The Harvest, Spring 2015

Spring 2015 | The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas

5 | Bishop names new Canon to the Ordinary 6 | Online classes added to BKSM curriculum 8 | Wichita priest weaves items to God’s glory 14 | Miqra brings dioceses to learn more

FROM THE BISHOP | THE RIGHT REVEREND DEAN E. WOLFE

A time of new beginnings

DEAR FRIENDS, Welcome to The Harvest, the newly redesigned magazine that shares stories about the people of God in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, along with stories from the wider church.

We think this easier-to-read format, combined with the ability to showcase photos in color, will make this publication more useful to you.

Our editor, Melodie Woerman, welcomes your feedback, as we strive to be the best communicators we can be.

But this magazine isn’t the only new thing in our diocese.

On page 5 you will read I have called the Reverend Torey Lightcap to be our new Canon to the Ordinary. It has taken some time to find just the right fit for this position, and I’m excited for people to meet this talented, energetic priest and to see the many gifts he brings to our diocese.

You’ll also learn about some exciting new initiatives of the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. Steps are currently underway to introduce online learning this fall, and the curriculum is being retooled to better equip those training to serve as deacons.

In the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church (TREC) report, the Bishop Kemper School is the only institution in the entire Episcopal Church mentioned by name.

These are exciting times for this new school, which is so important in preparing Christian leaders for our diocese and, indeed, for our entire region.

I recently returned from the Spring Retreat of the House of Bishops, held at the Kanuga Camp and Conference Center in North Carolina. Besides the obvious enjoyment of spending time with my fellow bishops, we also engaged in an important and difficult discussion about race — in our church, in our culture and in our own lives.

Dain and Constance Perry, former parishioners of mine from Trinity Church in the City of Boston, presented a movie entitled “Traces

of the Trade” that documents Dain’s family’s extensive involvement in the slave trade in New England.

The movie is a painful reminder that the institution of slavery was supported in the North as well as in the South, and there were many institutions, including the Episcopal Church, that benefited economically from slavery.

We also discussed issues that I anticipate will come before this summer’s General Convention regarding same-sex marriage and the restructuring of The Episcopal Church.

When discussing such potentially polarizing issues, I believe it’s always helpful to remember that in Christ, we have so much more that binds us together than divides us.

I remain convinced that The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is a leader in many ways across The Episcopal Church. I’ve said before that for a diocese of our size, we consistently “box above our weight class.”

I am so proud of the work so many Kansas Episcopalians do to make the load a little lighter.

The outstanding ministries of parishes of every size, in every corner of our diocese, are evidence of our deep commitment to excellence.

May God continue to guard and guide us, and bless every member of our beloved diocese.

Grace and Peace,

In This Issue

2 4 5 6 8 12 18 16

Around the diocese St. Timothy’s, Iola, again fed lots of hungry community college basketball players, and churches hosted many Lenten and springtime activities.

Worship via eService A digital, downloadable version of the Sunday bulletin at St. Luke’s, Shawnee, not only is more cost-effective, but members like it, too.

New Canon to the Ordinary is announced The Rev. Torey Lightcap has been called as the diocese’s Canon to the Ordinary. He begins his ministry on May 1.

Bishop Kemper School for Ministry New online classes, and a revamping of the curriculum for people preparing to serve as deacons, highlight the coming academic year.

SPRING 2015 | VOL. 101 | NO. 3 A publication of The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas 835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688 (785) 235-9255 (800) 473-3563 www.episcopal-ks.org The Anglican Communion is a global community of 70 million Anglicans in 38 member churches/provinces in more than 160 countries.

The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury The Episcopal Church is a community of 2 million members in 109 dioceses in 16 countries in the Americas and abroad.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is a community of more than 10,000 members in 45 congregations, three diocesan institutions and one school in eastern Kansas.

The Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe, Bishop

For 30 years the Rev. Sam Criss has used weaving as a means to relax. But he also has created liturgical items that glorify God.

The Harvest is published four times a year by the Office of Communications of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.

Member, Episcopal Communicators and Episcopal News Service

Opposing the death penalty

Publisher The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe, Bishop

Weaving a legacy

Bishop Dean Wolfe and other faith leaders across Kansas called for abolition of the death penalty in a news conference in Topeka Feb. 10.

Miqra attracts interested dioceses The diocese’s Bible-reading weekend for youth has caught the eye of other dioceses. Two of them sent people to this year’s event to learn more.

Episcopal and Anglican news An Episcopal church in Selma, Ala., works for racial unity, and the Church of England installs its first woman bishop.

ON THE COVER: Alex Baldwin, a member of Trinity, Lawrence, and a ninth grader at the diocese’s Bishop Seabury Academy, takes his turn reading aloud a portion of the Bible during the Miqra youth weekend in January. | Photo by Melodie Woerman

Editor Melodie Woerman For submissions, please contact the editor: mwoerman@episcopal-ks.org Need to change your mailing address?

