awakening the spirit -...
TRANSCRIPT
8
About 2,500 people, attending “Awakening the Spirit” events on Saturday, May 6, in Kansas City and on Sunday, May 7, in Springfield, were stirred by the powerful, Spirit-filled preaching of the Most Rev. Michael C. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. In his sermon before about 500 people at Hammons Field on a bright, hot Sunday afternoon, Bishop Curry spoke about the loving, liberating and life-giving Jesus Movement. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength,” he said, opening his sermon with Jesus’ Summary of the Law from the gospels. “And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. “And love, he said, is working for the good of others—neighbors, strangers, even enemies.” The Jesus Movement, he said, is not self-
centered but other-centered. It’s grounded in compassion, goodness, justice and forgiveness. It’s the way of love that sets us free. The Hammons Field congregation consisted of Episcopalians from churches in our Southern Deanery, of Christians from other denominations and of un-churched people seeking God’s love in Christ. In addition to great preaching, we heard inspirational choral music performed by a combined choir, including members of our senior choir, and the instrumental music of a group from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City. Local musicians Mark Bilyeu and Cindy Woolf entertained us with songs and guitar music from the Ozark Mountains. We sang hymns, classic and popular. We listened to
Awakening the Spirit
by The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley
NON PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Springfield, MO
Permit No. 1193
Change Service Requested
Are you feeling called to lay ministry? Ministry is when we interact with God’s people. Do you know we are all theologians?! Theologians reflect on the things of God. If these questions cause you to say, “Yes!”, it may be time to consider EfM! Education for Ministry (EfM) is a course of study that started in the 1970s at the University of the South at Sewanee to help prepare people for lay ministry. Today there are over 70,000 graduates who are ministering to God’s kingdom in dozens of ways. It might be a simple act such as calling on a fellow parishioner on his/her birthday, to being a model of civility on the roadways, to singing in the choir, or serving at the altar. The possibilities are endless. EfM is a four-year course of study, but the commitment is for one year at a time. The first year of study is over the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).
This is followed by the second-year study of the New Testament. Third year? It’s the study of church history, and the fourth year is theology and ethics. Each year has its own accompanying text. It is reading intensive (we never lie about that!). We meet weekly during the school year, with the usual Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Holy Week breaks. We meet on Thursday, and our evenings consist of a shared meal, worship, and prayer followed by much discussion and theological reflection. If you are interested and would like to know more, please feel free to contact me, John Svagera, at 417-496-0561 or by email at [email protected]
Submitted by John Svagera
Lay Ministry
Summer Worship Schedule
Sundays, 8 and 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.
Holy Eucharist,
(with Healing Service the last
Thursday of the month)
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(Closed for lunch 12 – 1 p.m.)
Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Speaking at Hammons Field
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and The Rev. Ken Chumbley
Continued on pg. 2
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Awakening (continued from pg. 1)
readings from the Holy Scriptures. We prayed. And at the conclusion of the event, teams of clergy and lay people met with people who had questions, who sought healing, who needed prayer. Presiding Bishop Curry impressed me as a person of deep faith in Christ. He is a powerful and persuasive orator, the greatest preacher in the church today, and I have heard many great preachers. He is a godly man of humility, humor and humanity. He exudes love. Just before he preached, he sat beside two of our children. He got to know them, laughed with them and then wrapped his arms around them for a
photo. The three of them were beaming. In Bishop Curry’s embrace of these youngsters, I saw a picture of God. God is love. He shows us his love in making us, in offering himself in his Son on the cross for our salvation and in making his home with us in the Holy Spirit. God wraps his arms around us and never lets us go in this life and in the life to come. What better news is there? Awakened to the Spirit within us, we share the Good News of God’s love with others. And we invite them to discover that the church, this Jesus Movement, is all about love, and it’s all about God.
Greetings and Blessings from the Ohlemeier Family
Greetings and blessings from the Ohlemeier family to the good people at Christ Episcopal Church! As we write this, we are surrounded by boxes, preparing for our move to Springfield and the next stage in our journey. With each box, we are reminded of the time just three short years ago when we were heading off to Sewanee, Tennessee, a time that was full of hope and promise as Mark entered seminary to pursue a call to Holy Orders. Likewise, we are now pack-ing with a similar sense of hope and promise as we get ready to join a new family of faith. Fr. Chumbley did a wonderful job a few weeks ago in giving you a brief profile about us, so I'll not repeat much of that here. I will just give you the basics: Mark, your new curate, is a native Kansan and cradle Episcopalian, with a background in radio broadcasting, public relations, and website design; Kristie is a native
of Colorado, with a master's degree in music performance, experience in community theater, and all types of
sewing and knitting skills; and Hannah (born in Kansas) will be entering the ninth grade this fall at Kickapoo High School, with a love for music, art, and story-based role playing games.
We look forward to sharing more about us and to hear your stories as we get to know each other in the coming days. All three of us were overwhelmed by the love and compassion exhibited to us during our visit in March, and we are excited about the opportunity to meet the rest of you. As we set off on this new adventure, we are so very grateful that God has provided us with such wonderful travel companions at Christ Church to share in our journey.
With grace and peace in the risen Christ Mark, Kristie, and Hannah Ohlemeier
Kristie, Mark, and Hannah Ohlemeier
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, The Rev. John Biggs, and Marcia Biggs
Christ Church Members: Carolyn Carine, Mary Luke, and Robin Luke
Reese Smith, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and Barrett Smith.
The Jr. Daughters of the King group was started 2 years ago at Christ Church. It provides girls (ages 6-12 and baptized) the opportunity to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ while serving their church and community. We have 4 young ladies who have completed the course and were received into the group at a candlelight church ceremony a year ago. We have met monthly this past year during the Sunday School hour and had many girls experience the ideals of the Jr. Daughters. In the past year, our group has shared lessons on humility, harmony, baptism, service, acceptance, and forgiveness.
