The Flame

June 2003

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Kansas City, Missouri

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Good News Celebrations

We celebrate:

...The hard work of Tom Gilbreath, Mark Van Order, Chuck Downing, Carol Fields, Margery and Jim Kelly who are always willing to lend a hand with set up and clean up for Wednesday Dinners.

...Dori Bader and Jean Patterson, who worked together with Pat Cundiff to make the Volunteer Management workshop a success.

...The Bike-to-Church Sunday, a wonderful demonstration of living our Seventh Principle.

...The leadership we anticipate from new board members Art Dewey, Jean Patterson, Walt Wells, Karin Winn, Elizabeth Mayer, and Bonnie Schwarzenholz.

...Music Sunday, which showed off our choir like never before, thanks to the hard work of Julie Milner, Brad Cox, and the choir.

Service Schedule 8:45 am and 11:15 am

June 1 - A Bridge to the Future Jim Eller

The graduating Senior High Youth of our Church will join us for a "bridging service." These young adults will officially join the adult community, as they share their journey, their future and their religious beliefs. Life is a journey, and it is exciting to be "On the Road Again."

June 8 - Covenant and Community: The State of Our Union - Jim Eller

This has been a remarkable year. We have done a great many things well, and we still have challenges before us. Let us remember what we share in common and what we hope for one another and for our church.

June 15 - Like Water from Another Time - Lynisa Robinson

Stories in celebration of our Sunday school. Stories are often how we pass on our truest lessons to the next generation. An hour a week isn't much time to teach our values to the future, but just like the water it takes to prime a pump, this little bit can make all the difference.

June 22 - Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom - Melissa Mummert & Racial Justice Committee

Many African-Americans celebrate Juneteenth, the day that slaves in Texas were notified that they had been freed. Juneteenth calls us to lament our shared legacy of slavery in this country. It might also spark us to notice the ways that each one of us can move toward greater freedom...

June 29 - Ambiguity, the Web, and the Patient Spider - Kathy Riegelman

Our seventh principle calls us to respect the interdependent web of all existence. But what is the nature of the interdependent web? And what is our part in this intricate and untraceable weaving and interweaving? Join us for an exploration of the ambiguous nature of the interdependent web.

Forum Schedule 10:00 am

June 1 - Walking the Talk: Social Action in the UU Tradition Panel

A panel of All Souls members will relate some of the history of moral discourse and social action at All Souls and the groundwork being laid to more intentionally integrate social justice work into the future life of our congregation.

News of other Services

Minister’s Considerations:
What kind of dialogue?
Jim Eller, Rev.

UU philosopher Henry Nelson Weiman writes about the power of "creative interchange." The purpose, he says of a liberal church, is to engender a depth of conversation among those gathered there. These conversations, if done well, will broaden our perspective, help us to see the world more clearly, and will give us new insights into ourselves and ultimate meaning. This is a fancy way of saying that it can be fun and good to talk and share together. This is in part why we have such a strong adult education program here, where courses like Building Your Own Theology help us enter this level of conversation. So do our Small Group Ministry Circles.

A gift of the recent war in Iraq is the quality of the conversations that have taken place. I have heard people talking about democracy and what it means. "Why would we intervene in the Middle East and what kind of foreign policy should we have?" "What is Islam and should we be concerned?" "How do we express our concern for civil liberties and for the welfare of citizens of Arab ancestry?" These have been good and important questions to ask.

I have liked the media campaign, but I have not been as impressed by the conversations it has invited. We seem only to have just begun to ask questions like, "Why would we want to invite new people to join us?" "Who are we now and how might we be different with more and more diverse group of UUs here?"

"What will we gain and what might we lose by growing?" "What kind of growth do we most want and is the media campaign the best way to achieve it?" I wish I heard more of this conversation.