Harvest Address Changes 835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688 receptionist@episcopal-ks.org Upcoming deadlines: Summer 2015 issue: May 1 Fall 2015 issue: Aug. 1 Postmaster: Send address changes to Episcopal Diocese of Kansas 835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 1

AROUND THE DIOCESE

News and notes from congregations St. John’s, Abilene offered a 20-minute service of Stations of the Cross every Friday at 5:30 p.m. during Lent.

Trinity, Atchison has a new roof over the sacristy and kitchen, as well as a freshly painted hallway between the parish hall and church, all overseen by Junior Warden Fred Gage.

St. Mark’s, Blue Rapids provided the service on Palm Sunday afternoon at the Blue Valley Senior Living facility.

St. Paul’s, Clay Center adjusted the time of its Ash Wednesday service to accommodate the many parish volunteers at the monthly Mobile Food Pantry distribution.

St. Paul’s, Coffeyville thrift shops was able to help two families who suffered fires at their homes.

The shop provided them with clothing and household items.

St. Andrew’s, Derby offered a Lenten retreat on March 7 at the local community of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, a vowed religious community of Roman Catholic women. Sister Mary Kevin served as leader, along with rector the Rev. Tom Wilson.

St. Martin’s, Edwardsville offers Evening Prayer every Wednesday, along with a meal and an activity such as Bible study or contemplative prayer.

Trinity, El Dorado offered a five-week program during Lent on death and grief, along with planning one’s funeral.

2 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

PHOTO BY MARSHA BURRIS

Members of the men’s basketball team at Allen Community College dig in for a meal of turkey and dressing cooked by parishioners of St. Timothy’s, Iola.

The church provided lunch and dinner to 50 members of the men’s and women’s teams for almost three weeks in January. The athletes were on campus for practice and games before food service was open in the dorms.

This is the second year the church has fed the basketball teams. With the extra space offered in the newly constructed Chubb Hall, the lanky athletes could really stretch out and enjoy the food and hospitality.

St. Andrew’s, Emporia is rebuilding a parish choir, with rehearsals planned to start in early March.

Planners look forward to welcoming additional singers.

Epiphany, Independence hosted a fun night on March 17 with a St. Patrick theme, including a baked potato bar and encouragement for all to wear green.

St. Mary’s, Galena opened its historic building, built in 1880, for a local holiday tour. More than 100 visitors stopped in to see the building, hear the antique tracker organ and enjoy refreshments.

St. Margaret’s, Lawrence has an all-girl Venture Crew sponsored by the parish. Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America open to girls and boys age 14-20.

Trinity, Lawrence served more than 1,000 people at its Interfaith Food Pantry in January. Food distributed to each of the 377 households will provide about 12 meals. Members support the pantry through donations of food and money.

St. Paul’s, Leavenworth asked members to help with supplies that the parish’s medical mission would take to Haiti. Medications were transferred from large bottles to smaller containers.

St. Paul’s, Manhattan Encore Shop has distributed its profits in the form of cash grants to four entities, two in the community and two in the parish.

St. Paul’s, Marysville raised $677 toward construction of a ramp and accessible restroom in the cabin next to the church, thanks to a pancake feed on Valentine’s Day. St. Michael and All Angels, Mission offered a free youth “winter workshop” arts camp for children age 6 and up on a Saturday morning in February. Activities and snacks were included.

Ascension, Neodesha continues to provide help to seven students at a local elementary school through its after-school tutoring program, Heller Homework Helpers. Reports are the students are finding more success in school, thanks to the tutors.

St. Matthew’s, Newton continued its ongoing commitment to outreach by collecting food for the local Salvation Army food pantry and mailing Valentine cards to members of the Armed Forces and to parish shut-ins.

St. Aidan’s, Olathe again hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner

and silent auction. The corned-beefand-cabbage dinner offered a chance for members to invite friends so they could experience the parish’s fellowship Grace, Ottawa took up its yearly Lenten discipline of forgoing yummy snacks at coffee hour. Pretzels took their place.

St. Thomas’, Overland Park 7th and 8th grade youth spent Lent making blankets for a shelter for victims of domestic violence. They asked for donation of fabric, scissors and other supplies.

St. John’s, Parsons has begun providing weekend backpacks of food for children in the local Headstart program who otherwise would be at risk of hunger. They are being joined in the project by the local Presbyterian church outreach team.

Epiphany, Sedan continues its monthly healing service with Communion at St. Matthew’s in Cedar Vale, which functions as a chapel of Epiphany.

St. Luke’s, Shawnee offered a Lenten program led by Rockhurst University theology professor Dr. Bill Stancil. He explored the ways in which Americans are expressing religious commitment in today’s culture.

Grace Cathedral, Topeka dean the Very Rev. Steve Lipscomb spent 10 days in Cange, Haiti, learning more about the program the church supports, as well as assisting with a medical mission.

St. David’s, Topeka has resumed its monthly social suppers. Upcoming themes include a no-tax taco bar on April 15, as well as an ice cream

social with patriotic music on Flag Day, June 14.