We have filled care bags with food, water, socks and a prayer. We have tied together fleece blankets for needy newborns. We have baked cookies for the church staff and we assembled Easter treat bags for the children living at Harmony House last month. We would like our group to grow! If you are interested, please call Marilyn Vinson McAfee (838-5697). If we have a couple of young ladies who want to get involved on a regular basis, we can schedule a summer morning or afternoon to complete the course paperwork.
Submitted by Carol Nasby
Jr. Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King Retreat
Now is the time to mark your calendars for a very special event you won't want to miss! The St. Macrina Chapter of Daughters of the King will be sponsoring a retreat for women. Last year was the first retreat and it was a wonderful experience for all. We have reserved the House of Blessings, near Eureka Springs Arkansas for our second retreat. This is an opportunity to step out of our usual routine and spend time in quiet and worship. The grounds at the retreat house are beautiful and there is plenty of time for walking and exploring. The date this year will be September 15th, 16th, and 17th. The retreat will begin at 6 p.m.
Friday the 15th with dinner, and we will conclude the retreat after the Sunday Eucharist and be on our way home by noon. The cost of the retreat is $120 for a double room and $140 for a single
room. Watch the Clarion and church bulletins for more information as the time nears. If you have never gone on a retreat, consider this opportunity. You won't be
disappointed!
Submitted by Marcia Biggs St. Macrina Chapter
My family whom I love dearly is spread out across the US, from NY, to FL, to Denver and places in between. Sometimes I miss them. In moments like that I remember my “Chosen Family”. May Day, I was surrounded by my “Chosen Family” at Randy LaFerriere’s home. Women of all generations at Christ Episcopal came out for an evening of fellowship, laughter, chatter, good food and fun; complete with sunshine, May poles and May Day baskets. At each table and throughout the house were women that I admire. They have been and continue to be mentors, warm embraces, a shoulder to cry on, and women I want to be when I grow up! They have laughed out loud with me, listened to me whine, and set me straight when I needed it. There were women like my Mom, full of spunk; business women sharp as a tack like my grandmother; women sweet as my cousin; wanderlust adventurers like my aunt; and devoted friends like my sisters. They are family. As with every family dinner, the “village” came together to feed the masses. Many thanks to our host, chefs, decorators and planners: Randy LaFerriere, Susan Cardwell, Glenda Barnard, Jane Mellers, Robin Quinn, Evelyn Mangan, Mary Chiles, Lynn Meinhardt, Kathy Risdal, Joyce Munden, Nancy Hopkins, Mary Luke, Kathy Sheppard, and Sally Williams. We will be gathering again in September or October at Sally Baird’s home. We hope you will join us again for an evening with our Church Family, and there is always room for one more at our table.
Submitted by Melissa Hall
St. Mary’s Guild
and Reflections
on May Day
Do you have a friend or loved one that is currently on the prayer list or homebound? Are they in need of a visit or a meal? If so, please contact Franz Ginsberg in the office at 866-5133 or Mary Luke at 848-8528.
Susan Craig displays two of our recent prayer shawl additions to be given to our sick or recovering parishioners.
Helping the Homebound
More Photos
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Vestry Members:
Marsha Patterson, Senior Warden
Chris Macioce, Junior Warden
Charlie Bare
Mary Chiles
Mary Christiano
Laura Dunn
Henry Foster
Rick Luckfield
Kenny Ross
Kathy Sheppard
Susan Smith, Secretary
Ryan Wiksell
Parish Treasurer:
Tom Mangan (voluntary)
Parish Council:
Marsha Patterson, Chair & Vestry
Liaison
Mary Ellison, Christian Education &
Worship
Susan Smith, Fellowship
Bob Hood, Outreach
Mary Luke, Pastoral Care
Kathy Sheppard, Welcome & Growth
Edith Van Hoesen, Youth
Church Staff:
The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley, Rector
The Rev. John W. Biggs, Assistant Rector
The Rev. John Steinberg, Vinton Director
(voluntary)
Sheila McGinn, Parish Administrator
Franz Ginsberg, Administrative Assistant
Mary Bohlen, Children’s Christian
Formation Director
Krista Heuett, Youth Minister
Allin Sorenson, Music Director and
St. Gregory Choir Director
Rachel Murad, St. Cecilia Choir Director
Cathie Weir, Organist
Mary Christiano, Hand Bell Choir Director
Carrie Dickerson, Nursery
Catherine Irby, Nursery
Kellie Medina, Nursery
David McGinn, Sexton
Will Rohrer, Sexton
Sanctus Bells
In the early part of the 20th century and for us who use to 1979 Book of Common Prayer, there was a feeling that manual actions during worship needed to be clear and not simply meaningless motion. So, for some this meant that sanctus bells had to go. However, I am of the opinion that bells do add beauty and dignity and in so doing make an outward and visible sign in our worship today. Our bells at Christ Church have been restored at the request of the Worship Committee of your Parish Council. For Christ Church today, they call us to a renewed sense of holiness and
action in our worship. We, as the Church, the Body of Christ, are entering true holiness of time and space. The sanctus bells ring today not to dispel ignorance but to call us into the closer presence of God as his people in prayer. I am sure that any member of the Worship Committee or one of the priests will be happy to talk with you and answer any deeper questions you might have.
