The
Angelus
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral • Kansas City,
Missouri • Vol. 73, No. 12 • December 2004
Contents
From the Dean
The Twelve Days of Christmas at the Cathedral
On Christian meditation
Stewardship Update
Cathedral members honored at diocesan gathering and convention
Hats, gloves and socks for KCCK
A catalog and a tree
Grief, loss and Christmas
A Caroling We Will Go
Holiday stress
Celebrating the
Birth of Christ
Messiah
Singalong
Learning and growing in faith: a children’s education update
Children’s Memorial Library dedicated
Kansas City
Community Kitchen
Flower memorials and thanksgivings from
the month of November
Advent Specials at the GHTC Bookstore!
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
Servin’ Up Jazz: Annual fundraiser for
Episcopal Social Services
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan: November 14
A review of Christ the Center
Religious book
study small group
Book Discussion Group
Women bishops in the church of England?
Two new small groups
forming this month
Advent brings a new beginning for Bible reading
Upcoming
Music Events
Weekday Services
Trunk or Treat 2004
Weekly Activities
Activities for the Month of December
From the Dean
Advent is a wreath of green and the light of four small candles that does not blink, does not chase itself, and does not slowly fade from one color to another. Advent is the Light from Light that shines in the darkness, which no darkness can overcome.
Advent is the chant that cuts through the synthesized bells extolling the heroism of the most famous reindeer of all, distracting our focus ever so slightly. O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, in lonely exile, in desperate need of a Savior.
Advent is the savory cutting through the shopping season’s excessive sweetness. Advent’s expectation and hope hang in the air like rosemary, a hearty lingering fragrance that cannot be sugarcoated or dipped in chocolate.
Advent points beyond the sure and certain return of the giftgiver dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, to the sure and certain return of the Long-Expected One: Lo, He comes with clouds descending. Alleluia! Christ the Lord returns to reign.
Advent does not bombard us with promises of the perfect gift at low, low prices, but promises crooked places made straight, that which is rough made smooth, valleys and voids in our life filled in.
In Advent, peace is found where peace was created: And his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
“Advent,” Isabel Anders writes in Awaiting the Child, “is a time of narrowing down, focusing in. I feel it’s coming in my bones, with the inevitability of the shorter, darkening days. Our worship takes on the character of the season—not somber, but sober. It is a time of reflection and quiet seriousness, not of frivolity. Narrowing down, focusing in, has something to do with identifying with our Lord in his first coming. We believe that to forget God is to forget ourselves, our nature, and our relationship to him. We neglect to praise, decline to enter the mystery, at our own peril.”
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come in glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Yours in Hope and Expectation,
Terry+
The Twelve Days of Christmas at the Cathedral
DECEMBER 25 • THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist with organ and carols
DECEMBER 26 • FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
10:15 a.m. Lessons and Carols and Holy Eucharist
(note: this is the only liturgy today)
DECEMBER 27 • THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Offices and Buildings Closed
No weekday services today
DECEMBER 28 • FEAST OF ST. JOHN (transferred)
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 29 • FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS
(transferred)
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 30 • SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 31 • EVE OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
JANUARY 1 • FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist
JANUARY 2 • SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
8 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:15 a.m. Formation for all ages
10:15 a.m. Children’s Chapel
Holy Eucharist
5 p.m. Order for Evening and Holy Eucharist
JANUARY 3 • TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
JANUARY 4 • ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
JANUARY 5 • TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist 12:05 p.m., Evening Prayer
5:30 p.m.
JANUARY 6 • THE EPIPHANY
Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m., 12:05 Holy Eucharist, 7 p.m. Choral
Evensong
On Christian meditation
One day last month I spent two hours watching a series of lectures on video about The Cloud of Unknowing. The lectures, despite being videotaped and my watching them in a warm room while reclined on a couch, were very interesting. The lecturer was a Trappist Monk named William Meninger who has spent a great deal of time (which is just about all Trappist Monks really have, after all) thinking about, studying, and most importantly, praying according to The Cloud of Unknowing.
