Spring 2016 Prairie Spirit by The Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas

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 S PRING

2016

ISSUE

FROM THE BISHOP THE WHITE ROSE The Rt. Rev. Michael P. Milliken INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Bishop

Planned Giving

Around the Diocese

ECW

Bishop 7 Kemper School For Ministry

tec.wks2011@gmail.com

Website: www.diowks.org

Diocese of Western Kansas

Episcopal Di of WKS

diowks

Bishop of Western Kansas

Many years ago I went to the Mary Chapel in a former parish for a few moments of quiet prayer. There, on the floor, lay a long-stemmed white rose along with a note. In part, the note said, "You are loved. I hope this brightens your day". The note was anonymous. This was just one of many gifts that had mysteriously shown up in that chapel over the course of several months. I don't know where they come from, or who brought them. Maybe they were, indeed, gifts from God. What I do know is that in addition to my curiosity and perplexity these small gifts brightened my days and lifted my spirits. For in those gifts there was a message -- the same message left with the rose: "You are loved. I hope this brightens your day". To know you are loved. To know there is hope. These are messages most of us need to hear every day. Day in and day out many of us must face disappointment, frustration, crisis, or tragedy. It may be something common-place, like feeling we are falling behind in our work. Or, it may be something as tragic as the death of a loved one. Whatever it may be it seems to have a draining effect on our lives. It tends to drain away our energy, our joy, our optimism. On that first Easter as Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome made their way to the tomb of Jesus we can be sure that these women felt that life had dropped a ton of bricks on them. They were in the midst of grief and sadness. Their depression filled them with fatigue. And their immediate concern was only another obstacle in their lives -- who would move the great stone which sealed the grave of Jesus. In the midst of their spiritual and emotional darkness these women were blind to the beauty which surrounded them. The sun was just coming up over the hills around Jerusalem, filling the city with bright golden light and life-giving warmth. In the garden where Jesus had been buried the winter skeletons of trees were being enfleshed with the bright spring-green of new leaves. Along the path were the brilliant blues, yellows and reds of the first flowers. At that early hour the birds were awakening and greeting the morning with their hymns of praise. But none of this did these women see. St. Irenaeus, who died in 202, was one of the first major theologians of Christianity. His thoughts and writings can be distilled to a single sentence: "Christ became like us, so that we might become like him". When Jesus came into the world he experienced life just as we do, an experience magnified for us by the events of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday Jesus knew the thrill and excitement of being the man-of-the-hour. To be the focus of attention.

PAGE

To be the center of attention can be exciting, and, at the same time, a bit embarrassing. And many of us have known that exhilarating embarrassment too. Be it a birthday party, a retirement dinner, public recognition for a job well done, or the welcoming to a new job or position. We know how good it makes us feel. Yet a few days later the focus shifted. Under the cover of darkness one of Jesus' closest friends sold him out, betrayed him. Who among us has not, at some time, felt betrayed by someone we thought was a friend? Who among us has not felt the crushing disappointment of being let down by someone close to us? Jesus' betrayal led to his arrest, trial and torture. In his time of greatest need he was deserted by his closest friends. Sure, we know how that feels too! Finally, there was the crucifixion. A time of not only impending death, but also that utter sense of abandonment -- even by God. And have we not also felt the pain of the nails as we were crucified on the crosses of life, feeling that NO ONE cared -- not even God? That sense of total abandonment and aloneness. Those fleeting moments when we question the value of our existence and wonder if it was all really worth it. Yes, Jesus was just like us. There is no loss, no frustration, no pain that Jesus has not known. That is only half of the story. Jesus became like us. Now he calls us to become like him. The joy of Easter is more than Jesus risen. It is more than just the promise of everlasting life with those we love. The joy of Easter is also God's promise and proclamation that life is not defined by the dark side. Easter proclaims that life is infinitely more than the sum total of our frustrations, our pains and our sufferings. Easter proclaims that life is, or can be, defined by love, joy, and beauty. Easter is a long-stemmed white rose on the Chapel floor. A promise of hope and love; a message that people do care. Easter is hugging your children and holding your loved-ones close to you. Easter is the sunrise, bright green spring leaves, and red, yellow, and blue flowers. Easter is the promise that neither frustration, nor abandonment, nor pain, nor depression, nor even death can overcome the life lived in Jesus Christ. Easter is the revelation that all those great big rocks which have been weighing us down, blocking our path, and sealing us in darkness have been taken away by God. God raised Jesus from the dead. He lifted Jesus from the tomb, and sat him at his right hand in heaven. And now he reaches out to you and me. Take the hand of Jesus.....be resurrected.....rise up to a new life. A life where white roses grow in profusion!

