The Flame

Early January 2003

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Kansas City, Missouri

We Celebrate:
- The "Big Night" in November raised $1300 for new tables.
- The beautiful, festive Peace Banner hanging outside the church.
(For a picture of it, see the Dec. 16 KC Star.)
- Our kids and the folk orchestra, who put on a fun-filled Holiday show.

We Look Forward To:
- The arrival of our first ministerial intern, Melissa Mummert.
- The addition of an early service at 8:45 beginning January 12th, late service will be at 11:15, the Forum stays with its traditional time of 10:00.
- The opening of Conover Cafe for coffee and conversation during all three Sunday morning services 8:30 - 12:45 beginning January 12th.
- Gathering items to sell at our fun-filled auction night on Feb. 8.
- Continuing the celebration of the kick-off of our Small Group Ministry Program, with a reception on Jan. 19

Service Schedule 11:00 am

Dec. 29 - All That Jazz - Mike Mathews, members, and Rev. Eller

Jazz, poetry and interpretation. Jazz professor and church member Mike Mathews and students and members will be performing Jazz for the New Year. Life, poetry and religion are all a bit like Jazz, we make them up as we go along, but their freedom requires form and tradition.

Jan. 5 - Why Is That Chrysalis on the Front of Our Sanctuary? - Jim Eller

The context of our worship services matters. The broader the context the easier it is to understand the meaning and challenges of our lives.

Service Schedule 8:45 am and 11:15 am

Jan. 12 - Forms of Magic - Jim Eller

Is there any magic left or has all the magic already run out? Is all magic superstition? What is the value of a promise? Can a piece of paper really open a door?

Jan. 19 - The Art of Culture and Public Ministry - Jim Eller

What Martin Luther King had to offer was a unique kind of public ministry, but was he the only one who can change our culture and build a dream into reality? How do we create culture? What does it mean to have a public ministry? Do we have one or even want one?

Forum Schedule 10:00 am

Dec. 29 - Today's Options in Readin', 'Ritin' and 'Rithmetic: Our Students Look at Education - Panel of All Souls Students

This Intergenerational Forum is presented by a panel of middle and high school students who attend All Souls and is open to all ages,especially our youth who are normally in Sunday school during this hour. Find out about what school is like for the young people in our congregation. Hear about a typical day for students in public school, private school, parochial school, and home schooling situations and the challenges they face in being educated for the world of 2002.

Jan. 5 - Corporate Accountability for Tax Incentives - Michael Duffy

Real Estate development corporations make expansive promises to the city in exchange for project tax breaks. Michael Duffy, chair of the Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority, and a member of the city's Commissions for Economic Development which oversees both LCRA and the TIF Commission, advocates using clawback provisions to enforce the original contractual promises made. Michael has been an attorney with Legal Aid since 1977.

Jan. 12 - State of the City - Mayor Kay Barnes

Mayor Kay Barnes will give an update on the state of the city, continuing our long-term Forum tradition. She was elected to a four-year term in March 1999 as the first woman mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.

Jan. 19 - My View of the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Larry D. Coleman

Larry D. Coleman will share his view of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. He is a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a practicing attorney, a former Assistant United States Attorney, and an activist who has spoken out and written on many issues concerning the community.

Minister's Concerns: Hello, Good Bye and Welcome

This January we say "Hello" to our new Student Intern Minister, Melissa Mummert. This is new and fun for us. It is said that the teacher often learns as much as the student. I believe this will be true for us all, as we work with Melissa. We are not yet a teaching church, but we are becoming one. She will see us with fresh eyes and reflect things we have forgotten. As we seek to explain why we are doing what we are doing, we will be surprised by our own answers. We will learn as we teach. Welcome into this partnership in learning.

Unfortunately, we are now being asked to say goodbye to our Office Administrator, Kim Gordon. Kim has been with us for just a year and a half, but her husband has been offered a new and exciting job in Virginia. Kim will be leaving in late January. She has been a wonderful addition to our staff. We wish Kim and her husband, Spencer, the best and are very sorry to see Kim go.

This Church year we are welcoming our new Small Group Ministry program. We have already started a number of groups and will be inviting those interested in being a part of a Ministry Circle, that is a small group, to call the church and sign up. These groups meet twice a month to share, to care and to discuss. Some months the sermon and the topics will intermix. Some months the discussion questions will be just for fun and at other times they will designed to lift up "conversations" emerging within the life of our community.

