Prairie Spirit Fall 2022

FROM THE BISHOP

Two conventions returned in person this summer from COVID hiatus. First, General Convention resumed after it was postponed last year. Unfortunately, a surge in COVID cases late this spring coupled with new variants of the disease caused convention to be shortened and restricted. The restriction meant no joint worship, no fellowship, and no vendor hall. The restrictions and the limit on our time together also meant that much of the pending legislation was handled in committee ahead of convention. Except for the most urgent matters, legislation that needs consideration was deferred to the next convention in 2024.

One of the items that could not wait was the election of a new President of the House of Deputies. There were very good candidates who were all highly qualified. Ultimately, Julia Ayala Harris from our neighbor to the south, Oklahoma was selected. Next General Convention is coming up soon, and this convention will be in Louisville, Kentucky. Bishop Milliken has promised to show everyone who goes to convention all around his old stomping ground so if you are interested in serving this diocese as a deputy, please make sure that your name gets to Toni ASAP. We will also be electing a new Presiding Bishop at that Convention. We were able to return to Camp WaJaTo for Youth Convention. Eighteen youth from around the diocese met for a weekend of fellowship, outdoor fun, and some good “God Talk”. This youth convention was directed by Ben and Nikki Houchen from St. Michael’s Hays. Despite the storms, the kids enjoyed the water slide, the canoeing and being able to be together again. Thanks to Heather Harper from Hutchinson and Bob Prewitt for bringing their guitars and providing our music. Myself and Toni Cottrell were the kitchen staff and prepared the meals for the youth and staff. Lucy Steen from Grace Church, Hutchinson, and Justin Houchen from St. Michael’s will be the youth delegates at our diocesan convention in October. We now are looking ahead to our Diocesan Convention on October 21-22. All Saints Church in Pratt will be our hosts. Resilience and Reinvention is our theme for the 52nd Annual Diocesan Convention. We hope to see you in Pratt!

CONTACT US

1 North Main Suite 418 Hutchinson, KS 67501

Phone/Text: 620-669-0006 Email: tec.wks2011@gmail.com Website: www.diowks.org Diocese of Western Kansas @DIOWKS

Diocese of Western Kansas

Fall 2022

REFLECTIONS FROM GENERAL CONVENTION

The Rev. Canon Shay Craig-Clergy Delegate

General Convention this year was very different from in years past, as a result of the impact of COVID 19. Originally planned for 2020 with the usual casts of thousands and 10+ days of business, worship, shopping and merrymaking, this year’s convention was postponed two years, paired down to four days, delegations were reduced to “just essentials” and while there was some worship, it was greatly reduced in grandeur and there was no shopping. However, because our delegation was made up of Ms. Angie Smith, Bishop Mark and myself, as well as three teddy bears and a plushy Jesus, there was adequate merrymaking to make the whole thing worth it.

Much of the business of convention was dispensed with by “consent calendar.” This method takes issues which have been considered at length by committees and about which recommendations have been made to Convention, and groups them together. The body then votes to accept the recommendations of the committees as a whole (or votes to separate them out and vote on them separately). Using this method, the body cleared a lot of issues that do not require much attention (for example, the correction of an inaccurate word on a previously passed amendment), so that larger issues could be considered.

There were a few issues of wider concern to members of our diocese which were intended to come before the body but did not. Revisions to the Book of Common Prayer were discussed in the House of Bishops, but no decision was made by the wider body. And decisions around the requiring baptism before taking communion was also delayed.

Issues of interest that were addressed included: the re unification of the Diocese of Texas, portions of which had been orphaned during an ACNA schism;

the creation of (and importantly funding of) a position in the national church for an office of advocacy, congregational support and policy advisory for “LGBTQIA and Women.” I have no idea why “and women” appears in the bill, but the need for the former was sufficiently urgent for this to vote to pass without dissent.