Submitted by
The Rev. John W. Biggs
Rector to be Away in July, Early August
Penny and I will be in Scotland in July. We will spend most of our time on Orkney, one of several islands in a chain of islands off the northern coast. We love the islands for their mountains, the rugged sea coasts, the challenging hikes and climbs, the sea birds and other wildlife, the friendly Scots and the history, including that of Viking invasions and settlements. Orkney and Shetland abound with ancient Pict settlements and rings of standing stones, somewhat like Stonehenge in England. We will visit one of our favorite cities, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and will venture from there south to England for time at Lindisfarne, the second great monastic settlement in the British Isles, after Iona in Scotland. Lindisfarne, founded by St. Aidan in the 7th century, like its mother monastery of Iona, sent monks as missionaries to Europe and perhaps as far away as Russia, spreading the Gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ.
After our return to the States, we will take our granddaughters, June Elizabeth and Christa Marie, to Kanuga, the Episcopal camp and conference center in the mountains of North Carolina. When Clare, their mother, was a child, we often visited Kanuga during the summer. I shall return to Christ Church on Sunday, August 6th. I look forward to sharing with you my experiences, especially those from Scotland and northern England, centers of ancient Celtic Christianity. (I am a Celt and an Englishman in my soul and genes.) In my absence, you will be in the care of Father Biggs, Deacon Mark and Senior Warden Marsha Patterson, Junior Warden Chris Macioce and the vestry and staff. Please tell Franz Ginsberg in the front office or Parish Administrator Sheila McGinn about any pastoral needs or concerns.
Submitted by The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley
Safe to Sleep has two urgent needs, overnight volunteers and help with washing blankets. If you can spare one night a month from 10:00 p.m. until 8 a.m., please consider a gift of your time to Safe to Sleep. The shelter is open 365 nights a year, and in 5 1/2 years has never had to close, but it has recently had several very near misses. I go twice a month, and it has been such a blessing in my life. Also needed are people to wash blankets each Monday. Mary Kay Ross and I have signed up for two Mondays; just need to
find folks for the other two to three Mondays. To learn more about these two needs, please give me a call at 861-2443. To visit on an evening when one of us is there, please go to Signupgenius.com. As always, thanks very much to those of you who have brought supplies, rolling suitcases, backpacks, etc.
Sadly, the need never goes away.
Submitted by Jane Mellers Safe to Sleep Director
Safe to Sleep
FISH
1 Carolyn Johnson
1 Kathy Johnson
1 Genevieve Haydon
2 Paige Riedy
3 Annetta Svagera
4 Stephen Owens
4 Melody Church
5 Octavia Tracy
5 Lindsay Long
5 Doug Matz
5 Elissa Stewart
6 Melissa Hall
6 C.J. Wiggins
7 Joyce Munden
7 Abby Conner
8 Mary Pilant
8 Jack Barnes
8 Jessica Ollis
10 Kelly Bridges
22 Mary Ann Bare
22 Mary Allen
22 Rebecca Welsh
22 Trisha Stacks
22 Roy Swartz
22 Isaac Donnelson
23 April Vincel
23 Edward Munsey
23 Leslie Dunaway
24 Anabelle Chaffin
24 Matthew Barnes
25 Forrest Hutton
25 Donna Rodgers
25 Carol Jones
25 Linda Appleby
26 Robert Mitchals
26 Becky Jenkins
27 Diane Costantino
27 Justin Jenkins
28 Brian Stovall
28 John Turner
28 Missy Roberts
10 Cora Gilbert
10 Jonah Hammock
10 Graham Kucera
11 Jaclyn Stith
11 Melody Hargiss
11 Jake Reinbold, III
13 John Carnahan, IV
14 Eric Strick
15 Jude Gintz
16 Sally Talbot
16 Kym Priest
16 Ashleigh Milne
16 Tom Patterson
16 Elliott LaBarr
18 Steven Smith
18 Paula Bishop
18 Janice Carney
19 Kevin Asberry
19 Grant Weaver
20 Alex Talbot
20 Gary Allman
20 Isabelle Bauman
21 Anthony Bentley
21 Julie March
Our FISH Day at Crosslines was May 3rd. Thank you to Henry Foster, our newest Volunteer, for picking up the church food and working the commodity area for our shift! Welcome Henry! Also helping were Jim Freeman, Elaine Martin, Jan King and Barb Towery. We had 55 families (144 people) and 6 of these families were new. I have some facts that might be of interest to everyone…thanks to your generous donations: Total number of people for 2016 on just our day 2,209. Total number of families for 2016 on just our day 861. Our total value of contributions in 2016 from Christ Episcopal (estimated) $5,780.39. I think this is wonderful for our church to share what we have with others in our community that are in need. It is a great outreach program and I am so glad to report the above totals. The following is the mission statement for Crosslines: "For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me." (Matthew 25:35) PBJ Sunday is June 4th! Remember to plant an extra row in your garden for Crosslines this summer!
Submitted by Pam Tynes
SUNDAY
JUNE 18
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Provence Sale
Our Provence Sale will be held on Sunday June 25th after the 8 and 10 a.m. services. The Provence Sale will continue on Monday and Tuesday June 26th and 27th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mark your calendars and be the first to view all the beautiful items donated to Christ Church. Thank you in advance, Barbie Davis, for your generosity which continues to help our children’s ministry group. If you would like to help in setting up and cleaning up the Provence Sale, please call Kathy Sheppard at 417-861-9971 or email at [email protected]
A Great Spring Community Dinner
The Outreach Committee sponsored our spring community dinner on May 18th in the Parish Hall with a great crowd of those in need. We fed a total of 128 people with 80 to-go boxes for a total of 208 meals prepared. The menu included meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, salad and garlic toast, and our homemade cookies and brownies. The praise we get from the people we serve is amazing. I want to thank our members that made it a success, and a special thank you to Terry Heitman for heading up the kitchen. We had special music from Bob C. Johnson playing the piano, and our guests enjoyed it much. It is a
blessing for all our volunteers that help put these dinners together and without them it would not happen. We are planning for our next Community Dinner to take place in August. The details will be announced in the coming weeks. If you have a desire to serve we are always looking for volunteers. Our committee meets once a month, on the first Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m. in the library. Please join us and see all the many projects that we sponsor. For details call 573-718-9937 or email [email protected].
