Spotlight: Wichita's Treehouse Ministry Helps Mothers and Children
The Treehouse in Wichita, Kansas was created to fill a unique niche, helping economically challenged moms and children with basic necessities and programs. As an Orthodox Christian-based, not-for-profit organization, the Treehouse offers compassionate physical and emotional support, and positive Christian relationships with other moms. Over the years, vital support for the ministry has been provided by the Antiochian Orthodox community in the greater Wichita area, from His Grace Bishop Basil, the Very Rev. Paul O’Callaghan, the people of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, and many other Orthodox Christians both clergy and lay. It is also one of the many outreach efforts supported by the Order of St. Ignatius.
The Treehouse provides diapers and formula, parenting education, spiritual support and an inexpensive thrift store with books, toys and clothes up to kindergarten size. Women are referred to the ministry by other partner organizations in the Wichita area, and from their first encounter with Treehouse staff, experience support and encouragement. Groups dedicated to the topic of parenting, and one-on-one mentoring relationships, help women with limited resources become capable, nurturing mothers, thus aiding both mother and child.
View the introductory Treehouse video, and visit the ministry's website.
2012 Bible Lecture Series: "The Bible and Archaeology"
The 2012 Bible Lecture Series, hosted by St. Mary Church in Wichita Kansas, Will be held on October 12-13, 2012. The topic is "The Bible and Archaeology," and the featured speaker is Dr. Nicolae Roddy, Associate Professor, Hebrew Bible at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Specific lecture topics include "How the Bible Became the Bible" and "What Do These Stones Mean? What Archaeoogy Can and Cannot Teach Us About the Bible."
This event is free to the public. No registration is required, and childcare will be provided. For more information, please see the attached flyer (PDF).
2012 DOWAMA SOYO Basketball Tournament
Plans for the 2012 DOWAMA SOYO Basketball Tournament are underway! This Diocesean teen event will be hosted October 26th - 28th at St. Elijah Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Please see the attached flyer and registration forms for details. Information is also available at www.dowamasoyo.com. Questions? Contact DOWAMA Youth Director Erin Ghata at erin.ghata@gmail.com.
Memory Eternal! + Fr. Justin Pierce
His Grace Bishop Basil writes:
Your prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of our brother and concelebrant Fr. Justin Pierce, 84, retired at St. Luke Church in Erie, CO, who fell asleep in Christ in hospice care on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012. Condolences may be sent to Khouriya Patricia and the Pierces' two daughters c/o Hierodeacon Mark Berge of St. Luke/Erie at mark.berge@colorado.edu.
Divine services for Fr. Justin will be served according to the Western Rite at St. Luke/Erie by Fr. John Connely of St. Mark Church in Denver, CO: Tuesday at 6:00PM Vespers for the Dead; Wednesday at 11:00AM Matins for the Dead followed by the Requiem Mass. God being my Helper, I will be present on Wednesday morning to serve a Trisagion before Matins for the repose of Father Justin's soul. After the Mass, a Meal of Mercy will be served by the Ladies of St. Luke at their parish fellowship hall. Interment is scheduled for 2:30PM.
May God grant our brother Paradise. May He grant Khouriya Patricia and the Pierce family consolation. And may He grant you long life.
Bishop Basil Interviewed by Orthodox Christian Network
His Grace Bishop Basil has been interviewed by Fr. Christopher Metropulos of Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), regarding the recently concluded meeting of hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.
Bishop Basil Blesses Residence for the Disabled
Bishop Basil blesses Sheltering Tree building siteOn Saturday August 18, eight Orthodox clergy, future residents and their families, and friends of the Sheltering Tree gathered in an open lot in Bellevue, Nebraska--despite the threat of rain--to pray with His Grace, Bishop Basil of The Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America, as he blessed the building site for The Sheltering Tree I, a communal residence for developmentally disabled persons.
The Sheltering Tree I is the result of much faith and prayer and hard work. This first Sheltering Tree will be a home for 10 developmentally disabled persons who will enjoy independence in their own distinct apartments, surrounding common areas for community life. Live-in managers will provide support for the residents. The two-acre site was secured with funding via a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, The Topeka Federal Home Loan Bank, and many personal offerings--totaling over $2 million.
God’s presence was evident at the blessing when the rainy clouds dispersed and warm rays of sunshine accompanied His Grace’s arrival at the site.
2012 Orthodox Institute Mid-America
The 2012 Orthodox Institute Mid‐America
Saturday, September 29, 8:30‐4:30
St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church
9302 Riverview Ave., Kansas City, KS
Pre-registration required by September 21
Download Brochure (PDF)
The Orthodox Institute Mid‐America is a pan‐Orthodox endeavor for continuing education of the faithful and is coordinated by the Orthodox Christian Education Commission Department of Teacher Training, Myra Kovalak, Director (mekovalak@gmail.com). Fr. Elias Issa, of the host parish, and event chairperson, Kathy Kelly cordially invite you to the 2012 Institute which will include an exhibit of the Holy Land. You may register by phone, email, or mail. Contact Kathy Kelly, e‐mail: teacheromara@aol.com, phone: 816.853.9998. The cost of the event, $35, includes lunch and materials.
The presenters will be Mat. Valerie Zahirsky, Al and Dee Kacere, and Carole Buleza. Participants can choose from three tracks of courses, “Scripture,” “Teacher Training II for Elementary,” or “Teacher Training II for MS/HS.”
For more information and a registration form, please download the event brochure (PDF).
2013 Archdiocese Convention in Houston Open for Registration
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Houston, TX is honored to be the convention host! The site of the convention is Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston.
EVENTS WILL INCLUDE:
- International Welcome Reception
- Country Western BBQ & Dance
- Mardi Gras Masquerade
- 21/40 Camp Reunion
- Daily Kid's Club
- AND MORE!!!
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE FOR:
- Events
- Hotel Reservations
- Souvenir Journal
- Vendor Tables
- Sponsorship Opportunities
Visit the Convention website to register today!
Orthodox School Opens its Doors in Wichita
Faculty and students, Christ the Savior AcademyHis Grace Bishop Basil writes:
Christ the Savior Academy opened Monday morning at St. George Cathedral/Wichita, KS. This is the second classical day school in the Diocese of Wichita, the first and oldest being St. Peter's Classical School at St Peter/Fort Worth, TX. Mrs Trent (Jennifer) Sebits, a member of the Cathedral and President of the Academy's Board of Trustees, wrote of Monday's opening: "Thanks be to God! Today marks the fulfillment of the fervent prayers and feverish work of so many people, namely each one of you. As I write this email, the story of our little school opening its doors is reaching online newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Bee, San Antonio Express and the Palm Beach Post, not to mention some in Kansas: The Wichita Eagle, Topeka Capital Journal and the Hutch News. After Susanne Tobias of the Wichita Eagle wrote the story, the Associated Press picked it up and newspapers around the country have posted it on their web sites. Please find the story here.
St. Timon Sunday
His Grace Bishop Basil writes:
PLEASE REMEMBER!!! JULY 29th has been designated as 'Saint Timon Sunday' in our Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America. Dn. James Kallail, Coordinator of DOWAMA's Sister Diocese program 'The Hauran Connection,' writes: "This year Sunday, July 29th is the day set aside to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ of the Archdiocese of Bosra-Hauran in southern Syria, especially Metropolitan Saba and his clergy. It is also the designated day in our Diocese for fundraising for The Hauran Connection." Need resources for that day or have other questions? Go to www.antiochian.org/hauran or contact Deacon James.