ECM at K-State

Powerhouse Leadership Team for Sustain 2019

Meet the amazing speakers and staff for Sustain 2019! Spots are available for Spring 2020! We are taking applications.

Dan Dolquist, author of 'Finding Your Wild' and Founder/Director of Wild Village, will support students through spiritual direction and personal reflection during the weekend. Dan brings his 25+ years of expertise, "pastoring, leading and cultivating organizations in spiritual growth and development".

England Porter, SEK Homestead Director, environmental activist and middle school science/math teacher, designs our hands on immersion programs on her local farm. She is a permaculture expert and loves teaching students about conservation efforts.

This fall’s sustainability retreat wrapped workshops, mindful conversations, and a rural Kansas homestead into a weekend-long learning experience. The students and recent graduates that attended got to hear a line-up of presenters speak on sustainable practices such as lactobacillus composting, vermiculture, compost tea, and biochar. Each of these workshops combined first hands on advice with hands on learning. Participants gathered the organic matter that went into the compost tea, drilled the holes to create a worm paradise out of two cat litter tubs, and had a chance to taste lactobacillus compost (a regrettable decision, listen to your nose folks!). England Porter’s homestead, where the retreat took place, showed its visitors how sustainable practices taught throughout the weekend could be put into action and provided a quiet setting to enjoy the great outdoors. If that all wasn’t enough, participants were spoiled by the fabulous cooking of Nick Rau that featured produce from the homestead’s gardens. On Sunday the program wrapped up with a participants leading worship at the local church and the drive back to Manhattan, but even though the retreat ended the push for sustainability is still very much on-going. As part of the trip attendants have been tasked with hosting their own sustainability projects back in the Manhattan area. These projects will be announced later this fall so be on the look-out for ways you can get involved!

Courtney Sharp Receives XPLOR Fellowship

ECM Board Member, Courtney Sharp, receives XPLOR Fellowship for the 2019-2020 year. XPLOR is a “10-month, congregationally hosted residency program designed for 21- to 30-year-olds looking to explore lives of care and service — giving them the opportunity to unleash their own potential, while positively impacting their community” with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through the National Benevolent Association. Courtney will be in Hiram, OH starting in August for her internship year. She will work with middle school students at an after-school program which focuses on developing science skills.

After XPLOR, Courtney plans to attend medical school. While at K-State, she has been an instrumental leader for Real Food Lunch (RFL). Courtney began as an assistant cook for RFL, eventually joining the ECM Board of Directors. During her senior year, she planned meals and oversaw cooking. Courtney supported the first ‘Sustainability Retreat’ initiative and advocated for ECM programming with local congregations. Courtney’s leadership will be missed, but she will be an asset in her upcoming community.

If you would like to learn more about ECM partnership opportunities like XPLOR, contact ecmksu@gmail.com with the subject line ‘XPLOR Fellowship’ or 'GAP Year Fellowship'. Pastor Christian specializes in grant and fellowship applications. She offers support for spiritual & religious fellowship opportunities.

To learn more about XPLOR, check out their website: https://www.nbacares.org/xplor

Pictured: Pastor Christian, Campus Pastor and Director; Steven Graham, Development Coordinator; Stephanie Petrie, ECM Board President; Courtney Sharp, ECM Board Member