Winter 2017 | The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
Convention actions Elections, canon changes and awards highlight annual event
Construction nears the finish / Bishop search updates / Visit to Nepal
FROM THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES | THE VERY REVEREND FOSTER M. MAYS, PRESIDENT
Waiting for a new bishop can be difficult
MY SISTERS AND
Brothers in Christ,
How are you doing as we wait and wonder our way through this seemingly ambiguous nomination process? Here we find ourselves, still immersed in a period of waiting, reflection and discernment. Of these three, waiting seems to me to be the most challenging to give expression to. Yet, where my imagination fails, scripture never fails to fill the void.
As I was nearing the end of Advent, I had the joy of reading again the lessons appointed for St. Thomas the Apostle. I am a big fan of Thomas for two reasons. First, he was honest about the ambiguity that many of us live with — the tension between questioning and faith, especially in the face of impatience among some of his colleagues. Second, I was ordained to the diaconate on Thomas’ feast day in 2012, and the world did not end on that day as some had predicted. But it is the lessons appointed for Thomas’ feast, Habakkuk and Hebrews in particular, that speak most clearly to this doubtful period of waiting. The Letter to the Hebrews exhorts the early followers of Christ to patience and persistence amid their struggles with the ambiguity between their questioning of when and faith. In this, Hebrews cites the following verse, in which God speaks to Habakkuk and says, “For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:2-3) These words still resonate for the current generation of the followers of Christ, especially us in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. We have the
Spirit-led vision of the Council of Trustees, as spelled out in its theological statement below. We know the appointed time — the consecration date of March 2, 2019. Both of these speak of the end of the process and do not lie — they are trustworthy. Still, God acknowledges our impatience, God knows we view future events as too slow in coming — as tarrying; and yet God reminds us to “wait for it, it will surely come, it will not delay.” As with most things temporal, when we look to the future in anticipation and waiting it seems to tarry. Yet when we look in the rearview mirror the time is fleeting and passes too soon. So join the Council in relishing the ambiguous time before us as we prepare to meet those who are seeking to discern God’s call as the 10th bishop, “it will surely come.” Yours in vision, confidence and waiting. We, the Council of Trustees, believe in and trust the God-given gifts that abide in the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. During this season of transition, we will not be fearful. Directed by the Spirit, together we joyfully walk with Jesus the road ahead. [Council of Trustees, Feb. 1, 2017]
In This Issue
2 5 6 7 8 10 12 14
Around the diocese
Churches share news of their recent activities, including a service honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and a new rood beam at Grace Cathedral.
WINTER 2017 | VOL. 105 | NO. 2
Serving marginalized children
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
Agency name change reflects mission
The Anglican Communion is a global community of 70 million Anglicans in 39 member churches/provinces in more than 160 countries. The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
St. Aidan’s, Olathe, is helping children with a parent in prison have a merrier Christmas through gifts and personal connections.
NourishKC is the new name for what had been Episcopal Community Services of Kansas City, better reflecting its mission to feed hungry people.
Socks are special men’s group focus
Men in Mission, at St. Michael and All Angels, Mission, has a commitment to outreach, including collection of more than 4,000 pairs of new socks.
The search for a bishop
The Search Committee reports on the nine key traits, behaviors and strengths survey results showed were most critical for our next bishop to possess.
Kansans visit Nepal
Members of St. Margaret’s, Lawrence, traveled to Nepal to spend time with fellow parishioner Karin Feltman, a long-term missionary there.
New building nears completion
New space for the offices of the diocese and expanded areas for Grace Cathedral are on track for completion at the end of January.
Diocesan Convention
The 158th annual meeting of the diocese elected leaders, approved changes to the canons of the diocese and learned of outreach grant recipients.
ON THE COVER: Acolytes prepare for the opening procession at the Eucharist at Diocesan Convention Oct. 20 at Grace Cathedral, Topeka. | Photo by Melodie Woerman
The Episcopal Church is a community of 2 million members in 109 dioceses in 16 countries in the Americas and abroad. The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is a community of more than 10,000 members in 44 congregations, and three diocesan institutions in eastern Kansas. The Council of Trustees of the Diocese, Ecclesiastical Authority 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 Publisher The Council of Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas 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 gbartling@episcopal-ks.org Upcoming deadlines: Spring 2018 issue: Feb. 15 Summer 2018 issue: May 15 Postmaster: Send address changes to Episcopal Diocese of Kansas 835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688
The Harvest | Winter 2017 | 1
AROUND THE DIOCESE
News and notes from congregations St. John’s, Abilene raised $650 during its annual All Saints Day chili supper, with the money going to the Abilene Food and Clothing Pantry. St. Paul’s, Clay Center book study group in November discussed The Genesis Trilogy by the late author and Episcopalian Madeline L’Engle. St. Paul’s, Coffeyville received dozens of donated coats and raised $836 to purchase more coats during its 11th annual “Coats for Kids” motorcycle run in October. Area schoolchildren will have the first pick of coats. St. Andrew’s, Derby members young and old enjoyed a visit to the local pumpkin patch on Oct. 22, following the morning service and a light lunch provided by the Outreach Committee. St. Martin’s, Edwardsville had a “Hallelujah Celebration” on Nov. 26 to mark the ingathering of pledge cards, followed by a potluck dinner. Trinity, El Dorado had its yearly “peanut butter parade” during October’s food drive. Members donated 408 jars of peanut butter to benefit the Salvation Army, surpassing last year’s collection of 260 jars. Donations also brought in 84 bags of groceries. St. Andrew’s, Emporia provides space for meetings of a Canterbury group at Emporia State University. The final Wednesday evening Eucharist took place Dec. 6, followed by a Christmas dinner for all attending.
