Ordinations Are Set for June 7 in Topeka
May 15, 2014
Ordinations are set for June 7 in Topeka
Bishop Dean Wolfe will ordain two deacons and one priest during a service on Saturday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. in Topeka.
Steven John King and Vivian Orndorff will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons, and the Rev. James Ted Blakley will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests.
All members of the diocese are invited to the service and to the reception that follows.
Clergy are asked to vest (red stole) and to walk in procession. All should be present no later than 10 a.m. in the lower-level Great Hall to vest.
> John Hullinger to be received as a priest on June 8. During the 10 a.m. service at Grace Cathedral, Topeka, on Pentecost, June 8, Bishop Wolfe will receive the priestly orders of John Hullinger, who served for 14 years as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church before becoming an Episcopalian. He received a certificate in Anglican Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry during the school’s graduation ceremony on May 10.
Presiding Bishop calls for prayers for South Sudan and Sudan this Sunday
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has asked that all Episcopal churches offer a special prayer for the people of Sudan and South Sudan this Sunday, May 18. This collect, which is appointed for the Feast of the Martyrs of Sudan (May 16), is suggested:
O God, steadfast in the midst of persecution, by your providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: As the martyrs of the Sudan refused to abandon Christ even in the face of torture and death, and so by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest, may we, too, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bishop Jefferts Schori also has issued a joint statement with the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Presiding Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and in Canada. Their statement is available at
Tornado relief tops $3,000
Contributions from last Sunday’s special collection on behalf of victims of recent tornados have reached $3,211.
Churches that have yet to submit their check from their collection should send a single check, made payable to “Episcopal Diocese of Kansas” with “Tornado Relief” in the memo line, to Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, Tornado Relief, 835 SW Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612.
Tocher Lecture takes place May 22 in Topeka
Philip Clayton, theology professor at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, Calif., will offer the next Tocher Lecture on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. in Topeka.
His topic will be “Emerging Churches and the Future of Faith.” In it he will explore the changing face of religious faith and observance, as well as the challenges associated with religious pluralism.
The event is free and open to the public, and a reception and book signing will follow the lecture.
In addition, clergy of the diocese are invited to a special afternoon event with Clayton at 3 p.m., also at the cathedral. He will offer remarks on topics similar to his evening address but in a more informal session.
Those wanting to attend the afternoon gathering need to contact the Very Rev. Andrew Grosso to confirm attendance. He can be reached at or (913) 367-3171.
Youth news
> There is still space available at Episcopal Summer MegaCamp! Camp is June 1-7 at Camp Wood YMCA. The program theme for camp this year is “Grace,” and participants will be learning about God’s grace and how they can share that grace with others.
The volunteer Episcopal staff provides solid Christian education featuring worship, music, small group discussions, and prayer. Camp Wood features a variety of activities such as horseback riding, archery, climbing tower, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water slide, mud slide, arts and crafts, and sports. The bishop will be with us for part of camp this year, and he’s looking forward to spending time with the youth.
Camp is open to those who have finished grades 3-12 and their friends. The cost now is $440 for the week.
More information and links to the new online registration and payment is at
> MissionPalooza registrations are available online. MissionPalooza is an urban mission trip in Kansas City, Mo., July 21-27, for youth who have finished grades 8-12.
Youth get to select where they would like to serve during the day from a list of options, including Habitat for Humanity, Wayside Waifs no-kill animal shelter, Operation Breakthrough low-income urban child care facility, Kansas City Community Kitchen, and Bishop Spencer Place retirement community. In the evenings there are fun activities, singing and worship. On Saturday participants have a “fun day” where youth can choose to go to Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun or enjoy an air-conditioned movie at the theater.
The cost is $160 per student, and some scholarship assistance is available.
Registration materials for youth and adults are available online at and are due by Monday, July 7.
Want to extend your church’s reach? Be part of Social Media Sunday on June 29
Sunday, June 29 is being marked in churches across the Episcopal Church as “Social Media Sunday.” On this day Episcopalians are encouraged to use their own social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) to tell their friends about the Episcopal Church.
Worshippers are encouraged to post a photo, live tweet a sermon, post a short video of a choir, or generally tell people they know why they love being an Episcopalian.
All are encouraged to use the hashtag #Episcopal so the messages can spread even farther.
For more information, along with some clever graphics (all created by volunteer parish communicators in Connecticut and St. Louis), visit
The event also has a Facebook page,
Campus ministry still is accepting applicants for fall intern positions
Are you – or do you know – a graduating college student passionate about the life of faith and looking to engage in a year of service offering ministry to others, while gaining leadership skills before embarking on their next chapter of life? If so, consider applying or encouraging this person to apply to become a Campus Intern and staff member of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.
This position offers the ministry opportunity to deepen one’s own faith and share formation, leadership and pastoral skills at one of the diocese’s two Canterbury Houses by working with college-aged peer ministers. It also offers the space to explore more deeply the intern’s own vocational discernment.
This service year begins August 1, 2014 and has the potential to be a two-year internship. Compensation includes a monthly stipend and lodging.
For more information regarding this opportunity please see the job description online at or contact Campus Missioner the Rev. Stephanie Jenkins at (785) 766-7435 or .
Two ‘Safeguarding God’s Children’ workshops planned in coming weeks
In the coming weeks, two churches in the diocese will offer the “Safeguarding God’s Children” workshop. The course is required by the diocese for church leaders, employees and all who work with children and youth. It is appropriate for those in both ordained and lay ministries, church leaders, staff members, parents and members of the congregation.
Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Grace Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka. To register, contact Michael Massey at .
Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m. to noon, St. James’, 3750 E. Douglas, Wichita. To register, contact the Rev. David Lynch at or the church office at (316) 683-5686.
EFM mentor training to be offered in June
Training for mentors in the Education for Ministry program will take place Thursday, June 19 through Saturday, June 21 in Topeka.
There will be two sessions offered: a basic/in-service training (for six to eight participants) and a formation training (for six to 12 participants). The formation session will focus on the Four Sources, examining in-depth the four sources of theological reflection used in EFM.
The cost of the training is $90 per person. Participants can also reserve overnight accommodations in Upton Hall for $40 per night.
The deadline to register is June 2.
To register, or for more information about the training opportunities or about the EFM program, contact diocesan EFM coordinator Mike Morrow at or (316) 258-4834.
Bishop Kemper School offers special summer session weekend
The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry has announced two courses that will be part of a summer session June 14-15 that is open to all interested people in the diocese:
- Mysticism in the Anglican Tradition, led by Dr. Jim Lewis. Participants will become more familiar with several classical sources of English mystical theology, including The Cloud of Unknowing, as well as medieval writers such as Richard Rolle, Julian of Norwich and Walter Hilton.
- The Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament, led by Dr. Melissa Tubbs Loya. This course will explore the major figures and themes associated with the emergence and development of the prophetic tradition in the faith and practice of Israel, including the historical and cultural context that shaped this vibrant literary and spiritual tradition.
Classes will meet in Upton Hall Conference Center, located next door to the diocesan offices at Bethany Place, 835 SW Polk Street in Topeka.
The cost to attend is $100, which covers tuition and meals. Limited overnight accommodation in Upton Hall can be reserved on a first come, first served basis.
In addition to classroom instruction, there will be opportunities during the summer session for corporate worship and fellowship.
For further information or to register for the course, please contact the Bishop Kemper School dean, the Very Rev. Andrew Grosso, at or (913) 367-3171.
Young adults invited to apply for paid internships to help with post-Sandy recovery
Young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 are invited to apply for one of the seven, one-year paid internships being offered to provide leadership positions in Hurricane Sandy rebuilding efforts or with Episcopal Relief and Development.
The positions will begin in September 2014.
Five interns will work on Staten Island to oversee rehabilitation projects, work with other volunteer groups and build relationships. The work includes construction tasks such as installing insulation, sheetrock and flooring; taping and mudding; painting; installing molding; and other finish work.
Two interns, one for social media and website and another to work with asset mapping, will be based in the Manhattan office of Episcopal Relief and Development, providing broad-based program, marketing and communications support.
All interns will be housed at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Staten Island and will be attached to some of the nine other Episcopal parishes on Staten Island. There will be ample opportunity for spiritual discernment and growth.
An online application is available at
The deadline to apply is June 2.
Presiding Bishop issues statement on the abduction of Nigerian schoolgirls
On May 8 Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori issued this statement:
“The Episcopal Church is horrified at the violence perpetrated against innocent schoolgirls in Nigeria, and the willingness of those who should be addressing this to look the other way. The unfortunate truth is that girls and women are still deemed dispensable in much of the world, or at least of lesser value than members of the other sex.
“The necessary response is education – of girls and boys, in equal numbers and to an equal degree, that all might take their rightful place in societies that serve all their citizens with equal respect and dignity.
“I pray that all Episcopalians, and all people of faith and good will, will pray and plead with their political leaders to find the kidnappers, liberate these girls, and restore them to the safety they deserve. May God have mercy on us all.”
Monks will offer Pentecost reflections in seven languages
The Brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist have announced that starting on Pentecost, June 8, their daily email, “Brother, Give Us a Word,” will be provided for one month in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese Oji-Cree and American Sign Language through video.
“Brother, Give Us a Word” is a short daily devotional text sent by email each morning.
“We are offering ‘Brother, Give Us a Word’ in multiple languages in recognition that God’s spirit poured out at Pentecost breaks down every barrier that divides us,” said Geoffrey Tristram, Superior of SSJE.
Anyone can sign up to receive “Brother, Give Us a Word” on the Brothers’ website,
Anniversaries of ordinations
Congratulations go to these people as they celebrate the anniversaries of their ordination in the next three weeks:
May 19: Deacon Annie Hedquist, St. David’s, Topeka (19 years)
May 20: The Rev. Bob Layne, retired (45 years)
May 21: The Rev. Michael Bernard, non-parochial (32 years); the Rev. David Mouille, retired (46 years)
May 23: The Rev. Susan Terry, Trinity, Lawrence (27 years)
May 26: Archdeacon Monte Giddings, St. Michael and All Angels, Mission (15 years)
May 30: The Rev. Foster Mays, Epiphany, Sedan (1 year)
June 1: The Rev. Art Rathbun, St. Mark’s, Blue rapids and St. Paul’s, Marysville (50 years); the Rev. Rob Baldwin, Trinity, Lawrence (12 years)
June 2: Deacon Peg Flynn, St. James’, Wichita (2 years); Deacon Sandy Horton-Smith, St. Paul’s, Manhattan (2 years); Deacon Rex Matney, Covenant, Junction City (2 years)
June 3: Deacon Jesse Milan, retired (8 years); Deacon Steve Segebrecht, Trinity, Lawrence (8 years)
Stay in touch via Facebook and Twitter
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Next DioLog
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