makes at baptism (or are made for a child by sponsors and parents). These are: 1. Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

2. Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

3. Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

4. Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

first hand, who passed on his message, and who carried on his purposes. The creed presents the Church’s basic teaching about God. By it we acknowledge that there is one God, not many; that there is one Lord Jesus Christ who holds our ultimate allegiance; that Jesus is God in humanity as he came to live among us; that his coming was for our benefit and our salvation; that his birth, life, death, and resurrection bring us reconciliation with God and call us to be reconciled with one another; that the Holy Spirit (the Trinity’s 3rd Person) came to be our companion, our guide, and our ever-present link to God. The Baptismal Covenant concludes with the five, aforementioned Promises, and it is those promises that make particular the moral and ethical implications of believing in one God, one Son, etc. It is incumbent upon those with faith to act like we believe what we believe. It’s about walking the walk and not just talking the talk. So, we hold absolute the need to: • worship God, •

struggle against evil and to return to God when our struggles fail,

•

share what God has done through Jesus and is doing through the Holy Spirit in us,

•

see Christ in all other people and to serve them in love,

•

remember that God made all people to live in harmony with the natural and created world and with one another so we must not disdain nor disrespect anything God has made.

On Friday, November 4, the 13th annual “Gathering” – a day of learning and conversations – precedes convention’s, This year we will feature and explore the fifth and last November 5 business session. On-site registration for the promise: Gathering begins at 9:00 a.m., but attendees need to register beforehand via their church. Anyone may attend the Gathering, 5. Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and and all are encouraged to do so. respect the dignity of every human being?

The learning and sharing time of the Gathering wraps up To each of these, the faithful respond: “I will, with God's by the middle of the afternoon, and Convention Committees help.” These promises, which when coupled with the Nicene will have a block of time to work before we move toward the Creed make up our Baptismal Covenant, are the guiding stars of opening of the Convention at approximately 5:00 p.m., which our individual and corporate Christian living. When we gather, as always begins with the Holy Eucharist. The remainder of we look to the Baptismal Covenant to gauge our moral lives.

Friday evening will be a time of fellowship, food, and fun at When we gather for corporate worship or action, we look to the our banquet. The feature program at the banquet will be the Baptismal Covenant for direction and correction. The Baptismal presentation of the Bishop’s Shield to people who have served Covenant is important. our diocese in notable ways.

By saying it – by professing what it says – we stand in solidarity with the earliest Christians, those who knew Jesus Continued ▶ 4

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The Theology of Music Music opens a door for us to experience God on many levels and speaks to us in ways that are too deep for words.

Allin Sorenson

I

Photograph: Gary Allman

grew up in a United Methodist church in Quincy, Illinois that significant role in worship, both as something to be experienced is architecturally very similar to Drury University's Stone and more importantly, as something in which to participate.

Chapel, right down to the pews. I’ve always found that ironic Psalm 51 states that we should “Sing to the Lord”. This isn’t a and an affirmation that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. request, but a command to raise our voices to praise the risen Goethe described architecture as music frozen in time. I love this Christ. Singing the psalms, hymns and service music allows us analogy because the music and architecture that have been most to connect with the divine on multiple levels and to share with important to me have always been associated with the church. one another in the corporate worship of God. When we enter a sacred space we expect things to be Martin Luther talked a great deal about the theology of different. Our mind transcends the ordinary in anticipation of music and held that it was a powerful gift from God, and that something greater than ourselves, and our everyday lives. The it was next to theology and the Word of God deserving the beauty of the building, the light through stained glass, the quiet highest praise. He believed that music helped us gain a better and sense of peace understanding all help to prepare of the text and us for an encounter played a valuable that is holy and role in helping transformative. believers give a Shouldn’t our joyful expression music have the to their beliefs. same effect? To do He was dedicated so it must fit with to making music the liturgy and accessible to enhance, rather everyone, and than distract us expected them to from the reason we participate – to are there. sing!

Music has Continued on page 7 ▶ always played a The St. Gregory Choir processes at the end of the of the Sunday service at Christ Church, Springfield Saturday morning brings with it our business session where we will elect persons as mentioned earlier, consider resolutions submitted for our deliberation, and establish our fiscal Plan for Ministry for 2017. Resolutions for consideration may be found on the convention website.

Now, you might ask: What is unique about Diocesan Convention? Well many things, I think, but one in particular comes to mind in this political, election season.

Like the United States, the Episcopal Church is governed through democratic processes. Each congregation and parish of the diocese is represented by those chosen by its membership.

Each representative to Diocesan Convention – called Delegates – has the privilege of expressing one’s opinion and voting one’s conscience. No Delegate, lay or clergy, has more voting power than any other. We, in The Episcopal Church, are not governed by a hierarchy. Yes, we have bishops, who lead our dioceses, but a

bishop has only one vote at Convention, just like any clergy or lay delegate.