The Cloud, as is seems to be know by its followers, is a fourteenth century work by, somewhat appropriately, an unknown author. According to Meninger-and this is why I’m excited about reading it -- The Cloud is an authentic, orthodox, Christian means of mystical approach to God.
Having been a Christian for only the past thirteen years or so, I am not personally shocked or disturbed at the amazing recent popularity of Zen, Buddhism, and other Eastern mystical practices and forms of meditation. Not even when they are practiced by dedicated Christians. The Cathedral held a workshop on Tai Chi Chuan just a couple months ago, taught by members of our congregation.
In my humble opinion, the popularity of Eastern meditation practices has a lot to do with a general need in our society, and even, if not particularly so, among Christians in mainline denominations, for a practice of prayer that goes beyond the simple asking God for favors that we usually provide for in our liturgies.
I experience this need myself. I’ve never been completely comfortable praying in such a way that I’m telling God what I need (or more likely, what I want), how I’d like certain situations to turn out, or even saying thanks for things I’m pleased with lately. Not that any of these things are bad. Prayers of intercession and thanksgiving are an integral part of the liturgy I love.
However, asking God for anything, particularly when I’m praying by myself, conflicts with primary idea I have about God. Namely this: God already knows what I need, what I want, and what’s best for me, and that those three things are nearly always not the same. Therefore, what business do I have speaking to God at all? Shouldn’t I rather just sit quietly and see if I can hear what God has to say? Enter Eastern meditation.
I like Eastern meditation practices myself. In particular, I’m a big fan of the Tao Te Ching (inexplicably pronounced Dow Day Jing). This collection of seemingly simple and practical advice moves me spiritually whenever I ponder a verse or two. I see no problem adopting Eastern (or even Middle-Eastern, gasp!) religious practices into a predominantly Christian spirituality.
That being said, there is a problem with adopting the religious practices of other religions/philosophies/etc. The problem is that they aren’t mine. No matter how much study, reading, or practice I devote to Zen Buddhism, I will still be a white boy raised in semi-rural Washington State, U.S.A. Even if I did achieve a certain level of authentic Zen practice, could I ever find enough time to achieve that with another practice? And what time does that leave for Christianity, which is my practice?
We invited a Rabbi/Cantor to our church a couple years ago, to lead a Seder meal on the Wednesday before Holy Week. At a planning meeting he said that while he was in favor of interfaith activities such as we had planned, it was most important to know your own story well. “How can I share my story with you if you don’t know how it fits into your own story? You can’t share with me unless you know your own story,” he said.
For me, this is true. I love interfaith and interdenominational conversation. However, what I always take away from these experiences is a renewed sense that my own religious tradition has more to offer me if only I would dig deeper. I get from faithful people of other faiths perspective on my own faith that leaves me more inspired.
Hence, The Cloud of Unknowing, which is an authentic and orthodox Christian mystical prayer tradition. Zen meditation and pondering the verses of the Tao create in me a desire for quiet, listening prayer. They make me want to be mystical, to seek to hear from God in prayer, not the other way around. I want non-outward prayer, non-corporate prayer, quiet, dark, mysterious prayer.
According to my video taped monk, The Cloud has exactly that to offer. I’ll let you know.
– by The Rev. Benjamin J. Newland, Associate Priest
Stewardship Update
Traditionally, stewardship campaigns have ended at the beginning of Advent. I suppose the justification for this tradition stems from the belief that stewardship focuses on giving, while the Advent season focuses on receiving God’s grace through the birth of Jesus.
However, to my way of thinking, stewardship and the Advent season share many common themes–preparation, anticipation, reflection, prayer and joy–as well as giving and receiving. At its core, stewardship is our response to God’s grace and presence in our lives, and we are keenly reminded of God’s grace and presence during the Advent season.
