T H E
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
O F
THE PRAIRIE SPIRIT FALL
2015
ISSUE
FROM THE BISHOP Transformation
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Bishop
1
Planned Giving
2
Around the Diocese
3
Diocesan Convention
4
Bishop 7 Kemper School For Ministry
CONTACT US 1 North Main, Suite 502 Hutchinson, KS 67501 Phone: 620-669-0006 Email:
tec.wks2011@gmail.com
Website: www.diowks.org
Diocese of Western Kansas
Episcopal Di of WKS
diowks
I am writing this article before I head off to Washington, D.C., for the installation of the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. On All Saints Day, with the handing over of the Primatial Staff from Bishop Jefferts Schori to Bishop Curry, a new era begins for the Episcopal Church. A new day, a new vision. In a month we will begin the season of Advent. Advent is the Church’s New Year. A time of new beginnings; a time of renewed hope. A time for change and transformation. Transformation so desperately needed today! When I was growing up I used to hear stories about how George Washington never told a lie, and how Abe Lincoln walked many miles to return the change to a woman he'd overcharged at the general store. I heard stories of Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyan. In the 50's the names of Eisenhower, MacArthur, Churchill and Nimitz loomed large. Later there was John Kennedy, Alan Shepherd, and Willie Mays. All of these were giants, bigger than life. They were our heroes. They were examples of who we wanted to be when we grew up. They were people who exemplified all the great qualities we wanted to aspire to -- honesty, integrity, sacrifice, courage. When I was growing up the policeman was my friend; teachers were respected, and your priest could be trusted implicitly and without question. What happened? Today it seems all we hear about are sadistic cops, greedy politicians, and promiscuous clergy. What happened to our heroes? Where are the leaders willing to set aside their own agendas for the benefit and wellbeing of others? I'm sure you have all heard the story of the scorpion and the frog. One day a scorpion walked up to the edge of a pond. He wanted to get to the other side, but scorpions cannot swim. Near the edge, just sitting in the water was a frog. The scorpion asked the frog, "Would you give me a ride across the pond?" "No", the frog replied. "You're a scorpion. And if I let you on my back you'll sting me and I will die." "I won't sting you", said the scorpion. "If I sting you then I would die too because I cannot swim". The frog thought about this for a few moments, and then agreed. The scorpion climbed on the frog's back, and the frog began to swim across the pond. Half way across the pond the frog felt a burning pain in his back and he knew the scorpion had stung him. As they both began to sink below the surface, the frog gasped, "Why did you sting me? You knew you would die too." "It's my nature to sting", said the scorpion. "It's my nature". The point of the story is that the scorpion only did what was natural for him. He had no choice; he could not change what he was. Within all animals, including humans, there are certain basic instincts and drives. There are basic instincts for survival and reproduction. The lower animals cannot help being what they are. How they act is part of their need to survive and reproduce. The only animal capable of rising above its basic animal instincts is the human animal. God has created us with the capacity and the potential to rise above our animal instincts and drives. We have been created with the capacity to see beyond our own individual wants and desires. We have the ability to set aside our needs for the betterment of others. Yet it seems to me that we live in times when our baser desires and instincts are rising to the surface. We are giving in to our animal nature and rationalizing our actions by saying, "it's just my nature". Greed, brutality, violence, lack of respect for property and life. We see these things about us daily. Many believe this is just the way life is -- get all you can when you can. Do unto others before they do it to you!
