Pride, Belonging & the Episcopal Church

Pride, Belonging & the Episcopal Church

In this episode…we’re talking about Pride Month, young adults, and the life of the Episcopal Church—especially how we understand belonging, dignity, and love. While we have talked about inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community before, we are talking more specifically about why so many dioceses, but especially the  Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, is addressing their participation in Pride Month and their local Pride Feast.    About the Hosts: The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike.   The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.   About the Guests:    Tess Lollis-Burnside (She/Her) is a transgender laywoman who worships at St Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City. She grew up going to a United Church of Christ parish, but attended Roman Catholic schooling from elementary school to college. She became an Episcopalian in Fall of 2024. She serves at her parish as an acolyte most Sundays, and serves on the LGBTQ+ Ministry Committee of the Diocese of West Missouri. She has a deep and abiding love for beautifully complex Anglo-Catholic liturgy,  progressive orthodox theology, and finding new ways to express her queerness. She lives with Kirby, her non-binary fiance, in Kansas City.  Raja Reed (he/him) is a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, where he serves as Parish Administrator and is active in outreach, hospitality, and pastoral care ministries. In the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, Raja serves on Diocesan Council and the Commission on Ministry, and is co-chair of the Diocese’s LGBTQIA+ Ministry, and treasurer of the Secretariat of the Heartland Cursillo Ministry.  He is passionate about creating spaces of belonging, visibility, and welcome within the Church and throughout the wider community.   Relevant links:   Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment [https://campusministry.diowestmo.org/suggestions-and-questions/?_gl=1*1fluch7*_ga*OTUyNzM3ODYzLjE2OTA5OTAxNzE.*_ga_R9BZ5MNGNR*MTcwMTkwMTg1NS41LjEuMTcwMTkwMTg4OC4wLjAuMA..].  To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here [https://diowestmo.org/committees-and-ministries/college-and-young-adult-commission/] To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here [https://edokformation.wordpress.com/] All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. [https://www.resonatemediapro.com/]  Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.

Liturgical Fashion 101: Episcopal Vestments

Show Notes: In this episode… We are talking about All Things…Episcopal liturgical fashion aka, the vestments we wear and why we wear them. We are talking about the fancy poncho that the priest wears, why do people wear what looks like a floor length black dress, and why are these clothes that the altar party wear so ornate and intricate in their detailing? We are getting into all of that and more with the one and only The Rev. Chas Marks.    About the Hosts The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike.   The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.    About our Guest: The Rev. Canon Charles A. (Chas) Marks (he/him)  serves as the Canon for Common Mission of The Diocese of West Missouri. This position involves working directly with the Bishop to serve our ministries and leaders. His primary focus includes congregational development and vitality, leadership transitions, and oversight of Diocesan Convention. Canon Marks was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and is the product of Catholic education. He became an Episcopalian while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Having been received at the Cathedral there, he feels a particular connection to the “Martyrs of Memphis” and upon moving to Kansas City knew he had found his church home when he looked up at St. Mary’s, Kansas City and noticed the window to their memory located there. He discerned his vocation at St. Mary’s and was ordained to the diaconate in 2014 and the priesthood in 2015. He previously served as Missioner for Transitions for our Diocese, Rector of St. Augustine’s Church, and Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Church, both in Kansas City.  He also served at Saint Francis Ministries, an Episcopal social service agency, in Church and Community Relations. Prior to his ordination, he worked in social services, managing programs that assisted unhoused and at-risk youth. He is a graduate of Wichita State University, St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology, and The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. Canon Marks has also completed the College for Congregational Development program and has a Certificate in Church Management from the Villanova School of Business. Canon Chas lives with his husband, Barry, in the Historic Northeast of Kansas City with their clowder of black cats. Relevant links: Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment [https://campusministry.diowestmo.org/suggestions-and-questions/?_gl=1*1fluch7*_ga*OTUyNzM3ODYzLjE2OTA5OTAxNzE.*_ga_R9BZ5MNGNR*MTcwMTkwMTg1NS41LjEuMTcwMTkwMTg4OC4wLjAuMA..].  To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here [https://diowestmo.org/committees-and-ministries/college-and-young-adult-commission/] To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here [https://edokformation.wordpress.com/] All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. [https://www.resonatemediapro.com/]  Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.

