Grace Episcopal Cathedral Topeka, Kansas
January 2015 Vol. 89, No. 1
The cover art for our January Chimes usually features the Epiphany event (the coming of the Magi to worship Jesus). This year, though, we have chosen the Baptism of
Jesus as our theme. Interestingly, in the Eastern Church, it is the baptism of Jesus (more properly known as the Baptism of our Lord) that is recognized as the Epiphany event, when Jesus is made known as the Savior of the world by God’s words, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” In the Western Church, the visitation of the Magi (Gentile visitors) marks this manifestation of Christ to the world.
While the West and East may differ on a date and the event we call Epiphany, both events—the baptism of Jesus and the visitation of the Magi—are significant occasions in the life of the church. Today, in the West, we hold the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord in high regard and its annual celebration on the Sunday after the Epiphany. The feast day is one of four occasions the church sets aside as especially appropriate for baptism. The Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord are both great days to celebrate our life together—as a community of faith, as members of the larger church, and as brothers and sisters in Christ.
May the love of God be made
manifest in our hearts, so that we may
be faithful witnesses of his Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord, to all the world.
—I’ll see you in church,
Steve+
From the Dean. . . January 11
The Baptism of Our LordThe Baptism of Our LordThe Baptism of Our Lord
Epiphany Celebration Sunday, January 4
Sunday School children will take part in a
special Epiphany Procession on Sunday, January 4,
at the 10:30 a.m. service. (A rehearsal will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, in the Cathedral)
Join us after the service in the parish hall for a
parish-wide lunch featuring pulled pork sandwiches.
We ask that you provide a side dish or dessert to share.
Adult Forum in January & February The Art and Power of the Story—The Bible's Earliest Stories and Their Gifts
to Us Today
Cathedral member Steve Roth will lead this class exploring the Bible’s first great
stories through the lens and power of storytelling as we re-discover our own cultural
and spiritual legacy. All ancient cultures used epic tales and stories to teach and
preserve their values. Among the stories to be explored are the Creation, the fall
from Eden, Cain and Able and Noah and the Flood. Join us Sundays, 9:30-10:15 a.m., in the parish hall.
Thanks for your generosity
A BIG “thank you” to everyone who donated socks or gloves to “Let’s Help.” The delivery of 365 pairs of socks and
49 pairs of gloves was very appreciated by the staff. Thank you for your generosity. —Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King to offer new member class
Any women in the church who are interested in becoming members of The Order of the Daughters of the King are
welcome to join a “new member class” this spring. This six-week class will be held at 6-7:15 p.m. on Thursdays,
March 5 - April 16, 2015. (No class will be held on Maundy Thursday, April 2). Classes will cover all aspects of
becoming a Daughter and how we may serve our church in prayer, service and evangelism. The Order of the
Daughters of the King observe A Rule of Life which is a considered pattern of activities designed to embody and focus
our relationship with God. For more information, please call Nancy Nellis, 273-9514, or Arciele Ridgeway, 230-4272.
MIQRA, January 17-19 MIQRA will once again take place Jan. 17-19 at Grace Cathedral and St. David’s in Topeka for youth in grades 6-12.
MIQRA is a weekend retreat that focuses on the Bible and allows teens to discover what's in it, why we should care,
and how to read it. Registration forms are available on the Diocesan website: www.episcopal-ks.org/youth/miqra.
Analysts predict a continuing Bull Market Because of gains during 2014 in the stock market, parishioners who pay their pledges through gifts of stock may wish
to increase their giving. By donating stock to the church, they can offset some market gains with a tax credit based on
the appreciated value. And don’t forget the capital campaign gifts as well. Taking advantage of rapid appreciation not
only helps the donor offset capital gains, it decreases the need for bridge loans to finance building and renovation
projects during the pledge collection phase.
Sympathies Sympathies of the parish go to the family of James McKinney, who died on December 9; and to Carolyn Jones on the
death of her husband, Ted Jurasik. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Meet your vestry nominees
Plan to take part in the parish’s Annual Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 25, 9:20 a.m. in the Great Hall. Dean Lipscomb will give his Annual Report; Cathedral Chancellor and Finance Chair, Phil Elwood, will present the 2015 budget; new Vestry members (meet the nominees below), Convention delegates and Endowment trustees will be elected. The Fellowship Committee will provide a continental breakfast. There will be childcare and Children’s Sunday School will take place during the meeting.
Sunday, January 25, 2015, 9:20-10:15 a.m.