Last year I wrote: “It has been rightly said that The Episcopal Church is “episcopally led and conciliarly governed”. What those big words mean is that our bishops lead; our councils govern. That is the particular ethos and genius of The Episcopal Church. And, as I hope you can see, the quality of our Church’s governance relates directly to the thought, preparation, and care we put into arranging to take council with one another, to the quality of those we send to represent our congregations and parishes, and to the openness we have to the Holy Spirit of God as we are gathered. At its best a diocese’s convention is a time for conversing about and deciding on the missional paths we will follow together.”

On November 4 and 5, we will gather anew to be the Church in action. I hope to see you in Springfield! +

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What Could Mysticism Mean For You? A mystic need not choose between enjoying the Bliss of God’s presence and responding to the world’s needs.

Vern Barnet

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n my first year of graduate school, I knew everything, pretty much. I certainly knew about religious types because I had read the William James classic The Varieties of Religious Experience and found its mystical, inward focus wanting.

Religion, I thought, is not so much about unverifiable, ineffable, and transient private moments as it is about bringing justice to a corrupt and oppressive social order.

1. Mysticism and Social was caught up in a mystical rapture as never before. Then Justice the monk heard a rapping at So, I was surprised when the monastery door. The monk I was waiting in a dinner line, did not want the interruption. unaware that the person in If he left his kneeler, would he front of me was the retired lose the precious ecstatic vision James Luther Adams, whose absorbing him? But he went prophetic writing I admired to the door, gave generously to but, really, little understood. the beggar from the pantry, and Over his career Adams had returned to his kneeler. The taught theology at both the rapture continued as before, University of Chicago and but with the divine voice, “Had at Harvard. Aside from his you not fed Me, you could not ideas, his influence could have enjoyed My presence.” be measured by his vastly Dr. Adams set me straight. expanding those schools’ Later it became obvious to me library collections in the field of that figures like Gandhi and social justice.

Martin Luther King, Jr. found Somehow, in expressing their passion for social justice my delight in finally meeting in a mystical vision of God’s him, I made a condescending infinite love.

The disciplines of comment about mystics public comportment in which as I thought to reflect his they trained their followers viewpoint. were rooted in their unveri“But I am a mystic,” he fiable, ineffable, and transient said. “You cannot separate the private moments. mystical from the prophetic While I cannot write of all and the sacramental. Anyone of who are called mystics, many these three elements of religion seem not to be ascetics or alone can become demonic. permanent recluses. Teresa of A mystic does not separate Avila and John of the Cross, himself from the world to for example, were busy with heal people and better their institutional reformation. circumstances.”

Bernard of Clairvaux was As we sat down to eat, he deeply involved in ecclesiastical told me of a monk who, while others were away on an errand, and international politics. prayed in his cell. Suddenly he Hildegard of Bingen was a polymath, healer, and organizer 6

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concerned with justice.

Even the anchoress Julian of Norwich provided advice to those seeking it from her window onto the world. Francis of Assisi traveled widely.

Finding the perfection between neurotic attachment and uncaring detachment, Meister Eckhart was drawn to pastoral care and organizational repair. He influenced Nicholas of Cusa who should be better known. One of Cusa’s mystical books, De Docta Ignorantia (Of Learned Ignorance) demonstrates that the more we know, the more we know we don’t know, a truth that can lead us to God. He became a cardinal, was involved in interfaith concerns, and argued, a century before Copernicus, that the earth is not the center of the universe.

2. Types of Mystical Visions

I keep learning. The Sophia Center sisters at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison asked me to teach world religions to their spiritual direction students. During one visit some years ago I found at my bedside The Protestant Mystics (1964) with an introduction by Anglican poet W. H. Auden.

It seemed a kindly plant since I had been talking about becoming an Episcopalian.

Among the writers excerpted in this volume are Anglicans John Donne, George Herbert, Henry Vaughan, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, T. S. Eliot, and C. S. Lewis.

Auden’s witty 12,000-word essay notes that one may prepare for, but cannot compel, a mystical experience. He contrasts the two Western branches of Christian mysticism: “The language of the Catholic mystics shows an acquaintance with a whole tradition of mystical literature, that of the Protestant is derived almost entirely from the Bible.”

This marks the Catholic mystic as a “professional” writer, and the Protestant an “amateur.”

The virtue of the former is technical precision; the latter has a freshness of expression.

Auden identifies four types of mystic visions: 1. those involving nature: the ocean, mountains, trees, flowers, or such; 2. those arising from a transcendent, erotic love for another human being with sexual interest always subordinate to the awe and reverence in which the beloved is held (he cites Plato, Dante, and Shakespeare); 3. those involving not a single person, but many people, which he describes as agape, an overwhelming love for others; he cites the Pentecost outpouring as his first example, and admits that such an experience with a group of friends led him back to the Church; and Continued ▶

Photographs: Gary Allman

Photograph: Gary Allman

that are too deep for words.

