The Call
October, 2025
A Message from the Rector
Dear Friends in Christ,
This Monday on the Church Calendar was the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. It is one of those feasts that often goes unnoticed, but I wanted to draw it to your attention because I think it is a powerful and needed reminder of God’s care for us and the vastness of creation. When Scripture speaks of angels, it describes them as messengers and servants of God, sent to guide, guard, and protect. They remind us that the world is filled with more of God’s life and presence than we can see with our eyes alone.
When we pause to remember the angels, we are invited to broaden our vision. We live in a world that often reduces everything to what can be measured or explained, but the angels remind us that creation is greater, deeper, and more mysterious than we know. They stand as signs of this unseen reality, assuring us that God’s love surrounds us in ways beyond our comprehension, working for our good even when we are unaware.
Their example also points us to our own calling. Like the angels, we too are called to be messengers of God’s love, bearers of hope, and signs of God’s care in the lives of others. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every prayer we offer on behalf of another becomes part of that great chorus of witness.
As we move through this fall season, may we be constantly reminded of God’s protection and providence, and the immense mystery into which we are invited. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the angels stand as companions in that song. Let us join them with our lives, giving thanks for the unseen ways God watches over us and for the vastness of a creation that always draws us deeper into wonder.
With every blessing,
Fr. David
Your vestry met Tuesday, September 23, on-line.
We continue to work on the 2026 budget draft.
Fr. David reported that average Sunday attendance continues to exceed last year’s levels by a good margin. The Stewardship Committee has met twice and has set a timeline for the 2026 stewardship campaign.
Regina provided the results of the formation Survey. The overwhelming preference from the 21 people who responded was for weekly Zoom sessions, with some interest in a session after church.
The next vestry meeting will be in-person after church on Sunday, November 9.
Minutes from the August 5 meeting are at this link.
New Formation Opportunity
Fr. David will be teaching an Advent series on the Nicene Creed titled, “For Us and for Our Salvation”. We will meet on-line, possibly with an in-person option at 7 PM on Wednesdays: November 19, December 3, 10 and 17.
Is Your Directory Information Up-to-Date?
It’s been a little over a year since we compiled the last Directory so it’s time for an update. During the month of October there will be two hard copies of the Directory on the Welcome Table (under the TV screen in the narthex). Please mark any changes you wish to make in the Directory or on the attached update sheets. If you’d like to add a picture or update the one you have, Frank Baker will be available with his camera.
Dates to Remember in October and Beyond
Sunday, October 5: Church Annual Picnic after the service. The church will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, and a Bloody Mary bar. You can contribute to the picnic by signing up at this link.
You can view the current version of our Calendar any time at this link – or by Selecting “Calendar” from the drop-down menu under News and Events at the top of our web page.
You can also pick up a printed copy in the Narthex.
On October 4, St. Matthew’s in Raytown is hosting a Mental health symposium sponsored by Recovery Plus from 3:30-6:30 PM. Sherry Parker, a speaker and long-time member of Recovery Plus, has invited speakers from the National Alliance for Mental Health and other mental health representatives from the community to talk to individuals about mental health, recovery from addiction, and more. More information here.
The New Spirit is published every two weeks. Read the latest issue here.
We ALL Need Intercessory Prayer!
Even if your own life is blessed right now and your problems are little ones, you undoubtedly know people who are in need of prayers right now- the people in the pews with you, friends or family members, people enduring war, oppression or natural disasters… and our Intercessory Prayer team will be in the back of the church during communion to pray with you.
Women‘s Book Club
There will be no meeting in October. The next meeting will be November 3 at the home of Susan Petrakos (13204 Jefferson Ct, Kansas City, MO). We will be discussing The Cost of Free Land by Rebecca Claren. All women are welcome to attend. Please come anytime you see a book you would like to discuss. Dessert is always served.
October 16
Join your friends at St. Mary Magdalene on Friday, October 16 at 6 p.m. for our monthly God & Guinness Night at Conroy’s, 12924 State Line Road in Leawood.
Single Mom KC needs clothing for women and full-size toiletries. They can be left in the bin marked for SingleMom KC in the narthex.
And save the date for the SingleMom KC Walk at Sar-ko-Par Trails park on October 18 from 9 AM to noon! Contact Cyndi if you’d like to join us.
KC for Refugees Needs Household Items
A few years ago we opened up the basement of the House of Grace to KC for Refugees, an organization that provides support for newly-arrived refugees from war-torn countries. They’re in need of all the basic necessities. Here’s their most recent communication:
We need your help! Our Welcome Closet is nearly out of all supplies! We need lots of help to replenish our storehouse for the refugees arriving weekly to the KC Metro area!
Needed donations include: Towels, blankets, small kitchen appliances (rice cookers, electric tea pots, pressure cookers, etc), dishes, silverware, pots and pans (the bigger the better), diapers, sheets (twin and queen size) and hygiene and cleaning kits, diapers, maxi pads, socks and underwear for children and adults.
Our Amazon wishlist is available for easy donation! All items purchased are delivered to a KC for Refugees volunteer who delivers to our Welcome Closet.
Amazon Wish List Link
Or donations are always welcome in person! All donations should be new, or very gently used with lots of life left in them. They can be dropped off at the lower level of the House of Grace on Thursdays from 9-11am, or brought to church.
Thank you so much for your help! We cannot do this great work without your help and support!!!
Heart-n-Hand Ministries
Heart-N-Hand Ministries, right here in Belton, serves the homeless as well as others just needing a hand up. At their website, www.heartnhand.org, there is always a current list of donated items they are seeking.
Heart-N-Hand would also appreciate volunteers to assist in their Thrift Store, Monday-Saturday; the store hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For for more information, please contact Alexis Butterfield, Executive Director, at 816-322-1133 or 417-551-2470. Her e-mail is alexisjbutterfield@gmail.com.
Here’s the latest list of items they need most. Donations can be left in the Narthex.
Canned meals like Chili, Ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s, stew (pop top preferred)
Pancake Mix Eggs
Pork & beans Crackers
Refried beans Ready to eat Soup
Spaghetti sauce White rice
Boxed mashed potatoes Baking goods: Flour, Sugar, cooking oil
Peanut Butter Grape Jelly
Canned chicken, ham, or pork Canned fruit
Condiments Powdered milk
Fresh produce Meat ( ground beef, ground turkey)
Lunch meats Cheese
Juice Dressing
Baby wipes Dish soap
Toilet paper Paper towels
Household cleaning products Shampoo and conditioner
Tampons and pads Kleenex
Here is a link to items you can order from Amazon
Help Save Lives with Your Donation!
At our drive on August 20 we collected 9 units of blood. The need for blood products never stops! Please donate if you can.
Our next drive will be on Monday, November 10 from 2 to 6 PM.