Church Leader Transitions with The Rev. Benedict Varnum

This episode features The Reverend Benedict Varnum sharing insights on church transitions, clergy placement, and the emotional dynamics involved. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the process, practical advice, and spiritual reflections for clergy and congregations navigating change. About the Hosts The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen was an active youth in the Kansas youth ministry program, and as a college student participated in Campus Ministry at K-State, she returned as an adult volunteer in her late 20s. Karen was the Youth Minister at St. Michael and All Angels for four years, and prior to that worked as an Academic Advisor at UTA and UMKC and Associate Registrar at UMKC. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike. Guest:  The Rev. Benedict Varnum (he/him) The Reverend Benedict Varnum is the priest and rector at St. Augustine of Canterbury, in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Fr Ben grew up in the Catholic Church before being confirmed in the Episcopal Church in the eighth grade, and he spent time preparing to become a history or philosophy professor before feeling called to ordained ministry. Ben, his wife Megan, their daughter and two cats have a home in Omaha. Ben enjoys biking, fancy board games, reading, and keeping up with the latest comic book movies – he can probably tell you which of your favorite comic characters makes a better Christian! Relevant links: Comic Belief podcast: https://www.facebook.com/ComicBeliefPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/ComicBeliefPod/] St. Augustine of Canterbury: http://www.sainta.net/ [http://www.sainta.net/] Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment [https://campusministry.diowestmo.org/suggestions-and-questions/?_gl=1*1fluch7*_ga*OTUyNzM3ODYzLjE2OTA5OTAxNzE.*_ga_R9BZ5MNGNR*MTcwMTkwMTg1NS41LjEuMTcwMTkwMTg4OC4wLjAuMA..].  To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here [https://diowestmo.org/committees-and-ministries/college-and-young-adult-commission/] To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here [https://edokformation.wordpress.com/] All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. [https://www.resonatemediapro.com/]  Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.

A Very Episcopate Conversation: Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, X Bishop of Minnesota

In this episode… This week, we’re chatting with The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya (he/him) is the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota. We chat about discipleship, faithful innovation, and how his time as a Campus Minister shapes how he ministers as a bishop.     About the Hosts The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her)  The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City, MO and graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She is an Episcopal priest, who is canonically resident in the Diocese of Kansas and licensed in the Diocese of W. Missouri. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.    The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) The Rev. Karen Schlabach is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen was an active youth in the Kansas youth ministry program, and as a college student participated in Campus Ministry at K-State, she returned as an adult volunteer in her late 20s. Karen was the Youth Minister at St. Michael and All Angels for four years, and prior to that worked as an Academic Advisor at UTA and UMKC and Associate Registrar at UMKC. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike.   Guest:  Rt. Rev. Craig Loya (he/him) The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya is the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota, which comprises one hundred faith communities, spread across rural, suburban, and urban contexts, regularly worshipping in six languages. He was consecrated on June 6, 2020. Early in his time as bishop, he led a process of priority-setting for the diocese, together identifying four core areas of focus: discipleship, faithful innovation, justice, and congregational vitality. Loya is a third generation Mexican-American. He was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska, and graduated from Hastings College and Yale Divinity School. He was ordained priest in the Diocese of South Dakota in 2003. His first ministry was serving four congregations on the Rosebud Reservation. He later served congregations in Massachusetts, on the bishop’s staff in the Diocese of Kansas, and as Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Omaha before being elected the tenth bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. He is married to Dr. Melissa Tubbs Loya, a Hebrew Bible scholar, and they have two children.   Relevant links: Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment [https://campusministry.diowestmo.org/suggestions-and-questions/?_gl=1*1fluch7*_ga*OTUyNzM3ODYzLjE2OTA5OTAxNzE.*_ga_R9BZ5MNGNR*MTcwMTkwMTg1NS41LjEuMTcwMTkwMTg4OC4wLjAuMA..].    To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here [https://diowestmo.org/committees-and-ministries/college-and-young-adult-commission/] To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here [https://edokformation.wordpress.com/]   All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. [https://www.resonatemediapro.com/]    Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise

Holy and Human: Hannah C. and Kayleigh M.

In this episode, hosts Karen and Claire engage with guests Hannah and Kayleigh, both students at the University of Kansas, to explore their personal faith journeys within the Episcopal Church. They discuss their connections to the church, the evolution of their faith, and the importance of community and empowerment in their spiritual lives. The conversation delves into the significance of love, the role of liturgy and sacraments, and the challenges faced by young adults in the church. The guests share their experiences of feeling welcomed and valued, while also addressing the struggles and imperfections within the church community. Tune in for real talk about faith, finding meaning in tradition, and why staying connected to church might just be more relevant than you think. Honest. Thoughtful. Surprisingly relatable. About the Hosts The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike. The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO and graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.  Guests:  Hannah Connelly (she/her) a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in Early Childhood Education originally from Olathe, KS.  Kayleigh McDonald (she/her) a sophomore at the University of Kansas majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience originally from St. Louis, MO. Relevant links: Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment [https://campusministry.diowestmo.org/suggestions-and-questions/?_gl=1*1fluch7*_ga*OTUyNzM3ODYzLjE2OTA5OTAxNzE.*_ga_R9BZ5MNGNR*MTcwMTkwMTg1NS41LjEuMTcwMTkwMTg4OC4wLjAuMA..].  To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here [https://diowestmo.org/committees-and-ministries/college-and-young-adult-commission/] To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here [https://edokformation.wordpress.com/] All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. [https://www.resonatemediapro.com/]  Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise