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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 UMM ER
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FROM THE BISHOP INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Bishop
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Bishop 2 Kemper School For Ministry Around the Diocese
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Pastoral Directive
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St. Francis Community Services
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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
This issue of the Prairie Spirit contains a copy of A Pastoral Directive (Page 4) that I recently sent to all the clergy in Western Kansas. This directive, issued jointing by myself as well as Bishop Wolfe in Kansas is a call to keep firearms out of our churches. As I said in a recent email to the clergy I believe that we have witnessed so much pain, suffering and death inflicted by people with firearms that it is time for our Church to make a statement. I have been advised by my chancellors (Canon Lawyers) that this Pastoral Directive is unenforceable, and that is probably true. But I think this is one way, albeit a small one, that the Church can say “enough”! This is one small way that the Church can witness to the message of life and love taught us by the Risen Lord, the Prince of Peace. This is one way that the Church can say to the world let us show you “…a more excellent way. For if I speak in the tongues of morals and of angels, but do not have love….” (I Cor 12/13). An old friend of mine, a priest on the East Coast, wrote me saying: “I understand your reasoning, but this edict also makes every church a soft target for anyone who decides not to follow your ruling!” My response to my friend was: “Yes, that could be the cost of our witness!” Not everyone will agree with this directive. I fully understand that. Please know that we will not be installing metal detectors, and worshippers will not be frisked at the front door. Each of us must deal with our moral and ethical stances as we feel led by the Spirit. Sometimes, walking with Jesus is not easy! God’s blessings be upon you.
More from Bishop Milliken We often talk about traditions in the church that seem to be falling away. From where I sit one of those traditions is the ancient practice of prayer and meditation prior to the Eucharist, and then prayers of thanksgiving afterwards. When you and I participate in the Holy Eucharist we become part of a most holy mysterious reality, the reality of the Risen Christ becoming present in the consecrated bread and wine. Then in our partaking “that he may dwell in us, and we in him”. I believe that in our sacramental and spiritual encounter with Jesus we should prepare our minds and spirits through prayer. As Episcopalians we have a great resource of prayer in our Book of Common Prayer. On page 834: “Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be known to us in the breaking of the bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen” And then, after the Eucharist, kneel and give thanks…. O Lord Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left unto us a memorial of thy passion: Grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. There are many manuals of prayer that may be of help. Seek them out….use them.
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Let us recapture once more the tradition of spending a few moments in prayer prior to the beginning of our worship. Then, at the end, let us offer a prayer thanks for the divine gifts given us in the Eucharist. The Lord be with you….. Bishop Milliken
BISHOP KEMPER SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY Three Lay Cer ficate Programs Now Offered As the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry enters its fourth year of providing theological forma on and training for future deacons and priests, it is pleased to announce the expansion of its cer ficate programs to include Lay Catechist, Lay Preacher, and Pastoral Leader. The Very Rev. Dr. Don Compier, BKSM dean, explains. “As we move forward with new lay cer ficates for catechists, preachers, and pastoral leaders, we are really living into Paul's vision in 1 Corinthians 12. As all the gi s of the body are fully deployed, the Church will be able to carry out the great mission entrusted to it. BKSM is pleased to live more fully into its own mission of offering quality, affordable, accessible theological educa on for all!" The lay catechist organizes and coordinates the process of forma on in a congrega on, par cularly prepara on for the sacraments of bap sm and confirma on. The lay preacher brings the Word of God into the daily lives of a congrega on and is a symbol of the value and importance of lay leadership. The pastoral leader is authorized by the bishop to exercise pastoral or administra ve responsibility within a congrega on. Each cer ficate program consists of a series of course that can be taken over the course of a single academic year. Students must take classes for credit and receive a passing grade. A er a student has completed the required coursework, BKSM will award a cer ficate of comple on and forward the student’s transcript to the appropriate bishop. Students comple ng lay cerficates are also invited to be recognized at BKSM’s commencement each May. The $180 tui on includes all meals and overnight accommoda ons at Upton Hall. Students seeking a lay cer ficate may qualify for a $100 Jim Upton Scholarship. Complete details, including links to the schedule of required courses for the 2016-17 academic year, can be found on the Programs of Study page on the BKSM website. If you have ques ons or would like to enroll in either one of these programs, please contact us via the BKSM website or email Dean Compier at bksmdean2@gmail.com.
