Local officials across the state of Kansas have faced difficult decisions this year, from health concerns caused by the coronavirus pandemic to economic downturns that resulted in job losses. And when those officials also are members of churches of the diocese, they say their faith helps them through tough times.
Read moreCovid-19
Services across the diocese evolve as churches cope with pandemic realities
On May 1 Bishop Cathleen Bascom issued guidelines under which churches of the diocese could resume having in-person worship services, after eight weeks away, beginning on May 24. Since then, 27 of the diocese’s 44 churches have done that, usually offering communion in one kind (bread only) or celebrating a spiritual communion. Of the remaining …
Read moreResponding to the pandemic
Bishop Bascom has issued a series of letters to clergy and lay leaders of the diocese regarding the coronavirus pandemic. These include guidance on how and under what circumstances churches can resume in-person worship, guidance on how food ministries can continue with distancing, when members of the diocesan staff will be working in the office …
Read moreBishop announces guidelines to re-open churches
Beginning Sunday, May 24, Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Kansas may open. No church is required to open until clergy and lay leaders discern it is safe to do so. Summary of guidelines for churches in the Diocese of Kansas Churches may resume in-person worship on May 24, unless local authorities require a later …
Read moreFinancial and legal matters for parishes during COVID
Dear clergy and parish leaders in the Diocese of Kansas: The Executive Committee of the Council of Trustees and I have been meeting weekly about financial and legal matters relating to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on parishes and our diocese. It is difficult to anticipate the disruptive economic impact that these uncertain times …
Read moreLiving as Sacramental, Eucharistic People amid COVID-19
Bishop Bascom has written to all clergy of the diocese with her thoughts about how the physical distancing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus presents the church, with the Eucharist at the heart of its worship, “with unique practical, theological, liturgical and ethical realities.” She also provides guidance for worship and sacraments in …
Read moreBishop Bascom suspends worship services through May 17th
Dear beloved members of the Diocese of Kansas: As Bishop of Kansas, I am simultaneously heartbroken and heartened as I share with you the news that in-person Holy Week and Easter services, as well as other church gatherings and services through May 17th, need to be suspended. The following guidance came from Presiding Bishop Michael …
Read moreA statement from Bishop Bascom about feeding ministries and outreach programs
Beloved members of the Diocese of Kansas: We keep asking God to guide us to the sweet spot of being the incarnate Body of Christ in this place, and keeping people safe from the coronavirus. Many have been asking for the best approach to the many feeding and other outreach ministries we provide to the …
Read moreBishop Bascom suspends worship services through April 3
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God… If we love one another, God lives in us and that love is perfected. – 1 John 4:7,12 Beloved members of the Diocese of Kansas: Cases of the coronavirus have increased in our state, and public health …
Read moreGuidelines in the time of Corona
I write this knowing that the world around is changing not hour-by-hour but minute-by-minute, as we all seek to keep people safe in the face of the novel coronavirus. Our connection with one another across the Diocese of Kansas will remain a constant as we navigate this situation. We are people of faith: We know …
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