From the Presbytery Connector

Rev. Catherine Neelly Burton

Mission and Ministry Connector

Dear Presbytery of Southern Kansas,

I started watching the new “Little House on the Prairie” series on Netflix. Unlike the television series from the 1970-80’s that was set in Minnesota, this one is set in Independence, KS. (Though it was filmed in Canada.) In one episode of the new series, townspeople come together to build the first church in Independence.

I preached at First Presbyterian of Independence on Sunday, September 27. The stone structure of First Presbyterian with its high ceilings and stained glass is a far cry from the wooden church of the 1800’s depicted in the new series.

Much has changed in Independence since the days of “Little House on the Prairie.” In the years that followed the “Little House” years, population and infrastructure grew. For a season it seemed that small towns had everything they needed and always would. Now, resources like medical care, that once seemed abundant in small towns, are shrinking. The town of Independence has big industry (Textron), and small businesses, a community college, and community spirit, but if you need to see a medical specialist you’re probably driving to Wichita, Tulsa, or Oklahoma City. In addition, small towns like Independence now see a rise in homelessness. There are needs that the city never imagined would be at their doorsteps.

The reduction of resources in small towns is something I see a lot as I travel our presbytery. Our churches feel it too. Our city churches (Wichita and Hutchinson) have the same decline as rural churches, but the cities around them do not feel the sting in the way that our small towns do.

One of the gifts of my work and of the presbytery is getting to connect. No church should feel alone in its challenges, and I encourage you to reach out to me, others on our staff, or those in leadership roles in the presbytery if you want to connect.

I was on the road a lot in September, making visits in Wichita (Trinity and WRCC), Leoti, Tribune, Newton, McPherson, El Dorado, and Winfield. Please let me know if you’d like a visit this fall!