Gratitude Across Generations

Beloved Grace Family,

This past week we celebrated Thanksgiving—a holiday that has always marked the beginning of the season of light, hope, and gathering for me. When I was a child, Thanksgiving meant piling into the car and heading out to my Great Aunt Lelah’s farm. That old homestead, rooted in our family since the 1870s, seemed to hold the memories of generations in its fields and fence lines.

Every year the family crowded in for a traditional meal—turkey fresh from the farm, stuffing, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, and a choice of pumpkin or apple pie. (I always chose both.) I began at the kids’ table, but as the years passed and the older generations slipped into memory, I found my place among the grown-ups—listening as they shared stories of both joy and worry, humor and hard-earned wisdom.

After the dishes were washed and put away, we bundled up and went out to “walk the land,” visiting the old cabin where Aunt Lelah’s parents first lived, checking on the cattle in the barn, and admiring the stark beauty of a Kansas November. Those memories feel fond and distant now. Aunt Lelah has been gone more than thirty years, as have so many of that generation. The farm belongs to another family. I miss the connection to that place, and to those people who shaped my early understanding of what it means to gather, remember, and give thanks.

This year, Rachel and I are celebrating Thanksgiving in our new home in Wichita—with kids home from school, friends around the table, and my mother here with us. The turkey and stuffing have been replaced with vegetarian alternatives, but the green bean casserole endures. And while we won’t be “walking the land” on the farm, we look forward to strolling through College Hill to take in the Christmas lights against the crisp evening air.

This year, I am filled with gratitude—gratitude for being called to Grace Presbyterian, gratitude for the privilege of opening our home, gratitude for abundance that I too often take for granted, and gratitude for the chance to create new memories and traditions with my children.

I hope that however you celebrated Thanksgiving, you found yourself blessed with fellowship, food, and a heart stirred by gratitude for the gifts God has placed in your life. And as we turn toward Advent, I look forward to “walking together” into this season—living with creative anticipation for the gift of God who meets us right here, in our stories old and new, with hope that breaks in.

See you in Church.

With gratitude,
Pastor Kevin

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Grace in Placetas

Dear Friends,
Last week, I traveled with four members of our mission team to visit our partners in Placetas, Cuba. We brought medicines, craft supplies, holiday decorations—and funds generously donated by our congregation and the Presbytery of Southern Kansas to help install a solar backup system for their church. Their gratitude was deep and sincere, and this gift will strengthen their ministry in powerful ways.
From the beginning, we were welcomed into a vibrant congregation full of life and hope. We joined children as they re-enacted the story of the friends who lowered a man through the roof to meet Jesus (Luke 5:17–39), learning together about faith and friendship. We spent time with seniors in their weekly “third stage” program, where the church offers check-ups, conversation, and exercises for body and mind. Their joy and resilience were inspiring.
On Saturday evening, adults and families gathered with us for food, music, and dancing—even without electricity! We shared favorite dishes from the U.S., enjoyed homemade Cuban recipes, and sang along to impromptu renditions of “Imagine” and “Hotel California.” Fellowship like that needs no translation.
On Sunday we joined the congregation for worship. The scripture reading, Ephesians 2:14–22, reminded us that Christ “is our peace,” breaking down dividing walls to make us one household of God. Pastor Anier preached in both English and Spanish so all could hear and understand. Worshiping together was a powerful reminder that the Church is larger and more beautiful than any one community.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel with our team and to strengthen the ties that bind us as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Placetas church is doing remarkable ministry—caring for seniors, nurturing children, supporting families, and serving their community with joy and trust in God’s provision. On the drive from the airport, Pastor Anier said, “God helped us build the church building; now we are building the Church.” Their commitment to mission beyond the walls is a model for us all.
We will return to Placetas in February. If you’d like to join the next team, please contact Carolyn Shaw or Darcy Eads.
See you in church!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Kevin