PHOTO BY TOM POTT
Dancers grace Guadalupe feast
Epiphany, Independence began collecting and bagging weekly non-perishable snacks for 30 children in the local Head Start pre-school program, to help keep them from being hungry on weekends.
Members of the Matachines de Santa Margarita dance troupe dance in the aisle of St. John’s, Wichita, during the church’s service on the evening of Dec. 12, marking the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Members come from across Wichita and offer dances in churches, homes and businesses around the Feast of our Our Lady of Guadalupe,which commemorates a 1531 vision of the Virgin Mary to a Mexican peasant girl. The service at St. John’s included a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, followed by a parish meal.
St. Paul’s, Kansas City marked the church’s 160th anniversary with a festive celebration Nov. 11, featuring dinner and a silent auction.
person, as well as a grocery gift card to purchase items for Christmas dinner.
St. Margaret’s, Lawrence adopted seven families in need at Christmas, pledging a gift and clothes for each
Trinity, Lawrence members observed La Posada, a tradition from Mexico and Latin America, that
St. Mary’s, Galena held community dinners in September and November to raise money for the church’s adopt-a-family project at Christmas.
2 | The Harvest | Winter 2017
focuses on the Holy Family. Statues of Mary, Joseph and their donkey moved from home to home during Advent, with each family invited to make the visit special. St. Paul’s, Leavenworth provided pumpkin pies for the city’s ecumenical community Thanksgiving dinner. Dine-in and carry-out meals were served in the gym of St. Paul’s Lutheran; meals for delivery came from the cafeteria of St. Joseph Catholic Church. St. Paul’s, Manhattan welcomed organ students from Kansas State University for a hymn-sing the evening of Nov. 30. The event helped students practice how to support congregational singing. St. Michael’s, Mission invited young children to attend weekly Advent activities in their pajamas, so bedtime after dinner and prayers would be easier for all. Ascension, Neodesha invited members to “wear jeans to church” on Nov. 12, so that after church and coffee, they could help with yard clean-up. Lunch rounded out the morning. St. Matthew’s, Newton had a booth in the annual Taste of Newton downtown street fair, this year selling walking tacos. Volunteers helped buy supplies, make the tacos and staffed the booth. Others contributed money for the cost of ingredients. St. Aidan’s, Olathe provided a variety of tasty treats for the bake sale at the Fall Festival of Briarwood Elementary, one of the church’s school partners. Grace, Ottawa members enjoyed a churchwide potluck Christmas party on Dec. 2.
PHOTO BY KENT WINGERSON
Cathedral installs 34-foot rood beam On Oct. 31, Grace Cathedral, Topeka, installed a rood beam across the opening of the chancel (choir and altar area). The beam, created by RatiganSchottler Manufacturing of Beatrice, Neb., is made of oak, is 34 feet long and weighs 1,400 pounds. It is 21 feet off the chancel floor. Rood is an Old Saxon word for cross, and in coming weeks the cathedral will receive from Italy near-life-sized figures of Jesus on a cross, Mary and the disciple John, which will be placed on the center of the beam. It signifies that when people leave their pews in the nave and approach the altar for communion, they do so through the cross. The rood beam replaces a rood screen that was lost in the 1975 arson fire that destroyed the interior of the cathedral. It is a gift of parishioner Janice Buckley in memory of her mother.
St. Thomas’, Overland Park sponsors a monthly Saturday night Parents Night Out, with parish youth and adults offering games, crafts, cooking, stories and movies for children through fifth grade, giving parents time for their own activities. St. John’s, Parsons hosted the community’s Thanksgiving service on the Sunday before the holiday. The service was provided by the Parsons Ministerial Alliance. Epiphany, Sedan members enjoyed a soup and chili lunch on Nov. 5, complete with what was
described as “an abundance of decadent desserts.” St. Luke’s, Shawnee children participated in the parish’s fall stewardship campaign by collecting money for Heifer International, and by selling St. Francis medals at the church’s blessing of the animals service. Grace Cathedral, Topeka learned more about the meals mentioned in the New Testament where Jesus was a guest, thanks to member and professional food writer Linda Ditch, who Continued on page 4 The Harvest | Winter 2017 | 3
Continued from page 3 led a special adult forum in November. St. David’s, Topeka offered its eighth annual “Holiday Bazaar” on Dec. 4, featuring a pancake breakfast, a bake sale and a variety of items from books to crafts for sale. St. Luke’s, Wamego has so many members taking advantage of the recycling bins at church that they now have to empty them more than once a week. Good Shepherd, Wichita on Wednesday evenings during Advent offered a time of reflection and respite, with a variety of quiet activities for participants. St. James’, Wichita supported young people in the Wichita Area Episcopal Youth in aiding Saint Francis Community Services in collecting a Christmas toy for each of the 7,000 children in foster care across the state. St. John’s, Wichita said good-bye to its interim organist, Dr. Dean Roush, on Nov. 12, and announced that Brother Guadalupe, who has played for the Sunday afternoon service, would be the new organist for all services. St. Stephen’s, Wichita welcomed a visit from St. Nicholas on Nov. 5 with an Iona service that featured healing, followed by a potluck supper in the parish hall.
