PRAIRIE SPIRIT Spring 2021
FROM THE BISHOP Winter is over and Spring is upon us. The weather will change, as it always does, and we can look forward to the increase in temperatures and sunlight. It also appears that our long COVID winter is ending. Restrictions will be lifted, gatherings will increase in frequency
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and size, and many of the activities that we missed will be available to us again. In person worship services are once more
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It is not entirely a coincidence that these things are occurring at a time when we are celebrating the resurrection of Christ. There are many parallels that may be drawn between these three events, and we often recognize the change in seasons to as
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an illustration of the Easter messages of renewal and rebirth. As we move forward, I think that it is important that we reflect on the lessons we have learned over the past year. This pandemic and resulting lockdown changed the world, and our use of
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technology has grown reciprocally. There is no point in a return that which once was, as the old ways will longer suffice to fit our needs. So, as we move forward, what have we discovered that has helped us, helped us as the diocese, helped us as Christians in community, helped us individually as Christian on our own paths? What practices that we
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picked up over the last year do we need to continue? Many of our churches have worshipped online, and have led daily office services, be it morning prayer, noon day prayer, or compline, online services that many of you and others have attended. Not only have these services been well attended, but some of these others are not members of our congregations but are in fact children of God who have found comfort
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and connection in these live streamed services. While we miss in person worship badly, we have discovered that streaming services allows us to touch the lives of those who cannot be with us physically, perhaps because they are shut in or just too far away. We have joined in worship with other dioceses and enjoyed the preaching from many of our brothers and sisters from whom we have not previously had the pleasure. We have found commonality with other Episcopalians around both the national church and abroad.
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Here in our diocese, we did our annual convention via zoom. While we lost the pleasure of being together in person, we did streamline our business meeting down to less than one day. It was far from perfect, and some could not attend convention due to a lack of infrastructure, but we now know how to broadcast so that any who want to witness our meetings and conversations may do so even if they cannot travel to be with us.
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From The Bishop cont.
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Several congregations have conducted zoom coffee hours and bible study, allowing for long distance participation and continuity in the face of social distancing and the ever-challenging winter weather. A few congregations have installed expanded camera systems that allow greater access to internet meetings. Furthermore, these congregations have reached out to the public allowing the public to use that equipment for community needs, for example long distance medical consultation where in distance is difficult or prohibitive. Some congregations have tried creative ways to continue traditional activities such as Shrove Tuesday pancake suppers and found that they raise just as much money from takeout dinners as they did from sit down affairs. The spirit of ingenuity, creativity, and willingness to embrace the new methods already demonstrated by this diocese will serve us well if we can continue to employ this spirit as we tackle new challenges tomorrow. Will people return to regular Sunday worship? We know that some will, but we can also assume that some will not. Our mission, though, remains the same. How should we continue to seek and serve Christ in all persons in this new landscape? The lessons we learned can help us meet the challenges ahead. We may fine that we have been freed from the geographic challenges that once hobbled us. Please take the time to celebrate and recall all we have accomplished. And then apply the same spirit as we move on.
UTO CAMPUS MINISTRY GRANT The Diocese is thrilled to announce a Virtual Campus Ministry initiative beginning in academic year 2021-2022. The program, funded by a grant from the national church, will help to create a ministry that connects students at all the various colleges across our diocese into a community of the faithful. Under the direction of Fort Hays State University graduate student, Lindsey Decker, the plan is to connect with people attending all the colleges in the diocese, to provide opportunities to meet and connect both online and in-person when it can be done safely. There will be opportunities for fellowship, worship, service and more, with the goal of creating a ministry that meets the needs of people on campus all across the diocese. In addition to Lindsey, the grant offers a small stipend for a few students to be "liaisons" with their own colleges, working with Lindsey to build the group and the program for the next two years. To be considered for one of these positions, please contact the diocese at: tec.wks2011@gmail.com. Do you know someone at college in our diocese who might be interested in becoming part of this community? Please connect them with Lindsey by emailing Toni at: tec.wks2011@gmail.com This is a ground-breaking initiative for the church - the diocese of Western Kansas is experimenting with new ways of doing ministry including campus ministry - that can be used in distant and rural diocese across the church. We are so excited to be able to create and grow the church in this way, please join us in praying for the success of this new ministry!