St. Luke’s, Wamego is continuing its new community breakfast program, called TTEM (Third Thursday Every Month). Parishioners were asked to donate food to help offset the cost of the outreach effort.

Good Shepherd, Wichita had a special towel drive to help the residents of Our Little Roses orphanage in Honduras. Harsh washing methods in the Central American country result in the need for frequent replacements.

St. Bartholomew’s, Wichita has made copies of its cookbook — which helps food stamp recipients prepare meals on the average of $4-a-day in benefits — to Episcopal Social Services. The agency will use it for cooking classes with clients at its downtown location.

St. James’, Wichita sought support for its After School Program by encouraging members to “sponsor” a student for $60 a month, the cost of providing the program to the elementary students served.

St. John’s, Wichita offered its 44th annual Lenten lunch and speaker series this year, with priests from other Wichita-area churches providing the remarks. The noon event included Holy Eucharist and time for questions with the speakers.

Grace, Winfield opened its popular Prom Dress Xpress on Saturdays in March to provide gentlyused prom dresses, shoes, makeup and accessories to girls who might otherwise not be able to afford to attend their high school formal.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 3

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Bulletin at St. Luke’s, Shawnee, goes digital

By Melodie Woerman

ST. LUKE’S,

Shawnee, now offers worshippers an alternative to use of a Prayer Book, Hymnal, lesson insert and bulletin leaflet during worship services.

Instead, they can download an electronic version of the bulletin, complete with music and readings, to their smartphone or tablet and bring it to church. Or they can borrow one of the devices that the church loans out on Sunday mornings.

It’s so convenient that the rector, the Rev. Mary Siegmund, now leads the service using her own tablet.

Former senior warden Tom Schrempp said the church had received feedback that some people, especially newcomers, found it hard to juggle the various books and inserts required for worship.

When Siegmund came in October, the two of them talked about how they could provide the entire service, including readings and music, in the bulletin in a way that was cost-effective.

Through the use of some special software, Siegmund started assembling a bulletin that incorporates all elements of the service, as well as some color graphics and helpful instructions.

After testing during Advent, the concept launched in January.

The bulletin, which quickly was dubbed “eService,” is posted on the church website on Saturday, and members then can save it to their smartphone, tablet or e-reader.

Schrempp said this offers two advantages for worshippers — not 4 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

PHOTO BY CHRISTY KELLER

People attending St. Luke’s, Shawnee, can follow the Sunday service in a variety of ways. Tim Rohrer (left) uses a Prayer Book, Kristina Purinton (center) reads the new eService on an iPad and Patty Purinton follows on her phone. only is everything in one document, but devices allow people to make the type larger, a real plus for many with vision problems.

The church also bought two tablets (at $60 each) for use on Sunday mornings. The service is pre-loaded, so all a person has to do is pick it up from a table and start worshipping.

“Every Sunday we are seeing more and more parishioners using the eService with their tablets and smartphones, and we are printing fewer bulletins,” Schrempp said.

While not everyone was a fan of the idea at the start, he said many are changing their minds. “We have

some doubting Thomases who are now enthusiastic supporters of the concept.”

To further expand St. Luke’s electronic footprint, the church has bought eight more tablets, at a cost of less than $35 each, for use in Sunday school classrooms. The church tech team has pre-set the devices with links to the church website, an online copy of the Book of Common Prayer, an online copy of the Bible and the list of lectionary readings.

“We believe it will be a great way to connect our techno-savvy kids with their Sunday school teachings,” Schrempp said.

DIOCESAN MINISTRIES

The Rev. Torey Lightcap is called as new Canon to the Ordinary, to start May 1

The Rev. Torey Lightcap

BISHOP DEAN WOLFE on March 14 announced that the Rev. Torey L. Lightcap has been named canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. His ministry will begin on May 1.

Lightcap, 42, currently serves as transitions officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa and as rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City, Iowa.

In making the announcement Bishop Wolfe said, “Father Torey Lightcap brings an exceptional skill set and a faithful passion for diocesan work. Everyone who met him during the search process was impressed by his creativity, warmth and his many gifts for ministry.

I know that he, his wife Jacqueline and their children will be a tremendous asset to our diocesan community.

I can’t wait for the clergy and lay leaders of our diocese to meet Torey, and I look forward to continuing together the exciting work to which we are so passionately committed.”

As canon to the ordinary, Lightcap will have responsibility for clergy deployment, oversight of the ordination process, support for clergy and congregations, and administration of the diocesan office.

The bishop also offered his thanks to the Rev. George Wiley, the diocese’s canon pastor, and Dave Seifert, missioner for transitions, for their ministry during the period between canons. Both will continue in those positions, with final details on their scope to be determined.

Lightcap said of his new ministry, “It’s a privilege to be able to join in the work of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. I look forward to serving alongside Bishop Wolfe, the staff and the people of the diocese to further the work of witness to Christ in this time.