The Theology of Music continued from page 5 ▶ Music is such an integral part of the liturgy that it almost Luther believed that the becomes unthinkable to best way to share the Gospel worship without it. was to sing it. This marriage The purpose of worship is of the words to music helps us gain a deeper understanding of to bring people and God closer the text on an emotional level. together, but that requires something from both parties.

For example, the beauty of Psalm 23 is made all the more Music is one way we can share in the experience of worship meaningful by a beautiful Nature - The first of Auden's four mystic inspirations and become engaged rather melody that reflects and than passively watching from illuminates the text. I believe 4. those in which God is the apprehension of a reality the pews. I believe that if we directly encountered. beyond distinctions. Buddhists we have all experienced this engage in worship, then it is at one time or another and prefer to speak of the “not Of the last, he complains easier to act upon the call to can even now recall texts that two, ” to avoid saying “one. ” that some who work tirelessly be engaged in making Christ music has enriched.

“One” contrasts with ordinary for others receive little notice, known in the world. + I listen to music all the fragmented experience, the but someone claiming a time, but the music that I mystical and the ordinary Allin Sorenson is the chair of Fine and particular fever may be unduly keep coming back to, and Performing Arts at Drury University making two categories, celebrated. He quotes John in Springfield, Missouri. He also that matters most to me, is defeating the claim that there is serves as Director of Music at Christ of the Cross: “All visions, the music of the church. Why Episcopal Church where he directs the but “one.” revelations, heavenly feelings, St. Gregory adult choir and oversees a Christian mysticism is more does it matter? It matters comprehensive music program which and whatever is greater than because it opens a door for us is dedicated to knowing Christ, and than an intellectual claim that these, are not worth the least making Christ known. to experience God on many act of humility, being the fruits “there is only God.” It is a heart levels, and speaks to us in ways experience which radically of that charity which neither surpasses our ordinary values nor seeks itself ... Many perceptions that things are souls, to whom visions have separate from God. Putting never come are incomparably that experience into words more advanced in the way of perfection than others to whom can verge on heresy since we usually distinguish between many have been given.” good and evil, between God 3. The Core of Mysticism and the world, between self and Auden fails to mention God. Anglican Evelyn Underhill But who wants to charge whose 1911 Mysticism remains a mystic with heresy when a classic, or Aldous Huxley’s sacramental and organizational 1945 The Perennial Philosophy. commitments, or, in the Since then, many studies of modern context, concerns for mysticism have appeared, but social justice, are inseparable mysticism’s confusion with Allin Sorenson conducts the St. Gregory Choir from the vision? magic, asceticism, esotericism, I’m no longer a student and with paranormal, sensory- who knows pretty much deprivation, drugs, and other everything. So I cannot say non-rational experiences is yet what mysticism is, but I admit to be clarified. what I would like mysticism I certainly am in no to mean: the overwhelming position to define what and self-validating conviction mysticism means, but I know of divine love — palpable in what I would like it to mean. I’ll awe, gratitude, and service. back into that by citing Huston In your own journey of faith, Smith who ascribes to the what could mysticism mean for monotheist the statement that you? + “there is only one God” and to Vern Barnet’s latest book is Thanks for the mystic “there is only God.” Noticing: The Interpretation of Desire.

Other traditions use He previously wrote for The Kansas Allin Sorenson - center, with the St. Gregory Choir at Christ Church, City Star. different language to express Springfield

SPIRIT | October 2016

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Santa Fe Outreach Group 40 Reunion

th

St. Augustine's Santa Fe Outreach Group recently held their 40th reunion. Brett Kynard reflects on the impact of their outreach ministry.

Brett Kynard

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n the weekend of August 13 -14th 2016, The Santa Fe Project alumni, their children, families, friends, honored guests and church members gathered at St. Augustine’s Parish House to joyfully celebrate and commemorate it’s 40th reunion.

Among the guests were: The Santa Fe Project’s former Mayor Charles B. theme was taken from Wheeler, Mayor Pro Tem Matthew 25:36-40: Alvin Brooks, and the “I was hungry and you Honorable Thomas H. Newton gave me food, I was of the Missouri Court of thirsty and you gave me Appeals, Western District, and drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, former outreach worker, John I was sick and you visKurtz. John presented Saint ited me, I was in prison Augustine’s with a bronze and you came unto me plaque to honor the Santa Fe … Inasmuch as you did Outreach Group. it to one of the least of The Santa Fe outreach these my brethren, you project was a 1970s outreach did it to me.” vision of St. Augustine’s The proposal for the Santa Church, Kansas City, led by Fe Project was submitted to Father Edward M. Warner, the Outreach Committee Deacon Theodore Williams, of the Diocesan Council on it’s vestry, and congregation.

August 15, 1975.

The project The then bishop who set was spearheaded

by Mr. things in motion was the Rt. Thomas Webster, Everett Rev. Arthur A. Vogel.

