&
Elm Branches
IN THIS ISSUE
Congregations explore new ways of BE-ing church
From food pantries to bike repair, DioLex churches serve their communities
Strategic Plan encourages creativity, experimentation Cathedral Domain teen, counselor form special bond
Stories of God’s Love in the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington
WRooted in Faith, Spreading God’s Love Elm Branches &
Richelle Thompson | Editor
elcome to Elm & Branches, the new magazine devoted to sharing the stories of God’s love in the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington.
This magazine is an outgrowth of the diocese’s strategic plan and a response to calls for increased communication and connection. There’s a hunger to hear about the mission and ministry of our fellow Episcopalians and faith communities, and we’re working to respond to that desire.
So why are we calling the magazine Elm & Branches? We sent out a call on social media for suggestions for the names, and we received some great ones. But the submission of Elm & Branches from Isaac Dailey, junior warden of Church of the Advent, Cynthiana, caught our eye. It harkens back to our beginnings.
Authors Frances Keller Swinford and Rebecca Smith Lee painted a picture of the early days of the Episcopal Church in Kentucky in their book, The Great Elm Tree. The first chapter, titled “The Prayer Book Comes to Kentucky,” opens with these scenesetting words:
“The first public service of worship in Kentucky was conducted by an Anglican clergyman on May 28, 1775, at Boonesborough, beneath the spreading branches of a great elm tree. The stately words of The Book of Common
Prayer, traditionally heard within the walls of cathedrals across the Atlantic, did not seem out of place in this green wilderness. No brilliant trappings, no pomp and ceremony here; yet this setting was in its own way just as imposing.
“The clergyman stood within the shade of the “Church Tree,” as it was ever afterwards called, and on this first Sunday after Ascension Day asked God’s blessing on those assembled. The voices of the pioneers joining in the responses reverberated through the primeval forest. Some were Churchmen from the royal colonies of Virginia, some were dissenters, and many professed no religion at all. No matter, they welcomed this opportunity for orderly worship.”
From these auspicious beginnings, the Diocese of Lexington has spread its branches, preaching and teaching about God’s love in the cities and surburbs, in the villages and mountains. The words of the Book of Common Prayer still sound – in St. Francis, Flemingsburg, the last log-cabin church in the diocese, to the rafters of Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Lexington.
Under that elm tree, our early settlers planted roots in the Word of God, and with God’s help, the branches have spread, connected to one another but always seeking ways to be the light and love of Christ in the world.
Cover art: Church of the Advent, Cynthiana, members Garrett Wilson and Dan Clifford show that they're Jesus fans!
Editorial Team
Publisher: The Rt. Rev. Mark Van Koevering
Editor: Richelle Thompson
Writer: Carrie Graves
Designer: Amy Svihlik
Elm Branches &
In this issue
4-7 | A Message from Bishop Mark and Sharing Our Strategic Plan
8-9 | Embracing Our Neighbors
10-13 | Experimenting with New Ways of Being Church
16-19 | Doing Right by the Books—Planting Seeds for Literacy
20-21 | Small Size, Big Ministries
22-23 | ‘A Drink of Water in a Spiritual Desert’
24-25 | When Disaster Strikes, DioLex Pitches In 26-27 | Sharing Sew Much
28-29 | A Global Advocate
30-35 | On the Mountain
36-37 | Reshaping Ministries
38-39 | Answering God’s Call
40-41 | Sharing the Good News
42-43 | Gathering as the Body
44-45 | Art at the Cathedral 46-47 | Offering Our Gifts
Change of Address
Please send address changes to: Diocese of Lexington c/o Elm & Branches 225 Walton Avenue Suite 120 Lexington, KY 40502
NEW STRATEGIC PLAN
seeks to strengthen faith communities, shared ministries
Richelle Thompson | Editor
The Diocese of Lexington has embraced a bold strategic plan with a divine purpose as articulated in the Book of Common Prayer: to join in with the Spirit to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
The strategic plan focuses on three key areas:
• Faith Community Health and Vitality
• Shared Diocesan Mission and Ministry
• Administrative Oversight.
Objectives within these areas include developing missional leadership; building distinctive communities of faith, revising existing and launching new diocesan ministries; restructuring the organization around the vision; and sharing the good news.
“The tendency is to keep doing what we’ve done,” said Bishop Mark Van Koevering. “But what we’re trying to do in this strategic plan is to look at our vision way out there on the horizon, which is to unite all people to God in Christ and each other, and then ask, how do we get there? What are the first steps? What are the next steps after that?”
In 2019, before the pandemic began, clergy and laity from across the diocese began with intentional visioning conversations and explorations. From these discussions, an aspirational mission emerged: BE the Church. BE the Change.
“As Church, we teach the core Christian beliefs of the apostolic tradition, encourage spiritual practices, and put our faith into action out in the world,” said Bishop Mark. “The Change we desire will come about by responding to the call to follow Jesus as God gifts us a new identity as God’s people.”
Our Episcopal polity and tradition center this work in the context of the diocese as one church with 34 faith communities working together for a common purpose.
“As we place our trust in God, we can also hope for growth,” said Bishop Mark. “God grows the Church, but as agents of God’s mission in the world, we can cultivate, plant, and water God’s garden with expectation. As we carry out the objectives of our strategic plan, we expect to see growth spiritually in Christ, relationally with each other, missionally as we look outward and organically as we plant and renew our Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement.”
In 2023, as we emerged from the pandemic, the diocese spent months taking the visioning work and transforming it into a strategic plan. This work included:
•Pruning and Reallocating: Knowing that we cannot do more without cutting back on current work or increasing the size of diocesan staff or both, the planning team, comprised of people from the diocese, began the difficult process of pruning and reallocating. This included a top-to-bottom examination of various structures. So, for instance, Executive Council was restructured into the three key areas of the strategic plan instead of a plethora of subcommittees and commissions. Another example is a revamped diocesan budget, including reallocating resources to more closely align with goals.
•Engaging and Educating: We are working together to change the culture, moving away from the ideas of recruiting members to making disciples, from being a religious club to a gospel community, and from isolated, independent congregations to one, united Church.
• Embracing a Missional Ethos: We are shifting our focus from looking in at ourselves to looking outward. This means being open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and recognizing that God is already at work in the world. This appreciative approach will help us work with others to make use of all the resources God has already given us
In March, Executive Council adopted this strategic plan; a central tenet is an openness to the unexpected, creative nature of the Holy Spirit. To live into the strategic plan requires a willingness to explore
creative responses and to try new things. Experiments include thinking about new ways of being church, such as with the discernment and visioning initiative at Church of the Advent in Cynthiana and Church of Our Saviour in Madison County (see pages 10-13 to learn more). Another experiment is evident in the very pages of this magazine, as leadership listened and responded to the desire for deeper connection and broader communication (see pages 40-41 to learn more). We are committed to sharing the successes and setbacks as we live into our strategic plan.
As part of the plan, the goal is to focus diocesan resources—people and financial—and find synergy and collaboration among our faith communities as well as strengthen shared ministries like the Cathedral Domain and St. Augustine’s campus ministry.
“No matter how many gifts we have, none of us have all the answers,” said Bishop Mark. “This is part of our learning, that together we’re stronger. And this goes beyond individual congregations to our work together in the diocese. What does it mean for us to learn from each other and across congregations, to share resources and experiences and gifts?”
Strategic Plan: Areas of Focus and Objectives
Faith Community Health and Vitality
• Developing Missional Leadership
• Building Distinctive Communities of Faith
Our Core Values
Courageous, hardy, and hopeful, with a healthy dose of stick togetherness.
Shared Diocesan Mission and Ministry
• Revision Existing Diocesan Ministries
• Launching New Diocesan Ministries
Our Mission
Praise God, make disciples, and share the Good News of Jesus.
Administrative Oversight
• Restructuring the organization around the vision
• Sharing the Good News
Our Expected Results
Spiritual Growth
Relational Growth
Missional Growth
Organic Growth
Hallmarks of a Healthy Community
• Find out what God wants, discerning the Spirit’s leaning rather than trying to please everyone
• Energized by faith rather than just keeping things going or trying to survive
• Outward-looking focus with a “whole life” rather than a “church life” concern
• Face the cost of change and growth rather than resisting change and avoiding failure
• Operate as a community rather than functioning as a club or a religious organization
• Make room for all; be all-encompassing rather than exclusive
• Do a few things and do them well; be focused rather than frenetic
Dear friends in Christ,
Once upon a time, the Diocese of Lexington produced a printed magazine – the Advocate. For lots of good reasons, we moved away from print to a digital footprint. This year, our new communication strategy has dramatically increased our connections through social media as we get the Good News of Jesus out to more and more people. Nevertheless, there is an itch we haven’t quite scratched. Some still long for a printed format and a way to go deeper into a topic beyond an icon, meme, or clip, something we can hold in our hands, put on display, and share with our friends.
