Spring 2022
FROM THE BISHOP Despite a COVID delay from 2021, the Lenten pilgrimage to Canterbury once again occurred this March and was a success. Twenty-five pilgrims from across the diocese
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journeyed from Kansas to London and eventually to Canterbury Cathedral, following in Hutchinson, KS 67501 the footsteps of countless pilgrims over centuries. The Shrine of St. Thomas in Canterbury Cathedral drew multitudes of pilgrims
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over the years until King Henry the VIII had it destroyed in 1538. 620-669-0006 Today, a solitary candle marks the place of the Shrine, but pilgrims still arrive year after year. During their journey, the pilgrims learned about church history,
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especially the reformation and the role of the English monarchs in that turbulent and often bloody time. They visited several sites selected to aid in that history lesson and selected to bring that history to life. The pilgrims went to the Tower of London,
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Smithfield Green, Hampton Court, Greenwich, York, and Dover Castle as well as Canterbury Cathedral. We also worshiped at different sites and in different ways before finally celebrating the Eucharist at Canterbury Cathedral. They attended Sunday services at the parish
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church of St. Bartholomew the Greater, and a choral evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The pilgrims also enjoyed the London theatre and saw two shows while across the pond. The first was Hamilton in London where the pilgrims noted that the character of
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King George got considerably more love in London than he seems to get in the USA.
The second show was Singing in the Rain at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Luckily, the group was seated in the balcony and did not get rained on as the show lived up to its name and several cast members and some of the audience got doused. Both shows were excellent, although very different.
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The modern-day pilgrims did not use wagons and horses as did the pilgrims in Chaucer’s world but instead rode the “tube” (the London Underground), the train, and a coach. However, most progress was accomplished with one’s feet, and the pilgrims earned a few blisters. And even those with walking boots and knee scooters kept up with everyone else. Contd. Page 2
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From the Bishop Contd.
The pilgrims also learned to be bold with their diets and tried new and exciting cuisine including some outstanding Indian food. However mild that may have been according to Indian standards, some found it packed a punch. Also, the
steak pies were popular but the steak and kidney pies not as much. Two of the pilgrims got engaged while on the trip and the good news is that they were dating beforehand. A couple of the other pilgrims met interesting young men on the trip, and although snapchat handles were exchanged, it is unclear whether nuptials are in their future. The pilgrims were stranded in Dallas due to flight cancellations during the return, but everyone arrived home safe and sound and COVID free. If you would like to join us next time, space is available but limited. Priority will be given to youth. Blessings!
Dover Castle Group shot in front of Hampton Court
At London Theatre waiting for Hamilton to begin. Brenton Kirkhart surprised Sara Martin with a proposal at Canterbury! Sara is the daughter of the Rev. Don & Evelyn Martin of Colby.
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Mother Carolyn Ballinger celebrated and preached at Canterbury Cathedral.
Group Shot in front of Canterbury Cathedral
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The Rev. Don Martin has served St. Francis Church in Russell Springs since 1993 as well as Ascension on the Prairie-Colby, St. Luke’s -Scott City and St. Paul’s-Goodland. His faithful service to the Lord and our small congregations, and his weekly travels to our four churches in Western Kansas can be likened to a “Circuit Rider Clergy” from that past. His speedy little red car has replaced the horse and mule of the early circuit riders of yesteryear but his service to God is essentially the same, to bring the good news to the people in rural areas. Article submitted by Molly Lamb
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“Circuit rider” clergy, in the earliest years of the United States, were clergy assigned to travel around specific geographic territories to minister to settlers and organize congregations. Circuit riders were clergy in the Methodist Episcopal Church and related denominations, although similar itinerant preachers could be found in other faiths as well, particularly among minority faith groups. Submitted by Molly Lamb
Picture Credit: Brenton Kirkhart
Through New Community Collaborative Christ Cathedral’s The Welcome Table Increases Number of Neighbors Served by 60% Christ Cathedral, Salina, has long been known for creating and some of its community’s most impactful social ministries. From the creation of ministries focused on at-risk children, addressing food insecurity, and family stability, the Gospel’s social impact is deeply rooted in the Cathedral community’s DNA. One of these public ministries, the Monday – Friday daily lunch program known as The Welcome Table, has entered a community collaborative with fourteen organizations for the creation of the SalinaGrace Community Resource Center. The resource center provides case management, virtual health care appointments, day programming, the Welcome Tables’ daily meal, and other essential services for people in Salina that are facing housing insecurity and other concerns. Tom Blythe, the Welcome Table’s administrative leader, reflecting on how this ministry continues to grow, said, “In 2021, the Welcome Table served more than 5,500 meals. With this new partnership that began in February 2022, we have already increased the number of meals served every day by 60%. I expect that we will serve close to 10,000 meals this year. And while that statistic is impressive, the real joy comes from the relationships that are built with those to whom we serve and the volunteers that make this ministry happen.