The focus of this year’s convention was increased awareness of and action around the tragedies that took place at Episcopal Indian Schools throughout the United States in the 19th 20th Centuries. Powerful testimony was given by Native Americans who had attended those schools or who experienced inherited trauma from family members who did. It is easy for us to shrug off the suffering and lasting trauma of a people we think of as far away at a time that we can only imagine in black and white photos. But the fact that we are insulated from the devastating legacy of those institutions is what impels us to hear the stories of their survivors. It is only by hearing the narratives of the people who lived it, that we can begin to craft a future of compassion and justice. A powerful statement was made by a white female clergy delegate, which I paraphrase here. “It is one thing for me to say that, as a member of a long standing Georgia family, I know what my family enslaved people in the 19th Century. It is another thing entirely to say, my great great grand parents were Jane and John and they enslaved these people with these names.”

I urge you to explore this dark chapter in the history of our beloved church, and pray for reconciliation and healing. You can find wonderful articles on the TEC Website, Episcopal News Service and elsewhere. Finally, I will just say a word about how deeply moving it was to represent the Diocese of Western Kansas at the national level. We brought with us some “SWAG” in the form of some bourbon from Boot Hill Distillery, stickers, pins and rainbow lanyards with our logo on it. All of this was a hit, but the rainbow lanyards went fast and first! Throughout the four days, Angie and I would see speakers on the “jumbotron” addressing the House of Deputies wearing our lanyards and our pins. People stopped by our table and engaged us in genuinely interested conversation about what it means to represent our denomination in a rural diocese, what it is like to preach progressive theology in the “west.” We do good work, every one of us in “the priesthood of the baptized” to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to one of the smallest diocese in the church. Angie and I were proud to brag on all of you and to describe to the church and the world, how blessed we all are to be the Diocese of Western Kansas.

REFLECTIONS FROM GENERAL CONVENTION

Mrs. Angela Smith-Lay Delegate

A COVID style, scaled down, 80th General Convention meant four rather long, masked and tested days (instead of the usual 8), and a wide array of consent calendar votes, but history was most definitely made in more ways than these. One of about 1,200 who attended, I was honored to represent the Diocese of Western Kansas as a lay delegate in Baltimore this year in the House of Deputies (HOD). This triennium, dioceses across the Church were asked to minimize the number of attendees, 32 cases of positive COVID tests were reported from the floors of both Houses, likely far fewer than would have been at a “typical” 10,000 attendee event, thanks be to God. Our Kansas delegation included Bishop Mark in the House of Bishops, and in the HOD, I was joined by our clergy delegate, Mother Shay Craig , some adorable bears (we named Peter, Paul, and Mary), and of course, Jesus was present, as we forged our Episcopal path into the next Triennium. Oh, and let’s get to the historic parts the votes.

Many have asked me to report back on proposed changes to the Book of Common Prayer. Resolution A059, which calls for “amending Article X of the Constitution of The Episcopal Church”, passed on its first reading, which means the resolution will advance to the 81st GC for a second reading. You can read more about that process on the Episcopal News Service by clicking this link. While Article X defines how the BCP can be revised, it “has never specifically provided for authorized liturgies that are not proposed liturgies to the existing book”.

The elections of 80th General Convention ushered in the 81st with two, earth shaking firsts for The Episcopal Church. As reported by ENS:

Two women will lead the House of Deputies for the first time in history. Oklahoma lay Deputy Julie Ayala Harris, elected July 9 on the third ballot, succeeds the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, who finished her third and canonically required final term at the end of convention.

Ayala Harris is the first Latina and the youngest person elected to lead the house. Deputies elected the Rev. Rachel Taber Hamilton as vice president the following day. Taber Hamilton, who is Shackan First Nation, is the first Indigenous and first ordained woman to serve as vice president. Ayala Harris and Taber Hamilton are the first people of color serving together as leaders of the House of Deputies.

These two elections ushered standing ovations from the HOD, which also voted this year to pass a number of resolutions moving TEC toward facing up to its past and affirming the Church’s need for healing and reconciliation for its historic role in systemic racism. The votes included the establishment, across dioceses and parishes, of a voluntary coalition for racial equity and justice. Moving testimony from those who had endured trauma inflicted in Episcopal Indigenous Boarding Schools evoked an emotional response from the floor which passed Resolution A127 which provides massive funding for an internal investigation of the Church’s role in these schools, create a kind of “truth and reconciliation” commission, and create Indigenous community based healing centers for victims as well as resources to teach the history surrounding the schools. Outgoing, three term president of the HOD , Gay Clark Jennings, referred to the testimony on Episcopal Boarding Schools as“holy listening” and the votes offered overwhelmingly positive support.