Welcome to Elm & Branches. This experimental printed magazine offers us a unique opportunity to share how we are living out our calling to Be the Church and Be the Change in the Diocese of Lexington. We hope that these stories will inspire you. We hope that you will feel a greater sense of being connected and reminded that we are a communion of communities in Christ Jesus. Together, we are stronger.
As you read, you will meet new friends and see old acquaintances. You will hear how the Spirit is leading us in wonderfully creative ways. And you may want to get more involved in the life of our Church. Let us know what you think so that we can improve our work going forward. I hope you will enjoy this magazine, be edified by the content, and share it with others. Use it as an opportunity to tell your story of faith and brag on your Church a little.
Let’s Be the Church and Be the Change.
Yours in Christ, Bishop Mark
A Ministry of Inclusion and Love
Richelle Thompson | Editor
For more than 30 years, Church of the Ascension in Frankfort has embraced a unique and transformative ministry with Stewart Home & School, a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Nestled on a sprawling 900-acre campus in Frankfort, Stewart House is home to more than 300 residents, ranging in age from 12 to 90+. Each Sunday, Brandon Cheak loads up a bus of residents and brings them to worship at Ascension. The Stewart Home residents join the rest of the Ascension congregation, serving as greeters, ushers, acolytes, and even bell ringer.
For many of residents, Church of the Ascension has become a place of belonging, where their skills and gifts are not just welcomed but celebrated, said Brandon, who has been involved with this ministry for nearly two decades.
“It's such a rewarding experience," said Brandon. “They teach me how to have a different perspective."
Under the leadership of the Rev. Peter Doddema, the church’s relationship with Stewart Home has flourished. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stewart Home residents would attend the early service and were a bit more
At Ascension, Frankfort, all are seen as valued and beloved children of God. segregated from the larger congregation. But after the pandemic, Ascension moved to one service, and residents have become more integrated into the life of the church.
The relationship is not just a ministry to the residents but a ministry with them.
In fact, said Peter, “it’s the Stewart Home parishioners who are ministering to the rest of the congregation in a major way.”
The Stewart Home parishioners "are our best evangelists,” he said. “They bring their families who come to visit. When a new resident comes to Stewart, they invite them to church. They are constantly showing us how to BE the Church and BE the Change.”
Brandon isn't a member of Ascension; his full-time vocation is as a chief lending officer at a credit union. He began working at Stewart House twenty years ago as a way to make money for college. He has continued part-time, driving residents to church, the movies, and other events.
“When I started, the person who hired me said, ‘I want you to take home more than a paycheck,’” Brandon recalled. “And I have. Now, it’s not about the paycheck. It’s about the opportunity to interact and spend time with some wonderful people.”
Brandon praised Peter’s leadership in encouraging residents to share their gifts. For example, Ida, a resident in her 30s, has a lot of energy and likes to walk around and meet people. So now, Ida serves as the bell ringer and greeter.
“Ida never meets a stranger,” said Brandon. “With these roles, she gets her face time with everyone, and she's become an example of what it means to fully embrace each person’s unique gifts.” Welcoming and embracing difference isn’t always easy, Peter shared. Members and residents have learned new ways of interacting with—and extending grace to—one another.
“Their presence has helped us prepare for anyone who comes through our doors, whether they are neurodivergent or have other differences,” said Peter. “Our Stewart Home parishioners remind us that everybody who comes in is unique and has value. They have made us a more welcoming, loving church.”
Want to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of welcoming diverse groups into your church? Contact Peter Doddema at fatherpeter@ascensionfrankfort.org.
FAITH COMMUNITIES explore new ways of being church
Richelle Thompson | Editor
s part of the diocese’s strategic plan, two congregations—and a third to join soon—have embarked on a bold experiment to reimagine what it means to be church. This experiment is an opportunity for congregations to build sustainable models of faith communities despite the challenges of declining finances and attendance. This shift in approach stems from a recognition that the traditional “one priest, one church’’ model isn’t feasible for many small congregations anymore.
“What does it mean to be a church in a different way?” asked Bishop Mark Van Koevering. “We want to explore ways outside of the typical model of priestly leadership from above and encourage leadership from within."
Church of the Advent, Cynthiana, has led the way, beginning its collaboration with the diocese 18 months ago. Faced with dwindling attendance—just six people on some Sundays—the congregation knew it needed a change. Today, their transformation offers an inspiring look at how smaller churches can thrive by embracing creativity, community involvement, and lay leadership.
The Rev. Emily Cardwell, a deacon, has served as a guide through this process of transformation. She meets regularly with church parishioners and offers insight, ideas, and encouragement about ways to build on their strengths.
“I am there to walk alongside the laity and try to empower them and help them discover new ways or different ways that they can be church,” says Emily.
So, for instance, without a full-time priest to celebrate the eucharist each week, Advent offers Morning Prayer three Sundays a month with lay leaders at the helm. The service includes a video sermon, recommended by Emily and Advent’s leaders. Then, participants discuss the video during
worship. This type of creative engagement has deepened relationships among parishioners and drawn new people into the community.
Isaac Dailey began attending Advent about two years ago. He was confirmed last December and now serves as junior warden. The discussion time after the homilies has become a valued part of worship, says Isaac.
“People really share about how they relate to the message and what it means for their lives,” says Isaac. “It’s a very open discussion where people can say, I disagree with this or that, but we’re able to then talk about things in a healthy way. I had never seen anybody be able to say that they disagree verbally inside church ever. It’s such an empowering way of exploring our faith together.”
Another example of the church’s transformation is its growing role in the wider
Top left: A crew from Advent helps clean up one of the local parks before the Juneteenth celebration.
Top: The Rev. Emily Caldwell, a deacon, walks alongside the people of Advent, Cynthiana, and Our Savior, Madison County, to explore new ways of being church.
Left: Parishioners of Church of our Savior share fellowship and a meal.
Twenty-five years after welcoming two refugee families from Kosovo, Church of our Savior hosted an anniversary celebration. Almost 60 Kosovor guests came – five times the 12 refugees the church welcomed in 1999.
community. When the congregation received a large bequest from a former priest, leadership decided to tithe a portion of the gift. Each month, for 15 months, this small congregation has given $1,000 to respond to a need in the community. Recipients include the local school’s art program, a Juneteenth celebration, and a pet rescue agency. Advent has also shown its willingness to engage with social issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion. Another member, Alyssa Dailey (no relation to Isaac) recently started Advent Pride, the first LGBTQ+ group in the city. The monthly meetings are attracting 40+ people, some of whom are stepping into a church for the first time or for many years following religious trauma.
“I love that we’ve become a presence in Cynthiana,” says Amy Mashburn, Advent's senior warden. “For a long time, we were known as that cool-looking old church, but nobody knew who we were or what we stood for. People know what we stand for now ... I really feel like we're doing what God is calling us to do.”
In addition to its growing presence in the community, Advent is recording numerical and spiritual growth. Last December, Bishop Mark confirmed six
new congregants, all under the age of 35. Attendance is up to around 20 or so, a sharp increase from six. Amy attributes much of the progress to the Christ-like presence of Deacon Emily, who offers new thinking in gentle and encouraging ways. Amy and Isaac also credit the support of the diocese, from helping fund Deacon Emily’s role to the frequent workshops and meetings to imagine new ways to BE the Church.
“Bishop Mark has been really great. And Canon Amy and Kat [the diocesan missioner for operations and finance] and the whole diocesan office have been so encouraging, helping us to think outside the box about what it means to be church,” says Amy.
Not surprisingly, Advent leaders say such transformation has come with some angst and resistance. Some parishioners fear that altering the traditional way of worship might erode the church’s Episcopal identity, and others worry about long-term sustainability.
Amy and other leaders have framed the new direction as an experiment rather than a permanent shift. If something doesn’t work, then it’s back to the drawing board.
“I’d love to say it’s all rainbows and unicorns, but change is really hard,” says Amy.
“We're trying to overcome the challenges and keep going in the direction that we feel called. I have to say, these days, I’m praying a lot more for Advent than I ever did before.”
While Deacon Emily continues her ministry with Advent, the experimentation has expanded to a second congregation: she began working with the Church of Our Saviour, Madison County, this summer.