Betty Rassette (left) and Patti Breeding (right), prepare to serve the Welcome Table’s daily lunch ministry sponsored by Christ Cathedral and carried out in partnership with the SalinaGrace Community Resource
The volunteer base of the Welcome Table is made up of Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and sometimes with the help of folks who need to demonstrate community service hours – the people that do the prepping, cooking, serving, and cleaning are a microcosm of the community. We look like the beloved community Dr. King dreamed of…” Fr. Bobby Smith, Provost of the Cathedral says, “I love that the Cathedral and the SalinaGrace Community Resource Center are in the heart of downtown Salina. Here, at the city’s urban core, we see a renewed sense of Jesus’ call to love our neighbors.” Notice. Give. Make. Bless. United Thank Offering encourages us to live lives of gratitude, make thank offerings, which go on to empower mission and ministry. The Diocesan UTO Spring Ingathering is on Sunday, May 15 (Mother’s Day). If you need Blue Boxes or any other UTO materials you can order them from
UNITED THANK OFFERING – SHIMA' of Navajoland (shimaofnavajoland.com)
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On December 11th, St. Mark's was joined by Kathy and Bishop Milliken, Rev. Karen Lemon, and members of First Presbyterian Church to celebrate the good work of the Lincoln Public Library (which was co-founded by some of St. Mark's very first members). Including Buddy the Episco-pup, there were eighteen in attendance for a night of hand-made lasagna, cake, and Christmas cheer. Submitted by Cathy Small On Sunday, February 20, member of St. John’s in Great Bend, served evening dinner at the Dream Center and Great Bend ,along with the First Congregational church members. The Dream Center is a community effort in Great Bend that provides support to homeless people along with other people living in poverty. The first picture is of Cynthia Vandermeer, Karen Martin and Yvonne Hokr (First Congregational UCC) serving. The second picture is Mother Teresa along with two members of congregational church, Patti Blackwell and Mary Anne June. The last picture is of mother Teresa saying the blessing. We served approximately 40 people that evening. We provide the dinner in rotation with other churches and we do it once every six weeks.