I read recently a copy of an article in the May 17 New York Times. This article says that statements made by our UUA President have engendered more emails and phone calls into the UU headquarters than any other issue in our modern history. Rev. Bill Sinkford has said that we would be better served if we were willing to use more "explicit religious language." Such language would help us better capture our religious depths and encourage our individual search for meaning. Whether we agree with him or not, it is exciting and invigorating to see an intense conversation taking place about our religious views.

We are a religion after all. I like the quality of the conversation. I greatly appreciate our President being a liberal religious leader who is catalyzing national attention by fostering healthy debate. The quality of the conversations matters. - Jim Eller

An All Souls prison ministry?
Melissa Mummert

Two years ago, I spent a summer working in a prison. I found the work to be incredibly challenging, rewarding, frustrating, and ultimately transformative. Volunteering with prisoners isn't easy or comfortable work, but as Unitarian Universalists, I believe that we are called to go beyond what feels comfortable in our strivings to create greater justice.

Since I've been here, I've been interested in finding a way for this congregation to get involved with prison work. It irks me that fundamentalist churches are quite active in prisons, but liberal churches are barely present. I want that to change. Our first principle says that we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. For me, that really does mean every human being - even prisoners.

Two of our "Aging Bulls," Russ Millin and Charles Bebb, share my interest. We took a field trip to the Metropolitan Correctional Institution and met with Nancy Leezer, the superintendent. Nancy told us that she has been dreaming about starting a program to support some of the younger men in the facility - men who just haven't learned what it means to be a real man. There are also women at the facility who could use guidance about how to become a strong, independent woman. Could All Soulers fill this desperate need?

I have been extremely tentative about starting a prison program here, anticipating that few people would be interested. But my wonderful intern committee has reminded me that one of the amazing things about congregational life is that surprises happen all the time.

So, let's surprise ourselves

On Wednesday, July 2, there will be a 6:30pm meeting at the church for all those who might be interested in volunteering at Metropolitan Correctional Institution. Please consider attending. In Faith, Melissa Mummert

Lifespan Religious Education
Lynisa Robinson, Ted Otteson and Allison Hartnett

Sunday School Update

Art, music, stories, projects, games, guest speakers, discussion groups, field trips, scavenger hunts, gardening, drama, celebrations, and the list goes on and on, of all the things our Sunday school classes have done since September. Through all of these activities classes have explored a bit of our UU history and a bit of what it means to be a UU today. Each of the seven UU principles was looked at in turn but always with an eye on how they related to who we were and who we are today. This knowledge of our UU identity will be celebrated on June 15 during the Sunday service. Please join us at 8:45 or 11:15am.

Early summer service

Got kids? Plan on attending (from time to time) the early service during the summer? Please let the LRE office know so we can plan appropriately.

Father's Day for Sunday school teachers

Our annual Sunday service honoring the work of the Sunday school will be held on June 15, Father's Day. Please plan on joining us for a very special morning. It will be a great time to invite a friend or relative.

Volunteer opportunities in LRE

There's a place for everyone in Lifespan Religious Education. Call the LRE office for more information.

1) Web site helpers
2) Filers

LRE Wish List

1) Sharpies
2) Glue sticks
3) Crayola washable markers
4) Adult scissors
5) Pompoms
6) Glitter
7) Foam shapes

Coming of Age

This two year program for young teens will be accepting new members over the summer as plans are made for a trip in the summer of 2004. The next COA group will form in the fall of 2004.

Enroll in an Adult Education class

Emerson as Spiritual Guide: A New UUA curriculum. Keep your "mind on fire" as you explore the wisdom of this Unitarian leader. Facilitated by Melissa Mummert. Six Mondays: June 2 - July 14, 7-9pm.

Nonviolent Direct Action: Study options for becoming a peaceful presence in these turbulent times. Ideas based on the book The Politics of Nonviolent Action by Gene Sharp. You do not need to read the book to attend. Facilitated by Margie Eucalyptus. Wednesday June 4, 7-9pm.

