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Reflections
from Rev. Audrey
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Beloved of God -
I wonder if AI can replace me? I think - no - but then ...
I do think that there are probably some things AI can do much better than I do - write a tight, cogent sermon for example. I’d lay money that AI would do a better job. And then I wonder, but what would we lose if AI wrote it?
Because, honestly, I’d still go right off script no matter how well AI wrote it.
Then I wonder, do I want this alien intelligence to really know me that well?
Being back home in the bay area always reminds me that all things tech are usually at the top of the news cycle. After all, we are famous for the Silicon Valley. And it’s the basis of much of the wealth and most of the angst.
If you come to visit San Francisco, you will note that all the billboards through the city are all about tech, mostly AI these days. Then I wonder, why? Shouldn’t these companies be advertising outside of the area? And then I wonder if AI made this dumb decision.
You see what I mean. If AI was writing this, I’d never get to go off on this little tangent of curiosity, with you riding along with me as I go down this path of what I consider a reflection. I mean really, would it still be a reflection if I’m not - reflecting?
Though I already admitted that if AI wrote it, I’d still, basically, do the same thing - so why would I even go there.
I believe that our God, the one who creates, created who we are and our amazing abilities to explore, to reflect, in big and wondrous ways. Like AI.
I believe that our God, the one who loves, loves us and our excitement, our genius, our questions, our concerns, and of course our reflections about this big cosmos that we call home.
I believe that we live in amazing times.
Be eager to explore. Be eager to create. Be eager to love.
Easter blessings.
Audrey+
I invite you to contact me at rector@stjameswichita.org or you can set up an appointment(s) to meet by calling the church office (316) 683-5686.
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St. James Search Committee
Beloved of St. James:
On behalf of the Vestry, we would like to thank each and every person who applied to dedicate their time and talents to helping us find a new priest and rector for our parish community. After spending a weekend together in fervent prayer, reflection, and collective discernment, we are excited to announce the following members of St. James as our Search Committee:
- Adrienne Edwards
- Andrew Tade
- Dana Williams
- Dayana McMains
- Joan Bledsoe
- Malachi Biffle
- Phil Speary
- Tenа Mason
- Tim Newlin
- Woody Swain
The response to our call for the search committee was fantastic; we were all incredibly heartened by the number of applications we received, and for the generosity and care you have all demonstrated in your applications. If you were not invited to be part of this initial phase of the process, please do not feel disheartened. This is a process with ample opportunities to get involved and let your voice be heard.
We follow the processes and guidelines laid out by the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, which means that we cannot always answer any and every question you might have about the search process in the coming months. Much care, consideration, and confidence must accompany this crucial process.
As we embark on this important chapter, your presence and engagement matter deeply. Each voice adds richness to our collective discernment, and we hope you feel invited to participate wholeheartedly. Our community is strong, and every gesture of support, whether through conversation, prayer, or encouragement, helps shape the future of St. James. Let us hold one another in compassion, knowing that the Spirit guides us as we seek a new rector and imagine the next steps for our congregation.
Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.
St. James Episcopal Church Vestry
| St James Music Department | |
As this choir year comes to an end, I have exciting news for next year! We will have four section leaders in the fall! Having section leaders is important for a number of reasons. First, it's easier to plan music and know our capabilities with the consistency and professionalism paid section leaders provide that is not fair to expect of volunteers.
Second, as we face the collective reality of an aging choir (and congregation), section leaders empower aging voices to remain active in choir (and congregational singing) for longer than they would without support.
Third, we as Christians bear a responsibility to support sacred beauty. As Episcopalians, we particularly have a legacy of supporting the fine arts; especially music. Having section leaders connects us to these individuals and communities of musicans as well as them to us; fostering a relationship that is beneficial to all in many ways.
This week, you will learn a bit more about the two section leaders we currently have this year who are coming back next year. Next week, you will get to learn about our two incoming section leaders. I hope that you will appreciate and make welcome our section leaders in the fall and especially all who volunteer their time, tithe, and talents to make our music program the wonderful ministry that it is!
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Malachi Biffle (Baritone, Bass Section Leader) has been singing in church since childhood, but began doing so professionally while in college at the University of Houston (Go Coogs!). He owes his love for music, particularly church music, to his mother, Stevie Cooke, who now sings in the choir at St James with him.
His favorite piece of sacred music is Antonio Lotti's Crucifixus a 8, followed closely by the Paschal Troparion. He moved to Kansas from Houston in 2022, and has been a member of St James and the Episcopal Church since being confirmed in 2025.
Outside the walls of the church, Malachi works at Legacy Bank and fills his spare time reading about theology and history, playing tabletop roleplaying games, and spending time with his partner Claire and their two dogs Sasha and Ariadne.
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Hi! My name is Grace (Ryan) and I am a music education and music theater major at WSU. I am originally from Wisconsin, and this is coming up on my third year in Kansas. I have always loved music and acting, so I am very grateful for the chance to share music and meet so many people at St. James!