Ed has been a Cathedral member nearly all his life. His parents (Ray and Louise) moved
to Topeka when he was a few months old and joined Grace Cathedral shortly thereafter
(1950). He has been attending the early service since the mid-70s. He coached the
Cathedral softball team for a few years in the 70s. He has ushered at the early service for
the last 15 years, and has taken over coordinating the ushering schedule for that service
during the last year. He is also transcribing hand-written Vestry and Parish Meeting
minutes from 1888-1914 into electronic format. Ed is also a lifelong Jayhawk. He
received undergraduate and graduate degrees from KU and is currently a research
scientist in the Environmental Science and Engineering Program at KU.
Ed Carter
Dominique Shannon Dominique was born in Derby Kansas. She moved to Topeka in 2004 and started
attending Grace Cathedral in 2005. She was then received into the church in 2006. She
has participated in a Women’s Bible study, the Fellowship Committee, Handbells, the
Cathedral softball team, is co-leader of the Friends and Family Group, and is a greeter for
the 10:30 service. She will also coach youth t-ball for Rage Sports Organization.
Dominique has one daughter, Judea Shannon, in first grade. Dominique has worked at the
Kansas Department Of Transportation since 2004 as a bridge engineer.
Marilyn Trubey Marilyn has been a member of Grace Cathedral for two years. She previously was a
member of the Rossville Christian Church, where she served on the board, including
a term as president. She has been a part of the sandwich ministry at Grace since its
inception. Marilyn has also been a Stephen Minister for five years. In addition, she
serves as an usher, and participates in EfM and the Women’s Bible study. Marilyn is
retired after 25 years as a Federal Public Defender.
Sharon Durrell
Bob Durst
Jill Dykes
Dick and Judy Edington
Jim and Kristen Edmonston
Darlene and Phil Elwood
Bob and Brenda Escalante
Brenda and Chris Escalante
Denise Eulert
Andrea Evans
Phyllis Evans
Beth and Terrilyn Fairbank
Kitty and Ross Fapp
Larry Figgins
Sara Fletchall
Dale and Linda Gallaway
Ingrid and Kyle Garrison
Terry Gast
Marci Genevieve
Clem Gibbs
Carolyn Glassman
Lee Glaze and David Porterfield
Mike Godfrey
Carol Green
Diane and John Green
Edna Greene
Julianne Greene
Russell Greene
Don Grimes
Shantini and Wim Gunasegaram
Jim and Sylvia Hamilton
Lorene Hamilton
Bill and Mary Hamm
Sharon Harmon
Diane and Tom Harrington
Dorothy Harrison
Debi Hedtke
Kay Hemmingway
Sally Henson
Judd and Kelly Herbster
Vanessa Hill
Bob and Mary Hoard
Jim and Kathy Hood
Adrian and Lynn Horne
Bob and Nancy Horton
Mary and Michael Howell
Garth Hulse
Jan Jaquith and Tom Leucht
Allen and Neta Jeffus
Alan and Kelly Johnson
Beverly Johnston
Bob Jones
Carolyn Jones
Thank you for your 2015 pledge to Grace Cathedral. Connie Adams
Ed and Rochelle Adams
David and Helen Adams
Keith and Reeta Akins
Ken and Pam Alexander
John and Marilyn Atchley
Jeanne and Steve Atha
Rhonda Babb
John and Nona Bally
John Barber
Deborah Barnes
Jerry and Mary Becker
Phil and Sonja Becker
Al and Debbie Benson
Carol and Jim Bertram
Dorothy Bodenhausen
Nancy Bond
Elaine Bowen
Joe and Karen Bramlage
Barry and Judy Bray
Jim and Marty Brewer
Larry Brock
Iris and Larry Bruce
Sally and Steve Burk
Marie Burrell
Bud and Charlotte Burris
Bob and Julie Camien
Margaret and Tim Carkhuff
Jenelle and Sam Carkhuff
Pennie Carter
Ed Carter
Patricia Casey
Kevin and Marcy Cassidy
John and Sandy Castello
Don and Janet Chubb
Hurst Coffman
Frank and Mary Cohoon
Doyle and Maureen Comfort
Collette and Phil Coolidge
Curtis Cowell
Elizabeth and Dave Blakely
Ginger Davis
Donna and Norman Dederick
Kent and Susan Dederick
Karla Denton
Anne and Bob Derstein
Ron and Suzanne DeWeese
Jack Dicus