Grant Awarded for Hispanic Ministry Dodge City On behalf of the Taskforce for Church Planting and Congregational Redevelopment and the National Church, The diocese was awarded a $30,000.00 grant for Hispanic Ministry in Dodge City! With a continued partnership with the Church Planting Taskforce, they will help us build the ministry in Dodge City, by walking along side of us to support, listen pray and encourage us. We are excited for this ministry in Dodge City!
During Advent we launched our 50/50 Campaign. Thanks to the Dupont Matching Grant and the continued generosity of our people in Western Kansas, we were able to raise $51,573.00! These funds are in the endowment and will aid with clergy leadership expenses in our diocese. The Spring United Thank Offering Ingathering is Mother’s Day, May 9, 2021. To order envelopes and other materials go to: shimaofnavajoland.com/collections/United-Thank-Offering
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Canon Theologian to Visit Japan Our Diocesan Canon Theologian, Ashley Null, has been invited to teach in Anglican institutions in Japan this year. Ashley is also hoping to serve as the chaplain to the Olympic athletes this summer. Ashley has served as the Olympic Chaplain for several Olympics. Because of the unknown status of Covid-19 restrictions, Ashley may not be able to serve as the chaplain this Olympics. However, he has two other goals in Japan this year. Ashley is in possession Kyoto copy of the 1928 Standard Book of Common Prayer that Bishop Nichols (Fourth Bishop of the Missionary District of Salina 1943-1955), brought with him when he, along with all foreign missionaries, were kicked out of Japan in 1940. Since the Japanese Imperial government attempted to cleanse the land of foreign religious influence just prior to World War II, the diocese currently has nothing
of their history which predates the war. For many years it was kept on the bishop's prayer desk in the Cathedral until the coming of the 1979 BCP. It was placed in the Cathedral Library. With the permission of Bishop Cowell, Dean David Hodges located the volume and turned it over to Ashley to return. Ashley will also be teaching at Rikkyo University (formerly St. Paul's) the Anglican university in Tokyo and at the Anglican seminaries in Tokyo and central Japan. While at Rikkyo University, Ashley will get the privilege of doing something very special for them. Just like he will be returning the prayer book to the folks in Kyoto, he will also be returning two personal items from their founding president, James McDonald Gardiner.
It turns out that Bishop Shirley Nichols married the daughter of Mr. Gardiner, a very famous mission architect as well as the first President of St. Paul's University. When Ashley tracked down the son of Shirley Nichols, he found instead his widow, Donna Nichols of Tulsa. She is the last living member of the Gardiner/ Nichols family, and was very concerned about what she should do with two treasured family items in her possession, Mr. Gardiner's walking cane and a gold cigarette case with an Imperial Russian Eagle made up of small diamonds which Mr. Gardiner had been presented by the Czar's Household for architecture work he had done for them. She asked if Ashley could find a home for them in Japan, since that would have pleased the Gardiner/Nichols family immensely. Since Mr. Gardiner was the first President of Rikkyo University, and they have a small museum dedicated to the history of their institution, Ashley approached Bishop Renta (the new President as of April 1) whom he knew through his work on the Japanese Olympic
Chaplaincy Committee. Bishop Renta conferred with his staff and enthusiastically accepted the gifts for their museum. All three items will be returned from the American mid-west to Japan this summer. Since Ashley Null has been invited to teach in Anglican institutions in Japan this year, he will serve as courier for the items. Awaken to Spring And Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest. —Percy Bysshe Shelley
