The Flame

Mid May 2003

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Kansas City, Missouri

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Good News Celebrations

We celebrate:

The hard work of our departing board members: Alex Westerfelt, Jill Jarvis, Jean McCormick, Linda Parkinson, Kathy While, and Sarah Baxter.

The upcoming kickoff of the Religious Odyssey program, to start June 8.

The hard work of Sharon Blevins, who served as coordinator for the UUA media campaign.

All the cooks and servers over nine years of dinners at reStart over 16,000 meals. All Souls is the 2003 Bill Hawkins Food Service Award recipient.

The success of our "Recent Visitor Luncheon," at which we had visitors from the past few months come and converse with us.

The exceptionally good year of rentals at the Simpson House, thanks to the tireless efforts of manager Brock Ginther and the Simpson House Committee.

The continued commitment of Chloe Mason Seagrove and Anne McCleery, who will prepare Wednesday night dinners through the summer. (Talk to them about how you can help.)

Service Schedule 8:45 am and 11:15 am

May 18 - Music Sunday: Hierophany

Our All Souls Choir will be making a special musical presentation of Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” This is traditional sacred music. The words are in Latin, but the questions still arise, “What is sacred? What invites the sacred? Or Is Nothing Sacred?”

May 25 - The Birth of A Giant: the Bicentennial of Ralph Waldo Emerson Jim Eller

Emerson was a Unitarian minister, lecturer, writer, and a great early American philosopher. May 25 is the 200th anniversary of his birth. Let us celebrate the religious leadership and vision of this great Unitarian.

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."

Forum Schedule 10:00 am

May 18 - Attack on the Clean Water Act - John Simpson

An environmental attorney representing the Kansas Natural Resources Council will discuss laws passed by the Kansas legislature that challenge the scope and intent of the federal Clean Water Act. Will they get away with it?

May 25 - Homeless Families in Crisis - Evelyn Craig

The Executive Director of reStart, Inc. will discuss the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, families with children, and the growing challenges the homeless and service providers face.

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

Forum hands off to Religious Odysseys

What matters most to you? What are the people, places, experiences, and communities that have influenced your development? How did you find your way to All Souls? The Religious Odyssey program is an opportunity to explore the theological questions that guide our personal and spiritual growth.

Religious Odysseys is a summer program that meets each Sunday at 10am in Conover Auditorium from June 8 through August 31.

Each week someone will share with us her/his theological journey, after which there will be time for the listeners to dialogue with the presenter.

Some of the speakers who have already promised to share her or his journey with us this summer are: Dori Bader, Anne McCleery, Melissa Mummert, and John Swomley. Please join us as we explore the theological richness of our community. - Kathy Riegelman

Minister’s Considerations:
Peace, Government Prayers, and Teaching Religion
Jim Eller, Rev.

It took us about one month to defeat Iraq. This has been a very short war, but the peace may take much longer. Our war may have been justifiable, although a pre-emptive war is a strange and questionable precedent, but a just peace is going to be much harder to create. I am at a loss to know what to do. Our country has given multi-billion-dollar contracts to companies to which our current executive branch is deeply indebted. These were not competitive contracts and some of them may have been given secretly even before the war began.

I would write to my Congressional Representative and Senators, but my Senators are apparently indifferent or unsympathetic with my concerns. My Representative is on leave. An editorial cartoon laughs at the situation saying that if we truly offer Iraq democracy what we will get is another Iran, a theocratic state.

I have had serious reservations about this war, but they are nothing as compared to my reservations about how we are going about creating a just and lasting peace. We certainly seem to be off on the wrong foot.

I am grateful for our U.S. collective experiment in the separation of church and state. The state of Utah is considering a challenge to prayers at the beginning of government meetings. The prayer itself makes a pretty good case for why we might want that separation. I quote a portion of the prayer for your amusement.

Our Mother, who art in heaven (if, indeed there is a heaven and if there is a god that takes a woman's form) hallowed be thy name. We pray that you prevent self-righteous politicians from misusing the name of God in conducting government meetings; and that you lead them away from hypocritical and blasphemous deception of the public, attempting to make the people believe that bureaucrats' decisions and actions have thy stamp of approval if prayers are offered at the beginning of government meetings.

Government may not be the right place to try to teach religion. However, a church seems the right place to teach and practice religion. I am delighted to see what a remarkable and wonderful offering of classes we have this summer. We have truly have become a year-round church. If you are interested you can "Build Your Own Theology," have "Emerson as a Spiritual Guide" or join a host of book studies or small group ministries. Contact our church office or see our newsletter or our web site for more information.

