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Winter 2022 | The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
Sharing stories through art
Churches reflect on injustices in their
communities through engaging with
local art and creating their own
Gathering of Clergy / St. James turns 100 / Diocesan Convention
FROM THE BISHOP | THE RIGHT REVEREND CATHLEEN CHITTENDEN BASCOM
The UN Climate Summit and living the 23rd Psalm
at the birds of the air…Consider the mindful of the children, youth, and
lilies of the field…” And I now see young adults of our diocese. I believe
the 23rd Psalm which we hold so that the Good Shepherd wants
dear as a portrayal of how God will “green pastures and still waters” for
lead and be an active companion them and has already begun to lead
with us in transformed earth stew- us in new directions!
ardship: “The Lord is my shepherd… This Summit has been dubbed by
he makes me lie down in green some as “The Nature CoP.” One sig-
pastures and leads me beside still nificant outcome was the “Action on
waters.” Forests and Land Use” in which 137
Those gathered in Glasgow, either countries pledged to conserve forests
in person or virtually, represented and other critical ecosystems.
every sector of human society from Kansas is blessed with grasslands
the far reaches of the globe. But as and woodlands which God so beau-
leaders shared stories of concern, tifully designed as part of nature’s
offered inspired solutions, and called way of creating clean water, main-
for collaboration, I carried with me taining biodiversity, and capturing
a softly rectangular lens, the shape of carbon from the air.
Kansas. I saw our birds and air, our For us, protecting and even
flora, our water and pastures, asking: expanding our woodlands is encour-
What does this mean for our dio- aged, and the health of the prairie
cese? What is God calling us to do? is vital. Well-managed rangeland
Episcopalians in Kansas hold vari- maintains the state’s watersheds and
ous opinions about climate change supports two major agricultural
and its causes. But changes in our exports: cattle, and the wheat that
natural environment are something becomes the nation’s bread.
we can all recognize. We are an important agricul-
WHY WOULD Presiding As I pen this, my hometown of tural state and at CoP26 the U.S.
Bishop Michael Curry send a virtual Denver, Colorado still awaits the first presented a number of initiatives
delegation of Episcopalians, includ- measurable snow of the season. It that place agriculture, dairy and
ing, a theologian, an architect, a state is the longest, driest fall since they livestock, forestry, and rural com-
senator, climate scientists, students, began keeping records in 1882. The munities front and center, as well as
priests, and three bishops to the re- woodlands near Estes Park, which the creation of more vital, local and
cent UN Climate Summit (CoP26)? have long been a favorite place of regional markets.
And why would the Bishop of respite for Kansans, are ablaze. Fires As a child my family would travel
Kansas agree to spend ten days, just are currently more probable than from Denver to Topeka noting the
a week after our diocesan conven- snowflakes. “Kansas: Breadbasket of the World”
tion, rising at 4 a.m. (9 a.m. Glasgow In Kansas, we have seen vacillat- road signs. My father and grand-
time) to participate? Perhaps Bishop ing conditions of flood and drought, parents survived the dust bowl on
Curry said it best when he told the reservoirs filling with silt or algae a wheat farm near Norton, KS. Talk
anchor on ABC News, “If we love blooms, aquifer levels diminishing, about climate events and resilience!
God, let us love the world God and duck hunters noticing a decrease Kansans are strong leaders with rich
loves.” in migrations to Kansas. experience. Private land ownership
For me, a central teaching of Jesus When I contemplate these chang- and agriculture can work together
has always been Matthew 6:25 “Look es, and the future they foretell, I am for the good of all.
Continued on page 11
In This Issue
WINTER 2022 | VOL. 109 | NO. 1
Around the diocese
2 Learn how churches continue their outreach efforts
in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.
A publication of
The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688
(785) 235-9255
New clergy ordained and clergy news (800) 473-3563
4 Five clergy were ordained on January 8 at Grace
Cathedral in Topeka. St. Paul’s in Manhattan has a
new rector.
www.episcopal-ks.org
The Anglican Communion is a global
community of 70 million Anglicans in
41 member churches/provinces in more
St. James’ Wichita turns 100 than 160 countries.
5
The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby,
St. James’, Wichita, celebrates its 100th anniversary
Archbishop of Canterbury
as a parish reflecting on its past, present, and future
with prayer, worship, art, and champagne. The Episcopal Church is a community of
2 million members in 111 dioceses in 17
countries in the Americas and abroad.
Bethany Gardens poised to grow
6
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry,
Bethany Gardens reaches fundraising milestone and Presiding Bishop
looks ahead to next stages of development. The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is
a community of 8,500 members in 44
congregations across eastern Kansas.
Task force completes music survey
7
The Rt. Rev. Cathleen Chittenden
The Liturgy, Music, and the Arts Task Force shares Bascom, Bishop
the results of a diocesan-wide music survey and
The Harvest is published four times a
resources available to help parishes with music. year by the Office of Communications
of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.
Minster Art Project Member, Episcopal Communicators and
8
Episcopal News Service
Churches engage with justice issues by experiencing
local art and creating their own to display at Gather- Publisher
The Rt. Rev. Cathleen Chittenden
ing of Clergy and Diocesan Convention. Bascom, Bishop
Editor
Gathering of Clergy Chad Senuta
10 Clergy of the diocese gather at the Spiritual Life
Center in Wichita for fellowship, learning, and
retreat.
For submissions, please contact the
editor: csenuta@episcopal-ks.org
Need to change your mailing address?