“This diocese is known and respected throughout The Episcopal Church for what it does and how it does it.

Ministries here are as varied as they are enriching. God’s Spirit is truly present among the people of this land, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Lightcap is a 2004 graduate of the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. He received a bachelor’s in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master’s in mass communication from Oklahoma State University. He also served parishes in Texas and Colorado before moving to Iowa in 2009.

In addition, he is a writer, a three-time fellow of the College of Pastoral Leaders and an alumnus of the “Recasting of Building Assets” program of the Episcopal Church Building Fund.

He is married to Jacqueline Whitney Lightcap, a native of Topeka. They have two children, Gabriel, 10, and Annie, 7. Lightcap said he and his family are delighted to be returning to their area roots — his mother lives in Wichita, and his wife’s mother and grandmother live in Topeka.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 5

DIOCESAN MINISTRIES

Bishop Kemper School has new curriculum plans

By Melodie Woerman Bishop Kemper School for Ministry dean the Very Rev. Don Compier describes new online classes to be offered in the coming academic year, as well as changes to the courses for people studying to be a deacon.

AS THE SPRING

semester wraps up at the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, plans have been announced for two new elements this fall — a significant revision to the curriculum for those studying to be deacons, and the school’s first online courses.

BKSM provides courses to those preparing for ordination, and others, in the four dioceses that own the school: Kansas, Western Kansas, West Missouri and Nebraska.

The school’s dean, the Very Rev. Don Compier, said the deacon curriculum will better reflect the servant nature of that order of ordained ministry. “Diaconal ministry is unique, not priest light,” Compier said. “These changes highlight the role deacons play as an interface between the church and the world.”

Compier, who is a priest in the Diocese of Kansas, said those studying to be deacons still will take two years of classes (priest-track students take three years). But now some of the courses will emphasize ministry unique to deacons, especially social justice and outreach.

New deacon-track courses For instance, Compier said they will take an “Introduction to Scripture” course alongside those studying to be priests, but they then will study the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis on the scripture’s social witness.

He said he is delighted that two new classes in Social Ministry will

6 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

PHOTO BY MELODIE WOERMAN

be added, developed in conjunction with Episcopal Social Services in Wichita, one of the diocese’s two agencies that serve the poor.

Compier said that the school’s structure allows for flexibility and changes like these to meet the needs in the four partner dioceses.

Going digital Compier said that, for the first time, two courses will be offered entirely online. One will be “Foundation of Ethics,” but the other one still is being determined, he said.

Both courses will be completely redesigned in order to offer them online. Compier noted that online teaching and learning are entirely different from standard classroom instruction, from the way the instructor presents material to how students interact with the teacher, the subject matter and each other.

BISHOP KEMPER SCHOOL

BY THE NUMBERS 28 Total students enrolled this academic year 12 Diocese of Kansas 7 Diocese of Western Kansas 5 Diocese of West Missouri 4 Diocese of Nebraska 14 Priest track 10 Deacon track 2 Anglican studies 2 Lay studies

Having already developed an online teaching platform at his previous position with Graceland University in Independence, Mo., he knows that this method may appear

easier but actually can be more challenging for learners.

“It requires daily interaction on the part of the student,” he said.

“There is no sitting back and just taking notes.” It does let students choose when to have that interaction, however, which should make it easier for people with busy schedules.

He noted that just as with any BKSM course, the new online options will be open to those who are not full-time students at the school but are interested in the topic.

Compier said some faculty members already have experience with online instruction, which will be a tremendous help now and in the future.

Spreading the word Compier said he also has been busy this spring visiting churches across the four partner dioceses to talk about the school and all it offers in its commitment to provide theological education for all people.

“I want everyone in the four dioceses to see that this is their school,” he said. “Preparing people in congregations is our mission, and it’s needed now.”

The school plans to offer study tracks for lay persons in five ministry areas identified in church canons:  Worship leader  Preacher  Catechist  Evangelist  Pastoral leader People in nearly every congregation already serve as Eucharistic Ministers (serving communion during worship services) or Eucharistic Visitors (taking communion to those not able to attend church), and they do so under a license from the bishop issued at the request of their parish.

Major grant allows BKSM to add new staff members Second Roanridge grant again is largest given Bishop Kemper School for Ministry has announced the addition of two new staff members, including one whose position is made possible by a major grant.

Casey Rohleder, a second-year student from the Diocese of Western Kansas, has been hired as the school’s communications and outreach specialist. She is a member of St. Michael’s in Hays and is preparing for ordination as a priest, In addition, Deacon Karen Wichael, who serves at St. Michael and All Angels, Mission, will become the school’s volunteer registrar.

They join the Very Rev. Don Compier, the school’s dean, and Deacon Bob Hirst, volunteer Casey Rohleder hospitality coordinator.

Rohleder’s position is being provided by a $30,000 grant from the Roanridge Trust, which supports transformative work in the Episcopal Church, especially in small towns and rural areas. This marks the second year in a row the school has received the largest grant the Roanridge Trust made.

