From the Dean

Attention all lovers of Trivia…tonight’s the night! Please join us at 6 p.m. in the Common Room for Trivia Night. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to share and be part of the action. I had to miss Trivia Night last year, so I’m glad to be able to be there tonight. Next Saturday, August 29, will be Diocesan Ordinations to the Priesthood in the Cathedral at 10 am. Please join with our diocesan family as four candidates for ordination will be ordained by Bishop Amy, one of them being Deacon Richard. The next day, August 30, Richard will…

I’m looking forward to being back with all of you this Sunday! It has been a wonderful sabbatical and I’m excited to share what I’ve been doing the last three months. I have travelled to several places and had some extensive down time right here in Kansas City. I have to say it was strange driving by the Cathedral at various times and not turning in to park! My time away started by driving to Chicago for Mary-Mullis’ graduation from Columbia College Chicago. It was a great weekend filled with family and friends. We drove back to Kansas City only…

After a summer break, the full forces of our Trinity Choir will be back in the saddle on Sunday, August 16. With the choir tucked away in the gallery each week, it becomes easy to overlook new faces in the ensemble. Starting September 6, we will feature brief choir member biographies at the back of our bulletin. The Trinity Choir is also in need of volunteer singers. In addition to enjoying beautiful music, choir membership offers many benefits: new friendships, a sense of community, and helpful mental, social, and physical stimulation. If you are interested in the Trinity Choir but…

As we enter into August, our Gospel tells the story of the feeding of the 5000. While the disciples saw no solution to the hungry throng of people, seemingly thinking it wasn’t their responsibility (‘send the crowds away’); Jesus showed that through faith and working together, anything is possible. This Gospel ties directly into food ministry. There is no easy way to assure all of God’s children have access to food and shelter. We must continue to work together for those less fortunate than us, within and outside of our congregation. The food ministry at Pete’s Garden, St. Paul’s Food…

As Episcopalians, we speak often about the ministry of all the baptized. Those words can become so familiar that we stop hearing their invitation. In the Baptismal Covenant, found on pages 304-305 of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), we commit ourselves, with God’s help, to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, and to strive for justice and peace among all people. These promises are more than beautiful words; they provide a foundation for the lived ministry, also…

The Crowned with Grace chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King recently joined Outreach Ministries, led by Terri Curran, to serve dinner at Sheffield Place, a local shelter supporting women and children transitioning out of homelessness. We prepared salads, made desserts, and served the meal. Director David Hanzlick gave our chapter a tour, sharing how the program walks alongside families toward stability. It was a joyful evening of fellowship and service, made possible through this partnership between our chapter and Outreach Ministries. We look forward to returning soon. Parishioners interested in joining a future service project are…

One of my favorite poems is “Sometimes” by Mary Oliver. In the fourth point, she writes: “Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.” These simple words beautifully capture something of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. First, we are called to pay attention—to notice the abundant sowing of God’s Word and to listen for the ways God is at work in our lives and in the world around us. Then, we are called to be astonished—to recognize the wonder of God’s grace and goodness, not only toward God’s children but throughout all of creation. Finally, we are called…

Dear Friends – You will recall my last message dealt with Harry Truman’s proclamation declaring Memorial Day as a national day of prayer to supplicate God’s guidance in search of a lasting peace. One thing I did not know is that President Truman’s successor, Dwight Eisenhower, made a similar proclamation every year of his presidency. In a way, I found this fact to be a bit curious. Truman and Eisenhower shared a mutual respect for each during and shortly after World War II. Truman awarded Eisenhower with the Distinguished Service Award three times. In 1948, Truman was willing to step…

The Organ at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral One of the many wonderful assets that draw people to Grace and Holy Trinity is the music: the voices of the Trinity Choir and the powerful notes of the Kney Organ enhance worship and the many services at the Cathedral. The organ, designed by Gabriel Kney and installed in a specially constructed Gallery at the west end of the Nave, was dedicated on April 26, 1981. However, as many are aware, the organ is exhibiting signs of aging; it is nearly fifty years old, and the cutting-edge technology of its time has…

Thank you to our Cathedral musicians for another wonderful season of musical offerings! Both the Trinity Choir and the Trinity Handbell Ensemble are on a summer hiatus. Our primary music season runs from August through Trinity Sunday each year. During the summer months, our Cathedral musicians rotate from week to week, to allow each member time to rejuvenate and prepare for another busy year. This past season, the Trinity Handbell Ensemble offered music at 5 services and the Trinity Choir sang for approximately 100 services and rehearsals! I’m proud to work with such skilled colleagues and grateful for their dedication…

Hello friends!Last week, I joined roughly 280 campers and staff from the Dioceses of West Missouri, Kansas, and Western Kansas for Episcopal Summer Mega Camp, where I served as the Junior High Program Director.In that role, I had the privilege of teaching and guiding 98 individuals in the Junior High division through prayer, scripture, fellowship, and faith formation through an Episcopal lens. Each day, our division—74 campers and 24 adult leaders—gathered for public prayer, scripture reading, large-group activities (including photo scavenger hunts, team-building challenges, and obstacle courses), and small-group discussions focused on connecting scripture to everyday life.During those 90 minutes…

The Lay Ministry of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral strives to contribute, sustain and support our mission to, “serve Christ in all people, loving our neighbors as ourselves while striving for justice, peace and respect for every human being. Our worship, prayer and formation support the restorative strength of our community, reconciling all people to God and one another through Christ.” Worship is a large part of our Cathedral, with four services a week, it constitutes a dedication to provide a consistent, life-giving Eucharist to those who seek the Word and applications of the message into our lives. Volunteers compose…

Update on the Memorial Garden Upgrade and Expansion for Lasting Remembrance The Memorial Garden is getting a new, and durable, look this summer. Our current limestone memorials are weathering and approaching their capacity for engraving. To continue honoring all who are part of our sacred memory, we are upgrading to granite. Granite has been chosen for its exceptional durability and ability to withstand conditions over time, ensuring that the names and inscriptions remain legible and beautifully preserved for generations. The granite for the Memorial Garden has arrived in Kansas City and the monument company is working on the layout for…

This Sunday, we mark Trinity Sunday. Trinity Sunday is the only principal feast of the Church that commemorates a reality and doctrine rather than a person or event. Falling on the Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy and Undivided Trinity as the final celebration, after Christ’s resurrection and ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The word “trinity” is actually not found in the scriptures, but in the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. From the day of…

Dear Friends – A busy long weekend is ahead! We celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, followed by the annual Parish Picnic. The Cathedral will provide the traditional grilled burgers, hot dogs and vegan options; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Dress casually and enjoy this opportunity for fellowship and fun! Monday is Memorial Day and the unofficial beginning of summer. The Cathedral offices will be closed in observance of this national holiday but the Memorial Garden will be open all weekend. Seventy-six years ago, President Truman issued a proclamation declaring Memorial Day as a nationwide…