4 | The Harvest | Winter 2017
BKSM offers spring, summer classes By the Rev. Casey Rohleder
AT BISHOP KEMPER
School for Ministry, our tagline is “Theological Education for All People,” which is the essence of our mission. Whether you are a student preparing for ordination or licensed lay ministry, or you simply wish to explore a topic for continuing education or personal enrichment, come discover a welcoming, faith-enriching learning community. With more than 25 upcoming classes taught by exceptional instructors who love teaching adult learners at BKSM, there is a class or two for everyone. Tuition is $100 to audit, $180 for credit. Both fees include all meals and overnight accommodations at Upton Hall. Scholarships for lay students are available. More information about courses is on the school’s website, www.bishopkemperschool.org. The Rev. Casey Rohleder is director of communications for the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry.
UPCOMING COURSES January-May: Leadership Boot Camp (five Saturday sessions) January: Christian Ethics, Paul, Polity and Canons February: Christian History II, Christian Theology I, Lutheran Worship, Preaching II, Social Ministry March: Conversational Evangelism, Gospels, Modern Catechumenate, Parish Administration, Sacramental Theology April: Christian History, Practice of the Eucharist, Preaching I, Tasks of Theology May: Anglican Identity, Diversity and Inclusion, Doctrines of the Third Person, New Testament Summer School: PREPARE/ ENRICH Facilitator Training (June), Blogging for Ministry (Aug. 4), Diversity and Inclusion — meets anti-racism training requirements (Aug. 11)
Clergy news
Storm aid tops $24,000
Deacon Harry Craig, who has served at St. David’s, Topeka, since his ordination in 1986, is retiring from liturgical duties while remaining part of the pastoral care team. A party in his honor is set for Sunday, Jan. 7, following the 10:30 a.m. service. Deacon Suzi Drury has been named Pastoral Care Minister at St. Michael and All Angels, Mission. Deacon Barbara Gibson has been assigned to serve at St. Matthew’s, Newton.
the Council of Trustees asked every congregation to take up special collections to aid the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Subsequent hurricanes, Irma and Maria, added even more devastation across the southeast U.S. and the Caribbean. In response to that initial request, contributions sent from churches to the diocesan office have totaled $25,504.83. These funds have been sent to Episcopal Relief & Development for its Hurricane Relief Fund.
IN LATE AUGUST
SERVICE TO OTHERS
Olathe church serves marginalized children By Melodie Woerman
THE REV. SHAWN STREEPY
was a federal prosecutor before becoming an Episcopal priest. Perhaps that is why he was drawn to a program that helps church members reach out to children Streepy calls among the most marginalized in our society — those with a parent in prison. As rector at St. Aidan’s, Olathe, and before that as deacon and priest at St. Luke’s, Shawnee, he and his wife, Marcia, have been involved with the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program, with church members purchasing gifts for a child in the name of, and with a message from, their incarcerated parent.
Congregation’s response was overwhelming
This is the second year for the program at St. Aidan’s, and Streepy said the congregation’s response has been overwhelming. Last year they provided gifts for 10 children, and this year they increased it to 15. All the children live in the Kansas City area. The program is simple. A church reaches out to Prison Fellowship (an organization started by convictedWatergate-conspirator-turned-Christian Chuck Colson), which in turn asks for the number of children the church can serve. Prison Fellowship contacts the incarcerated parent and asks what message he or she would like on a package to the child. The church gets the name of the child and his or her caretaker, often a grandparent, who is contacted to see what gift the child would like. At St. Aidan’s the gift idea is written on a paper angel and placed on a special tree near the altar, from which parishioners pick. Streepy said the names were gone on the first day they appeared. Parishioners are encouraged to spend about $20 per gift, “but those who want to do more are not discouraged,” Streepy said. “We err on the side of being generous.” Gifts are wrapped, with gift tag attached, and are placed under the tree near the altar. Volunteers then deliver the gifts, in consultation with the caretaker. “The best part by far is delivering the gifts,” Streepy said.
PHOTO BY CAROLYN STURGEON
The Rev. Shawn Streepy holds a gift provided by members of St. Aidan’s, Olathe, bound for a child who has a parent who is in prison. Streepy said children with a parent in prison often feel real shame as a result. “It’s a millstone around their neck,” he said. “These kids are those most on the outskirts of society.” And through his work as a prosecutor, he said he has seen how often those in prison have a family history of crime, making contact with these children through this ministry even more important. “It’s an investment in their future,” he said.
The Harvest | Winter 2017 | 5
DIOCESAN LIFE
New name better defines K.C. organization By Melodie Woerman
NOURISHKC IS THE
new name adopted by Episcopal Community Services of Kansas City, which has served people in need on both sides of the state line since 1989. The name change was announced at the group’s fundraising gala on Oct. 19 and followed a yearlong study with a branding consultant. Beau Heyen, NourishKC’s president and chief executive officer, said lack of identity was the main reason for the change. The ECS name “didn’t tell what we do,” he said, which is to help feed hungry people. The fact that dozens of other agencies with the “Episcopal Community Services” name exist across the country, each focused on different social needs, also was a problem. And, Heyen said, more and more major donors no longer support faith-based organizations. “It wasn’t like that in the past, but it is now,” he said. And given the rapid growth the organization has seen recently — from a budget of $550,000 in 2015 to one of $3.8 million in 2018 — they have to seek large donors.
