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FLAME 4501 Walnut St. KC, MO 64111
816-531-2131 www.allsoulskc.org Like us on Facebook; open to all: All Souls Unitarian
Universalist Church, Kansas City, MO
In This Issue Sunday Services 2 Minister’s Message 3 Religious Education 4-5 Adult Education 5 From the Board 6 150 Anniversary 7 Membership 7 Com. on Ministry 7 Financials/Attendance 8 Caring Connections 9 Simpson House 9 Fellowship 9 Social Responsibility 10 Creative Arts/Music 11 KC Interfaith Council 11
Table of Contents
For complete calendar: http://allsoulskc.org/happenings/calendar/
April 2015
Coming in May
Annual Membership Mtg.
Sun, May 31, 1 pm, following lunch to
benefit Partner Church
2
Apr. 5
Apr.
Sunday Services
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11:15 Service: “Not Alone” Rev. Kendyl Gibbons As we seek to grow in wisdom, how do we balance the some mes compe ng claims of reason and compassion? The Lakota Souix who preceded us in North America had a phrase, Mitakuye Oyasin, which means “all my rela ves,” calling us to recognize our connec on to all beings. And the history of Humanism has a dark side that we ought to take into account. The choir will sing.
Apr.
Apr. 26
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11:15 Service: “Earth Day” Rev. Kendyl Gibbons As we celebrate the beauty of our planet, and acknowledge our connec ons and responsibili es to it, we also remember our own con ngent arising from and return to the earth. We are stardust, and our des ny is to be once again part of the cycle of nature. To honor the earth is to embrace the mortality of all life, and the gladness of our momentary awareness.
11:15 Service: “Easter Magic” Rev. Kendyl Gibbons A sequence of medita ons on the meaning of the Easter story of Jesus, and what it might have to do with the images of spring in nature, and with us. The choir will sing, and the children will par cipate in their customary Easter egg hunt, and join us for the last por on of the service.
11:15 Service: “Heritage Sunday: Leon Birkhead” Jim Mitchell & Jim Grebe We remember the work of Rev. Leon Birkhead, the minister of All Souls 1917—1939. He preached Humanism, opposed the Pendergast machine and Nazi propaganda, and worked with Sinclair Lewis. He said, “It is possible to be decent and honorable without accep ng meaningless and outgrown tradi ons and beliefs. I believe in the religion of humanity, and that true religion is found in intelligent devo on to human welfare and such significant human values as truth, freedom, jus ce, goodness, and beauty."
10:00 Forum: “The Lake Wobegon Effect” Bill Mullins “ . . . where all the women are strong . . ., and all the children are above average,” says Minnesota humorist Garrison Keillor. The preference to see our kin as “above average” can subtly create a need to point to the “below average.” Bill Mullins, Regional Community Advocate, reflects upon a recent MARC Educa on Report.
10:00 Forum: “PTSD: Naviga ng Life a er Combat” Tiffany Prowant Tiffany Prowant, Caregiver Fellow at the Elizabeth Dole Founda on, has been a full‐ me caregiver for her husband, Jeff, since his return home from Iraq in 2010. For the past four years she has volunteered numerous hours each week as an advocate for veterans and their caregivers. She engages the public through wri ng, social media, and public speaking to raise awareness about the transi on issues for combat veterans.
10:00 Forum: “Li ing Up Community Voices” Ira Harri We can overturn the austerity myth. The American Friends Service Commi ee's Move the Money Listening Project heard from 46 community leaders discussing community needs, budge ng and tax cu ng, military spending and be er priori es for our community. Ira Harri will highlight the project's finds and discuss ways we can shi the debate from austerity to inves ng in our future.
10:00 Forum: “Assessing Suicide Risk” Stanley Edlavitch Dr. Edlavitch, Professor of Epidemiology in Psychiatry at UMKC School of Medicine, in collabora on with Drs. Fred Newman and Bill Geis, has established links between nega ve thought pa erns (like hopelessness and sense of failure) and clinical symptoms as indicators of acute suicide risk. This can guide not only health care professionals but also friends of suffering individuals.