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Saint Francis Community Services Peace Garden Awarded &25,000 United Thank Offering Grant through the Episcopal Church SALINA, Kan. – Saint Francis Community Services’ Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church. This award will help expand the Peace Garden Project. The project is unique in that it is offers a holistic approach to healing. It offers training in the areas of creation care, sustainability, gardening, and nutrition. This project focuses upon all elements of wellness, from the physical well-being of the children who will cultivate and consume the food grown in the greenhouse, to their minds which will grow by experiencing new things with hands-on learning, to the spirit which will find a peaceful place to enjoy the undisputed therapy of the natural world. Growing plants is not just a means to achieve a specific goal, but to provide the skills needed to practice an ongoing process with integrity. Gardening takes patience, problem solving, teamwork and mindfulness, just as creating a meaningful life does. The Peace Garden Project will capitalize on these parallels to set its young gardeners on a path to a healthy, prosperous and fulfilled life. The garden will have benches and will serve as a peaceful place to visit with friends, family and staff members, as well as a place for quiet contemplation—a place to simply be. The youth themselves will be involved in planting and taking care of the garden, and they will be able to enjoy spending time there. Trish Bryant, vice president of children and family services of Saint Francis Community Services, stated, “It is indeed a treasure when an attribute, like this garden and sacred space, can act as an avenue for healing, while existing in a sustainable manner through resource awareness and education. The children will propagate plants that they can take with them upon leaving the program, as a reminder of their personal growth over the course of their treatment at the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility.” In the spirit of Saint Francis, this program seeks what St Francis taught—”To be instruments of peace.”
ANNUAL AUDIT
By now all churches should have received the 2015 Annual Audit Packet. The Audit is due in the Diocesan Office by August 15, 2016. Per National Canon 1.7, Sec.1. (5) Requires that all accounts of parishes and missions “be audited annually by an independent Certified Public Accountant or Independent Licensed Public Accountant, or such audit committee as shall be authorized…”. This means all Churches must perform an annual audit no matter its size. We realize this can be a time-consuming task, but it is important that as good stewards to our church, we adhere to the Canon. Thank you for all your faithful service to your church and if we can assist you in any way please contact us.
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A Pastoral Directive Regarding the Presence of Firearms in Churches June 20, 2016 To the Clergy and Wardens of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Over the last several years, a series of radical changes in firearms laws in the State of Kansas has led to permission being given to carry firearms, openly or concealed, into churches and other houses of worship. These changes reverse long-standing law and practice regarding firearms in our state. These changes reflect the efforts of an active gun manufacturers’ lobby, and in our judgment, they unnecessarily endanger the citizens of our state and the members of our parishes. Under these laws, firearms can be prohibited from churches when the ecclesiastical authority expressly prohibits their presence and erects signage making clear such prohibition. Together we are making that clear judgement through this directive today. For Episcopalians, the Bible serves as a trustworthy guide for our beliefs and practices. The prophets clearly saw the ultimate purpose and goal of God’s creating and saving work: “they will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain” (Isaiah 11: 9). God became human in Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed the Prince of Peace. The Apostle Paul embodied the spirit of Jesus when he urged Christians to never “repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12: 17). Paul understood Christ as the new Adam, the pioneer of God’s peaceful future reign. As Christ’s body, the Church and all its members belong to the coming Kingdom. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist we demonstrate God’s generous, nonviolent intent for all creatures. We even call the space we use for our worship “a sanctuary.” Effective August 1, 2016, the carrying of firearms will formally be prohibited in all church facilities in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas, except as carried by designated law enforcement officials in the line of duty. In order to comply with state law, all church-owned property must post signs indicating that guns are not permitted. The required sign, as a sticker to be affixed to an exterior; and The required sign, as a vinyl cling that can be affixed to the inside of glass In order to comply with state law, these signs, in either version, must be placed to achieve immediate visibility from the outside and should not be obstructed by doors, sliding doorways, displays or other postings. They should be set at adult eye-level (4-to-6 feet from the ground), not more than 12 inches to the left or right of each exterior public and nonpublic entrance to the building. If a sign becomes illegible, by law it must be replaced immediately. If you need more stickers or clings than are enclosed, please contact the diocesan office and more will be sent to you. While this directive and signs will meet the requirements of state law, we hope all the more it will serve as a testament to the promised future reign of Christ in which “no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love.” Please feel free to be in touch with your diocesan office if you have any questions or additional concerns. Faithfully,
The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe Ninth Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
The Right Reverend Michael P. Milliken Fifth Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas
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All Saints Sharing Space Beginning this past April, All Saints Episcopal Church in Pratt has been sharing their worship space with a new (sort of) congregation of Missouri Synod Lutherans. This congregation is composed primarily of Lutherans whose church in Pratt closed several years ago. A few of these members had joined the Lutheran Church in Natrona, northeast of Pratt, some had found other church homes, and some had simply stopped attending church. Several families who were not happy at the Natrona church began attending Ascension Lutheran Church in Wichita. Two years ago the clergy at Ascension Lutheran decided to try and plant a new church in Pratt, and the new congregation began holding services 2 Sunday evenings a month at the 4-H building. This meant that all the equipment they needed each Sunday had to be brought in and set up, not a small task. And as nice as the 4-H building is, it is not a church. This spring, the vestry at All Saints voted to offer them the use of our building, an offer the Lutherans were very pleased to accept. All Saints gave them space to store all of their equipment in our building so nothing needs to be transported each week. They average 60-70 members on the 2 Sundays evenings they come each month, which fills our sanctuary, but was difficult to accommodate in the parish hall for the pot luck dinners that always begin their time together. That problem was solved when the Lutherans purchased 4 new tables and 32 chairs. There is now ample seating for everything they do. They were very excited to be Member of All saints and the Lutheran Church enjoy a in a real church, to have real pews, a beautiful altar, and the dinner together. choice of either a grand piano or a pipe organ for their music. On the Sundays they don’t conduct their own service, some of them attend our morning Eucharist. Our members are also welcome to attend their dinners and to receive Communion at their services. Ascension Lutheran hopes to call their own pastor next spring, and they have tentative long range plans to eventually purchase land in Pratt and build their own church. In the meantime, our 2 churches are enjoying each other’s company, and both churches are very happy with this arrangement. It has been a blessing for both church families.