The name change doesn’t affect the organizational structure, which over time had evolved from a Board of Directors made up entirely of Episcopalians to one with members picked for expertise. Heyen said the bylaws didn’t include it, but by tradition the bishops of the dioceses of Kansas and West Missouri each appoint a representative to the board.
Keeping Episcopal roots
But a new name doesn’t mean NourishKC is abandoning its Episcopal roots. Heyen said the values that led to the founding of ECS still exist: serving neighbors with dignity and being present with them. “Our history will always be in the Episcopal Church,” he said, noting the organization will remain “faithinformed.” Heyen said he hopes the new name will help other faith organizations in the Kansas City area feel more invited into NourishKC’s mission. “We plan to start a halal food pantry and also are working with the Egyptian Orthodox community, and we want them all to feel included,” he said.
But outreach to the Episcopal community across the metro area is a priority and actually should increase after NourishKC forms a Faith Relations Council next year. “We recognize that we need to do a better job of communicating with Episcopal churches and individuals,” Heyen said. The organization’s rapid growth meant most of the staff and board’s energies went to keeping its programs growing, and “communications suffered as a result.” The new Council aims to correct that, starting with Episcopalians. Heyen said NourishKC is forging some new paths in serving people in need, moving away from a model that focuses on what donors want to provide and toward asking what the people being served want and need. “We know more about the community we serve than we have in the past, and we see more what food insecurity looks like,” he said. They seek, in other words, to find new ways to provide nourishment to the people of the Kansas City area. And with the new name, Heyen said, more people should be aware of that mission.
Diocese, Bishop Seabury Academy create new relationship BISHOP SEABURY ACADEMY
of Lawrence and the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas have agreed to redefine the relationship between the school and the diocese. The school, which was founded in 1994, no longer is an official institution of the diocese but will retain its Episcopal identity. The school offers classes to about 200
students in grades 6 through 12 and is named for Samuel Seabury, the first bishop of the Episcopal Church. The change was formalized when the diocesan Council of Trustees in August approved changes to Seabury’s bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, and adoption by Diocesan Convention of a change in diocesan canons in October. Continued on next page
6 | The Harvest | Winter 2017
Men’s group mission serves people in need By Archdeacon Monte Giddings
MEN IN MISSON, the men’s group at St. Mi-
chael and Angels, Mission, continues to knock the socks off the City of Mission’s annual sock drive for Project Uplift. This year the group received $1,000 in donations from the church and combined it with a $2,000 grant from Walmart to help provide more than 4,000 pairs of socks. Heading the sock drive was men’s group member Don Gerling. In addition to the socks, the group provided 47 hoodies and 216 white T-shirts directly to the homeless in the greater Kansas City community, through Project Uplift. The group also purchased 18 pairs of gloves, 14 hoodies, 10 bottles of cologne and 10 sets of barbecue tools as Christmas gifts for the men who come to the food pantry St. Paul’s, Kansas City, Kan. I started Men in Mission in 1990 as a way of drawing men into Christian fellowship. In the beginning, the gatherings drew a modest group of 8-to-10 men who met in the church kitchen for Saturday morning breakfast, included Bible study or planning for various project. Events now draw anywhere from 20 to 80 men. The group offers an annual adventure rafting trip, a yearly spiritual retreat to nearby Conception Abbey, twiceweekly Bible studies, a “He Cooks” dinner for all women in the congregation and a variety of dinner gatherings with inspirational speakers. In 2016 the group began to focus on outreach, and the sock collection is the hallmark effort. The group’s slogan is “Men committed to living out the Christian adventure, together.” Today, all men who The Rev. Patrick Funston is a member of the Council and served on a committee to discuss the proposed changes. Before becoming rector of St. Paul’s, Manhattan, he had been chaplain at the school. Funston said the school sought removal of status as a diocesan institution so it could obtain ownership of its building — canons say that institution property ultimately belongs
PHOTO BY EMILY RANDEL, CITY OF MISSION
The Men in Mission group of St. Michael and All Angels, Mission, provided more than 4,000 pairs of socks to the City of Mission’s Project Uplift. Pictured with many of the donated socks are (from left) Jim Schmidt, Project Uplift coordinator; Dennis Kissinger, St. Michael’s Vestry member; Archdeacon Monte Giddings, who started the Men in Mission program; Steve Adams, one of the leaders of the men’s group; and Don Gerling, chair of the group’s sock drive. are members of St. Michael are automatically part of Men in Mission.