Our Saviour has long been active in the community, packing lunches for families in need and partnering with a community outreach center. This summer, they celebrated the 25th anniversary of their sponsorship of two Kosovo families who had fled the violence of their home country. The congregation recently adopted a land acknowledgment, naming their indebtedness to the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited and cared for the land where the church building is now located.
At the same time, after the retirement of Our Saviour’s priest, the congregation was uncertain about the next steps and how to carry on its ministry in the Richmond area. Entering the experimental collaboration with Deacon Emily and the diocese is an opportunity to imagine a new path, says senior warden James Anderson.
Although it’s still early in the process, he says he’s seen progress already.
“I feel more positive about our future,” he says. “It’s going to take some time and some hard work, but I am hopeful about the future.”
This sense of optimism about new ways of being church is central to the experimental initiatives, says the Rev. Canon Amy Chambers Cortright, the Diocese of Lexington’s Canon to the Ordinary. “We’re not backed into a corner, but rather thinking about what new thing is God trying to do within these communities of amazing people. We see this as a real opportunity to step into something new. We don't know what it is. We don't know exactly what's going to come out of it. We don’t even know that it’s going to be 'successful,' but we see this as a faithful step toward trying to meet the new moment.”
Bishop Mark praises the willingness of the lay people of Advent and Our Saviour to explore and reimagine the church.
“I think we are learning a great deal from these experiments. One of the amazing things is that before, we would have waited for the priest to suggest the answers. Now, the initiatives are coming from the people in the pews.”
The buzz about Advent’s new pollinator garden
Church of the Advent, Cynthiana, is laying the groundwork for a revision to one of singer Joni Mitchell’s famous songs. They’re tearing up a parking lot to put in paradise.
As Advent continues to look at ways to serve the community, the vestry has decided to transform the buckling concrete of a parking lot into a pollinator garden. They recently received a “Downtown Incentives Grant” from Cynthiana Main Street to support the project.
The goal is to create a beautiful and thriving space for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, in the heart of Cynthiana. The garden will not only be a visible sign of the church’s commitment to creation care but also provide a peaceful sanctuary for the people of Cynthiana, a place for quiet reflection and prayer. An artist’s rendering shows the potential of the new garden, which is expected to be completed by next summer.
Snapshots of the people and ministries of Grace United.
Grace United merges focusescongregations, on service
Richelle Thompson | Editor
The Diocese of Lexington celebrated the creation of the first Episcopal-Lutheran joint congregation this summer. After years of worshipping and serving the community together, the faith communities of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church and Word of Hope Lutheran Church officially became a new unified congregation called Grace United Lutheran Episcopal Church located in southern
Lexington at 1870 Armstrong Mill Road.
“I’m excited,” said Bishop Mark Van Koevering. “I think this is an example of the movement of the Spirit. This union is lifegiving for both communities in a way they could not have alone. It truly is one of those ‘stronger together’ stories.”
Service to the community has been an important principle for the two communities
and is a central tenet of the unified congregation, said the Rev. Laura Altman, a Lutheran pastor who served both places and is now the part-time pastor of Grace United.
“We’re really well-known for helping our community and for being a safe place for people to gather,” said Laura. “We’re not a club to belong to but a place where people can come and be of service to others.”
The congregation of about 50 already has an outsized footprint in the neighborhood. They serve a weekly community dinner, host four AA meetings, offer a Blessing Box with food and personal care items, a community garden, and support numerous local groups with their time, talent, and treasures. Laura expects their engagement in the community to continue to grow.
St. Martha’s and Word of Hope officially closed to create the new entity of Grace United. The Diocese of Lexington and the Executive Council have supported the venture, using funds set aside for a church plant to pay for renovations and other facility needs. Since the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran denominations are in full communion, worship will reflect both
sharing the harvest
traditions, and members of Grace United will attend both the Episcopal diocesan convention and the Lutheran synod. Members will be divided 50-50 between the two denominations, and assessments will be split evenly as well.
Grace United offers an example of ecumenism and of developing a distinct community of faith from different traditions, said Bishop Mark. These types of arrangements offer “more freedom and more accountability to two bishops and judicatories.”
Laura sees Grace United as an example for small congregations that may struggle with finances or even having enough members for worship and leadership roles.
“Together, we are so much stronger. By coming together, we can have more robust worship, increase our service to the community, and enjoy the fellowship of coming together and caring for one another,” she said. “We are still small but mighty.”
Learn more about the ministry of Grace United at graceunitedlex.org.
This fall, the youth of Holy Trinity, Georgetown, engaged in the biblical practice of gleaning: collecting the leftover crops in the field and giving them to the poor. Holy Trinity youth joined to pick the leftover harvest at Evans Orchard to donate to Amen House and Gathering Place, food shelters in Georgetown. The produce harvested included bell peppers, chili peppers, banana peppers, green beans, and tomatoes. In total, volunteers gleaned about 120 bags of produce.
Planting READING ROOTS
Carrie Graves | Writer for a Lifetime of Learning
The Diocese of Lexington has long embraced literacy as a core ministry. Congregations across the diocese have continued to dedicate themselves to helping give children the tools and support to become effective readers. This ministry not only sets these students up for academic success but also gives them confidence in their own abilities and the experience of witnessing firsthand the love of Christ.
Students at Reading Camp at St. John’s, Versailles, use art and other tools to strengthen their literacy skills.
St. John’s, Versailles: Supporting
Young Readers
Sara Meekins has been involved in reading initiatives with the diocese and St. John’s, Versailles, for more than 20 years. Just as she was about to retire as a first-grade teacher, Sara heard about the diocesan Reading Camp initiative and knew she wanted to lend her expertise. When St. John’s began their own programs in 2008, Sara played a key role and continues that work today.
St. John’s works closely with local schools to identify students in need. St. John volunteers engage children in reading-related activities both during a summer camp and throughout the school year in bi-monthly after-school sessions. The goal is for at least half of the summer campers to continue in the afterschool reading program, further deepening and strengthening their literacy skills.
“Over 100 kids have graduated from our program,” says Sara. “When they graduate, they get a plaque with their name on it in the parish hall, and that’s a big deal.” The folks at St. John’s have nurtured an entire generation and seen them blossom with self-esteem and reflect the love shown to them into the world. They even provide scholarships for their graduates to attend trade school or college after high school graduation.
Sara notes that for her and the other volunteers, it’s love that hooks them. The kids in their reading programs are often suffering from low self-esteem caused by being behind in reading. They need lots of hugs and lots of attention, which volunteers are happy to give, says Sara. At the same time, St. John’s reading programs give the volunteers a chance to love and be loved and make a significant difference in the lives of children. It’s a wonderful way to BE the Church and Be the Change.
The program’s impact extends beyond literacy. In 2016, the Reading Club children penned Christmas letters to soldiers in Afghanistan. Each summer, the students explore art, reading, and cultural experiences like the 2023 camp’s exploration of Henri Matisse’s art with local artist Ruthie Bowen.
Getting a step up on reading: a volunteer police officer reads with a student at the reading Day Camp at Trinity, Danville.
Trinity, Danville: Strengthening Bonds in the Community
In 2023, Trinity, Danville, restarted and retooled what was previously Reading Camp. The decision was made to honor one of their parishioners, the Rev. Ginny Eklund, a deacon who had directed the Reading Camp for several years, shared David Roberts, one of the leaders of the camp. Many components of the former Reading Camp were incorporated, while new activities, such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) projects were added. A major focus of Day Camp is to introduce campers to the learning standards that they will experience as rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Throughout the week-long camp, campers spend their mornings in literacy and social
studies centers such as writing, Fun-ics (Phonics), pleasure reading, and geography. Intertwined in their core lessons are fine art activities, and afternoons centered around the study of science standards. This summer, the theme was "Good Vibrations," teaching campers about a variety of energy forms. Campers engineered their own wind turbines and learned to create electrical circuits; campers experimented in creating artwork under varying light sources, including black light, and even used solar ovens to make s’mores.
“Many of our parishioners remain connected with our campers throughout the year, mostly as mentors at Toliver Elementary School in Danville,” said David.” The bonding has proven to be a powerful tool for bringing our community together.”
Ascension, Frankfort: Bringing Learning to Life
For the past 13 years, Church of the Ascension in Frankfort has offered a free, week-long Reading Camp for students entering third through fifth grades who need some extra help with reading. The Rev. Rebecca Saager, deacon at Ascension, organizes and directs the camp.
The Reading Camp program offers local students hands-on literacy support with group activities and one-on-one sessions with volunteer counselors, many of whom are teachers or have backgrounds in education. Some of the volunteers are older kids who have aged out of the camp or are volunteers from local Scouts troops. The program blends traditional reading activities with fun, enriching experiences like pottery making, swimming, museum visits, and other educational field trips.
