On the road in Western Kansas with the Presiding Bishop
Episcopal News Service. June 22, 2007 [062207-02]
Neva Rae Fox, Communications specialist for the Episcopal Church
Note: Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori visited the Diocese of Western Kansas June 17-20. This is a chronicle of her visit.
A photo gallery is available here.
The June trip was a first for Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, a first for the Diocese of Western Kansas, and a first for the Episcopal Church.
"This is the first time that a Presiding Bishop has visited Western Kansas outside of Salina," explained Bishop James Adams. And, he added, this was the first time that a sitting Presiding Bishop traveled throughout the Diocese of Western Kansas.
By the time the four-day road trip was concluded, the Presiding Bishop visited 14 churches -- including the largest, the smallest and the diocese's only house church -- plus an Episcopal organization and a tornado-ravaged area in 13 communities, shook hundreds of hands, enjoyed home cooking, and got to know the people of Western Kansas, just as they got to know her.
She spoke with adults and children of all ages about the Episcopal Church in Western Kansas, in the church's other 109 dioceses, and in the Anglican Communion. She talked about evangelism and preaching the Gospel. She talked about small congregations, youth, seniors' issues, and many other topics -- the topics that people wanted to talk about. She asked about and listened to everyone's thoughts and ideas, concerns and joys. She heard about local mission initiatives, learned about their work with evacuees, food pantries and clothing the needy.
Mostly, the gatherings and events were conversations among Episcopalians.
At nearly every stop, she was asked to sign her book, A Wing and a Prayer, or a Bible, or the Book of Common Prayer or sometimes simply to give an autograph. She unhesitantly obliged every request.
The churches welcomed the Presiding Bishop with standing ovations, hospitality, wide smiles, and refreshments ranging from iced tea to potluck dinners. Whether they deemed themselves "conservative" or "liberal," each welcomed the Presiding Bishop and expressed sheer delight for the unique opportunity to meet the leader of the Episcopal Church.
And, she welcomed the opportunity to meet each of them.
The Diocese of Western Kansas
The purpose of this visit, explained Adams, was to provide an opportunity for the Presiding Bishop to meet the congregants of Western Kansas, and vice versa. "It's an exchange, a dialogue," he said.
The Diocese of Western Kansas was carved out of the Diocese of Kansas about 100 years ago. Today, the diocese includes 34 congregations.
Adams, in his sixth year as bishop, and his wife, Stacey, provided the initial tour upon arrival. He was enthusiastic about his home and his diocese. "This is Kansas at its greenest," he said, pointing to the wide open vistas. "Our seven-year drought has been broken" thanks to an abundance of recent rain. (Indeed, at each stop, people echoed the important news of rainfall in Kansas.)
Adams shared other facts: the geographic center of the continental United States is located in Western Kansas; the diocese has less than 17% of the state's population; and Kansas's major industries are wheat, beef and oil.
Wheat is central to life in Kansas. Wheat motifs are woven into vestments and altar linens at most of the visited churches. Standing knee-high in a wheat field provided the Presiding Bishop and the travelers with time to reflect on God's great bounty.
Day #1
Salina 8 a.m.
The party assembled in Salina and prepared to get underway for the four-day journey. With the Presiding Bishop were her husband, Richard Schori; Sherry Denton of the Diocese of Western Kansas and a member of Executive Council; and the Rev. Dennis Zimmerman, of St. Cornelius in Dodge City.
As Zimmerman drove the tightly-packed vehicle, he and Denton served as guides, providing facts and figures about the state, its people, the diocese, history, geography, landscape, agriculture, equipment, livestock and all that was being viewed in the wide open vistas of Western Kansas.
In Salina (population 46,000), there are three Episcopal houses of worship and all were visited. First stop called for passing by the Church of the Incarnation, well-established in a residential area. "It's growing," Denton smiled. "It's inching up."
The familiar "Episcopal Church Welcomes You" sign, noting the chapel, swings next to the gates leading to the St. John's Episcopal School for junior/senior high school boys, witnessed from the road.
9 am St. Francis Academy, Salina
St. Francis Academy is transitioning to a new name -- St. Francis Community Services -- to accurately reflect its growing services.
St. Francis was founded in 1945 by the Rev. Robert Mize, who would later be a bishop in Africa. The Very Rev. Edward Fellhauer, president of St. Francis Academy, led a video and verbal presentation of the vast, wide services offered by the organization, noting that the 15 regional offices in Kansas serve 2,000 children, mostly at-risk, through its various services including adoption, residential, and the Family Preservation Program.
Long-term employee Cheryl Rathbun prompted laughter with her comment, "I wonder what Fr. Bob would think of us now."
"I get to go around and hear stories like yours, about the ways that the church has spoken," the Presiding Bishop told the assembled staff. "It is an amazing, awesome gift you give -- thank you."
10 a.m. Christ Church Cathedral
Replacing a smaller church across the street, Christ Church Cathedral (http://christ-cathedral.us/) was built as the diocesan cathedral 100 years ago. It was funded by Sarah Elisabeth Batterson, and features beautiful colorful windows by JR Lamb.