O’Neal, Anne Johnson, The project was a compreLouneer Pemberton and hensive program serving the needs of the youth and seniors supported by a host of families of the church. The funding was in the historic 15 block area approved by the diocese with of Kansas City known as the St. Augustine's contributing Santa Fe Community. This neighborhood has been recog- its share. The program began operation in 1976 and ended nized by having been listed, initially in 1982, then modified in 1978. Several hundred youth and elders of the neighin 1984 on the National borhood participated, and Register of Historic Places in keep in contact to this day.

Jackson County.

John Kurtz, at that time a young attorney, submitted 8

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LINKS St. Augustine's :  www.staugustines.diowestmo.org

an application and answered the call of St. Augustine’s to serve as its first outreach worker. This position required diverse people skills: teaching, parenting, and responding to the needs of both the youth and the elders. John possessed all of these skills and more besides. He was energetic, empathetic, had a strong passion for his work and for solving the challenges set in his path. John was most happy when he could meet, serve, love, and care for the Santa Fe youth and the community.

At the reunion on August 13 opening prayers were led

by Father Chas Marks. The weekend's events began with a 'meet and greet' session followed by a light supper.

After the meal, John began a recollection of his fondest memories of the group and their activities. The alumni gave many emotional stories of the success, joys and pains they experienced as youths growing up and moving on to adult life. They also told of John’s influence in their lives and spoke of their love towards John and St. Augustine’s Church for having facilitated such a memorable, life-sustaining gift.

The Santa Fe Project, put simply, was an extraordinary effort and achievement in

every respect from John Kurtz, the participants and the parishioners of the church.

The ministry routinely organized field trips to various city attractions. The object was to both challenge and enrich the lives and minds of the youth. Shirley Bolden, Senior Warden of the vestry, recalled that on an average weekend the activities took up to 19 vehicles to transport over 60 children to sites including Starlight Theater, Paseo, and Swope Pools, City Hall, the Plaza, the Nelson Art Gallery, Kemper Arena, the Missouri Repertory Theater, Kauffman Stadium, Worlds of Fun, and Lake Placid.

John also planned other activities involving community service work. Homes were painted, fixtures were replaced and installed, minor home repairs were completed, trash and clutter were bagged and lawns were cut for the elderly and others in need.

The children and youth were told at the very beginning that participation in the outreach program did not depend on their attending St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church.

However, several outreach program youth were baptized at St. Augustine’s and would later regularly attend Sunday school and Continued ▶

church. Non-denominational Bible study was also taught in the program and several youth went on to serve as acolytes.

Education was also a high priority. The youth had classes at the Parish House that included remedial educational courses, career guidance and counseling, dental hygiene, diabetes awareness, and there was a class to build educational motivation prior to the beginning of the school year. This successful course was called the 'School Stars Program.'

The group was successful.

Several became paralegals, secretaries, couriers, administrative assistants, healthcare givers, postal workers, and one staff assistant to United States Senator Claire McCaskill.

After church on Sunday I posed a question to John. I asked him if he thought the Santa Fe Project was a success.

With a broad smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye he said, “I leave that to you and others to decide.”

What I witnessed in this fine group of men and women, and after hearing their testimony, reaffirmed my belief based on the many stories I had heard throughout the years; the project was then and is still now an enduring success. I wish we could have more projects like it. + Brett Kynard is a cradle Episcopalian representing the 3rd generation of his family to attend Saint Augustine’s Church. He was confirmed with his father in 1964. He is a long term Vestry member serving as Junior Warden and Church Historian.

BKSM Lay Courses Find out about the roles of Catechist, Preacher, and Pastoral Leader and also the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry courses that prepare lay persons for service in these roles.

CONTACT  nerm@diowestmo.org

The Rev. Dr. William Fasel

Links BKSM:  www.bishopkemperschool.org

I

n the last issue of Spirit three new courses aimed specifically Pastoral Leader at the laity of our churches were announced. In this issue we A Pastoral Leader is a provide more information on the course content and the roles member who is licensed to within our churches that these courses prepare students to assume. provide pastoral leadership in a congregation that lacks The Bishop Kemper • Theology of Education clergy leadership. The Pastoral School for Ministry (BKSM) Ministry, Leader is particularly tasked continues to develop new • Modern with seeing to the pastoral curricula to help equip the Catechumenate, and care and needs of the congrechurch for its mission in the • Anglican Identity. gation, and administering 21st Century. the parish or mission. The Since its inception, BKSM Preacher curriculum for a Pastoral has offered study tracks for A Preacher is a lay member Leader covers a broad range of those seeking ordination who is licensed to preach both practical and theological as priests or deacons. Now sermons in the context of areas, consisting of 10 courses.

BKSM has introduced its first Christian worship. Such a Rather than list them all here, study tracks for licensed lay person would preach normally I invite you to check them out ministry. The three tracks are but not only in his/her own at BKSM’s website (see above). for Catechist, Preacher and congregation, rotating the Finally, BKSM is offering Pastoral Leader. preaching responsibility with Biblical Greek for the first Catechist clergy and other licensed time.

