WORKERS TOGETHER An Email Publication of the LCMS Kansas District | www.kslcms.org

February 2018

20 + C + M + B + 18

That’s what the Rev. Lari Lambon, president of the Lutheran Church of Togo, is writing on the wall in the photo above as part of the Service of Blessing for new dormitories at the Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (CLET) in Togo on January 27, 2018. According to the Rev. Micah Wildauer, a theological educator at the CLET (and source of the photo above), “The symbol ‘20 + C + M + B + 18’ is a long-standing tradition among certain Christians in the world, signifying that Christ (Christ) blesses (Bénit) this house (Maison) in the year 2018. The letters also signify the tradition of the three wise men (traditionally Caspar - C, Melchior - M, and Balthasar - B) who sought Jesus in the house in Bethlehem, the three representing people from all over the world, which these habitations will also do.”

As fellow Christians and supporters of the CLET, we in the Kansas District rejoice over God’s blessings on His people in French-speaking West Africa!

In This Issue President’s Office

• Call Updates • Prayer Requests • Board of Directors Highlights • To Do: Rosters and Statistics Report • 2018 Convention: Upcoming Deadlines • District Calendar

Missions & Stewardship

• Re:Vitality Update • Reminder: Ash Wednesday Offering • Engaging Your Community in Great Bend • District Scholarships for Church Work Students • New Resource from Mission Field: USA

Education & Youth • Hearts for Jesus Chapel Offering • Plan Ahead: Teen Fellowship Retreat • KAIRS Workshop March 3 • LVR Registration Opens March 1 • National Youth Workers Conference • Survey Results: Reformation 500 Video

Caring Ministry

• Pastors’ Wives Retreat March 2-3 • LERT News

Business Office

• Position Opening: Business Manager LCEF

• A Note from DVP Jeff Maltz • Featured Program: Y.I. Account

Around the District

• Pastors Installed: Rev. Michael Hageman, Rev. Russ Peterson, Rev. Michael Apfel

• DCE Korey Danley Installed • March for Life in Topeka

OUR MISSION is to support and encourage the members of the District in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church.

President’s Office Call Updates PASTORAL CALLS

• Rev. Daniel Metzger – Immanuel, Wichita (assistant) to Trinity & Grace, Wichita (assistant) – pending

• Rev. Scot Kerns – St. Paul, Lincoln, KS to active duty Air Force chaplain – accepted

• Rev. Jake Wampfler – Faith, Topeka to Merrill, WI – pending PENDING ORDINATIONS AND/OR INSTALLATIONS

• Rev. Scot Kerns – active duty, United States Air Force Chaplain Corps – 2/25

CONGREGATIONS CALLING OR PREPARING TO CALL A PASTOR

• Argonia, Zion (sole) • Arkansas City, Redeemer (sole) • Emporia, Messiah (associate) • Hutchinson, Our Redeemer (senior) • Kansas City, Our Saviour (associate) • Meade, St. John (sole) • Shawnee, Hope (senior) • Wichita, St. Andrew’s (sole)

CONGREGATIONS CALLING A COMMISSIONED MINISTER

• Trinity, Mission – Family Life Ministry Coordinator • First, Paola – DCE • St. Paul, Leavenworth – Principal • Hope, Shawnee - Teacher

COMMISSIONED MINISTER CALLS – from the field

• Principal Merv Dehning – St. John, Alma to St. Mark’s, Eureka, MO – accepted

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Prayer Requests For Pastor Calvin Reinke (Christ the King, Salina) and his family, as Pr. Reinke deals with health concerns. For Rev. Chris and Amy Vossler and family at the death of Amy’s parents, Doug and Debbie Swanson, on December 28, 2017.

For Jane Schlickau at the death of her husband, Deacon John Schlickau, on January 3, 2018. If you have a prayer request you’d like the staff to know about, please send it to Tami Lierz at tami@kslcms.org.

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Calls and vacancies are updated weekly on our website. Check on Tuesdays (late morning) for the latest updates.

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights

The Kansas District Board of Directors just concluded its first quarterly meeting of 2018. Board report summaries will be posted on the website in mid-February, but in the meantime, here are a few highlights:

• The Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement between the Kansas District and the West Africa Area of the Office of International Mission.

• Rev. Matthew Durance (Bethlehem, Greeleaf) was appointed to serve as Kansas District Life Coordinator. • Jeff Maltz and Jim Bradshaw were both reappointed to the District staff. • The slate of nominees for office for the 2018 Kansas District Convention will be announced in March.