Megan DiGiovanni
Lynne Dillon
Linda Ditch
Phil and Julie Dittmer
Colleen Dougan
Larry Kampschroeder
Clyde and Joanne Kensinger
Marilyn Kidd
Mark and Sheryl Kingman
Margaret and Tighe La Rue
Cyndi and Ron Langston
Ed and Mary Larson
Charles and Mary Lear
Elsie Lesser
Barbara Lewerenz
Briana and Ian Lipscomb
Robyn and Steve Lipscomb
Darrell and Karen Madison
Nancy Manning
Bessie Mannoni
John and Sherry Martin
Elizabeth Massey
Michael Massey
Claire McCurdy
Kevin McGillivary
Margaret McGillivary
Keith and Julie McKibbon
Eugene and Leone McKinney
James McKinney
Linda McWilliams
Virginia Meeker
Burney and Elborn Mendenhall
Bev and Roy Menninger
Jane Metzger
Brad and Cathy Miller
Mike and Patty Miller
Carol Mongold
Joyce Morales
Iona and Jeff Morgan
Gary Mortenson
Don and Shirley Moses
Bruce and Jane Myers
Ben and Penny Neill
Bill and Nancy Neiswanger
Nancy and Norman Nellis
Dennis and Janet Nelson
Amelia and Jeff Newman
Nicole Nielsen
Jean North
Austin and Marianna Nothern
Barbara and Lawton Nuss
Bill and Janet Ohlemeier
Kristie and Mark Ohlemeier
Doreen and Lynne Overman
Jennifer and Marius Pacioianu
Gwen and Steve Page
Peggy Palmer
Ken and Linda Park
George and Joyce Pejakovich
Ken and Nancy Perry
George Phelps
Chris Phillippy
Dee and Tad Pritchett
Susan Raby
Karel Ramsey
Dennis and Jan Richter
Arceile Ridgeway
Roy Ridgeway
Dick and Ellen Roach
Steve Roth
Frank and Ruthellen Saiya
Alicia and John Salisbury
Barbara and Harry Salyer
Andrew and Margaret Scharf
Melinda Schneider
Dominique Shannon
Doug Sheafor
Chris and Hallie Shermoen
Ethel Shipers
Sarah and Scott Shipman
Jan Slagle
Amy and Jim Smith
Kathy and Randy Smith
Frank and Tami Smith
Martha and Paul Smith
Jim Snyder
Bob and Jackie Sommers
Craig Srna
David and Marilyn Starr
Jim and Rita Starr
Robert Steinmeyer
Bill Stelzner
Wanda Stephens
David and Erin Stiers
John and Judy Stone
Becky and Marvin Stottlemire
Mark and Sue Synovec
Don Taylor
Ann Tenpenny
Ruth Tessendorf
Bev and Dick Tilly
Marilyn Trubey
Jeanne Tucker
Jim and Susan Turner
One of our newest worshippers is Sharon Highberger, a Certified Chaplain, Grief
Counselor and Spiritual Director, and the author of Dancing with Depression: A Spiritual
Pathway for Recovery from Darkness to Light.
For the past year and a half, Sharon has led an Emotions Anonymous group at Grace
Cathedral. This is an ongoing group that meets on Tuesday over the noon hour. EA is an
international twelve-step program supporting people with a range of issues from
depression and anxiety to anger and low self esteem.
Sharon received her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola Institute of
Ministry. She has also earned certification in a variety of specialties including
bereavement, death and dying, chaplaincy, grief counseling and spiritual direction. She has
used these skills in a variety of settings including Topeka State Hospital, St. Francis
Medical Center, Stormont Vail Hospice, and Catholic Community Hospice. She also
conducts retreats and workshops.
Sharon’s dedication to helping others stems from her own experience with depression.
Her book Dancing with Depression chronicles a struggle that began in childhood and
followed her most of her life. In it, she shares her journey through growing up, marriage
and motherhood, divorce and remarriage, all the while “slogging her way through
depression.” Professional treatment helped her to cope, but she shares how it was her growing spiritual awareness that
led her along a path to healing and finding true joy within.
Sharon said that she feels at home at Grace Cathedral and is studying to learn more about the church. We are
happy to welcome her to our community. Anyone who is interested in attending her EA group or obtaining a copy of
her book may contact her at [email protected].