Submitted by Mark Mingenback
The Easter Prayer of Saint Hippolytus Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate, Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing, Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty Christ is Risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, Glory and power are his forever and ever. -- St. Hippolytus of Rome
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Where Two or Three are Gathered The Rt. Rev. Michael P. Milliken
Jesus said that whenever two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of them. In the Book of Genesis there are two versions of the Creation Story. In one story we are told that “…God created man; in the image of God, he made him; male and female He made them.” In the second account the Lord said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.” For the past couple of years, the Church, like most institutions in our country, has been impacted by the COVID pandemic. At one time many churches were completely closed, and we quickly learned how to create virtual worship. Clergy stood in front of empty pews and prayed and preached to a camera. Later, after the
initial surge churches began to loosen some of their restrictions: wearing of masks, liberal use of hand sanitizer, and social distancing of at least six feet. In the more formal liturgies, the chalice was withheld in many places. And when churches began to once again open their doors many members opted to stay home and watch on TV. For many this “home church” has become the new reality. It is so easy to sit at home in your comfy PJ’s, sipping coffee and watching from the sofa. I wonder if many of these will ever return to in person worship. These days I am seeing more articles and hearing more pod casts that call for a redefinition of “Church.” What is the Church? What is the role of the Church? How does the Church carry out its ministry? To me the Church is a community. A community where people interact with one another on a personal, physical, spiritual, and emotional level. In my own faith tradition, I believe we are called to worship with our total being. With our eyes we see the color, the art, the images of our faith. With our ears we hear the poetry of liturgy, and Scripture which resonates with the soul. With our taste we savor the flavor of the bread and wine of the Eucharist. In many places we
inhale the perfume of incense; we are able experience touch. The touch of a priest placing blessed Communion bread in our hands or making the sign of the cross on our foreheads. Or the touch another human being who shakes our hand or hugs us during the Exchange of the Peace. A sign that tells me I am recognized, I am cared about, someone acknowledges my existence. For me, the one of the most important ministries of the Church is that of community. It is bringing men and women together, in the presence of God, to promote a community of caring, sharing, and giving people. The Church should be the place when we can go, and belong, to find support, where others care about us, and are willing to walk with us in life. As we turn the corner on the COVID pandemic I would urge you to get up off the couch and return to the pews of your local church. Let us once again join with our brothers and sisters to experience the presence of the Divine in our midst.
Let us return to that place where our humanity if fulfilled. Let us exchange our isolation for being surrounded by those who care. Let us exchange our loneliness deep friendship. In my faith tradition we ask: “What is the mission of the Church?” The answer that come back is: “The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” The future of the Church is not virtual, but physical. It is not distant, but personal. In the words of a 1970’s Church Ad: “Have you ever seen a Sony that gives Communion?” I hope and pray that soon we will see one another where “two or three are gathered together in my name.”
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Episcopal Relief And Development Aid in Ukraine Our hearts are with all those living through the crisis in Ukraine. Episcopal Relief & Development is mobilizing with their partners to provide humanitarian assistance to families fleeing the violence — and they will continue to coordinate with these networks to meet the needs of families that have been displaced. Please pray for all those who are affected. Currently Ten million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says. As well as the 3.6 million who have left for neighboring countries, another estimated 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside the war-torn country itself. Your urgent support will help Episcopal Relief & Development provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine, working with ACT Alliance and our Anglican partners in Europe. You can donate on their website at: Donate - Episcopal Relief & Development or by phone 855-312-4325 or by mail : Episcopal Relief & Development P.O. Box 7058 Merrifield, VA 22116-7058
St. Francis Church in Russell Springs has gotten a lot smaller since I started attending church there 25 years ago. Most of our congregation has passed away. Our average Sunday attendance is 5-13 people which includes 6 young children. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me”. Father Don does an excellent job of changing up his sermon and involving the children. He explains things in a way that they can understand and grabs their attention by asking them questions and encouraging them to interact during the sermon. I believe this is the perfect way to lead young children to the Lord. A regular church service can be confusing to young children, to bring the message to their level and make it understandable is the best way to bring The Word to life in their little hearts. As we look to the future of growing our little churches, it would be wise to consider this approach. Submitted by Molly Lamb
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls for 100th anniversary Good Friday Offering
DIOCESAN CALENDAR April 17: EASTER– The Lord has risen!
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.
April 23: COM/Standing Committee Meet in Hays May 9-12: Administrator to BPC Conference-Texas May 15: Mother’s Day May 15: Spring UTO Ingathering May 15: Bishop Cowell’s Visitation—Lakin May 21: BKSM Commencement –Topeka May 30: Memorial Day—Office Closed June 4: Diocesan Council Standing Committee—Hays June 5: PENTECOST June 5: Bishop Cowell Visitation—Hutchinson June 7: Endowment Committee Meeting—Hays June 14: Flag Day June 19: Father’s Day July 4: Independence Day—Office Closed
July 6-16: General Convention—Baltimore July 26—August 8: Lambeth Conference - England
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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.
On Fat Tuesday (March 1) the folks of St. Michael’s celebrated with a meal and fun masks.
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