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REMINDER: Rosters and Statstics Report Due Feb. 28 The LCMS office of Rosters and Statistics recently sent congregations a 9 x 13 packet to complete their statistical reporting online. Reports are to be completed no later than February 28, 2018. PLEASE NOTE: Rosters and Statistics does not release congregational log-in credentials to the District. If you need log-in assistance, please contact Rosters and Statistics at rosters.stats@lcms.org.

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2018 District Convention: Upcoming Deadlines High Priority!

• Delegate forms are still being accepted. Submit forms ASAP to Rev. David Meier, district secretary (secretary@kslcms.org).

February 15 • Deadline for submission of overtures (template available on the

website); send to KSDconvention@gmail.com, then submit a signed copy to the district office

• Reports for convention workbook due to the district office: district president, vice-presidents, circuit visitors, Kansas District boards, Kansas District committees

For the full pre-convention timeline, visit the 2018 District Convention page on our website. If you need to contact us about the convention, you can use our convention email address: KSDconvention@gmail.com.

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District Calendar

• Feb. 6-9: LCMS Council of Presidents Meeting, Florida • Feb. 11: Lutheran School Training, District Office, 2-4:30 p.m. • Feb 12-13: KAIRS (Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools) Conference, Topeka • Feb. 15: Convention Planning Meeting, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., District Office • Feb. 16: Professional Development Committee Meeting, District Office • Feb. 19: SOPM Committee Meeting, District Office, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Mar. 2-3: Pastors’ Wives Retreat, Retreat Center, Herington; starts 5:30 p.m. Friday • Mar. 10: Engaging Your Community Event, Great Bend, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. • Mar. 15-18: LCMS LYF Leadership Training, St. Louis • Mar. 29-30: District Office closes at 2:00 on Maundy Thursday; closed on Good Friday

You can find the full District calendar on the website HERE.

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Missions and Stewardship

Re:Vitality Update

We now have a fully trained re:Vitality facilitator in the Kansas District! Rev. Dan Galchutt, District Missions and Stewardship Executive, recently completed the multi-phase training program for re:Vitality, which entailed classroom instruction, observation, co-facilitating a workshop in Abilene, and finally facilitating a workshop in Lincoln. “Participants are enthusiastic about the program,” said Galchutt, “and we have funds available in the District to support it.” Currently the re-Vitality program consists of a single module called “Connect to Disciple.” Laurie Aufdemberge, a recent participant in the Connect to Disciple workshop in Abilene, said she was “pleasantly surprised” by what she learned at the workshop, noting, “It’s a great tool to get you from point A to point C. The ‘B’ part you really had to think about, but this is a great tool to get you there.” Mike Aufdemberge, another workshop participant, concurred, saying that the program “will help us be a lot more deliberate about what we’re doing.” To learn more about re:Vitality or Every One His Witness, the related LCMS evangelism program, click the links here or visit the LCMS website. To apply for a District mini-grant to help cover the costs of these programs, go to the District website and scroll down to the Quick Links section, where you can find an application.

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WE MAY DO A LITTLE LESS,

BUT WE’RE GOING TO DO IT BETTER.

Mike Aufdemberge President-Elect Faith Lutheran, Abilene

Reminder: Ash Wednesday Offering There’s still time to get involved in this year’s Ash Wednesday Offering on February 14. The offering will generate funds for two very important causes: education loan repayment for church workers and scholarships for future workers. You can find an Ash Wednesday bulletin insert under “Quick Links” on the homepage of our website.

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Engaging Your Community Event March 10 LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission, in partnership with the Kansas District, is hosting an “Engaging Your Community” event March 10, 2018, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Great Bend. The registration deadline is March 2, 2018. The event, geared toward single and multi-point parishes in rural and small town settings, will offer pastors and lay leaders an opportunity to identify assets, strengthen partnerships, and make plans for engaging their respective communities. Featured speakers include Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Director of Rural and Small Town Mission (LCMS) and Rev. Dan Galchutt, Kansas District Missions and Stewardship Executive.

We’ve posted the schedule and a link to registration under “Events and Announcements” on our homepage. For quick access to registration, click HERE. If you’d like more information, contact Kansas District Missions and Stewardship at 785-357-4441.