My colleague from the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, Ed Chasteen, wrote a beautiful account of our recent lunch with a delegation of international students from the Air War College at the Marriott across the street from All Souls, and I take pleasure in sharing his words with you. It was a moving event for all of us, and I think we all came away with deeper thoughts and questions. I am grateful to be part of this group dedicated to interfaith dialogue and understanding, and to dwell in a city recognized for its capacity to live together in a community of vibrant religious diversity.
The Air War College Meets the Interfaith Council for Lunch Monday March 2, 2015
I hear “It’s a Small World” playing in my pocket. Rich Groves is calling: “I missed you in church yesterday.” He says. “You would have loved Jason’s sermon.” “I always love Jason’s sermons. Why call me about yesterday’s?” “He preached about liking people,” Rich says.
In what my friend, Dorothy, from church would never let me call simple coincidence, I have just seated myself at a table for 10 when Rich calls and will be joined shortly by nine others: Alvin from Singapore on my right and Thamer from Saudi Arabia on my left. Others at the table: Fred from Ghana, Calin from Romania, Khan from Pakistan, Linda from Vedanta, Dawn from the Air War College faculty, Slawek from Poland and me from HateBusters.
Ours is table number 6. We are one of seven tables for 10 in the room; all seven occupied by senior military officers from 45 countries and 18 members of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council. These 45 men were chosen by their country to attend a year-long program at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Base in Alabama. They are in Kansas City as one stop on a field trip that takes them next to Phoenix and then to Honolulu. In all these places they want to learn what makes America hang together. From our lunch together today they want to know how the various faiths in America relate to one another, and we on the council want to learn how faith is expressed in their countries.
At William Jewell College where I taught for 30 years, I would say to my students: “You can see the world in Kansas City. We can visit folks from every country who have been drawn here. We can hear every language.” And at our Human Family Reunions held at the conclusion of every semester, dozens of these ethnic and faith communities from across the Kansas City metro would bring a dish of their favorite food for a giant smorgasbord.
For lunch today none of us have brought food, but at the place at the table where our name stands, two small pieces of paper of different colors lie on the table, each piece with a letter and number signifying to our servers what food is to be brought. Coming from all over the world as these military officers do, their dietary preferences vary. Weeks ago all of us here today received an email request to choose from the options given what salad, soup and entrée we preferred. So now as we talk, the food of our choice is delivered quietly and efficiently, allowing us as we satisfy physical hunger to give maximum attention to our spiritual hunger.
No less so than in a gathering of theologians is spiritual hunger evident. These senior military officers deal with life and death issues daily and directly. To live with the knowledge that at any time you might be ordered to put others in mortal danger, that you, yourself, might be killed or permanently and horribly injured, to know that you will at some point in your life be required to define some other group of people as your enemy and make war on them: All of this is more than enough to drive any person with even the slightest regard for another person to utter despair. And then for those who can recognize despair for the prelude it is to an acceptance of our flawed and fallible humanity, redemption is possible and a meaningful life likely.
The two hours we spend together over lunch and conversation this day have been preceded by months of planning. The memories of what we do in these 120 minutes will travel the world, and perhaps at some critical time save more than the day.
Kendyl’s sermons in lobby and online: http://allsoulskc.org/category/read-sermons/
From the Minister Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons
Next Board Meeting, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 6:45 pm, Meeting Rm.
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Children & Youth Sunday Morning Schedule 10:00—12:15 Nursery service is provided for babies and toddlers. 10:00—11:00 A time of creativity, conversation, and community for all ages. 10:00—10:30 Children’s Choir, downstairs chapel, October—May 11:15—12:15 Sunday School classes for all ages to explore our Unitarian Universalist faith and principles through storytelling, discussion, creative experiences, and service projects.
