The Flame

Mid February 2003

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Kansas City, Missouri

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Good News Celebrations

:-) The Stanislav Ioudenitch concert on Jan. 5 raised $2,974 for the Kansas City Free Health Clinic and a like amount for All Souls. Many thanks to church members and friends who attended this magnificent event and to Suellen Dice and all other volunteers.

:-) The Interweave Convo, reflecting the hard work of the planning committee, will be going on by the time this issue arrives.

:-) We are meeting visitors who have learned of us through the UUA billboards and TV ads.

:-) Melissa Mummert wowed us with her inspirational message and preaching skill.

:-) Dick King will be leading the upcoming pledge drive.

:-) The Midsize Congregation Conference is coming to Kansas City in early March, with the keynote event, "The Miracle of Jazz: Leadership, Virtuosity, Limits," by Dr. Sharon Welch and Bobby Watson, open to all.

Service Schedule 8:45 am and 11:15 am

Feb. 16 - Love Welcomes All: UU Family Values Jim Eller

Contrary to the religious right position, family is anywhere the ties of love and commitment are present. We say love welcomes all. We especially welcome the UUs here for the UUA Interweave conference.

Feb. 23 - "Living with a Bear" - Rev. Thea Nietfeld

Which bear inhabits your story - the ones with Goldilocks? a teddy bear? A traditional Cherokee bear story invites us to consider how much we are willing to change in order to save the world. I'm pleased to exchange pulpits with Jim and return to the congregation where I became a Unitarian Universalist.

Mar. 2 - Making of the Manifesto: Humanism and our All Souls History - Jim Eller

At the 100th birthday of Rev. Ray Bragg and at the 50th anniversary of his ministry here in Kansas City, it seems fitting to remember and celebrate his ministry. This service will explore the evolution of American religious humanism and the contributions Ray Bragg played in this important intellectual history.

Forum Schedule 10:00 am

Feb. 16 - Building Community, Empowering People - Jamie Rich and guests

The director of the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of Greater Kansas City and his guests will discuss how lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and their straight allies can and must work together to create strong, healthy communities.

Feb. 23 - Health Care and Insurance Reform in the U.S. - Michael Fox

Almost everyone realizes our health care and insurance system is in a shambles. Michael Fox is actively involved in these issues and in exploring alternatives to present methods. He received his Sc.D. from the School of Hygiene and Health Policy at Johns Hopkins University and is Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Kansas University School of Medicine.

Mar. 2 - Developing Citizenly Behaviors and Values - Jane Ann Morris

Hear a corporate anthropologist who challenges corporate personhood theories of corporate social responsibility and corporate speech. Jane Ann Morris of Madison, Wisconsin, is a principal of POCLAD, the Program on Corporations, Law and Democracy, founded in 1994 by a group of activists concerned about corporations.

Intern Minister Melissa Mummert's Considerations:
We'll build a land with kindness

The other morning, I was scurrying to get to a church meeting, and I was in 5th gear. Among the many to-dos on my list, I had to send off an important package at the post office before work.

Aargh. The line was long, my coffee hadn't kicked in yet, and the postal clerk was working at the speed of mud. I must have physically expressed my frustration because a man in front of me said gently, "You look like you're in more of a hurry than I am. Would you like to go ahead?"

I took a deep breath for the first time all morning. With that simple act of kindness, the man jolted me out of my manic myopia, and helped me to slow down and be present.

It was such a small thing. It may have cost the man a minute or two, but it meant so much to me. I moved into my busy day with a greater sense of peace, which I hope I passed on to everyone with whom I interacted that day.

Not long ago, a friend told me about her everyday spiritual practice. She simply takes a moment to look into the eyes of people who serve her. She makes a human connection with the grocery bagger, the gas station attendant, the ticket taker. She said that the practice is a powerful reminder that the people who serve her are human beings, not objects for her convenience, and she is kinder as a result.

In Leo Buscaglia's words, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." The small kindnesses we extend really do matter in creating a more peaceful, less anxious world. From post office to church, from member to visitor, from parent to child, each of us can play an important role in helping kindness to flow heart-to-heart with unlimited abundance.