Lifespan Religious Education
Lynisa Robinson, Ted Otteson and Allison Hartnett

Summer Sunday Evening Activities

YRUU (High School group), COA (Junior School group), and UUKA (Pre-teen group) will meet every other week over the summer. On Sunday nights from 5-7pm, feel free to have your child/youth join us: June 8 & 22, and July 13 & 27.

The YRUUrs will work on a mural, while the COA group will decide a final location for their trip next summer. Our UUKA would like to use the time to take some extended field trips. Contact Allison Hartnett for further information.

What In The World

Join us on the last Sunday of each month (May 25) as we discuss and learn what UUs are doing in the world today. We meet from 8:45 to 10am and again after church at 12:30. Everyone is welcome at either or both sessions.

Our text for these sessions is the most recent issues of the UU World magazine that contributing members receive at home every two months from the UUA. At this month's discussion we assume at least a portion of the discussion will revolve around the influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson and current activity in the Middle East.

Adult education possibilities

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? We are here to insure that you are inspired, stimulated, challenged, supported, amazed and enlightened. Short of that we'll settle for satisfied with the educational opportunities at All Souls. Please share your good ideas with us - The Adult Education Committee.

Talk to Chloe Mason Seagrove in church or electronically at chlover333@aol.com or call her at home.

Classes for adults

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, 7-9pm six Mondays June 2 - July 14.

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 7-9pm Wednesday June 4.

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

The American Creed by Forrest Church - Book discussion. Forrest Church helps us examine 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 7-9pm three Wednesdays: July 9, 16 and 23.

Other Church News

Explorers class forming

No, not Explorers as in Boy Scouts. It's the Exploring Membership class that is set to begin on Sunday, May 25 and continue on the following four Sundays. The class will meet from 10-11am and explore the issues and ramifications of membership. Who are the people who become members of this church? What is the story of this church, and of the denomination? What goes on here? All are welcome to come explore the dynamism and dynamics of All Souls. Sign up on the bulletin board by the drinking fountain or call me at the office, 816-531-2131. - Terry Wiggins, Membership Coordinator

Parking note

Is the church parking lot sometimes full when you reach it? Are you able-bodied and you really could park somewhere else? There's a list of alternate parking locations on our web site, at www.allsoulskc.org/dirmap.html - Terry Wiggins, Communications Coordinator

Got a better suggestion?

The time for the annual meeting (1pm Sunday May 18) was established before we added a Sunday service. Some who attend the early service may find the early afternoon meeting time unworkable for them.

If you are one of these people, please let me (or a board officer) know what you think would be a better time. This could be another experience for us to learn how we can be as inclusive as possible. Thank you. - Terry Wiggins, Membership and Communications Administrator

Sunday announcements due Thursdays

Please turn in your Sunday announcements by Thursday at 10am if possible. This way, they can be printed in the order of service if appropriate, either instead of or in addition to being read from the pulpit. The decision will be based on the announcement and order of service guidelines (the latter are still being written). If you have last-minute announcements, be sure to be inclusive and turn them in before the early service. Thank you. - Terry Wiggins, Communications Administrator

Room requests for next year

The office is now accepting green calendar forms, for the July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 period (or you can find the form on our web site at www.allsoulskc.org/business.html. If you previously put in a room request for an ongoing event (e.g., a monthly committee meeting or biweekly ministry circle), please fill in a new one for the new period. Scheduling for your event will not automatically be continued. Without your help, the building calendar is not as useful a tool for you as it is intended. Changes and additional information may be added in the near future to the form, but we will keep folks updated. Thank you. - Mary Bradley, Office Administrator

One more board biography

Elizabeth Mayer has been a member of All Souls since 1997 when she and her husband, Ron Achelpohl, read about an upcoming Forum and decided to check it out. A resident of Kansas City since 1979, Elizabeth graduated from UMKC with a degree in Communication Studies and embarked on a career in advertising for ten years. In 1993 Elizabeth joined the staff of the Children s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) as Office Manager. CCVI is a not-for-profit school serving children who are blind or visually impaired living in the greater metropolitan area. Her All Souls volunteer positions include Pledge Drive Ambassador 1998 & 1999, Coming of Age 2000-02 Committee member, and chair of the Building Use Committee since 1999. Elizabeth and Ron have two sons, Elvis (17) and Milton (12) who both attend Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.