There are two January questions. First, "What is your calling? Robert Bly suggests that we follow our bliss. What would that mean to you? As you approach this new year, are there new hopes toward which you feel called? What are the possibilities? The second is related but rather different, "The Gospels translates as the Good News. They are supposed to be a statement of truth and wisdom. The four Christian Gospels are the Christian tradition's good news. We are not scripturally centered. Do we have a good news? What is the good news that does center your life? Or do you have an overriding set of principles?" - Jim Eller

Lifespan Religious Education

LRE Holiday Wish List

1) Sparkle stickers
2) Adult size scissors
3) Blank note cards

Sunday School update

The classes worked together to put on a great holiday pageant. If you weren't there to see a retelling of the Tailor of Gloucester, a Christmas parody of the Raven, Christmas in Dickens' time, the Little Women's Christmas, solos by Cora Woods and Neiloy Medhi, The Whooville Choir, music, music and more music and a rendition of Jingle Bells likes of which have never and will never be heard again - well, if you missed it then I am sad for you. It was an evening not to be missed and can only possibly be topped by next year's pageant.

Wednesday evenings

Fingers are crossed and hope remains as we look to resume Wednesday night dinners on Jan. 22.

Volunteer opportunities in LRE

There's a place for everyone in Lifespan Religious Education. Call the LRE office for more information. 1) Office Help on Wednesdays. 2) Bulletin Board Artists - experience preferred.

Important Sunday School lesson

Not to be missed by student or parent at 10 Sunday Jan. 5 will be our second annual celebration of the kitchen god. Bring cleaning supplies and snacks. See you there.

Thanks LRE holiday elves

LRE celebrations were made possible this year (once again) only because of a lot of behind the scenes help: Neshae Wells, Sharon Cassity, Carolyn Pajor, Kathy Burns, Allison Hedgepeth, Mia Hedgepeth-Guerra, Kass Wright, Karen Neal, Marcia Wells, Jane Gilbreath, Julie Milner, Brad Cox, Jo Maxwell, Maria Sprague, Mike Mathews, Lola Butcher, Tom Gilbreath, Sara Grier, Linda Jones, Carrie Bader, Bill Knapper, Jim Neal, Claudine Thomas, Megan Kraus, Charlie Truitt and many others.

LRE office move

The LRE office move owes a great debt of gratitude to many but especially to Jim Neal, Walt Wells, Deep Medhi, Chloe Mason Seagrove and Linda & Robin Parkinson.

New Year's Day.

Imax at the zoo will show the Lion King at 5pm. We have reserved 25 seats ($8 adult, $6 child) and are getting volunteer drivers so that any child who wishes to can come with us while parents are able to enjoy the party at the Simpson House. Call Lynisa for more information.

Early service storytellers

Interested in doing a story for the 8:45 children's focus? Call the LRE office.

Connections

Look for our booklet of church activities in late January. Give submissions for inclusion to Lynisa or Ted now. Any activity planned in the next 6 months (large events 1 year) should be submitted with dates, short description and contact person.

Youth Sundays

Resuming Jan. 12 Sunday nights (5:00) belong to the young of heart at All Souls. While Folk Dancers dance, young adults & teens will gather in Bragg and then go to youth groups, classes, workshops and discussion groups. Food will be sold - cheap. Please join us on the 12th and welcome visitors from other local UU youth groups.

Adult LRE

Check out the bulletin board near the water fountains in the church hallway to see what's happening in LRE. Plan ahead to attend our first Building Your Theology Retreat, our testing of the new curriculum Living the Welcoming Congregation or any one of the discussion and learning opportunities coming soon.

Classes starting in January and February

Sign-up sheets and more information are at the hallway Bulletin Board. These classes are open to the public, in the Communiversity Catalog, so sign up early.

--Everyday Spiritual Practices - It is based on Scott Alexander's book and offers ways to "spiritually examine, shape, and care for your life." Suggestions range from meditation to recycling to art. Six Wednesdays, 7pm, starting 1/22/03, convened by Mike McKelley.

--Death: The Trip of a Lifetime - Discussion of a video series on death-related customs and rituals in 12 countries around the world. Six Sundays, 6:30 p.m., starting 1/26, convened by Kay Engler.