Let us know what your congregation is doing to support literacy in your community by contacting goodnews@ diolex.org.
Carrie Graves is a writer for Elm & Branches. She also supports the diocese’s digital evangelism, including social media graphics and Link. Contact her at goodnews@ diolex.org.
A student expresses their appreciation for the literacy ministry at Ascension, Frankfort.
Love Knows No Limits
A Summer of Ministry and Outreach
Bruce Cory | Contributor
From fixing bicycles to packing lunches, supporting recovery groups and hosting special events, St. John’s, Corbin, offers a model for how small congregations can make a big impact in their community.
With a modest size of about 25 members, St. John’s embraced a summer filled with outreach and ministry.
Recognizing the power of collaboration, St. John’s partnered with various local groups to amplify their impact. In May, St. John’s hosted a table at the Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions, a gathering that brings together people from across the addiction
recovery landscape to share ideas, resources, and hope. As part of its commitment to the recovery community, St. John’s provides space for Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and collaborated with Olive Branch Ministries to provide a study group for Twelve Steps for Spiritual Recovery.
In June, St. John’s demonstrated its commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion by hosting the second annual Community Pride Picnic, bringing together community groups and organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community. St. John’s also hosted a table at the Corbin Pride Festival, offering
The people of St. John’s, Corbin, offered a message of love and welcome (and some free water!) at the Corbin Pride Festival.
water and a message of love and welcome.
The church launched a Bag Lunch outreach program to address issues of food insecurity in the community, particularly in the summer. With additional financial support from Olive Branch Ministries and the active service of several members of St. John’s, the congregation prepared and distributed 20 bag lunches from Tuesdays through Fridays. In response to the great need and the joy experienced through service, St. John’s is now considering adding a weeknight meal to the outreach ministries.
Responding to the transportation needs of the unhoused, St. John’s hosted
two bicycle donation and repair events, distributing bicycles to those in need in the community. This effort also involved collaboration with other community members who assisted with the repairs and with Olive Branch Ministries, which provided additional financial support.
As part of our focus on how to serve the community, St. John’s continues to emphasize spiritual growth through regular gatherings for formation, worship, and community. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to sharing God’s love, and St. John’s offers a mighty example of how communities of faith, big and small, can BE the Change in their communities.
Bruce Cory is a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Learn more about St. John’s ministry: stjohnscorbin.org
Left: Volunteers of St. John’s pack bag lunches to distribute Tuesday through Friday during the summer. Below: A new bike repair ministry helps provide transportation to those in need.
‘A drink of water in a spiritual desert’
Calvary launches new ministries to serve community
Alyse Giffin | Contributor
Calvary Episcopal Church in Ashland has experienced a season of transformation and growth. With new families moving into the area and current members becoming more active, the church has seen a steady increase in attendance, as both longtime parishioners and newcomers find a welcoming and inclusive community.
“Calvary, Ashland, has been a drink of water in a spiritual desert,” said new member, Stacy Whaley. “From the openness of their congregation to The Holy Locker Room and even in my job hearing about the offerings for those in recovery to the Pride Picnic and always feeding us — we are forever grateful that we walked through those red doors.”
and service. The congregation has embraced these changes as opportunities to deepen their faith and grow together in Christ.
“You all have welcomed me and my kids with open arms, and it’s been wonderful to find a church home that feels so welcoming in the middle of a crazy faith journey where not everyone is so understanding of changing beliefs,” said Katherine Jones.
“It is wonderful to hear love, inclusion, and acceptance spoken of from the pulpit and how the church is supposed to be about those things and then to see it in action.”
Calvary has introduced a series of fresh initiatives aimed at fostering spiritual growth
Gospel & Games is a new collaboration of youth from Calvary, First Christian (Disciples of Christ), and First United Methodist. Youth come together each month to play games,
Youth from three Ashland-area churches gather for a new initiative, Gospel & Games.
eat food, and learn about the gospel as a community. Gospel & Games came to light when youth leaders saw a need to bond our children under God instead of dividing them by the walls of a church. After successfully working with one another on a community-wide Vacation Bible School, we continue to share God’s blessing with the St. Francis Pet blessing in partnership with First Christian Church.
Calvary’s new Hospice Teddy Bear Ministry was inspired by a story from Senior Warden Rick Waddle. As a hospice nurse, Rick saw a need to offer comfort to patients and families. Calvary raised funds to purchase new teddy bears that the youth brought up to be blessed by the congregation. Each bear includes a tag indicating that it is from Calvary along with a few comforting words. When a nurse or social worker identifies a patient in need, they will offer a Teddy Bear to provide comfort.
Holy Locker Room began with a conversation in the car.
“Like many families with children in upper school grades, most of our time together is spent in the car, to and from practices and games,” said Calvary member Lyndi Lowman. “This summer, while driving my freshman daughter to another volleyball practice, she commented on needing another pair of court shoes soon. It led us to talking about how sports fees and equipment can be expensive and may not always be in a family’s budget. No child should forgo the chance to participate in a sport because it strains their family’s financial situation.”
Lyndi turned to Calvary. With just a few conversations and work from a few passionate
members, the congregation launched The Holy Locker Room. Donations have come in from church members and the community, with more than 20 families and businesses contributing so far. The Holy Locker Room is open the third Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. and is stocked with donated items for golf, soccer, softball, baseball, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, and football.
“The first time a child came in and found a pair of soccer cleats needed for the upcoming season, it was a moment of great joy and thanksgiving,” said Lyndi.
A key part of the growth and new initiatives is the way Calvary members have banded together, sharing their gifts and talents to build a stronger church under God’s guidance. Calvary encourages an environment where all are invited to contribute, whether through leadership, teaching, or community service. This spirit of collaboration has not only strengthened relationships within the church but also extended Calvary’s reach into the larger community. Through unity, openness, and a shared vision, the church will continue flourishing, proving that change, when centered on faith and love, brings about lasting blessings.
Learn more about the ministries at CalvaryAshland.org and Calvary’s Holy Locker Room Facebook page.
Alyse Giffin is the director of youth ministry at Calvary, Ashland. Contact her at calvaryyouthashland@gmail.com.
More fun at Gospel & Games!
The Holy Locker Room is stocked with sporting equipment, clothes, and shoes.
When Disasters Strike, DioLex Responds
Carrie Graves | Writer
In the wake of devastating floods that have struck Eastern Kentucky in the past three years, the Diocese of Lexington has responded as the hands and feet of God, offering financial support, material aid, and volunteers, particularly to hard-hit counties of Estill, Lee, and Perry. This ministry is an outward and tangible example of our shared commitment to BE the Church and BE the Change – at all times.
After the 2022 flood, faith communities and individuals from across the diocese and around the world contributed more than $300,000 for flood victims. The diocese partnered with Christian Appalachian Project, Housing Development Alliance, Inc., and other local groups to help rebuild houses and lives after the devastation.
Good Shepherd, Lexington, played a critical role in raising both funds and
St. Timothy's, Barnes Mountain, provided a flood relief trailer, working with other groups to fill it up with cleaning supplies and other needed items.
awareness for the flood relief efforts. In addition to contributing quilts and cleaning supplies for those impacted, Good Shepherd launched a campaign urging parishioners to donate directly to the diocese’s relief fund. All proceeds went directly to those in need. Just as importantly, parishioners were encouraged to offer prayers for those suffering from the devastation. This dual approach— material and spiritual—reflects the church’s commitment to supporting the people of Eastern Kentucky in their time of need.
St. Michael the Archangel, Lexington, and Christ Church Cathedral also played a leading role in collecting and distributing supplies. In August 2022, they helped fill a flood relief trailer, enabling parishioners and local partners like Central Baptist Church and the Diocese of Western Tennessee to gather and deliver donations, including bottled water,
cleaning products, and children’s books.
As St. Timothy’s Episcopal Outreach Center in Barnes Mountain does so often, the center offered relief and support to those in the mountain communities. The center worked with Church of the Good Shepherd to deliver 45 gallons of bleach, mops, and quilts to families in need.
In addition to coordinating donations, St. Timothy’s has hosted mission groups to assist with hands-on recovery efforts. Among those groups was a team from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Glenwood, Maryland, which helped rebuild two homes along the Kentucky River.
Flood recovery often takes years, and ongoing support is vital. For instance, St. Michael’s, Lexington, and St. John’s, Versailles recently partnered with Bishop Mark Van Koevering to assist in Ravenna, Kentucky. These volunteers helped with insulation installation, debris removal, and ceiling repairs, making strides toward making homes habitable again.