We suggest

If you normally skip over the Religious Education page of this newsletter because you think it's about kids' stuff, please take another look. This page is Lifespan Religious Education, and includes lots for adults too.

Monthly Flame may become a reality

Beginning in June, the Flame will be published once a month instead of twice a month. The deadline for articles will be the third Tuesday for the next month's issue. This will require careful advance planning for those submitting articles to cover the events that will occur throughout the following month.

This has been discussed among the Finance Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Communications Committee, at the town hall meetings we have held. The change will be discussed further at the Annual Meeting on May 18 in the context of the overall budget cuts we have to make for next year.

The Flame costs about $11,000 a year to print and mail so changing to once a month will save about $5,500. It also helps reduce some of the workload on the office so that we can cut back some time there. The Communications Committee is actively exploring reduced-cost alternatives for effective communications with visitors and potential members, and among our members and friends. - Bob Miller

Visitors luncheon a success

Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who worked to make our first Visitors Luncheon a resounding success. On Sunday May 4 we hosted this special event for people who had visited All Souls since the first of the year. Our guests met some members and learned more about our congregation, programs and activities. And the participating members got to know the visitors better.

More than 40 recent visitors returned to join us for food and conversation, and were able to speak at length with our minister Jim Eller, Board President Karen Medhi, and with various members to explore specific interests. The Hospitality and Membership Committees will continue this commitment to make All Souls a welcoming and accessible congregation for visitors and prospective members.

Special thanks to Diane Cassity and Sharon Cassity for preparing and donating the wonderful food we all enjoyed. Steve Dawson, a friend and frequent visitor to All Souls, also worked hours to prepare our lunch, providing some elegant gourmet touches and even helping with cleanup. We thank you, Steve, as well as several members who jumped in to help clean up at the last minute: Beth Andes, Ann Dickey, Don Dickey, Tom Gilbreath, and Bruce Wiggins. All of us worked together to organize this important event on very short notice, proving that All Souls is indeed a happening congregation. - Jill Jarvis

Wednesday dinners

The culinary creations of Anne McCleery and Chloe Mason Seagrove await you on Wednesday evenings, not to mention interesting and engaging conversation, a strong sense of our community and the chance to contribute to the All Souls general budget. A new and exciting meal is served every Wednesday from 5:30 - 6:30 in Conover Café at a cost of $6 for adults and $3 for children. The weekly menu is posted on the doors on Sunday as well as emailed on Monday. We look forward to eating with you soon. - Chloe Mason Seagrove

Communications Workshop June 14

The Communications Committee has scheduled a workshop for Saturday morning, June 14, in Conover. Our survey of church groups indicates that respondents want help in making best use of both internal and external communication opportunities. Accordingly, this session will explore techniques for reaching church members and members of the public who might want to join us in the activities we feel passionate about.

Breakfast and materials will be available at 8:45am. Workshop sessions are scheduled for 9-10:30. From 10:30 to 11:30, committee members will be available to consult with those who want help in developing a communications plan for the coming year or solving specific communications problems.

Plan to have a representative from your committee or group at the workshop to take advantage of this opportunity to get ready for the new church year. Contact Erika Fox, foxyfizz@aol.com, for information or to RSVP.

Parabola? Power of Myth?

The Library would like to have a copy of "The Power of the Myth", the 6 video set and/or the book. Anyone out there have one they would like to donate? We would also like to have Parabola magazine. If you subscribe and would be willing to give them to the Library, we will give them a good home. - Addie Dietrich

Library help wanted

The library is looking for a few volunteers to adopt book shelves i.e., keep one shelf neat and in order. We also need help putting plastic covers on new books, and contacting people who have overdue books.

The Book Shop is also looking for some more help on Sunday mornings. If you would like to help with any of these things, please contact Bill Thebo for the book shop and me for the Library. - Addie Dietrich

UUSC discussion and dessert

Everyone at All Souls is invited to learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) at a discussion and dessert at 7pm Tuesday, May 27, at the church. The UUSC is a social action organization representing Unitarian Universalist values in Africa, Central America, Kosovo, Iraq, in poverty pockets in the USA, and on issues such as Free Speech and Human Rights.

Recognizing the need to act quickly in emergencies and to allow immediate public speaking out on issues of social justice, the UUSC is established as a separate 501(c)(3) not for profit agency. UUSC has its own board of directors, staff, income stream, and endowment. UUSC does not receive funding from the UUA.

A 20 minute presentation will be followed by questions and answers prior to dessert and discussion. Please confirm your attendance, if possible, with Walt Wells at walterWwells@aol.com.

