Prairie spirit summer 2015 by The Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas

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E P I S C O P A L D I O C E S E W E S T E R N K A N S A S

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THE PRAIRIE SPIRIT S U M M E R

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FROM THE BISHOP Some Thoughts on Guns!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Bishop

General Convention

Around the Diocese

Safeguarding

Bishop 7 Kemper School For Ministry

Growing up in Kentucky I have been around guns all my life. My father gave me a nice little bolt action 20gage shotgun at an early age. With the gun went a number of hours of gun safety, courtesy, and ins and outs of safe hunting. Over the years I have fired all manner of firearms from .22’s up to a large caliber “elephant gun”. Firearms have their place. Many like to hunt for both sport and to provide food. Some like competitive target shooting. I think there are few better stress relievers than an afternoon of skeet shooting. I think it is safe to say that I don’t have a problem with firearms. But…. Beginning on July 1st, it will be legal in Kansas for anyone to carry a concealed handgun without a permit (of course this does not apply to small children and convicted felons, but the felons probably don’t pay too much attention to the law anyway. I really have a problem with this. Part of the new Kansas law (if I understand it correctly) will allow concealed handguns to be carried in all buildings unless they are specifically prohibited. This means, of course, that you, or anyone else can carry a gun in any of our churches. While I am sure there have been people with guns in our churches many times, nevertheless I think this is contrary for a place where men and women gather to worship the Prince of Peace. So, it will be my intention to lay this matter before the Diocesan Council when meet again later this summer. My personal issues with the new conceal-carry law have led me to join a group called “Bishops Against Gun Violence”. This is a group of several dozen bishops of the Episcopal Church who have come together “to explore means of reducing the appalling level of gun violence in our society”. This group was formed in response to the mass shootings at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin and the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Website: www.diowks.org

To help achieve our goal the Bishops Against Gun Violence advocate for several things:  Expanding the federal background checks system to cover gun shows. internet and commercial sales.  Making gun trafficking a federal crime.  Encouraging the development of “smart gun” technology to reduce accidental shootings, especially among children.  Requiring that guns be stored safely.  Improving access to mental healthcare for all Americans.

Diocese of Western Kansas

While I am not naïve enough to think that a small group of Episcopal Bishops can change the world, but maybe I can have a small impact in my little corner of that world. If my advocacy can save even one person from injury or death due to gun violence, then I have succeeded. If enough little corners get impacted, then who knows.

Email: tec.wks2011@gmail.com

If you, too would like to pursue curbing gun violence in our nation and in our neighborhoods you might take a look at Episcopalians Against Gun Violence on Facebook. Episcopal Di of WKS

May the Peace of the Lord be always with you! Bishop Milliken

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The 78th General Convention The General Convention is the primary governing and legislative body of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. With the exception of the Bible, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons, it is the ultimate authority in the Episcopal Church. General Convention comprises two houses: the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. It meets regularly once every three years; however, the House of Bishops meets regularly in between sessions of General Convention. The Bishops have the right to call special meetings of General Convention. This year the General Convention will be held in Salt Lake City, UT., on June 25—July 3, 2015. Keep in your prayers our Delegates representing the Diocese of Western Kansas: The Rev. Mark Cowell, The Rev. Phyllis Flory. The Rev. Karen Lemon, The Rev. Randy McIntosh, Mrs. Sherry Denton, Mrs. Sally Russell and Mrs. Pam Smith. Our ECW Representative is: Ms. Lana Mederos. Daughters of the King Representative is: Mrs. Patti Wamsley. UTO Representative is: Mrs. Kathy Milliken. We have two volunteers going from the Diocese as well: The Rev. Carolyn Ballinger and Mr. Harry Smith. Of Course, Bishop Milliken will be in attendance as well. You can follow the day to day business at the website: www.generalconvention.org.

Ecumenical Report from the Rev’d Larry A. Carver You may have read recently that the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) closed their third ecumenical meeting, ARCIC III. The hope that both denominations may grow closer, even find some room for being in communion, has improved with this meeting, which included a private audience with Pope Francis on April 30, 2015. The outcome of this third phase was to promote “the five agreed statements of ARCIC II so that they can be received by the respective Communions.” These five statements have not yet been released but when they are they will include the scriptural and theological basis for each statement. On a related note, the Second Vatican Council was concluded in 1965, and this year 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of Vatican II. I encourage our congregations in Western Kansas to approach your local Roman Catholic priest and see it their church is planning a service to mark this event. This could be a great opportunity for you to volunteer participation and perhaps develop a beginning to an ecumenical relationship. Finally, the Episcopal Church has had an interim Eucharistic agreement with the United Methodist Church since 2006. This year the National Cathedral, for the first time, had a United Methodist minister preside at a service of Holy Eucharist. Even though we are not yet in full communion we still have a close relationship with the UMC and there are established guidelines for congregations to have a shared communion. Please let me know if you would like the guidelines for how this should be done.