to the diocese and not the institution — in order begin a major fundraising campaign. They also wanted to change the composition of the school’s Board of Trustees from 60 percent Episcopalians to 30 percent, to expand its pool of potential members. Funston noted that the bishop of the diocese still retains an ex officio board appointment, and the new by-
laws call for the school’s chaplain to be an Episcopal priest in good standing within the diocese. The school also is planning to create a board committee to explore issues of Episcopal identity and connection. The schools serves students from a variety of religious traditions and seeks to nurture their spirituality and foster respect for all. The Harvest | Winter 2017 | 7
Search Committee shares key strengths sought in next bishop By the Rev. Casey Rohleder
THE
NOMINATION
and application period for the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Kansas opened on Nov. 20, 2017, and it will remain open until Jan. 19, 2018. The primary way that prospective nominators and applications get to know the diocese is the diocesan profile, presented as both a 30-page PDF document and as the search website, www.kansasbishopsearch. org. The profile contains all sorts of information about the diocese: its history, its organizational structure, its finances and its ministries. However, the most important section to help individuals discern a call to serve as bishop of our diocese is “The Bishop We Seek.” The Search Committee used data gathered from listening sessions, the 8 | The Harvest | Winter 2017
Culture and Climate Survey, and retreats with both staff and clergy to discern and describe the key traits, behaviors and strengths it deemed most critical for our next bishop to possess. The Committee believes, and the Council of Trustees agreed, that these nine areas are critical for the ongoing health and vitality of the Diocese of Kansas.
We seek a bishop who… 1. Loves Jesus and articulates a deep and obvious spirituality Whether leading a meeting, preaching and celebrating the Eucharist, or meeting one-on-one with individuals, the people of Kansas want a spiritual and administrative leader who is passionate for the gospel and hopeful about the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Kansas. We want a bishop who actively tends to their own interior life and is
“lit up enough” for all to see it and be changed by it. 2. Will lead the Diocese of Kansas into a shared mission, vision and direction We dream of a diocese that reflects the diversity of God’s people in Kansas: gender, age, economics, ethnicity and sexual orientation. We seek a visionary, action-oriented leader who, after getting to know the people, structures and culture of this diocese, is prepared to help articulate and activate a set of gospel-centered priorities for the coming years — priorities that fully embrace our Baptismal Covenant. 3. Equips congregations of all sizes for evangelism and mission Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s call for evangelism as part of the Jesus Movement excites the people of
the Diocese of Kansas, but many of us are unsure about how to channel that excitement into action. Amid uncertainty about what the church will look like in this postChristendom age, we seek a bishop who brings an entrepreneurial spirit and encourages holy risk-taking to help equip congregations for confident, creative evangelism and mission in the communities we serve. 4. Demonstrates a collaborative leadership style Clergy and lay people, adults and children alike, gladly bring an abundance of gifts, talents, perspectives and energy to the work they do for their churches and for the diocese. Our bishop will recognize that we all have strengths that build up the body, and they will actively listen as we make decisions together. When decisions must rest with the bishop, we will have confidence that they will make decisions with wisdom and clarity 5. Builds and maintains meaningful relationships with clergy, staff and diocesan leaders Our bishop will see how much relationships matter to us at all levels of the diocese and how connected we are to one another (despite the miles between us). We seek a humble, pastorally minded individual who will take the time to get to know people, pay attention and be present. In particular, the clergy seek a bishop who provides them pastoral care, models a healthy lifestyle and exercises self-care. The bishop will help strengthen and further the collegial relationships that exist among clergy, including between priests and deacons. The youth also clearly articulated their desire for a bishop who
Upcoming dates Jan. 19 Deadline for applications and nominations June 8-11 Discernment retreat with semifinalists June 21 Slate of candidates is announced June 21-30 Petition process opens Oct. 1-5 Candidate walkabouts Oct. 19 Election during Diocesan Convention March 2, 2019 Service of ordination and consecration
actively participates in events and takes the time to know them. 6. Fully supports the life and ministry of small congregations In this 44-parish diocese, more than half of our churches are served by part-time, non-stipendiary or supply clergy. We seek a bishop who does not see a small congregation as a problem to be solved and who recognizes that “small and mighty” churches have as much to offer as the “large and powerful” ones. We need a bishop who champions the vitality of small congregations and empowers lay people for ministry. 7. Works outside conventional structures and boundaries The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry was repeatedly cited throughout the listening sessions as one of the greatest achievements in the diocese during the last episcopate. This school demonstrates the
power of collaboration across diocesan boundaries and even denominational lines, with the increasing involvement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Central States Synod. We seek a bishop who reconsiders conventional, traditional structures and boundaries at the local, convocation, diocesan and denominational levels, and seeks ways that we, the church, can be stronger together. 8. Courageously engages in healthy conflict resolution We know conflict is a normal aspect of human interactions and provides opportunity for growth. However, our recent history suggests a pattern of conflict avoidance. We seek a leader who provides a nonanxious presence and who can facilitate difficult situations and conflict in healthy, creative and constructive ways. We believe this ability requires both a steady presence and a prophetic voice. 9. Makes Kansas home It should come as no surprise that we Kansans love Kansas, and that we take pride in where we live. In fact, there are a great many reasons to love Kansas that we are eager to share with candidates — from the arts, culture and food scenes in any number of our communities, to the stunning beauty of open skies, Konza Prairie and Flint Hills, to the rhythms of small towns and an agrarian lifestyle. We seek a bishop who is excited about living in this part of the country, putting down roots and living into the unique culture of Kansas. The Rev. Casey Rohleder is cochair of the Search Committee.
The Harvest | Winter 2017 | 9
DIOCESAN LIFE
Kansans visit missionary parishioner in Nepal By Melodie Woerman
Leah Kuhlman of St. Margaret’s, Lawrence, with students in a village school in the mountains above Kathmandu. Missionary Karin Feltman supports efforts to aid girls in this school.