Lifespan Religious Education

Sunday School Update

Last June results were released for the national geography test. They showed that one in three fourth-graders can't find their state and mark it with an X when presented with a blank map of the United States. When I think about Sunday school lessons, my focus is not on traditional academics. However, frequently when I read about an educational standard that our national system is not living up to as well as we'd like, I feel a real sense of pride in the 75-minute lessons we offer each week. For example, when reading about the geography results, I couldn't help feeling proud about the fact that there are world maps in every classroom. Many rooms have globes as well. Our teachers often use them and time lines when offering a lesson.

While I would never want to test our classes on geography, I know that students who attend regularly have colored in many maps, looked at many pictures and listened to several speakers on various regions of the world along with making art and music and projects. We do this out of a desire to teach about our UU values; the traditional academics are simply a by-product. Not a bad extra, huh?

This past month our high school class had a lesson led by Claudine Thomas about Thomas Jefferson and the Jefferson Bible. The middle school started to try to understand the role of the Transcendentalists in our heritage thanks in large order to the efforts of Sharon Cassity. The 5th & 6th graders followed Lola Butcher's lead into more UU history. Mike Mathews and Tom Gilbreath helped the 3rd and 4th graders make key chains with beads representing the 7 principles. Kathy Burns once again visited the 1st & 2nd graders to do another mind-blowing art project. Come on down and see for yourself. The preK/K class have added a "check-in" to their weekly chalice lighting. Mark Jones can hardly get a word in! Special thanks to Sharon Blevins and Bob Miller who were guest speakers in several of the classes.

Upcoming lessons will have a greater historical focus than we had in the fall. Also special projects with Ellie Dawson will begin soon. Don't miss the fun (and the chance to reinforce some academics). For more information contact Lynisa.

All Souls blazes the trail

If you only have time for one LRE adult event, then let this be the one. Living the Welcoming Congregation starts Feb. 19 for 12 Wednesday sessions 7pm-9pm, led by Scott England.

As the test site for this new curriculum, we will learn how to continue to reduce homophobia and heterosexism at a personal, congregational, or community level. Our important work will reach far beyond our own doors. Our input will be considered before the curriculum takes its final form. What is most important is to bring a friend or two from another church or community organization. Our renewed commitment is to go beyond our own congregation in this effort.

Book discussion

At 6:30pm Feb. 17, the Interfaith Council is holding a discussion of the book, Black Elk Speaks, at the Waldo Public Library, 75th and Grand. All are welcome.

“Seeing Christianity Again”

On Feb. 21-22, Marcus Borg, a noted liberal religious historian, will lecture at Village Presbyterian Church on "Seeing Christianity Again." Registration forms are available at the church.

Lama to speak on meditation

At 7pm Thursday, Feb. 27, All Souls will host a talk by Lama Gen Khedrub, on different types of meditation. All are welcome.

Book on Islam is topic

Ahmed El-Sherif of the American Muslim Council will join Diann Spencer dspencer@kc.rr.com for discussions inspired by the book, Islam: A Short History, by Karen Armstrong, 7-9pm Mondays starting Mar. 17 for 3 sessions. Come even if you haven't finished the book. Bring a friend.

Pro-choice book discussion

Another very important book discussion, Sacred Choices: The Right to Contraception and Abortion in Ten World Religions, by Dr. Daniel C. Maguire, will be 7-9pm Thursdays, Mar. 13 & 20, led by Jill Jarvis, jjarvis1@kc.rr.com. Dr. Maguire will speak in Kansas City on April 10, sponsored by Planned Parenthood. He is a Professor of Moral Theological Ethics at Marquette University, a Jesuit Institution. Book discussions throughout Kansas City are preparing for his visit.

LRE Wish List

Blank note cards
Paper cups
Nerf balls

Volunteer Opportunities in Lifespan Religious Education

There's a place for everyone in LRE. Call the LRE office for more information on these: Sitters at the LRE table in Conover Sunday mornings. Social Justice Project coordinator for elementary school age children.

No need to go to a mall

Harry Potter book 5 will be sold at church one minute after midnight on June 21. We will party before the book sale, during the book sale and after. Other bookstores already have their signs up. Don't be fooled. Our party will be the best. Add your name to the early registration form hanging on a clipboard in the hallway near the water fountains. Plans are forming now. Call Lynisa with ideas.

Early birds lay the eggs?

It's never too early to help with the collection of the Easter candy & stuff we give to the Easter Bunny each year. If you take advantage of an early bird sale, drop the treasures off in the LRE office downstairs.

