Harvest

Jory Mertens is a recent graduate of the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry, a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, Missouri, and a candidate for ordination to the diaconate in January. Combining his calling as deacon and artist, he recently completed the Folk Saint Collection, which is a vibrant series of digital illustrations that …

For many across the diocese, Camp Wood is a “thin place” where we can feel the presence of God. Camp is a time to reconnect with nature and community and reinvigorate our true selves. Camp is a safe place to challenge ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, but it is not the same without the loving community at …

Each summer during Episcopal Summer Mega Camp at Camp Wood, the graduating seniors share a reflection on their camp experience during the “Senior Service,” which is the closing Eucharist on the last night of camp. Students recount favorite camp memories and share how camp has impacted their life and faith whether they’ve been to camp …

Over the past several years, the grounds of Bethany House & Garden have changed dramatically — both in look and in use!  A few weeks ago, we provided a brief update in the DioLog, and here we offer a fuller explanation of the exciting changes that have taken place and are ongoing. Among the prairie plants… …

Katie Madl, wife of Willie Madl, Head Gardener at Bethany House & Garden, has begun offering yoga lessons in the garden. After thirteen years of teaching English Language Arts, Katie is excited to embark on a new path as an educator. Katie has practiced yoga for over fifteen years, both occasionally and regularly. She continually …

Saint Michael and All Angels in Mission recently celebrated their 40th year of partnership with the Saint Paul’s parish & school in Tobeck, Haiti. During coffee hour, the parish met with Father Fred Menelas, the parish priest, to discuss and reflect on the shared mission and hear updates about the school. Many questions were asked …

This summer, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to continue my doctoral work in New Testament by visiting Greco-Roman and early Christian sites in modern Türkiye. I was mentally prepared to be “wowed” by the beauty of these ancient marble cities, unearthed with care and attention. I certainly have been wowed aesthetically. But I have also …

The Commission for Church Architecture and Allied Arts exists to provide oversight to large projects (additions or renovations over $100,000.) Because our aging churches deal less with these aspects and more with deferred maintenance, this group acts as the Church Preservation Committee, serving as a resource panel or hands-on project assistance for repair or renovation …

Thunderstorms have been rumbling through Kansas with more regularity this summer. The intensity of the barometric pressure changes, the humidity grows, and the storm finally erupts. We can feel the storms brewing sometimes in our joints and moods. Recently, sitting in prayer as I observed a storm roll in, I was reminded that beyond the …

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of returning from a ten-week sabbatical. I’m grateful to Bishop Bascom and the Council of Trustees for the opportunity and to my colleagues on diocesan staff for taking on a heavier workload while I’ve been away. The sabbatical didn’t involve anything truly extravagant, but it …