Lunch in the parish hall followed a tour of the cathedral by archivist Pat Wilkinson. Jefferts Schori was greeted with warmth and a standing ovation. The event was billed as "A Conversation with the Presiding Bishop." Jefferts Schori kicked off the event, held in the stone cathedral, with a definition of conversation.
"Conversation originally meant ‘to have dealings with,'" she said, "to hang out with somebody." She continued, "In order to know someone, we have to enter into real conversation, not by talking at them."
Among the range of topics presented by the 150 attendees were: the Archbishop of Canterbury's upcoming visit to the House of Bishops in September, Army chaplaincy, youth and getting youth involved, and her recent testimony at a U.S. Senate hearing about global warming.
"I see health in our churches where people are loving God and loving their neighbors," she said.
"I thought the cathedral was a stunning building that has been well loved for 100 years," Jefferts Schori said of the welcome and the visit.
3:45 p.m. St. Ann's, McPherson
The itinerary didn't call for a full stop at St. Ann's, McPherson -- a pretty town of 14,000 -- but the crowd who assembled wanted to meet the Presiding Bishop. And they did!
Organ music greeted her and the 30+ upon entering the church for a tour by the Rev. Laird MacGregor, rector.
"We feel honored," Laurie Sprague told the Presiding Bishop. "There hasn't been too many times that the Presiding Bishop has visited McPherson, Kansas."
This time, she autographed the May AOPA Journal (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) which featured her photo and an article.
4 p.m. St. Mark's, Lyons
A half-dozen people were standing outside St. Mark's in Lyons -- population 3,600 -- so again the Presiding Bishop stopped when it wasn't scheduled. The sign outside the 15-year-old church stated "Don't look down on others unless you are helping them up."
"I want to thank you and the Executive Council for your decisions last week," George Martin told her. "I was heartened."
4:45 p.m. St. John's, Great Bend
A dozen were there in Great Bend (population 15,000), again prompting the Presiding Bishop to stop and greet while touring the church, it was pointed out that the parish hall of St. John's is often the site of diocesan meetings, thanks to its central location and full service kitchen.
"Kansas is filled with wonderful people," she observed.
6:30 p.m. St. Michael's, Hays
A potluck dinner prepared by the Episcopal Church Women served the 100 people who came to St. Michael's for a conversation in Hays, a town of 20,000 people. With ease and warmth, she answered all inquiries.
Where does she live? "I live where my suitcase and my laptop are," she smiled. "I have an apartment in the office building in New York, I still vote in Nevada, I live where I am. God is with us wherever we are, and where God is, that is home."
What about the church and seniors' issues? Noting that the average age of Episcopalians is 57, she looked at the inquirer and called his comment a "helpful reminder" for the church to do more.
The day was the one-year anniversary of her election as Presiding Bishop -- how has it been? "It's been a great learning experience."
Her face lit up when she talked about evangelism and the many opportunities for work in the community. "What has God given you," she asked, "and what in you can give back to the community?"
After the rousing applause, many expressed gratitude to the Presiding Bishop for coming to a meeting to talk about what was on everyone's mind.
Day #2
8:45 a.m. St. Andrew's Rural Hays
St. Andrew's is eight miles off the main road; The Episcopal Church Welcomes You sign floats in the breeze, indicating which road needed to be taken.
Off a dusty gravel path, St. Andrew's is a small stone church which sits up from the road. The parking lot was full and a faithful group of dozen extended hospitability and morning treats (including homemade fresh lemon curd). State Representative Dan Johnson of the 110th District of the Kansas House of Representatives was among the gathered parishioners.
Wildflowers were beginning to peep out in the grass surrounding St. Andrew's, the burial site of Fr. Bob Mize, founder of St. Francis Academy (visited the day prior).
"We give you thanks for the community of spirit evident in this place," the Presiding Bishop said in prayer.
11 a.m. Ascension on the Prairie in Colby
Ascension provided a chance for the Presiding Bishop to listen to the stories of those who came to the luncheon in Colby, population 5000.
The Rev. Don Martin announced, "One of the purposes of the Presiding Bishop's visit is for us to know her and her to know us."
The church, built in 1976, was proud that they would be hosting the Diocesan Convention in October.
Among the 50 who chatted with the Presiding Bishop were 99-year-old Margo Scheifen and community law enforcement officer Marlene Pfeifer, who made sure she stopped by on her way to duty.
John Golden proudly expressed, "The Episcopal Church incorporates people of different situations. The church is all encompassing."
The people of Ascension presented her with a cross made of wheat (wrapped in bright sunflower paper, the state's flower). "This is exquisite," Jefferts Schori said as she gently handled it.
Noon. St. Francis Chapel, Russell Springs
The population of Russell Springs is 30, and the sign outside St. Francis -- the diocese's smallest church -- proclaims "Our Mission is to Grow in Love, Truth, Spirit and Body in Christ." The way into the church magnifies that feeling of welcome -- the only entrance is a handicapped accessible ramp, specially built for one of the parishioners.