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Second Sunday Breakfast
May 10th
The Second Sunday breakfast is served in the Guild Hall between 9:00-10:30am. It will be a full country breakfast for our final breakfast until fall. So, we hope everyone will come and enjoy!
There will be no Adult Forum.
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Creation Care
Creation Care will hold its monthly Garden Workday on May 16th from 10:00 am - Noon. We will be trimming hedges, weeding and sharing stories. All are welcome to join us and stay after for a meeting from noon to 1:00 to be held in the Guild Hall West. Bring your own sandwich!
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Past General Conventions have urged The Episcopal Church and its congregations to pursue a goal of net carbon neutrality by 2030. One congregation in the Diocese of Massachusetts says it has met that goal, four years early.
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Dover announced this week that it was officially carbon neutral after implementing a strategy over the past 15 years that includes energy conservation, improved energy efficiency and the addition of renewable energy through solar power.
follow this link for more information:
https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/05/01/massachusetts-congregation-touts-its-carbon-neutrality-through-a-mix-of-energy-strategies/
| At the front desk for Pentecost Sunday there is a sign-up sheet for those who want to read Acts in another language during the worship service(s), as well as a notebook containing the Acts readings. | |
St. James Volunteer Night at Simply Hygiene Pantry!
St. James parishioners will spend two hours volunteering together on Wednesday, May 20 from 5:30-7:30 at Simply Hygiene in Park City.
We hope you will join us for an evening sorting and boxing hygiene products for Simply Hygiene. You can choose to work sitting or standing. We volunteered here last year, and everyone enjoyed the camaraderie.
Who knows whether you will be sorting tooth paste or deodorant? We just know that you will enjoy working with other St. James parishioners to help Simply Hygiene. You can drive yourself, or join us to carpool from the church parking lot at 5 PM. Thank you St. James!
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St. James Outreach Committee
What is the Outreach Committee all about?
Our St. James Outreach Committee is a vibrant group interested in educating ourselves about community needs and finding ways to help those in distress. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the library. Usually, we have a leader from a community service project speak to us. These speakers educate us about community needs.
With this knowledge, we can plan meaningful projects for our Wichita community. Recent speakers have been from KCSL, Breakthrough ESS, St. Francis Ministries, and United Way. Four or five times a year we tour social service agencies. Recent tours have taken us to the Wichita Children’s Home, the Urban League, the Wichita Crisis Center, and KCSL.
Besides speakers and tours, what else does Outreach do?
Throughout the year, we hold Charity Product Drives: school supplies for public schools through The Pando Initiative, diapers for the Wichita Children’s Home, Christmas food baskets and gifts for families in need, and hygiene products for the Hygiene Pantry. Each project is chaired by a committee member:
Diapers and Undies: Louise Brinegar
Christmas Project: Shirley and Scott Orr
Hygiene Products: Deb Brinegar
School Supplies: Claudette Johns and Marilyn Taylor
Blankets: Judy Goodpasture
Does Outreach work with Justice Together?
We have worked closely with Justice Together to assist with their community projects for Mental health, Affordable Housing, and Gun Violence Prevention. Committee members helping Justice Together include Vicki Evans, Shirley Orr, Scott Orr, Claudette Johns, Louise Brinegar, Gene Carr, Hew Goodpasture, Judy Goodpasture. Other parishioners have also assisted Justice Together.
Does this group ever raise funds for special projects?
To raise funds for community projects, we occasionally hold a fund-raising dinner. For example, on August 15, 2026, we will hold a free-offering Bingo Dinner to benefit Archdeacon Jeff Roper’s Spiritual Life Center at the Winfield Correctional Facility.
Please explain the 'Pocket Change project’
We also have a very successful charitable project called Pocket Change, which is chaired by Vicki Evans. Small, printed envelopes are available in all the church pews, and parishioners contribute coins and dollars generously. $500.00 gift checks are rotated to four Wichita charities: Breakthrough ESS, KCSL, Wichita Children’s Home, and The Pando Initiative. After giving these four gifts, we occasionally select other community charities like St. Francis Ministries or the Wichita Crisis Center for gifts. Since this project was founded in 2015 by Gary Thudium, $35,300.00 has been given to our community. We are grateful for our caring, generous congregation.
Who can join Outreach?
Parishioners are invited to join at any meeting or to help with any project. We enjoy working together, and we truly welcome newcomers and visitors. Current members include Joan Bledsoe, Deb Brinegar, Louise Brinegar, Gene Carr, Dottie Evans Clark, Mary Druding, Vicki Evans, Judy Goodpasture, Hew Goodpasture, Susan Graybill, Linda Guyot, Claudette Johns, Suzanne Laycock, Shirley Orr, Scott Orr, Marilyn Milhon, Sarah Robinson, Marilyn Taylor, and Vicky Roper.