IN OCTOBER EIGHT MEMBERS
of St. Margaret’s, Lawrence, and two others, traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal, to visit Karin Feltman, a fellow parishioner who has been serving as a missionary in Nepal since January 2014. She is serving thereto combat human trafficking and to empower women in a patriarchal country where women and girls are valued less than men. The team from Lawrence spent part of their 15 days in Nepal visiting sites around Kathmandu, the capital of the country that is nestled between India and China in the Himalayans. They also visited the village of Marming, in the mountains above Kathmandu where Feltman lives when doing research on human trafficking.
Cultural immersion and exploring ministry
Dan Kuhlman, one of the travelers, said their time was spent in a mix of cultural immersion and exposure to Feltman’s ministry. “We visited Buddhist and Hindu
PHOTOS BY DAN KUHLMAN
temples to acquaint ourselves with the religious milieu of Nepal, and we hiked to the Peace Pagoda stupa in Pokhara,” he said by email. “We also visited and worshiped in Christian churches in the mountain village and spent a half day learning how to cook a traditional Nepali meal called dal bhat.” They also visited a school in another mountain village where Feltman has raised money to provide scholarships to keep girls in school, as well as two safe houses where girls can escape from abuse or trafficking. Kuhlman said they also took time to enjoy the country. “We did a fly-by of Mount Everest, watched the sunrise over the Annapurna range of the Himalayas, and took several very long and steep hikes around the foothills of Kathmandu,” he said. While several travelers said a trip highlight was seeing Mount Everest and other Himalayan mountains, they were most inspired by the work Feltman is doing in helping girls go to school and providing a safe house for those who need it, and by the courage of young women who are seeking a better life for themselves.
How to help (From left) Leah Kuhlman, missionary Karin Feltman, Libby Miller, Anna Miller and Carolyn Crawford wear traditional Nepali tops called kurtas. 10 | The Harvest | Winter 2017
Those wanting to provide support for Feltman’s work can do so online at www.team.org. Click on Give > Give now (USA) and type in Karin Feltman in the search box; or contact Feltman by email at eramazon@aol.com for more information.
DIOCESAN LIFE
Final confirmation services round out the year THE FINAL
PHOTOS BY THE REV. TOREY LIGHTCAP
Confirmands and clergy gather for photos after the services of confirmation and reception (above) Dec. 2 at St. John’s, Parsons, and (below) Nov. 11 at St. Thomas’, Overland Park.
regional confirmation services this year took place Nov. 11 at St. Thomas’, Overland Park, and Dec. 2 at St. John’s, Parsons. Kansas Assisting Bishop Michael Milliken presided at both services. These followed services on June 17 at Grace Cathedral, Topeka, and on Oct. 7 at Good Shepherd, Wichita, placing one service in each of the four convocations during 2017. Bishop Milliken presided at the Wichita service; Missouri Bishop Wayne Smith traveled from St. Louis for the one in Topeka. During the four services, 68 people were confirmed, and five were received into the Episcopal Church after having been confirmed in other denominations.
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PHOTOS BY MELODIE WOERMAN
The new building, which is located on the south side of Grace Cathedral, Topeka, and connects to it, includes (far left) a first-floor conference room and second-floor choir room, (center) a two-story parish hall and (far right) two floors of diocesan offices.
New diocese/cathedral building nears completion By Melodie Woerman
CONSTRUCTION IS
nearly complete on a new building that will provide space for both the Diocese of Kansas and Grace Cathedral. The facility is an addition on the south side of the cathedral and will provide new offices for members of the Topeka-based diocesan staff, and a large parish hall with kitchen, plus a new choir room and conference room, for the cathedral. The project should be finished at the end of January, except for some exterior lighting and landscaping that as to wait for warmer weather. The diocesan office will be moving in mid-February.
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The cost of the $5 million project is being shared jointly by the diocese and cathedral. The project also included the remodeling of the cathedral’s old lower-level parish hall into classrooms, office space and a lounge for the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. That space opened for the start of classes in August. The school offers classes for lay leaders and those preparing for ordination from four dioceses, including the Diocese of Kansas.
New diocesan facilities
New space for diocesan staff will replace existing offices in a building constructed in 1875 as a laundry for an Episcopal girls’ school that stood
on the property from 1870 to 1928. The structure was converted to a home in 1930 and became the diocesan office in 1959. While loaded with character, the building posed difficulties with its lack of accessibility (steps lead into the building and to all upstairs offices) and challenges in installing 21st-century technology in a 19thcentury structure. Visitors will enter the new diocesan office area through a two-story foyer, which also provides access to the new cathedral parish hall. The new diocesan space will provide an accessible, first-floor office for the bishop, with an enclosed prayer garden outside. A reception
It was expanded to provide sleeping space for 22 people, an updated kitchen and a classroom. Since its completion in 2013, Upton Hall has been used monthly by BKSM students and faculty, as well as by other diocesan groups throughout the year. At the same time, Grace Cathedral had conducted its own capital campaign, which resulted in enough money to create a more spacious Common Room and updated rooms for acolytes and storage. But contributions were short of the amount needed to build their envisioned first-floor parish hall, which would connect to the south side of the cathedral’s center section and extend onto diocesan grounds on the historic Bethany Place property.