SHARON HIGHBERGER
Justin Vawter
Karen and Roger Viola
Amanda and Matt Vogelsberg
Connie and Mason Vosburgh
Chris Waugh
Dix and Mary Jo Waugh
Mark and Susan Weber
Dennis and Melissa Weikel
Katy Weir
Megan and TJay Wiechman
Stan and Sue Wilch
Gregg Wilcox
Mishelle and Roger Wilcox
Lisa and Tim Wilk
David and Suzie Williams
Rosemary Williamson
Kelly and Kent Wingerson
Melodie and Neil Woerman
Dean and Ellen Wolfe
Sharon Wright
New member spotlight
At our November vestry meeting, we discussed the recent court rulings on same-gender marriage and how the
Cathedral would respond to requests for these unions at our church. There is still some question as to the legal status
(or, at least, the access) to marriage licenses for gays and lesbians in Kansas, but the most likely result is that same-
gender marriages will be legally recognized. For some, this is a troubling thing, and a turnabout from what they
were taught to believe by society and the church. For others, it is a great day for civil rights among our citizens and
another long-awaited victory for the equality of all people. In any case, we are most respectful of your feelings, and
we felt it important to release a statement to the parish concerning our decision in this matter. In the vestry’s discussion, we talked about a time, not so long ago, when remarriage after divorce was not accepted
in the Episcopal Church and when women were not allowed to pursue ordination or other leadership positions in the
church. As we come to understand more and more God’s love, forgiveness and grace for us all, we have evolved
more and more into a loving, forgiving and grace-full people. We discussed Jesus’ gospel edict and example of
acceptance and inclusion for all, and our baptismal promises of seeking and serving Christ in all people and
respecting the dignity of every human being. At the Cathedral, we have many church members who are gay or lesbian and some who are already married or in a
long-term, faithful, monogamous relationship with a partner. We accept these persons with love and want to support
them as our brothers and sisters in Christ and in community. We, therefore, want to support them in their
relationships as fully as any other church couple and family. In the past, it has been the prerogative and decision of the dean not to do same-gender (or for that matter, opposite-
gender) services of union and blessing. The choice not to do this was not one of judgment against these kinds of
unions, but because such unions are not state-sanctioned and, therefore, do not require any kind of commitment or
responsibility for the partners if the relationship dissolved. That is, a person can decide to walk away from a partner
or family with no legal requirement to provide any means of support or care for the other. Also, in the case of same-
gender unions, we seemed to be saying to people, “We won’t perform a marriage for you, but will do something that
kind of looks like a marriage to placate you and get us off the hook.” Now that we can offer all couples the same service and sacrament of Holy Matrimony, and know that the same legal
requirements for care are in place, these differences and objections have been removed. At Grace Cathedral, we will
still not offer union blessings outside of marriage to any, but we will offer the sacrament of marriage to all, equally.
In other words, the vestry and dean concluded from our discussions that if we are going to offer marriage at the
Cathedral, it would be offered equally to all, regardless of sexual orientation, and we unanimously affirm that Grace
Cathedral is a house of prayer and a welcoming community of faith for all people. Therefore, we do hereby resolve that Grace Cathedral is an open, affirming community of faith, welcoming all who
seek a relationship with God into the worship, fellowship and membership of the church, and providing to its
members all the sacraments and privileges of the church. In return, each church member is expected to fulfill his or
her obligations and responsibilities as a Christian, through love and service to God and to our neighbors. In all of this, marriage certificates will be required for all weddings that occur at Grace Cathedral. Any member of
the clergy may decline to solemnize any marriage according to his or her discretion. Every member of the clergy
shall conform to the laws of the State governing the creation of the civil status of marriage, and also to the laws of
the Episcopal Church governing the solemnization of Holy Matrimony. In Christ,
Steve Lipscomb+ Cyndi Sheppeard, Warden Allen Jeffus
George Pejakovich+ Kevin Cassidy, Warden Sarah Shipman
Don Chubb+ Phil Elwood, Chancellor Ed Adams
Julie Dittmer Deborah Barnes
Barbara Nuss Alan Johnson
An important announcement to the people of Grace Cathedral from the Vestry and Clergy
Treasurer’s Report
November 30, 2014
Operating income November was
$79,490 and operating expense was
$69,192, which exceeded expense by
$10,298.
Operating income for the year to
date was $746,344, and operating
expense was $767,017, which
exceeded income by $20,673.
Cash in the bank checking
account on November 30, 2014 was
$32,316.