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This is not a new phenomenon. It has always been part of the human condition. In ancient Israel and the Roman Empire there were always an abundance of scorpions giving in to their basic nature, even if it meant their own destruction. Yet, also in our human history there were people who knew this was not right. The whole Judeo-Christian message has proclaimed that men and women were created for something more than being just another species of animal. From our creation in Genesis, to our redemption in the Resurrection, to the final promise of hope in Revelation, we have proclaimed that within all people there is the divine spark of God calling us to rise up. To lift our hands in prayer and adoration, and then to reach out to one another. God calls each of us to live on a higher plane. God calls each of us not to conform to the world, but to transform the world. Just look at the list St. Paul gives us: "hate evil...hold fast to good...love one another...show honor to others...serve...rejoice...pray...contribute...bless...weep with those who weep...live in harmony...take thought for what is noble in the sight of all...do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." When the commandment tells us not to steal, it means just that -- do not take another person's property, their dignity, their honor. Not to steal means that if it’s not yours leave it alone. We are told not to commit murder. Do not take another life. We are called to respect the sanctity and importance of life. Life is not to be taken casually, to be tossed aside like a worn out suit. There is a commandment not to bear false witness. Do not lie. But I think it also means for us to be people of our word -- we keep our promises and commitments to the best of our ability. The scorpion could not help stinging the frog -- that was his nature. That sort of basic animal nature is part of each of us, but there is another nature that resides in us as well -- the nature of the divine. A nature imparted to us in our baptism and renewed by the Eucharist. It is the nature that says violence, theft, greed, lying, cheating, and hatred are all wrong, and we should try not to do them. This, our spiritual nature, reveals that we can be more than just animals, more than two-legged scorpions. It says we are sons and daughters of God. We are called to proclaim by word, example, and life-style that God offers more than just basic existence. And every time a person responds to God's call to a higher life a miracle happens -- another scorpion learns that he/she no longer needs to sting. And what about our heroes? They will return when men and women care more about integrity than athletic ability, honor instead of power, love instead of lust, courage instead of self-interest, sacrifice instead of greed. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world to transform scorpions in to saints, and ordinary people in to heroes. Let him transform you! Yours in Christ Jesus The Rt. Rev. Michael P. Milliken Bishop
Planned Giving What is Planned Giving? Planned giving encompasses a variety of ways that gifts can be made to the church from accumulated resources. It usually involves financial or estate planning; however, it is not reserved for the wealthy. Planned giving is a means by which anyone concerned with the wise use of his or her personal resources makes a considered choice about their ultimate disposition. Planned giving establishes a way for a donor to provide for family members while remembering the church at the same time. It often enables the donor to provide more for his or her heirs and to make a larger gift than thought possible. It may reduce taxes, as well. Planned gifts can be designated for an organization’s general funds or its endowment. They are either outright gifts (i.e., gifts of appreciated securities, real property, personal property, etc.) or deferred gifts (i.e., bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts). For more information visit the Episcopal Church Foundation at http://www.episcopalfoundation.org/give/plannedÂ
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BISHOP KEMPER SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY The Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (BKSM) have entered into a new partnership to help provide high quality, accessible and affordable educa onal opportuni es for current and future church leaders. BKSM is a joint venture of the Episcopal Dioceses of Kansas, Nebraska, West Missouri and Western Kansas. Lay leaders in the Central States Synod seeking to become a Pastoral Ministry Associate (PMA) can choose to take a por on of their required coursework at BKSM. Once cer fied, PMAs may serve alongside rostered leaders in their own congrega ons or, with the approval of the bishop, enter into a covenant rela onship to serve a congrega on or parish as the primary pastoral leader. The Very Rev. Don Compier, BKSM’s dean, said of the collabora on between the two bodies. “We are approaching the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reforma on. Luther's reform impacted all of Chris anity, including Anglicanism. Sadly, theological disagreements divided Anglicans and Lutherans for centuries. The concordats recognizing one another's ministries, agreed to both in Europe and the US in the 1990's, were watersheds, bringing our two communions into much closer collabora on. It is exci ng to see us live more deeply into this spirit of unity as we work together in the educa on of our ministers, lay and ordained.” The PMA program is not the only area for collabora on between the Central States Synod and the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. This past September, the Bethany House of Studies, Bethany College and BKSM co-sponsored a workshop, Preaching the Gospel of Luke, which a racted nearly 40 clergy members, BKSM students and laity from both denomina ons. All three organiza ons look forward to planning con nuing-educa on workshops in collabora on with one another in the months and years ahead.