Sundays at 5:00

If you haven't yet given it a try, do it now. Sundays at 5pm our teens and young adults lead us in a half hour (more or less) of worship experiences UU style. Mini dramas, group games, music from every source imaginable, joys & concerns have all been experienced with themes such as diversity, peace, competition and fire. If sit down church is not your cup of tea, come try our root beer.

Events book is out

Connections, a booklet of activities at All Souls, is now available in the lobby or by calling the LRE office. Perfect? No. So please direct all comments and corrections to Lynisa.

Parents of High Schoolers:

Look for an upcoming Lock-in tentatively scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 21-23. More details will follow.

Adult Sunday School

If you are not at the Forum on Sunday morning, drop in on the discussion of UU history in the Meeting Room, from 10 to 11.

Other Church News

Let’s welcome our visitors

As members of the All Souls community, we are in an optimum position to help make the media campaign a success. As the billboards beckon and the TV ads summon all those potential UU's out there, we have the opportunity and responsibility to nurture and support them as they enter our doors.

For the next couple of months please be extra alert to the following: People perusing the bulletin boards of activities with lost looks on their faces. Ask them if you can tell about any of the activities at All Souls. Include information about easy and immediate ways to connect i.e., classes, movie groups or Wednesday night dinners.

For families with children, you can guide them to the LRE classrooms or the LRE office and help them find the right staff members and volunteers to make their children feel at home.

Remember that for people new to UUism we have a plethora of written materials next to Jim's office in the blonde wood display case. Help them find the materials that can answer any questions.

Let them know that we have the Small Group Ministry program. It will help them form deep and meaningful connections to others as they integrate into our church community.

What made you feel welcome when you first came to All Souls?

Let's make the UUA's investment in Kansas City's UU churches pay off. We are the ambassadors of our faith. - Chloe Mason Seagrove, Adult Education Chair

A dozen ways to show kids (& other people) you care

1. Notice them
2. Smile a lot
3. Seek them out
4. Listen to them
5. Play with them
6. Learn their names
7. Acknowledge them
8. Remember their birthdays
9. Ask them about themselves
10. Look in their eyes when you talk to them
11. Read aloud together
12. Giggle together

Sharon Blevins, with thanks to the Pocatello, ID UU Fellowship newsletter

Beware the Ides of March

Dinner for Eight is a great opportunity to get acquainted with people in the church and have some good food and conversation. Each month at Dinner for Eight, eight people meet for dinner. The host provides the main dish and each person or couple brings an appetizer, a salad, or a dessert.

The Dinner for Eight sign-up process happens in September and many people, especially new members don't get to a chance to sign up. The Membership Committee would like to offer a "Dinner for Eight Sampler" to run for three months - from March through June. If you didn't get a chance to sign up in September, you will now have an opportunity to sign up for this program. The deadline will be March 15, thus the Ides of March reference. Look for our table in Conover later this month. - Diane Cassity

New member class soon

The next class for new members will be held from 10-11am on Sunday March 30 and continue for all of the Sundays in April. Read the next issue of this newsletter for more information, or call me at the church office, 816-531-2131. - Terry Wiggins, Membership Administrator

Leadership candidates needed

‘Tis that time of year when your Nominating Committee begins its work in the search for candidates to serve on the All Souls Board of Trustees, the Nominating Committee and our representative to Westport Cooperative Services. The recommended slate of names will be presented for your consideration (and election) at our annual meeting in mid-May. Positions to be filled include:

Three Board members
Board Treasurer
Assistant Board Treasurer
Board Secretary
Our representative to the Westport Cooperative Services board
Three new members of the Nominating Committee

If you are interested in any of these positions or wish to recommend possible candidates please contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Geral Culp, Bob Henderson, Yvonne Jameson, Joan Olsen, Sara Pedram and Kass Wright.

Park-n-walk plan

Are you fit? Can you walk a couple of blocks? If so, please remember to park in the Marriott or one of our other off-site locations, and save nearby parking for our visitors.

Let the spirit move you

The annual pledge drive at All Souls will begin next week and culminate on the weekend of March 14-16 with a dinner on Friday and pledge services on Sunday. The Pledge Drive Committee needs volunteers to act as Liaisons to nearly 300 pledge units at All Souls. Liaisons will be assigned 5 to 10 households to invite to the pledge dinner and make a follow-up call to request a pledge, if a follow-up call is necessary.