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. at http://www.episcopalfoundation.org/give/plannedÂ

Financial Planning: The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses. ( Prayer Book, page 445)

PAGE

BISHOP KEMPER SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY New Vision Workshop Coming in April The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry is excited to partner with Bethany House of Studies (ELCA) to welcome the internationally known teacher and trainer Peter L. Steinke to Kansas and Missouri to lead his one-day New Vision Workshop. This workshop is designed to help participants transform their congregations into dynamic, energized and mission-focused communities of faith. Dr. Peter Steinke has written several best-selling books about congregations and systems. He has been a guru in understanding emotional systems in churches for over 30 years. Dr. Steinke will present in Lindsborg on Thursday, April 28 and in Kansas City on Friday, April 29. Registration fees are $190 per person, or $175 if two or more attend from the same congregation. More information and online registration are available at: www.bishopkemperschool.org/steinke-workshops.html.

SFCS Hires Garrett to Direct Clover House

SALINA, KS – Saint Francis Community Services (SFCS) announced that Melanie Miller Garrett, LSCSW, has joined the nonprofit child and family services provider as Director of Clover House, a new, Restorative Residential program for survivors of human trafficking. “Mel brings extensive experience in social service and child welfare to the position, in both non-profit and private practice.” said Angela Smith, SFCS Director of Mission Engagement. “We are enthusiastic about her joining our team to help advance our mission and the vision for this new program.” In December, Saint Francis purchased a temporary site in Saline County to house up to four girls and a residential caregiver. Garrett will lead the program as it develops, while working with the SFCS Development team to raise the capital needed to construct a permanent Clover House, designed to promote health and healing for the girls it serves. “It is a deep personal privilege to join Saint Francis, an organization I’ve admired over the course of my 21-year career in child welfare,” said Garrett. “I am equally humbled by the opportunity to develop Clover House, the state’s first restorative residential program designed specifically to bring wholeness and well-being to survivors of domestic minor sexual trafficking (DMST). The need for this level of care has been recognized for some time, and I’m excited to use my experience in trauma-informed care, program design, and service to DMST survivors in this way.”

PAGE

A Look Into 2016 for Episcopal Church Women – Diocese of Western Kansas As we look forward at all the plans and changes unfolding for 2016, let’s take a moment to talk about one thing that has not changed, ECW – Episcopal Church Women. Who are we? We are women of the Episcopal Church, ALL women in the parishes of this diocese and beyond, whether or not you are part of an organized ECW group. Your work being done quietly, with loving hands and kind hearts, makes a difference. You are not alone, and we, together, make a difference in many lives every day. The meals prepared, the kni ng and croche ng done, the prayers offered and the kind words spoken. Let’s take a few moments to focus on 2016 as we con nue to “Light a Spark” in our homes, our communi es, and our world. A new project for 2016 is to share out some stories from across our beau ful prairie lands to others in the Diocese and beyond. You may be ge ng a call for a visit to your parish, to hear more about the women in your community, and the wonderful things you do there. We want to share out your story with others to build community and awareness of all the work being done. Watch the Prairie Spirit for more informa on coming your way. At the ECW Triennial in 2015, ECW focused on how we all, as a group, and in our communi es can help other Women. Women are empowered by working collabora vely with women’s organiza ons, program and ministry groups within and outside the Church, as well as with global and local networks working for gender jus ce, and individual women compelled to risk transforma on – of the world, the church, and their own lives in Christ. We are called. We are different. We are one body. One area of focus for the next 3 years is Human Trafficking. You may be thinking, well, that isn’t happening in my community, or to anyone I know., but it may well be! It’s happening here in Hutchinson, and in communi es all across our state. I’d like to ask your help, by being aware and offering prayers. We’ll be learning more about this tragedy, and learning how we can help. As we focus on this going forward, we’ll be working to help educate and learn how we can hold out our hands to help those being trafficked. The ECW – Diocese of Kansas is organizing an event in April in Mission Kansas. We are working to organize a group to a end this event. The Summit will begin Friday evening, April 22 at 5:30 PM and run through 4PM on Saturday a ernoon, April 23. Registra on and a light dinner will be held at 5:30 PM with the program beginning at 7:00 PM. We will hear from Keynote Speaker Becca Stevens. Becca is an Episcopal priest, author, and founder of Magdalene House, Thistle Farms, and Thistle Stop Café in Nashville, TN. If you’re interested in a ending, please contact myself (email below) or the Diocesan Office for more informa on. Registra on will be open soon. Our Diocese will be hos ng an event on Human trafficking in Hays the weekend of September 24th 2016. The planning for that is underway and you’ll be hearing more soon! It will be focused more on what we can do in our lives to make a difference here in Western Kansas. Email me at ecw.wks@gmail.com with any ques ons. Follow us on Facebook at Episcopal Church Women – Diocese of Western Kansas. Your sister in Christ,

