Reflections

from Rev. Audrey



Beloved of God -

Sitting in the pews. I had the opportunity this past Sunday to sit in the pews with ya’ll for the 8:30 and 10:45 services. It surprised some folks. I’ve not been able to enjoy this “view” since I arrived, and I very much appreciated it.

Being able to see what you all see is a treat and important.

It is also my reminder that when I’m working, I rarely worship. Not that I don’t find participating in the worship of the church significant and of value, but it is different. When I’m home, I enjoy sitting in the pews at the little church that has adopted me and asks very little of me too - as far

as my capacity as an ordained clergy person.

Sometimes I sing in the choir, sometimes I read, sometimes I do preside, I rarely accept the invitation to preach though. Unless Will, the priest is really feeling desperate - I may have some sympathy. I do know how this works.

The power of sitting amongst you all, the family, the faithful, the beloved people of God is a joy and a gift and a treasure. I hope that you find this the case as well. I pray for you as I ask you to pray for me.

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.

Parish News and Updates

 Update from the Rector Search Committee

The Search Committee recently met with Canon Patrick Funston to receive guidance beginning phase 2 of our search for a new rector. 

Members of our team are working on our profile, with counsel from Reverend Audrey. The profile is reflective of our many listening sessions so many of you generously attended. The profile will be shared with the congregation when approved by Reverend Audrey. 

Thank you for your support and prayers. 

Back to School



The Outreach Committee' s Back to School drive started Saturday, July 18. School supplies and hygiene products are needed. Please leave your donations at the front entrance. This is the final weekend to bring your items. 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.  

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

OUTREACH MEETING

Tuesday, August 4 at 4:00 pm in Library

At Tuesday's Outreach meeting, we will plan our Bingo Dinner Night for the congregation on August 15. Join us to plan the menu and the fun games for all.

Justice Sunday at St. James

Sunday, August 23, will be Justice Sunday at St. James to help promote awareness and support of our local partner organization, Justice Together. 

Justice Together is ecumenical organization that works to identify ongoing community challenges that can be most effectively addressed through a collaborative, systems-based approach.

On Justice Sunday, Father Andy Houltberg will provide the sermon, which will have a justice-related theme. That same day, there will be a special plate offering dedicated to supporting the ongoing efforts of Justice Together.

In preparation for Justice Sunday, Father Andy and clients from Breakthrough who have benefitted from the work of Justice Together will join us for Adult Forum on August 16 to share their perspectives. 

Please watch for more information related to Justice Together’s work and plan to participate in Justice Sunday! for all.

EfM - Education for Ministry

Fall registration for EfM: Classic and Wide Angle opens. The 2026-2027 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.

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, 5:30-6:30 pm, being hosted by St. James. If you want a sneak peek, you can volunteer to help with the meal and clean-up.
3. On September 17th, 7:30-9:00 pm, all are invited to St. Stephen's to meet the candidates. No registration required.

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 Church of the Province of Uganda

In the World Council of Churches Cycle of Prayer:

Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe

In the Kansas Cycle of Prayer:

Pray for St. David’s, Topeka

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

Lombardo family; 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

Sarah Petty; Shirley; Wayne Wheeler, Dal Harrison; David;

Judy Thompson; Julie (Hain); Tom Gossen; Barbara Swain

We remember some of those who have died in August in the past

Janis Cooper; Bob Cowdery; Sage Joyner; Judy Wilkinson; Nan King;

Jim Basham; Duane Rector; Betty Blair; Roger Nyenhuis; Brenda Wright; Richard Lewis; Cynthia Rutherford; Lois Griffith; Robert Clark;

Diane Lewis; Dean Ritchie; Brian Kahl; Cathy Lawrence; Jewellean Alford; Elisabeth Wannow; Toby Graves; Lloyd Tritle.

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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