For these reasons, we are going to extend the stewardship campaign into the Advent season, which will culminate with the Blessing of the Pledges at the 10:15 a.m. service December 19.
Please turn your pledge card in so you can participate in the joy of our Cathedral’s mission.
–by Steve Moore, Stewardship Chairman
The Angelus
A laypersons’ newspaper published in the interest of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
THE ANGELUS SMALL GROUP CONTRIBUTORS:
Emily Akins
Mary Byrne
Rachel Chambers
Jan Frizzle
John Hornbeck
Sergio C. Moreno
Chris Morrison
Cynthia Newman
Julie Toma, Editor
Submissions from parishioners and small groups are welcome and encouraged. All entries are requested by the 15th day of the month prior to publication via fax: (816) 474-5856 or e-mail: communications@ghtc-kc.org
Cathedral members honored at diocesan gathering and convention
At the 2nd annual gathering and 115th annual convention of the Diocese of West Missouri, a Cathedral member was awarded with the Bishop’s Shield.
“Resolved, that in recognition of her faithful
service to her community, the Church, and
the Diocese of West Missouri, past, present,
and still to come, Betty Phillips be awarded
the Bishop’s Shield.”
Cathedral member since 1975 and sacristan since 1976, Betty’s devotion to the Cathedral and diocese was recognized with this award.
The Rev. Bryan England, deacon at the
Cathedral, was also recognized for
his service through the police
chaplaincy.
Alexandra Connors, Cathedral member and youth representative to the Province Seven Youth Network from the Diocese of West Missouri, was given the opportunity to address delegates at the convention. Below is her address.
I am the West Missouri youth representative to the Province Seven Youth Network and have held this position for two years. I am very interested, but yet concerned about the youth ministries and programs in our diocese.
I can infer that almost everyone, if not everyone, in the room agrees that youth and youth programs etc. are one of the most important aspects of the church today. In a survey of the members at GHTC about the programs and ministries this fact held true.
Pretty much everyone agrees. Right? Isn’t
one of the most overused sayings in the
church, “Youth aren’t the church of the future, they are the church
of today?” Here is
where I ask you a very serious question. If
we all agree about the importance of youth
in the church, why aren’t the programs given
the attention and support that they deserve?
Now, I don’t intend to ask such a touchy question without backing my position. So get ready for some facts. By participating in the many provincial and multi-diocesan events that I have, I have seen how other dioceses run things and have learned much about events and support in other dioceses. May I say quite honestly that I feel that West Missouri is lacking.
Overall, West Missouri has one all diocese youth event per year: Missionpalooza. For those who are not familiar with this event, Missionpalooza is a weeklong mission trip, without the trip. A very large group of high schoolers, myself included, gather for mission, fellowship, learning, and growing. We stay at St. Paul’s downtown and do mission work all around the metro area. This last year we had approximately 70 participants.
It is my favorite diocesan event, and sadly, our only. Yes, we have had Happenings; but I must say that they are poorly organized and many times Happenings have been scheduled and then fall through at the last minute due to improper support and planning.
From my interaction with other dioceses I have learned of many other events that we could and should be utilizing. For example, a short list of events that West Missouri could be hosting are: Miqra, Food Fast, retreats, lock-ins, Happenings. Why aren’t we?
Also, I feel quite strongly about the fact that the few programs that our diocese does have going aren’t, for lack of a better word, “talked-up.”
How do we expect for people to participate or primarily, even have an interest if they are not promoted? Our diocese has many publications and communication resources. To my disappointment, the youth do not seem to have a place in any of them. Rarely is there anything regarding youth in the diocesan publication.
For those who frequently visit the diocesan website, you might notice that a certain link is missing. Where there was once a youth link, there is now an empty space. How does that reflect on our diocese as a whole?
