Friday, October 16, 2026

Fw: Grace Cathedral EChimes


From: Grace Cathedral <info@gracecathedraltopeka.org>
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2026 11:00 AM
To: Henry <mcre13@gmail.com>
Subject: Grace Cathedral EChimes
 
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From the Dean

Dear friends,
 
You may be wondering about the upcoming election for the Eleventh Bishop of the diocese. Based on my experience, I can tell you roughly how it’s going to work. Buckle up!
 
In the Diocese of Kansas, the election of a bishop occurs at the Diocesan Convention. Ours is coming up soon, with the election set to take place on Saturday, October 24th. There are four candidates, and there’s a lot to know about them. Voting will start at 11:00 a.m. on the 24th following a 9 a.m. Eucharist. The service and the election will be available to watch via livestream. The URL should be published far and wide, but it will definitely be available on the diocesan web site.
 
Once a quorum has been established, voting will occur until someone reaches the threshold to be elected. (Between ballots there will be a time of prayer led by our own Fr. David Jenkins, who has been the chaplain to the entire Bishop Search process.) Importantly, the balloting is divided into votes cast by members of the clergy and votes cast by members of the laity. The threshold of the number needed to be elected must be achieved in both lay and clergy categories on the same ballot (“concurrent majority”) before any election can be declared.
 
When a ballot has concluded and the results have been tallied, the information is given to each candidate. (If any candidates are lagging in the voting, they may choose this time to remove themselves from subsequent ballots, putting their votes onto other candidates and effectively speeding up the election.) Only after these consultations are the results given to the electing body.
 
After an election has been declared and the results announced, the Bishop-Elect may have an opportunity to address the convention. Sometimes this occurs right away, so be sure to watch to the end of the livestream.
 
I’ve been able to vote in bishop elections twice during my ministry up to now. Each time was holy and special in its own way. It was an honor to serve as the Co-Chair of the Bishop Search Committee that brought the candidates forward.
 
God is very much a part of every moment of a bishop election. I feel the movement of the Holy Spirit every time.
 
Please pray for this process and watch it unfold on the 24th of October!
 
Dean Torey+

Cathedral Updates

THANK YOU to all who attended the chili and soup lunch hosted by the Outreach Committee last Sunday! With your kindness and generosity, we were able to raise $902 which will go towards purchasing blankets and winter items like hats and gloves to share with our neighbors in need this winter. Again, thank you!

Adult Forum, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in All Saints Hall:
October 18, 25 and November 1 – Join us for a three-week series, “Spiritual Fruit vs. Religious Nuts,” as Steve Roth leads a discussion on the nine fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Explore why many well-meaning Christians sometimes struggle to experience these promised blessings consistently.

Stewardship 2027: As we enter our pledge season, your commitment helps us plan
responsibly and faithfully for our 2027 budget. Grace Cathedral continues to grow in financial health through careful stewardship and the generous support of parishioners. After praying over your decision and making your commitment, please fill out your card and return it in one of three ways by Commitment Sunday, November 8 — place it in the offering plate, mail it in the provided envelope, or drop it in a pledge box in the Cathedral nave.

29th Annual Silents in the Cathedral - Friday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m.: Silents in the Cathedral will feature three short films followed by the feature film The Student of Prague (1926). This event is free to attend, and is a partnership between the cathedral, the Kansas Silent Film Festival, and the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

20th Anniversary of the St. David’s Fire: St. David's Episcopal Church is holding a special worship service on Sunday, November 15th at 10:30 a.m. to remember the 20th anniversary of the fire they experienced in November 2006. A reception will follow the service. We would like to gather a group of at least 15 people to attend the service and represent Grace Cathedral and bring all our best wishes and prayers on the day. Please reach out to Dean Torey if you are interested: tlightcap@gracecathedraltopeka.org.

Introduction to Centering Prayer - Sunday, November 15th, 12:30-4:00 p.m. in the Robyn Room: Have you wondered if there was something more that could help you grow closer to the Lord? Centering Prayer, or Prayer of the Heart, is of the early Christian way of prayer that gently satisfies a way for those seeking God to find their way home. This prayer also helps discover the action of God in one’s own life. Sharon Highberger is commissioned by Contemplative Outreach to facilitate the workshop and experience of Centering Prayer. For more information or to register contact: sharonhighb2@icloud.com or 785-633-7764

Reviewing Our Faith: Have you considered small group participation as a means for spiritual formation, building community or personal renewal? Faith is an individual journey with others. Small group provides a confidential, safe environment for exploratory conversation. In January, Outline Our Faith (BCP pg. 845) discussion is such an opportunity. Robyn Room seating is limited so let Sharon Highberger or the office know if interested. (Day and time Sunday noon or Saturday afternoon.) Sharon is a Spiritual Director with experience as a small group facilitator. Contact: sharonhighb2@icloud.com 785-633-7764 for registration or more information.