A $50,000 grant in 2014 enabled the BKSM board of directors to enhance the position of dean from half-time to full-time.

Compier said, “These appointments represent a great step forward in terms of institutional development. Both people are passionate and articulate about the vision that guides all our efforts. I am most grateful for their exemplary dedication and look forward to working collegially with them.”

BKSM also offers a variety of classes that can help those seeking a license in the other five areas, Compier said.

But beyond this, Compier said he and the school’s board of directors want to expand course offerings to help equip lay leaders in parishes across the region. “Church canons call for quality education for priests, deacons and lay people,” Compier said. “We want to help the church live into these canons.”

He said the health of all congregations depends on people serving

others and sharing their faith. He said the school wants “all the people of God to be equipped to share the gospel, to share the message of God’s love,” and aims to play a role in making that happen.

“The church needs more well prepared lay leaders,” he added.

Information on the school’s curriculum, as well as other items, is on the BKSM website, www.bishopkemperschool.org. Those with questions also can contact Compier at bksmdean2@gmail.com.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 7

Weaving a legac The Rev. Sam Criss sits at one of two looms at his home in Wichita. He made both looms himself.

Hand-crafting liturgical items for use to the glory of God adds a special dimension to the 53-year ministry of the Rev. Sam Criss of Wichita

By Melodie Woerman 8 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

FIFTY YEARS after concluding his service as rector of Grace, Winfield, the Rev. Sam Criss offered his ministry to the congregation yet again, this time by weaving the fabric for a new set of hangings that adorns the church’s altar area.

The curtain, called a dossal, was dedicated during services on Sunday, Feb. 15, which celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration.

Criss, now retired, said that in 2013 he was serving as a supply

priest for the congregation when he noticed that the heavy gold curtains that for years had been part of the wooden reredos behind the altar were gone. Senior Warden Sharon Taylor said they had become so threadbare they had to be removed.

“He asked me, ‘Would you like me to weave a new dossal curtain?’, Taylor said. “I told him, ‘Sure!’”

About a year later, the church’s current priest in charge, the Rev. Laurie Lewis, said Criss presented

What is a dossal?

Dossal: dos·sal (pronounced \dä-s l\. It rhymes with fossil. e

An ecclesiastical ornamented cloth suspended behind an altar.

“Altar screen” is sometimes used as a synonym for the dossal.

Its color may match the liturgical color of the day, and it may be decorated with religious symbols.

Dates from the mid-17th century, denoting an ornamental cloth to cover the back of a seat. From medieval Latin dossale, from late Latin dorsalis, “on the back” (see dorsal).

From Oxford Dictionary and An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

cy PHOTO BY TOM POTT

her with more than 10 yards of hand-woven, white-and-gold fabric with a subtle cross pattern.

A local seamstress turned it into the three panels that were installed last December.

Criss said he picked the color not only as a nod to the original curtain but also because gold tones complement both the wood of the altarpiece and the limestone wall behind it. “It also works for all liturgical seasons,” he said, “although it looks a little cheerful for Lent.”

Continued on next page

PHOTO BY LYN WATTLEY

Criss wove the fabric for the new dossal curtain at Grace, Winfield, using two kinds of threads and three shades of gold that, when viewed, blend and produce a shimmer effect. He also incorporated a subtle cross pattern but was careful not to overshadow the altar cross itself.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 9

Custom-designed effect Criss, who has been weaving for about 30 years, created the fabric for this project on a loom that he built himself. He picked two types of thread for their unique characteristics. The warp (which forms the length) is from threads of Egyptian pima cotton, known for its strength that makes it last longer than wool.

The weft (which forms the width) is from threads made of TENCEL, a manufactured product

PHOTOS BY TOM POTT

10 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

derived from wood fibers that has all the properties of silk but isn’t damaged by sunlight.

He picked three different shades of gold for the weft. He said a viewer’s eyes blend the colors into one, creating a shimmer effect from a distance.

The hardest part of the project, he said, was setting up the loom. To create fabric that would be three feet wide required passing thousands of threads for the vertical warp through the tightly The Rev. spaced part of the loom known as the heddle. “You really have to like handling threads,” he said. It also requires a lot of patience.

Creating the fabric’s cross pattern requires use of a special loom

attachment called a dobby, which consists of a series of pegs that, when rotated, push levers that raise and lower various threads to align with the pattern.

Criss said he finds it fascinating to see what results from different colors of threads.

“Sometimes you have to rely on trial and error,” he said, to get the desired result.

Because the Winfield curtain usually is seen from several feet away, the pattern in it isn’t obvious. He Sam Criss planned it that way — he didn’t want the fabric to overpower the brass altar cross, which should be the focal point, he said.

“But the things you can offer to God, and this is true for all of us, whatever we have, enrich us.”

Criss wove two tapestries that hang at Episcopal Social Services in Wichita. They depict in a modern design the Holy Spirit hovering over creation (left), and the bread and wine of the Eucharist (below).