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New Resource from Mission Field: USA Interested in planting a church but not sure where to start? The LCMS has just released a new online training resource to walk you through the process. Designed as a companion to the 2017 print guide, Mission Field: USA – A Resource for Church Planting, the online, self-paced resource addresses the theological foundations of church planting while providing nuts-and-bolts advice about planting a new congregation. The four one-hour modules include:

• Resources for Church Planting • Life Together in Church Planting • Mercy in Church Planting • Witness in Church Planting

You can find the online resource and the print guide (PDF) at lcms.org/churchplanting.

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ASHWEDNESDAY February 14, 2018

Scholarships Available for Church Work Students

Students pursuing a degree at one of our LCMS colleges or seminaries in professional church work and current workers pursuing colloquy may apply for a scholarship from the Kansas District. The deadline for applications is June 1. The amount of the scholarship is based on available funds and the number of applications that we receive. Grants are sent directly to the university or seminary. Scholarships are also available from LLL, LWML, and St. John’s Alumni

Association. Applications and instructions for all organizations are now available on the Kansas District website at kslcms.org (Stewardship > Grants and Scholarships). The Scholarship Committee meets in July to review applications and determine awards.

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Education & Youth

Hearts for Jesus Offering Chapel Offering

Each year, principals of the Kansas District schools choose a project to support with their prayers and offerings throughout the school year. Schools may also designate this project for their February “Hearts for Jesus” chapel offerings, which are then sent to the Kansas District Office clearly marked “Hearts for Jesus.” This year’s “Hearts for Jesus” offerings will be used to assist Cross Point Christian School in Katy, Texas with hurricane recovery efforts. Cross Point is part of the Synod’s “School to School” initiative (https://schooltoschool.lcms.org), which provides support and assistance to schools affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

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Plan Ahead: Teen Fellowship Retreat

Do you want your high school students to learn more about leadership for service in your church? Come to the Teen Fellowship Retreat (TFR), hosted by Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) April 6-7th in Hesston, Kansas. There will be games, Bible study, team building and leadership training. For more information please contact DCE Charity Smith dce@stlukesmanhattan.org or Jesse Smith smithjesse@icloud.com. The registration deadline is March 9, 2018. Registration Form

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KAIRS Early Childhood Workshop March 3

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"The Power of Play in a High-Tech World”

Cari Ebert, pediatric speech-language pathologist and nationally recognized speaker, along with our outstanding breakout speakers, will provide helpful insights into how play impacts 21st-century early childhood education. She will address the ramifications of increased technology in the classroom and at home, early academic expectations,

and will ask the question, "Is true play worth preserving?"

Register Today!

Registration fee: $25 (lunch included) Registrations accepted through February 27

TO REGISTER or get more details, visit the workshop page at www.kairs.org.

Questions?

Contact Jim Bradshaw, KAIRS Executive Committee Member/Lutheran Representative - jbradshaw@kslcms.org or Corey Reese, KAIRS Communication Director - crkairs@yahoo.com

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Lutheran Valley Retreat (LVR) Registration Opens March 1 Bible study. Singing. Personal devotions. Teambuilding. Hiking. Challenge courses. Rappelling. Horseback riding. It’s all waiting in Woodland, Colorado at Lutheran Valley Retreat (LVR)! We’ll be there July 15-20 for our annual LVR Summer Camp. Interested in joining us? Here’s a quick overview: Camp Fee: $425, which covers transportation, camp fees, meals at camp, and spiritual life programming. (Meals on travel days not included.) Registration: Opens March 1 at 8 a.m. CST and is first-come, first-served. All medical and activity release forms, along with a $100 deposit, are due by March 31. $50 is non-refundable. To register and get more details: Visit the LVR page at kslcms. Questions? Contact DCE Paul White at dcepaulwhite@gmail.com or 785-456-2444.

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National Youth Workers Conference July 8-11 The 2018 LCMS National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference is being held July 8-11 in Minneapolis. The conference brings together youth workers from across the country to encourage them in their vocation and further equip them in their service to the Church. Participants discuss practical skills and relevant theory for effective youth ministry while networking with other volunteer and professional youth leaders. “National” takes place the year before the triennial LCMS Youth Gathering (NYG) in the Gathering city to give youth leaders the opportunity to get acclimated with the city and prepare for their youth’s experience at the Gathering. The next NYG will be held July 11-15, 2018 in Minneapolis, MN. Early bird registration for the conference runs through March 1, 2018.

NLYWC registration page

LCMS Youth Ministry website

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Adult Education Reformation Survey In September 2017, all LCMS Kansas District congregations were mailed a DVD of the Reformation 500 presentation by the Rev. Dr. Paul Maier, presented at Mt. Calvary, Wamego. District pastors were then invited to complete an online survey about the DVD in December. 24% of survey recipients completed the 10-question survey; the District Adult Education Committee reviewed results of the survey in January. Pastors reported that several age

groups viewed the presentation, but the largest audiences were 32-65+ years of age in congregations of 250 members or less. About 80% expressed an interest in future educational DVDs. If your congregation has not yet viewed the presentation, the committee encourages its use in continued reflection on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The DVD is designed for Bible class, small groups, parent groups, or even as a "back up" when the pastor or Bible class leader has another commitment. Please share any additional feedback with the District Adult Education Committee. The adult education focus in 2018 will be teaching catechetical models for sharing the faith in the home.

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Caring Ministry

Pastors’ Wives Retreat March 2-3

Registration is now open for the annual Pastors’ Wives Retreat, being held March 2 and 3 at the Retreat Center in Herington, Kansas. The retreat will feature guest speaker Deaconess Natalie Sabol, who will be speaking on Katie Luther.

“This year’s retreat is a great opportunity to join other District pastors’ wives as we meet those new to Kansas, encourage one another in our vocation, learn about Katie Luther from Deaconess Natalie, and grow in God’s Word in the relaxing atmosphere of our District Retreat Center,” said Marcia Lange, the event organizer. For more information or to register online, go to kslcms.org. Scroll down the homepage and look for the Pastors’ Wives Retreat slide under “Events and Announcements.”

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Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) News

LERT Leaders met at the Kansas District Retreat Center in Herington on January 19-20, 2018. The attendees, from left to right: Brian Mead (First, Paola), Rev. Rick Lovick (Christ, Manhattan), District Disaster Response Coordinator Donna Williams (Zion, Newton), Rev. Rocco Mallardi (Messiah, Hays), Mark Trivilino (King of Kings, Gardner), Rev. Andy Keltner (Christ Our Savior, Louisburg) and Rev. Dan Ramsey (Zion, Chanute). FEBRUARY LERT TRAINING DATES

• Feb. 10, 2018: LERT Initial Training at St. Luke’s, Manhattan o Registration: $25 includes training, lunch, LERT vest and training materials. Deadline: Jan. 28, 2018. o Contact: Jean Olson at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 330 Sunset Ave., Manhattan, KS 66503;

785-539-2604; office@stlukesmanhattan.org

• Feb. 24, 2018: LERT Initial Training at Christ, Overland Park o Registration: $25 includes training, lunch, LERT vest and training materials. Deadline Feb. 11. o Contact: Rick Johnson: 2831 N 99th Terr., Kansas City, KS 66109

479-283-1932; ricksjohnson@sbcglobal.net

Registration forms for LERT training events are available on the Disaster Response page on the Kansas District website, www.kslcms.org. Watch Workers Together and the Kansas District website for other LERT training opportunities in Kansas in the new year. NEW ADDRESS for our DDRC Need to get in touch with Donna Williams, our District Disaster Relief Coordinator? You can now reach her at ksddrc@gmail.com.

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Business Office Position Opening: Kansas District Business Manager

The LCMS Kansas District is seeking candidates for the position of Business Manager. The Business Manager, a full-time staff member in the District Office in Topeka, provides expertise and support to the Board of Directors, staff, and congregations in the areas of financial, property, and personnel management. In this capacity, the Business Manager oversees accounting and budgeting, property management, investments, contract negotiations and human resources (e.g., employment policies and procedures, health plans, taxes) and serves as a consultant to congregations in these areas.

Candidates for the position must be members in good standing of an LCMS congregation and possess a bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field; preferred qualifications include five years of management experience and a CPA certificate. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume by March 1, 2018 to the search committee at the LCMS Kansas District, Attn: Janet Powell, 1000 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604 or via email to janet@kslcms.org. Projected start date: May 1. If you have questions about the search, contact Jeff Maltz, Search Committee Chair, at jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org or 800-357-4421, ext. 118.