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BISHOP KEMPER SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY Rohleder Named as New Communica ons and Outreach Specialist BKSM is pleased to announce that Casey Rohleder has been hired to fill the newly created posi on of Communica ons and Outreach Specialist. Casey is currently a second‐year student at BKSM on the priest track. With professional experience in higher educa on and non‐profit organiza ons,. “The Bishop Kemper School has become an incredibly important part of my life these past two years” Casey said. “I am thrilled to use my gi s and talents to help make BKSM an even be er op on for forma on for ministry, and I am lucky to work from home as I do so.” Rohleder lives in Hays, Kansas, and is a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church This posi on is made possible by a 2015 grant award from the Roanridge Trust, which supports transforma ve work in the Episcopal Church, especially in ministry to small towns and rural areas.

The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry Encourages Laity to Take Classes The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (BKSM) invites you to consider taking one of the almost 30 courses lined up for the 2015‐2016 academic year. Classes are open to all students, whether you are seeking ordina on to the diaconate or priest‐ hood, wan ng to become licensed in a lay ministry or simply interested in taking a class or two for personal enrichment. BKSM provides you an aﬀordable way to learn more about your faith and the Episcopal Church, and it is a wonderful oppor‐ tunity to spend a weekend in worship and fellowship with men and women from throughout the Episcopal Dioceses of Kansas, Nebraska, West Missouri and Western Kansas. The Very Rev. Dr. Don Compier, BKSM dean, said, “We welcome all who seek to deepen their knowledge in key areas such as spirituality and scripture. As disciples of Jesus we must always grow in our un‐ derstanding. The warm communal context of BKSM is an excellent place to faithfully learn with sisters and brothers from sev‐ eral dioceses.” While most courses are open to students not seeking ordina on, a number of courses topics may par cularly appeal to lay‐ people, such as ChrisƟan Spirituality (August), Contemporary Mission (November), Anglican IdenƟty (May) as well as a variety of courses on scripture and theology. Classes at BKSM are taught by both ordained clergy and lay leaders from across the four dioceses. Two faculty members hail from the Diocese of Western Kansas: the Very Rev. Benjamin Thomas, Christ Cathedral, who this year is teaching IntroducƟon to Scripture and Sacraments, as well as Dr. Paul Faber, St. Andrews, who is teaching BKSM’s first online course, IntroducƟon to ChrisƟan Ethics. About four weeks before class meets, students receive the syllabus from the course instructor. Students spend the month leading up to class comple ng all the assigned readings and any pre‐class wri ng assignments. Classes meet the second week‐ end of the month in Topeka for what is called the “focus weekend.” Then, students spend the next month comple ng any pa‐ pers or projects. However, if students prefer to audit the class, they are not expected to do any of the wri ng assignments; they just complete as much of the reading as they can and a end the focus weekend! Lay people may take classes for credit or simply audit them. For‐credit classes cost $180 per class, while audited classes cost $100 each. This fee covers tui on, overnight accommoda ons at Upton Hall (on a space‐available basis), and all meals. Books are not included in this fee. For more informa on about the 2015‐16 course oﬀerings as well as BKSM’s cer ficate programs, visit www.bishopkemper.org or contact the Very Rev. Don Compier, BKSM dean, at bksmdean2@gmail.com or (816) 217‐4053.

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The Rev. Ma hew Kemp Ordained On Mother’s Day, May 10th, The Rt. Rev. Michael Milliken ordained The Rev. Ma hew Kemp to the Sacred Order of Priests. The Service was held at Christ Cathedral. Rev. Kemp currently serves as the Curate to the Cathedral. A small recep on was held following the service.