— Paul Smith, Treasurer
NOVEMBER ATTENDANCE
2014 2013 2012
1st Sunday .... 326* ...... 430*...... 326*
2nd Sunday ... 300 ........ 311 ....... 348
3rd Sunday .... 285 ........ 292 ....... 265
4th Sunday .... 276 ........ 276 ....... 282
247
Total 1,434 1,309 1,221
* includes Choral Evensong
January January Flower Memorials
3 Harold Harrington
6 James D. Waugh
Freda E. Shahan
9 Alice K. McFarland
Emily Jane Meade
12 Frances Gladden Irwin
14 Robert V. Wilcox
16 Margery Ridgeway
17 John Mills Neiswanger
Karen P. Welch
18 Robert Harold Callahan, Jr.
Jacob C. Mohler
19 George Thomas McDermott
Elizabeth Priest Stauffer
20 Margaret G. Patton
Mary Thomas
23 Lisa Ridgeway Vanatta
26 Augusta Wood Lescher
Taylor W. Hunter
27 Lizzie Brouard Crow
28 Belle Hatch Glenn
Hulda Christine Bell
30 Arline N. Baer
31 Jennie Lescher Ferry
Alyce I. Wilcox
1 David Porterfield
3 Kristen Edmonston
4 Tessa Howell
5 Steve Roth
7 Jim Bertram
8 Ron Cooke
9 Neta Jeffus
Roger Viola
11 Rochelle Adams
Marilyn Atchley
John Bally
13 Beth Fairbank
14 Mary Becker
Burney Mendenhall
15 Karen Bramlage
Jeanne Tucker
16 Dominique Shannon
21 Jocelyn Escalante
Nancy Nellis
22 Joyce Morales
23 Nancy Manning
Claire McCurdy
Mandi Walter
24 Joseph Bramlage
26 Sam Langston
28 Randy Smith
30 Kevin McGillivary
About the window… The stained glass window on this month’s cover shows the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Matthew 3:13-17) This is the center of three large windows on the west side of the nave.
2015 offering envelopes 2015 envelope sets are available on the west side of the Cathedral. We save over $2.00 in postage for each set picked up. Using the assigned numbers helps the counters in both accuracy and convenience.
A couple of years ago, over 100 members of
Grace Cathedral participated in the Bible
Challenge, a program and pilgrimage through
the entire Bible in one year. If you missed that
challenge or want to do it again, the Bible
Challenge is being offered online through
Trinity Church, Wall Street. You will receive weekly reading reminders and
instructions, daily reflections, an online support community and even quarterly
in-person meet ups, if you desire. Your level of participation is up to you. You
can also choose the full Bible challenge; the Old Testament Challenge; or the
New Testament (plus Psalms) Challenge. The challenge is facilitated by the
Rev. Daniel Simons.
To participate, register online at www.trinitywalllstreet.org and then purchase
a book, The Bible Challenge: Read the Bible in a Year, edited by the Rev.
Marek Zabriskie, available at Amazon.com. If the book is not in your budget,
contact Father Simons for a free copy at [email protected]. Call
347-601-9612 for more information.
Bible Challenge
Weekly Schedule Sunday
8:30 a.m.—Holy Communion, Rite I
9:30 a.m.—Sunday School (Sept.-May)
10:30 a.m.—Children’s Chapel
10:30 a.m.—Holy Communion, Rite II
Wednesday
12:10 p.m.—Holy Communion
Grace Cathedral, Topeka, Kansas — A House of Prayer for all People and a National Jubilee Ministry Center of the Episcopal Church
GRACE CATHEDRAL CLERGY
The Very Reverend Steve Lipscomb, Dean
The Reverend George Pejakovich, Assistant to the Dean
Deacon Donald Chubb
CATHEDRAL STAFF
Kent Wingerson, Cathedral Verger/Finance Manager
Connie Vosburgh, Office Administrator
Steve Burk, Organist/Choirmaster
Sylvia Hamilton, Assistant Organist
Michael Massey, Ministry Coordinator
Kathy Smith, Director of Children’s Ministries
Lisa Wilk, Youth Director
Michael Godfrey, Sexton
John Barber, Security
VESTRY OF GRACE CATHEDRAL
Cynthia Sheppeard Langston, Senior Warden; Kevin Cassidy, Junior Warden
Paul Smith, Treasurer; Phil Elwood, Chancellor
Julie Dittmer, Barbara Nuss, Allen Jeffus, Sarah Shipman,
Ed Adams, Deborah Barnes, Alan Johnson
2015
701 SW Eighth Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3219
(785) 235-3457 • Fax (785) 235-1863
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.GraceCathedralTopeka.org