The Call
September, 2025
A Message from the Rector
Dear Friends in Christ,
September often feels like a second new year. The scattered pace of summer gives way to fresh patterns of school, work, and parish life. In the church, that means choirs return, classes begin, and ministries gather again.
But this return to rhythm is more than scheduling. Our faith has a rhythm too—prayer and rest, gathering and going, silence and song. These patterns help us remember that Christ is present not just in big moments but in the ordinary cadence of life.
As we step into this season, I invite you to renew your own rhythm of faith: setting aside time for prayer each day, recommitting to regular Sunday worship, participating in a formation opportunity, or finding a ministry where you can offer your gifts. Together, may we see again the holy rhythm that steadies our souls and strengthens our community.
The coming months offer many opportunities to do just that. Here are some of the ways you can join in:
- Genesis Study: Wednesdays from September 10-October 15 at 7pm.
- Instructed Eucharist: Sunday, September 21 at 10:30 am.
- Youth Group Movie Night: September 21 at 6pm.
- Community Pet Blessing: Saturday, October 4 at 11am.
- Parish Picnic: Sunday, October 5th at 11:30am.
Your vestry met in person Tuesday, August 5, on-line.
Fr. David submitted his report covering Worship, Pastoral Care, Christian Formation, Outreach & Mission, Stewardship & Finance, and a look forward. The Vestry recognizes the hours and amount of work Fr. David does for SMM exceeds their expectations, and we are VERY grateful.
Cyndi received her usual stellar financial audit results from the Diocese. They have suggested that we name a backup and Tasha Moorhead has accepted this role.
We have started on the Budgeting process for 2026; after many years of focusing a disproportionate part of our funds on essentials such as the mortgage and utilities, we will be able draft a budget which can devote more of our funds to mission-related work.
The next vestry meeting will be on-line on September 23.
Minutes from the June 29 meeting are at this link.
Don’t be Fooled!
We’ve spread this message periodically but it’s aways worth repeating. Criminals like to take advantage of the trust of people in church communities. The most common is the gift card scam (an e-mail from someone who appears to be a local priest or Bishop) with a need for gift cards for some worthy cause. Typically they ask that you send them the numbers from the back of the card and then your money is gone- and not to the person you expected.
If you’re in doubt, contact the person they claim to be using trusted contact information.
The Diocese has put together a thorough discussion of this and other types of scams at this link.
Dates to Remember in September 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.
The Diocese has established a Discipleship Team to meet regularly to strategize, coordinate, and implement initiatives that address the unique needs of our congregations. In partnership with the bishop, as well as the Children’s, Youth, College and Young Adult, and Spiritual Formation Commission, the team will collaboratively shape a three-to-five-year strategic plan for discipleship in The Diocese of West Missouri.
The Discipleship Team is also looking to expand the team with a Missioner for 3rd through 5th grade. If you have experience serving this age group and are interested in serving these families, please contact Kim Snodgrass or Bishop Amy.
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.
September 20
Join your friends at St. Mary Magdalene on Friday, September 20th 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 Monday, November 10 from 2 to 6 PM.