Harvest Address Changes
Wrap-up of Diocesan Convention 835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688
12 Lay delegates and clergy attend 162nd annual con-
vention both in person at Grace Cathedral, Topeka
and online.
mmoss@episcopal-ks.org
Upcoming deadlines:
Spring 2022: Mar. 15
Postmaster:
St. Bartholomew’s finds new home
15
Send address changes to
Parish begins worshipping at Southwest Presbyteri- Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
an in Wichita. 835 Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612-1688
ON THE COVER: A banner created for the Minster Art Project by St. Paul’s in Kansas City, KS
using liturgical garments from the 164 year history of the church. | Photo by Michele Moss
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 1
AROUND THE DIOCESE
News and notes from congregations
St. John’s, Abilene hosted the All Saints’ Day Chili Domestic Center seeks to break the cycle of violence
Supper to benefit the Abilene Area Food & Clothing through advocacy and support.
Center, a local resource for needy individuals and fam-
St. Paul’s, Leavenworth continues participation in
ilies.
a community-wide initiative to provide free hot meals
St. Mark’s, Blue Rapids parishioners Corey and Jen- to all who can benefit from them, serving hot meals the
nifer Woodyard cared for a young soldier injured in a second Saturday of each month.
car accident while traveling home on leave, providing a
St. Paul’s, Manhattan collected snacks and games for
place to stay overnight and contacting his family.
care packages for 25 KSU students at St. Francis Canter-
St. Paul’s, Clay Center collected “Random Acts of bury House and supported USD 383 Fit Closet by donat-
Kindness Gifts” for distribution to seniors and children ing coats, gloves, socks, and toiletries for students in the
in the community. district experiencing homelessness or house insecurity.
St. Paul’s, Coffeyville hosted its 15th annual “Coats St. Michael’s, Mission collected donations for Uplift,
for Kids” motorcycle run, to raise money to help chil- a homeless outreach program committed to feed and
dren in need. clothe the area’s homeless. The donations will provide
socks and hoodies for the homeless at a time when they
Trinity, El Dorado distributes pet food and related
are most needed.
pet items to families in need in order to keep pets and
their families together in times of hardship. Church of the Ascension, Neodesha provided 72
pairs of socks for the homeless through Home Sweet
St. Andrew’s, Emporia is working in partnership
Home’s Veteran’s Branch.
with the Emporia Arts Council by soliciting donations
of wall art to make the new SOS Community Complex St. Matthew’s, Newton this fall provided non-perish-
more homey for its residential families. able food for the Salvation Army food bank, and collect-
ed 62 items for the New Hope homeless shelter.
St. Mary’s, Galena held a chili supper fundraiser in
November to help fund the monthly dinner the church
provides for the Watered Gardens homeless shelter.
Members also purchased gifts of clothes and toys for a St. Mark’s Pillowcase Project
family adopted at Christmas.
In memory of Mary Feld-
Epiphany, Independence provided boxes for “Re- hausen, St. Mark’s, Blue
verse Advent Calendars,” which invite church members Rapids members made
to put a different non-perishable food item in a box each and decorated pillow cas-
day of Advent and donate to the church food pantry. es for a local Christmas
St. Margaret’s, Lawrence will collect donations and toy drive. Parents and
purchase gift cards for East Central Kansas Economic grandparents will use the
Opportunity Corporation, which provides Christmas bags to take home gifts
gifts and meals for low-income participants trying to for children, and then
achieve self-sufficiency. The gift cards allow participants the pillow cases can also
to shop for their own families. be used on pillows. As
Trinity, Lawrence will support The Willow Domestic a member of St. Mark’s,
Violence Center this Christmas by providing gift cards
PHOTO BY SALLY GRAY Mary worked to support
Jean Warders, left, and Marj the the toy drive for
from Target, Walmart, Dillons, and Caseys. The Willow Lockhart, discuss pillow cases. many years.
2 | The Harvest | Winter 2022
St. Aidan’s, Olathe helped pro-
vide pre-packaged meals through Church of the Covenant serves 10K
Harvesters BackSnack program
for children in Olathe schools. The
church supports five local schools
and church volunteers deliver the
meals to the schools for distribution.
Grace, Ottawa provided grocery
store gift certificates for families who
are registered through Hope House.
St. Thomas’, Overland Park
supported students and families at
Commanche Elementary School this
fall by providing BackSnacks, School
Supplies, books, and classroom vol-
unteers.
St. John’s, Parsons started the On Nov. 2, Church of the Covenant, Junction City prepared and served
Paula Crigger Snack Pack program its 10,000th meal for the Community Dinner feeding ministry. The min-
for Parsons Head Start. This pro- istry was started in Feb. 2020; through it the church provides a weekly free
gram sends a bag of food home with dinner to the community. The church serves 150 guests per week.
school children over the weekend for Church of the Covenant also launched a new pet food pantry to support
much needed nourishment. dinner guests, who may choose to feed their pets before themselves when
Epiphany, Sedan donated $10,000 money is short.
to the renovation of the Gregg The-
atre in Sedan, which shows first-run
movies in a town of 875. Epiphany St. David’s, Topeka supported St. John’s, Wichita continues to
is expanding its outreach budget to the Doorstep agency’s Christmas provide laundry supplies and money
help provide entertainment oppor- adoption needs by providing blan- to assist with clean clothing for those
tunities for the youth of Sedan and kets, small kitchen appliances, and in need. Volunteers meet at a local
improve the quality of life in the games through donations and pur- laundry and help with washing for
community. chased gift cards. two hours a month.