Building Your Own Theology Retreat: The ever-popular class in retreat format. Our experiment with this format was very successful when presented in the spring. This course offers opportunities to explore the roots of your beliefs. Facilitated by Chloe Mason Seagrove. Saturday June 21, 10am - 5pm and Sunday June 22, 12am-5pm.

The American Creed by Forrest Church - book discussion. Reverend Church helps us examine the relationship between the religious and the secular within the evolution of American history. This book is available from our Bookstore on Sunday mornings in Conover. Facilitated by Karen Winn Three Wednesdays July 9 - 23, 7-9pm.

Keep your mind engaged all summer. Check the bulletin board in the hallway across from the name tags for new classes to enroll in as they become scheduled.

Adult Education planning

The Adult Education committee is holding a planning meeting for fall classes soon. We want your ideas.

Do you have favorite books that you would like to explore with others? Are there classes you would like to see offered at All Souls? Are there classes that you would like to teach? Do you have an idea for an Adult Education workshop? The Adult Education Committee will see that you are inspired, stimulated, challenged, supported, amazed and enlightened.

Please share your good ideas with the Adult Education Committee. Talk with Ted Otteson, staff, at 531-2131,x106 or contact Chloe Mason Seagrove, chair, online at chlover333@aol.com.

Sign up for cooking classes

Have fun, learn new skills, and meet visitors to All Souls-. These classes by Mike Willett always bring visitors from Communiversity:

Thursday, June 19, 6:30-8:30pm --"Sushi Cooking with Chef Mike." Learn the basics of sushi; bring $15 for supplies.

Thursday, July 17, 6:30-8:30pm--"Italian Cooking for a Summer Evening." Cook and share a 3-course Italian countryside meal; bring $15 for supplies.

Other Church News

Parking note

We've told you in previous issues about the many places to park outside of our parking lot. Now we have a map. See the yellow "Parking map & Locations" brochure in the rack by the minister's office. Thanks to Bruce Wiggins for creating the map. - Terry Wiggins, Communications Administrator

Have an extra car?

The minister requests the donation of a car that's in running order, for a member who's in need.

When is my Flame deadline?

There's now just one deadline a month, and the deadline for anything happening in that month is the third Tuesday of the previous month. The editor expects to have duplication reduced considerably. Since only half as much can be published, cutting will be necessary.

Cuts will come from items that are too detailed, or lower on our (board-approved) priority list, or have already been published, or deal with events far enough in the future to justify postponement. - Terry Wiggins, Communications Administrator

Media campaign and beyond

What worked well in the media campaign? What didn't? And what can we do in the future to publicize All Souls and increase awareness of Unitarian Universalism? I'm preparing a report for the UUA, and would appreciate your comments by June 20. - Sharon Blevins, sharonblevins@pobox.com.

This is Social Responsibility Summer

Stop by the Social Responsibility Council's new table on Sundays beginning June 8 and participate in our Action of the Week. - Melissa Mummert, Ministerial Intern

June 14 Communications Workshop

All church organizations and committees are urged to send a representative to the communications workshop on Saturday morning, June 14. The Communications Committee is offering this opportunity to review available options for publicizing our events and activities to members and the community.

One important focus will be to explore new communication options to compensate for the reduction in the frequency of publication of the Flame, as well as effective use of that monthly publication.

Come at 8:45am for breakfast and an opportunity to list communications concerns. Participate in presentations and activities involving internal and external publicity avenues from 9-10:30. Committee members will be available from 10:30-11:30 to discuss specific problems and communication needs.

For information or to RSVP, contact Sharon Blevins, sharonblevins@pobox.com; or Erika Fox, foxyfizz@aol.com.