Lana Mederos – ECW President – Diocese of Western Kansas

PAGE

Local Musicians Perform at All Saints Church "Pratt Musical Expressions" held its latest performance on January 31 at All Saints Church in Pratt. These performance feature all local musicians, vocalists as well as instrumentals, and offer a variety of musical styles. Pieces include classical, jazz, show and movie tunes and contemporary. The instrumentals included piano, harpsichord, organ, violin, cello, flute, trombone and clarinet. These concerts are held approximately every 6 weeks and are free to the public. he next program is scheduled for April 17, at 4pm.

St. Anne’s Undergoes “Home Makeover” Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, St. Anne’s in McPherson underwent a fairly thorough “home makeover” during January. The facelift included new carpeting throughout the upstairs portion of the building, including the nave, and a new coat of paint in the narthex. Carpeting was also replaced in the Parish Hall in the undercroft, as was the tiled flooring in the kitchen and restrooms. The Parish Hall and kitchen also received a fresh coat of paint.

On Saturday, February 6, the youth and adult volunteers in Larned, spent almost 12 hours pu ng together 300 dozen enchiladas which they sold to help support their next youth pilgrimage.

Aside from the flooring work, which was done by a local company, all of the improvements were done by parish members. The “foreman” for the project was Kristi Fowler, and she oversaw a sizable crew of volunteers that got the job done in less than a week, though some decorating “touches” still remain. St. Anne’s officially unveiled its new look on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 9, as the parish held its annual Pancake Feed, along with an open house to show off the improvements.

FALL

2015

PAGE

ASHES TO GO IN HAYS

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING SPONSORING LENTEN QUIET DAY

On Ash Wednesday, Deacon Casey Rohleder joined with clergy from Trinity Lutheran, First Presbyterian and the Protestant Campus Center to meet God’s people where they already were in the Hays community, part of a movement known as Ashes to Go (ashestogo.org). Ashes to Go gives the Church an opportunity to be present in the world in a surprising way. In doing so, they can remind people about the season of Lent, offer a prayer and impose ashes. They spent the afternoon going around town, first in a church parking lot where many parents wait to pick up their kids from school, then close to Fort Hays State University campus at the end of the work day, and finally in front of Hobby Lobby. As they told more than one person, “If you are planning to go to church tonight for Ash Wednesday, please do that! This isn’t for you!” Somewhere between 40-50 individuals of all ages and Christian traditions asked to receive ashes, “A number that surprised and encouraged me,” said Deacon Rohleder. She continued, “We had encounters with families from far Western Kansas in town for doctor’s appointments as well as grandmothers with their grandkids, whispering words about Jesus as we explained about what the ashes were for.“ “I loved the look of surprise on people’s faces, seeing a crew of four clergy women in stoles with a sign announcing what they were up to. Even more, I was humbled by the tears of gratitude and words of thanks as individuals experienced a moment grace in the midst of their day.” Deacon Casey Rohleder said.

