Reflections

from Rev. Audrey



Beloved of God -

Waiting in the wings or backstage has changed a lot since I was on stage. Because the last time I was in a major production was...a long time ago!

It was my honor to be able to play a very, very bit part in The Sound of Music this past week and weekend. When John asked I was hesitant because I could not commit time to rehearsal schedules that are normally required for such a major musical production. And, we worked out a

role that I could manage and not drive a director crazy...well too much anyway.

I have a variety of reflections on this past experience, how talented the cast and crew are, the exuberance of children, and the seriousness too. It was a joy to be able to participate.

The Guild Hall Players and the many productions that they offer throughout the season and for the many years that they have been performing here at St. James is both remarkable and unique. Relatively few churches would be so bold as to open up their space to this sort of ongoing ministry.

Sharing space with others, whether those others are members within the church or community or complete strangers, this is the work of God. Hospitality. Building relationships. Opening up hearts. Laughing. Crying. Getting to know folks in a different setting, getting to know oneself in

this different setting. This is a gift.

I was strongly reminded of this during my brief little foray back into theatre.

Walking into a church can be hard for some people. The church has, for her whole lifetime, sadly, done much damage. I have ministered to too many people who have been hurt by the church and have been hesitant to even walk back through the doors.

Your simple act of generosity of space and time and treasure is like putting out a huge welcome sign. You are welcome here! This may seem simple, but it is salve to one who has been hurt or damaged in some way by a careless church member or minister or theology.

So, take a bow!

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.

Parish News and Updates

Invite/Welcome/Connect and the Guild Hall Players

The Sound of Music, the latest GHP production, was sold out for the entire run at St. James (even squeezing in 25 extra seats each night). It was over the top. Our Invite/Welcome/Connect was on full display. The play itself was the Invite. Members of the Welcome committee were in the lobby when the doors opened and we Welcomed and, by extension, Connected, as the guests arrived. Thanks to Marilyn Milhon, John Robison and Vicki Evans. It was fun to see the excited theatregoers and know they would soon see a most magnificent production.

I am so grateful to all who work tirelessly, and who follow their passion for performance and the arts, and to share that with us.

Deb Bagby

 Update from the Rector Search Committee

Canon Patrick Funston will be with St. James this weekend to celebrate in the worship services. On Sunday after church, he will be meeting with the Search Committee to move into the next phase of the rector search.

Preserves: A Kansas Story

Please join us for a free, one-day-only staged reading of PRESERVES, an original feature film my Michah Ariel Watson. Hosted by Micah Ariel Watson, African American Museum and the Arts Council. 2:30 pm Sunday, July 26, in the Guild Hall. All are invited.

Back to School



The Outreach Committee' s Back to School drive starts Saturday July 18 and lasts for two weeks. School supplies and hygiene products are needed. Please leave your donations at the front entrance. Donations will be delivered on August 3. Thank you so much for ensuring that every student will start school with the supplies they need to have a successful year.  

PROmotion

We will come together to promote Love, Kindness, Peace, Service, Justice etc.

On Sunday, July 26, at 9:30 am (between services) there will be a church gathering on the front lawn. The purpose is to make our values as Episcopalians visible.

This is not a protest but rather a PROmotion. It will be a positive and publicly visible statement of St James, who we are and who we strive to be.

Bottled water will be available. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and a sunhat.

A sign making opportunity will be Saturday July 25 after the 5:30 pm service in the upstairs youth classroom. Extra signs will be available. 

EfM - Education for Ministry

Fall registration for EfM: Classic and Wide Angle opens in two weeks. The upcoming year's theme is Following Jesus.

There are two ways to begin your study.



1. The EfM Classic program runs in a sequential, four-year cycle, enrolling one year at a time.

• Year One: Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
• Year Two: New Testament.
• Year Three: Christian History.
• Year Four: Christian Theology, Ethics, and Spirituality

1. The EfM Wide Angle program is a one-year overview of the spiritual journey.

Please contact Deb Bagby or LoWaine Robison if you have questions.

The EHS Ensemble Club rehearses at St. James during the summer months. St. James congregation is invited to attend their concert.

Episcopal Diocese of Kansas

2027 Mission Plan Proposal

SW Convocation: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2:00 pm, Trinity, El Dorado

Please take a look at the Proposed Mission Plan. It includes the apportionment schedule. If you have any questions and feedback, send them to the Office. We will ensure those responses are presented at the final Convocation meeting in September. - Randy Harrison

Eleventh Bishop of Kansas Search:

Petition Update

The Council of Trustees has presented four priests as candidates to the Diocese for the Eleventh Bishop of Kansas. Now they are asking for our input.

1. Questions to present to the bishop candidates - deadline August 30, and
2. Registration for the Youth and Young Adults (6th grade to 30 years old) to have dinner with the candidates in September. The SW convocation dinner is September 17th, being hosted by St. James. If you want a sneak peek, you can volunteer to help with the meal and clean-up.

Click here for the link.

Revised Common Lectionary Page (Year A, Track 1)

Link to the lessons appointed for this weekend

Service bulletins and livestream links:

8:30 Rite I; 5:30 & 10:45 Rite II; 10:45 livestream

PDF of the Book of Common Prayer

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer:

The Anglican Church of Tanzania   

In the World Council of Churches Cycle of Prayer:

Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda

In the Kansas Cycle of Prayer:

St. Francis, Overland Park

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

Kurt S., Emalyn & George, the Rogers family and Sandy; Abhijit Tim, Rick W.; Blanche P.; Laura S; Daiman; Andrew S.; Harrison family; Johnson O.; Charles W.; David’s family; Darin C.; Nena; Dave B.; Mark R.; Pingleton family; Cathy W.; Diane M.; John B.; Corrine M.; Nikki; Stephen; Jackie; Maeve; Dan W.; Nancy P.; Tammy S.; Cogburn family; Thorpe family; Lela; Kim H; June H.

We remember those who have recently died

Wayne Wheeler, Dal Harrison; David; Judy Thompson; Julie (Hain);

Tom Gossen; Barbara Swain

We remember those who have died in July in the past

Beverly Calvert, Scott Johnson, Anne Coffin, Ken Breeden, Betty Shaw, Anne Kappelman, Iva McPherson, John Webb, Myron Dannar, Ray Fleming, Charles Forsythe, Kathie Molamphy, Bertha Milbank, Evelyn Tanner, C.Q. Chandler, Bob Sarver, Charles Black, Ernestine Laing, Gladys Ash, James Voels, Thelma Dewell, Lucile Stubbs, Nancy Garretson, E. Rine, John Sandlin

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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