There will be training sessions offered on at least two occasions for those who desire to attend. Without personal contact the pledge drive will not be effective and All Souls needs a successful drive in order to support the services and programs that are the spirit of our church. Please let the spirit move you and volunteer to help.

You can volunteer by calling, emailing or writing the church office or Dick King.

Questions about the media campaign?

Tracey Robinson-Harris, director of congregational services for the Unitarian Universalist Association, will talk with members of the congregations in the metropolitan Kansas City and Lawrence area about the UUA's pilot media campaign at a 7pm meeting on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Shawnee Mission U.U. Church, 7725 West 87th Street in Overland Park. Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome. For more information, contact All Souls media campaign coordinator Sharon Blevins, sharonblevins@pobox.com.

Looking for your ideals?

Were you roused by Melissa's sermon a few weeks back? Did you feel the growing desire to find your own ideals, or to look for the ideals of our movement? If so, come join in the process of trying to chart the course of All Souls by exploring what our ideals are concerning sexuality and the involvement of GLBT people in our church and our movement. Come to the workshop series, Living the Welcoming Congregation, being facilitated by Scott England and Allison Hartnett. The series starts Feb. 19, 7 - 9pm, and runs for 12 weeks. We'll be looking at how our church, congregation and community have changed in the 11 years since we first participated in the Welcoming Congregation curriculum, as well as how we can continue to grow. This is a chance to have an impact on our entire movement, as the Living the Welcoming Congregation series is new, and we have been given a chance to trial it and give feedback to the Office of GLBT Concerns. Questions? Talk to Scott smarland1@msn.com or Allison, (816) 531-2131 in the RE office. Sign up on the clipboard in the hallway near the water fountain. - Scott England

What's for Wed. dinner?

Wednesday dinner menus can be found every week in the following locations:

In the Sunday Order of Service.
On all of the glass doors coming into the building.
On the announcement board as you enter Bragg.
In your email on the Monday before our Wednesday dinner.
Or by calling Chloe Mason Seagrove.

Now that the Wednesday dinner routine is established we will be making the menu announcements during the Sunday service only on special occasions.

Please continue to support All Souls by planning to eat dinner on Wednesdays at Church. All proceeds are being donated to the general budget. We are having lots of fun building community and adding to the budget.

Classical Grapes

This new fund-raiser will feature our new music director Brad Cox playing live music in Simpson House. The first of these fund-raisers is 4-6pm Sunday, March 2. Enjoy a casual afternoon, hear good music and socialize in an intimate environment. The cost of $15 per person includes "grapes", grape juice, cheese and snack food. A cash bar will be available for wine.

Reservations for this event can be made in the "silent auction" on Feb. 8 or by calling Nick or Jean Francis.

Two additional Classical Grapes are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7 and Sunday Dec. 7 at Simpson House. - Nick Francis for the Stewardship Committee

Shh--quiet in the lobby

Two changes are taking place relative to the Lobby on Sunday mornings to reduce Lobby noise during services in Bragg:

•••The Additional Services Task Force recommended that all Sunday morning Lobby activity and the accompanying tables, be moved to Conover with the single exception of the Hospitality table,

•••The folding doors, as well as all double doors into Bragg, will be left open. This was a recommendation of long-time members Lon Swearingen and Gene Bell, and was tried on two recent Sundays with great success. People see the doors are open and are quiet.

If you arrive early for a service, or have a few minutes between services, come on down to Conover Cafe. It's not in full bloom yet, but there's coffee, tea, goodies to eat, and good conversation. Visit the Bookstore table, write a social action letter, join a UU Views discussion, meet a new friend, or talk to an old friend.