Good food, good friends, good funds

New to All Souls? Do you want to get to know us? We want to know you. Join us on Wednesday evenings. Conover Café, and the Wednesday Wenches serve up an interesting variety of great home made meals. Many long time, open hearted, members who love good conversation, make it a habit to eat with us. This is a very informal way for us to get to know one another better, while supporting the church budget, and enjoying good food. We hope to see you soon. Call Terry in the church office, 816-531-2131, on Monday or Tuesday to make a reservation. - Chloe Mason Seagrove

Volunteer workshop

Twenty-one Committee Chairs, Staff, and other interested members attended as workshop Saturday, May 17th hosted by the Committee on Ministry. Pat Cundiff, VP of Community Programs for the Heart of America United Way, facilitated a lively discussion that focused on issues of support and recognition of those who share the ministry of this church whether it's being a part of a Caring Circle, changing lights bulbs, cleaning and organizing the kitchen, or being a Greeter. Many good ideas came up and several people volunteered to help implement. Check out the soon to be established bulletin board.

Just a reminder If you want to try something new, fill out the 'All Souls Volunteer Form' located in the Forms binder in the Communications center, between the Minister's office and the Administrative office. To change an activity, or take a sabbatical, use the same form and let us know. - Dori Bader, Board VP and Volunteer Liaison

Canoe Trip June 13-15

Do you canoe, camp, hike, bike, fish, ride horses, play music, or enjoy festivals, antiquing, or sitting around a campfire. And only about three hours or so from Kansas City!

All that can happen and most will at this year's annual canoe trip on Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15. A whole weekend for about $25 a person at the group rate. But you need to contact Caron Wells immediately at CaronWells@aol.com to reserve your space.

Our annual Canoe Trip has grown in recent years to include folks from other UU churches in the area including this year, Topeka, Columbia, and Springfield. We know it's Father's Day weekend this year, so some folks will be driving back home Saturday evening after the Canoe trip. - Walt Wells

COA youth fundraiser

Coming of Age, our junior high group is raising money for a trip the summer of 2004. Join us in Sunday morning for an assortment of items for you to purchase. We have Hy-Vee coupon books for just $5 and that includes a coupon for $5 off an order of $50 or more. In addition, we are offering cold (soda) pop for those warm summer days, baked goods, and of course coffee. Offerings change weekly, so stop by or you might miss out! For more information contact Don Dickey or Allison Hartnett.

WCS Midtown Ministries needs help

It may be June but Midtown Ministries, sponsored by Westport Cooperative Services, is getting ready for school to start. Their annual Back to School program is seeking donations of money, school supplies and clothing for midtown students attending kindergarten through fifth grade. Since All Souls supports Westport Cooperative Services, this is a great opportunity for you to sign up to help get a child started to school right. Look for Renée Carlson or Jane Henderson, All Souls' representatives on the Westport Cooperative board of directors, and let them know you can help. Last year, All Souls sponsored 52 of the 325 children helped by this program. We will have names and information about sizes for children soon. Deadline for donations is the end of July. Call Renée Carlson or Jane Henderson.

The Green Sanctuary Committee report

The church is now regularly making money from its paper recycling bin. Please keep on bringing your newspapers, office paper, magazines, junk mail, catalogs, paper-bound (not hardcover) books. In order to make money, we have to first meet a threshold level of 2 tons of paper. One person's junk may be the church's fund-raiser.

The next committee meeting will be on Sunday, June 1. All who would like to put your Seventh Principle into action, please join the pot-luck snack/lunch and meeting after the late service, whether you bring anything or not.

Seventeen people biked to church on Sunday May 18; we have a few bike (bumper) stickers to give away on Sunday mornings. - Terry Wiggins

Southmoreland Neighborhood meeting

Changes are happening in the All Souls neighborhood. Institutional expansion, new property owners, and higher prices all. Come to All Souls Church at 7pm Tuesday, June 10, as the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association sponsors a meeting to update the community.

American Century Investments, the Kemper Museum, the K.C. Art Institute, the Nelson Art Museum, and possibly H & R Block are all considering or have expanded their holdings. Also an update on the apartment building at 44th and Walnut now owned by Westside Housing Organization.

Several homes near All Souls have sold recently in the $450,000 to $1.2 million range. Recent sales near 39th & Warwick have been in the $250,000 range.