Now, as much as I don’t like to compare, I must bring up the state of our neighboring diocese, Kansas. The diocese of Kansas has a thriving youth program full of excitement and support. Their events are well organized and well attended, not to mention the fact that they have so many. They have a devoted and dynamic youth coordinator who has raised the Diocese of Kansas programs to, not to be clichι, a level of greatness. Maybe we should use our neighbor as a template for our own ministries.
Now, after all the “problems,” I offer a solution. I think that a full-time youth coordinator would offer much needed direction and growth for our diocesan youth ministries. We need someone who will promote our growth and help it along. We need someone who is not afraid to be dynamic and make changes. Mainly, we need someone will make sure our events are well organized and promoted. West Missouri has all the tools; we just need someone to use them.
For all of the amazing things that the diocese has going for it, there is room for improvement in our youth programs. Since we all agree that youth are important and are a priority, do your part and promote growth. Growth depends on a dynamic leader. Give youth programs the respect and attention they deserve.
photos by Jan Frizzle
Dean White with Harold and Betty Phillips at the Convention of the
Diocese of West
Missouri. Betty was awarded the Bishop’s Shield for her diligent
work for the Cathedral as the
head of the Altar Guild and her work with the flower ministry.
The Rev. Bryan England, Cathedral
deacon, was recognized for his work as a
police chaplain.
Hats, gloves and socks for KCCK
The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow according to the old Mother Goose rhyme. And the weather forecasters concur. The bitter winter weather can find the guests who eat in Kansas City Community Kitchen without the warmth of gloves, hats and socks. It has been our tradition to provide these items to be distributed in the KCCK as needed.
On Sunday, December 12, we will celebrate the spirit of Saint Nicholas, who was Bishop of Myra, and became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships. Several activities will be offered concerning St. Nicholas during the education hour at 9:15 a.m.
To share both the spirit of St. Nicholas and our concern for our guests, please bring socks, hats and/or gloves on December 12. We need these items for men, women and children, with the majority of those eating in the kitchen being men.
Please warm your heart by warming the heads, hands and feet of those who need our help.
– by The Rev. Linda Yeager, Deacon
A catalog and a tree
December is a time of giving. Naturally there are the gifts under the Christmas tree at home. Most importantly, there is the gift that God gave to us all through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Thankfully, there also seems to be an even stronger drive than usual for people to give of themselves to those who are in need. The question is how to channel that drive.
This Advent season, the Social Outreach Committee is going to assist – with a catalog and a tree.
The catalog is a gift from Episcopal Social Services to our Diocese – and in turn to the community. In 32 pages, they provide more than 128 ways of giving back to the community and to those in need.
And best of all, this is within anyone’s budget, with most gift requests amounting to $50 or less (but as little as $1).
All of these are for local service agencies, and they are typically for agencies that depend on individual donations the most. Best of all, the donations go to the service provider(s) you designate, to be used for the purpose(s) you designate. The percentage going to administration is zero.
In addition to the catalog, a Giving Tree at the Cathedral will provide an opportunity for gifting various services provided by and at the Cathedral. Please look for the Giving Tree and consider how you may help those in need at this time.
In a very unique way we will be providing an opportunity for gifting for various services provided by and at the Cathedral, in a way to be complimentary to the Sharper Outreach Catalog.
We hope that this, too, will become a new Christmas tradition for you and your family.
– by John Hornbeck
Grief, loss and Christmas
One side of the Christmas season not often talked about is how deal with loss and grief even as so much of the world around seems to be happy and carefree. No matter how much time has elapsed, we miss those we have shared past Christmases with, and naturally wish to find a way to acknowledge how life has changed.
The first Christmas following the death of a loved one, or after marriage or significant relationship has ended, especially demands that we change in some way how we celebrate.
Have reasonable expectations. There will be times of great sadness, times when you prefer to be alone, and times when you very much need the company of others.