Submitted by Henry Foster Outreach Committee Chairman
Bissett School News
In the fall, Christ Church will continue to be the "adopt a school partner" for Bissett Elementary School. This partnership has continued for over eight years and Bissett teachers, children, and parents have all expressed their gratitude for everything we have accomplished. Next year we will continue many of our events, and we are trying to create a couple of new opportunities. There are many ways you can support Bissett. We need RSVP readers (55 years old and up) each week to read or listen to a child read, and volunteers are needed to work with children in the classroom or outside the room on various tasks that the teacher instructs. There is no age limit with volunteers other than RSVP readers. We hope to begin a small writing and reading center this fall for grades K-2 that will assist children in writing their names, Addresses, important information and practice penmanship. We would also like to have an Open House event at the end of August that provides parents and families with "care sacks" that have hygiene items, alarm clocks, etc. that could help the children be responsible for their hygiene care. Any amount of time volunteered will be time well served. Your monetary support is so appreciated, and may activities would not occur without your donations. We will again support OneSolePurpose next year, which buys new tennis shoes for all children at Bissett. This will happen in August and September. Children's feet grow so fast and many are passed down after the child has outgrown them. They make a difference to so many children, some who have never had a new pair of shoes that fit, and the good news is they are still only $26.00 a pair. It really is a special day when we pass out the shoes, and those who have helped, over 30 volunteers, will agree it is the best! Look for the cute, small boxes to take
home to start saving for shoes in the front gathering area at church! The school store has been successful for two years! Thank you to all who have bought and brought school supplies to sell in the school store on Thursday mornings from 7:45-8-15 a.m. The children really enjoy using their money (everything is nickels, dimes and quarters.) For many this is the first time they have bought something at a store,
and it is useful for them every day! If we have more volunteers, we could offer this service on Monday mornings too! The money then goes back to Bissett and is spent on special events. Last year it bought chicks, ducks and an incubator for a science project for the lower grades. This year, the 5th grade honor choir was
able to attend their "big singing program" which Christ Church helped sponsor. Each Child also received their own T-shirt thanks to Christ Church. Christ Church volunteers serve Bissett School in many more ways than those listed above. I wanted to share with you the happiness that we have given to Bissett and encourage you to look at your schedule and see if you will be a part of this school's family, with some type of commitment. If you have questions or great ideas, please call or email me anytime, 861-9971 or [email protected]. Please consider stocking up on school supplies anytime and saving for tennis shoes in the fall. We will still be accepting donations throughout the summer.
Submitted by Kathy Sheppard
In April we distributed food to 654 people. The pantry gave out 79 bus passes, 29 sack lunches, 10 gas vouchers and helped 170 children. Christ Church volunteers donated 130 hours in April. The volunteers were Henry Foster, Bob Hood, Wally Munden, Gordon McAfee, Marilyn Vinson McAfee, Geri Wills, Cathy Cockrill, Terry Heitman, Kathy Alexander, Cynthia Magruder, Susan Kirby, and Marsha Patterson.
Food, low in sugar and salt, is helpful for those with special needs. Peanut butter is especially good for children. Donations of toothpaste and toothbrushes, tampons and pads, deodorant, shampoo, dish soap and bar soap are especially helpful. People in need are so thankful for your donations and continued support.
Submitted by Marilyn Vinson McAfee
Director of the Well of Life
Center City Christian Outreach
Volunteers Tim Manning and Marilyn Vinson McAfee at the Well of Life.
Volunteering and Finding Your Niche
I am privileged to have been able to volunteer on various committees at Christ Church, and in other areas over the past years. We hear from many groups and leaders that there just aren't enough volunteers to get all the important duties accomplished, and the needs are so great. Many of us are busy with families, jobs, friends, and trying to find time to relax, and "volunteer burn-out" also exists among many organizations from all walks of life. And church is no exception! We listen to Father Ken and Father Biggs preach about love in almost every sermon on Sundays, and how Jesus loves us all and how we should pass love on to one another! Please consider looking at your schedule and see if there is one hour that you might be able to donate to church, beyond attending service on Sundays, in some area that you feel drawn too. There are dozens of ways to give back to our church that gives so much to us, and you will certainly come across something that will fit your niche. Be silent, listen and see if you are able to hear where your heart leads you. You, along with the group you help, will receive fulfillment and love for volunteering, even for just an hour! If you would like more information about where and what the needs are at Christ Church, read the Clarion, look at the announcements in church on Sunday, read the emails sent from church or ask for a Volunteer VIP sheet in the office. And if all else fails call me, Kathy Sheppard at 417-861-9971 and I will be glad to guide you to areas that you are interested in and connect you with the committee chair.
Submitted by Kathy Sheppard
From left to right: Nancy Hopkins, Todd Young, Loranna Fallone, Father John Biggs, Terry Heitman, Susan Kirby, Bruce & Carol Nasby, Kathy Alexander, Tim Manning,
Susan Craig, Bob D. Johnson, John Steinberg.
T.N.T Meatloaf (Terry N Tim Meatloaf) (From the community Dinner) 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal (not the quick cooking type) 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 11/2 teaspoons minced garlic Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 pound ground chuck 3/4 cup grated carrots 1/3 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon dry mustard Preheat oven to 375o F. Combine the oatmeal, honey, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Add salt and pepper, to taste and sauté until the onion is translucent and softened slightly.