--Building Your Own Theology. Develop your own credo. If you have not done this perennial UU course, try to fit it in this spring. If you have done it, do it again for the first time. Ten Wednesdays, 7pm, starting 1/29/03. Convened by Jeff Merritt and Melissa Mummert, our new ministerial intern.

--Waging War in the Movies. View and discuss King of Hearts, Sergeant York, Breaker Morant, and Dr. Strangelove. Two Friday evenings, 7pm, and two Saturday mornings, 9am, 1/31, 2/1, 2/7, 2/8. Convened by Mike McKelley.

--Sushi Cooking with Chef Mike. Sign up early--this class fills up quickly. One Thursday, 6:30pm, 2/6/03. $15 for supplies. Convened by Mike Willett.

--Living the Welcoming Congregation. We are a "welcoming congregation." What further action can we take to reduce homophobia and heterosexism? Twelve Wednesdays, 7pm, starting 2/19/03. Convened by Scott England.

Adult Education Faculty

We have an All Souls Adult Education Faculty. More than 30 church members have convened, or will soon convene, classes and discussions. Many thanks to all of them, from the whole congregation. Emails are being sent to invite them to "faculty meetings" on Jan. 11 or 13. If you have convened a class or discussion, or if you haven't and would be willing to, and you have not received that email invitation, please accept this invitation. We will go over the logistics of times, rooms, coffee (or tea), etc., and discuss how to welcome Communiversity students and other newcomers. The particulars of each class will be discussed among those who convene, or will convene, that class. We urge all "faculty" to attend one of these sessions. If you cannot, please contact Ted Otteson at the church LRE office, or call him at home.

Beacon Press needs our help

You have probably already heard the suggestion that UU's purchase Beacon Press books regularly, to keep it afloat financially. The LRE office welcomes suggestions and volunteers to set up such a program here, perhaps including monthly book discussions of Beacon Press books.

Suggestions for Adult Education Programs

We cannot do them all, but keep on suggesting adult education activities. On the table now are classes in process theology, meditation, "Emerson as Spiritual Guide," creating our own revised BYOT, and more. Contact Ted Otteson or Chloe Mason Seagrove, Adult Education & Multigenerational Events Committee Chair, or any member of the committee.

Other Church News

Membership classes upcoming

The next class for those considering membership at All Souls will be held on three Wednesday evenings - Jan. 22 and 29, and Feb. 5, from 7-9pm. Coming to the class is not a commitment to join, rather it's a statement that you want to explore what All Souls and Unitarian Universalism are about, both currently and in the past.

We welcome all newcomers to the class. Even if you've been a member of the church for years you may want to come and are welcome. Perhaps the class wasn't held or you missed it when you joined. You can both gain and give perspective. And all those who are not newcomers but do not consider themselves old-timers, are welcome too. -Terry Wiggins, Membership Administrator

Talent Auction helpers wanted

This year's Talent Auction will be held Saturday, Feb. 8. Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down tables and chairs, donate auction items, prepare or serve refreshments, barkeep, register attendees and cashier. Your calls are eagerly awaited by Chuck Downing at 913-236-5914. Or, use the sign-up sheet located in the Communications Center near our minister's study.

Other ways you can help:
•••Encourage others to attend, bring a friend;
•••Because some items lend themselves to bidding as a group, look over what is being offered and plan your bidding strategy with others
•••Ask a merchant or restaurateur to donate an item or a meal or service for auction or as a door prize
- Chuck Downing

Jan. 1 Wind-Down Potluck

On New Year's Day the Stewardship Committee will host a Wind-Down Potluck in Simpson House beginning at 5pm.

At $5ºº for adults ($2ºº for children under 12) fried chicken will be provided. A cash bar will be available.

Please bring the following to share:
Last names: A-G bring appetizer
Last names: F-R bring vegetable, salad, or side dish
Last names: S-Z bring dessert

In order to know how much fried chicken to provide, we need reservations. Please call the church office, 816-531-2131, by 9am Dec. 30 with your number of people planning to attend.

Please note there is no microwave oven in Simpson House for reheating food, but there are 3 conventional ovens. - Kris Cheatum

Yuleboeck time halfway over

These are the Yuleboecks left on the calendar. Please feel free to attend any and all of these holiday parties, and bring a snack. You can still add one to the calendar for January, if you wish to have a party, just providing a place and the beverage. Everyone at church is invited, and guests bring the munchies.