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LCEF

A Note from DVP Jeff Maltz

Dear Kansas District Members, LCEF has served as the financial extension of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) since 1978, offering funding and resources in support of the Church. When you invest with LCEF, you’re providing for the creation and growth of congregations and ministries across the country. Investing in a strong LCMS community LCEF empowers LCMS ministries with every dollar invested. And with nearly 60,000 investors, we’ve been able to make a difference for thousands of ministries. We provide customized loans and support services to new and growing ministries as well as loans for Rostered Church Workers who dedicate their lives to sharing the Gospel. Securing your financial future Our generous investors and dedicated loan customers have made it possible for us to maintain a strong capital position. We offer competitive rates and ensure your invested funds remain accessible and in your control. With LCEF, you experience the benefits of working with an established financial institution while growing the LCMS.

APPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS

MANAGER DUE MARCH 1

Supporting you around the clock LCEF offers secure, 24/7 online access to investments and loans through MyAccount. View balances and statements, complete transactions and even receive alerts when payments are due. Communicate directly with dedicated LCEF staff members who share your faith and values to ensure your stewardship efforts are always well-informed and free of stress. “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” — Romans 12:5-6 Blessings,

Jeff Maltz jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org 785-230-4112

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Featured Program: Young Investors (Y.I.) Club

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Around the District

New Pastors Installed

The Rev. Michael Hageman was installed as pastor of Trinity, Garden City on January 7. Pictured from left, (front row) acolyte Michael Nelson, crucifer Bryce Foreman; (middle row) the Revs. Andrew Wehling (Grace, Liberal), Ervin Daugherty (Christ, Elkhart), Michael Hageman (Trinity, Garden City), Peter Lange (District President), Gary Wolf (Concordia, Hoisington); (back row) Dennis Mason (emeritus), Randy Jahnke (Holy Cross, Dodge City), Warren Prochnow (Holy Cross, Scott City), Patrick Gumz (Grace, Ulysses and Immanuel, Lakin) and Stan Palmer (Our Redeemer, Kinsley and Zion, Offerle).

Pastor Russ Peterson was installed as Director of Member Engagement and Outreach at Christ, Overland Park on January 7. Pictured here with Peterson are Pastors Jeff Kunze (left), Lee Hovel (officiating) and Jeff Meyers (right).

The Rev. Michael Apfel was installed as pastor of Trinity, Ft. Scott, on January 13, 2018. Pictured from left, (front row) the Revs. Roger Mackie (IIM at Zion, Independence), Ted Cook (Zion, Pittsburg), Michael Apfel (Trinity, Ft. Scott), Peter Lange (District President), Tom Krause (emeritus), Jonathan Scheck (Trinity, Parsons & St. Paul, Oswego); (back row) Frank Eberhart (El Buen Pastor, KC MO), Ed Trost (emeritus), Kevin Wyssmann (Bethany, Overland Park), Timothy Roth (St. Peter, Humboldt), Bryan Drebes (Pacific Hills Lutheran, Omaha, NE) and Tony Fields (St. Paul, Coffeyville). DCE Korey Danley Installed Director of Christian Education Korey Danley was installed at Christ Lutheran Church, Overland Park, on Sunday, January 28. Danley (third from the left) will serve as the Senior High Youth Ministry Director and join DCEs Brent Howard (left) and Katie Morgan (second from left) on the children’s and youth ministry staff. Kansas District Education Executive Jim Bradshaw (far right) participated in the installation.

March for Life in Topeka

A group from the Kansas District gathered together to participate in the March for Life on January 23 in Topeka. Those in attendance made their way from the Topeka Performing Arts Center to a rally on the south steps of the state capitol. The group included the District’s new Life Coordinator, Rev. Matthew Durance (center, black coat and yellow-bordered hat).

District Office Directory

President’s Office

• Rev. Peter K. Lange, President: kspres@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant: tami@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 200

Missions & Stewardship • Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for Missions & Stewardship: dangalchutt@kslcms.org,

800-357-4421 ext. 222 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant: janet@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 223

Educational Services • Jim Bradshaw, Assistant to the President for Educational Services: jbradshaw@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421

ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant: tami@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 200

Business Office • Debbie Crites, Business Manager: debbie@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 204 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant: shannon@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 202

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) • Jeff Maltz, LCEF Vice President, Kansas/Oklahoma: jeffrey.maltz@lcef.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 118

Communications • Kris Bruss, Communications Specialist, kbruss@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 322

Lutheran Witness Subscriptions • Shannon Oldham: shannon@kslcms.org, 800-357-4421 ext. 202

Retreat Center Reservations • Rev. Mark and Kristi Lovett: retreathouseherington@gmail.com, 785-380-8291

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