St. Luke’s, Shawnee members St. Luke’s, Wamego provided St. Stephen’s, Wichita youth
donated laundry and hygiene prod- free, made-to-order, takeout break- group hosted a collection drive for
ucts to the Westridge Middle School fast meals twice a month through the Operation Holiday, Wichita’s largest
Love Fund, which is a community church’s Sharing Table ministry. holiday assistance program. Parish-
supported “free store” where middle ioners provided coats, hats, gloves,
Good Shepherd, Wichita held
school kids and their families can scarves, and blankets as well as
a “Fill the Gap” food drive, to help
pick up needed items. non-pershiable food items and mon-
stock supplies at Breakthrough ESS
etary donations.
Grace Cathedral, Topeka sup- during the time between Thanksgiv-
ported the Topeka Public Schools ing and Christmas when food items Grace, Winfield partnered with
Community Cupboard through the are much needed. Trinity Episcopal Church, Arkansas
St. Nicholas Tree project organized City to provide 980 blankets and 100
St. James’, Wichita recruited vol-
by the Cathedral Youth Group. Par- unteers to support The United Way’s draft stoppers through the Blankets
ticipants took ornaments from the Read-to-Succeed program in USD of Love ministry.
tree, purchased the listed item(s), 259 elementary schools.
and returned them to the church.
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 3
New clergy ordained this year
by Canon Patrick Funston is serving in Topeka at St. David’s • The Rev. Ryan Willis, a Math and
and at Bethany House and Garden.
Five deacons were ordained Physics Instructor at Coffeyville
in June by Bishop Cathleen Bascom. Community College, is the Curate
• The Rev. Dillon Green is the Cu- for the Southeast Minster with ap-
Though marked by the ongoing pan-
rate for the Wichita Minster. Half of pointments at St. Peter’s, Pittsburg,
demic, their first six months of min-
this full-time appointment is at St. St. Mary’s, Galena and St. John’s,
istry have been fruitful. Each of our
James, Wichita and the other half Parsons. In the new year, Willis’
four convocations has benefited from
focuses on the development of an ministry will focus on St. Peter’s
the ministry of the newly ordained,
intra-Minster young adult minis- and St. Mary’s.
and the deacons are well-supported
try anchored at St. John’s, Wichita.
by their mentors, colleagues, and
parishes. Of the five, only Deacon Edwards
• The Rev. Karen Schlabach is con- is a vocational deacon. The other
On June 19, 2021, the diocese
tinuing in her role as Diocesan four were approved for ordination
gathered at Grace Cathedral and
Youth, Campus and Digital Mis- to the presbyterate and ordained as
Bishop Bascom ordained five dea-
sioner. She has been appointed to priests on January 8, 2022, at Grace
cons. This was the largest diocesan
St. Aidan’s, Olathe as a part-time Cathedral in Topeka.
ordination since June 2017.
curate for parochial experience. The service was held in person
Ordained that morning were Carl
Edwards of Trinity, Lawrence, Dillon and also live streamed. Participants
• The Rev. Shawn Sherraden, a civ- gathered for a reception in All Saints
Green of St. Paul’s, Manhattan, Kar-
il engineer with the US Depart- Hall following the Eucharist to fur-
en Schlabach of St. Thomas, Over-
ment of Agriculture, is serving at ther celebrate the newly ordained.
land Park, Shawn Sherraden of St.
Church of the Covenant, Junction
John’s, Abilene, and Ryan Willis of
City and at St. John’s, Abilene.
St. Peter’s, Pittsburg. The previous
month, Green had graduated from
Virginia Theological Seminary, Al-
exandria, Virginia; the others had
graduated from the Bishop Kemper
School for Ministry, Topeka, Kansas.
As is the custom in the diocese,
the bishop, after months of prayer
and discernment with the ordinands,
parish leaders, and her advisors, ap-
pointed the deacons to their initial
placements.
The bishop’s appointments of new
ordinands are typically between one
and two years and are intended to be
opportunities to learn. New deacons
and priests work with appointed
mentors as they practice and devel-
op their skills for ordained ministry.
• Deacon Carl Edwards, an attorney PHOTO BY CANON PATRICK FUNSTON
at the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, Four priests ordained at January service at Grace Cathedral.
4 | The Harvest | Winter 2022
PHOTO BY COURTNEY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
St. James parishioners celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary at a reception held on November 14.
St. James, Wichita turns 100
by Susan Stallings recognized our history, our church building, our priests,
and our many traditions. The book was also available to
Rev. Dawn Frankfurt made sure that the purchase. Jay Price, church member, and professor of
100th Anniversary of St. James Church received prayer History at Wichita State University, completed the pro-
and contemplation several years before the planning cess of getting the church on the National Register of
began. Thus, the beginnings of the celebration started Historic Places.
with the copious notes she kept of all that she felt was It was decided that the commemoration would be a
necessary for a reverent and proper celebration. As 2020 year long progression, from January 1, 2020 to Decem-
neared, the first order of business was to seek out co- ber 31, 2020. January 2020, Rev. Gray Sunday was cele-
chairs and establish a steering committee to head-up the brated as our first event, in honor of our first rector. In
coordination of this momentous event. March, we honored our second rector, Rev. Sam West.
With in-depth dialogue, the committee decided to The pandemic interrupted our plans, and we wound
take a survey of the congregation. The results served as up canceling anniversary activities for the rest of 2020
a guide and were invaluable in making many decisions. and early 2021. We were disappointed but also knew how
The steering committee set a calendar of activities and important it was to keep our parishioners and commu-
felt our tribute to 100 years of St. James Church had defi- nity safe. We kept a positive attitude and looked ahead.
nition and balance. This fall our church leaders announced that our 100th
A Capital Campaign was initiated and Junior War- Celebration Service would be Sunday, November 14,
den, Woody Swain, identified 11 capital improvement which corresponded with the date set by Bishop Cath-
projects that would greatly benefit the physical plant of leen Bascom for her annual visit to St. James, making it
the church and secure its future. the perfect Sunday to dedicate the centennial. A cham-
A logo and theme were created giving identity and pagne reception was held in the Guild Hall following the
purpose to our materials. Rev. Dawn drafted a Centen- Eucharist.
nial Prayer which was immediately printed on book- We all are grateful for this church and the many saints
marks for dispersal. The Steering Committee commis- that have contributed to its creation and success over the
sioned an oil painting of the Te Deum window and gave years. We hope the Lord will grant us another 100 years
it as a gift to the church at the Christmas Eve service in and more. A request has been made to the Vestry to al-
2019. Prints and note cards of the painting were made low $1,000 be set aside each year to guarantee funds for
available for purchase. future celebrations.