HAPPENING IS COMING TO THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS! Mark your calendars! June 24 - 26, 2016, Happening will be taking place at Christ Cathedral in Salina! Happening is a spiritual awakening/renewal weekend for high school youth led by high school youth. Adult facilitators, lay and clergy, support the weekend and the preparations of the team leading the event. IMAGINE....youth give up their cell phones for a weekend to have real conversations with people about God - what could be better! Join in the conversation, see it in action....and get inspired! Happening is open to Students who are currently in 9-12th grade . The registration fee is $50.00. It includes meals, lodging and a t-shirt. More information will be available soon! Any questions you can contact Catheryn Thornton: gunnystaxcat@yahoo.com

The Rev. Carolyn Ballinger will lead a Lenten Quiet Day at Sts. Mary and Martha Church, 803 Main St. in Larned on Saturday March 5, at 10:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m. You are invited to set aside a time and space for silent meditation in observance of Lent. Come join us as we prepare a quiet and uncluttered place within ourselves for the Risen Christ to enter into as we journey though Lent toward Easter. We will learn and practice praying with Anglican Prayer Beads. If you have them, bring them; if not, they will be available for donation to cover cost. Also bring whatever you would like to do during the periods of silence, such as books, prayers, knitting, coloring, prayer journal, or your favorite Bible. Coffee and morning snack will be provided. Please bring a sack lunch. 9:30-9:45 Gather, continental breakfast 10:00 First meditation 10:15 Silence 11:00 Second meditation 11:15 Silence 12:00 Sack lunch (beverages provided) 12:30 Third meditation 12:45 Silence 1:30 Holy Eucharist Enjoy a time of rest and renewal in the presence of our Lord and Savior, and in Christian community. As we each pray, aloud and silently, all our prayers will be gathered together within the heart of God.

PAGE

Grace Church Installs New Rector

On Friday, January 29th The Rev. Dr. Ted Blakely was installed as Grace Church’s, in Hutchinson, Rector. Bishop Milliken celebrated and performed the installation and The Rev. Vern Jones preached. Rev. Jones is from Redwood City, Ca. and baptized Fr. Ted. Following the service there was a reception with Fr. Ted’s family, friends and new church family.

DIOCESAN CALENDAR

Pictures from Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in Norton. Picture on the left: Fr. Jerry Jones and Laura Gilhousen discuss technology while waiting on pancakes. Picture on the Right: Fr. Dennis Gilhousen was the master pancake chef!

March 9‐16 : House of Bishops 20: Palm Sunday 20: Pra /Medicine Lodge Visit 21‐26: Holy Week 27: Easter 27: Garden City Visit April 16: Standing Commi ee Meets 18‐22: Bishop’s Mee ng 30: BKSM Board Mee ng May 7: Council /St. Commi ee Meet 8: Mother’s Day 8: Logan Visita on 14: BKSM Commencement 15; Pentecost 20‐21: SFCS Board Mee ng 22: Lyons Visita on 30: Memorial Day‐Oﬃces Closed June 4: Clergy Day in Larned 5‐11: Mega Camp 5: Lakin Visita on 24‐26:Happening‐Salina

The Diocesan Council and Standing Committee had there first meeting of 2016 at Grace Church in Hutchinson on February 6. Members of the Council are: Bishop Milliken, Rev. Jim Cox, Rev. Larry Carver, Nan Pyle, Pam Smith, Rev. Benjamin Thomas, Rev. Georgia Decker, Carolyn Peterson, Cathy Miller, Rev. Katie Hargis, Rev. Carolyn Ballinger, Lori Bone, nd Ruby Jane Davis. Standing Committee Members: Rev. Mark Cowell, Mike Wamsley, Rev. Jerry Jones, Sherry Denton, Rev. Jerry Jones and Harry Smith.

Return Service Requested Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas 1 North Main, Suite 502 Hutchinson, KS 67501

Nonâ&#x20AC;?ProďŹ t Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 59 Hutchinson, KS 67502