We invite everyone to join us for a light lunch reception in the Parish Hall after the 10 a.m. Pentecost Sunday service on
June 4th in celebration of the Spirit and the Curate! We welcome our new Curate, Mark Ohlemeier, his wife
Kristie, and their daughter Hannah. We are so blessed to have them as part of the Christ Church family!
4 5
Provence Sale
Our Provence Sale will be held on Sunday June 25th after the 8 and 10 a.m. services. The Provence Sale will continue on Monday and Tuesday June 26th and 27th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mark your calendars and be the first to view all the beautiful items donated to Christ Church. Thank you in advance, Barbie Davis, for your generosity which continues to help our children’s ministry group. If you would like to help in setting up and cleaning up the Provence Sale, please call Kathy Sheppard at 417-861-9971 or email at [email protected]
A Great Spring Community Dinner
The Outreach Committee sponsored our spring community dinner on May 18th in the Parish Hall with a great crowd of those in need. We fed a total of 128 people with 80 to-go boxes for a total of 208 meals prepared. The menu included meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, salad and garlic toast, and our homemade cookies and brownies. The praise we get from the people we serve is amazing. I want to thank our members that made it a success, and a special thank you to Terry Heitman for heading up the kitchen. We had special music from Bob C. Johnson playing the piano, and our guests enjoyed it much. It is a
blessing for all our volunteers that help put these dinners together and without them it would not happen. We are planning for our next Community Dinner to take place in August. The details will be announced in the coming weeks. If you have a desire to serve we are always looking for volunteers. Our committee meets once a month, on the first Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m. in the library. Please join us and see all the many projects that we sponsor. For details call 573-718-9937 or email [email protected].
Submitted by Henry Foster Outreach Committee Chairman
Bissett School News
In the fall, Christ Church will continue to be the "adopt a school partner" for Bissett Elementary School. This partnership has continued for over eight years and Bissett teachers, children, and parents have all expressed their gratitude for everything we have accomplished. Next year we will continue many of our events, and we are trying to create a couple of new opportunities. There are many ways you can support Bissett. We need RSVP readers (55 years old and up) each week to read or listen to a child read, and volunteers are needed to work with children in the classroom or outside the room on various tasks that the teacher instructs. There is no age limit with volunteers other than RSVP readers. We hope to begin a small writing and reading center this fall for grades K-2 that will assist children in writing their names, Addresses, important information and practice penmanship. We would also like to have an Open House event at the end of August that provides parents and families with "care sacks" that have hygiene items, alarm clocks, etc. that could help the children be responsible for their hygiene care. Any amount of time volunteered will be time well served. Your monetary support is so appreciated, and may activities would not occur without your donations. We will again support OneSolePurpose next year, which buys new tennis shoes for all children at Bissett. This will happen in August and September. Children's feet grow so fast and many are passed down after the child has outgrown them. They make a difference to so many children, some who have never had a new pair of shoes that fit, and the good news is they are still only $26.00 a pair. It really is a special day when we pass out the shoes, and those who have helped, over 30 volunteers, will agree it is the best! Look for the cute, small boxes to take
home to start saving for shoes in the front gathering area at church! The school store has been successful for two years! Thank you to all who have bought and brought school supplies to sell in the school store on Thursday mornings from 7:45-8-15 a.m. The children really enjoy using their money (everything is nickels, dimes and quarters.) For many this is the first time they have bought something at a store,
and it is useful for them every day! If we have more volunteers, we could offer this service on Monday mornings too! The money then goes back to Bissett and is spent on special events. Last year it bought chicks, ducks and an incubator for a science project for the lower grades. This year, the 5th grade honor choir was
able to attend their "big singing program" which Christ Church helped sponsor. Each Child also received their own T-shirt thanks to Christ Church. Christ Church volunteers serve Bissett School in many more ways than those listed above. I wanted to share with you the happiness that we have given to Bissett and encourage you to look at your schedule and see if you will be a part of this school's family, with some type of commitment. If you have questions or great ideas, please call or email me anytime, 861-9971 or [email protected]. Please consider stocking up on school supplies anytime and saving for tennis shoes in the fall. We will still be accepting donations throughout the summer.
Submitted by Kathy Sheppard
In April we distributed food to 654 people. The pantry gave out 79 bus passes, 29 sack lunches, 10 gas vouchers and helped 170 children. Christ Church volunteers donated 130 hours in April. The volunteers were Henry Foster, Bob Hood, Wally Munden, Gordon McAfee, Marilyn Vinson McAfee, Geri Wills, Cathy Cockrill, Terry Heitman, Kathy Alexander, Cynthia Magruder, Susan Kirby, and Marsha Patterson.
Food, low in sugar and salt, is helpful for those with special needs. Peanut butter is especially good for children. Donations of toothpaste and toothbrushes, tampons and pads, deodorant, shampoo, dish soap and bar soap are especially helpful. People in need are so thankful for your donations and continued support.
Submitted by Marilyn Vinson McAfee
Director of the Well of Life
Center City Christian Outreach
Volunteers Tim Manning and Marilyn Vinson McAfee at the Well of Life.
Volunteering and Finding Your Niche
I am privileged to have been able to volunteer on various committees at Christ Church, and in other areas over the past years. We hear from many groups and leaders that there just aren't enough volunteers to get all the important duties accomplished, and the needs are so great. Many of us are busy with families, jobs, friends, and trying to find time to relax, and "volunteer burn-out" also exists among many organizations from all walks of life. And church is no exception! We listen to Father Ken and Father Biggs preach about love in almost every sermon on Sundays, and how Jesus loves us all and how we should pass love on to one another! Please consider looking at your schedule and see if there is one hour that you might be able to donate to church, beyond attending service on Sundays, in some area that you feel drawn too. There are dozens of ways to give back to our church that gives so much to us, and you will certainly come across something that will fit your niche. Be silent, listen and see if you are able to hear where your heart leads you. You, along with the group you help, will receive fulfillment and love for volunteering, even for just an hour! If you would like more information about where and what the needs are at Christ Church, read the Clarion, look at the announcements in church on Sunday, read the emails sent from church or ask for a Volunteer VIP sheet in the office. And if all else fails call me, Kathy Sheppard at 417-861-9971 and I will be glad to guide you to areas that you are interested in and connect you with the committee chair.