Do we have a pulpit from which Emerson spoke?

Recent research in the church archives indicates that early in our existence as a congregation (in the 19th century) the Board authorized purchasing a pulpit from which Ralph Waldo Emerson spoke when he was here on the western frontier.

Further reading indicates that pulpit was installed in our church on Baltimore and Armour, that it survived the 1951 fire and was moved on to our present location.

While we do have a small pulpit that might be that pulpit, we need input from anyone in the church or connected to the church that might be able to shed light on this story. Do you have any documents or photos that would help us with our history?

If indeed we have the Emerson pulpit we would like to honor that connection to one of the major contributors to our contemporary Unitarian Universalism.

Would anyone having any information or the suggestion of a source please contact any member of the Archives Committee. Thanks. - Walt Wells walterWwells@aol.com.

Interweave to discuss its future

Interweave, the UUA organization for gay, lesbian ,bisexual, transgender persons and their straight allies, will meet at 6:15pm Wednesday, May 21. We will discuss financial information resulting from the National Interweave Convo as well as what form Interweave should take in the future. We encourage Interweave members and other interested persons to attend so we can hear your ideas. Come to the Wednesday evening dinner to socialize, and stay for the meeting. - Alex Westerfelt

New Time for Writers Group

To accommodate schedules, the All Souls Writers Group will begin meeting at 10am instead of the traditional 2pm beginning with the June meeting that is slated for Saturday, June 7. Although we usually gather in the Grace Hill Library, please check the meeting location notices when you enter through the south door - and 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 paper copies and share those for comment, that is fine. If you haven't started a project, you can bring a short piece about the following topic: A Life Transition. Please 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.

Humanism at All Souls

Join members of the Bragg Humanist Symposium Committee on Tuesday, June 3 at 7pm for a discussion of Humanism at All Souls. A brief summary of Humanism, the history of All Souls involvement with Humanism, Raymond B. Bragg, and the Bragg Humanist Symposium, will begin the evening at 7.

Following we will have dessert as we discuss Humanism today within and outside of the All Souls congregation. For more information contact Walt Wells at walterWwells@aol.com.

Music events at All Souls

Saturday, May 17, 8pm. Mary Beth DePompa & Ashley Miller perform with their “lush harmonies and bluesy, bent acoustics ... like salve for an aching soul." Advance $12 and at the door $15. For more info: Willow Productions@kc.rr.com.

Friday, May 23, 8pm. The All Souls CoffeeHouse presents Bob Brostoski with Jim and Michelle Krajewski. Come and hear our own musicians play with the best. An open mic follows for all who bring their instruments, voices, and words. This is for the whole family and all your friends. Table games, discussion, coffee, and snacks too. Admission is a food contribution for Harvesters. Info: DavidHakan@kc.rr.com.

Friday, May 30, 8pm. The 97th Regimental String Band presents music of the 1800s. They are self described as a Eudaemonious Concatenation of Jocular Harmonists. Come and hear music of the Civil War era as it would have been played 150 years ago. Advance $13 and at the door $15. For more information www.crosscurrentsculture.org.

Saturday, May 31, 8pm. Alix Olsen and Pamela Means - CD release celebration. Advance tickets $12; $15 at the door. For more information willowproductions@kc.rr.com

Denominational and District Information

Help bring relief to Iraq

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is accepting donations to help alleviate civilian suffering in Iraq. Consistent with our Principles, the UUSC will support the work of international relief organizations that are providing humanitarian aid in the form of food, medicines and supplies. If you wish to contribute to the relief effort in Iraq, please make your check payable to Iraq Relief Fund and mail to: Iraq Relief Fund, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, P.O. Box 845259, Boston MA 02284-5259.

Gift help available

Are you considering a planned gift to the church, but don't know quite how to go about it? The UUA's Office of Charitable Giving and Estate Planning has information on the options available, including bequests in your will and life-income gifts that allow you to take an immediate tax deduction and earn income on the gift for the rest of your life. Or find out how to make a gift from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Call 888-792-5885 or go to www.uua.org/giving/giftplans. Support the future of Unitarian Universalism.

Journey Toward Wholeness newsletter online

The Journey Toward Wholeness, the UUA's anti-oppression, anti-racist multicultural initiative, now has an online newsletter . This is a great source for information and resources on JTW and news about anti-oppression work in other congregations. Subscribe at www.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/jtwnews

All Souls is a UUA Annual Program Fund Honor Society.