Anne Clark created a “coffee table” type book to me-
morialize the 100 years of St. James Church. The book
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 5
Bethany Gardens poised to grow
thanks to generosity of donors
Graphic rendering of Culinary Garden, featuring outdoor classroom and gathering space.
From Seed to Fruit With the right staff members in place, we will be able
to raise up earth stewards in the community and the dio-
By the Rev. Jennifer Allen
cese. As programs grow, the gardens will be able to serve
as a resource for the entire diocese and beyond. Bethany
Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the
Garden can serve as a central hub and model for oth-
earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies,
er sites around the diocese — both church property and
it bears much fruit.—John 12:24
land owned by Episcopalians — similarly dedicated to
nature-based practices and spiritual principles.
At the Gardens of Bethany, many grains of We will also be able to expand our reach into the lo-
wheat have fallen into the earth, thanks to the generosity cal community of Topeka, and nearby schools who are
of our donors. To date we have raised $303,960 in cash already our partners, serving as a center for healing. We
donations and $156,129 in pledge donations for the in- can imagine 12-step programs, local mental health or-
stallation of the Prairie Garden, Culinary Gardens, and ganizations, and trauma survivors experiencing medita-
St. Simon’s Chapel. We are also well on the way to rais- tion, rest, and recovery in our gardens.
ing enough money for a small meditation garden next to In March, we will celebrate the ground-breaking with
Upton Hall. We are so grateful to all who have contribut- great joy. The paths will be laid, water-smart irrigation
ed and with great excitement, we now turn our attention systems installed, beds prepared, and plants placed. The
to the next phase of making this vision a reality. seeds that have been gifted to us will be nurtured with
We will hire a Garden and Sustainability Coordinator light, water, and compost. The grounds will greet our
and interns who will care for them, and teach members community and diocese with hospitality, beauty, heal-
of the diocese and our neighbors. The interns and coor- ing, and education. Programs will expand, gardens will
dinator will assist Rev. Jenn Allen with the programs for be tended, and the fruits of this ministry will be even
our many partners—schools, centers, the neighborhood more evident.
improvement association, and others. The coordinator If you would like to help with these next important
will also guide the many volunteers who have already stages of development for Bethany House and Garden,
pledged their time and talent. While the interns will be please consider a contribution. You can donate online at
instrumental in tending the gardens, they will be nur- episcopal-ks.org/donate by selecting “Bethany House
tured, learn new skills, and grow in knowledge of com- and Garden maintenance and ministry fund.”
munity organizing, resilience, and sustainable practices.
6 | The Harvest | Winter 2022
Task Force completes music survey of diocese
By Dr. David Littrell ternative hymn and song books is included in the
survey results and resources.
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the • At least four parishes have “praise bands” featuring
earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation guitar, bass, and/or drums for at least one service.
from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his • Parishes are split 50/50 using a choir director or an
marvelous works among all the peoples. Psalm 96:1-3 organist to lead music.
• Only 16 of 40 respondents stated they had a choir
before the pandemic. There needs to be a member-
In the late summer and early fall of 2021, the ship of a certain size to field a choir, which means
Liturgy, Music, and the Arts Task Force conducted a sur-
that smaller parishes rely on congregational singing.
vey of the music programs in the forty-four parishes of
• Parishes that had a choir before the pandemic are
the Diocese of Kansas. The task force wanted to know
split evenly about whether a choir will make a come-
the status of the music programs in the diocese and tan-
back in a parish.
gentially how the music programs had been affected by
• OneLicense and CCLI are the most popular licens-
the pandemic. The members of the Music Sub-Group
ing services. Information about licensing can be
distributed the survey in late August. Two more appeals
found on the diocesan website. https://episcopal-ks.
were made in September, and forty parishes responded
org/authorized-liturgical-resources/
in total.
• Facebook has been popular and helpful for stream-
While it may not be surprising, the survey results
ing services online during the pandemic, and many
suggest that the pandemic has been detrimental to both
churches will continue this option.
music programs and church attendance. The Liturgy,
• Half the parishes incorporate special music services
Music, and the Arts Task Force hopes the findings from
for various seasons of the Church Year. “Lessons and
the survey will provide a clearer picture of what kind of
Carols” during Advent is used by 19 parishes.
support parishes need to have vibrant worship through
singing and music.
The complete survey findings and additional resources
can be found at https://episcopal-ks.org/liturgy-mu-
Summary of Survey Findings
sic-arts.
• The organ is the most frequently used instrument
Praise God in his sanctuary… Praise him with trumpet
for worship services in the diocese, followed by the
sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with
piano. Various other instruments are used intermit-
tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
tently.
Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud
• Half of the parishes report the use of alternative
clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the
hymns or music other than the Hymnal. A list of al-
Lord! Psalm 150
PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
Cathedral choir members sing during Diocesan Convention Eucharist.