Canoe, camp and communicate

The second weekend in June, in keeping with previous years’ practice, the lovers of the outdoors and those who prefer 'civilized' excursions will meet in the woods of Fort Niangua, to canoe and camp and hunt (birds with binoculars and antiques with checkbooks). The dates are June 13, 14, and 15. Cost is $5 per person per night, under six free. Canoe for two, $29. This is also Hillbilly Days at Bennett Springs State Park, two miles up the road. We've again invited other UU congregations of the area. Some people come primarily for the music and talk around the fire Saturday night. Put the date on your calendar now. - Caron Wells

Meet the neighbors

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association is hosting a party 2-5pm Saturday, Feb. 22, in Conover Auditorium. Join us as we socialize and discuss what we will do this year to make the neighborhood a better and safer place to be. Everyone at All Souls is invited to drop by and meet the neighbors. We already have plans for a joint church and neighborhood potluck and community clean-up on April 27. What else would you like to do with the neighborhood? Bring your ideas. - Walt Wells

Reader/Sound System Training Mar.17

The Religious Services and Technology/Sound Committees will hold a joint-training session 7:30-9pm Monday, March 17 in Bragg Auditorium. The training will allow readers to practice at the microphone, and will provide sound system operators a chance to gain experience using the system.

The training session welcomes experienced readers, as well as those who are interested in serving in this role who have not previously done so. The session will provide guidance in effective dramatic reading skills, and participants are encouraged to bring a favorite poem or dramatic prose selection to practice at the training.

New and experienced sound system operators are also encouraged to attend, to gain experience operating the system. Those serving or who are interested in serving as moderators or children's focus presenters may also be interested in attending, to increase their experience with the microphone system.

Anyone interested in becoming a reader or who has questions concerning the training should contact Susan Crim via e-mail at buck_crim@msn.com. Those with questions concerning the sound system operation/training should contact Lee Ann Googe via e-mail at googe_lee@netzero.net.

Any Forum ideas?

Is the Forum an essential part of your Sunday morning? Does your committee have an important topic you would like others to learn more about? Come share your ideas for speakers/topics for late spring 2003 at the next Forum planning meeting, 7pm Thursday, Feb. 20. Or you can pass your suggestions on to Carolyn MacDonald, ctmacdonaldkc@aol.com, another Forum Committee member, or leave them in the Forum mailbox.

Green Corner

The Green Sanctuary Committee urges Kansas City, MO residents to support the new trash & recycling proposal under discussion for the new City budget. Curbside recycling is the heart of the new plan, endeavoring to create an incentive to reduce the amount of trash put out for landfilling. An unlimited amount of recycling would be allowed.

Those on the Green Sanctuary Committee who have studied the plan think it is responsible stewardship. We also think that City officials are being responsible in thinking through the various related issues, such as the need for education, the impact on persons with fixed incomes, and enforcement needed to discourage illegal dumping. All details are not yet worked out, but the plan is an effort to avoid drastically cutting programs, such as leaf & brush dropoff, and bulky item pickup, or starting to charge fees for these basic services.

If you are interested in finding out more, watch the papers, phone the Mayor's office, phone Councilman Jim Rowland, or talk with some of the Green Sanctuary Committee members. Larry Falkin, Bruce Wiggins, Terry Wiggins, and Walt Wells are trying to keep informed about the plan as the details develop. As of this writing, we do not know all the implications, especially as it relates to the church. We think it will not affect our church trash pickup, i.e., we will still have to pay for a private trash hauler, and have to take the church's recyclables to the community drop-off recycling centers. - Bruce Wiggins, for the Green Sanctuary Committee

Plant Sale April 14

If we sell plants - seedlings, house plant cuttings, or pots of peonies - All Souls can send the money to Kansas City Community Gardens, which helps children raise flowers and vegetables. Therefore, if you donate a few tomato plants, or divisions from perennials, or a couple extra begonias, someone else will buy them; we share our gardens with each other. And most important, the children begin to understand the interdependent web of life. To donate plants, please sign up any Sunday. Cosponsored by Social Justice and Green Sanctuary committees. - Caron Wells

Afternoon adventure in folk dance

Anyone age 10 or older is invited to join the fun 1-4pm Saturday, Feb. 22. Cost is $2 per person at the door. Research indicates it’s better to be a little overweight and active, than thin and sedentary. Come, step lively and pass the pie. - Cindy Duckworth

Used book sale Feb. 28-Mar. 2

The used book sale to benefit our library will be 9am - 5pm on Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, March 1 and 9am - 1pm, Sunday, March 2. We can still use books. We are also accepting used videotapes, books on cassette, DVDs and CDs. If you want to help, please call Addie Dietrich.

