Reflections

from Rev. Audrey



Beloved of God -

Being “friends” on social media apps. Since I have received a few friend requests so far I thought it was an appropriate time to let you all know that I don’t really use these social media apps: facebook, instagram, and whatever else is out there that I have zero idea how to actually get on. I do have an old facebook profile and even an instagram one - but I rarely ever use them.

I also make a habit of not “friending” folks from the church I am currently serving with. It’s a character defect, I’m sure.

I kind of think that seeing you face to face is a far better way to be friends. Call me old fashioned.

I’m not anti-tech. I'm just not sure what I think about the idea of being friends online. And, frankly I have an issue with it all and what it’s actually doing to us. So, call me a skeptic!

I’m also very aware of how important it is to be with you while I am with you and then to say goodbye when I leave and then leave.

This is not the easiest part of my type of ministry but it’s important for you and for me, too.

I’ll unpack this more as we get closer to my leaving time.

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

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. Their pictures and biographical information provided by the Diocese is posted in the church hallway near the nursery.

They are asking for our input and participation.

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.

Pando Initiative

The boxes and bags of school supplies have been unloaded at The Pando Initiative and are waiting for distribution in the first day's school. Thank you so much for the two carloads of supplies and hygiene products ready for the kids who need them. Well done, St. James! 

Creation Care

The Creation Care Group will be meeting for our monthly work in the gardens surrounding the church on Saturday, August 15. We will be working outside from 8:30 - 10:00 and meeting inside from 10:00 - 11:00. Bring a hat, gloves, water and a willing spirit.  

 Second Quarter Endowment Fund Update

 As of June 30, 2026, St. James’ Perpetual Memorial Endowment Fund (PMEF) balance stood at $1,614,583, an increase of $119,665 (8.0%) from March 31, 2026. During the second quarter, memorial donations to it totaled $4,275.

Over 99% of our Fund is invested with State Street Advisors through the Episcopal Church Foundation in a moderately aggressive portfolio which, for the month of July, contained 73% stocks and 27% fixed income. Our portfolio gained 10.45% during the second quarter and 10.13% year-to date; over the past 5 years our annual return has averaged 8.5%.

 If you have any questions about the PMEF or want to know more about joining our Legacy Society, please contact any one of our Board members: Woody Swain, Tom Zerger, Bert Clark, Mary Halley, Tom Snyder or Dana Williams.

Adult Forum

 This Sunday, August 9th, will be a lectionary discussion lead by Phil Speary. Those passages are Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Romans 10:5-15 and Matthew 14:22-33. These readings are links if you prefer to read them on-line.

There will be a portion of time designated input into topics for the Fall Session.

Justice Together at St. James

During the month of August, members of St. James will have the opportunity to learn more about the work of our partner organization Justice Together and to support its work. 

On Sunday, August 16, during Adult Forum we will welcome guests from Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services who will share their perspectives, including the impact Justice Together has had in their lives.

On Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, Father Andy Houltberg’s sermon will speak to our biblical call to do justice. On those dates, there will be a special plate offering dedicated to supporting the ongoing efforts of Justice Together.

Why support Justice Together? Here are just a few of the reasons why St James has joined forces to help Justice Together achieve its mission:

• Because Jesus asked us to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Justice Together gives us meaningful ways to help our neighbors.
• Because Justice Together unites people of all faiths, and we are all God’s people.
• Because Justice Together educates citizens and government officials in depth about the issues of affordable housing and gun violence.
•  Justice Together has proven its effectiveness by gathering several thousand each year at the Nehemiah Celebration. There they speak directly to local decision makers. And, elected officials respond positively to the large crowds that Justice Together provides.

Join us for Justice Together weekend, Aug. 22-23.

EfM - Education for Ministry

Fall registration for EfM: Classic and Wide Angle opens next week. The 2026-2027 year's theme is Following Jesus.

As a part of the studies, there are five core practices EfM utilizes for small group transformation:

1. Living in Community
2. Prayer and Worship
3. Theological Reflection
4. Study of Christian Tradition
5. Vocational Discernment. (Another way of describing this is by looking through the lens of your Baptismal Covenant, who are you and who are you becoming.)

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

BREAKTHROUGH / ESS

Breakthrough/ESS is seeking candidates for the Director of Development and Donor Relations position. If you are interested, have questions or would like additional information, please contact Kylie Lowe, Human Resources. Job description link provided here.

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 Episcopal Church

In the World Council of Churches Cycle of Prayer:

Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea

In the Kansas Cycle of Prayer:

Bethany Community of Stains Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

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; Daimon; 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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