Began as relaxation Criss said he began weaving as a way to relax from the intensity of priestly ministry (he was ordained in 1961). And while he has crafted his share of scarves, rugs, table cloths and upholstery, he said he is most proud of the liturgical items he has made.

He has created full sets of stoles (one each in red, white, blue, green and purple) for five priests and two deacons, as well as a variety of priest chasubles, now used in several Wichita-area parishes.

He said his favorite piece so far is a red chasuble in use at St. James’, Wichita. Lewis, the current priest in Winfield, wore it when she was ordained in 2008.

He also created two tapestries that now hang at Episcopal Social

Services in Wichita. In modern design they depict the Holy Spirit hovering over creation, and the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

Criss, now 82, said he expects all these items to outlast him. “I hope they get passed down.”

Criss said his favorite piece so far is a red chasuble in use at St. James’, Wichita. The Rev. Laurie Lewis, the current priest in Winfield, wore it when she was ordained in 2008.

Offering is motivation “It’s important for me to make something and have a way to offer it to God,” Criss said. “That makes a perfect harmony in my life. The offering is my major motivation.”

He said he enjoys making everyday items — he’s creating a set of tea towels for the home he shares with his wife Beth — because they can enrich someone’s life.

“But the things you can offer to God, and this is true for all of us, whatever we have, enrich us.”

Criss said weaving reminds him of the Greek version of the Bible

PHOTO BY TOM POTT

verse in Romans 8:28: “All things commingle for good for those who love the Lord.” He said that pas-

sage reminds him of the threads he weaves commingling to create the colors that emerge on his loom.

People news and notes Priest named Coffeyville ‘Woman of the Year’

Young Topeka pianist wins competition

The Rev. Antoinette Tackkett, vicar of St. Paul’s, Coffeyville, was honored Jan. 14 by the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce as its Woman of the Year. She was recognized for her many years of service to the community.

Before she was ordained in 2011, she was a member of the Coffeyville Police Department,and taught Spanish, sociology and criminal justice at Coffeyville Community College. She also is a volunteer hospital chaplain.

David Mangiaracino, a member of St. David’s, Topeka, took first place in the Heritage Philharmonic Young Artist Competition on Feb. 21. The young pianist will get to perform a with the Heritage Philharmonic in Kansas City on May 2. He also received a scholarship.

Campus Ministry seeks intern The diocesan Campus Ministry program is looking for a recent college graduate to serve as intern at the Canterbury House at the University of Kansas, starting Aug. 1.

The internship offers the opportunity to deepen one’s faith and share formation, leadership and pastoral

skills while working with local peer ministers. It also offers the opportunity for vocational discernment.

The internship has the potential to be for two years. Compensation includes a monthly stipend and lodging.

Applicants should be passionate about a life of faith, with a desire for looking to engage in a year of service, offering ministry to others and gaining leadership skills, More information about this opportunity is on the Campus Ministry website, https://edokcampusministry.wordpress.com/campus-internapplication/, or contact Campus Missioner the Rev. Stephanie Jenkins at sjenkins@episcopal-ks.org or (785) 766-7435.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 11

DIOCESAN ADVOCACY

Speaking out against the death penalty

By Melodie Woerman

BISHOP DEAN WOLFE

PHOTO BY MELODIE WOERMAN

Bishop Dean Wolfe calls for the abolition of the death penalty in Kansas during a Feb. 10 press conference at the state Capitol.

12 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

and leaders from Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and Mennonite traditions have called on Kansas legislators to repeal the state’s death penalty and replace it with a sentence of life in prison without parole.

During a press conference at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka on Feb. 10, they also presented legislators with a petition supporting repeal that was signed by more than 430 Kansas faith leaders, including a number of Episcopalians.

Kansas’ current death penalty law was adopted in 1994. The last execution was in 1965.

In his remarks, Bishop Wolfe noted that the Episcopal Church has been on record opposing the death penalty for more than 50 years “because we believe the forgiveness of God in Christ triumphs over everyone and everything.”

He quoted Ronald Clemmons, a member of the executive council of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, who noted that Christianity “was founded upon the non-violent philosophy of an innocent man who was executed based on perjured testimony.”

The bishop added that studies have shown that capital punishment is not an effective deterrent to crime, is subject to prejudice based on race and economic class, and is unjust.

“On average, five people have been exonerated each year between 2000 and 2011,” Bishop Wolfe said.

“What if we had executed all those innocent human beings?”

The press conference was don’t want to execute an innocent coordinated by the Kansas Coalition person. We don’t want to incarcerate Against the Death Penalty. Mary an innocent person.”

Sloan, a member of St. Sloan said her job, Aidan’s, Olathe, has based in Topeka, not been the group’s exonly requires an hour ecutive director since commute each way but 2012. places her always on She said that the call. Her heavy travel Coalition is a “big schedule means she tent” organization had to give up serving that includes people on St. Aidan’s Stewardfrom varying political ship Committee and parties, religions and as a Eucharistic Visiphilosophies.