A joint venture was the answer
The entrance to the new diocesan office suite, which faces east. A color seal of the diocese will be mounted on the panel above the entryway, and the diocese’s name will go above the door.
In the fall of 2015, the cathedral’s dean, the Very Rev. Steve Lipscomb, proposed a solution. What if the diocese and cathedral combined their resources and envisioned the space each needed in a new way? Joint conversations soon began and new plans were developed. After discussions, the new proposal got the green light from the cathedral Vestry, and from the diocesan Council of Trustees in August 2016. Construction began in the fall of 2016 under the auspices of Junk Architects of Kansas City and MarLan Construction of Lawrence.
area and the bishop’s assistant also will be on the first floor. On the second floor are offices for the canon to the ordinary, the canon’s assistant, the comptroller and the director of communications, along with a workroom. Utilities are being sub-metered for equitable payments for all parties, and both offices worked together to purchase a robust fiber Internet and phone package.
Crossroads to construction
The diocese’s efforts to construct new space, initially envisioned as a stand-alone Leadership Center, began in 2010 with the Crossroads capital campaign. Over several years that effort raised about $3 million, the largest fundraising effort in the history of the diocese. While it wasn’t enough to construct the Leadership Center, Crossroads contributions did fund major renovations to Upton Hall, the diocese’s conference center on the diocesan grounds.
The former lower-level Grace Cathedral parish hall now is home to the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, with three classrooms, an office and a lounge for students.
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DIOCESAN LIFE
The 158th Annual Diocesan Convention Convention elects, amends diocesan canons and hears an update on the search process By Melodie Woerman
THIS YEAR’S
Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas was marked by something rare in the diocese’s 158 years — the person presiding was not a bishop. Because the diocesan Council of Trustees by canon is functioning as the Ecclesiastical Authority in the absence of a bishop, the Very Rev. Foster Mays, Council president, presided over the proceedings. The convention, which met in Topeka Oct. 20-21, tackled a number of actions that had not come before it in recent years, including votes on one debatable resolution and three amendments to the diocesan canons. The resolution would have prevented the convention from adopting any changes to the diocesan constitution or canons until a new bishop was in place, or until the Council of Trustees had engaged in a process of strategic planning. After robust debate, it was defeated.
Changes to diocesan canons
The most far-reaching canon change, which was adopted, involved the way apportionment is figured for every church in the diocese. (Apportionment is the money required from each congregation to support 14 | The Harvest | Winter 2017
PHOTO BY DEACON ROBERT HIRST
The Very Rev. Foster Mays, president of the Council of Trustees, presides over the convention, marking one of the rare conventions when the diocese has been without a sitting bishop. the work of the diocese and, in turn, would have under the previous canon, and 16 will pay more. The net the Episcopal Church). The major change is that appor- result is a reduction of $2,421 in apportionment funds tionment now will raised. be figured on each The other changchurch’s income, es to the canons, rather than using a both of which were three-year average adopted, dealt with of an income total language about dithat varied dependocesan institutions ing on whether the that no longer are church’s income was applicable. increasing, decreasOne eliminated ing or holding steady. the designation of Calculations are on PHOTO BY DEACON ROBERT HIRST the Episcopal Semiincome reported on nary of the Souththe required Paro- Diocesan Treasurer Larry west as an instituchial Report filed Bingham speaks to the protion of the diocese with the diocese by posed canonical amendment (it is wholly owned each congregation. on apportionments. by the Diocese of The net result of the change is that 28 churches will Texas), and the other removed lanpay less in apportionment than they guage relating to Bishop Seabury
Two clergy are honored with convention awards
Deacon David Butler, recipient of the Archdeacons’ Cross
The Rev. Torey Lightcap presents the Canon’s Award to the Very Rev. Foster Mays.
Awards that are given annually during Diocesan Convention this year were the Archdeacon’s Cross, given to a deacon, and the Canon’s Award, given to a priest. Archdeacons Monte Giddings and Charles Pearce presented their award to Deacon David Butler, who serves Epiphany, Independence and Ascension, Neodesha. Academy in Lawrence, given its changed relationship to the diocese (for more about this, please see the story on pages 6-7).
Council of Trustees elections
The only elections before Diocesan Convention this year were two at-large members of the Council of Trustees. The Very Rev. Laurie Lewis, rector of Trinity, Arkansas City and Grace, Winfield, was reelected without opposition to a second three-year term. Myrline Winkler, St. Luke’s, Wamego, was elected to a first term. The convention also ratified the election of clergy representatives to
Canon to the Ordinary the Rev. Torey Lightcap presented his award to the Very Rev. Foster Mays, Epiphany, Sedan, for his service as president of the Council of Trustees, when the body has functioned as Ecclesiastical Authority in the absence of a bishop. (Photos by Melodie Woerman)
the Council of Trustees from each of the four convocations: Northeast Convocation: Deacon Suzi Drury, St. Michael and All Angels, Mission (first term) Northwest Convocation: Deacon Rex Matney, Church of the Covenant, Junction City (second term) Southeast Convocation: The Very Rev. Foster Mays, Epiphany, Sedan (second term) Southwest Convocation: The Rev. Andrew O’Connor, Good Shepherd (first term)
Search Committee update
Members of the convention also heard an update on the search process for the next bishop, from committee co-chairs the Rev. Casey Rohleder, St. Luke’s, Wamego, and Ms. Diana Waddell-Gilbert, Good Shepherd, Wichita. They highlighted the duties of a bishop, the responsibilities of the Search Committee, the proposed search process timeline, feedback from the four listening sessions that took place across the diocese in August and results of the survey of the diocese that took place in the fall. Continued on page 16
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Continued from page 15 They reported on two key dates that have been established: The election of the next bishop will take place on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, on the first day of Diocesan Convention; and The service of ordination and consecration for the new bishop will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Grace Cathedral, Topeka. They also shared the duties and timelines for the Transition Committee, which will take over after candidates for the 10th bishop of Kansas are named and will serve through the new bishop’s consecration. That committee is chaired by the Rev. Mary Siegmund, St. Luke’s, Shawnee, and David Schlomer, St. Michael and All Angels, Mission.