Demeters set for Feb. 19

The women of Demeters will meet at 6pm Tuesday, Feb. 19 in Simpson House. New members are welcome to pot-luck suppers to share a taste of wine, food and information as we plan ways to fund needs in our church and the larger world. Bring an appetizer, casserole, salad or dessert and share informal fellowship. If you are new to All Souls you will meet with and learn from some of the most involved and dedicated members. Haven't time to bring a dish or pick up takeout? Come and make a small contribution. For details, call Jean Dunlap or Betty Hutson.

Music choices for All Souls

Although John McCutcheon isn't a UU, many of us are inspired by the social activism of his music in concert at 8pm Saturday, Feb. 15 just down the street at Community Christian Church. Part of the proceeds go to The Whole Person.

Willow Productions/Cross Currents, along with the All Souls CoffeeHouse, presents the Home Girl Showcase featuring June Holte on Saturday, Feb. 23. June Holte has appeared as a Sunday morning guest musician at All Souls about two years ago and has her first recorded CD now available. A 6:30 potluck and a 7:30 open mic precede the 8pm concert. A dance will follow the concert. Yes, a full evening of activity. All Souls members are welcome and get the $10 advance discount price at the door.

The All Souls CoffeeHouse, starting at 7:30 Friday, Feb. 28. We begin with pizza, and a featured musician and lots of conversation. We continue with an open mic, cookies, table games, soda pop and more conversation. We end when we run out of musicians or audience -- whichever happens first. Bring the whole family and friends and neighbors. We're affordable - no admission charge - but it would be OK to bring a contribution for the Harvesters Food Pantry.

At 7:30pm Saturday, Mar. 1, Dan Barker of the Freedom from Religion Foundation will perform, followed by a discussion of the separation of church and state. (For more information about Dan and his music visit and click on Music.) Presented in conjunction with Bragg Humanist Symposium and local humanist and freethought groups and individuals. A potluck dinner beginning at 5 will precede the concert.

This is public portion of an extended weekend of meetings at the Sheraton with representatives of many of the national freethought/atheist/humanist groups in attendance. All persons with an interest in humanism are particularly invited to attend. For more information contact Bill Shultz at elbonian@kc.rr.com

At 7pm Friday, Mar. 7, following the Service for the Soul, All Souls is hosting an evening concert for participants at the UUA Midsize Church Convention. Featured is the Mountain Quartet from the UUA affiliated Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in North Carolina. Many of you may be familiar with music of Shelley Jackson Denham, one of the members of the Quartet, along with her husband Ian Denham and Tom and Jane Warth. This will be a concert and multi media event. Expect a rousing social action oriented musical evening. David Hakan of our congregation is opening the evening at 7. We have only 50 tickets available for local area UUs at $10 each. The rest are reserved for attendees at the Convention. Contact the church office or Walt Wells at walterWwells@aol.com for tickets.

At 8pm Friday, March 7 in Conover Auditorium, CrossCurents and the All Souls CoffeeHouse will present Rik Palleri with guitar, banjo, native American flute, and polish bagpipes. Quite a combination, hey? All Souls members get the advance discount price of $13 at the door, students - half price, children under 6 are free. - Walt Wells

Share KC hospitality with conferees

At the UUA Mid-Size Church Conference we want to provide volunteers who can share enthusiasm and information about "our fair city" with the visitors to this event, which will be held at the Marriott Hotel at 44th and Main, beginning Thursday, March 6. Registration closed Feb. 7, but as a volunteer you can gain access to some of the program (not meals) in exchange for your service. To learn about the conference format go to www.uua.org/cde/midsize2003 to see the entire program schedule. Then call Joan Olsen to get scheduled for our hospitality table, which needs to be staffed over three days.

Opera fun while fund-raising

WHO: 20 All Soulers, wearing white shirts/sweaters with black skirts/slacks.

WHAT: Form a team to usher for "Abduction from the Seraglio" at the Lyric Opera on Wednesday March 19th. This is a lively, comic masterpiece written by Mozart.

WHY: Our service earns $200 for ASUUC, and we get to sit down and enjoy this professional production free. It will be sung in German, with good super-titles in English.

WHERE: At the Lyric Theatre on 11th St., but we'll form carpools at 5:30 in the church parking lot, or you can drive yourself. (Street parking is free after 6)

WHEN: Usher call is at 6pm, Wednesday March 19 for the 7:30 performance. This week is Spring Break for some local school districts and high schoolers are welcome to participate. Call Joan Olsen to sign up or ask questions.