The course started A Catechist is a lay Preachers. They are a key in September and will member who is licensed contributor to the worship progress until June 2017 with to prepare persons for team. The curriculum for this monthly class sessions and baptism, confirmation, license is also six courses: weekly online learning.

It reception, or reaffirmation of • Homiletics for Lay is being taught by Richard baptismal vows. A Catechist Preaching, Liantonio, a member of St. is also expected to be a key Andrew’s, Kansas City and a • Overview of Holy contributor to the overall candidate for a PhD in Biblical Scriptures, ministry of formation Languages at the University in a congregation. The • Old Testament, of Manchester. The course is curriculum for this license • New Testament, open to both clergy and lay for consists of six courses: continuing education.

• Overview of Church • Overview of Holy Any questions you may History and Theology, Scriptures, have concerning these and • Overview of Church new offerings or any other • Liturgics.

History & Theology, curriculum at BKSM should be directed to the author. + • Adult Catechesis and Formation, The Rev. Dr. Bill Fasel is Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Development.

SPIRIT | October 2016

9

The Church We Long For...

The Summer Church Summit looked at where we've been, where we are going, and how to change our direction.

RESOURCES Missouri State Historic Preservation Office Annual Register of Grant Support: Directory of Funding Sources National Trust Secretary of State LINKS  www.churchgrants.org  www.grantspace.org Mickey Simnitt

C

alvary Church in Sedalia hosted the Summer Church Summit on Saturday, August 27. Present were around forty people representing some twelve congregations. It was a day of facilitated discussion, a format that those present enjoyed and valued.

Our Canon to the Fr. Tim Coppinger, Ordinary, Fr. Steve Rottgers, Regional Ministry Developer opened with prayer followed for EChO (Episcopal Churches

by Bishop Marty providing of the Ozarks) introduced a an introduction to the day’s new meaning for WEMO. theme: “The Church We Long Worship, Evaluation, Ministry For”. He outlined how the and thinking and operating church has often been affected Outside the box. He led by paradigm shifts with God a discussion on the vital creating and recreating oppor- aspects of congregational life. tunities. God has been and will Worship needs to be done always be present and active in well but needs to be relevant our midst. to the audience. Evaluate your Bishop Marty and Canon worship style as well as the Steve presented a diagramother aspects of your church’s matic representation of the activities. Ministry takes many life-cycle of a congregation. forms. Those present offered Beginning with birth where many examples of their own there is little more than pure ministries. To progress and excitement about what the survive we must be willing future holds, to infancy, where to step out in faith and think needs must be met, to adolesOutside the box about everycence when transition begins thing we do. Be creative and to happen, to prime when open. Just how far out of the things are stable, to maturity box became apparent right at when things are healthy, then the start when Fr. Tim asked to aristocracy where there is how many people had seen an air of nobility, leading to the movie “Sharknado”, and he bureaucracy where the focus pointed out its success despite in on structure and where its unlikely story line. maintaining the structure Fr. Bill Fasel, Regional becomes the mission, which Ministry Developer NERM leads to death where there is a (Northeast Episcopal loss of vitality.

Regional Ministry) provided 10 SPIRIT | October 2016

information about St. Philip’s in Trenton and their work and ministry in a declining community. Though they are small, they have a positive impact in their community and surrounding area. This prompted more ideas of ministry to be shared. The conclusion was that small but mighty is possible.

Mtr. Meg Rhodes and a team from St. Anne’s in Lee’s Summit shared their journey of shifting from a church with full-time clergy to part-time clergy, providing insight into the changes faced by Mtr. Meg and also those faced by a church that has had to

learn to manage without her full-time presence. The change was brought on by financial necessity even though the church is growing with new young families joining.

The transition was carefully and slowly implemented with a two-fold approach. They looked closely at all areas of expenditures and trimmed them to an absolute minimum while developing a strong lay ministry to assist the now part-time clergy.

Abigail Tempel, the current NERM president, and Mickey Simnitt discussed ways to raise public visibility, self-awareness and advocacy Continued ▶

Mtr. Meg Rhodes talks about the trials and blessings of the transition from full-time to

Photographs: Gary Allman

Fr. Tim Coppinger talks about WEMO - Worship, Evaluation, Ministry and thinking and operating Outside the box

for what small churches have to offer. They stressed that it is key to begin with church members. Find out who can do what. They spoke of the importance of asking and asking again; people want to be asked to help. Do not be timid. Churches need to ask for, and be welcoming of new ideas. Members must know the local area and make themselves known. Churches need to create an identity. They suggested forming partnerships with other churches, Episcopal or other denominations. Networking is essential.

In the same way that economic growth in small towns must be

part-time priest

regional and cooperative to be effective, so churches need to think regionally and cooperatively. The demise of churches lies with being out of sight and out of mind.