There is a wealth of information about the rest of the actions of General Convention at the ENS site linked above. As for me, I am grateful for your prayers and humbled to have been able to serve as your deputy. Thank you for the honor.

Earlier this summer, the Diocese received a package from Rev. John Eden who is from the Diocese of Massachusetts. Inside the package was a chalice that he found in his families storage unit in Tempe, AZ.

It was a gift to the Rt. Rev. Sheldon Griswold from Christ Cathedral, in Salina. Although Fr. John wasn’t quite sure how it ended up in their storage unit, he was sure his father, who was a priest in Chicago for many years, somehow got a hold of it.

Fr. John was not quite sure what to do with it, but thankfully gifted back to our Diocese. Once we received it we reached out to Fr. Bobby at the Cathedral to see if they would like to bring it back where it belongs. We are happy to say that it is back in it’s rightful home. It might be hard to read the bottom of the chalice (Pictured Left) It reads, “January 2, 1917, The Congregation of Christ Cathedral, Salina Kansas, To the Right Rev. Sheldon Munson Griswold.”

The Diocesan Ingathering was Sunday, September 11. Please bring your gifts to the Diocesan Convention on October 22, and we will collect the gifts from each church. If you need UTO supplies you can find them at the link below.

UNITED THANK OFFERING – SHIMA' of Navajoland (shimaofnavajoland.com)

Western Kansas was represented by our Deputies The Rev. Shay Craig, Mrs. Angela Smith, Jesus and our bears, Peter, Paul and Mary. Jesus taking some time for coloring.

Blessed to have had these people represent us. Mother Shay, Angie and Bishop Mark!

Tis the Season

The Rt. Rev. Michael P. Milliken

We have just celebrated Labor Day the “official” end of summer. Autumn is upon us (sort of). Schools are back in session. On the horizon is Halloween and All Saints’ Day. Before we know it, Thanksgiving will summon us the feast. And then there is the holy season of Advent.

In the Church this is also the season of stewardship, pledging and planning next year’s congregational budgets. Unfortunately, this is a time often overlooked, or poorly done in many congregations. And in some churches, it is not done at all!

Western Kansas is a group of mostly small congregations. Often our small churches do not seem to think they need to worry about such things. This is just wrong! So, allow me to offer a few thoughts about stewardship, finances, and pledges.

STEWARDSHIP: I would urge each congregation to spend some time talking about stewardship. What is it? What does it mean to be stewards of God’s gifts? What does it mean to financially support my church? How much money does the church need? At what level should be giving? Tithing? What does that mean? If you are looking for guidance on this there are all sorts of instructions, programs, guides, and hints dealing with stewardship which you can find online.

FINANCES & BUDGETS: Every congregation, regardless of size, needs to have a budget! It is imperative that each congregations understand what it costs to operate its yearly program. This applies to all congregations whether you have 5 members or 500 members. Good budgets help create good stewardship. Also, for the most part, budgets are fairly simple. On one side you have your income: pledges, loose offering, special gifts, miscellaneous income. On the other side you list your anticipated expenses: clergy support, diocesan assessment, utilities, worship supplies, etc. This is not particularly difficult, but if you have questions, or need s little guidance you are encouraged to call the diocesan office and talk to Toni.

PLEDGES: Now, without money, our best budgets are useless! Annual pledges are a necessity. If a congregation works and works on a great $100,000 budget, but only has $25,000 in pledges, then its time to go back to the drawing board.

How much should I pledge? The Episcopal Church has always supported the biblical standard of the tithe 10%. Ten percent of what? Net? Gross? I am not picky about Net, or Gross. I would be happy if everyone just made a pledge commitment. I think a useful exercise would be for people to sit down and calculate just how much you really contribute to your church. Now, make a commitment Whatever your level of giving might be, then make a commitment to increasing that a little bit each year.

Of course, some of our members may not be able to give anything. For one reason or another some of our brothers and sisters simple have no extra money after feeding their family, keeping a roof over their head, and clothes on their bodies. Maybe your increased pledge could be a reminder that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And our increased pledge will allow my church to minister in important ways to our less fortunate members.

If we ignore this season of budgeting, planning, teaching, pledging, and giving we severely handicap our congregations to provide the very best ministry they can, not only to our own members, but to the larger world.