THE REV. HARVEY HILLEN ORDAINED On the a ernoon of Pentecost, the Rt. Rev. Michael Milliken ordained The Rev. Harvey Hillin to the Sacred Order of Priests at St. Michael’s, Hays. Since July of last year, Fr. Hillin has served as Deacon and now Priest‐in‐Charge at St. Michael’s, Hays and St. Andrew’s, Rural Hays. Fr. Hillin is thrilled to serve in a diocese where his roots run deep. “I'm very grateful to the people of the Diocese of Western Kansas: to the people of Incarna on (my sponsoring parish and Father McIntosh); the people of St. Michael's and St Andrew's (for their hospitality and welcoming); to Father Nissen and to Father Jones for their guidance and mentoring; to the people of Saints Mary and Martha of Bethany (my first spiritual home in Kansas); and to the people of St. John's (where Mary and I were married in June of 1970). I am honored to serve in this diocese and look forward to doing so.” The con‐ grega ons of St. Michael’s and St. Andrew’s gladly welcomed ordina on guests to Hays with an ordina on recep on and meal featuring A 2014 graduate of the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, Fr. Hillin shares his ordina on date with Bishop Jackson Kemper, whose feast is recognized on May 24.

HARGIS NAMED AS NEW RECTOR AT ST. CORNELIUS The Rev. Ka e Hargis is the new Rector at St. Cornelius in Dodge City. She will oﬃcially begin her du es on June 15. Rev. Hargis recently graduated from Seminary of the South in Sewanee, TN., with a Masters in Divinity. She is no stranger to the Diocese of Western Kansas. Rev. Hargis has lived in Salina and was a member of the Cathedral before going oﬀ to Seminary. Rev. Hargis will be ordained as a priest on Saturday, August 15th and installed as the Rector of St. Cornelius on Sunday August 16th. Congratula ons to Rev. Ka e Hargis on all her accomplishments!

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Disaster Training Presented At Bishop’s Workshops After two conventions, a year and a half of meetings, many revisions of training materials, and many hours of prayer and thought the DWK Disaster Initiative training has begun. The training was presented twice, once at each of the two Bishop’s Workshops for Clergy, Wardens, Administrators, Secretaries, and Disaster Initiative Volunteers. The first workshop was held on March 7th at St. Luke’s in Scott City and the second one was on March 21st at St. Anne’s in McPherson. Approximately 20 + people attended each workshop, so we have 40 + people now training in the Disaster Initiative. All present at the workshops received training packets and a presentation covering information within the packet. The training emphasized and hopefully demonstrated that the DWK is not putting together a response team, we are trying to educate and prepare each individual church and the Diocese to handle a disaster within our own walls. Summary of key points: • Creating a list of key people, phone numbers, email, cell numbers, etc. The list should include but is not limited to Clergy, Wardens, Administrator, Secretary, Insurance contact, Electrician, Plumber, Contractors, etc. all people that are key to the overall operation of the Church or fixing anything that may be broken.  Talk with “Joe & Susie” – every Church has these people, the ones that have been around forever and know all the workings of the Church and the property.  • Inventory and document the Church property – vestments, linens, silver, kitchen, office, lawn tools, hand tools, everything. • Back up all files (paper & electronic), bookkeeping, and inventory information. Back up in more than one place. Create and replace back up files on a regular basis and as frequently as needed. • Have this information secure but readily available to anyone that may need it in the event of a disaster.

Diocesan Workshops Two informa ve workshops were presented in March for all Treasurers, Wardens, Clergy, Postulants, Candidates and Disaster Ini a ve Representa ves. It is always fun to gather with our friends from around the Diocese. Thanks to St. Luke’s and St. Anne’s for being our gracious hosts for these workshops!

Bishop Milliken Instructs about Church Records in Scott City.

The Workshop in McPherson

SUMMER

2015

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Cathedral’s a Busy Spring On April 19th, Salina Youth Choir held their Spring Concert at Christ Cathedral. The Cathedral par cipated in 2015 Project Salina. During this 25th year’s food drive beginning the first of May, over 200 businesses, churches and other organiza ons hoped to collect 300,000 separate items. Christ Cathedral joined the churches and other groups in collec ng canned vegetables. This food is distributed to local agencies including the Food Bank, Ashby House, the Salina Rescue Mission, the Salva on Army and DVACK. The Cathedrals total contribu on with cans and cash came to 675 cans of vegetables.

