Harvest December 2022

A central call of the Christian life is “Love your neighbor.” What are the blocks and bridges for dynamic engagement with our neighbors? In 2023 the newly formalized Minster Teams, meeting regularly with active clergy and a lay representative from each parish, are being encouraged to read and discuss Alan J. Roxburgh’s book Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World.

News and notes from the congregations of the diocese.

Updates on diocesan clergy since the last issue of The Harvest.

Rev. Mary Kane Donovan answered a call in September to be Vicar of Grace Episcopal Church, Ottawa.  She follows the late Rev. Robert Harris. Mary served as a supply priest for the congregation during its time of transition beginning in November 2021.

St. Paul’s in Kansas City, KS was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from the Wyandotte Health Foundation for the St. Paul’s Feeding Ministries Vaccination Project. The project began in October of 2022 and will run through March of 2023. 

by the Rev. Doreen Rice As a way of inviting and welcoming the neighbors around the parish, Church of the Covenant in Junction City hosted a free event in October called Family Fest.   The event was designed for children and adults alike, featuring carnival games and prizes, a bouncy house, hot dogs, chips, and drinks …

The Rev. Kelly Demo and Barbara McCall of St. Thomas, Overland Park recently published a book titled The Micah Paradigm. Kelly shares an excerpt from the book below and some of her thoughts on how the book came together and how she and Barbara hope it will be helpful to churches, leaders, and young Christians.

The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas celebrated the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Bethany House and Garden at its 163rd Annual Diocesan Convention on October 21 following the opening business session. Over 200 people attended the ceremony. The ceremony recognized the individuals who helped the garden project become a reality as they stood with banners representing the various groups: the Diocese of Kansas, community leaders and partners, educators and students, and donors and garden creators.

The Mission and Outreach Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas invites parishes and congregations within the diocese to participate in the Alleluia Fund Grants to fulfill their baptismal covenant, serving as Christ’s hands and feet in the world. Parishes and congregations are invited to submit a proposal for a one time project with a maximum of $3000 to be awarded per grant. Those parishes that apply also pledge to match the grant, providing an equal or greater amount to the project. The Alleluia Grant Fund was initially established with money designated in the Crossroads capital campaign for outreach efforts.

Bishop Cathleen Bascom presented the Bishop’s Chair award to Carson, Josh, & Suzanne Avery at the 163rd Annual Diocesan Convention Banquet in recognition of their service to the Canterbury House ministry at Kansas State University. The three siblings are members of Good Shepherd, Wichita and have all been active members of the diocesan youth program and campus ministry at K-State.