Do not try and do all the things you have done in the past. Baking, decorating, writing cards, and shopping can be too much in the best of times. Be aware of the energy you have, and allow yourself to do things differently.
At special gatherings, name your loss in a healthy way, and talk about those you miss. Some families offer a special toast to those who have died and now live in the nearer presence of Christ. This is a powerful time to share tears and fond remembrances. You put yourself and those around you at ease when you speak of those you miss.
You may wish to begin a new tradition, such as reaching out to a lonely neighbor, taking gifts to a shelter or food to the local fire station. In years to come, this tradition becomes known as, “What we began doing the Christmas after N. died.” This celebrates the life of your loved one.
Pay special attention to children who can be overlooked in the grieving process. More toys will not give comfort and hope. They need to know they are not alone in their sorrow, that adults, too, miss departed loved ones. Assure them of God’s special care in the days ahead, that the Christ Child will be with them.
Be regular in worshipping God and receiving the Eucharist. There is no greater comfort in sorrow than the presence of the Risen Christ.
Hold fast to the promise in St. John’s Gospel for Christmas Day: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not over come it.”
– by The Very Rev. Terry A. White, Dean
A Caroling We Will Go
A holiday tradition continues! On December
12, the Cathedral will host its annual caroling
party, gathering in Founders’ Hall at
6:00 p.m. It will be a wonderful evening of
fellowship, food, and fun. Dinner and drink
will be provided but people are encouraged
to bring appetizers and desserts. Everyone is
welcome and baby-sitting will be provided
throughout the evening. Keep your eyes open
for more details.
– by Robin Rusconi
Holiday stress
The annual celebration of the Word made Flesh is often, unfortunately, a time of significant tension and anxiety for many people. Preparation for Christmas and the holiday itself presents us with multiple tasks: gifts to buy and wrap, decorations to be placed, meals to be cooked, and parties to be hosted or attended.
For parish leaders, both clergy and lay, there are many liturgies and special events to be planned and celebrated. A 2001 survey conducted by Dateline NBC and Prevention Magazine found 41% of respondents stating that they find the holidays to be at least as stressful as asking the boss for a raise.
Four rather obvious sources of holiday stress are having too many things to do, the disruption of ordinary routines, financial worries, and difficult relationships. These sources can become particularly stressful for people who are working hard to grow and change, who are planning to visit or be visited by difficult family members. Consider these suggestions if you are in this situation.
If it’s dangerous, don’t go. Our families and our culture imply that one must be with one’s family during the holidays. This is simply not true. The only person whose presence is a necessity for Christmas is the Holy Spirit. If you are considering visiting, or allowing to visit, family members who have a history of physically, emotionally, or spiritually abusing you, it is fine to change your plans.
When you’ve got it, don’t flaunt it. After having worked hard to gain insight into your own behavior or that of your family, it is natural to want to share your new awareness. In general, it is a good idea to resist this temptation. Your growth and change may seem threatening to some members of the family because it changes the family dynamic.
Try not to let old patterns upset you. Family members relate to each other according to patterns, rather like a dance. Each family has its own dance, which gets repeated regularly. When you change your behavior, you change the dance. It is natural for others in the family to ask you to get back in step with the family dance. The best response to a “change back” message is to establish a healthy boundary with a clear “yes,” or “no,” and as little reactivity as possible. Striving to attain this response is, of course, something which all growing people do for most of their lives.
Stop wishing they’ll be different. The most common way that people undermine their desire for a happy holiday is to spend time wishing that their family would be different than it is. For example, if Dad and Great Aunt Sarah have an intense and public conflict each year, then it’s a safe bet they will have that fight again this year; particularly if neither of them has worked on his or her own growth during the past year. To spend a great deal of energy wishing that this annual event not occur is to spend a great deal of energy setting yourself up for a disappointment. The only person whom you can change is you.