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Basic A
Starting May 31st, the Basic A class will begin. It will be held during the Adult Forum time, Sunday mornings between 9:30-10:30 am.
This year's class is for EVERYONE - from cradle Episcopalians to those newish to the St. James community. It is encouraged that 'settled' members join in as shepherds for the newer folks.
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Lay Pastoral Caregiver Program
Training Begins in June!
KEY POINTS TO KNOW
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The Wichita Area Minster is starting a program of lay-led pastoral care for our parishes through Community of Hope, International.
- The program builds a community of committed caregivers joined together by Benedictine community prayer practices.
- It will offer extensive, structured training in pastoral care.
- Several people in the Minster have requested an application to participate in the training sessions.
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AND there is still time to become involved.
An orientation for participants will be held Saturday, June 6th. Training sessions are set to begin Saturday, June 13th, at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church. There is still time to request an application and get a completed clergy recommendation form to participate.
We have previously held information programs about this program at St. James, St. John’s, and St. Andrew’s churches. If you would like to know more, or request a presentation for your church or group, please contact Minster Shepherd Tim Flynn at timflynnict@gmail.com or Deacon Peg at deaconpeg@gmail.com.
And we ask for your prayers as this program and its participants move forward in a new ministry serving God and God’s people in our area.
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Style Show 2026 Success
Thanks to Wichita's Assistance League for providing their stylish clothing for the Olde English Tea's Style Show! Assistance League Chair Susan Hussey and the shop's volunteer workers spent considerable time locating accessories to match the outfits our models selected, and the models sold the clothing by engaging with the audience in gracious, unobtrusive ways. Kudos to our models: Fiona Halley, Mary Halley, Claudette Johns, Tena Mason, Shirley Orr, and Georgia Stevens! (Pictured above)
The Assistance League is a volunteer-run charity that gives its profits to three fine causes: School Bell clothes for school children in need, teddy bears and assistance to abused children, and Vo-Tech scholarships for WSU and Butler Junior College. From our Style Show sales, we were able to give the Assistance League $770. for their charities.
Thank you to our Olde English Tea chairs, Cheryl Schmeidler and Andy Aitken, for making this style show possible.
Judy Goodpasture, Style Show Chair
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Anita Bowman Hazelwood's daughter, Audrey from Dallas attended the Olde English Tea and stopped by to visit with Mrs. Wintle-Mouse.
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Click here to get your registration form for the "Daughters of the King" Spring Assembly on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
All women of the Diocese of Kansas are invited. Jointly hosted by St. James and St. Stephen's of Wichita; the event will be held at St. Stephen's from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
The theme is Peace with the Lord with Reverend Audrey Miskelley as the guest speaker. If you have questions, please contact Mary Sloan at (785) 230-4729 or msloan04@yahoo.com
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Parish Prayers for the Week of April 19
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Church of Pakistan (United)
In the World Council of Churches Cycle of Prayer
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
In the Kansas Cycle of Prayer
Trinity, St. Lawrence
Prayers for Public Policy and Witness:
click here
Our seminarians
Paul Leeker; Elizabeth Wenger
Those serving in the military
Anna Broadbent; Davis Jackson; Will Corkins; Maureen Tanner
Those in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or any other adversity
Dave B.; Mark R.; Pingleton family; Cathy W.; Diane M.; Andrew S.; John B.; Judy T.; Corrine M.; Nikki; Stephen; Jayne P. family; Jackie; Maeve; John R.: Dalrona H.; Dan W.; Nancy P.; Keith S.; Barbara S.; Tammy S.; Dottie E.; Anna; Barbara P.; Cogburn family; Thorpe family; Preston W. & his father; Lela; Vicky R. & family; Kim H; June H.
Those who have recently died
Emily B.; Jayne Pierce; Barbara Potter; Bill Hercher; Janet Christie.
Some who have died in May in the past
Robin Spurrier. Ryan Reep, Gloria Tilford, Donald Yoder, Donna Stricklan, Skip Hankins, Sharon K. Basham, Fred Bell, Barbara Mallonee, Alexandar Carlson, Janet Yoder, Jo Ann Estes, Anne Caldwell, Merleyn Calvin, Virginia Winters, Don Foster, Ernest McRae, Helen Cabell, Joseph Hodnett, Chris Sifford, Julia Goodland, Aloha Ayers, H. Marvin Bastian, John Jaedicke, Dorothy Goodpasture, Lucy Gene Wendelken, Jane Ellet, Michael Rogers, Verne Laing, Frances I. McCoy, Heather McEwen.
All victims of natural disasters
and all who reach out to give them aid.
For the sake of privacy, we do not list the last names of those
who are on our prayer list because of trouble, sorrow,
need, sickness, or adversity.
If your prayers have been answered, let us rejoice with you. Please contact the office to let us know we can remove your prayer request. If you have prayer requests you would like added to the prayer list, please contact the office at office@stjameswichita.org or 316-683-5686
Loving, Liberating and Life-Giving
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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