Come and learn about the changing face of the Southmoreland Neighborhood around All Souls. For more information contact Walt Wells at WalterWwells@aol.com.

Humanism is a topic

What's all this talk about Humanism, spirituality, Unitarian Universalism, and religious terminology? The Bragg Humanist Symposium Committee invites you to join us for Discussion and Dessert at 7pm Tuesday, June 3, at All Souls. Brief presentations on Humanism, the Raymond Bragg Humanist Symposium, and potential plans will precede a discussion. About 8 we’ll have dessert and informal conversation. For information contact Walt Wells at WalterWwells@aol.com.

Upcoming fund raising socials

Sun. Sept 7—Classical Grapes, 4-6pm. An afternoon of classical piano music at Simpson House, featuring the debut of our new music director. Cost of $15 per person includes wine, cheese, grapes, etc.

Sun. Sept 14—3rd Annual Progressive Dinner for 64 at various homes, 5:30- 10pm. A prelude to the start of the Dinner For 8 season. Cost of $20 per person includes all food and beverages.

Sat. Sept. 20—3rd Annual Unplaza Art Fair Breakfast 9- 11am. Breakfast in Conover Café and then enjoy the art fair. Cost of $5 per person/$3 per child under 12 includes all food and beverages.

Sun. Oct. 12—4th Annual Musicale at the home of Nick & Jean Francis, 5- 10pm. The evening includes live classical music, elegant appetizers, buffet dinner, dessert and beverages. Cost is $50 per person. Only 16 tickets are still available.

Sun. Nov. 16—2nd Annual "Big Night" 5- 10pm at Simpson House. Elegant candlelight sit down dinner including appetizers, dessert, beverages and live music. Cost is $35 per person.

Sun. Dec. 7—Classical Grapes 4- 6pm. An afternoon of live classical music at Simpson House. Cost of $15 per person includes wine, cheese, grapes etc.

Thurs. January l—Holiday Potluck Dinner at Simpson House, 5- 9pm. Details to be announced later. Cost of $5 per person includes entré.

For more information on any of these events or to purchase tickets please call Nick or Jean Francis. The Progressive Dinner for 64 needs hosting homes for dinners or social hours (dessert for all will be at Simpson House). If you would like to host part of this event please call Nick or me. - Jean Francis for the Stewardship Committee

CoffeeHouse Committee presents:

At 8pm Friday, May 30, the 97th Regimental String Band will present music of the Civil War era as a military string band would have played it. "The 97th makes good music a thing of the past with spirited songs of the civil war era." Information is at www.crosscurrentsculture.org. Tickets $15 at the door or $13 for church members.

At 8pm Saturday, May 31, Willow Productions presents Alix Olson and Pamela Means ... A CD release relebration. for more information check out the calendar at www.Crosscurrentsculture.org. Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 in advance.

Every Thursday night is Music Jam night at All Souls. Together we play, sing and talk about music. It's a time to share and to learn informally by playing together. Anyone who can play an instrument (sort of) is welcome to come and join us ... beginners welcome.

And on the first and third Thursdays Jim Windels helps all who want to learn Irish Dance Music in a Slow Session - the only regular one in town.

CoffeeHouse on 4th Friday

At 7:30pm Friday, June 27, the All Souls CoffeeHouse (always the 4th Friday of the month). Join us for music, the spoken word, conversation, food & drink, table games, and more. You will find a family friendly evening where children, friends, and neighbors are welcome to drop in and visit until you leave. Music begins by 8. An opening act is followed by open mic for all who bring something to share. Admission is free but all are encouraged to bring a non perishable food contribution for Harvesters Food Pantry. Info: DavidHakan@kc.rr.com

Bridge - June 13, 7:30pm at Jane & Bob Henderson’s. Call if you are coming.

Two men’s groups...

The Men's Group and the Aging Bulls will meet together Thursday, June 12 in Conover for fellowship, dinner and a program on the Violence Project. Representatives of the Violence Project will talk about their program of ex-prisoners working to help parolees make better choices to keep them from returning to prison.