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 7
Churches engage with local justice
issues through Minster Art Project
By Chad Senuta driving this, and that through the
process a knowledge and a blessing
In the summer of 2020, the was being given to us. It evolved into
Task Force for Justice and Racial Rec- a visual journal of racial injustice,
onciliation along with the Task Force whether we wanted to see it revealed
for Liturgy, Music, and the Arts pro- or not.”
posed the Minster Art Project. The One of the first projects to be sub-
project intended to “Get people in- mitted was a set of pictures from the
volved in opening their eyes to injus- Dockum Drug Store sit-in that took
tices that are everywhere,” and bring place in Wichita in July of 1958. The
greater awareness to the question Wichita Minster chose to focus on
of “Who is my neighbor,” that Jesus this brave and non-violent protest
asks in the story of the Good Samar- of segregation led by young black
itan. student Carol Parks-Hahn, and her
The project invited the churches cousin Ron Walters. PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
of the diocese, organized in their re- The students were joined by Wichita Minster display shares story
gional “minsters,” to investigate the friends and sitting at the counter of Dockum Drustore sit-in.
history of racial, political, and cul- would politely ask to be served every In 1998, the city of Wichita placed
tural injustices in their communi- day for nearly a month. They suf- a life-size bronze sculpture repre-
ties and seek out local art depicting fered various forms of derision and senting the Dockum Drug Store
anti-racism, social justice, political threats of violence, but eventually lunch counter at the Chester I. Lew-
action, or protest. convinced the owner to serve them is Reflection Square Park. The story
During Lent of 2021 Bishop Cath- because he was “losing too much has largely gone untold until recent
leen Bascom asked each parish to money.” years.
engage with the art they had discov-
ered, through worship, discussion, or
prayerful meditation. The churches
then met with their Minster Teams
throughout the liturgical season
of Easter to share the artwork they
had chosen. Each minster selected
one piece that would be presented
at both the Gathering of Clergy and
Diocesan Convention in 2021.
The Rev. Mary Donovan was ap-
pointed to support each minster
as they completed their projects.
She explained that “As each project
came in, I realized how much I didn’t
know about the state of Kansas; and
PHOTO FROM VISITWICHITA.COM
how much the past was still around.
It felt to me like the Holy Spirit was Dockum Drugstore counter sculpture in Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park,
Wichita.
8 | The Harvest | Winter 2022PHOTO BY ERIN WOLF
The Rev. Jon Hulinger speaks at the dedication of the Reflections sculpture and George Johnson Lynching Memorial.
Members of Trinity Episcopal Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, a banner sewn together from liturgi-
Church in Atchison shared another which remembers lynching victims. cal garments, spanning the 164-year
powerful story which had emerged The Rev. Jon Hullinger of Trinity, history of both St. Paul’s and Ascen-
in their community because of the Atchison expressed that the Minster sion, a black congregation which
research of Dr. Joshua Wolf, Assis- Art Project was “Something beauti- merged with St. Paul’s in 1998.
tant Professor of History at Benedic- ful that brought the community, par- Ross Warnell, who is a member
tine College. When asked by one of ish, and diocese together.” of the altar guild at St. Paul’s, wrote
his students if there had ever been a For St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the description of the project that
lynching in the town, he was com- in Kansas City, the project inspired “As we considered this, we reflected
pelled to find out. He uncovered the on the ways that the church has con-
story of George Johnson, who ac- tributed to both the ills that affect
cidentally injured a white man in a our community as well as the healing
hunting accident and turned himself of those very same ills.”
in to the authorities. He was jailed The banner tells a visual story of
for over a year and later lynched by the church’s history from a time of
a mob of townspeople. racial injustice and segregation when
Wolf submitted his research to people of color could neither live
the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), near St. Paul’s or worship there, to
which is a non-profit organization a hopeful present where the church
that seeks to recognize the victims of is now poised to become a center
lynching in the United States. for Hispanic ministry and outreach.
As part of Atchison’s Juneteenth To Ross the banner is a symbol for
celebration, the city held a memori- how our faith is interwoven through
al walk and dedication service for a all ages and time, representing our
new historical marker to commem- unity as we become “one in Christ
orate the site of Johnson’s death. The Jesus.”
marker is located next to a sculp- All of the Minster Art Projects
ture titled “Reflections,” which was can be viewed in full detail on the
also dedicated the same weekend. Photo details liturgical garments sewn Episcopal Diocese of Kansas website
George Johnson’s name was added to into banner from St. Paul’s, Kansas City. or Facebook page.
the National Memorial for Peace and Complete description available online.
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 9Clergy of the diocese gather for
retreat and formation
PHOTO BY CANON PATRICK FUNSTON
Bishop Bascom celebrates outdoor Eucharist as clergy partcipate both in person and online.
By Canon Patrick Funston Reconciliation while also bringing Care of Creation to
the forefront.
BISHOP BASCOM called the clergy of the On Tuesday afternoon and evening, the Gathering
diocese together in Wichita from September 28-30, learned about the work that parishes and minsters were
2021, for the annual Gathering of Clergy. Forty-seven doing on Justice and Racial Reconciliation. Minsters
members of the diocesan clergy congregated at the Spir- and congregations displayed their Minster Art Projects
itual Life Center in Wichita with another 26 attending by and historian-in-residence Katie Vaggalis presented her
Zoom. During the transition between Bishops Wolfe and work examining the history of Church of the Ascension
Bascom, the Gathering of Clergy was created by merg- in Kansas City, Kansas, which merged with St. Paul’s,
ing the formerly separate Gathering of Presbyters and Kansas City, Kansas in the 1990s. Bishop Bascom also
the Deacon’s Retreat. While this year’s event took place shared the work of diocesan historiographer Jim Beck
during the week, next year’s will happen over the week- who has been working in the diocesan archives and
end; this is in recognition of the diversity of work-reality with Bishop Bascom and the cathedral to share the sto-
for our diocesan clergy. ry of former members of St. Simon of Cyrene, a Black
The Gathering of Clergy has historically attempted Episcopal Church in Topeka, closed by Bishop Turner
to balance the need for clergy collegiality, formation, in 1964. The bishop committed to continuing the work
and retreat. As such, the Gathering includes opportuni- on Justice and Racial Reconciliation and asked clergy
ties for clergy to worship, learn, and have fun together. and congregations to do the same.