It is also important that we remember that 'the Church' is the people of God and not the buildings, while not forgetting that often the building is an icon for the community. If you have a church building it is important to keep it well maintained so you do not look like you are closed. A number of grant opportunities exist and information for several of them was provided (see the top of the previous page).

We need to seek opportunities to make sure that buildings are utilized.

Offer buildings for free or for reduced rent for other charitable organizations. Use banners and flyers for your events as well as using your community’s calendar of events. The value of connecting with the chamber of commerce was discussed, as were low and no-cost ways of making your church known. It was emphasized that social media and an online presence does work.

More and different generations now use social media. Don't forget to apply for diocesan

advertising grants when they are offered, and ask about having your website hosted.

And again, network, with other churches or groups and ask for their help. Ask your members to promote your events on their own social media pages.

Don’t apologize for the size or the number of people in your church. It is about who you help outside the walls of the building, not how many people attend on a Sunday.

It is important to change your attitude from being a struggling-to-survive church to one of being valuable where you are with the resources you have.

Canon Steve and Bishop Marty ended the day with suggestions on how to manage the complexities of change. They highlighted the need for vision, skills and an action plan, versus confusion, anxiety and frustration. They encouraged us to get people involved with both Leadership Boot Camp and Cursillo as a way to inspire members.

Whether you are in a small or rural town or a small congregation in a suburban setting, there are more similarities than differences. We need advocates at the diocesan level. We should not be seen by diocesan policy makers as numbers in a business model but as models for mission and ministry in rural and suburban settings. We are the Episcopal outposts in these areas. Do we want to risk losing that?

Every congregation, and the diocese should ask: where are we in that life cycle of a church or a diocese? Are we poised for re-birth or are we stuck in aristocracy, bureaucracy, or death? + Mickey Simnett is the Senior Warden at Christ Church, Lexington and has served multiple terms on both Diocesan Council and Standing Committee. Mickey has also served as president of the Standing Committee.

Mickey Simnett answering a question from the floor

SPIRIT | October 2016 11

Youth Summer Activities It's been another action-packed summer for the diocesan youth.

CONTACT wemoyouth@diowestmo.org  LINK Kim Snodgrass

 www.wemoyouth.com

CAMP WEMO

Rock Climbing

T

he heat didn’t keep 65 youth away from the 6th incarnation of Camp WEMO - our annual week-long youth summer camp held at YMCA Camp Wakonda in Ash Grove.

Camp Wakonda has undertaken some major renovations over the school year, including the creation of a new lake from

Morning gathering at the Amphitheater 12 SPIRIT | October 2016

Talent show

a natural spring and beautiful outdoor chapel located on a rocky cliff overlooking Good Creek. As a result of all the work our campers arrived to find a familiar but also improved campground.

Campers participated in daily worship, music and small group discussions, along with a host of other

activities that were offered throughout the week. Some people worked on crafts and swam while others climbed cliffs; some waded in creeks and developed archery skills while others hollered as they went flying down the zipline, but everyone had an opportunity to play games, sing songs, sit around campfires

Eucharist with Bishop Marty

and toast marshmallows, hike, bird watch, eat well, laugh, relax and rest.

Each day involved listening. We had clergy-led workshops, and we listened to each other during our family group time. We discussed spirituallyoriented topics; providing opportunities to connect with God as individuals, but also as members of a faith community. We took a closer look at scripture; adding to our understanding of how it relates to our everyday life and the richness it can bring.

As always, there were sad farewells when it was time to leave our new and old friends at the end of the week. But, we look forward to reconnecting soon at the next WEMO event.

Camp WEMO is always open to rising sixth graders, graduating high school seniors, and all youth in between. We deeply appreciate the twenty-plus diocesan adult volunteers of all ages – from veteran clergy to young adults – who helped make Camp WEMO happen!

pilgrimage - on the steps of St. John the Divine, NYC

PILGRIMAGE

MISSIONPALOOZA

Trinity, Wall Street, NYC

T

he purpose of any pilgrimage is to take time out of the normal day-to-day existence to experience something holy; to understand that God is present between the pillars of a cathedral, among the people we encounter and in the conversations we share.

This past summer’s Pilgrimage participants traveled “back east” to visit our Anglican roots in historical church buildings full of inspiring stories, like Trinity Wall Street in New York and the “Old North Church” in Boston. They also met and heard about how modern-day people are actively involved in shaping the story of the church today through mission and communication.

in the greater Kansas City area.

From packaging and sorting at Harvesters and St. Paul’s Pantry to painting at Synergy and hammering nails with Habitat for Humanity, it was all hands on deck! Working both “behind the scenes” and directly with service customers offered participants a new perspective and the opportunity to grow in our understanding of community.

MissionPalooza is about building relationships, working side-by-side on a hot day, developing an appreciation for the dedication and passion of an organization and opening our eyes to life’s challenges. Missions help us grow together in Christ, for Christ and by Christ - working in the community to feed the hungry, visit the sick, and comfort those in need.