Religious Education Rev. Judith Cady
Picnic for Religious Education Teachers, Parents and their Families Sunday, April 26, 3—6 pm
Franklin Park, Somerset & Roe Prairie Village, Kansas, 66208
Time for our annual picnic for our religious education participants and families! Picnic food will be provided for everyone. Please RSVP to Rev. Judith Cady by April 19 so we have an accurate count for the food.
Come enjoy fellowship and good food with other families at All Souls!
Rev. Judith Cady
Religious Education Team Mtg: April 19, 12:15 Everyone is welcome to attend
All Souls Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 5, 10:30 am for children and youth of all ages
Locations: Patio: nursery through kindergarten Playground: First through Fifth Simpson House: Middle and High school classes Bring your family & friends!
Flowering Plants for our Children Sun, Apr. 26, 11:15 All Families Invited
In celebration of Earth Day, children and youth will receive flowering plants, made possible through the generosity of Rae Kemp, who set up a fund to provide springtime flowers for our children every year. The flowers remind us to celebrate the growth of new life and the wonderful diversity of nature. Let us also celebrate the beauty and diversity of our children and youth at All Souls. They are our renewal of life and our hope for the future of our mother earth.
Adult Education, Religious Education
Adult Educa on Classes: If you would like to be notified of class cancellations or changes, you can register with the class contact person or simply sign up for the email list at a class session.
Adult Sunday School: Sundays, 10-11 am, “The Meaning of Life: Perspectives from the World's Great Intellectual Traditions," facilitator: Larry Bloomer Gnawing for Knowledge: Wednesdays, noon: video and philosophical discussion. Contact: Larry Bloomer. HUUmanist Book Club: Monday, April 13, 6:30, Library. Text: Living with a Wild God, by Barbra Ehrenreich All Souls Movie Group: Wed., April 1, 7 pm, Conover, Movies: "Leviathan," "Timbuktu,” The Second Best Marigold Hotel," and "Paddington." Since our meeting takes place on April Fool's Day, we will also talk about favorite movies that had a twist or trick in the plot. Join the lively & informal discussion. Agnostics AA Meeting: Thursdays, 7-8 pm, Meeting Room and Tuesdays, 7-8 pm, Joseph Priestly Rm, lower level. Spiritual Maturity with Rev. Kendyl: Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm, April 2—May 28, Library
Another Successful OWLs Program
We completed another successful Our Whole Lives Sexuality program for middle school youth from All Souls and Shawnee Mission in March. We are so grateful to Scott England and Matthew Westra who have been the OWL instructors from All Souls for many years. Based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice
and inclusivity, the program helps young people apply Unitarian Universalist values to their sexual behavior and provides them with information and skills they can use throughout life. Here are a few comments from youth who participated in the program. Elizabeth: “We learned to make smarter decisions about our sexuality.” Martin: “I learned about responsible practices. I now know how to respect other people and their choices.” Ethan: “We learned about being safe and responsible and accepting and respecting other’s decisions.”
Spring Adult Religious Education Program with Rev. Kendyl Thursdays April 2 - May 28, Library, 7 pm Subject: Qualities of Spiritual Maturity Consider what the goal of personal and spiritual growth might look like in the liberal tradition of our free faith. We are not here to be saved from anybody’s wrath, or to earn our way into an after-life paradise. Nevertheless, each of us can envision the person we would wish to become over the course of our lifetime, and one important purpose of a church
community is to help us in that effort. Using stories and practices from a variety of traditions, we will consider qualities like self-awareness, the ability to be present to pain, the love of beauty, and the capacity for repentance. Be prepared to grow, as a person and as a group!
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Board of Trustees
The Renovation Concept Task Force established by the Board of Trustees in December was charged with the task of taking the congregation’s suggestions for improvement from last summer’s Visioning process, putting cost estimates to these items, and bringing them back to the Board. That report was accepted by the Board at the March 18, 2015 meeting.
