Pastoral Letter – September 21

Dear Friends,

One of the many things that drew me to Grace Presbyterian Church was your passion for mission and service. This week, I saw that commitment in action as bags of groceries arrived for our September Yellow Bag donations to the food pantry at Covenant Presbyterian Church. I had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Joe as Kirk, Tricia, and I loaded the first round of food into his truck. He shared that the need at the pantry has grown, and he expressed gratitude for the partnership with Grace. What a beautiful example of people joining together to care for those in need. We will continue collecting food throughout September, and you can find a list of needed items in the newsletter and in the worship bulletin.

Next week, September 21 to 28, we have the opportunity to support Family Promise in partnership with East Heights UMC. Family Promise helps families experiencing homelessness find stability and a path toward permanent housing. While families are in the program, churches provide safe spaces for meals and overnight stays, along with a supportive community. Volunteers can bring supplies, help set up living areas, serve meals, stay as trained hosts, and help with clean up at the end of the week.

If you would like to help, please call, text, or email Kimberley Adam McDarty at 316-204-1230 or Arnp48@gmail.com. She can share the current needs and help you find a way to serve.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is “a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat.” (Is 25:4) When we open our hearts and extend care to others, we share in this kingdom work.

I am excited for all that we will continue to do together, caring for one another, reaching out to our neighbors, and offering our time and talents in gratitude for God’s abundant grace.

See you in church.

Peace, Love, and Grace,
Pastor Kevin

 

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Pastor’s Letter September 10, 2025

Dear Grace Family,

It has been a joy for Rachel and me to begin our journey with you here at Grace Presbyterian. In just a short time, we have been blessed by your warmth, kindness, and the stories you have shared about what makes this community of faith so special. Thank you for the gracious welcome last Sunday and for the lovely luncheon following worship. We are deeply grateful.

At home, we are still living among boxes and slowly making progress. We have reached the stage of searching for those little odds and ends, such as my favorite grilling apron, the 100-foot extension cord, or the warm comforter we never needed in Texas. I know they are here somewhere, waiting to be found, and I will celebrate when I uncover them.

This Sunday in worship, we will hear two parables from Jesus about things that were lost and then found, the lost sheep and the lost coin. These stories remind us not only of God’s relentless love but also of our call to notice those who may be feeling lost. I would like to invite you to think of someone you have not seen at church in a while, or perhaps a friend who could use encouragement, and reach out with an invitation to worship, a note, or even a cup of coffee.

And if you are feeling lost in this season, please know that my door is always open. We are all held in God’s love, and together we can help one another find our way.

Peace, Grace, and Love,
Pastor Kevin

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A Word from Pastor Kevin

Dear Grace Family,

This first week at Grace Presbyterian has been both full and meaningful. As my family and I settle into life in Wichita, I want to take a moment to share a bit of my own journey from the past month. It has been a season of transition for us, filled with goodbyes, new beginnings, and sorrow.

We moved from Austin, leaving behind familiar places and our oldest child, Rowan, who continues to live there. We helped our youngest, Kiran, move into college in Massachusetts, sending them off with love and excitement for what lies ahead. On Monday, we received the sad news that Rachel’s birth mother, with whom she had reconnected as an adult, had died after a short battle with stage four cancer.

All of this has me thinking deeply about family. Not only about my own biological family, but also about the families that form around us throughout our lives: the friends, neighbors, and communities who nurture and care for us, who support and encourage us, who remind us that we are God’s beloved children.

At its best, the church is such a family. It welcomes everyone into God’s story. It accepts you as you are and where you are, while also encouraging you to grow and change. It is shaped and transformed by the Spirit working through our connection and community.

I am grateful to be welcomed to the Grace family. I look forward to learning your stories, discovering the families that have formed you, and seeing how God is already at work among you. I am eager for the ministry and mission we will share together as we grow in Christ and extend the love of this faith family to our neighbors near and far.

With gratitude in Christ,
Pastor Kevin

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A Word From Our Interim Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh

I was reading in Craig Groeschel’s Daily Devotional, Daily Power, the other day and was taken by this section in Craig’s reflection for August 15:

They call them the “dog days” of summer those weeks when the temperatures soar and make it impossible to enjoy being outside for long. The air scorches our nostrils, the heat burns our skin, and the pavement sizzles beneath our feet. You know cooler weather will come eventually, but in the meantime, you’re sweating buckets.

To be honest, I’m often stuck in the “dog days” of the news cycle about our world, country, state, county, and city. Something needs to break this cycle. And I believe I know the antidote.

Now is the time to increase our critical thinking skills to address the issues of power, justice, democracy, and leadership through loving, and God, and love others.

The good news of the gospel leads us to stand against hate. The good news of the gospel leads us to stand with the LGBTQ community, immigrants, and refugees. The good news of the gospel calls us to love all regardless of ethnicity, economic status, and yes, even those with different political parties than our own.

Are you stuck in the “dog days” of the news cycle about our world, country, state, and city? Exercise critical thinking. Engage justice issues. Confront the abuse of power. Support those who are experiencing relationship troubles. Discard anxiety and trust God. Esther did.

You too can exercise influence for the common good. It was the way of Esther. It is the way of Jesus. Critical thinking is necessary. Now is the time, my friends.

On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,

 

Steve

The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh

Interim Pastor

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From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Grace Community,

As I look to my final two Sundays with you, I write to answer some questions.  One question that I am asked is about my involvement with you and Grace when I am no longer your pastor. I can’t attend events or worship at Grace when I’m no longer your pastor, nor can I lead worship, including funerals.

I won’t stop caring for you and about you, but it’s important to draw these lines.  When I hear that you are sick or having surgery, I will pray for you, but I can’t call or visit. On occasion, you may see me in the church building when I come to volunteer with Alice’s Brownie Troop in the Fellowship Hall, and of course, I look forward to saying a brief hello.

In that same way, Wichita is not all that big, and I imagine that I’ll see you in town. There was a day recently when I saw three of you at Trader Joe’s on one shopping trip. When we run into each other, I look forward to saying hello.

Another question I get a lot is about the new call I’m taking: what is it exactly?  That’s a good question, and I’m not 100% sure. It’s a brand-new position, so I’ll be part of creating it. Of the 50 PCUSA churches in the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, fewer than 20 have pastors with MDiv degrees from seminary.  A few have Commissioned Pastors (like Scott Randle) who have taken seminary courses. The majority do not have consistent paid/trained leadership.

The good news is that they’ve found ways to be a church without a pastor. I hope to meet with them, learn what their goals are, and help to equip them to be the church in new ways.  Part of my call will be to connect them with other churches, as isolation is a challenge for some of these churches.

I will continue to pray for you, and I ask that you pray for me.

In Christ,
Catherine NB

 

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