The Diocese of Lexington remains committed to helping people and communities rebuild their homes, businesses, and lives.
Carrie Graves is a writer for Elm & Branches. She also supports the diocese’s digital evangelism, including social media graphics and Link. Contact her at goodnews@diolex.org.
A volunteer from St. Michael’s helps repair a home damaged in flooding.
Hurricane Helene: How to help
"We know what it’s like to suffer catastrophic floods. If you are able, let’s give a hand to those in need."
— Bishop Mark Van Koevering
Let's give as we can to help those suffering from the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene. One option is give directly to the Diocese of Western Carolina, which sustained enormous damage. The QR code will take you to their portal; in the pulldown menu, choose Partners in Mission and on the memo line, put Helene. You can also give through Episcopal Relief & Development's Hurricane Relief Fund.
Volunteers from Good Shepherd, Lexington, collect blankets for families.
Thy wool be done Sewing (and knitting!) with purpose
Richelle Thompson | Editor
In an era where technology and fast-paced lifestyles dominate, sewing ministries like knitting and quilting guilds offer a space for creativity, connection, and community outreach. In some of our churches, groups of dedicated individuals come together to create beautiful, hand-stitched items that not only carry warmth but also embody love, care, and prayer. While these groups certainly offer wonderful camaraderie, their significance runs much deeper, weaving threads of faith, charity, and personal healing into each stitch.
Good for hands – and hearts
Laughter rolls out of the fellowship hall at St. Andrew’s, Fort Thomas, where a group of women meet each week as part of the Knitting Guild. Some have been working magic with their needles since they were children. Others are just learning.
That’s one of the lovely components of this group: anyone can join in this ministry, which includes creating caps for new babies and those undergoing chemotherapy. A few years ago, the group sent handmade hats and scarves to Letcher County in Southeast Kentucky, where they were draped on tree branches for people to select as needed. The group also creates prayer shawls and pocket squares, which are blessed by the clergy and given to those in need as well as visitors to the church.
These women have fast hands: between them, they have knitted or crocheted more than 200 items so far this year.
“It’s cheaper than therapy,” laughs Marylyn
A prayer shawl from the St. Andrew's Knitting Group
Majancsik. “It’s good for your hands and good for the heart.”
And some of the women in the group have also been the recipients. When Kim Vogel had surgery, she was gifted a prayer shawl pocket square.
“Every time I see it, I think of how good it made me feel to know I was being prayed for,” said Kim. After she retired, she was inspired by the gift and joined the group.
St. Andrew’s has another handcrafted ministry as well. Earlier this year, parishioner Debbie Wilshire launched a group called “Sewing with a Purpose.” They meet twice a month, with members ranging from 15 to 87 years old, from seasoned seamstresses to firsttime sewers. They create lap quilts for local nursing homes and the VA, clothes protectors, and walker bags.
Debbie says the members are driven by a sense of giving back to the community. They find a deeper meaning in their work, knowing that their efforts will comfort those who may be lonely, elderly, or in need of care. Each lap quilt, with its colorful patterns and cozy warmth, becomes a tangible representation of love and support from the church.
Prayer in every stitch
At Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington, the Prayer Shawl ministry offers a similar experience. This group of knitters and crocheters, led by Cathy Pemberton, gathers to make shawls for those who are sick or mourning. Members pray as they knit, blessing both their hands and the shawl’s future recipient. One participant mentioned that she prays, "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" with each stitch, using the rhythm of knitting as a meditative act of faith.
These prayer shawls are distributed by the church’s pastoral care committee, providing comfort to people during life’s most difficult moments. For the knitters, knowing their
creation might help someone feel less alone or more connected to God adds a spiritual depth to their craft. The simple act of knitting becomes a form of ministry, embodying faith through handiwork.
Good Shepherd also has an active quilting ministry. Started in 1982, over the years, the group has made more than 4,000 quilts, primarily for baptisms but also for local organizations. Each quilt, adorned with a cross and a prayer, serves as a blessing.
Parishioner Dale Rosine has created with her hands for most of her life. Originally a garment sewer, she had no quilting experience but decided to join the group after a conversation with a fellow quilter. What began as a modest attempt to make a baby blanket for her son quickly blossomed into a passion.
For Dale, quilting is more than just piecing together fabric. "We're taking little scraps and making something beautiful – just like God takes our scraps and makes something beautiful out of us."
Is your congregation involved in a sewing ministry? Share your story with us at goodnews@diolex.org.
Good Shepherd quilters
A knitter at St. Andrew's
Championing Women’s Voices on the Global Stage
Richelle Thompson | Editor
With a lifetime of advocacy and a resume that spans three continents, the Rev. Canon Helen Van Koevering is known as a leader who has her “foot in lots of different places.”
Her connections and experiences around the globe will no doubt shape her ministry as the newly elected chair of the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN). The group serves as a “bold and prophetic voice for all women throughout the Anglican Communion” and seeks to eradicate genderbased inequality and violence.
“Women hold up half the sky,” says Helen, who serves as the rector of St. Raphael’s, Lexington. In local congregations and churches around the world, women play central roles in active ministries.
Organizations like the Mothers’ Union and other women’s networks are fundamental to the strength of the Church. IAWN wants to connect these groups, helping them find
Helen holds baby Rebeka in Gondola, central Mozambique, in 1998.
common ground, sharing resources and ideas, and advocating on behalf of women’s equality. The Steering Committee includes representatives from around the world, women who are doing amazing work in their
Helen Van Koevering stands with the new IAWN deputy chair, Hera Clarke-Dancer from the Province of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Photo: ACNS
local contexts, from lifting up indigenous voices to tackling poverty and violence, particularly among women and children, says Helen.
“The types of conversations and the connections that we make with one another can help us all move forward,” says Helen. “We have so much to learn from one another.”
The Power of Global Connections
Helen’s journey into advocacy began in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where she was first drawn by a call to serve the poor. Over time, she witnessed firsthand how women were often the backbone of their communities but lacked adequate representation in leadership. As she became more involved in international initiatives, it became clear that advocacy wasn’t just about addressing women’s issues locally but about connecting women globally.
Helen and Mark Van Koevering in Johannesburg for Mark’s consecration as a bishop in 2003. For 10 years, Helen was the only female priest in the Anglican Church of Mozambique & Angola.
“We need to hear those voices,” Helen emphasizes. Whether advocating for gender justice or combating violence against women, these issues resonate across borders, and women’s voices from countries from countries around the world—from Mozambique to India, New Zealand to Wales—carry unique insights into these challenges.
Global Meets Local
Helen has long been active on the global stage. Last March, she was a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and will attend again in 2025, this time as chair of IAWN. These conversations
reveal where the global meets the local; issues discussed in international forums have real, tangible effects on women in communities across the world.
“Listening for and learning from women’s faith, hope, resistance, and dignity as beloved of God is as vital today for the church and the world as ever,” says Helen.
Despite the enormity of the task, she is hopeful. Helen encourages women everywhere, from the smallest church in Lexington, Kentucky, to the bustling streets of New York City to the dirt roads in African villages to engage in the conversation. She hopes to see more collaboration between international organizations and local churches and encourages DioLex chapters of Episcopal Church Women and Daughters of the King to actively participate in global advocacy.
Her message is simple: “You may not see it immediately, but the world is interconnected. What happens to women in Mozambique or New Zealand eventually touches us all.”
For Helen, it’s about standing in solidarity with women across the globe, advocating for their rights, and ensuring that the next generation of women leaders has the tools, resources, and platforms they need to create lasting change.
Learn more about IAWN at iawn.anglicancommunion.org or contact Helen Van Koevering at revhelen@sreclex.org.
‘They Made Me Feel Loved and Accepted’
Cathedral Domain Camper, Counselor Grow in Christ’s Love
Elise Hyder | Contributor
If you are a parent raising a teenager these days, you know how challenging it can be. There’s a lot happening in the world that can make everyday life feel overwhelming for young people, including bullying, peer pressure, social isolation, access to information 24/7, academic pressure, and loneliness.
When you are a teen who happens to be different-abled, it makes it even harder to feel a sense of belonging and self-worth.
“In the 45 years I have been working with
young people at the Cathedral Domain, I feel that now more than ever, kids need a safe and loving place where they feel they belong and can find social connection,” says Cindy Sigmon, youth missioner for the Diocese of Lexington. The Cathedral Domain provides a loving faith community where campers experience open acceptance in Christ’s love.