Sun., Dec. 29, 1-5pm, hosted by Jeff Holt, 424 E. 101st Street, Apt 202, KCMO
Sun., Dec. 29, 6pm, hosted by Jill Jarvis & Chris Cox, 1201 Valentine Rd., KCMO
Sun., Jan. 12, 3-6pm, hosted by Joan Olsen, 4130 W. 95th #111, Prairie Village, KS
Sun., Jan. 12, 3-6pm, Choir, hosted by Julie Milner & Kamran Jahanshahi, 3703 Jarboe St., KCMO
Sat. Jan. 18, 2-4pm, hosted by Wanda & Melvin Jenkins, 8015 Sunset Circle, Grandview, MO

- Terry Wiggins, Communications Coordinator

An invitation

Right after the 11:15 Sunday service Jan. 19, please join the Small Group Ministry Steering Committee, Group Facilitators and Ministry Circle members for a reception at Simpson House. This is an opportunity to learn more about the promise of this program, to enjoy the company of others with their circles and to enroll in one of the newly forming groups.

You may bring a snack to share or simply enjoy those provided by the Small Group Ministry Steering Committee. - Chloe Mason Seagrove

Wednesday Night Dinners may return

Anne McCleery and Chloe Mason Seagrove are working on plans to resurrect the Wednesday night dinners at All Souls. If you are interested in joining us in the planning process and especially if you are interested in taking a turn with cooking or clean-up, please let one of us know. We will keep you posted on progress and will announce when the dinners will start again. Let's work together to make money for the church and bring our community back to church on Wednesdays. - Chloe Mason Seagrove

Another thank you from Facilities

Don Lyons lovingly and consistently took care of our lawn during my tenure as Facilities chair. He is responsible for the lovely landscaping as well. We are lucky to have Don's expertise - and it is all a gift. Thank you Don. - Corva Murphy

Lawrence UU Fellowship - All Souls adventure

Escape the cold gray January weather. Join members of the Lawrence Fellowship and members of All Souls as we get to know one another better and strengthen our UU values 10am - 3pm Saturday, Jan. 18.

We will have several small workshops on a rotating basis. Lunch will also be provided. Please call Bob Miller for more details. If you will need child care call Chloe Mason Seagrove, Adult Education and Multigenerational Events Committee.

Small Group Ministries - The new promise at All Souls

Many of you have already joined a Ministry Circle. There are more groups forming in January. This is very special program that is being implemented at All Souls. It is providing a structure for us to really know one another and to feel part of our community in a deep way.

Some of our groups have been meeting for several weeks; others are due to start in January. If you are interested in being a member of a group please fill out an enrollment form to be found on the bulletin board in the hall across from our name tags.

If you would like more information about the groups, you may speak to Jim Eller, one of the members of the steering committee or to me. A handbook that outlines the program of Small Group Ministries can be found on the same announcement board as the enrollment forms. - Chloe Mason Seagrove, SGM Committee chair

Home Hospitality request

The 2003 National Interweave Convocation will bring perhaps 100 attendees to All Souls on Valentine's weekend. Some will need a place to stay without cost.

How about providing an overnight stay in a spare bed in your home, for Friday and/or Saturday night? If you can accommodate one or two people on Friday and/or Saturday night, please contact: Cynthia Stucker at riveroak@planetkc.com.

Writers' Group January meeting

Keep your New Year's Resolution to start that writing project by attending the monthly meeting of the All Souls Writers' Group 2-4pm Saturday, Jan. 4 (Note: We meet the first Saturday of every month.) Although we usually gather in the Grace Hill Library, please check the meeting location notices when you enter through the south door.

Please bring anything you're working on ? prose (fiction or nonfiction) or poetry. You are encouraged to read your work to the group if you like, or if you want to bring hard copies and share those for comment, that is great too. If you haven't started a project, just bring your ideas. Spread the word to any writers you know that might be interested in joining us. For more information, please contact Kathy Elbert at klelbert@kc.rr.com.

Sinkford’s holiday message on-line

The Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the UUA, has issued his holiday message. The text and the video of the message were available, at least at deadline time, on the web at www.uua.org/president/021212.html.

All Souls is a UUA Annual Program Fund Honor Society.