All men of All Souls are welcome. Dinner is at 6pm; program at 7. Call Robin Parkinson or Bob Jameson or email REJameson@AOL.com for dinner reservations ($5 donation) or more information about the group. - Bob Jameson

Prairie Star District 2004 at All Souls

We will host the 2004 Prairie Star District Conference April 23-25. This annual gathering brings in over 200 UU's from several midwestern states to enjoy stimulating workshops, speakers, and conversation. People with various talents and interests are needed to make this a memorable event. If you have skills in event planning, brochures and publicity, computer input, or audiovisual equipment, or would like to acquire some experience in any of the above, please contact me. - Anne McCleery

Denominational and District Information

Vocabulary of reverence?

BOSTON - In an article published in the May 17, 2003 New York Times, writer Richard Higgins discusses UUA President William G. Sinkford's hope that Unitarian Universalists will reclaim a "vocabulary of reverence." Higgins reports that "in recent sermons, talks, and articles, Mr. Sinkford said he was struck by the fact that the association's Purposes and Principles... contain not one piece of traditional religious language."

The article, which also quotes rational atheists and humanists, including former UUA President William F. Schulz, is available at www.nytimes.com/2003/05/17/national/17RELI.html?tntemail1%20. An electronic discussion board has been set up for posts on the subject, "Reclaiming a vocabulary of reverence within Unitarian Universalism," at www.uua.org/programs/discussion/language/index.html.

OWL program gets publicity

Two recent reports in print and radio have highlighted the usefulness and importance of the UUA's comprehensive sexuality education program, "Our Whole Lives." In a Washington Post article which ran on April 6, writer Caryle Murphy interviewed young teens at Bethesda, MD's Cedar Lane UU church who talk about the faith-based sexuality education program they are involved in.

The article notes:

"Parents, who must attend two orientation sessions, say they appreciate OWL, even if it takes some getting used to. "It's a pretty bold program," Peggy Jackson said. "When my son went through it five years ago, I was more nervous. Now my daughter is in it, and I'm more relaxed. I'm really grateful that the kids have somewhere safe to go to ask very delicate questions and get straightforward answers."

"Karen Kinney of Alexandria said that a book titled "It's Perfectly Normal," which her 10-year-old daughter Jessica received at an OWL course at Church of the Pilgrims, a Presbyterian congregation in Northwest Washington, has "started some good conversations between her and me."

"What came across in a discussion with five teenagers at Cedar Lane was that they were grateful for the information they were getting and felt it had put them at an advantage over their peers. "

Writer Murphy says, "The object of their friends' envy is "Our Whole Lives," a faith-based sex education program that delivers comprehensive information about every aspect of human sexuality while stressing responsible decision-making." National Public Radio affiliate KPLU, based in Tacoma, Washington, ran a story on March 31 called "Sex Education at Church and School." In it, reporter Paige Hansen discuses a bill pending in the state legislature which would require all sex education taught in schools to be 'medically accurate.' Hansen visited churches who have followed a theologically conservative approach to sexuality education, as well as a UCC and UU congregation using "Our Whole Lives."

Both these stories are available on the Our Whole Lives media page at www.uua.org/news/owl/. To learn more about Our Whole Lives, go to www.uua.org/owl/main.html. From uua-l

Habitat Jordan

For those of us who have wanted to do more than stand on the sideline and protest the war and for others who just want to be more active abroad here is an opportunity to help build a community and relationships with people in the Mideast. Habitat for Humanity has an office in Jordan where it is currently involved in building homes in three villages which were meant to be temporary refugee camps for Palestinians fleeing the violence erupting in the West Banks and Gaza strip in the early 80's. If you are interested in joining a team to travel to Jordan for a work trip building one of these homes alongside Palestinians and do some sightseeing in Jordan, please call Gary Milesor send an email to n2danite3@msn.com. There will also be a signup sheet in the Lobby.

All Souls is a UUA Annual Program Fund Honor Society.