During Bishop Bascom’s tenure, the Gathering has Care of Creation was the main topic of conversation
focused on worship and formation around a specif- on the Wednesday of the Gathering. Bishop Bascom
ic emphasis. 2021’s offering was the third of Bishop and Diocesan Missioner Jennifer Allen made presenta-
Bascom’s episcopacy and continued the conversation tions and created opportunities for clergy to share and
and formation from 2020’s focus on Justice and Racial brainstorm on the practical realities of Care of Creation
10 | The Harvest | Winter 2022From the Bishop,
continued
Continued from page 1
I recall a wonderful visit to Deacon David Butler’s
acreage, riding in his ATV to see his herd of cattle and
new calves. In the year ahead, it is my desire to include
PHOTO BY CANON PATRICK FUNSTON
as part of my episcopal visitations what I am calling the
“Green Pastures and Still Waters Tour.”
Diocesan clergy take communion during outdoor Eucha-
I would like to meet with Episcopalians who are
rist at St. Andrew’s, Derby.
farmers, ranchers, gardeners, deer and pheasant hunt-
in worshiping communities. The Gathering also heard ers, conservationists, oil and gas and cement leaders,
from the bishop’s invited special guests, including Brian and anyone who stewards “the world God loves.” What
Sellers-Petersen, Consultant for Good News Gardens at environmental changes do they observe, if any? What
the Office of the Presiding Bishop and Nyakio Ka- concerns them? What age-old practices would they
niu-Lake, Executive Director of Agatha Amani House share? What innovations are they implementing? Above
in Nakuru, Kenya. Bishop Bascom and Mother Allen all I want to pray with them. “The Lord is my shepherd;
announced the “Sustain Island Home” diocesan chal- I shall not want.”
lenge, asking clergy and congregations to use the tool to
track their work to mitigate climate disruption. Still Waters
St. Andrew’s, Derby and the clergy of the South-Cen- In Genesis 1:6, interestingly God said, “Let there be a
tral Kansas Minster hosted an outdoor Eucharist in dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the
Derby followed by dinner. waters from the waters.” It is as if the ancient writer of
The final day of the Gathering of Clergy typically scripture understood the water cycle we must steward.
includes a significant amount of time for the clergy to The Good Shepherd can guide us into better steward-
talk to the bishop about matters of pertinence in their ship of water under the ground, on the ground, and in
ministries. This year, the Gathering had conversations the atmosphere.
about clergy and parish wellness, especially during the I also desire to visit streams, rivers, and bodies of
ongoing pandemic. water present in each minster and meet with fishermen,
those who canoe or boat, those with lake-front proper-
ty, duck hunters, and scientists
What environmental changes do they observe, if any?
What concerns them? What age-old practices would
they share? What innovations are they implementing?
Above all I want to pray with them. “The Lord is my
shepherd; I shall not want.”
I have brushed off my Wellington boots and placed
them in my car along with my traveling crozier — signs
of a pilgrimage to continue to discover how the Good
Shepherd will guide us in wise stewardship of the
bounty of Kansas. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not
PHOTO BY CANON PATRICK FUNSTON
want.”
Diocesan clergy hear presentations at Spiritual Life Cen-
ter in Wichita.
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 11Diocesan Convention
Diocese hosts 162nd annual convention in person
at Grace Cathedral, Topeka and online via Zoom
PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
Lay and clergy delegates vote in person and via Zoom during annual diocesan convention.
By Canon Patrick Funston convention’s in-person component son convention with an online at-
to Grace Cathedral, Topeka and had tendance option. About half of
LAY DELEGATES, and planned to incorporate the buildings convention’s membership gathered
clergy leaders from across the dio- on the diocesan property and the in-person with the balance attend-
cese gathered on October 23 for the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry ing online.
162nd Convention of the Episcopal into the event. Convention began with a Eu-
Diocese of Kansas. Convening under These initial plans also included charist streamed to YouTube from
the theme of “…if anyone is in Christ, welcoming back the Ninth Bishop of the Nave of Grace Cathedral where
there is a new creation…” (2 Corin- Kansas, the Right Reverend Dean E. Bishop Bascom invited the diocese
thians 5:17), the meeting, which saw Wolfe, to unveil and hang his formal to work with God as a partner in
about half of its body join by Zoom, portrait. Wolfe currently serves as making a new creation especially
conducted the annual business of Rector of St. Bartholomew’s Church, in the current season. “I invite you
the diocese. The convention adopt- New York City. However, as the con- to do with rigor what you have been
ed a Mission Plan (Budget) for 2022, vention drew near, the United States doing, to be ambassadors of a new
elected representative diocesan lead- began to feel the impact of the Delta
ership, made an amendment to the Variant of COVID-19. Bishops Bas-
diocesan canons, and passed three com and Wolfe discerned, with the
resolutions. Council of Trustees advising at its
Last spring, the diocesan staff and August meeting, to postpone plans
Council of Trustees drew up the Ini- for the two-day, in-person event.
tial plans for 2021’s convention, in Bishop Bascom hopes to welcome
the hope that the COVID-19 pan- Bishop Wolfe at the 163rd Conven-
demic would be waning by October. tion, October 21-22, 2022.
