The Call
August, 2025
A Message from the Rector
Dear Friends in Christ,
As summer begins to wind down, I’ve found myself reflecting on the slower rhythm it brings—a breath of fresh air in the midst of our often busy lives. I hope each of you has found moments of rest, renewal, and unhurried time.
As our calendars begin to fill up again, I want to encourage us to carry forward the gifts of that slower pace: rest, presence, and connection. In Genesis, God rested not because the work was exhausting, but because it was good. Rest is not a reward for productivity—it is part of the rhythm of creation. It is holy, not optional. And God meets us not only in our doing, but also in our stillness.
As we move into a new season, with all its activity and demands, let’s remember the importance of Sabbath. Let’s make time to pause, to worship, to rest from our labors, and to reconnect with God and with one another.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. David
Signed, Sealed and Delivered!
On July 17th, Bishop Amy and Father David signed the latest mortgage documents. As reported in our previous update, the term is 20 years with renewal on July 10, 2030. Thanks to Tom Kokjer, Diocesan Treasurer, for all the work he did on our behalf with the Diocesan Council and the bank!
Our mortgage, which is disproportionately large given the size of our congregation, has been a significant budget item and has hindered us from pursuing other priorities, such as developing our ministries and outreach programs. We’re looking forward to having more resources to devote to our other priorities.
Your vestry met in person Sunday, June 29 after church.
A lot of work on the building and grounds has been accomplished in June. The mower has been repaired and our alarm has been upgraded. The Vestry unanimously approved fixing the cracks in the drive and parking lot which should avoid the need for more significant repairs in the near future.
Most of the meeting centered on follow-up to our meeting with Walker Adams, including setting out next steps, a timeline and persons responsible for some of our top priorities.
The next vestry meeting will be via Google Meet at 7 PM on August 5.
Minutes from the May meeting are at this link.
What, Where and When do YOU want to learn?
During the vestry meeting with Walker Adams, we identified Christian formation opportunities as a high priority for the spiritual vitality of our members. We already have Bible Study before the Sunday service at 9:15 AM and occasional series of on-line Zoom sessions but we want to make sure we’re serving our members in this area.
If you haven’t completed the on-line Survey on this topic, it’s at this link. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete and will help us to offer more opportunities that work for you.
Happy Birthday to Fr. David!
On Sunday, July 6, we celebrated Fr. David’s birthday by singing “Happy Birthday”, led by the Music Team, and serving cupcakes and other treats after the service. May he have many more!
Another Sunday Celebration!
On Sunday, July 20, Gabriel Sparks was received as an Oblate in the Anglican Order of Preachers (Anglican Dominicans), a community rooted in the teachings of St. Dominic and dedicated to preaching and faith formation.
An oblation is a commitment to live a life inspired by their rule while remaining active in the world. Brother Mike Malone, OPA, presided and preached a great sermon, too!
Dates to Remember in August and Beyond
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.
Heart-n-Hand Back-to-School Bash
Heart-n-Hand in Belton is holding an event on August 8 to provide school supplies for children whose parents can’t afford them. If you haven’t looked at a school supply list lately, they include markers, hand sanitizer, glue sticks (as well as Elmer’s glue), highlighters and multiple folders and notebooks. It can be overwhelming for low-income families. You can help easily by ordering items from their Amazon Wish list at this link or making a donation from this page , where you can specify whether you want to credit it to the Fire Department or the Police Department in their competition to see who can donate the most.
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
We will be meeting on Monday, August 4th at 1:00 p.m.at the home of Susan Petrakos (13204 Jefferson Ct, Kansas City, MO). We will be discussing Digging to America by Anne Tyler. All women are welcome to attend. Please come anytime you see a book you would like to discuss. Dessert is always served.
Our September meeting will be on Monday, September 8; we will discuss The Grey Wolf by Louise Penney.
The Order of the Daughters of the King will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, August 17th at noon in the education room. All members are encouraged to attend as we gather
for prayer, fellowship, and to continue our work of service and spiritual growth.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Daughters and their commitment to prayer, service, and evangelism, you are warmly invited to join us or contact Cyndi Troyer for more information
God and Guinness Night at Conroy’s:
August 15
Join your friends at St. Mary Magdalene on Friday, July 18th, 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!
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 June 4 we collected 10 units of blood. The need for blood products never stops! Please donate if you can.
Our next drive will be on Wednesday, August 27 from 2 to 6 PM.