New Books in the Cathedral Library Collection
Two new books were added this week to our library collection. They can be found and checked out from the library cart in All Saints’ Hall.
It. Goes. So. Fast.
by Mary Louise Kelly.
A memoir by the NPR news anchor, relating her life and work during her son’s senior year of high school. Kelly describes her courageous reporting on national issues, her facing and dealing with hearing loss, and much more.
HQ 759.48 K456 2023
The Souls of Black Folk
by W. E. B. Du Bois
Reflections by one of America’s most influential Black thinkers and writers.
E 185.6 D8165

October Cloister Gallery Artist
We welcome Angela Lexow as our artist for the month of October! Angela shares: "Art has always been my way of being rooted in curiosity and transformation—to the world, to memory, to what’s unseen. My creative process follows the rhythm of curiosity: shifting mediums, exploring new ideas, and letting materials guide the story.” You can read more about Angela and her work at www.greatspaces.org/cloister-gallery

Upcoming Calendar
Saturday, October 17
8:30 a.m., Saturday Sandwich Ministry (ASH kitchen) 
10:00 a.m., Sharing the Warmth Ministry (Room 204)
Sunday, October 18
8:30 a.m., Spoken Service of Holy Communion, Rite I (Cathedral)
9:30 a.m., Adult Forum (All Saints Hall)
10:30 a.m., Holy Communion, Rite II, with organ (Cathedral)
12:00 p.m., Membership Class (Robyn Room)
4:00 p.m., Handbell Hullabaloo (offsite)
Monday, October 19
7:00 p.m., Readers Theatre (Bubb Room)
Tuesday, October 20
9:00 a.m., Morning Prayer (St. Mary's Chapel)
5:30 p.m., Vestry Meeting (Bubb Room)
Wednesday, October 21
2:00 p.m., Staff Meeting (Bubb Room)
Thursday, October 22
7:30 a.m., Men's Study Group (Bubb Room)
9:00 a.m., Morning Prayer (St. Mary's Chapel)
5:30 p.m., Handbell Rehearsal (Room 211) 
7:00 p.m., Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Friday, October 23
The 167th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Day 1
Saturday, October 24
The 167th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Day 2
8:30 a.m., Saturday Sandwich Ministry (ASH kitchen) 
Sunday, October 25
8:30 a.m., Spoken Service of Holy Communion, Rite I (Cathedral)
9:30 a.m., Adult Forum (All Saints Hall)
10:30 a.m., Holy Communion, Rite II, with organ (Cathedral)
12:00 p.m., Membership Class (Robyn Room)

Children's and Youth Activities

“My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you.”  —Proverbs 3:1-2

Club Jesus for children, Sundays at 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. (September - May)

  • Infant - 4 years (Preschool Room – 1st floor)
  • K - 2nd grade (Room 208 – second floor)
  • 3rd - 5th grade (Room 206 – second floor)

Youth Group

This fun group of pre-teens and teenagers gather in the Youth Room Sundays, 5-7 p.m. Supper is included! If you have any questions, please contact info@gracecathedraltopeka.org.

Worship opportunities with Grace Cathedral
In-person Services
  • We offer two Sunday services of Holy Communion: 8:30 (spoken only) and 10:30 (with music). Nursery care is available for the 10:30 service.
  • A Morning Prayer Circle is held each Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m., in St. Mary's Chapel.
Live-streaming online service
Our 10:30 Sunday service will be livestreamed on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel: Compline
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 p.m., on the Cathedral's Facebook page: 

Find it on the website

Here are some links to make things a bit easier to find on the Cathedral website:
Link for Online Giving
Please remember the following people in your prayers: 
Added this week: Megan T. and Linda
Continue prayers for: Arceile, Mike, Alicia, Nancy, Cindy, Wim and Shanti, Bob, Pat M., Carol, Carolyn, Megan J., Tim, and Julie.

In our list of Permanent Flower Memorials, we remember: Margarette Jones Snattinger, Julia E. Zahner, Verna Ellen Dickerson, Jeanette B. Marlin, John Nelson Meade, Boneita M. Wadsworth, Frances Crary Griest, Theodore R. Griest, Wesley M. Tucker, Josephine Richards Snook, and Helen McKenna Mulvane.