Following last year’s gathering on- With the help of diocesan lead- PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
line and in minsters, Bishop Bascom ership and Grace Cathedral, the
Bishop Cathleen Bascom preaches
and the Council of Trustees moved bishop’s staff put together an in-per-
at convention Eucharist.
12 | The Harvest | Winter 2022creation. I have been awe-inspired Convention adopted an amend- • The second resolution condemns
by what you have done during a ment to diocesan Canon IV.2 “Of the Kansas legislature’s passage
pandemic, the way you have made apportionments” to allow for the of anti-voter laws, especially HB
the church vibrant, despite the chal- Council of Trustees to establish a 2183 and HB 2332, and asks the
lenges. . . We know that people are process for parishes to appeal an in- legislature to expand voter access.
anxious and disoriented, but we are come reporting error and petition
ambassadors of the Creator who is for adjustment of future apportion- • The third resolution encourages
our partner in this restoration, we ment. the recognition and celebration of
are the House of David, the Body of Convention considered and ad- the Season of Creation each year
Christ in this new era.” opted three resolutions: (September 1 to October 4) uti-
The business session of conven- lizing resources published on the
tion convened in All Saints Hall of • The first resolution recommends Diocesan website and elsewhere.
Grace Cathedral with online attend- the Sacred Ground curriculum to This resolution also says the dio-
ees participating by Zoom. The con- the people and congregations of cese will promote the use of sus-
vention affirmed Bishop Bascom’s the diocese and encourages ongo- tainislandhome.org and encourage
annual appointments and elected ing study of the history and pres- parishioners to take the Sustaining
representatives to diocesan bodies. ent effects of racism in parishes Earth Challenge.
Pursuant to the canons, the Disci- and communities. This resolution
plinary Board met after convention also encourages congregations to Convention adopted a $1,945,148
and elected Mrs. Julia Hart to be its share this ongoing work at the time mission plan made possible by par-
president. of the annual parochial report. ishes committing to an apportion-
Continued on page 14
ELECTION RESULTS
Council of Trustees, at-large
Clergy: The Rev. Casey Rohleder,
St. Luke’s, Wamego
Clergy: The Rev. Marc McDonald,
St. Andrew’s, Emporia
Lay: Ms. Elizabeth Fitz Gibbon, St.
Paul’s, Leavenworth
Lay: Diana Waddell-Gilbert, Good
Shepherd, Wichita
Disciplinary Board, three year term
Clergy: The Rev. Kay Dagg, retired
Clergy: The Rev. Christine Gilson,
retired
Clergy: The Very Rev. Torey Light-
cap, Grace Cathedral, Topeka
Clergy: The Rev. Kitty Shield, St.
Jude’s, Wellington
Lay: Mr. Barry Carroll, St. James’,
Wichita
Lay: Mrs. Julia Hart, President, St.
PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
Stephen’s, Wichita
Lay: Dr. David Littrell, St. Paul’s, The Very Rev. Laurie Lewis, member of the diocesan finance committee,
Manhattan presents the 2022 Diocesan Mission Plan.
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 13Continued from page 13
ment schedule with a 17.21% effec-
tive rate. The effective rates in 2020
and 2021 were 17.50% and 16.68%,
respectively.
Deacon Fran Wheeler announced
that the Council of Trustees had ap-
proved six Alleluia Grants:
• Church of the Covenant, Junc-
tion City, $3,000
• Grace Cathedral, Topeka, $3,000 PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
• St. Stephen’s, Wichita, $800 Nancy Hanson and Ellyn Owen receive the Bishop’s Chair Award.
• St. Peter’s, Pittsburg, $1,274
• St. Paul’s, Kansas City, $3,000 gave the Deacon’s Cross to Deacon Sandy Horton-Smith of St. Paul’s, Man-
• Bethany House & Garden, Tope- hattan. They cited her leadership during a protracted season of presbyteral
ka, $3,000 transition amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Canon to the Ordinary Patrick Funston gave the Canon’s Award to the
The Alleluia Grants are given an- Rev. Dr. Christine Gilson, Vicar of St. John’s, Wichita in thanksgiving of her
nually to support new evangelical ministry and her model of commitment to ongoing academic formation.
and outreach ministry. The Alleluia Bishop Cathleen Bascom gave the Bishop’s Chair to Ellyn Owen and Nancy
Fund was reinvigorated in 2016 by Hanson of Trinity, Lawrence. She gave thanks for their foundational minis-
a tithe from the Crossroads capital tries in Creation Care at Trinity and in the diocese.
campaign. More information including text and video are available on the diocesan
Finally, the annual ministry website: https://episcopal-ks.org/convention/
awards were presented. Archdeacons The 163rd Convention of the Diocese is scheduled for October 21-22,
Anne Flynn and Monte Giddings 2022, at Grace Cathedral, Topeka.
PHOTO BY MICHELE MOSS
The Rev. Christine Gilson receives Canon’s Award.
14 | The Harvest | Winter 2022St. Bartholomew’s finds new home
Parishioners celebrate with worship and joint social hour
PHOTO BY CANON PATRICK FUNSTON
St. Bartholomew’s parishioners enjoy first joint social hour with members of Southwest Presbyterian.