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20.35).

On Saturday, August 6, the Youth Group at St. Michael's Episcopal Church held a huge, multi room, multi family indoor outdoor rummage sale. The Youth Group had heard that Options Domestic Violence Shelter did not have funds for birthday parties and other celebrations for their youth and children and that those events were commonly paid for by the staff personally. St. Michael's Youth decided to hold a fundraiser so that youth served by Options could celebrate their birthdays, holidays, and accomplishments. They called it Youth Celebrating Youth.

The Youth Group (children elementary, middle and high school age) spent the summer getting the word out and taking donations. They picked up donations from as far away at Victoria and Ellis and loaded the basement of the parish hall to the rafters! The sale items filled the building with a room dedicated to Christmas and Holidays, a room just for kids’ stuff, clothing on racks outside and in the parish hall and a lot of furniture. None of the items had any prices it was all "free will donation" but people were often very glad to "round up" to help meet the goal.

On sale day, members of the congregation helped work the cash desk while the Youth Group helped shoppers and kept the stock organized and tidy. "THIS is doing church," said one long time church member who helped on the day of the sale. When all was said and done, they raised $2,105.

They presented a check to Dawn Gabel, Director of Development for Options, on Sunday August 21st during the 10AM service.

THE MYSTERY OF THE CRACK IN THE CROSS

St. John’s, Great Bend, with First Congregation UCC Church, serving at July’s Community outreach meal. Pictured is Karen Kline Martin and Mother Teresa; not pictured were additional helpers Mark Mingenback and Ray Lahar. Background is Sarah Shirer (UCC). St. John’s hosted their first Taizé Service on September 14, at 7:00pm as another community missional outreach. All are welcome.

A few years ago, a good friend, of parishioner Harold Henry from Grace Church in Hutchinson, gave Grace a small, free standing concrete cross. It sits atop of their outdoor columbarium. Sometime during the last year or so, Fr. Ted noticed that the cross had been repaired. He didn't think much more about it until a few months ago when he was talking to one of the residents of a nearby Oxford House (A recovery house). He was telling Fr. Ted how much he likes to come and sit in the stillness and beauty of their Memorial Garden. One day, on one of his regular visits, he found the cross lying down in two pieces. So, what did he do? He took it home; he repaired it; and he brought it back. He is not a member of Grace, just one of their neighbors, yet he took the time and energy to contribute to the beauty of the grounds. Mystery solved. Now that crack in the cross serves as a sign of the care and concern of one of their neighbors.

PRATT ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE

All Saints, Pratt, held their annual rummage sale on August 6 in the parish hall. Every table we owned was full of a huge variety of items, things donated not only by our own members but also from friends, neighbors, and members of a couple of the bridge clubs that regularly use our building. One of our day care providers retired this year and she donated tables full of dolls, toys, and other equipment. This was also the day of the annual city wide garage sale so there were shoppers from all around the area in town. The room was full for most of the morning and items were flying off the tables. At the end of the day the proceeds added up to $956. Items that didn’t sell were divided into 2 groups; some will be kept for next year’s sale, and others will be put in a consignment auction later this fall. The additional money from that sale should put us over the $1000 mark. All the money will be donated to the Adopt An Elder project that serves the Navajo community. Navajos 75 years old and older are eligible to receive things such as yarn for making rugs, firewood for cooking and heating, fabric for making clothes, and food and food vouchers to supplement their dietary needs. Several members in our congregation have “adopted” an elder to support during the year. Many of those who purchased items at our sale told us to keep the change or made an additional donation when they learned where the proceeds were going.

On Sunday, August 21st, twenty two people joined Buddy the Episco pup for the fourth annual St. Mark’s BBQ in Medicine Lodge guests included Bishop Cowell, Bishop and Kathy Milliken, and Toni Cottrell. Guests came from eight towns around Kansas and one guest (Arron Small’s aunt Melissa Lienemann) even came from Denver, CO to join in the fun. In addition to a classic Jell O salad and delicious home made pies, guests enjoyed brats, burgers, and BBQ brisket. And a good time was had by all!