The Communications Task Force will be working with them to organize information and publicize the report for presentation to the congregation. We think you will be, as we are, very excited about their findings. If you would like more information, please contact any committee or team member, the Board of Trustees or Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons. The members of the Renovation Concept Team are: Chair, Dori Bader; Members: Drew Butler, Diane Cassity, Chris Davis, Chuck Downing, Andrea Jonson and Bob Miller. Communications Team members are: Chair, Carrie Bader; Members: Beth Andes, Jordinn Nelson-Long and Ruth Robarge. Ask for one of us to talk to your church group at their next meeting.
Our next step is to conduct a Feasibility Study to determine if this congregation has the financial ability, and more importantly, are we as a congregation ready and willing to move forward with a capital campaign. Feasibility Committee Members are: Lamar Hicks and Jane Wilson, co-chairs, and members: Kelley Davis, Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons, Jane Gilbreath and Walt Wells. As one of our initial decisions, we have contracted Barry Finkelstein, a UU Stewardship Consultant, to guide the committee and congregation through the first phase of the Feasibility Study.
Barry Finkelstein has been a Unitarian Universalist congregational stewardship consultant since the Fall of 2007 and has worked with over thirty congregations on annual budget drives, capital campaigns. Barry is a professional management consultant with a Masters Degree and 35 years of experience helping organizations with strategic planning, project management, information technology, decision support, and fundraising. He served in senior positions at two Northern Virginia consulting firms.
Barry is also an experienced and energetic UU church lay leader, having served on the board and as board chair of a large church, and in leadership positions in social justice, finance, youth programming, and music. He is a trained OWL teacher who has taught middle and high schoolers in three congregations. Barry is married to UU minister, Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, and they currently live in Westport, CT, where Roberta is the Interim Senior Minister.
He comes highly recommended from the churches with whom we spoke about his work with them. He has been to Kansas City and is eager to return here to work with our congregation. He will be working with our congregation on his Next Steps Weekend; more details later.
After experiencing the Feasibility Committee’s video conference with Barry this last March 16, we think you will be very pleased to work with him.
As the Board and various committees and teams have been reviewing the capital campaign of 1998, our respect and appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices the congregation made then have increased immensely. It is their efforts that have allowed us to enjoy air conditioning, carpeting and much more for the last seventeen years. Twenty years from now, what will our legacy of generosity be for those who follow us? Their future is in our hands today.
—Lamar Hicks, Board President
Board of Trustees, President’s Report, April 2015
Build. Inspire. Create.
Next Steps Weekend with Barry Finkelstein: May 8-10, 2015. Save the Dates!
150 Anniversary, Membership, Committee on Ministry
150th Anniversary of All Souls Logo & Slogan Contest Deadline May 1, 2015
2018 sounds like a long way off, but the Anniversary Committee is already working on a glorious celebration for All Souls' 150th. We want you to be part of the planning!
Design a commemorative All Souls logo and/or a slogan or tagline we can use on T-shirts, pins and banners. Your designs and words should capture the character of All Souls and be simple enough for use in a variety of formats.
Send logo designs in a 4 inch x 6 inch format and slogan ideas electronically to [email protected] or put them in Ruth Robarge's mailbox in the Communication Center. You don't have to be a member to participate, and we welcome entries from all ages. Entries will be judged by the Anniversary Committee.
“The Coolest Thing”
Something wonderful happened during March to connect the children/youth and adults of All Souls. Twenty four children/youth and adults signed up to be paired as “Mystery Friends.” Only the adults knew the name of their friend. Each pair anonymously exchanged some personal
information about each other. The Mystery Friends sent letters or small items to each other weekly. Both groups had such fun, the adult trying to think of something to please their friend and the children/youth learning clues and perhaps receiving a gift from their friend. The big reveal was a party on March 29.
Getting to know someone new, mixing generations, creating community…that is the “Coolest Thing.”
From your Committee on Ministry: Rodney Harsin, Chris Davis, Barbara Griggs, Jean Patterson, and Lee Ann Bergin, chair.