Heartland Humanists meet

Did you know? The Heartland Humanists meet at 4pm at All Souls on the 4th Sunday of every month. Persons interested in humanism are welcome to drop in for an interesting discussion. - Walt Wells

Save those UU World copies

Where are your past issues of the UU World Magazine? With all the visitors we are having recently at the church it would be great to have some more copies of recent UU World magazines that we could provide to our visitors. Please bring any issues you are through with to the Bookshop. Thank you. - Walt Wells

Denominational and District Information

PSD Conference Apr. 4-6

The 2003 Prairie Star District Conference and Annual Meeting will be held in Rochester, MN, April 4-6. The conference theme will be Congregations in Changing Times =40 years in P.S.D. Brochures will be posted when they arrive. All Souls budget contains no funds for delegate reimbursement, but by car-pooling and sharing rooms we can reduce some of the costs. Usually we have had 15 to 20 participants from All Souls, and this year we will looking over the occasion with an especially keen eye, since we will be hosting the PSD conference in April of 2004. Anne McCleery will be chair of local arrangements for that event, and so we will be having a next host-city display in Rochester. Please contact Joan Olsen with your questions or requests for delegate status.

General Assembly of UUA

From June 26 to 30 the annual GA will be held in Boston; preliminary program materials are already on the web site . However, the significant date for action is March 1, when the housing registration opens on-line. Early, early morning action is the key to getting your preferred selection. Also on that date, volunteer applications become available, and must be received by March 31, when they use a lottery-style selection process. Volunteers must agree to do 24 hours’ work in exchange for full registration. Claudine Thomas and Ted Otteson can give you info on that experience. - Joan Olsen

UU Midwest Leadership School

It will be held in Beloit, WI, in two sessions: July 16-23 and July 26-Aug.2. Program brochures are posted here. Past participants rave about the experience. Try Chloe Mason Seagrove, Bruce Wiggins, John Blevins or Jim Eller for their opinions. Although the All Souls budget has no funds allocated this year for leadership training, there is an escrow account with monies earned by the Denominational Connections committee that can pay for the Society Fee of $445 for up to 4 registrants. Individuals each pay $495 for room/board and programming for the 7-day session. Some financial assistance is possible. Apply to the Denominational Connections Comm. through Joan Olsen. Let us hear from you no later than April 1.

UUA board advises on war

At its January 19-20 meeting, the UUA Board of Trustees drafted an open letter to the members of the Boards of Trustees of all UUA congregations acknowledging the complexity of religious leadership at a time of potential war. The letter of the board and an appended list of resources for use in congregations can be found on the UUA web site at www.uua.org/news/2003/iraq/030130iraqletter - from uua-l

Travel Grants for Campus Ministry Conferences

Travel grants are available for the upcoming regional Campus Ministry Conferences. The conferences bring together UU students and campus leaders interested in organizing campus groups and exchanging ideas and visions.

- Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, CA Feb. 28-March 1, 2003
- Unitarian Fellowship, Lawrence, KS March 7-8, 2003

Contact the UUA Young Adult/Campus Ministry office at ya-cm@uua.org for registration information. For information about travel grants, contact Joseph Lyons toll free at 877 270-3302 or email jlyons@uua.org.

New from Skinner House Books

The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children, 2nd Edition, by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar (11/02). This new edition includes a new preface and a new chapter about the home and rituals for marking the events in children's lives as religious occasions.

Soul Work: Anti-racist Theologies in Dialogue, edited by Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley and Nancy Palmer Jones (11/02). Proceedings from the January, 2001 UUA Consultation on Theology and Racism. Includes essays, prepared responses, dialogue, study questions, and resources.

How We Are Called: A Meditation Anthology, edited by Mary Benard and Kirstie Anderson (12/02). The latest in our meditation manual series. Collection of prose and poetry meditations from 30 UU contributors.

Articulating Your Faith, by Barbara Wells and Jaco B. ten Hove (12/02). Revised edition of curriculum designed to help Unitarian Universalists answer the question: "What is Unitarian Universalism?"

Skinner House, the publishing imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association, publishes titles for readers of all faiths, in spirituality, religious history and contemporary social justice concerns. Books or catalogs can be ordered from the UUA Bookstore (1-800-215-9076) or at www.uua.org/bookstore

All Souls is a UUA Annual Program Fund Honor Society.