Submitted by Kathy Sheppard
From left to right: Nancy Hopkins, Todd Young, Loranna Fallone, Father John Biggs, Terry Heitman, Susan Kirby, Bruce & Carol Nasby, Kathy Alexander, Tim Manning,
Susan Craig, Bob D. Johnson, John Steinberg.
T.N.T Meatloaf (Terry N Tim Meatloaf) (From the community Dinner) 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal (not the quick cooking type) 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 11/2 teaspoons minced garlic Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 pound ground chuck 3/4 cup grated carrots 1/3 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon dry mustard Preheat oven to 375o F. Combine the oatmeal, honey, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Add salt and pepper, to taste and sauté until the onion is translucent and softened slightly.
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Vestry Members:
Marsha Patterson, Senior Warden
Chris Macioce, Junior Warden
Charlie Bare
Mary Chiles
Mary Christiano
Laura Dunn
Henry Foster
Rick Luckfield
Kenny Ross
Kathy Sheppard
Susan Smith, Secretary
Ryan Wiksell
Parish Treasurer:
Tom Mangan (voluntary)
Parish Council:
Marsha Patterson, Chair & Vestry
Liaison
Mary Ellison, Christian Education &
Worship
Susan Smith, Fellowship
Bob Hood, Outreach
Mary Luke, Pastoral Care
Kathy Sheppard, Welcome & Growth
Edith Van Hoesen, Youth
Church Staff:
The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley, Rector
The Rev. John W. Biggs, Assistant Rector
The Rev. John Steinberg, Vinton Director
(voluntary)
Sheila McGinn, Parish Administrator
Franz Ginsberg, Administrative Assistant
Mary Bohlen, Children’s Christian
Formation Director
Krista Heuett, Youth Minister
Allin Sorenson, Music Director and
St. Gregory Choir Director
Rachel Murad, St. Cecilia Choir Director
Cathie Weir, Organist
Mary Christiano, Hand Bell Choir Director
Carrie Dickerson, Nursery
Catherine Irby, Nursery
Kellie Medina, Nursery
David McGinn, Sexton
Will Rohrer, Sexton
Sanctus Bells
In the early part of the 20th century and for us who use to 1979 Book of Common Prayer, there was a feeling that manual actions during worship needed to be clear and not simply meaningless motion. So, for some this meant that sanctus bells had to go. However, I am of the opinion that bells do add beauty and dignity and in so doing make an outward and visible sign in our worship today. Our bells at Christ Church have been restored at the request of the Worship Committee of your Parish Council. For Christ Church today, they call us to a renewed sense of holiness and
action in our worship. We, as the Church, the Body of Christ, are entering true holiness of time and space. The sanctus bells ring today not to dispel ignorance but to call us into the closer presence of God as his people in prayer. I am sure that any member of the Worship Committee or one of the priests will be happy to talk with you and answer any deeper questions you might have.
Submitted by
The Rev. John W. Biggs
Rector to be Away in July, Early August
Penny and I will be in Scotland in July. We will spend most of our time on Orkney, one of several islands in a chain of islands off the northern coast. We love the islands for their mountains, the rugged sea coasts, the challenging hikes and climbs, the sea birds and other wildlife, the friendly Scots and the history, including that of Viking invasions and settlements. Orkney and Shetland abound with ancient Pict settlements and rings of standing stones, somewhat like Stonehenge in England. We will visit one of our favorite cities, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and will venture from there south to England for time at Lindisfarne, the second great monastic settlement in the British Isles, after Iona in Scotland. Lindisfarne, founded by St. Aidan in the 7th century, like its mother monastery of Iona, sent monks as missionaries to Europe and perhaps as far away as Russia, spreading the Gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ.
After our return to the States, we will take our granddaughters, June Elizabeth and Christa Marie, to Kanuga, the Episcopal camp and conference center in the mountains of North Carolina. When Clare, their mother, was a child, we often visited Kanuga during the summer. I shall return to Christ Church on Sunday, August 6th. I look forward to sharing with you my experiences, especially those from Scotland and northern England, centers of ancient Celtic Christianity. (I am a Celt and an Englishman in my soul and genes.) In my absence, you will be in the care of Father Biggs, Deacon Mark and Senior Warden Marsha Patterson, Junior Warden Chris Macioce and the vestry and staff. Please tell Franz Ginsberg in the front office or Parish Administrator Sheila McGinn about any pastoral needs or concerns.
Submitted by The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley
Safe to Sleep has two urgent needs, overnight volunteers and help with washing blankets. If you can spare one night a month from 10:00 p.m. until 8 a.m., please consider a gift of your time to Safe to Sleep. The shelter is open 365 nights a year, and in 5 1/2 years has never had to close, but it has recently had several very near misses. I go twice a month, and it has been such a blessing in my life. Also needed are people to wash blankets each Monday. Mary Kay Ross and I have signed up for two Mondays; just need to
find folks for the other two to three Mondays. To learn more about these two needs, please give me a call at 861-2443. To visit on an evening when one of us is there, please go to Signupgenius.com. As always, thanks very much to those of you who have brought supplies, rolling suitcases, backpacks, etc.
Sadly, the need never goes away.