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A Sunday Filled with Grace

Dear Beloved,
I’m still filled with gratitude from this past Sunday. It was one of those days where I kept noticing the Spirit at work in all kinds of small, beautiful ways.
When I arrived early, one of our Trustees was already at the front doors, wiping down the glass so everything would shine for those walking in. Such a simple act, but it spoke volumes about love for this church. Inside, Cacophonie was rehearsing for the 9 AM service, and once again I found myself grateful for Bryce, who has a gift for choosing music that fits the message and lifts the whole room.
Between services, eight people gathered for our new member class. We shared stories of God’s calling and what has drawn each person to Grace. Those conversations always remind me how God keeps weaving together this community in ways we don’t always see.
Right before the 11 AM service, we held our congregational meeting and elected Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and members of the Nominating Committee. I’m thankful for the committee’s careful work and for every person who said yes to serving in these roles.
Both services were filled with wonderful music, from the prelude to the anthem. We are so blessed by the singers and musicians who offer their gifts so faithfully. And later that afternoon, your kindness surrounded my installation service. Folks helped with bulletins, greeting, the reception, special music, and so much behind the scenes. The woven wheat cross now hanging on my wall is a reminder of that love.
What struck me most is how many things at Grace happen quietly. Countless acts of service offered without attention or applause, done simply because people care. All of it, from the smallest task to the biggest celebration, is part of how we live our faith together and how we honor God.
Thank you for making this community what it is.
See you in church!
Peace, Love, and Grace,
Pastor Kevin

 

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Top 10 Reasons to Turn In Your Pledge This Sunday

Friends,
As we wrap up our New Beginnings: Serving in Faith stewardship season, I want to thank everyone who has already made a pledge for 2026. Your commitments make possible everything from youth ministry and mission partnerships to beautiful worship and moments of awe together each Sunday.

Through our pledges, we’re not just supporting Grace Presbyterian—we’re joining hands with congregations across our Presbytery and throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), working together to share Christ’s love in our communities and around the world.

So, in the spirit of a good old-fashioned countdown, here are my Top 10 Reasons to Turn In Your Pledge This Sunday:

10. You’ve been meaning to do it for three weeks… and this post is your friendly nudge from the Holy Spirit.

9. Because automatic giving makes “set it and forget it” more sanctified than ever.

8. It’s a simple act of faith that says, “I believe in what God is doing here.”

7. It’s a chance to say thank you — for a church family that prays, sings, serves, and shows up for one another.

6. It’s a great excuse to celebrate what God is doing — and to put something meaningful in the plate this Sunday.

5. Giving is good for your spiritual health — it’s the only kind of exercise that strengthens the heart and the church.

4. Because when we give together, we remind the world that generosity still outshines cynicism.

3. You can’t spell Grace Presbyterian without “give.” (Well… mostly.)

2. Jesus gave everything for love — this is one small way we say thank you.

1. Because Pledge Dedication Sunday is a joyful celebration of what God is doing among us, and you’ll want to be part of it!

Thank you for the many ways you share your time, talents, and treasure to help Grace Presbyterian embody God’s love in Wichita and beyond. Through your generosity, we are connected, strengthened, and sent to serve as part of the larger body of Christ.

See you in church!

Pastor Kevin

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For All the Saints

This Sunday we will celebrate All Saints Day, a time set aside in the Christian year to remember those who have gone before us in faith. In our Reformed Presbyterian tradition, we understand this day not as a commemoration of a few extraordinary saints, but as a celebration of the whole people of God — all who have lived and died in the light of God’s grace. We give thanks for the “ordinary saints,” whose love, service, and witness have shaped our faith and continue to remind us that we are part of something larger — the living communion of saints, the great “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us still.

All Saints Sunday invites us to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. It reminds us that the Church is not bound by time or space but united across generations by the love of God that will not let us go. In worship, we name those from our congregation who have died this year, lighting candles as a sign of their continuing light and presence with us. Their memory encourages us to live faithfully, to serve generously, and to trust that the same Spirit that sustained them is at work in us today.

This day holds special significance for me as I remember my father, who died at the beginning of this year. Grief takes its own time to unfold, and it is best not carried alone, but shared within a loving community of faith. This Sunday, we will gather to name and remember those we have lost, giving thanks for their lives and celebrating the promise of eternal life that is ours in Christ. Together, we will give thanks for the saints — past, present, and yet to come — who remind us that God’s love never ends.

See you in church.

Pastor Kevin

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