St. John's Episcopal Church - Great Bend, Kansas

09/12/2026

Yesterday was 9/11.
Twenty-five years have passed.
Tributes were made and memories re-visited. The focus on those who passed and those who survived.
The question of "Where were you when you heard?" circled around the nation.
Defining moments.
Hearing from a teacher, "Karen, something has happened. I don't think it was an accident...." Word in the school spread quickly. As it did around the country.
School pictures had to continue. TVs in classrooms went on and the was a quiet. The adults in the room were old enough or knew someone that was old enough to remember other times in history. There were tears and there were conversations.
Why am I bringing this up on the weekly message?
Because, it matters.
We all face things together and we all face things individually without letting others know.
As a church, we need to make sure our doors are open. As a people, we need to make sure our hearts are open.
We need to make sure others know they are loved. With the past that brings them to the door and through to a seat in our rooms.

Tomorrow, we will have service at 11:00.
Doors will open before 10.
All are welcome.
When I write that, I mean YOU are welcomed.
YOU are loved and accepted and wanted.
Just as you are.

08/29/2026

Good morning.
It is Saturday for which we give thanks.
Tomorrow morning, we will be celebrating 5th Sunday with our Friends in Faith. St. John's is hosting. We, however, will be in the sanctuary of First Congregational UCC Church - they more than amazing!
It starts at 11:00 with a potluck dinner to follow. Come for worship and stay for potluck (best recipes are always there!).
Know that you are loved and wanted.
Just as you are and where you are in this life.

08/22/2026

Good morning.
A thunderstorm in the early morning brought the golden retriever to bed to be held.
She is insistent. I'll giver her that.
I'm not going to pretend I was thrilled.
Saturday morning following the first couple of days of school I wanted to sleep in, at least a little bit.
Sophie said no.
Coffee and my Saturday play list quieted the irritability, but it was looking out an east window and seeing the light shining through the clouds that broke something within.
I don't think there is a teacher or staff person around that will dispute the fact that when students return to school there are stories that reach inside and cup your heart or make you laugh til you cry.
Either way, you are changed.
With that, I challenge you who might be reading this to listen to someone's story this coming week. It may not be a life story. It could just be a simple re-telling of a moment, but it might make a difference.
Tomorrow, we will have service at 11:00.
We start gathering earlier to talk. At 10:00, or maybe earlier.
Come be with us.
Most importantly, know that you are loved.
Just as you are and where you are in this life.
Really.

08/15/2026

Good morning.
Forgive the shortness of this post.
My brain is toast.
It is August.
Lord, have mercy.
Tomorrow we will have service at 11:00.
Doors will open at 10:00 (maybe earlier, the toastiness needs to fade) for conversation and discussion.
You are loved.
Regardless of the month or day or year.

08/08/2026

Good morning.
The golden was up early this morning. She just needed to go out and greet the rising of the sun. The corgi was not ready and stayed under the bench on the patio. I think she might have even been snoring.
I sat and watched the dawn as well. There is something about the sky becoming brighter and the town still quiet. Allowing peace, that can be so fleeting, to just pull up a chair and sit next to you.
Tomorrow, we will have the service of Morning Prayer at 11:00 at St. John's.
Discussion and conversation will technically begin at 10:15. However, the doors will be open much earlier and listening (not just talking) will also be open.
You are loved.
Always.
Just as you are.
Always.

Peace be with you.

08/01/2026

Good morning.
The first morning of August and it is 67 degrees outside! Let the dancing in the streets begin!
Windows are open. Air conditioner is getting a short break.
Birds are singing and the dogs are running around in the backyard like fools.
It's a good day.
We will have service tomorrow morning at 11:00.
The doors will open at 10:00 (maybe earlier).
Y'all come.
More importantly, know that you are loved.
Just as you are.
Always

07/25/2026

Good morning.
I looked at the temperatures for the next several days.
Lord have mercy.
It is time for books and movies. Maybe a swim. Or a stroll through a antique market....
Things that make you smile or at least keep you cool.
What are some of your things to keep you cool in the ugly heat. (There is nice heat. Just not today. Or tomorrow. Or Monday...)
Tomorrow, we will have service beginning at 11:00
Conversation/discussion will start when folks show. As early as 9:45.
You are wanted and loved.
Just as you are.
Really.

“Morning Poem” by Mary Oliver

Every morning
the world
is created.
Under the orange

sticks of the sun
the heaped
ashes of the night
turn into leaves again

and fasten themselves to the high branches–
and the ponds appear
like black cloth
on which are painted islands

of summer lilies.
If it is your nature
to be happy
you will swim away along the soft trails

for hours, your imagination
alighting everywhere.
And if your spirit
carries within it

the thorn
that is heavier than lead–
if it’s all you can do
to keep on trudging–

there is still
somewhere deep within you
a beast shouting that the earth
is exactly what it wanted–

each pond with its blazing lilies
is a prayer heard and answered
lavishly,
every morning,

whether or not
you have ever dared to be happy,
whether or not
you have ever dared to pray.



“Morning Poem” by Mary Oliver

07/20/2026

07/18/2026

Good early Saturday morning!
It is Saturday of After Harvest Festival in Ellinwood. Class reunions are taking place. Kids are running free with parents, grandparents and friends gathering in yards, on porches and patios.
There is a class float with balloons and poster board in the lot next to me. A 10 year class reunion. Speaking with the kids/now adults was wonderful. Hearing about babies and petting a golden retriever needing attention from everyone he met was just the way it should be.
Even better?
Laughter.
In a world that is not always easy, the laughter allowed for a breath. Thanks be.
Tomorrow we will have Morning Prayer at 11:00.
Conversation/Discussion will begin at 10:15. That said, the doors are open around 9:45. Y'all come on in.
You are welcomed and wanted.
You are loved.
Just as you are.

07/15/2026

Sometimes the very places that feel broken become the places where God does His deepest work. He can bring beauty from ashes, hope from heartache, and new life from what once seemed beyond repair.

If you're walking through a difficult season, don't lose heart. The God who restores is still writing your story.

If you'd like more quiet moments of encouragement, join our free weekly devotional and spend time with our peaceful worship playlists. You'll find both linked in our bio.