Submitted by Jane Mellers Safe to Sleep Director
Safe to Sleep
FISH
1 Carolyn Johnson
1 Kathy Johnson
1 Genevieve Haydon
2 Paige Riedy
3 Annetta Svagera
4 Stephen Owens
4 Melody Church
5 Octavia Tracy
5 Lindsay Long
5 Doug Matz
5 Elissa Stewart
6 Melissa Hall
6 C.J. Wiggins
7 Joyce Munden
7 Abby Conner
8 Mary Pilant
8 Jack Barnes
8 Jessica Ollis
10 Kelly Bridges
22 Mary Ann Bare
22 Mary Allen
22 Rebecca Welsh
22 Trisha Stacks
22 Roy Swartz
22 Isaac Donnelson
23 April Vincel
23 Edward Munsey
23 Leslie Dunaway
24 Anabelle Chaffin
24 Matthew Barnes
25 Forrest Hutton
25 Donna Rodgers
25 Carol Jones
25 Linda Appleby
26 Robert Mitchals
26 Becky Jenkins
27 Diane Costantino
27 Justin Jenkins
28 Brian Stovall
28 John Turner
28 Missy Roberts
10 Cora Gilbert
10 Jonah Hammock
10 Graham Kucera
11 Jaclyn Stith
11 Melody Hargiss
11 Jake Reinbold, III
13 John Carnahan, IV
14 Eric Strick
15 Jude Gintz
16 Sally Talbot
16 Kym Priest
16 Ashleigh Milne
16 Tom Patterson
16 Elliott LaBarr
18 Steven Smith
18 Paula Bishop
18 Janice Carney
19 Kevin Asberry
19 Grant Weaver
20 Alex Talbot
20 Gary Allman
20 Isabelle Bauman
21 Anthony Bentley
21 Julie March
Our FISH Day at Crosslines was May 3rd. Thank you to Henry Foster, our newest Volunteer, for picking up the church food and working the commodity area for our shift! Welcome Henry! Also helping were Jim Freeman, Elaine Martin, Jan King and Barb Towery. We had 55 families (144 people) and 6 of these families were new. I have some facts that might be of interest to everyone…thanks to your generous donations: Total number of people for 2016 on just our day 2,209. Total number of families for 2016 on just our day 861. Our total value of contributions in 2016 from Christ Episcopal (estimated) $5,780.39. I think this is wonderful for our church to share what we have with others in our community that are in need. It is a great outreach program and I am so glad to report the above totals. The following is the mission statement for Crosslines: "For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me." (Matthew 25:35) PBJ Sunday is June 4th! Remember to plant an extra row in your garden for Crosslines this summer!
Submitted by Pam Tynes
SUNDAY
JUNE 18
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Awakening (continued from pg. 1)
readings from the Holy Scriptures. We prayed. And at the conclusion of the event, teams of clergy and lay people met with people who had questions, who sought healing, who needed prayer. Presiding Bishop Curry impressed me as a person of deep faith in Christ. He is a powerful and persuasive orator, the greatest preacher in the church today, and I have heard many great preachers. He is a godly man of humility, humor and humanity. He exudes love. Just before he preached, he sat beside two of our children. He got to know them, laughed with them and then wrapped his arms around them for a
photo. The three of them were beaming. In Bishop Curry’s embrace of these youngsters, I saw a picture of God. God is love. He shows us his love in making us, in offering himself in his Son on the cross for our salvation and in making his home with us in the Holy Spirit. God wraps his arms around us and never lets us go in this life and in the life to come. What better news is there? Awakened to the Spirit within us, we share the Good News of God’s love with others. And we invite them to discover that the church, this Jesus Movement, is all about love, and it’s all about God.
Greetings and Blessings from the Ohlemeier Family
Greetings and blessings from the Ohlemeier family to the good people at Christ Episcopal Church! As we write this, we are surrounded by boxes, preparing for our move to Springfield and the next stage in our journey. With each box, we are reminded of the time just three short years ago when we were heading off to Sewanee, Tennessee, a time that was full of hope and promise as Mark entered seminary to pursue a call to Holy Orders. Likewise, we are now pack-ing with a similar sense of hope and promise as we get ready to join a new family of faith. Fr. Chumbley did a wonderful job a few weeks ago in giving you a brief profile about us, so I'll not repeat much of that here. I will just give you the basics: Mark, your new curate, is a native Kansan and cradle Episcopalian, with a background in radio broadcasting, public relations, and website design; Kristie is a native
of Colorado, with a master's degree in music performance, experience in community theater, and all types of
sewing and knitting skills; and Hannah (born in Kansas) will be entering the ninth grade this fall at Kickapoo High School, with a love for music, art, and story-based role playing games.
We look forward to sharing more about us and to hear your stories as we get to know each other in the coming days. All three of us were overwhelmed by the love and compassion exhibited to us during our visit in March, and we are excited about the opportunity to meet the rest of you. As we set off on this new adventure, we are so very grateful that God has provided us with such wonderful travel companions at Christ Church to share in our journey.
With grace and peace in the risen Christ Mark, Kristie, and Hannah Ohlemeier
Kristie, Mark, and Hannah Ohlemeier
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, The Rev. John Biggs, and Marcia Biggs
Christ Church Members: Carolyn Carine, Mary Luke, and Robin Luke
Reese Smith, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, and Barrett Smith.
The Jr. Daughters of the King group was started 2 years ago at Christ Church. It provides girls (ages 6-12 and baptized) the opportunity to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ while serving their church and community. We have 4 young ladies who have completed the course and were received into the group at a candlelight church ceremony a year ago. We have met monthly this past year during the Sunday School hour and had many girls experience the ideals of the Jr. Daughters. In the past year, our group has shared lessons on humility, harmony, baptism, service, acceptance, and forgiveness.
