We love Scouting! The Conard Family We had a blast at Falley Scout Reservation during Cub Scout summer camp in 2020. John and Anne are working to earn their way to camp next summer with popcorn sales. Will you support our scouting adventures? Use these links to place an order and get popcorn shipped directly […]
Susanna Wesley UMC has a long history of caring for children and families. For years we have offered before and after school care for students at Indian Hills Elementary School, located right next door to our building. This year, the Auburn-Washburn school district is opening a hybrid model for in-person learning, which means placing students […]
With a 4.5 mile run today, I recorded 1,0002 activities with the RunKeeper app. I have had on and off seasons of running over the years. Here’s a snapshot of my mileage each month. One of the gaps in 2018 was when I switched to using MapMyRun for a bit. Now, I am day 260 […]
This view feels long ago and far away. I haven’t stayed in a hotel, much less one big enough to have an atrium, since I can’t remember when. Travel is only one of the aspects of life that is much different these days. This view feels long ago and far away. I haven’t stayed in […]
This corner marks a turning point – in the structure and materials. The wall turns at a right angle and changes in composition and color. The bricks and stones are different, while the purpose of the wall remains the same. It supports the roof and makes space for rooms inside. Local churches may or may […]
Churches can learn from big bluestem. This picture is of this native plant putting out new spring growth. Once established, this grass can be burned, mowed, or otherwise cut back and grow again. It draws strength from its roots, which have made their way deep into the soil. The church has roots in the good […]
One of my favorite spaces in Kansas is Botanica. It is a beautiful community garden in downtown Wichita. I took this picture years ago on the way out of the Downing Children’s Garden. This garden’s design is for children with whimsical statues, musical instruments, and surprises around each corner on the path. When we lived […]
The space between these buildings fills with morning light. From this view, you have no idea what is on the other side of either wall—a building on one side and one on another. There’s not much space to explore, but there is light. This season of the global pandemic feels a bit like this space. […]
Sometimes I find myself in awe the strength, size, and grandeur of lone trees. Not with this one. I don’t know whether it was planted here on purpose or whether a stray seed found its way to this location. Maybe it just needs some more time to grow. Or maybe my perspective needs to change. […]
Did the tree fall on its own, or was it cut purposefully? Will these logs get split for firewood or taken to the dump? Is this pile of wood useless or useful? A picture doesn’t tell the past, necessarily, nor does it always suggest a possible future. There are a variety of ways to arrive […]
Two tracks. Both are going in the same direction. One filled with cargo and a train on the move. The other empty and waiting. Waiting for what? Another train to come along? Could you send two trains along these tracks at the same time? Do they converge somewhere ahead? Do they split and go in […]
Over the past few days, I have been working on putting together a makeshift studio that I can use to record videos for the congregation and community. It will also be helpful for the ever-increasing number of video conference calls these days. I want to share with you a bit of the process, in case […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 