Bill Prange
New Member
Welcome
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Financials, Attendance
February 2015 Pledged Income is $22,507 ‐ $2,075 under budget (8%). Total Dona on Income is $24,712 ‐ $3,079 under budget (11%). Total Income is $32,163 ‐ $ 761 under budget (2%). Total Expenses are $39,444 ‐ $2,597 under budget (6%). Total Expenses exceed Total Income by $7,280 ‐ $1,837 under budget. Year to Date: Pledged Income is $196,975 ‐ $307 over budget (0%). Total Income is $310,509 ‐ $4,219 under budget (1%). Total Expenses are $341,173 ‐ $1,212 under budget (0%). Total Expenses exceed Total Income by $30,664 ‐ $3,007 over budget.
Attendance Figures for February 2015:
Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 15 Feb. 22
Service 131 96 139 116
Forum 88 59 88 101
Sunday School* 41 44 48 50 *(includes teachers)
2015 Mardi Gras Auction—What a Party! $26,000 raised
Elegant Decorations by Mary Lou Carver
Fabulous Food by the Cassity Sisters
Exciting Talent by Anthony Edwards & Seth Golay
Such dedication, skills, resources, time and energy provided by so many!
Green Sanctuary Equal Exchange Sunday Tabling Dates: April 5th, April 19th, April 26th, May 24th, May 31st, October 4th, October 11th, November 1st, November 8th, November 29th, December 6th.
Thanks to the auction committee: Carrie Bader, Dori Bader, Diane Cassity, Sharon Cassity, Chuck Downing, Michael Jones, Bob Miller, Ginger Powers and Bill Wright
Caring Connections, Simpson House, Fellowship
Potluck &
Meeting
Tuesday
April 21
6:00 pm
All Souls Men’s Group Thursday, April 9, Conover
Hors D’oeuvres: 5:30 pm Dinner 6:00, Discussion 7 - 8:30
$8 donation for dinner Vegetarian available on request
Reservations strongly recommended. Don Dickey, [email protected]
And Don Wakefield, [email protected]
Bridge: Friday, April 10, 7 pm RSVP to Host: Dori Bader, Snacks welcome
Caring Connections Rob Amerine, who passed away Feb. 25, was celebrated with a service led by friends and family, followed by a wake, according to the true Irish tradition.
Simpson House Open House, Sun, Apr 19, 12:15—2 Ramp for Easy Mobility from the Backyard
This large limestone mansion, built in 1909, is one of the few remaining in midtown Kansas City, from the many that once graced this area. Located on the south side of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church parking lot, this historical treasure, along with its gardens, is an asset for All Souls. Purchased by the church in 1984, after the death of Mrs. Simpson, the house was painstakingly restored by a cadre of dedicated volunteers who showed up every
Saturday morning for months, painting, wallpapering, cleaning, and more. The house is rich with decorative detail, including crystal chandeliers, Tiffany style stained glass, ornately carved walnut stair railing, fireplaces of stone and marble, and hardwood floors. Thanks to Bob Miller, Chuck Downing, and Diane Cassity, the second floor Bride’s Dressing Room has just been refurbished, exposing the original ceiling with crown moulding. In recent months, the Simpson House has been the site of a Great Gatsby Party, All Souls Board Yulebock, Winter Storm board meetings, holiday parties, memorial receptions, birthday parties, and a number of wedding and receptions. The second floor provides office space for the Heartland Men’s Chorus and PeaceWorks. Income from the Simpson House supports programs at All Souls. If your company plans an event, or for an elegant soiree, or family rite of passage, recommend the Simpson House. Contact Charles Dickinson, [email protected]. We invite you to take a tour of this gracious, historic building during our Open House.
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Social Responsibility
Dear church community,
Thank you so much for the support and love you have given the Gordon Parks Task Force this school year. As we head into Spring Break we want to remind you that we are still looking for volunteers for the classroom.
This is what one teacher shared about why you are important to her, "...I've had people of various ages with different talents, cultural gems and love to shower on my kiddos. Positive role models are so important...just knowing someone outside of your family gives of their time and cares about you is a boost to confidence and self esteem (to young children).
