 With the Covid-19 outbreak sweeping the world, many things are changing. At ECM we've been embracing the change while also striving to maintain some semblance of our usual programing.
One staple during the school year here at ECM is Real Food Lunch. Every Thursdays a group of ECM'ers come together to cook the week's meal that is later shared Friday with the larger crowd. Though meeting in person to cook and share food is not a current possible reality, we've still found ways to share both the cooking and the food as a community. Through live videos, Mary and Christian have led tutorials weekly on various vegan meals while additionally providing an opportunity for much missed group discussion through the online chat feature that accompanies the stream. To share the food, meals are delivered, or people can sign up for a batch of ingredients and cook their own batch of vegan deliciousness. To learn more, or hop in on the fun check out our 'Get Involved' tab.
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 Last weekend, Pastor Christian and three ECM students attended the Our Whole Lives Facilitator Training in Lawrence. This weekend-long training focused on the OWL curriculum, a comprehensive sexual education curriculum, and how to host classes on topics ranging from social justice issues, like gender and sexuality identity, to personal health workshops. All in attendance successfully passed the course after demoing an activity! With this new knowledge and credentials in hand, ECM is looking forward to the possibility of providing OWL workshops in the future both to students and to local churches, should they be interested. Look out for workshops Fall 2020!
To learn more about OWL, check out their website: https://www.uua.org/re/owl  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 not only provided information but provided advice on implementing these techniques, trouble-shooting recommendations, and hands on experience. 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, led by example, showing 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 was wrapped up with a presentation 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 project 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!
  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 [email protected] with the subject line ‘XPLOR Fellowship’ or 'GAP Year Fellowship'. Pastor Christian specializes in grant and fellowship applications. 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
 Mark your calendars for Friday, May 10 (right after RFL) for a 'Treat Yo' Self Mini-Retreat' (from approx. 1:30pm-2:30pm) on identifying a personalized plan for taking care of yourself during finals week. We will be unearthing our own spiritual gifts and listening for gifts in others. (It's one of my favorite things to do! And I think it will become yours too!)
Pack a Snack and Guided Meditation on Sunday, May 12 from 4-6pm will provide an opportunity for you to dig through a collection of snacks to stash for finals. Do you want a bag of yum, but can't make it? Give us a head's up via email, through GroupMe, or Facebook, and we'll pack you one! Graduation Party on SATURDAY, MAY 18 (I misspoke at RFL!-Thanks, Courtney!) from 11am-1pm hosted by ECM will feature yummy desserts and a free place for you and your guests/supporters to chill. It will be a come and go experience. Graduates! Please send Pastor Christian a fun picture and a bit about you for us to share with the world on social media and on our web page. We're proud of you, and we want to brag. If you moving out of the ECM community we also would love to share in your excitement, too! Punching a Pillow with Christian (Anytime): If you want to vent/cry/sing/pray/laugh with company, know there is a cup of coffee/smoothie/tea with your name on it. DM me on GroupMe or Facebook to schedule a time. Feel free to spread the word! We want to be sure folks have 'nourishment' to thrive through finals. Thankful for all of you. You can do this!
 Emily Trube
Emily is graduating with an MA in Theatre, concentration in Drama Therapy from the College of Arts and Sciences. She has lived with us at ECM for 2 years. |
