Diocese Asked to Provide Help for Victims of Superstorm Sandy

Nov. 8, 2012

Diocese asked to provide help for victims of Superstorm Sandy In a message sent Nov. 1 to everyone on the diocesan email list, Bishop Dean Wolfe called on all congregations in the diocese to take up a special collection on All Saints Sunday (Nov. 4) to help those affected by Superstorm Sandy. Money collected will go to Episcopal Relief and Development for distribution to dioceses and congregations hit hard by the storm’s aftermath. Each congregation is asked to send one check to the diocese, with “Hurricane Relief” on the memo line. You can read the full text of Bishop Wolfe’s letter on the diocesan website at http://www.episcopal- ks.org/bishop/hurricane_Sandy_response.php.

Added bonus – ERD announces a $300,000 gift match Episcopal Relief and Development today announced that from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, every gift the agency receives will be matched by a group of generous supporters, up to a total of $300,000. Contributions made through the diocese to the “Hurricane Relief” fund qualify. More information is on the ERD website, http://www.er-d.org/Matching-Gift-Challenge

Affected dioceses report significant impact from storm A number of Episcopal dioceses from Haiti to Long Island have reported significant damage as a result of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy, according to a report from Episcopal News Service: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/11/07/congregations-continue-sandy-relief-efforts- prepare-for-noreaster/ The Diocese of New Jersey has reported devastation along the coastline and in areas of low elevation due to flooding and severe winds. Out of the diocese’s 150-plus church locations, approximately 20 have sustained significant or irreparable damage. Over a dozen churches are mobilizing their feeding ministries, thrift shops and volunteers to respond to area needs, and at least one church is making space available for a support center that will assist people in applying for government disaster assistance. The Diocese of New York is responding to the storm’s widespread destruction in Staten Island, lower Manhattan and the counties north of New York City. Power outages and fuel shortages are hampering transportation, but local parishes are working to meet food, clothing and other needs for approximately 8,000 people throughout the diocese. The Diocese of Long Island, which suffered extensive damage, is supporting temporary housing for staff at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, as they continue their ministry of healing while recovering from the storm. Bishop Lawrence C. Provenzano of the Diocese of Long Island has issued a pastoral letter to be read in all congregations this Sunday, in which he notes, “I have come to recognize that it will take many months before we are made whole again.” http://www.dioceselongisland.org/noticesDetail.php?A- Pastoral-Letter-from-The-Rt.-Rev.-Lawrence-C.-Provenzano-123

Presiding officers issue statement on effects of Sandy Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Jennings on Nov. 5 issued a statement on the effects of Sandy. In it they called on Episcopalians to offer help. They wrote, “This is a time for reaching out to neighbors next door as well as farther abroad with solidarity and offers of basic human hospitality – food, water, electrical connections, showers and shelter – as well as money to assist the lengthy recovery that will be required everywhere this storm has moved.” Read their full statement online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/notice/presiding-bishop-president- house-deputies-hurricane-sandy

Health insurance open enrollment ends Nov. 21 Clergy and lay employees covered by health insurance plans through the Church Medical Trust have until Nov. 21 to enroll for next year. The Council of Trustees has designated three plans for use in the diocese. The diocesan policy, along with a chart describing coverage offered by each of the plans and a guide to open enrollment, are on the diocesan website at http://www.episcopal-ks.org/resources/health-insurance.php Questions about health insurance may be directed to Comptroller Jay Currie, jcurrie@episcopal- ks.org or Canon to the Ordinary the Rev. Craig Loya, [email protected]. Both also may be reached at (800) 473-3563.

Wichita parish offers “Saints and Sinners” auction Nov. 10 St. John’s, Wichita, invites all interested people in the diocese to attend the return of their “Saints and Sinners” auction on Saturday, Nov. 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the parish’s ministry of assistance to those who need, as well as other mission areas. The auction will include original artwork, a holiday airplane ride over the city, a wine tasting, tickets to various entertainment venues in town, dinners provided by parish members, furniture, jewelry and many other items. Appetizers and soft drinks will be served at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar available. The auction begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact event chair Sue O’Brien at [email protected].

Anti-racism workshop set for Dec. 1 A workshop designed to help people explore issues of racism in society and themselves will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bethany Place Conference Center, 833 SW Polk, in Topeka. The cost to attend is $20 per person, and lunch is included. To register, send your name, parish and contact information to Michele Moss at mmoss@episcopal- ks.org or (800) 473-3563. Payment may be made at the door. By action of General Convention, this training is required for everyone in leadership positions throughout the Episcopal Church, all clergy, those employed by the church, and those elected or appointed to any church office.

Youth news Happening #87 – registrations are due Nov. 9! Happening takes place Nov. 16-18 at Good Shepherd, Wichita for youth in grades 9-12. Happening is an event by youth for youth. It’s a weekend retreat, focusing on Jesus and what he taught. There will be games, music, great food and a chance to talk with peers about things that really matter. Registrations are available on the youth website at http://www.episcopal-ks.org/youth/happening.html ADVENTure! Dec. 8-9 at Grace Cathedral in Topeka. This is a new youth event this year. It is an overnight event focusing on the season of Advent. Activities and speakers will be centered on this season of preparation for the coming of Christ. Registrations can be found at www.episcopal-ks.org/youth/ Questions? Contact Michael Funston at [email protected]. Registrations are due Monday, Nov. 26. Miqra 2013. Jan. 19-21, 2013, at Grace Cathedral and St. David’s in Topeka. For youth in grades 6- 12. MIQRA (meek-rah) is a weekend retreat that focuses on the Bible and allows teens to discover what’s in it, why we should care and how to read it. Registrations are available now online at http://www.episcopal-ks.org/youth/miqra.html

Seabury Academy convocation takes place Nov. 20 All members of the diocese are invited to the annual Convocation of Bishop Seabury Academy, set for Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. The Episcopal secondary school is located at 4120 Clinton Parkway in Lawrence. The school’s 16th convocation, which yearly takes place on the Tuesday nearest the feast of Samuel Seabury (the Episcopal Church’s first bishop), brings together students, parents, faculty and friends for a special keynote address. This year’s speaker is the Rev. George Wiley, Ph.D., an Episcopal priest who recently retired as a professor of religious studies at Baker University City in Baldwin City. Bishop Seabury Academy was founded in 1997 and currently has 177 students in grades 6-12. More information about the school is on its website, http://www.seaburyacademy.org/.