– by The Very Rev. Terry White, Dean
Celebrating the Birth of Christ
WEDNESDAYS IN ADVENT
7:00 p.m. • Advent Series
8:15 p.m. • Compline
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
9:15 a.m. • New Beginnings
Intergenerational Activities: The
Nativity, presented by the Paul
Mesner Puppets
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
9:15 a.m. • New Beginnings
Intergenerational Activities: The
Spirit of Saint Nicholas
6:00 p.m. • Caroling Party
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
9:15 a.m. • New Beginnings
Intergenerational Activities: The
Jesse Tree and A December Visit
with Harold Ivan Smith
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00 p.m. • Holy Eucharist
and Christmas Pageant
10:00 p.m. • A Prelude of
Christmas Music
10:30 p.m. • Festival Eucharist
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
10:15 a.m. • Holy Eucharist
with organ and carols
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26
(only one service this day)
10:15 a.m. • Holy Eucharist and
A Service of Lessons and Carols
followed by wassail and cookies
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6
EPIPHANY
12:05 p.m. • Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m. • Choral Evensong
Messiah
Singalong
JACK ERGO, CONDUCTOR
Music of G. F. Handel Saturday • December 18, 2004 • 5:00 p.m.
Admission is free.
The audience sings the choruses!
Bring your score or purchase one at the door.
Learning and growing in faith: a children’s education update
Our children are presented with opportunities
to experience and witness Jesus in different
and special ways, especially during this
time as Advent presents us the entry and
Christmas provides us a great celebration.
Through this year’s New Beginnings, the children learn about Advent and the preparation for the birth of Christ not in the classroom through Bible stories and responses, but through expressions of arts, crafts, story telling and puppet shows.
During these four weeks, classroom sessions will be replaced by the intergenerational activities with theirs and other families in the larger church setting. Classroom environment and learning resume at 9:15 a.m. January 2, 2005.
During the Advent season, the children began to experience other wonders as they worship. Grade school children will welcome our support as they learn how adults worship. They will learn to listen, understand and respond to the Word in the nave with their families. November 28 begins an ongoing worship for these children.
Our preschool, first and second grade children
will experience the Liturgy of the Word
in their chapel, at their maturity level and
with their interactions. Children’s Chapel
began November 28 at 10:15 a.m.
On Christmas Eve, through the Pageant, the children will reenact the birth of Jesus as told by the Gospels. They will celebrate the birth through reciting Bible verses, actions and through singing. This will be a wonderful celebration for the children as this is the culmination of weeks of preparation and reflection of the meaning of Christmas.
The children in church school are blessed with these wonderful experiences to support their learning and growing in faith. They are engaging and exciting!
– by Jackye Finnie, Acting Children’s Education Director
Children’s Memorial Library dedicated
The Louise Barton Children’s Memorial Library was dedicated November
7, 2004 with a
short ceremony following the 10:15 a.m. service. In conjunction with
the library dedication,
children were asked to color pictures or write a short essay on
their memories of Louise
Barton. Special thanks were given to Garrett Coletti and Juliana
Johnson and for their writings
and Sophia Mauro for her coloring. During the ceremony, DeAnn
McTavish spoke of
her memories of Louise Barton; Garrett and Juliana also read their
contest entries. Following
a blessing of the library by Dean White, Garrett and Sophia attached
a plaque to the
door and the library was open for business.
The Children’s Library is open every Sunday following the 10:15 a.m. service.
The library is still in need of donations of books, magazines, and furnishings such as beanbags, bookcases, tables and chairs. Contact Jackye Finnie at the Cathedral office if you are interested in donating any of these items.
Kansas City Community Kitchen
• The Kansas City Community Kitchen (KCCK), located in Founders’ Hall, serves 400-500 people each day.
• The people fed at KCCK consist not only of homeless persons but also the poor and underemployed.
• Many grants no longer fund organizations like the Kitchen.
• You can help KCCK by monetary donations or food donations. To make a food donation, contact Jane Tally at KCCK, 816.474.6524
For more information, call KCCK or the Cathedral office, 816.474.8260.