Administrative Assistant Joins the Diocesan Staff

The Diocese would like to introduce Mrs. Christina Higdon who has been hired as a part time Administrative Assistant. Chris was born and raised in Hutchinson, Kansas. On June 5 of this year Chris and her husband, Dave were confirmed at Grace Episcopal Church in Hutchinson, by Bishop Cowell.. Together they have a son Shawn and his wife, Maureen who reside in California. A daughter, Jamie Schartz and her husband John reside in Hutchinson. From these unions Chris has 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Chris worked as an assistant in the general dental field and then went to work for J. Konrad Rock, DDS as his surgical assistant for many years. Let's give Chris a big Western Kansas welcome! You can read more about Chris on our website: https://www.diowks.org/our-staff

Christ Cathedral Welcomes New Director of Music Ministries

On August 21, Christ Cathedral was pleased to welcome Nancy Bauer, of Salina, as its new Director of Music Ministries. Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music education with a primary performance area of organ from Bethany College and a Master’s of Music degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

She taught elementary music in Oklahoma and Texas before returning to Kansas where she is currently teaching at Schilling Elementary in Salina. She was named Elementary Teacher of the Year for USD 305 in 2018 and was also named Elementary Music Teacher of the Year for the North Central Kansas District of KMEA. She has her Level III certification in Orff/Schulwerk and has training in Kodaly. She has served as the elementary music coordinator for USD 305, PBIS and curriculum committees, was a trainer for Ruby Payne’s “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”, and is on the board for the Kansas Orff Association. She has also served as a mentor teacher and has been the cooperating teacher for student teachers from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Bethany College, Kansas Wesleyan, and Ft. Hays State University. She has taught music methods classes at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Tabor College, Kansas Wesleyan, and Bethany College. She has presented elementary music workshops at the

Nancy is a member of KNEA, KMEA, AOSA and AGO.

Nancy has lately served as the organist at New Gottland Lutheran Church but has played for churches since the age of 15. While her husband was at seminary, she was one of the organists for Wartburg Theological Seminary chapel. She also accompanies students for solo and ensemble contest, teaches private piano and sings in the Bethany Oratorio Society.

Her husband, Brian, is a retired Lutheran minister who is now the interim pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Eureka, Kansas. They have three sons, Matthew and wife Laura, Andrew and his wife Christina, and Michael and his wife Casey. They also have five grandchildren.

In welcoming Nancy, Fr. Bobby Smith, Cathedral Provost, said, “It has been a real joy to get to know Nancy. God is at work within this Cathedral community, and Nancy’s decision to join in the great musical tradition of the Cathedral is a gift for which I, we all, are grateful.”

Episcopal Church Gifts to Jerusalem and the Middle East

Celebrating 100 years of Episcopal Church gifts to Jerusalem and the Middle East, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites bishops, congregations, and supporters to participate in the centenary Good Friday Offering.

First gathered in 1922, the initial Good Friday Offering was an intentional response of The Episcopal Church to support Anglican ministries in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East that were impacted by the devastation of World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and social and political unrest affecting Armenian Christians, among others throughout that region.

A lifeline of hope in times of genuine need in years past, the Good Friday Offering continues to support churches, medical programs, and schools today.

“The Good Friday Offering offers us the opportunity to celebrate and rejoice in the hope and opportunity for the very young and the very old, for needy families, students, and many others in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East,” Curry says in a Lenten letter to Episcopal parishioners. “For 10 decades we have provided an opportunity for every parish throughout our church to connect with the ministry of love and compassion carried out by our Anglican sisters and brothers” in the region.

Shane Schneider Ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons

On June 25, The Rev. Shane Schneider was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons, at Grace Church in Hutchinson, by Bishop Cowell. Deacon Shane will serve at Grace Church as well as helping out at St. Anne’s in McPherson. Congratulations and Blessings to the Dioceses newest deacon. You can see all the pictures from his ordination on our FLICKR Page at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/89892904@N06/albums/72177720300160067

YOUTH

CONVENTION

AT CAMP WAJATO

Youth Convention was attended by 18 youth from around the Diocese. Everyone is Welcome to the Table was this years theme. Thanks to all who helped with youth convention, Ben & Nikki Houchen who did our programming, Bob Prewitt and Heather Harper who brought us their gifts of music, Bishop Cowell & Toni Cottrell who prepared the meals for the youth and staff and to Trevor Wright for assisting where he was needed. Lucy Steen from Grace Church, Hutchinson, and Justin Houchen from St. Michael’s will be the youth delegates at our diocesan convention in October.