Blessings to those members celebrating birthdays this week and next week:
October 18: Mason Vosburgh
October 20: Adrian Horne
October 21: Donald Livingston
October 21: Wim Gunasegaram
October 23: William Neiswanger

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  —Book of Common Prayer
(Please contact the office if we have missed your birthday or have incorrect information.)

Dillons Community Rewards Program
Do you shop for groceries at Dillons?  There is a way for you to contribute money to Grace Cathedral through the Dillons Community Rewards program at no additional cost to you. If you already have a Dillons card (which helps save on gas and other products), all you need to do is to click the link and identify Grace Cathedral as your community organization of choice. Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program. It’s really that easy!
We are open to the public during the following hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Outside these hours, you are welcome to call or ring the buzzer, but there will be times when staff are working away from the main office.

Contacting the Cathedral staff:
Call us at 785.235.3457, or email us at:
Dean Torey Lightcap: tlightcap@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Canon Jody Carroll: jcarroll@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Priest Associate Sarah Shipman: sarahlshipman@gmail.com
Deacon Carl Edwards: cedwards@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Deacon Don Chubb: donchubb2@yahoo.com
Kent Wingerson (sacristan): kdwingerson@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Cassie Carlson (administration & finance): ccarlson@gracecathedraltopeka.org 
Finance Office: finance@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Ruth Ohm (Ministry Coordinator): rohm@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Jeremy Kebert (Facilities Manager): facilities@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Donald Livingston (music): dlivingston@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Eduardo Garcia-Novelli (adult choir): egarcianovelli@gracecathedraltopeka.org
Zachary Cope (choristers): zcope@gracecathedraltopeka.org

Vestry contacts:
Rick Backlund (Senior Warden): rick6962@aol.com
Kevin Cassidy (Junior Warden): kmcassidy@cox.net
Lance Royer (Treasurer): lance@lanceroyer.com
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Topeka PC: Amoco PUD & data centers