It wasn't a long visit, just long enough for cold drink, fruit and a photo. But it was as important to Jefferts Schori as it was to the dozen of adults and children who assembled in quiet conversation.
2 p.m. Church of the Upper Room, Lakin
The wooden altar dominates the living room of the Pastor Rita Stockton in the only house church in the diocese, located in Lakin, population 2,200.
About a dozen people -- teenagers to 80 year olds -- shared their experiences. Each Sunday, they move the dining room table out of the way, bring in chairs, and worship in the house. Music is thanks to an organ on the landing leading up to the second floor of the A-frame house. After worship every week, they move the table and chairs back into place, and share a home-cooked meal together.
Jefferts Schori's easy banter with people brought smiles throughout the house church. "People are wonderful in Western Kansas," she said. "It's beautiful here in Kansas."
3 p.m. St. Thomas Garden City
Every stop on the Western Kansas visit concluded with a photo of all assembled with the Presiding Bishop in front of the church, a sign, or a place of significance to the church.
It was a fun time taking the photo with the two dozen at St. Thomas in Garden City, population 27,000, for an event in the middle of the day. Taken after fellowship and ice cream cake, cameras and instructions were left with the travelers so everyone had a chance for his/her own photo. "I have three kids. Please take three photos," one woman quipped, bringing laughter to all.
5 p.m. Boot Hill, Dodge City
It wasn't a church or a church organization. In fact, it wasn't Episcopal at all. But it was a stop nonetheless. In Dodge City, next to the Boot Hill Cemetery, the Presiding Bishop was surprised by being named a Marshal of Dodge City. She was presented with a framed certificate while her husband pinned a silver star on her. She joined the ranks of other marshals, such as Roy Rogers, President John F. Kennedy, President Gerald Ford, Bishop Fulton Sheen and the entire cast of old TV show "Gunsmoke."
"This is a first in my ordained ministry," she laughed.
6 p.m. St. Cornelius, Dodge City
With the tables set in Episcopal Church colors of red, white and light blue, a crowd of 75 packed the St. Cornelius parish hall for a meal. Children sang songs and danced for the Presiding Bishop. "They say children are the future of the church," noted Zimmerman, who serves as rector. He pointed to the children and stated, "This is the church."
She received two standing ovations and much applause throughout the discussion in Dodge City, population 27,000.
She was asked of her dream for the Episcopal Church. "To restore all people to unity with God in Christ," she cited from the Book of Common Prayer. "My dream for the Episcopal Church is that we would be a shining example of this to the world."
Richard Schori was asked about being the Presiding Bishop's spouse. "I got promoted," he joked. "In Nevada, I was a BS -- Bishop's Spouse. Now, I've been promoted to PBS!"
The pleasant evening ended with lightning and a heavy rainstorm, and a magnificent double rainbow dominating the sky over Dodge City.
Day #3
8:30 a.m. Greenburg
There wasn't an Episcopal church or a group gathered in Greenburg. In fact, there wasn't much left except piles of rubble. Along with Denton, the Presiding Bishop viewed the devastation caused by the May 5 Category 5 tornado which destroyed the town of Greenburg and killed 10 people.
Rock piles now stand where homes and businesses used to be. FEMA trailers dot the landscape, and the National Guard is still in force. Destruction is everywhere in this spot that 1,300 people used to call home. But there are signs of clean-up and rebirth. Trees are beginning to re-grow.
"I'm astounded at how much has been cleaned up," said Jefferts Schori, standing next to a pile of rubble.
There may not have been an Episcopal church in Greenburg, but the area's Episcopalians immediately cared for their neighbors by helping in relocation. Their love of their neighbors is evident in their continual fundraising for use when the population returns. Additionally, Episcopal Relief and Development assisted the area with $25,000.
10 a.m. All Saints, Pratt
Pratt currently has a population of 6500, but it has increased because of the many evacuees from nearby Greenburg.
Forty people from All Saints joined in welcoming the Presiding Bishop. Bette Skaggs remarked, "Nobody's ever visited us before. We are very honored."
All Saints boasts many community programs, including a pantry operated jointly with the local Methodist church to distribute personal products and items not carried in most food banks and not eligible for food stamps. "This is so important and is often overlooked," Jefferts Schori noted.
11 a.m. Grace Church, Hutchinson
The biggest was saved for last. The Rev. Mike Milliken, rector of Grace Church, Hutchison, (population 41,000) greeted the travelers at the car with a big smile and a Kansas-style welcome.
Following a meeting with church staff and clergy and a tour of the church, the Presiding Bishop received another standing ovation by the 220 who had gathered at the state fairgrounds for a lunch and conversation. The group included Grace parishioners, members of diocesan council and standing committee, General Convention deputies, and people from other dioceses.
Discussions ranged from the current climate in the Anglican Communion to ministry in small churches and how to deal with other Episcopalians with diverse opinions. She suggested focusing on mission such as their work in "serving the hungry, helping the people in Greenburg. There are many things in common to talk about."
She encouraged evangelism by "going out and listening, addressing the spiritual hunger of the vast number of Americans who do not have a faith community."