Null Receives Grant Congratulations to The Rev. Canon Ashley Null, our Theologian to the Diocese of Western Kansas, who received a 2016 -2017 Conant Grant awarded through the Episcopal Church. Conant Grant funds are provided for the improvement of seminary-based theological education. Specifically, the grants are directed for the support of research, writing and course development undertaken by faculty members at the recognized Episcopal seminaries in the United States. The funds are derived from a trust fund established by William S. and Mary M. Conant in 1953. He currently holds a research post funded by the German Research Council at Humboldt University of Berlin and is a visiting fellow at the Divinity Faculty of Cambridge University and St. John’s College, Durham University. His project is editing the private theological notebooks of Thomas Cranmer, the author of the independent Church of England’s founding formularies, for Oxford University Press. This is a five-volume project.
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Grace Church Has Ten New Members Confirmed On Pentecost, May 15, The Rt. Rev. Michael P. Milliken confirmed ten new members at Grace Church in Hutchinson. After the service they had their annual Pentecost Picnic followed by Blessings of The Bikes later that day.
Back Row: Deacon Joe Withrow, Deacon Amy Long, Bishop Milliken, The Rev. Ted Blakley. Second Row: Polly & Howard Dame, James and Jeanette Richardson, Steve Hawkins, Christopher Britton Front Row: Simon & Seamus Wamsley, Sydney & Raleigh Jarrett
The Rev. Ted Blakley sprinkles one of the bikers at Blessings of the Bikes. After the blessing, hamburgers and hotdogs were served.
Upcoming Ordina ons in Western Kansas
The Rev. Teresa Deokaran to the sacred Order of Priests Saturday, July 9th, at 11:00 a.m. All Saints’ Church in Pra , Kansas The Rev. Casey Rohleder to the sacred Order of Priests Saturday, July 23rd, at 1:30 p.m. St. Michael’s Church in Hays, Kansas The Rev. John Seatvet to the sacred Order of Priests Saturday, September 3rd. Time TBA St. Cornelius Church in Dodge City, Kansas The Rev. Basil Price to the sacred Order of Priests Saturday, November 5th, at 11:00 a.m. Christ Cathedral in Salina, Kansas The Rev. Amy Long to the sacred Order of Priests The Rev. Bill Waln to the sacred Order of Priests Saturday, December 10th. Time TBA Grace Church, Hutchinson, Kansas
Father Don Martin baptizing Noelle Kay Schields at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Goodland, on May 28, 2016
YOUTH CONVENTION Mark your calendars! Youth convention will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28. The Convention will be held at Camp Wajato, in Lyons. More information will be available soon!
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Congratulations to The Rev. John Seatvet, from St. Cornelius in Dodge City. John graduated from Nashotah House on May 26.
On Saturday, June 4th some of our Diocesan clergy attended Clergy Day at Sts. Mary & Martha in Larned. The Rev. David Cowell was the guest leader.
Bishop Milliken’s Tenta ve Schedule July‐September: July: 4 Monday 8 Friday: 9 Saturday 10 Sunday 14 Thursday 18 Monday 21 Thursday
23 Saturday 24 Sunday 31 Sunday August 6 Saturday 7 Sunday 21 Sunday 24-31 September 3 Saturday 5 Monday 10 Saturday 11 Sunday 14-21 30 Friday
Independence Day – Office Closed Ordina on rehearsal Ordina on Holy Apostles, Ellsworth St. Elizabeth, Russell Mee ng with Cathedral Vestry Dedica on of new Chapel at St. Francis Community Services Psychiatric Residen al Treatment Faculty, Salina. Ordina on St. Michael’s, Hays Christ Cathedral, Salina
On May 5, Ascension Day, Incarnation Church in Salina celebrated by releasing balloons followed by an ice cream social.
Electronic mee ng of Diocesan Council & Standing Commi ee The Church of the Upper Room, Lakin, Sts Mary and Martha, Larned. Vaca on Ordina on Labor Day – Office Closed Bishop Kemper School: Preacher & Bishop in Residence All Saints Church, Pra House of Bishops, Detroit St. Francis Community , Board Mtg Bishop Milliken visited St. Andrews in Rural Hays on April 3.
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THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS FORTY SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION JOINT CONVENTION WITH THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF KANSAS OCTOBER 28-29 2016 - WICHITA, KANSAS HILTON DOUBLTREE—AIRPORT
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