Please call Patricia Justice, 816-753-6700, Gordon Parks volunteer coordinator. Consider helping this year or signing up for next year. —Linda Parkinson
Plant Sale, Sunday, April 26 Proceeds Benefit Children’s Gardens
SPRING SPRANG!! The daffodils and daylilies are popping up, and many are looking for new homes. Maybe your yard? The annual sale happens on April 26, when the air will be warm, the ground ready to dig, and a gazillion plants waiting on the patio. If you have an extra peony, pepper or petunia, bring it on April 26 or the day before, with a label please. We have the promise of gorgeous iris and daylilies, none ordinary but all unlabeled, to add the joy of discovery to your garden. Of course, tomatoes and basil and veggies that will grow like weeds. All money from the sale goes to children's garden projects across the city. Want to help in any way? Email Caron, [email protected] or Ellie Dawson, [email protected]
Throw a Life-Line Security & Hosting Training
Sunday, April 12, 12:30, Following the Lunch What would you do if the tornado sirens go off while you are here at church? How can you facilitate church teams to meet here without hiring staff to be on-site? What do you do if the fire alarm goes off? What do you do if someone asks for food or money while you are
here at the church? What if you are cooking and the smoke alarm sounds? What do you do if the electricity goes off? What if something needs repair immediately? How can you support All Souls to be a center of activity for the city? Learn our security and emergency procedures. RSVP: Rev. Diana Hughes, 816-531-2131, x 103
Be of Service to All Souls Be a Host for Church Functions
Art Gallery, Coffeehouse
All Souls Gallery Presents: “Unraveling Life”
By Jane Gilbreath & Linda Jurkiewicz April 19—May 14
Meet & Greet the Artists: April 24, 7-9 pm
From the Artists: Jane Gilbreath & Linda Jurkiewicz met in an Artist’s Way group 17 years ago, where they learned to embrace their creativity. As their lives marched on, they laughed and cried, shared their processes and supported one another, and now combine their talents for a joint show. Linda began exploring quilting in 2010 and has found it to be a cathartic experience. Jane is a member of All Souls and has been sewing for 70 years. She sews for fun.
Note: Frank Stevens’ show runs through April 16.
All Souls Coffeehouse Friday, April 24, 7:30 pm, Bragg
No cover charge Donations
accepted for snacks Donations to Harvester’s
Barrel Welcome
Greater KC Interfaith Council: Table of Faiths, Tues. April 21, 6-9 pm Sheraton at Crown Center
One Family – One World – One Future Interfaith Exhibits & Education
Food, Entertainment, Dialogue & Award Ceremony $35 adult ($10 discount for 10 tickets); $25 for students
Sponsorship opportunities available The Interfaith Council has enjoyed wonderful support from the All Souls community and we hope to see many of the All Souls family at this unique event. Table of Faiths is an educational program, fundraiser and friend-raiser for the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council. More info: www.kcinterfaith.org. Join Rev. Kendyl Gibbons as we come together as one community.
Honoring Past Presidents Dinner
Friday, April 10, 6 pm Simpson House
The Board of Trustees cordially invites all past presidents to attend a dinner honoring their service to All Souls.
RSVP: Roxanna Jones, 913-232-6808.
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CONTACTS Phone 816-531-2131
Fax 816-756-5651
Website allsoulskc.org
Minister: Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons, [email protected] 816-531-2131, x 101
Board President: Lamar Hicks,
Intern: Jordinn Nelson Long, [email protected]
Religious Education
Rev. Judith Cady, Minister [email protected]
Administrator: Rev. Diana Hughes [email protected]
Bookkeeper: David Towery, [email protected]
Office Associate: Sherry Anspach: [email protected]
Scheduling: Sue Trowbridge [email protected],
816-518-0925 (cell)
Music Director: Anthony Edwards [email protected]
Facilities Mgr: Charles Dickinson,
[email protected] Custodians: Elsafi Ahmed,
Miho Komatsu
Flame submissions deadline:
9am Apr. 10
Sunday Morning bulletins & Friday e-mail deadline: 9 a.m. Wednesdays
Send all submissions to Diana Hughes: [email protected]