The Salina Youth Choir

Safeguarding God's Children The Safeguarding God's Children program was designed by the Church Pension Group, and is aimed at preven ng childhood sexual abuse. The Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas oﬀers Safeguarding Online Internet‐based training. This program is required to be completed every four (4) years by all clergy as well as people who work with youth both paid and volunteer. In order to begin the online training please contact Toni Co rell in the diocesan oﬃce and she will send you the informa on.

There are currently 4 modules that everyone who takes the online course must complete. Soon we will be adding the Safeguarding God’s People modules which will be required by all clergy to complete in addi on to the current modules. We will contact you when these modules become available. YOUTH CONVENTION Mark your calendars for Friday, August 28— Sunday, August 30! Youth Conven on will be held at Camp Wajato in Lyons. The youth seem to always have a great me at their Conven on and Youth delegates for Diocesan Conven on are elected. More informa on will be available soon!

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMAN ECW Diocesan President, Lana Mederos will be heading to Salt Lake City for the 48th Triennial Mee ng. There she will network with other ECW delega on and share and obtain ideas that she may be able to implement in our Diocese. Triennial is held in conjunc on with General Conven on on June 25– July 2. As most of you know, the Lauren Winner event did not take place as Lauren Winner was stuck in Chicago due to weather and could not make it to Kansas in me. We are currently working on rescheduling the event and will keep you updated.

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ST. MICHAELS IN HAYS BEGINS LAUNDRY LOVE MINISTRY St. Michael’s, Hays, kicked oﬀ a new monthly ministry to serve those in or near poverty in Hays community. In partnership with a na onal organiza on called Laundry Love, the church provides an opportunity for people to do their laundry once a month – at no cost to them. Casey Rohleder, Laundry Love team leader, explains, “We know that those living in or near poverty must make hard choices all the me about how to spend their limited financial resources, and some things that many of us take for granted – like laundry – become an immense burden. We hope that our monthly ministry helps ease that burden in some small way.” Members of St. Michael’s provide the detergent, the quarters and a friendly face at a local laundromat. Guests can wash/dry up to three loads at no cost to them if single, and families up to five loads. Guests are not required to demonstrate their eligibility. Casey and ministry team member, Edie Ward, first heard about Laundry Love when the Rev. Andy Hook men oned it at last year’s diocesan conven on. By mid‐January, planning mee ngs had begun, along with a $500 budget commitment. A er promo ng the ministry to churches, schools and social service agencies in town and sending out press releases, three guests par cipated in the first event on May 19. The Laundry Love team considers the launch a success. Edie Ward said, Laundry of Love team: Edie Ward, Ruby “Ge ng out there was a great feeling. It was such a rewarding evening, to feel Jane Davis, Randy Gottschalk (laundromat like I made a diﬀerence in someone’s day.” Because St. Michael’s is a small congrega on, it is looking for crea ve ways to owner), Casey Rohleder, Angie Johnston Not pictured: Jim Brooks, Jan Bunker, Jan fundraise. Ruby Jane Davis believes this is the beauty of a small church taking up the Laundry Love. “This ministry allows every member of our small Dinkel congrega on to par cipate at some level. Those who can’t par cipate at the laundromat provided soap and quarters, and everyone has taken great interest in how the first event went. We are gear‐ ing up for a church‐wide garage sale, and everyone is helping in some way.” If you would like more informa on about star ng a similar ministry at your church, visit www.laundrylove.org or contact Casey at caseyrohleder@yahoo.com.

TEXAS FLOODS There's no shortage of work to be done in Texas a er the recent floods, and no shortage of ways you can help. If you have the me and ability to travel, volunteers are needed for everything from cleanup to sor ng dona ons to rebuilding. Financial help is always welcome, of course, and so are your prayers. The hardest hit area in South Texas is notably Wimberley and the surrounding areas a er the Blanco River rose 40 feet over on Memorial Day weekend. The Diocese of West Texas is accep ng dona ons on behalf of the community of Wimberley. If you would like to make a dona on, checks should be made out the Diocese of West Texas with “flood relief” notated in the memo line and mail to : The Diocese of West Texas, A n: Kaitlin Reed, P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, TX 78209

Congratula ons to all those who have graduated this year! Go forth and grab your dreams! Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4‐5

DOK Installs New Member The Daughters of the King, Salina Chapter, which consist of members from The Cathedral and Incarna on, installed a new member, Cleona Downey to the order. The Rector of Incarna on, The Rev. Randy MacIntosh conducted the service. A recep on was held follow‐ ing the service to welcome and congratulate Cleona into the Daughters of the King.

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