What tor, but she remains an Mary Sloan brings them all togethactive member of the er is a commitment to end the death Daughters of the King. She also is a penalty in the state. graduate of Education for Ministry She noted that there have been and a former member of the Vestry. previous attempts to repeal the death penalty law, and in 2010 it failed by Looking for a better way only one vote in the Kansas Senate.

The Rev. Shawn Streepy, priest in charge at St. Aidan’s, has been a Chance for passage this year member of the Coalition’s board of Sloan thinks this year may be directors for many years and is a frethe one where the effort finally pre- quent legislative advocate. He also is vails. Besides those who oppose it a former Assistant United States Aton religious, ideological, libertarian torney for the District of Kansas. or small-government grounds, more He said that the single thing that and more people are opposing it for draws all those in the group’s big tent economic reasons, she said. together is a “belief in the innate Repeal would save the state be- dignity of human life.” Nothing can tween $500,000 and $1 million a extinguish that, he said, not even a year, because of shorter trials and person’s criminal activity. fewer appeals.

Streepy said that society must But beyond all that, for her, re- resist the temptation to mete out peal is a matter of faith. It all boils punishment equal to the murders down to forgiveness, she said. “That’s that land people on death row. Those the standard.” criminals “do not set the standard we But even more, she seeks what is follow,” he said. “We are looking for best for society as a whole. She noted a better way.” former Kansas Secretary of CorrecThe death penalty repeal under tions Roger Werholtz has said that consideration this year by the Kanthe issue really isn’t what kind of sas Legislature is House Bill 2129. punishment criminals deserve, but To become law it has to be adopted what kind of society the rest of us by a majority of the 125 members of deserve. the Kansas House of Representatives “We are ashamed when our sys- and the 40-member Senate, and be tem gets it wrong,” Sloan said. “We signed by the governor.

What does the church say about capital punishment?

The Episcopal Church The first time the Episcopal Church spoke out against the death penalty was in 1958.

The most recent statement was a resolution adopted by General Convention in 2000: Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church reaffirm its opposition to capital punishment and call on the dioceses and members of this church to work actively to abolish the death penalty in their states.

The Diocese of Kansas The first time the diocese went on record against the death penalty was in 1979, in a resolution adopted by Diocesan Convention: Resolved, that the 120th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas affirms its opposition to capital punishment.

This position was reaffirmed by the same resolution adopted by the 1998 Convention.

The death penalty in Kansas 1907: Death penalty is outlawed by the Kansas Legislature 1935: Capital punishment is reintroduced by state law 1965: The last execution is carried out in the state 1972: Some factors used by states in imposing the death penalty are found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court 1976: Laws correcting those factors are approved by the Court, which reinstates the death penalty 1994: Kansas enacts a new law based on the 1976 court case. No executions have taken place; nine men currently are on death row.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 13

DIOCESAN MINISTRIES

Miqra: Reading Genesis to Revelation in 72 hours Text and photos by Melodie Woerman

THE BIBLE-BASED WEEKEND for youth in grades 6-12 is known for reading the Bible, out loud, non-stop, over the course of three days. This year, youth and adults from two dioceses came to find out more for themselves.

The Dioceses of East Carolina and Maine each sent four young people and adults to experience the event, which took place Jan. 16-19 at Grace Cathedral in Topeka They came because they had heard about the program, now in its 12th year, and wanted to see if it would be a fit for their own youth.

Emily Gowdy-Canady, East Carolina’s program officer for youth, campus and young adult ministries, said they are seeking to add a program besides Happening for high school students. She and three high schoolers participated in the weekend, which drew rave reviews.

Melissa Glen said she really liked Miqra. “I like the idea of reading the Bible.” April Brown agreed, saying she hadn’t been to a youth event before that focuses so intently on scripture.

Emily Summerlin said that reading the entire Bible gave her new insights. “I never have really learned about it all together,” she said.

Gowdy-Canady said she and others in East Carolina definitely will look at how Miqra might fit into their existing event schedule.

Kim Wallace and Ryan Corum 14 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

are volunteer adult leaders from the Diocese of Maine, who were accompanied by two high school students.

They discovered Miqra through a search of other diocesan youth websites, Wallace said, and asked to come. Maine, also, wants to expand

the programs it offers to its high schoolers.

Ally Smith said the event was “really cool,” and would like to offer the Bible reading to youth in Maine.

Ally Collins said listening to the continuous reading was her favorite

Eliana Seidner (left), Trinity, Lawrence, assists Mark Ash, St. Thomas’, Overland Park, as he reads the Bible while walking into the cathedral.

When the cathedral was in use, the Bible reading took place in another room. But the reading kept going even as people changed locations.

Participants from the Diocese of East Carolina were (from left) Emily GowdyCanady, April Brown, Emily Summerlin and Melissa Glen.

The diocese is headquartered in Kinston.