Disaster Initiative Steve Fontaine
As each parish and the Diocese develop their disaster plans we are reminded that small well thought out steps produce the best end results. At conven on in October I renewed contact with several exis ng disaster coordinators from various parishes and visited with new interested people seeking informa on and answers to numerous ques ons about the disaster ini a ve. A brief talk with the Right Reverend Dean Wolf, Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas, provided a connec on to the Diocesan Disaster Coordinator for the Diocese of Kansas, Father Patrick Funston of Saint Paul’s in Manha an. Father Funston has just completed the disaster training. I an cipate future joint efforts between our two Dioceses. A frequent comment I hear about disaster planning is, “We have insurance that covers our building and in rural Kansas we know how to take care of ourselves, so why plan?” To give you a different perspec ve and to hear from someone who has actually experienced a disaster – I am including a link to an ar cle about the Church of the Redeemer in Pendleton, Oregon. In summary, there was an explosion and fire in a building near the church. Please read the ar cle to see how their “disaster plan” worked for them and what they did to respond. h p://www.ecfvp.org/vestrypapers/prac cal-ma ers/suppor ng-first-responders/ Remember: Without a plan you have no direc on, chaos, and no recovery.
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Diocesan Conven on 2015 The 45th Annual Diocese of Western Kansas Conven on was held at Christ Cathedral Church in Salina, Kansas, on October 16th and 17th of 2015. The Conven on conducted it's usual business. The ECW held a basket raffle to raise money for the Diocesan Women's Ministries. Molly Lamb, from Camp Runamuck, donated 3 of her own framed sketches to help benefit ECW. The ECW decided to donate all the money earned from the auc on back to Camp Runamuck. We had several visitors join us this year. The Rt. Rev. Dean Wolf and his wife Ellen, Bishop from the Diocese of Kansas. Bishop Wolf preached at the opening Eucharist on Friday. Kay Collier McLaughlin, author of Big Lessons from Li le Places Faithfulness and the Future in Small Congrega ons. She spoke of how "Bigger is not always be er" and the things our churches can do that can make a difference. Sean McConnell from Episcopal Relief and Development, spoke at the Banquet on Friday evening, sharing the work that the ERD has done and is con nuing to do. Bernice David, our Diocesan Partner from The Domes c and Foreign Missionary Society office, joined us for the third year. She had a display booth and connected with her friends from the Diocese. The recipients of this years "Bishop Cross" went to our members of the Endowment Commi ee, who diligently watch our investments and have done a great job over the years. The members are: Mike Bea y, Larry Williams, John Golden, Mary Weston and Constance Achterberg. Congratula ons to those who were elected and appointed to Diocesan Commi ees: Elected to the Diocesan Council: The Rev. Carolyn Ballinger, The Rev. Ka e Hargis, Mrs. Lori Bone, and Mrs. Ruby Jane Davis. Standing Commi ee: The Rev. Karen Lemon and Mr. Harry Smith. Commission on Ministry: (By Acclama on) The Rev. Harvey Hillin, Mrs. Pa Wamsley. Appointed to the Commission on Ministry: The Rev. Canon Phyllis Flory and Mrs. Nan Pyle. The Disciplinary board all members appointed: The Rev. Benjamin Thomas, The Rev. Rita Stockton The Rev. Mary Hixson and Lori Bone. You can see all the pictures from the 2015 Diocesan Conven on on our FLICKR page. h ps://www.flickr.com/photos/89892904@N06/sets/72157657697684254 The 2016 Diocesan Conven on will be held as a joint Conven on with the Diocese of Kansas on October 28-29 at the Doubletree Inn - Airport in Wichita.
