News and notes from the congregations of the diocese.
Trinity, Arkansas City celebrated 5 years of its Wednesday Book Study. In that time the group has read 10 books on topics of faith and spirituality including works by authors such as C.S. Lewis and Nadia Boltz-Weber. Through the study, the group experienced fellowship, curiosity, and shared growth. What began as a simple book study became a meaningful part of parishioner’s common life together, and was considered deeply impactful. The group has paused meeting for the time being and may resume.
St. Andrew’s, Derby is excited to invite the diocese to its Community Garden Ribbon Cutting event on April 18th from 2:00-5:00pm. This will be the first year opening up the garden to the broader Derby community and inviting others to join the church in its mission of participating with creation and sharing God’s abundance. St. Andrew’s is partnering with Breakthrough Clubhouse/ Episcopal Social Services to grow food to supplement their free salad bar and hope to give away much of the produce grown in our community plots. The Ribbon Cutting Event will have vendors, educational booths, and live music! Contact the Rev. Maddy Bishop with any questions you might have.
Trinity, El Dorado continues striving to make the church a vital community of belonging and refuge within a larger community to call home. On Christmas Eve, the parish hosted three student trumpeters from Butler Community College, thanks to Trinity’s Student Music Scholarship Fund.
The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper was a tremendous success, raising funds to help feed the unhoused in El Dorado. The event brought together 130 community members for pancakes, conversation, and a festive good time. The proceeds will be presented to Refuge in the Storm El Dorado (R.I.S.E.) at their next board meeting. Since the beginning of the year, the church has held informal meetings of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, practicing the tenets of their disciplines: daily prayer, regular scripture study, and service to others. The church plans to submit paperwork soon to become an official chapter.
St. Andrew’s, Emporia participated in Emporia’s First Friday Art Walk in March by hosting a hands-on art project. The “Moving Portraits” booth was led by parishioner Dave Leiker. Church volunteers greeted and welcome patrons from the community and provided church tours.
St. Mary’s, Galena celebrated the ordination of Rev. Lynne Powell in January. Mother Lynne has become the church’s new Vicar. The church also held a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and is excited for a new confirmation class being conducted by Mother Lynne.
Epiphany, Independence assembled Snack Bags for Head Start students for March – Spring Break distribution through the church’s St. Martha’s Guild ministry. Non-perishable individually wrapped snacks, mini cereal boxes, fruit cups, pudding cups, juice boxes, etc. were provided for 18 students.
Church of the Covenant-St. John’s, Junction City continues to host a community meal on Tuesdays, which provides meals for those in need. Guests can stay and eat at the church or take meals to go. The church also offers a food pantry with items donated by church members. Every 5 weeks, the church also offers sack lunches, which can be taken for the following day.
St. Paul’s, KCK hosted two informational sessions, “Know Your Rights – Hispanic Community.” During the gatherings, leaders shared valuable information about legal care services, as well as guidance on health and nutrition. The parish is grateful to everyone who participated and made this moment of support, learning, and community possible. We continue walking together, strengthening our community with hope and commitment.
St. Paul’s, Leavenworth will soon be launching a new ministry for the men of the parish: a chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a national Episcopal men’s ministry that has served the Church for more than 140 years. Its mission is simple but powerful: to bring men and youth into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church through three disciplines: Prayer – Study – Service. The ministry will kick off with an information meeting on May 3.
Canterbury Houses of Lawrence and Manhattan came together February 22 at Upton Hall in Topeka for the annual Bishop’s Bowl. 13 young adults attended. The group worshiped together at Grace Cathedral, toured the bell tower, enjoyed lunch, met in small groups to discuss scripture, and played five games to compete for the coveted Bishop’s Miter. The students from Canterbury Lawrence took home the prize this year for the first time in seven years.
St. Margaret’s, Lawrence hosted “God Forbid” classes in March and April. The first was led by Nicole Apprill, APRN, ANP-BC with information on Advanced Directives, Living Wills & End of Life Care. The second class was led by Father Tom Baker with information on Planning Funerals, Writing Obituaries & Talking to family about final wishes. Compline followed after each class.
St. Paul’s, Manhattan was pleased to contribute $1,000 this year in support of the Center for Hope Ministry’s warming shelter, and we look forward to continuing to support their mission in the future.
St. Michael and All Angels, Mission provided factual information on puberty and sustainable menstruation kits to 153 female students in Haiti through generous donations from parishioners and the church’s ongoing ministry in Haiti. Since 1984, St. Michael’s has been building a relationship with the people in rural southwest Haiti through our partner parish, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Torbeck. The main focus of our partnership is supporting St. Paul’s as they provide education to over 200 children each year.
Church of the Ascension, Neodesha held a Lenten Book study on the book The River Through the Desert by
The Very Rev. Canon Richard Sewell. Written during the darkest days of the COVID pandemic, this series of meditations invites readers to reimagine what it means to travel with Jesus during Lent.
Grace, Ottawa supported church members A.C. and Kimberly Russell, who performed in a local theater production by attending the play and cheering them on.
St. Thomas’, Overland Park celebrated an important milestone in its efforts to improve the church’s carbon footprint, a goal set in 2010. Since that time the parish has made a variety of changes to reduce energy consumption, but the biggest came in 2021 when an anonymous donor offered to fund a solar array for the church as a long term capital improvement. The donor was excited about the potential long term benefits for both the environment and the church. The first set of solar panels was installed in summer of 2022, and a second batch of panels went online last November. In March of this year, the church generated 100% of it’s own electricity for the first time. The church has also transitioned all of its lights to LED, even in the parking lot, which reduces its overall energy consumption by 90%.
St. Luke’s, Shawnee is hosting the work of Mary Siegmund in the church’s gallery during the month of April. painted an oil of a blue horse at the age of 10. She continued her artwork through high school, but the demands of career and raising a family took fore front. In 2016, St. Luke’s Church sponsored several Paint & Wine parties. Mary attended the first gathering, where she painted a sunflower on canvas. Her art career launched at St. Luke’s.
Grace Cathedral, Topeka organist, Dr. Donald Livingston, and Cathedral member Tom Harrington, recently filmed and created a series of five videos about the organ and it’s components. The videos can be seen on the church’s Facebook, Instagram, website, or on YouTube.
Good Shepherd, Wichita offered two adult formation classes in Lent. Fr. Julian hosted a series of conversations called “Nuts and Bolts” focused on the foundations of the Christian faith. And parishioner Meg Rice hosted a series on Sacred Listening, where participants explored three essential qualities of communication and deep listening: silence, reflection, and presence.
St. James’, Wichita’s Guild Hall Players, an award-winning Wichita theatre, presented Shakespeare’s Hamlet March 19-22 at St James’ Guild Hall. The production, adapted by Joseph Urick of WSU and directed by Dr. Phil Speary, emphasizes the mystery, intrigue, and suspense of the captivating tale of haunting, murder, and revenge. The play featured veteran professional Shakespearean actors, Joseph Urick from WSU as Hamlet, Mark Mannette from Newman as Claudius, and a cast of 16 local performers.
St. Stephen’s, Wichita is proud to be chosen as the home base for a new college ministry “Canterbury Wichita.” College-age, young adults from any college or university are invited for fellowship, food, and conversation about faith every Monday at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. For questions or information, contact Campus Peer Minister, Josh McCall, jdmccall1215@gmail.com.
Grace, Winfield participated in Prom Dress Express collecting 50 dresses, along with vests, ties, a complete suit, and two wedding dresses that will help people throughout the area enjoy proms and other festive occasions.
835 SW Polk St.