One teen who found a safe and supportive experience at Cathedral Domain this past summer was 13-year-old Zachary. His mother, Sarah, shares their story:
Counselor Scott and camper Zachary
This was Zachary’s first camp experience at Cathedral Domain, and his first time being away for a week! As his parents, we were nervous and scared, but on the other hand, we were praying that he would come away from camp having grown spiritually and having made some core memories! My son marches to the beat of his own drum, and at times for some others, this can cloud their view of what a really awesome kid he is. Zach was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6 years old. His impulsivity makes it difficult to recognize social cueing or people’s responses to him. He loves to be silly and to make others laugh, but he’s learning that there’s a time and place for his jovial presence. Since preschool, we’ve become accustomed to the phone calls saying, “We just can’t handle him” or “Why won’t he just listen and do his work” We have become very cautious about where we allow him to go or who he is going to be with.
While he was at camp, we were waiting for that phone call. When I arrived to pick up Zach, I was waiting for someone to come up to me and say, “We need to talk about Zach’s behavior this week.” But, instead, as I walked up to his cabin, a nice young man greeted me.
He wrapped me in the warmest, most genuine, and most comforting hug! He introduced himself as Scott and told me how much he enjoyed having Zach as a camper. He said that he sees himself in Zach and recognizes what a smart, kind, and loving boy is. He shared his story about his time as a youth camper at Cathedral Domain and how he now gives back as a volunteer. While I gathered Zach’s things, he shared with me that he felt it was so important for children such as Zach to be exposed to these types of experiences because it helps them to pick up on social cueing, problem-solving, and relationship building, among many other things.
Scott will never know what his hug, words, and time meant to me, my family, and Zach. Scott saw the goodness in Zach that we see as his family; Scott saw his heart and accepted him.
On our way home, Zach was already talking about wanting to come back next year and wanting to also be a counselor!! I couldn’t believe it! I am truly so thankful for this camp and the many sweet souls who pour their time, energy and love into the campers who come year after year.
Campers gather to pray for one another.
Domain counselor Scott Fryar remembers how it felt to be like Zach, a kid with high energy who had challenges in learning how to navigate social situations. Scott has ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism. Since the age of 6, Scott has been coming to Cathedral Domain. (Scott’s mother, the Rev. Carol Ruthven, recently retired as a priest from Church of Our Saviour, Madison County).
“As a different-abled learner, I didn’t know how to channel my high energy in social situations,” says Scott. “I was just a kid like Zach—and often misunderstood. My counselors at Cathedral Domain sought to understand me and the gifts God gave me. They made me feel loved and accepted. Thanks to their patience, guidance, and compassion, I was able to discover the person I was meant to be. My counselors inspired me to do the same for others.”
Now 31, Scott comes back every summer to serve as a role model to campers.
“I saw myself in Zach and could see what made him special, underneath his high energy and impulsive behavior. Zach is blessed with gifts of creativity, humor, and kindness, and I am thankful for the trusted friendship we developed over the week,” says Scott. “The Cathedral
Domain reinforced the lesson my parents taught me: to seek opportunities to do something for others. The feeling of deep joy and satisfaction I get from serving as a counselor to Zach and campers is unlike anything else.”
Adds Cindy: “Scott is such a beloved camp counselor. He grew up at the Domain, and we love having him back each summer to serve in this way. It’s amazing to watch the transformation I have seen in Scott and other campers who now come back as adults to be role models for our campers, just like their counselors did for them.”
Scott planted the seed of serving others in Zach’s heart, just like his counselors did for him. Cathedral Domain’s ministry continues to transform future generations through the open acceptance and love of Christ.
Learn more about the Cathedral Domain, including how you can support this ministry: www.cathedraldomain.org
Elise Hyder serves on the board of the Cathedral Domain and attends Trinity, Covington. Contact her at elisemezzo@gmail.com.
Cathedral Domain: A Beloved Ministry
The Cathedral Domain ministry is devoted to changing the world by embracing, nurturing, and sustaining all people with the open acceptance of God’s empowering love. This beloved ministry provides spiritual renewal, recreation, education, outreach, and collaboration in a natural and Christ-centered environment.
This past summer, the Cathedral Domain hosted more than 500 campers. The theme this year was Linked in Love, and each day campers engaged in activities and discussions on how they are connected with God and each other. Campers wrote prayer requests on ribbons, paper chains links, quilts, painted rocks and more; the prayers were left on display throughout the entire summer.
The center is also active throughout the year. In September, the center hosted Camp 1746, a camp for adults, and the Domain will be the site of Happening, a spiritual retreat for 10-12 graders, from Nov. 8-10.
Visit cathedraldomain.org to learn more and to register for events and camps. Follow the Domain on Facebook at CathedralDomain.
Each month during the school year, the men of St. Andrew’s, Fort Thomas, host a “Café Domain" breakfast, complete with made-to-order omelets, homemade biscuits, and plenty of meat options, including goetta. The love offerings for the breakfast support Cathedral Domain scholarships, and last year, St. Andrew’s raised more than $5,000. A group from St. Andrew’s also leads work weekends at the Domain, helping maintain the cabins and camp. If you’re interested in being a part of a work weekend or starting Café Domain in your congregation, contact Chris Vogel at cvogel0915@gmail.com.
COMING EVENTS
• December 27-30: New Year in the Spirit, retreat for 7th-12th grades
• April 26: St. George’s Day (and Celebration of Andy and Cindy Sigmon’s Ministry)
• May 16-18: Diocesan Women’s Retreat
SUMMER CAMP 2025
• June 15-21: Senior Conference, 9-12 grades (completed)*
• June 22-25: Mini Camp 1, 1-2 grades
• June 25-28: Mini Camp 2, 1-2 grades
• June 29-July 5: Junior Conference, 7-8 grades
• July 6-12: Girls Camp, 3-6 grades
• July 13-19: Boys Camp, 3-6 grades
• July 13-19: Adventure Camp, 7-12 grades
• July 20 -26: Co-Ed Session A, 3-6
• July 27-August 2: Co-Ed Session B, 3-6 grades
(All camps are for the completed grades)
•
Strategic Plan prompts new focus, reshaping of diocesan resources
A key component of implementing the strategic plan requires an in-depth look at diocesan resources. This means reevaluating the diocese’s finances, both revenue and expenses, to provide tools for healthy, vital communities of faith and to strengthen our shared ministries.
In this Q&A, Kathleen Luchtefeld. Missioner for Operations and Finance, discusses some of the implications of the strategic plan.
What are some other financial decisions that align with the strategic plan?
QA &
How has the strategic plan shifted the work of operations and finance?
That’s a great question! Under Bishop Mark's leadership, we've been focusing on supporting our faith communities rather than preserving the institution itself. Our goal is to make every single person in our office accessible and helpful to the people in our faith communities. We want to make sure people throughout the diocese have the tools they need to thrive in their ministry.
So, one of the things we have been working hard on is diversifying our revenue streams. We sold Mission House and invested the proceeds into our endowment, which allows us to rely less on assessments. This diversification has already made a meaningful impact.
Can you give some examples of these changes?
Sure. In 2017, only 6% of our revenue came from investments, and 86% was from assessments. In 2024, 17% of our revenue is from investments, and 77% is from assessments. This has allowed us to step out in faith and reduce assessments, which enables our churches to invest in their local ministries.
We want our faith communities to have the resources to invest in themselves. The diocese made an intentional decision to reduce assessments to allow for more local investment. For instance, under the old system, we would have expected $1.143 million in assessments in 2025. Instead, we’ve budgeted for $990,000, effectively giving churches more financial breathing room.
One significant example is our faith community experimentation with small congregations that can't afford full-time priests. This doesn’t mean those churches don’t have vibrant ministries—they absolutely do! We're just exploring new ways of being the church—and new ways of supporting that work.
Canon Amy and I have also done workshops for churches in financial transitions, helping them develop leadership and financial stability. This includes hands-on guidance for vestries on how to manage their resources. We also have formed a team to identify and apply for grants, especially to support youth and young adult programming, leadership development, environmental stewardship, and other key initiatives.
Tell us about the Bishop’s Appeal. This is the first appeal I can remember—and I’ve been a part of this diocese for a long time. Executive Council and the Finance Committee decided to launch a Bishop’s Appeal to give people a direct way to support the work of the diocese. Until now, people could support their local faith communities, and a portion of that would reach the diocese through assessments. But this appeal is an opportunity to give directly to diocesan-wide ministries, like youth programs, campus ministry, and environmental stewardship initiatives. It’s a chance for everyone to contribute to the work that the diocese is doing collectively.