By Canon Patrick Funston and, with Bishop Bascom’s blessing, St. Bartholomew’s
leadership started to explore options for a return to the
The beginning of the church year saw changes for the southwest.
people and clergy of St. Bartholomew’s in Wichita. On Initial conversations and exploration were
December 5, 2021, the congregation moved into a new fruitful. Bishop Bascom and Gail Doering, Presbytery
home with Southwest Presbyterian Church, 1511 West Executive of the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, worked
27th Street South. The move brings St. Bartholomew’s with both congregations to start with a strong base of
back to southwest Wichita after an extended period of grace and clear expectations. The initial year-long agree-
transition. ment was signed by all parties on November 14, 2022
In the fall of 2019, St. Bartholomew’s learned and includes provisions for St. Bartholomew’s clothing
that it would need to move from its home in a store- ministry to run out of Southwest Presbyterian. Both
front. Thanks to the grace of the clergy and people of St. congregations will worship on Sunday mornings with
John’s in downtown Wichita, St. Bart’s and its clothing opportunities for social overlap.
ministry were not long without a home. The partner- In a bit of spirit-led serendipity, St. Bar-
ship of the two congregations began at the same time as tholomew’s first Sunday at Southwest Presbyterian fell
the formation of the Wichita Minster and the oppor- on the previously scheduled day of Bishop Bascom’s visi-
tunities for joint ministry were exciting. However, the tation. The bishop preached and presided at a Eucharist
beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic complicated the service. Her sermon reflected on the day’s reading from
potential for ministry. the prophet Baruch. Where God speaks through Baruch
Over the course of the next couple years, St. to Jerusalem, Bishop Bascom invited St. Bartholomew’s
Bartholomew’s began to articulate a yearning to return to hear God speaking about southwest Wichita: “Take
to their neighborhood in the southwest. St. Bar- off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O south-
tholomew’s is grateful for the support and love of St. west Wichita, and put on forever the beauty of the glory
John’s, but the downtown context hasn’t felt like “home.” from God.” Bishop Bascom also took part in the two
At the end of 2021, that yearning reached a climax congregations’ first official joint social hour.
The Harvest | Winter 2022 | 15Daffodils on Graveled Path
By William D. Jenkins (March 13, 2021)
A poem written in reflection of a walk to the Ward Meade Gardens and seeing several clumps of
daffodils coming up through gravel on a new walking path they had made.
Daffodils growing on a newly graveled path;
Little shoots and sheathed leaves burst forth;
Moving stones each blade triumphant to the last;
Their power coming from Mother Earth.
Little shoots and sheathed leaves burst forth;
Heavy stones cannot stop their blooming;
Their power coming from Mother Earth;
Delicate leaves appear so unassuming.
Heavy stones cannot stop their blooming;
A witness to hope in the midst of strife;
Delicate leaves appear so unassuming;
Resilient is this miracle called life.
A witness to hope in the midst of strife;
Overcoming obstacles each blade triumphant to the last;
Resilient is this miracle called life;
Daffodils growing on a newly graveled path.
Stock image from canva.com.
16 | The Harvest | Winter 2022FROM THE CANON FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE AND CLERGY CARE | THE REVEREND LISA SENUTA
The Hello under the Hello
HELLO is not really a word at diocese from a totally new vantage
all. “Hello” is a shout, a call, or a loud point.
sound to alert the crew on a ship, or It is a new position for me and
someone out in a field. you. If you can imagine the posi-
The origin of hello is discovered tion itself calling out to us, “Hello, I
in England, France, and Germany. am here, there is something new to
One dictionary said it has a bewil- welcome.”
dering number of iterations. And This ministry invites us to listen
just because facts are fun, I will add together for the hello under the
that Alexander Graham Bell made it hello.
the popular form of greeting at the Advent and Epiphany are seasons
invention of the telephone by direct- of greetings. The Annunciation, the
ing the users of the new technology Visitation, the Birth of Christ, the
to say, “Hello and state your name wise men, the beginning of Jesus’
when picking up the receiver.” ministry, the calling of the disciples.
I have been saying hello a lot Hello Jesus, we hear you calling out
over the past few months, in every to us.
convocation, minsters, supplying at The liturgical season invites us
parishes, greeting parishioners and to listen for the hello under all our
clergy. hello’s. The greeting and invita-
tion of God’s spirit in everyone and I need your help to embody the
Sometimes the hello has been, potential in this position so that
“Good to see you again.” Sometimes everything we encounter reminding
us there is a life under the life, a job Bishop Bascom’s vision for our dio-
the hello is a sheepish, “I do not cese will thrive.
remember your name, please remind under the job, a love under the love.
I am so excited to see what is next. Join my trust in God’s loving and
me.” And sometimes the hello has self-giving presence that constantly
been a giddy embrace after ten years Because we are invited together to
welcome and embody the Spirit in hollers out to us with the Word of
in Chicago. hope for shalom and the salvation of
I have returned to Kansas, and this present moment, in this place, in
life as it is. For the next 12 months I our world.
while the landscape has not changed,
much has changed in me, in the will be saying ‘yes’ to every invitation
people of the diocese, and in my I am able. Whether to preach, teach,
family and friends. I see everything or pray together, I want to say hello
new again. Hello Kansas. well.
Padraig O Tuama, is an Irish For clergy in need of spiritual
Christian poet and writer who has refreshment, I will offer two retreats,
been helping me to understand how one in the south and one in the
to say Hello. More than a greeting north.
in Tuama’s imagination ‘hello’ is a For lay leaders in need of revital-
spiritual stance. In the book, In the izing in their life of service to God
Shelter: Finding a home in the World, through the church, I will offer at
he translates the Celtic communal least one retreat.
grounded spirituality for a 21st cen- A list of local spiritual directors
tury fragmented individual. is about to be published with a list
As the Canon for Spiritual Life of the kinds of things I can bring to
and Clergy Care, I say hello to the your parish, minster, or group.
In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World
by Padraig O TuamaThe Episcopal Diocese of Kansas 835 S.W. Polk Street Topeka, KS 66612-1688 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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