Alleluia grants awarded
For the second year, recipients of grants from the Alleluia Fund were announced during the convention banquet. The fund, which was established with money from the Crossroads capital campaign, provides matching grants of up to $3,000 to help launch outreach ministries in congregations across the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Deacon Fran Wheeler, chair of the Outreach and Mission Committee, said that these grants “enable fellow Kansas Episcopalians to serve as Christ’s hands and feet in the world.” Recipients are: Trinity, Arkansas City, $3,000, for installation of electronic locks on a church building being remodeled into a commu-
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PHOTO BY MELODIE WOERMAN
Archdeacons are surprised by award crosses Archdeacons Monte Giddings (second from left) and Charles Pearce (second from right) were surprised during the awards banquet at Diocesan Convention Oct. 20, when they received their own version of the Archdeacon’s Cross award, which they present annually to a deacon for distinguished service. Coordinating the surprise was Deacon (and former archdeacon) Suzi Drury (far left) and Deacon Bob Hirst (far right), each of whom are previous Archdeacon’s Cross award recipients. Drury and Hirst solicited funds from deacons to cover the cost of the cross and chain for each man, and they made the presentation after the presentation of the Archdeacons’ Cross award.
nity center for arts and education, as well as a free event venue for non-profit organizations. Church of the Epiphany, Independence, $1,763, to replace the ADA door in the parish hall facility to help support a major weekly feeding ministry and various other community organizations. St. Thomas’, Overland Park, $3,000, to provide bus transportation for the youth “Reaching Out to the Community” summer outreach
camp for approximately 45 students. St. Thomas’, Overland Park, $3,000, to support a high school Sunday school program of gifts discernment to help them develop a plan, budget and timeline for completing an outreach ministry, either individually or as a team. St. Luke’s, Wamego, $700, to upgrade their kitchen to help support the church’s growing feeding ministry and various community needs.
FROM THE CANON TO THE ORDINARY | THE REVEREND TOREY L. LIGHTCAP
Deadline draws near to make bishop nominations IN NOT TOO MANY
more days (deadline: Jan. 19), the phase for initial application for the next bishop of the Diocese of Kansas will come and go. Then it’ll be on to screening candidates and selecting nominees to interview. If you’re thinking of asking someone to be a part of it, or if you’re praying over whether you may be called to be part of it yourself, now is the time to get a name/your name in. Click over to the Application page at www.kansasbishopsearch.org if you want to apply; if you’d like to nominate someone, select the Nomination page and follow the instructions there. As a member of the diocesan staff, I haven’t considered it appropriate to directly put in anyone’s name. But I have asked some people outside our diocese if they would consider putting in their own names, or else find someone with whom to work who might put a name in on their behalf. This appeal has taken the form of a direct request: “Would you please prayerfully consider this profile and see if you see yourself reflected in it? Would you ask yourself if you may be so called?” The size and scope of the task require communication to potential candidates that is both clear and bold. The prophet Habakkuk hears the voice of God commanding him to write down the words of a certain prophecy. The Lord says, “Write out the revelation, engraving it clearly on tablets, so that a courier may run with it.”
That last part means that even if you were running past the prophecy at top speed on foot, the words of it would still be easy to read. Our recruitment for the next bishop should be every bit as obvious, honest, revelatory and clear. In our fast-moving world, who and what we are should be out on the table, and those with a heart for it should remain in the conversation until such time as we cast our votes. Some people think there is only one person who is fully capable and called to be the next bishop. I take a more functional view. I believe that God may have called and equipped many, and that it is the work of the Holy Spirit and this holy community to aid discernment from among many excellent candidates. My prayer and hope is that we will make the task of the Bishop Search Committee as difficult as we possibly can, by filling it with as many diverse, qualified, faithful and gifted persons as we possibly can! My aim is “a good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” My fondest wish is for a genuine embarrassment of riches. I believe in a God who constantly provides beyond our capacity to understand or imagine. I also believe in a God who asks us to do our part in making the “kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” So I am for casting the net as widely as possible, and for each of us taking seriously to heart the task that is currently before us. I would not
have you consider yourself unqualified to participate in the recruitment for the next bishop. I have seen the Spirit work in miraculous and unexpected ways too many times over the years, through the unlikeliest of people and circumstances, and I would not want a lack of engagement to constrict the possibilities. Please take this word of encouragement and turn it into some tangible action.
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