Our many thanks go to St. Paul’s Church in Kansas City for opening their doors of hospitality to host the 16th annual MissionPalooza and to each adult volunteer – many of whom gave up a week of vacation to come and put their faith into action! +

Making lunches at St. Paul's

A pilgrimage is beyond sightseeing – it’s community up close, as participants share hours and hours along the road making new memories and considering different perspectives; it’s deeply formational in unexpected ways, where we are open to the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. God, who is continuously revealed in many ways, actively present in situations, people and places.

Many thanks to everyone who joined us along our journey and to the youth and adults who had an opportunity to be encircled by the presence of God in heart, soul, body and mind through understanding and experience.

I

mmersed in a week of fellowship and filled with helping hands, MissionPalooza is first and foremost a mission opportunity to reflect God’s love to the world.

At MissionPalooza youth and adults come together to spend their week volunteering through service organizations

Kim Snodgrass is the diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator.

MissionPalooza fun day at the zoo

SPIRIT | October 2016 13

You Can’t Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd!

Finding new ways to look at old problems.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Steven Rottgers

A

Your church may be better as a ‘Gourmet Boutique’ in its context instead of apologizing for not being the mega church down the street. There are no certificates of completion for You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd! ministry in the Church; you You can’t take a shower in parakeet cage! may still be the best one to do You can’t change film with a kid on your back! this.

You can’t go swimming in a baseball pool!

At the Summer Church You can’t drive around with a tiger in your car!

Summit where we discussed But you can be happy if you've a mind!

“The Church we long for…”

All you’ve gotta do is put your mind to it, we covered many areas of Knuckle down, buckle down, do it, do it, do it! “today’s church life” that are and perspective that show us It amazes me how we tend the very issues that Leadership how we got to where we are to focus with microscopic Boot Camp addresses. There personally or corporately as a detail on things that really is a need for churches to start congregation. There’s the issue or continue the training of don’t matter nor solve our of 20% of church members present problems. We box worship teams to support doing 80% of keeping a church their liturgy. They need to ourselves up in 'emotional open and running. Maybe cages' and forget to ask evaluate their assets so they 'different questions' to help get it’s time to not do what has can be used and shared in new us to better solutions. We dwell always been done and to try ways and for new purposes. something new and “lifeon our past when things were They need to build and train giving” to replace the treadmill ministry teams to support different, perhaps better, and that burns people out. hope to find solutions there. their membership or engage Leadership Boot Camp It's like driving while looking the greater community. And provides a common operain the rearview mirror. finally, to move to “Out-ofIn fact, the best way to cope tional vocabulary to discuss the-Building-Thinking” and the past, present and to plan comes in the last two stanzas, engage the community actively for the future. It is a means of instead of passively waiting for But you can be happy if empowering and informing the community to find them. you've a mind! Knuckle leaders so they do not get There is a need to overcome down, buckle down, do stuck in the past with “Golden the fear and anxiety attached it, do it, do it!

Calves” but can imagine, to serving a population With this year’s Summer create, and activate practices demographic that is in decline.

Church Summit and the close that are new answers to the We need to discern and of our third year of Leadership new paradigms facing the respond to the topics that keep Boot Camp in October, I’m Church today. Leadership Boot you and your neighbors up hearing some recurring Camp is intended for Laity and at night, and then respond to themes: “We’ve heard that Clergy, Young and Seniors! those problems by putting the before!” and, “We’re tired, and It builds upon spiritual and looking for the next generation scriptural truths with business answer into a ministry idea or action for all to participate in to step-up and take over!” and systemic best practices and and share. There is the need In many regards, they are theories. Change should be correct. Most forward progress embraced as a friend instead of for lay leadership to be more engaged and empowered, requires a brief reflection on treated as an adversary. Senior remembering that they are the the past. This provides history members can learn new tricks.

t the time I was learning to play the guitar in the 1960s Roger Miller was making hits and people laugh with his whimsical melodies and lyrics. One such song comes to mind now. It included a litany of statements such as:

14 SPIRIT | October 2016

CONTACT  CanonOrd@diowestmo.org primary order of ministry and full-time clergy positions are now becoming less tenable.

This is not a new idea. Check out the lay involvement in the Book of Acts. We just have to be more proactive in doing it.

In summary, there is a lot to fear or be anxious about in this day and age, not only in our individual lives but in our churches as well. The best advice and response I can offer is to first breathe, calm down, think of the issue with a new question, seeking a new answer and make yourself available to learn.

Then share and explore those ideas and answers with others by signing up for Leadership Boot Camp 2017 (watch for an announcement) as well as attending the Bishop’s Day events to be held in the North and South of the Diocese in March, 2017. Gather a team of leaders and plan to attend the next Summer Church Summit in August of 2017. For a spiritual focus on leadership, consider the next Cursillo Weekend in September of 2017. The Diocesan Staff and I are here and willing to help resource you with the best information and answers available.