Group Photo! Fun on the waterslide.

Bob Prewitt and Heather Harper our musicians.

Boys against girls in a water balloon challenge.

Ben & Nikki Houchen doing morning prayer.

Chief cook and bottle washer, Bishop Cowell.

Resilience and Reinvention is this year's Diocesan Convention Theme. As a Diocese, we have overcome hardships and challenges. We have found ways to adapt to changes. As long as there is life, there is hope. As long as there is God, nothing is impossible!

The Diocesan Convention will be held on October 21 22 in Pratt We are excited to have Dr. Travis Hearne come to Western Kansas to do our workshops at convention!

Dr. Travis Hearne is a nine year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, former Government civilian working for the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Department of the Air Force, a cybersecurity specialist, public speaker, published author, and the CEO and founder of Titanium Leadership Consulting. He serves as the principal coach and consultant for global organizations both large and small focusing on contingent, transformational, and legacy leadership. Travis is a seasoned speaker with amazing leadership stories to tell and lessons to pass on You can read more about Dr. Hearne at: https://www.titaniumleadershipconsulting.com/

You can register for the Bishop's Cup, Convention, nominate someone for a Diocesan Committee and other information regarding Convention on our website: https://www.diowks.org/convention

’

THE BISHOP

S CUP

This year, on the Thursday afternoon before the Diocesan Convention, October 20, 2022. The Bishop’s Cup will begin at 1:00 pm at Seidel Golf Course 30370 NE 30th St., Pratt. The Bishop’s Cup is open to anyone who

2022 Proposed Fifty Second Diocesan Convention Schedule

Thursday, October 20

1:00 PM: Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament at Seidel Golf Course

6:00 PM: Pre Convention Event at the All Saints Church ($5.00 donation)

Friday, October 21

8:00 9:30 AM: Registration for Convention at Elks Lodge

8:00 9:30 AM: Exhibitors set up at the Elks Lodge

10:00 AM: Opening Eucharist at All Saints Church

11:15 AM: Lunch on your own.

12:30 PM Registration at Elks Lodge

2:00 PM: Convention Opening Session at Elks Lodge

3:30 PM: Break

3:45 PM: Workshop Dr. Travis Hearne: “I am What’s your third word? What kind of leader has He called you to be?”

5:00 PM: Convention Recess and Committee Meetings. (TBA)

6:00 PM: Social Time, banquet, awards, and raffle at Elks Lodge, 1103 West 5th St., Pratt, KS 67124

Saturday, October 22

Morning: Breakfast on your own at your hotel.

8:45 AM: Clergy Spouse Breakfast at the Pratt Inns and Suites Meeting room

9:00 AM: Morning Prayer and UTO Ingathering at the Elks Lodge, 1103 West 5th St., Pratt, KS 67124

ECW Basket Raffle Fundraiser

10:00 AM: Workshop: Dr. Travis Hearne “Servant Leadership: Serve even when it is tough, because it wil be.”

11:00 AM: Conclusion of Convention Business

On Sunday, September 11, Bishop Cowell made his visitation to St. Mark’s in Lyons. Kolton Viel was confirmed. Kolton is the son of Ashlyn Viel and grandson of The Rev. Brian and Mary Viel. Following the service, a reception was held in the Parish Hall.

NEW BRONZE SCULPTURE AT THE CATHEDRAL

Grieving Mary is a homage to the Lenten season, depicting the mother of Jesus after his crucifixion. This is not the traditional Mary-in-a-tub looking serene. This is anguished Mary. This is Mary wrestling with grief and bitterness. This is Mary wrestling with her doubts and her faith; grappling with God and the role she accepted from God. She has turned her face toward heaven, but hides from heaven too, as if shielding from further trauma. This stress can be measured by her unveiled head, hair loosened and exposed, and the sleeve that has slipped down to reveal one arm. This is indecent according to her community’s standards. Mary doesn’t In this moment of agony and prayer, she defies expectations by refusing to be anything other than a broken human.

Grieving Mary

Photo credit: Rev. Catherine Cox