Monetary donations can be mailed to KCCK • PO Box 412048 • Kansas City, Missouri 64141.
Flower memorials and thanksgivings from the month of November
November 7, 2004 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harriet Minty Russell and Frederick Forsha Russell; and in loving memory of Edward and Margaret Gillespie, by their daughter, Joyce; also in thanksgiving for her daughter, Beverly Sloan, by Mrs. Herbert A. Sloan. At the Chapel altar, flowers are given in thanksgiving for Carl Ryder, by Alan and Phyllis Ryder. At the baptismal font, flowers are given in thanksgiving for the first birthdays of Maya Ellen McLeroy and Gracelyn Frances Leonard by their grandparents, Ron and Carolyn McLeroy; and in thanksgiving for their daughter, Eliza Lynn Johnson, on the anniversary of her baptism, by Jeff and Valerie Johnson.
November 14, 2004 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of The Reverend Bill Miller and Clara Miller by their daughter, Chris Miller; and in loving memory of Charline Schmelzer by Bill Fisher; also in loving memory of Lillian Cozzi Pellet by her daughter, Tricia Pellet Lyddon. At the baptismal font, flowers are given in loving memory of her parents, Muriel and Harry Hall, by Mr. and Mrs. Haywood Walker, Jr. At the chapel altar, the flowers are given in loving memory of Dr. Charles Culloden Chapple by his wife, Sally.
November 21, 2004 • The Harvest altar is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of his sister, Mary-Scott Kaiser, by Leo Crabbs, Jr. At the chapel altar, the flowers are given in loving memory of Helen Curdy by Isabel Curdy.
November 28, 2004 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of her father, William H. Shackelford, Jr., by Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Seidlitz, Jr.; in loving memory of Dr. Max Webster Morgan, Betty Ellis Morgan and Stephen Ellis Morgan by J. Gregory Morgan; and in loving memory of Herbert Adams Sloan, Sr. by Mrs. H.A. Sloan and in thanksgiving for Frank Terrell, Jr. At the baptismal font, the flowers are given in thanksgiving for Amanda Tilley. At the chapel altar, the flowers are given in thanksgiving for Guy and Sue Mare and for Zachary Ryder, by Alan and Phyllis Ryder.
Advent Specials!
During Advent, all Advent
and Christmas titles will be
20% off
&
all Children’s books will be
25% off
BOOKSTORE HOURS
Sundays • after both morning
services
Wednesdays • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
First Sunday of each month • after
5:00 p.m. service
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
October 2004 saw income at the Cathedral exceed budget and expenses basically match budget. The Cathedral appears to be gaining momentum under Dean White. Let us all support the Cathedral with generous gifts of our time, talent and treasure.
– by Doyle White, treasurer
| OCTOBER MTD | BUDGETED MTD | ACTUAL MTD |
| INCOME | $ 99,990 | $ 111,011 |
| EXPENSES | $ 104,631 | $ 105,551 |
| NET TOTAL | $ (4,641) | $ 5,460 |
| OCTOBER YTD | BUDGETED YTD | ACTUAL YTD |
| INCOME | $ 987,666 | $ 1,044,492 |
| EXPENSES | $ 1,091,176 | $ 1,076,317 |
| VARIANCE | $ (103,510) | $ (31,825) |
Servin’ Up Jazz: annual fundraiser for Episcopal Social Services
The Folly Theatre was the venue for the successful 10th anniversary for Servin’ up Jazz. It was more than an afternoon of “hot jams and cool jazz.”
Jay Lehnertz, President and CEO, advises that “Through your generosity, Servin’ Up Jazz has raised approximately $350,000 for outreach in the last ten years - money that directly benefits services and programs that span the life spectrum”.
Area Episcopalians, through ESS, volunteer time and talents that directly benefit service programs to serve people in need throughout our community.