We Can Do This! + Canon Steve is Canon to the Ordinary with The Diocese of West Missouri.

| DIRECTORY

The Diocese of West Missouri The Diocese of West Missouri:  (816) 471-6161 | ď„ƒ www.diowestmo.org All Saints' Episcopal Church, Nevada (417) 667-2607 www.allsaintsnevada.diowestmo.org

All Saints' Episcopal Church, West Plains (417) 256-2215 www.allsaintswestplains.com

Calvary Episcopal Church, Sedalia (660) 826-4873 www.calvarye.org

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kansas City (816) 523-1602 www.standrewkc.org

St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Lee's Summit (816) 524-5552 www.saintannesls.org

St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Kansas City www.staugustineskc.diowestmo.org (816) 921-8534

Christ Episcopal Church, Boonville

St. George Episcopal Church, Camdenton

Christ Episcopal Church, Lexington

St. James Episcopal Church, Springfield

(660) 882-6444 www.christchurchboonville.diowestmo.org (660) 259-3605 www.christchurchlexington.diowestmo.org

Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield (417) 866-5133 www.christepiscopalchurch.com

Christ Episcopal Church, St Joseph

(816) 279-6351 www.christchurchsj.diowestmo.org

Christ Episcopal Church, Warrensburg (660) 429-1133 www.christepiscopalwarrensburg.org

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City (816) 452-0745 www.episcopalcogs.org

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Kansas City (816) 741-1136 www.redeemerkc.org

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Blue Springs (816) 228-4220 www.episcopal-bluesprings.org

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Mountain Grove (417) 926-5217

Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City (816) 474-8260 www.kccathedral.org

Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage (417) 358-4631 www.gracecarthage.org

Grace Episcopal Church, Chillicothe (660) 646-4288 www.graceepiscopal-chillicothe.org

Grace Episcopal Church, Liberty (816) 781-6262 www.graceepiscopalliberty.org

Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, Branson (417) 334-3968 www.shepherdofthehillsepiscopal.com

(573) 346-4686 www.saintge.diowestmo.org (417) 881-3073 www.stjamesspringfield.net

St. John's Episcopal Church, Neosho (417) 451-3644 www.stjohnsneosho.org

St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield (417) 869-6351 www.stjohnsspringfield.diowestmo.org

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Excelsior Springs (816) 476-2932 www.esepiscopal.org

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Kimberling City (417) 739-2460 www.stmarkkimberling.diowestmo.org

St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Village of Loch Lloyd (816) 331-2222 www.marymag.com

St. Mary's Church, Fayette

stmarysfayette.diowestmo.org

St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City (816) 842-0975 www.stmaryskc.diowestmo.org

St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Savannah St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Ozark (417) 581-1350 www.stmattsozark.diowestmo.org

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Raytown

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Kansas City (816) 931-2850 www.stpaulskcmo.org

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lee's Summit (816) 524-3651 www.stpaulsls.org

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Maryville (660) 582-5832 www.saintpaulsmaryville.org

St. Peter and All Saints Episcopal Church, Kansas City (816) 942-1066 www.stpaas.org

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Harrisonville (816) 884-4025 www.stpetersharrisonville.diowestmo.org

St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Joplin (417) 623-6893 www.stphilipsjoplin.com

St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Trenton www.stphilipstrenton.diowestmo.org

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Monett (417) 235-3330 www.ststephensmo.diowestmo.org

St. Thomas a Becket Episcopal Church, Cassville (417) 846-2155 www.saintthomasabecket.org

Trinity Episcopal Church, Independence (816) 254-3644 www.trinityindependence.org

Trinity Episcopal Church, Lebanon (417) 532-3433 www.trinitylebanontcl.org/

Campus Ministry Beth Marshall (660) 728-1140 www.dcm.diowestmo.org

WEMO Youth

(816) 353-4592 www.stmatthewsraytown.org

Kim Snodgrass (417) 793-0780 www.youth.diowestmo.org

St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Independence

eSpirit Newsletter

(816) 373-5333 www.stmichaelschurch.org

St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church, Noel (417) 475-3852 www.stnicholasnoel.webgarden.es

St. Oswald's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Skidmore www.stoswaldinthefields.diowestmo.org

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Clinton (660) 885-8008 www.stpaulsepiscopal.diowestmo.org

www.diowestmo.org/espirit/espirit-newsletter. html

Spirit Magazine Online www.diowestmo.org/spirit/spirit-magazine.html

For the most up-to-date information about events in the diocese, church resources, news, church & clergy directories, and more, visit the diocesan website. www.diowestmo.org

St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Bolivar (417) 777-2233 www.stalbansozarks.org

SPIRIT | October 2016 15

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

Spirit Diocese of West Missouri 420 West 14th Street Kansas City, MO 64105

PAID

Permit #668 Kansas City, MO

Celebrating 20 Years!

816.595.5878

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www.BishopSpencerPlace.org

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4301 Madison Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64111