Summary of new or notable Topeka Planning & Development / Development Services activity (as of mid-October 2026). Focus is on commercial, multifamily, industrial, mixed-use, incentives, and items of interest to a commercial broker/developer. Public access to the new Tyler EP&L portal and Building Permits map is limited for recent application searches without login; details below come from Topeka Speaks, city news/weekly reports, agendas/packets, local news, and related public sources.
Planning Commission – Next Meeting: Monday, October 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m. (City Council Chambers; livestreamed)
Packet available on Topeka Speaks. Key items:
  • PUD26/07 – Amoco Station (Haag Oil Company): Rezone from C-2 Commercial to PUD (C-2 uses) at 5977 SW 29th Street. Primary purpose is reduced rear-yard setback (25 ft to 10 ft) to allow a new ~4,500–5,000 sf convenience store replacing the existing ~1,012 sf store (and associated gas island/canopy). Staff recommends approval with conditions. Neighboring property owner (Foxcross Properties) submitted an objection. Public hearing.
  • ACZR26/04 – Text Amendments: Updates to zoning code chapters on definitions, use tables/dimensional standards, specific use requirements, amendments, etc. Topics include manufactured/modular homes, drinking establishments, indoor recreation, large truck services, residential accessory structures, D-3 district uses, second-hand shops, and RV parks/campgrounds. (Carried over from prior discussion; data-center-related elements discussed separately previously.)
  • CPA26/02 – Land Use & Growth Management Plan 2040 Update: Comprehensive plan amendment reflecting implementation since 2015, incorporating Citywide Housing Study/Strategy objectives, and Future Land Use Map changes. Public hearing.
  • Housing Committee report and general public comments.
Prior recent meetings (context):
  • September 21: Discussion (not action) on ACZR26/05 (text amendments framework for data centers and energy storage systems). City has a 12-month moratorium (Ordinance 20670, amended 20677) on accepting/processing/approving data center applications and city utility connections (inside and outside city limits). Compass Datacenters’ county CUP was noted as complete. Other items: ACZR26/04 and CPA26/02.
  • August 17: Z26/08 (Jay Rice for SENT Holdings, LLC); Z26/09 (Watson Real Estate Development, Inc.); CPA26/01 (Historic Old Town Neighborhood Plan); A26/02 annexation (St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Christian Church and 37th & Gage LLC – ~19.35 acres at SW 37th & Gage for water/sewer to support church and potential mixed-use; found consistent with plan, 6-0).
Data Centers (flagged)
  • Forbes Field / MTAA proposal (new): Unidentified developer (nonbinding LOI ~August 2026) proposing a data center on the south side of Forbes Field (near SW Topeka Blvd & 77th St.), ~30–40 acres initial phase with two ~150,000 sf buildings + on-site substation (potential expansion to four buildings). Developer funds utilities/roads; estimated 70–80 MW power and ~1 million gallons water (seeking alternatives). No client yet; application not expected until spring 2027 (after moratoriums). Presented to City Council Oct. 13, 2026. MTAA notes potential to unlock more airport-area industrial land. Transparency and community engagement concerns raised.
  • Compass Datacenters (Shawnee County, outside city): Proposed large campus (~600+ acres, up to 10 buildings / 400 MW IT) at ~3303 SW 77th St., Wakarusa (near US 75, Walmart DC, Mars). County CUP application submitted July 24, 2026 (initially incomplete; later deemed complete). City moratorium in effect. Significant public debate on power, water, noise, annexation potential, and tax revenue. City exploring related land/annexation questions. Independent data-center SME/advisory services RFP was open.
Multifamily / Housing Incentives
  • Project View / “The Hutch” (Flaherty & Collins / Topeka FC 1, LLC): 192-unit downtown apartment project (mix of studios ~480 sf, 1-BR ~775 sf, 2-BR ~1,083–1,400 sf) between roughly SW Van Buren/Jackson and 6th/7th. RHID established (Ordinance 20635, Feb. 2026 after public hearing). ~$50M project; related property purchases and parking leases approved. Construction goal was ~Oct. 1, 2026 (24-month build). RHID supports housing/public facilities.
  • Johnson-Betts Meadows (THA / SENT / Mesner-Hoppe): ~176-unit affordable multifamily at SE 31st & Fremont (Hi-Crest). RHID and related financing advanced earlier in 2026; ~$53–55M scale with project-based vouchers.
  • Other earlier 2026 multifamily notes include duplex projects and RHID discussions.
Other Incentives & Commercial
  • California Crossing Shopping Center (SE 29th & California): 1.5% CID established (Ordinance 20633, Feb. 2026) for interior/exterior improvements, parking, lighting, signage, landscaping, etc. (~$6M estimated total; phase-one reimbursements capped ~$1M for supermarket tenant improvements – Supermercado Nuestra Familia). Development agreement approved. Supports revitalization of partially vacant center.
  • 37th & Gage / Eveningside area (flagged): Dollar General construction underway at NW corner (completion targeted ~late Sept./early Oct. 2026; bus stop relocated nearby). A26/02 annexation of ~19.35 acres (church + 37th & Gage LLC) advanced for water/sewer and potential mixed-use. Ongoing land marketing for shovel-ready commercial/multifamily (e.g., ~19+ acres graded by 37th & Gage LLC / related parties; church relocation and other development interest noted in area). Elevation Parkway long-term context remains relevant.
Other Notes
  • Permitting portal: New Tyler EP&L / Developer Permitting & Licensing portal went live mid-to-late September 2026 for many licenses, permits, inspections, and planning applications. Transition issues reported (some contractor functions still finishing; erroneous emails; contractor complaints of delays/stalls into early October). Contact Development Services (dsdpermits@topeka.org / 785-368-3704) or inspections as needed. Planning applications can go through the portal (pre-app meetings recommended).
  • Weekly Reports / News: Recent issues (e.g., 10-5-2026, 9-28-2026) cover the portal launch, residential development forum (Nov. 6 at TABA), road projects, and routine updates. No major new commercial permit valuations or site plans highlighted in the latest public weekly summaries. Latest available Development & Growth Management monthly reports appear to be late 2025 (permit volume/value trends; residential units up in some comparisons).
  • Building Permits Map and public Tyler search: Limited publicly extractable recent commercial/multifamily/industrial listings without login or interactive use. No standout new high-valuation commercial permits surfaced in recent public reporting beyond ongoing projects.
Nothing dramatically new beyond the Oct. 19 Planning Commission items, the Forbes Field data center presentation, and continued progress on previously approved incentives/projects (The Hutch RHID, California Crossing CID, 37th & Gage annexation/Dollar General). Data center activity (city moratorium + county Compass proposal + new Forbes proposal) remains the highest-profile topic. For the latest permit valuations, site plans, or portal searches, direct contact with Planning & Development Services or login to the Tyler portal is recommended. Sources are primarily public city agendas/packets, Topeka Speaks, and local news (WIBW, KSNT, Capital-Journal).

From: Grok <noreply@x.ai>
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2026 7:37 AM
To: mcre13@gmail.com <mcre13@gmail.com>
Subject: Topeka PC: Amoco PUD & data centers
 
Automation · Topeka Planning & Permits Daily Check ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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