New UTO grant information now is available; deadlines have changed Anyone wishing to apply for a grant through the United Thank Offering should note the organization’s new timeline. Applications will be accepted online between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2013. They will be reviewed in March and voted on in May. Grant awards will be announced in June. New grant criteria now have been posted on the UTO website: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/downloads/2013_grant_policy_and_criteria.pdf The United Thank Offering supports projects that are involved with:  alleviating poverty (domestic and international);  making significant impact;  demonstrating new and innovative programs/projects/work; and  transforming unjust structures of society. The online application will be available starting Jan. 1. For further information about UTO, contact Barbi Tinder, UTO Board Grant Committee Convener, [email protected]; Sarita Redd, UTO President, [email protected]; or Michelle Jobson, UTO Grant Associate, [email protected], (800) 334-7626, ex. 6022. Grants are funded by the Blue Box offerings made by Episcopalians throughout the church.

New Episcopal Church resources focus on older adults, faith formation Two new lifelong Christian formation resources focusing on older adults and on faith formation in the black context now are available for congregational use, in adult forums, study groups, educational seminars and discussion gatherings. “Aging is Changing” is a five-part program to help clergy and lay leaders identify issues of older adults, their families and caregivers, and to identify existing local, state and national resources that might be helpful. It also includes best practices from 60 congregations around the Episcopal Church. It is available online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/older-adult-ministries “Stories of Transformation: Worship, Witness and Work in the Black Community” is a series of stories shared from the personal experience of the writers – a seminarian, theologians, parish priests and activists – and is recommended for use by clergy and lay leaders who want to approach faith formation work in the context of the black community. It is available online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/downloads/black_theologian_writing_project.pdf.

Employment positions now available with the Episcopal Church Applications now are being accepted for four full-time positions on the staff of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, the official corporate name of the Episcopal Church. The work of these positions now reflects the priorities of Episcopal Church General Convention 2012 and focus on the Five Marks of Mission. In some cases, actions at General Convention prompted a redefinition of positions and scope of duties/responsibilities. The positions are full-time:  Africa Partnership Officer  Domestic Policy Analyst (based in the Washington, D.C. office)  Domestic Poverty Missioner  UTO Coordinator Previously posted positions still open are: Director of Development, Development Research Analyst, Digital Front-end Designer/Drupal Themer, and Legal Counsel. Information on all the positions, along with application instructions, is available at https://www7.ultirecruit.com/EPI1003/JobBoard/listjobs.aspx For more information, contact a member of the Episcopal Church human resources team at [email protected].

Fair trade coffee and chocolates are featured in ERD Christmas boxes Episcopal Relief and Development is offering two Bishops Blend coffee Christmas boxes for the 2012 holiday season: a coffee box with three special roasts, and a coffee and chocolate box with two coffee roasts and three bars of Guatemalan chocolate. Each version sells for $29 and is shipped with a personalized message. A portion of the sale of Bishops Blend coffee helps to sustain ERD’s work worldwide. To ensure delivery before Christmas, order no later than Dec. 11. Order online at http://www.er- d.org/bishopsblend/ or by calling (877) 469-1431.

Clergy news The Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Earl Mahan as rector of St. John’s, Wichita, will take place on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at the church, 402 North Topeka St. Clergy are invited to vest (white stoles) and process. The Rev. Betty Glover, rector of Trinity, Arkansas City and Grace, Winfield, since 2007, has accepted a call to become interim priest at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount, N.C. Her last day serving the Kansas parishes is Nov. 25. She previously served as a deacon at St. David’s, Topeka, from 1997 to 2004. The Rev. Richard McCandless will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Dec. 21, and two special celebrations are planned in his honor. A Eucharist will take place at Trinity, El Dorado, 400 W. Ash, on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Bishop Wolfe will be the celebrant, and the Rev. Tom Wilson will preach. An open house at St. John’s, Parsons, is set for Saturday, Dec.15 from 2-4 p.m. at the church, 1801 Corning. All members of the diocese are invited to attend either or both events.

Anniversaries of ordinations Congratulations go to these people as they celebrate the anniversaries of their ordination in the next three weeks: Nov. 19: The Rev. J.W. Stephenson, St. Mary’s, Galena (24 years) Nov. 24: The Rev. Frank Holtz, retired (16 years) Nov. 25: The Rev. Laird MacGregor, St. Anne’s, McPherson, Diocese of Western Kansas (6 years) Nov. 26: The Rev. Robert Hutchinson, retired (52 years)

Diocesan office closed for Thanksgiving The diocesan office in Topeka will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23, in observance of Thanksgiving. The office will reopen on Nov. 26 with regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Next DioLog The next edition of DioLog will be sent to subscribers on Thursday, Nov. 29. This is one week later than usual, because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Information to be included should be sent to Melodie Woerman, diocesan director of communications, at [email protected], no later than Tuesday, Nov. 27. DioLog is a publication of the Office of Communications of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Parishes are free to excerpt anything printed in DioLog; attribution that material is reprinted from DioLog is appreciated. Feel free to copy this and make it available to parishioners in whatever way is most useful.