Participants from the Diocese of Maine were (from left) Ally Smith , Ryan Corum, Ally Collins and Kim Wallace.

The diocese is headquartered in Portland.

part. Smith said she also liked that the event was live-streamed online so anyone could follow along.

Corum said he was intrigued by the youth band, the Mustard Seeds, made up of a rotating group of youth musicians who lead singing at youth events.

Wallace said she and Corum want to look at the logistics of schedules to see how Miqra might fit into their programs.

But Miqra already has spread beyond Kansas and the two visiting dioceses. It took place for a second year in the Diocese of Chicago, on the same weekend as Kansas and also live-streamed online.

It also has been offered at least once by the Diocese of Southern

Ohio, the Diocese of Oklahoma and St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton, Ga.

Emphasis on the Pentateuch Karen Schlabach, the diocese’s youth missioner, said this year’s educational focus was the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.

Youth were assigned to one of the “12 Tribes of Israel” for smallgroup discussion, and each tribe was asked to illustrate two assigned passages from Genesis and Exodus.

Those large drawings then were placed in order, like a time line, creating what she called “The Great Story.”

The entire group — 66 youth and 32 adults — heard a presentation

by Rabbi Debbie Steele of Topeka’s Temple Beth Shalom, describing the Jewish interpretation of the Bible.

Bishop Dean Wolfe spoke on how to read the Bible and why people should, and took part in a Bible question-and-answer period.

The Rev. Kelly Demo, who developed Miqra when she was in charge of diocesan youth programs, explored God’s appearance of anger in the Old Testament, as well as the overall arc of its stories.

Smaller workshops were led by Diocese of Kansas clergy and looked at additional aspects of the Old Testament.

The weekend also included plenty of fun, including making papiermaché crosses, a variety of indoor and outdoor games, and discussions about life after high school.

Non-stop reading of the Bible But the continuous reading of the Bible remains Miqra’s mainstay feature. Adults, college students and some student leaders arrived on Friday, Jan. 16 to begin the reading.

Other youth and leaders arrived on Saturday afternoon.

Participants signed up for onehour reading slots that took place around the clock, usually in the soaring cathedral nave. When the church was in other use, the reading moved elsewhere, but it never stopped. It was concluded on Monday morning.

The reading’s power was important to those who had come from other dioceses. Melissa Glen of East Carolina said hearing her own voice reading out loud helped her really focus on the words themselves.

Abby Collins from Maine agreed, saying that when she was reading, she had no idea of anything else going on around her.

The Harvest | Spring 2015 | 15

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Libby Lane installed as bishop in Chester

PHOTO BY KATE WOOD | EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE

Led in procession by a unity quilt, faith and civic leaders join 2,000 Selma residents on March 1 in a unity walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, part of the city’s 50th anniversary commemoration of Bloody Sunday.

The Rt. Rev. Libby Lane, the first female bishop in the history of the Church of England, was installed as the Bishop eighth bishop Libby Lane of Stockport at Chester Cathedral on International Women’s Day, Sunday, March 8.

More than 1,900 people from across the county of Cheshire attended the installation, which included Choral Evensong.

Churches in Selma lead unity walk Episcopal News Service THE REV. Jack Alvey, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Selma, Ala., knows that the image of a city can become frozen in time, and a single event can create an impression so deep that it never fades.

Fifty years ago, state troopers attacked marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, in one of the defining moments of the civil rights movement. Selma has been grappling with the legacy of that moment, and the events that led up to it, ever since.

On March 1, a coalition of faith leaders, including Alvey, helped lead a racially integrated crowd of some 2,000 people in a unity walk that began on the south side of the famous bridge and ended with a prayer ser-

16 | The Harvest | Spring 2015

vice in Songs of Selma Park.

Participants walked the same Selma-to-Montgomery route as marchers did on Bloody Sunday in 1965, but in reverse, to symbolize the theme of the gathering, “One Selma: Coming Home United in Faith,” said organizer Juanda Maxwell.

The walkers crossed the bridge behind an 11-foot wide unity quilt, composed of 176 squares contributed by individuals and congregations from across the city and coordinated by Alvey’s wife, Jamie, a quilter.

Begun in January, the quilt became the focal point of the event.

“This is the Selma I know and love,” said Allen Bearden, a member of St. Paul’s. “This is the Selma I want the world to know and love.”

Medieval dinner will benefit Kenya programs Tickets are on sale for a dinner styled after medieval feasts, to benefit the Kansas to Kenya ministry.

The event is Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at St. Michael and All Angels, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission.

The cost is $50 person and features a five-course meal. Seating is limited to 80 people.

Funds benefit the Agatha Amani safe house for women, and the Osborne Library, both in Kenya.

For tickets, call the diocesan office, (785) 235-9255.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

ST.FRANCIS STATUE IN THE BETHANY PLACE GARDENS | PHOTO BY MELODIE WOERMAN

The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas 835 S.W. Polk Street Topeka, KS 66612-1688 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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