What’s the biggest takeaway for readers about diocesan finances?
I want people to understand that funding the diocese isn’t just about paying for administration or keeping the lights on. It’s about supporting the ministries that help our churches thrive. Yes, there’s administrative work, but that work directly supports our faith communities. We’re here to serve them, and every financial decision we make is aimed at helping them grow and prosper.
New discernment processes support ministry of all the baptized
Jeffrey Queen | Contributor
God calls each of us to exercise ministry in our lives and communities. The question for most is, “What does that look like?” Some are called to teach; others to heal the sick and injured. Some are called to feed the hungry with a hot meal, while others are called to serve the spiritual food of the eucharist. A necessary ability for any healthy congregation is to help people find their place in ministry as followers of Jesus Christ.
With this focus in mind, the Commission on Ministry has developed two new tools to aid congregations in helping people discern their place in ministry:
• A Guidebook for Local Discernment that focuses on paths to ordained ministry
• A Guidebook for Licensed Lay Ministry that focuses on the paths to specific lay ministry in the local church
In recent years, it became apparent that the diocese needed a new process to shepherd individuals seeking ordination. The previous document used by the commission, “Differentiation for Ministry,” had been in place for nearly twenty years. A lot has changed during that time—in the diocese and in the world. Bishop Mark and the commission believed a new document was necessary and set about researching, discussing, and eventually drafting the Guidebook.
If you compare the Guidebook to the Differentiation for Ministry, you’ll immediately notice a difference. The older document was a few pages in length, with an outline (but few details) for how to conduct a local discernment group. The Guidebook
provides much more extensive instruction for the process of moving explorers through the journey of discernment. At well over 100 pages, the new resource provides a turnkey guide so that congregations, big and small, can move through the discernment process for ordained ministry.
A group at St. James, Prestonsburg, is already using the guide to discern for a member, and the commission is preparing to do training at Christ Church Cathedral for one of their members.
In addition to the guidebook for discernment to ordained ministry, the commission also prepared a Guidebook for Licensed Lay Ministry. Developed in consultation with Bishop Mark and Canon Amy, this guidebook offers help for congregations to help members discern the various opportunities for lay ministry available in the local church.
The goal for these new documents is to make the process more accessible and transparent for both the explorer and the congregations who sponsor them.
You can download the new guidebooks by scanning this QR code or visiting our website at diolex.org/discernment.
The Ven. Jeffrey Queen is rector of St. Andrew’s, Fort Thomas. He is the chair of the Commission on Ministry and an archdeacon of the diocese. Contact him at fr.jeff@standrewsfortthomas.org.
AQ& Answering
God’s Call
Discerning God’s call for our lives is an essential part of living out our baptismal faith. In this lifelong journey for all people — lay and ordained — we seek to answer the question, “What is God calling me to?”
In this issue, we talk with the Rev. Rob Musick. Ordained this summer by Bishop Mark (see picture below), Rob is the assistant dean for health and wellness and chaplain at the University of Pikeville. He serves as deacon at St. Mark’s, Hazard.
Tell us a bit about your vocational journey.
I felt the call to preach at the age of 17 and started to pursue that calling in college at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. After college, I pastored a small rural congregation while I went to seminary. After seminary, I felt the call to serve as a missional leader in India, helping churches and leaders transition into a way of discipleship beyond the model of American leadership. After my time in India, I moved to Eastern Kentucky to work as a chaplain in hospice and then at the University of Pikeville where I still serve.
How do you understand your diaconal call?
I see the call of being a deacon as a servant of the church. My role is to serve Christ among the people and to help the church know the realities and needs of the community. I serve Christ through the bishop’s mandate and seek to help those who are hurting and are forgotten.
course, the accumulation of possessions and attachment to things over people is a major obstacle in our society. Also, youth sports are a major rival to the rhythms of church life.
How do you think the institutional church could support discernment to meet the needs of a changing world?
I think the church needs to spend as much time listening to people outside the church as possible. The church needs to hear the real felt needs of people and meet people in their own “backyard” rather than expect people to come to us at church. I think the more that church leaders can be engaged with groups like the police, firefighters, hospices, and rehabs, the more the church can be aware of the needs of their neighbors. Taking on the humble posture of a listener and a learner will greatly benefit the church today.
What are some of the opportunities and challenges facing the wider church?
I see big opportunities in supporting people who are in places of isolation, like nursing homes, prisons, rehabs, hospitals, and shelters. I see ministry as starting on the margins.
I see major challenges in the cultural misunderstanding of time, possessions, and the idolizing of sports. As a society, we struggle greatly with being over-committed, very busy, and seeing time in a secular manner. Of
What are some hopes/plans you have for your ministry?
My hopes and plans for ministry include serving at the university and in my community, especially in a local prison and shelter. I want to help students engage in the work of ministry through their studies and through engaging with what Christ is doing in our community.
Final thoughts
I am truly thankful to each person in the diocese who has helped me along the way, especially to the church family at St. James, Prestonsburg, who helped me start my journey.
The Rev. Rob Musick
GOOD
NEWS Sharing the
Richelle Thompson | Editor
DioLex has so much good news to share!
As part of the strategic plan, Bishop Mark Van Koevering adopted a new model of communications in the diocese, moving from a full-time staff member to a lead contractor. I began this ministry with the diocese on April 1, and along with other experienced communicators, we have been intentional in developing a storytelling model with the goal of engaging, empowering, and encouraging.
And y’all have answered the call. I see you sharing your stories –with us and with each other on social media. You are using some of the new tools and deploying some of your own fabulous ideas. And you are doing such great and innovative ministry in your communities. In some places, the laborers are few – but not here in the Diocese of Lexington. Your passion for serving one another and your communities is impressive and contagious.
As we continue to grow together in sharing the stories of ministry, here are some communication tools to support you and your faith communities:
By the numbers
Reach: 169% increase *
Visits: 81% increase
Follows: 65% increase
Website Views: 30% increase
Visitors: 61% increase
* All numbers are based on comparing the past six months to the previous six-month period
Elm & Branches: This magazine is a tangible sign of the diocese’s commitment to increase connection and communication. Developing, printing, and mailing a magazine to every household in the diocese is quite an endeavor, but it’s a faithful response to your desire to know more about what’s happening across the diocese.
The BE Box: In August, the diocese mailed out the BE Box to every congregation. A toolkit for spiritual growth and vitality, the BE Box included ideas and resources for ways to BE: in relationship with God, in the church, in the community, and in the world. We even developed our own twist of a family-favorite game, calling it BE-ngo, as a way to encourage folks to explore and adopt spiritual practices for growth. The BE Box also kicked off Bishop Mark’s bold challenge to BE (in) the Church, a six-week call for people to attend Sunday service.
The BE Box tools can be utilized anytime! Scan the QR code to explore the resources.
E-newsletters: If you’re not getting the bi-weekly Link, you’re missing out on a lot of great stories. This is one of the central communication tools of the diocese. We have changed the delivery day to Wednesday mornings so church administrators have time to incorporate news in weekly bulletins. Scan the QR code to sign up!
A second email newsletter provides information for clergy, administrators, and lay leaders. Called News You Can Use, it is sent at the beginning of each month and includes DioLex bulletin insert (if you’re not seeing that in your congregation, ask your clergy or parish admin to include it!).
Ask Cathy: As part of our commitment to experimentation and innovation, the Diocese of Lexington was one of the first Episcopal organizations in the country to test Cathy, an AI tool designed to help people learn more about the Episcopal Church. This friendly looking icon can be found on the right bottom corner of our homepage at diolex.org. The hope is that Cathy (an acroynym for Churchy Answers That Help You) can be the first stop in answering questions—and then direct people to a local community for help in exploring deeper questions of faith. We encourage you to test her out. But fair warning: she’s a bit of a know-it-all. Interested in getting Cathy on your church’s website? Contact Richelle at goodnews@diolex.org
Social Media graphics: We know everyone is stretched thin with demands on their time. We’re here to make sharing the news easier. We’ve developed a library of social media graphics on the DioLex website that you can download and share on your social media channels. We also have graphics that we’ll customize for you. Just fill out a form, and we’ll send you the finished product. All you have to do is hit publish.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Follow us on social media. Likes and shares are great, but the more followers we have, the higher we rank in the social media algorithm and the more people we can reach. Tag us. When you share your stories, be sure to tag us at #DioLex. We regularly scour social media for your news –and share and like what you’re doing – but we don’t want to miss an important story!
