Bishop Cathleen Chittenden Bascom today announced that two former Kansans will be joining the diocesan staff on Sept. 1. The Reverend Lisa Senuta will be the Canon for Spiritual Life and Clergy Care, and Chad Senuta will be Director of Young Adult and Communication Ministries. Lisa currently is the rector of the Episcopal Church of …
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On May 20 Bishop Cathleen Bascom issued updated Covid-related guidelines for parishes across the diocese. Unlike previous guidance, which was uniform across the 44 churches of the diocese, these new guidelines offer just four requirements, while empowering local discretion in relaxing other previous Covid-related safety restrictions, based on local contexts. The bishop said that this …
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Editor’s note: We asked clergy and lay leaders across the diocese to answer a question about the past 12 months of pandemic: What was the most important thing you learned in the past year? We received 32 replies, and this article reflects what they said. When clergy and lay leaders reflect on the past year, …
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A new initiative spearheaded by Bishop Cathleen Bascom will create a series of specialized gardens on the south side of the diocesan property in Topeka known as Bethany Place. The spaces are intended for use by the public, and will include a prairie and pollinator garden, a culinary garden, a meditation and water garden, and …
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On May 15 Bishop Cathleen Bascom issued the following guidance: In light of the CDC and diocesan relaxation of mask requirements for vaccinated adults, building use and worship decisions continue to be at the discretion of clergy. As possible, clergy are to be in conversation with lay leaders when making decisions about moving through this …
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On May 14 Bishop Cathleen Bascom issued the following statement in response to the latest guidelines on mask-wearing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Yesterday, the CDC released new guidelines concerning masks, stating that vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. With this in mind, and after consulting with medical advisors, …
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On May 6 Bishop Cathleen Bascom issued new guidelines that relaxed some Covid-related restrictions that had been in place for indoor, in-person worship. Beginning on May 15, indoor singing is permitted for congregations as well as ensembles, with everyone masked. Fully vaccinated people may sit closer together than 6 feet, while provisions must remain for …
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In a message sent to the diocese on March 12, Bishop Cathleen Bascom reiterated some existing guidelines on how churches can gather while staying safe from the Covid-19 virus, and she also offered new options for feeding ministries and coffee hour, as well as for gatherings of fully vaccinated people. Indoor activities, including worship, will …
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Young people in the diocese who are finishing third grade through graduating high school seniors again will have the chance to participate in a beloved youth event – summer camp – thanks to a vote on Feb. 24 by the Council of Trustees. Camp was cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It will …
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On Jan. 21 Bishop Cathleen Bascom effectively transferred her guidance about Christmas services, from her letter of Dec. 7, to services on Ash Wednesday. For churches in a county that shows “double red” on the diocesan Covid-tracker spreadsheet, she will allow one in-person service, lasting no more than 30 minutes and with a maximum of 25 …
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The Harvest is the diocese’s quarterly news magazine