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From The Assisting Bishop Wherever two or three….. We live in a time when we need to seldom step foot outside of our house. Groceries and drugs can be delivered. Any number of restaurants can bring you most anything you want to eat. We can pay our bills and do our banking on our laptop. Meeting are held on Zoom. Telemed checks on our health. The other night I “facetimed” with my son and daughter-in-law in Alaska. For the past year we have worshipped online. We have shared prayers and scripture with one another. Sometimes from the far side of the world. Of course, this enforced form of housechurch was caused by the pandemic and our desire not to spread COVID any faster than it was already spreading. We tried many new forms of worship, some good and some not so good. Some think the electronic church is the future. I disagree! Yes, there is a place for this new technology: it will allow the sick, the house bound, the aged a platform to worship and pray. But for the rest of us, “unless for good cause prevented…”, to use the words of Canon and Rubric, our faith calls us to come together in community, to be in the physical presence of one another. In the opening phrases of the Book of Genesis we find community in the Godhead. In the creation of humanity, we find God saying, “let us make humanity in OUR image”. Community! When God calls Abraham, the call is to build a community. Moses in the desert…forming community. The first thing Jesus does when he begins his ministry is to form a community (what later became the Church). In his teachings to the disciples Jesus assures them that where “two or three are gathered…” Community. From Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 God is calling men and women into community. We are not made for isolation and loneliness. We are made for each other gathered within the circle of the Holy Trinity – The Holy Community. As our churches move back to something resembling normalcy it is time for us to come forth from the tombs of quarantine and fear. As social distancing and the fear of embracing fades, let us again share our faith one to another, shoulder to shoulder at the Altar Rail. Let us begin to recapture our community in the hugs and kisses of the Peace. Let us once more experience the sensuousness of the Sacraments: the wine of the Mass, the oil of anointing, the water of Baptism, the joining of hands in marriage. I believe we are starving for community. We miss one another. Isolated and alone we are living only a small portion of our life. “It is not good for man to be alone…” God had made us for each other to share life in His grace and love, and in each other’s grace and love. Your community awaits! Join us!
On December 12, 2020, at Christ Cathedral, The Rev. Canon Catherine Cox was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests by The Rt. Rev. Mark Cowell. Mother Catherine is the Curate at the Cathedral,. She came to the diocese from the Diocese of Oregon and has been at the Cathedral Since September 1, 2020.
On March 20, 2021 at Christ Cathedral, The Rev. Andy Houltberg was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons by The Rt. Rev. Mark Cowell. Rev. Andy is the Executive Director at Ashby House in Salina. Ashby House empowers homeless families and individuals to improve self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, and holistic recovery.
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Episcopal Summer Camp is ON Episcopal Summer Camp will take place this year. Camp will follow the recommendations from Camp Wood YMCA and the American Camp Association (their accrediting body) to provide as safe an environment as possible, but we cannot eliminate 100 percent of the risk. Check out Camp Wood YMCA’s website for more details on their plans, including a “policies and procedures” document at the bottom that details specifically all the cleaning and social distancing protocols. The Episcopal camp leadership team will be convening regularly over the next several months to plan the logistics for Episcopal Summer Camp. Information will be posted on the camp website as it becomes available.
Parents – please send your questions! Help the leadership team with the planning by letting them know what questions and concerns you have. Email questions about camp to kschlabach@episcopal-ks.org.
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When: June 6–12, 2021
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Where: Camp Wood YMCA, Elmdale, Kans.
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Who: Students in grades 3–12 for the 2020-21 school year (you must have finished third grade to attend). Camp is not restricted to Episcopalians or regular churchgoers. All are welcome, so feel free to invite friends and family. 2021 Camp will be limited to about 104 campers.
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Cost: $500. Payment plans are available. If you choose, UltraCamp will automatically divide the cost of camp over the remaining months between when you register and the start of camp.
Registration online via UltraCamp. • Scholarships: You can apply for scholarships on the registration form. Information about your household income will be required. Scholarships are awarded by a committee. Your parish should also be able to provide some scholarship money.