Send us your good news. Each Link features ways that our faith communities and individuals are working to BE the Church and BE the Change. Send us your stories and photos at goodnews@diolex.org
Stay tuned: Watch your inboxes for news about a fun way to celebrate the season of Advent!
Richelle Thompson is the editor of Elm & Branches and the communications missioner for the Diocese of Lexington. Contact her at richellet@diolex.org
Trinity hosts Red Door Rally
Lisa Edwards & Jim Swearingen | Contributors
As Trinity, Covington, transitions from its long-time rector to new leadership, the congregation hosted a Red Door Rally with displays from different church ministries. Volunteers extended invitations for people to engage in work at the church that excites them.
Folks enjoyed browsing the displays and munching on goodies, and many were inspired to volunteer for a ministry, program, or interest group. It was a wonderful opportunity for the entire church to come together to kick off the new church year.
Several groups were happy to receive new members, such as the Arts & Crafts Club and Daughters of the King. New volunteers signed up to help tend Trinity’s beautiful gardens, serve on the Nurture and Physical Resources Commissions, and join the coffee ministry team. New ushers, lectors, and eucharistic ministers will enhance Sunday morning services. A number of folks volunteered to help with Community Dinners and Soup Sundays. And Music Director John Deaver was delighted to welcome a new chimer! Snacks related to the various ministries or groups added to the fun. For example, the community dinner representatives served up
mashed potatoes, just like those enjoyed by our community dinner guests, and the Soup Sunday crew passed out cups of Trinity Chili. John shamelessly tempted potential volunteers with Swiss chocolate candies. And the LGBTQ +allies group created mini cupcakes with tiny rainbow flags.
Lisa Edwards and Jim Swearingen are members of Trinity, Covington. To learn more about the ministries of Trinity, visit trinitycovington.org
Various ministries shared ways to get involved during Trinity's Red Door Rally.
Diocese of Lexington gathers for 128th Convention
The Diocese of Lexington will gather for its 128th Convention on November 16 at Christ Church Cathedral. Our conventions are a time for community building and reconnection with one another and God as we come together to conduct the business of the diocese.
This year, our theme of "Leaning In With Love and Engaging Across Difference" invites us to explore the vital role we have as followers of Christ in reaching across difference as we seek to BE the Church and BE the Change.
Details: Convention will begin at 10 a.m. and close by 4 p.m. For information about proposed resolutions, the draft 2025 budget, and the nominees for leadership roles, visit the website or scan this QR code.
In addition to our time together at convention, here are some special opportunities for participation:
On Friday, Nov. 15:
• Attend a Gallery Hop at Christ Church Cathedral from 5 to 8 p.m. (See story on pages 44-45 for more about Art at the Cathedral).
• Attend Compline at Christ Church Cathedral at 7:40 pm.
On Saturday, Nov. 16:
• Sing with the Cathedral Choir for Convention Worship (details coming).
• Shop at the Cathedral Bookstore.
• Carry your church banner in the worship procession.
Received into the household of Christ
The Rev. Laurie Brock, rector of St. Michael’s the Archangel, Lexington, celebrates with the newly baptized, Ellie, daughter of Heather and Matthew Ritchie.
Artwork from some of the featured artists at the Nov.18 Gallery Hop.
Art at the Cathedral
celebrates artists, builds community
Richelle Thompson | Editor
The ministry, Art at the Cathedral, has played a significant role in fostering community engagement and spiritual enrichment at Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington. What began as a simple idea to beautify the church's walls has evolved into a full-fledged ministry, said Mike C. Slone, head of the program.
Originally founded by Jesse Mark, a former Methodist minister who became a cathedral member, the program serves three purposes, says Mike. It enhances the church's aesthetics; the program creates a sacred space for artists to display their work, and it
provides outreach to the community. This outreach is especially notable through the Gallery Hop, a bi-monthly event that draws hundreds of attendees, introducing many to the cathedral for the first time. Before the pandemic, as many as 400 visitors would attend, and recent events are slowly building back to those numbers.
Curating these exhibits is a labor of love for Mike, who took over after Jesse’s retirement. Though not an artist himself, Mike’s passion for art and community shines through his commitment to the program.
“I love how it beautifies the space. You come into the cathedral and see this beautiful artwork in addition to the beautiful architecture, and it’s truly moving,” says Mike. “I also appreciate that we’re offering space for artists to share their talents. I know a lot of artists express their spirituality through their work, and this is an opportunity for us to see that spirituality develop and come to life.”
Another important facet of the Art at the Cathedral program is its commitment to inclusivity. The exhibits span a wide range of voices, from local Latino artists to African American women. Upcoming shows feature work from juvenile detention center students and a local private school. This dedication to showcasing diverse perspectives reflects the cathedral’s mission to lift up underrepresented voices and foster connections between the church and the broader community.
Through Art at the Cathedral, Mike says, the church becomes not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub where beauty, spirituality, and community intertwine.
Learn more about Art at the Cathedral at www.ccclex.org/art
If you go
Christ Church Cathedral is hosting the next Gallery Hop on November 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. Since this is the day before diocesan convention, the cathedral extends a special invitation to delegates.
The Gallery Hop will feature “The Twenty,” an exhibit with work by local artists who are juried by and affiliated with Artists' Attic of Lexington and selected as Associate Members. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and music.
Bishop’s Appeal: Sharing Our Gifts
Dear friends in Christ,
Our vision is to Be the Church and Be the Change. But what does that really mean? Well, the catechism of the Episcopal Church says that this will happen when we join with the Spirit to restore all life to unity with God and each other in Christ. We say restore because although God’s creation is good, we have gone our own way and broken our relationships with God and each other. We now live in this painful reality. But God is making all things new and invites us into a right relationship as a people united by God’s love.
This can only happen in Christ. Because when we turn, believe, trust, and follow Jesus, we take on a new identity. His life, death, and resurrection free us from the powers of darkness and restore us to unity. Now, God calls us to represent this new life in Christ as the Church—not an organization, club, business, or social service provider but a distinctive community of people living under the leadership of Jesus. This is Good News, not good advice. God has already acted, and we are tasked to give hope to an aching world.
For us Episcopalians, the Church is a Diocese. Our Diocese is composed of 34 unique Faith Communities and several diocesan shared ministries like the Cathedral Domain, St. Timothy’s Outreach Center, and St. Augustine’s Campus Ministry at the University of Kentucky. Lay and ordained leaders work alongside 6,500 Episcopalians stretching across central, northern, and eastern Kentucky as we try to live into our vision to Be the Church and Be the Change. Together, we are the Diocese of Lexington—the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement on the right side of Kentucky.
Our vision crucially points us in a particular direction, but we also need a roadmap to help us make the journey. We need to prepare resources, train people, set goals, and hold each other accountable. The governing body of the Diocese, the Executive Council, has identified six areas of focus for this next season of our common work. They are: raising up missional leaders, forming distinctive communities, reorganizing structures and policies to support our mission, sharing the Good News through life-giving stories, revising our existing shared ministries for a common purpose, and launching new experimental ventures. Each of these has a set of objectives, action steps, and desired outcomes. In short, we want to grow. And we believe that growth is possible. We want to see every Faith Community become a vibrant, healthy, Gospel-centered Jesus
You’re invited to join in the Bishop’s Appeal. You can give using the included envelope, text “DioLex” to 73256 to give using your mobile device, or by scanning this QR code.
Thank you for sharing your gifts!
Our common life
Getting worship started was a three-person job at St. Peter’s, Paris, with a special assist from one of the youngest members!
Hard to tell if this is an elm tree, but it’s wonderful to see Episcopalians still gathering under the branches. The people of St. Hubert’s, Lexington, played some music together during a churchwide picnic this fall.
movement and every believer grow more into the likeness of Christ. We want to grow spiritually in our faith, relationally with one another, incarnationally in our outreach to those in need, and organically as we increase in number. Growth is possible, but we can only do this with your help.
The Apostle Paul shared how an offering from churches in the Gentile world for the well-being of the Jerusalem church was a sign of mutual love. “The task of fundraising, for St. Paul, was a deeply theological endeavor, one which demanded total commitment and perseverance...”. When all the Communities and Ministries of our Diocese unite, we can do things that individual Faith Communities cannot do alone: raise up leaders for the future, plant seeds of faith in our children and youth at camp and on campuses and connect people in far-flung places so that they do not feel alone. This magazine is full of Good News stories that share how our common life is achieving this goal.
Now, this is your opportunity to support our Church with a gift that truly makes a difference. Will you please join me in our quest to Be the Church and Be the Change in Kentucky?
Very truly yours, The Rt Rev. Mark Van Koevering VII Bishop of Lexington