THANKSGIVING PRAYER Give us grateful hearts, our Father, for all thy mercies, and make us mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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FACES OF CONVENTION
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FALL
2015
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Camp Runumuck Camp Directors Molly Lamb and Rebecca Edwards along with their staff are excited to share how God has blessed CAMP RUNAMUCK during 2015. Working with St. Francis Community Services they were able to host eight foster girls at their camps this summer. They had been praying for a partnering ministry to send us at risk teen girls for camp. God made this possible through Bishop Milliken and Rev. Bobby Smith. During conven on last fall Molly was able to visit with Rev. Bobby and he made the decision for St. Francis Community Services to partner with CAMP RUNAMUCK. God is faithful! They held two camps in June and hosted four girls at each camp. The girls enjoyed spending me with the farm animals and working with the horses. Each girl was responsible for the care of their horse for the week as well as feeding the farm animals. Our camp horse Chester became ill with colic during the first camp, the girls we very concerned for the well-being of Chester and took turns caring for him un l he was be er. The girls went out in the pastures and helped check ca le and move fences. It is great to see the girls bond with the animals and how much love they have for the animals. The girls learned to how mill their own flour and make bread from scratch, they also helped cook their own meals all week. The girls enjoyed learning leather cra and learned how to express their emo ons during art therapy. The nature walks were a big hit with the girls and were a great opportunity to see the vastness and beauty of God's crea on. Each a ernoon before Bible Study we played water games to cool off and enjoyed a game of charades. The girls came out of their shell and make las ng friendships with one another. The last night of camp a few friends from the churches were invited to watch the camp rodeo. Before the rodeo the girls had their hair fixed and make up done and put on pre y shirts for the rodeo. You could tell they felt pre y special. The girls encouraged one another and cheered for each other during the rodeo. Following the rodeo each girl received an award. Some of the girls had a hardness of heart at the beginning of the week, but God was at work at CAMP RUNAMUCK! By the end of the week most of the girls had accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and some of the girls asked to be bap zed! The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt during camp. It was inspiring to see the change in these girls as they realized how much God loves them and that he has a plan for their futures. Molly and Rebecca are excited to see what God has planned for CAMP RUNAMUCK next year!
Grace Church, Hutchinson Hires New Rector It is with great pleasure that Grace Church in Hutchinson announces the call of The Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley to be their new Rector. Fr. Ted will be coming from Wichita, KS where he is the Curate at St. John's Episcopal Church. Fr. Ted and his wife Rebekah have lifelong es in the Midwest. Fr. Ted was raised in Oklahoma and his wife Rebekah in Western Kansas. They have four lovely children, ranging in age from 14 to 3-Emma, Thaddaeus, Esther and Benjamin. Fr. Ted heard about their search, and upon reading their Parish Profile, immediately felt a calling to Grace Church. That calling was confirmed by his visit here. Fr. Ted’s first service was on November 15, followed by a potluck luncheon to welcome him and his family as they begin their journey together as Parish and Priest. "I am a follower of Jesus. I seek to serve God by exercising my gi s of scholarship, leadership, and compassion to draw people closer to God, to ground them in their Chris an iden ty, and to equip them to par cipate in what God is doing in the world.” -Father Ted Blakely
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Cathedral’s Music Academy
Youth from around the Diocese gathered at Camp Wajato for their Youth Convention in September.
Christ Cathedral is pleased to announce a new ministry called Christ Cathedral Music Academy. The ministry will take place in the three renovated rooms located in the east end of the educa on building. These rooms have been turned into studios that will accommodate vocal and organ instruc on through weekly lessons. The new ministry has been in the developing stages for over year and now has become a reality. The idea first started with the need to train students to become good church organists. Churches over the years have struggled to find people to fill the posi ons at the organ. This new ministry at Christ Cathedral will address the problem and be a part of the solu on under the direc on of Canon Royce Young. The vocal studio under the direc on of Ma Schwan will address the need for training vocal students to be a part of worship. Churches today are always pursuing good musicians to lead choirs in their worship services. Given the opportunity to study vocal music the students will be able to help fill this need in the churches. The Christ Cathedral Academy has been established to train students to grow spiritually and musically with a devo on to Christ through music.
The ladies at St . Mark's ECW are joyously working on an outreach project for the upcoming Christmas bazaar
On October 24, new clergy and soon‐to‐be clergy were at St. Michael's in Hays for a training session with Bishop Milliken, Mother Phyllis Flory and Mother Karen Lemon.
“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God's own love and concern.” ― Mother Teresa
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