We have filled care bags with food, water, socks and a prayer. We have tied together fleece blankets for needy newborns. We have baked cookies for the church staff and we assembled Easter treat bags for the children living at Harmony House last month. We would like our group to grow! If you are interested, please call Marilyn Vinson McAfee (838-5697). If we have a couple of young ladies who want to get involved on a regular basis, we can schedule a summer morning or afternoon to complete the course paperwork.
Submitted by Carol Nasby
Jr. Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King Retreat
Now is the time to mark your calendars for a very special event you won't want to miss! The St. Macrina Chapter of Daughters of the King will be sponsoring a retreat for women. Last year was the first retreat and it was a wonderful experience for all. We have reserved the House of Blessings, near Eureka Springs Arkansas for our second retreat. This is an opportunity to step out of our usual routine and spend time in quiet and worship. The grounds at the retreat house are beautiful and there is plenty of time for walking and exploring. The date this year will be September 15th, 16th, and 17th. The retreat will begin at 6 p.m.
Friday the 15th with dinner, and we will conclude the retreat after the Sunday Eucharist and be on our way home by noon. The cost of the retreat is $120 for a double room and $140 for a single
room. Watch the Clarion and church bulletins for more information as the time nears. If you have never gone on a retreat, consider this opportunity. You won't be
disappointed!
Submitted by Marcia Biggs St. Macrina Chapter
My family whom I love dearly is spread out across the US, from NY, to FL, to Denver and places in between. Sometimes I miss them. In moments like that I remember my “Chosen Family”. May Day, I was surrounded by my “Chosen Family” at Randy LaFerriere’s home. Women of all generations at Christ Episcopal came out for an evening of fellowship, laughter, chatter, good food and fun; complete with sunshine, May poles and May Day baskets. At each table and throughout the house were women that I admire. They have been and continue to be mentors, warm embraces, a shoulder to cry on, and women I want to be when I grow up! They have laughed out loud with me, listened to me whine, and set me straight when I needed it. There were women like my Mom, full of spunk; business women sharp as a tack like my grandmother; women sweet as my cousin; wanderlust adventurers like my aunt; and devoted friends like my sisters. They are family. As with every family dinner, the “village” came together to feed the masses. Many thanks to our host, chefs, decorators and planners: Randy LaFerriere, Susan Cardwell, Glenda Barnard, Jane Mellers, Robin Quinn, Evelyn Mangan, Mary Chiles, Lynn Meinhardt, Kathy Risdal, Joyce Munden, Nancy Hopkins, Mary Luke, Kathy Sheppard, and Sally Williams. We will be gathering again in September or October at Sally Baird’s home. We hope you will join us again for an evening with our Church Family, and there is always room for one more at our table.
Submitted by Melissa Hall
St. Mary’s Guild
and Reflections
on May Day
Do you have a friend or loved one that is currently on the prayer list or homebound? Are they in need of a visit or a meal? If so, please contact Franz Ginsberg in the office at 866-5133 or Mary Luke at 848-8528.
Susan Craig displays two of our recent prayer shawl additions to be given to our sick or recovering parishioners.
Helping the Homebound
More Photos
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About 2,500 people, attending “Awakening the Spirit” events on Saturday, May 6, in Kansas City and on Sunday, May 7, in Springfield, were stirred by the powerful, Spirit-filled preaching of the Most Rev. Michael C. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. In his sermon before about 500 people at Hammons Field on a bright, hot Sunday afternoon, Bishop Curry spoke about the loving, liberating and life-giving Jesus Movement. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength,” he said, opening his sermon with Jesus’ Summary of the Law from the gospels. “And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. “And love, he said, is working for the good of others—neighbors, strangers, even enemies.” The Jesus Movement, he said, is not self-
centered but other-centered. It’s grounded in compassion, goodness, justice and forgiveness. It’s the way of love that sets us free. The Hammons Field congregation consisted of Episcopalians from churches in our Southern Deanery, of Christians from other denominations and of un-churched people seeking God’s love in Christ. In addition to great preaching, we heard inspirational choral music performed by a combined choir, including members of our senior choir, and the instrumental music of a group from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City. Local musicians Mark Bilyeu and Cindy Woolf entertained us with songs and guitar music from the Ozark Mountains. We sang hymns, classic and popular. We listened to
Awakening the Spirit
by The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley
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Are you feeling called to lay ministry? Ministry is when we interact with God’s people. Do you know we are all theologians?! Theologians reflect on the things of God. If these questions cause you to say, “Yes!”, it may be time to consider EfM! Education for Ministry (EfM) is a course of study that started in the 1970s at the University of the South at Sewanee to help prepare people for lay ministry. Today there are over 70,000 graduates who are ministering to God’s kingdom in dozens of ways. It might be a simple act such as calling on a fellow parishioner on his/her birthday, to being a model of civility on the roadways, to singing in the choir, or serving at the altar. The possibilities are endless. EfM is a four-year course of study, but the commitment is for one year at a time. The first year of study is over the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).
This is followed by the second-year study of the New Testament. Third year? It’s the study of church history, and the fourth year is theology and ethics. Each year has its own accompanying text. It is reading intensive (we never lie about that!). We meet weekly during the school year, with the usual Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Holy Week breaks. We meet on Thursday, and our evenings consist of a shared meal, worship, and prayer followed by much discussion and theological reflection. If you are interested and would like to know more, please feel free to contact me, John Svagera, at 417-496-0561 or by email at [email protected]
Submitted by John Svagera
Lay Ministry
Summer Worship Schedule
Sundays, 8 and 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.
Holy Eucharist,
(with Healing Service the last
Thursday of the month)
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(Closed for lunch 12 – 1 p.m.)
Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Speaking at Hammons Field
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and The Rev. Ken Chumbley
Continued on pg. 2