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Cancellation deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of the camp session for a 100 percent refund; at any time with a doctor’s note for 100 percent refund. The camp leadership team still is determining the qualifications and requirements for Episcopal camp staff. Registration and applications for staff positions will be available by April 1. EASTER PRAYER Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Sadly, we have lost three of our Diocesan clergy in the past few months. Join us in prayers for their families. They will be missed. November 19, 2020: Mother Mary Hixson, Anthony February 13, 2021: Father Dale Lumley, Ulysses February 20, 2021: Deacon George Martin, Great Bend “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27
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Grace Church Organist Retires After 30 Years of Ministry Jan Howard has shared her gift of music with Grace Church , Hutchinson for over thirty years. She has decided to retire. Christmas Eve was her last official service as Grace’s organist, although she has said she would come occasionally to fill in or play at a wedding or funeral. Jan and her husband, Jerry, have Howard’s in Mount Hope and she will continue to help him there. They also plan on spending more time with family. Jan will be missed by the folks who have been blessed to hear her musical talent. Happy Retirement Jan! Jan & Jerry Howard
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St. Mark's, Medicine Lodge enjoyed an evening of chili, cornbread, and story-swapping the first Saturday in March. No one had more fun than Buddy the Episco-pup, who loves everything about his St. Mark's visits." We thought that although Buddy might be the first (and obviously, the best and sweetest) Episco-pup, there are probably a lot more Episco-pets in the diocese with owners who'd love to share photos in the Prairie Spirit. Send to: tec.wks2011@gmail.com
Hays Artist Displays Art On Bulletin Covers Sophie Miller is a local artist (8th grade) who does St. Michael’s, in Hays, bulletin covers except in ordinary time. They use her art for advertising on social media and as posters. Sophie is a very gifted artist who grew up at St. Michael’s (though now she goes to the UMC church). Vicar Shay Craig says “ We are really privileged to have Sophie's imaginings to draw on both for our own contemplation during the various seasons, and because we believe that there is holiness in creativity and art.” St Michael’s is planning an exhibition of Sophie's art, at St. Michael's, when it is safe to do so. For more of Sophie's images, visit her Instagram page (sophea.draws) .
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On Sunday, The Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 14, Bishop Cowell made a visitation to St. Andrew’s in Liberal. Bishop Cowell received 7 new members, Sean & Kathy Grandy, Reynold, Janett-Black and Olivia Hamilton, Glen Porter and Lisa Moore. He also confirmed Brandon Williams. On February 28, 2021, Vicar of St. Andrew’s, Jeff Mitchel Baptized Seven Heinson.
NEW RECTOR INSTALLED AT ST. CORNELIUS On December 12, 2020 The Rev Juan Jose ‘J.J.’ Bernal was installed at St. Cornelius in Dodge City. Fr. J.J. came from St. Christopher’s Church in El Paso. Dr. J.J. is married to Rosario and has three children, Ana, JJ (Junior) and Samantha. We welcome Fr. J.J. to the Diocese of Western Kansas and St. Cornelius! Blessings on his new ministry!
DIOCESAN CALENDAR March 29– April 3: Holy Week April 3: Bishop Visitation Garden City, St Thomas April 21-23: Administrator at Virtual B+E+S+T Conf. May 1: Bishop Visit St. Paul’s, Goodland May 2: Bishop Visit Ascension, Colby May 3– 7: Bishop Virtual Living Our Vows Residency May 8: Commission on Ministry/Standing Committee Meet May 9: UTO Ingathering/Mother’s Day May 11,13 18,20: Administrator Virtual Health Benefits Conf. May 15: Bishop Kemper School For Ministry Graduation May 23: Pentecost
MEET THE DIOCESAN DIGITAL MISSIONER My name is Lindsey Decker, and I am delighted to serve as the Digital Missioner for the Diocese of Western Kansas. I look forward to building relationships with youth throughout the diocese via virtual and in-person campus ministry! By working to create an infrastructure of support for college students throughout Western Kansas, together we can develop a strong community of faith.
May 31: Memorial Day June 5: Diocesan Council/Standing Committee Meeting June 6: Bishop Visit St. Luke’s Scott City St. Francis Russell Springs June 19: Todd Ray Ordination—Hutchinson July 4: Independence Day
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