Several cathedral members volunteered to make this important fundraising event for Episcopal Social Services. Serving refreshments to the gathered community of Episcopalians from the West Missouri and Kansas Dioceses were: Carolyn and Ron McLeroy, Sue and Don Willsey, Howard and Paula Connors, and Kathy and Jim Jennings.
Other cathedral members supporting ESS were: Melisa Burns, who designed posters and programs; Jean Rau, Board Member; Greg Morgan and Jan Frizzle, Fundraising; and Mary Byrne, ESS Administrative Assistant.
This event continues as the only Episcopal event in the Kansas City metropolitan area with the potential of linking all of the metropolitan churches socially.
Performing artists this year were: Angela Hagenbach, Lisa Henry, Julie Turner and featured the UMKC Jazz Band, with Bobby Watson.
– by Jan Frizzle
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan: November 14
A review of Christ the Center
“Teaching about Christ begins in silence. ‘Be still, for that is the absolute’, writes Kierkegaard. Thus begins Christ the Center – a work authored by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but one that he never wrote. (It was actually compiled by a student of his, based on lectures of Christology given by Bonhoeffer in 1933.)
The heart of this book is implied in its title – that Christ is the center. “The one who is present in Word, Sacrament and Church is in the center of human existence, of history and of nature.” However, he also recognizes that this is not provable.
“The truth of the statement that Christ is our center does not allow for confirmation by proof. Christ as the center of human existence means that he is the judgment and justification of man.”
So, what is the importance of this particular work today, and why is there renewed interest in Bonhoeffer among many theologians? Part of the answer begins with the century immediately preceding Bonhoeffer – a century of evolving Biblical scholarship, including the liberal theology movement, various schools of historical criticism, and a quest for the historical Jesus.
With that foundation, in today’s era of
Marcus Borg and Elaine Pagels (authors that
our group will also be studying), this work
has an important message.
The message is not to respond to historical criticism by asserting the infallibility of the Bible. Indeed, Bonhoeffer recognizes that “The Bible remains a book like other books” and that “occasionally we have to deal with a problematic situation.”
And yet, he goes on to say that “it is through the Bible, with all its flaws, that the risen one encounters us.” How can that be? How can the “historical Jesus” be reconciled with what Bonhoeffer describes as “the present Christ”?
Bonhoeffer provides us a simple answer in a complex theological treatise. The answer is “faith.” In Bonhoeffer’s words, “The Jesus who cannot be grasped by history is the one to whom resurrection faith is directed.”
Bonhoeffer’s complaint was not that scholars of his time were exploring an historical Jesus, just as many scholars of today. His concern was that to do so without the beginning point of faith was folly.
“There is no way from history to the absolute. There is no absolute ground for faith derived from history.” In historical criticism, faith must be the foundation, and not the destination.
To summarize this work is exceptionally difficult. It is, without question, the most challenging book of 113 pages that I have ever read – but it was worth it. Christ the Center is available from the Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral Bookstore.
– by John Hornbeck
Religious book study small group
Part Adult Education and part small group, the Religious Book Study group concluded our discussion on November 21 on our first book, Christ The Center by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – a challenging work with which to start to say the least.
Throughout the Advent season, we will take a short recess during the New Beginnings intergenerational Advent programs through December.
On January 9 we will begin again with Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. The work is already available in the Cathedral bookstore, and all are welcome to the group.
We meet at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday, except the first Sunday of the month (reserved for the Dean’s Forum).
Book Discussion Group
GOD’S DEBRIS
by Scott Adams
December 21 • 7:00 p.m.
Common Room
For further information, please call 816.741.0992.
Women bishops in the church of England?
"Women Bishops in the Church of England?," the report of the House of Bishops’ Working Party on Women in the Episcopate, chaired by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester, was published Tuesday, 2 November. The General Synod will discuss the report in February.
"Women Bishops in the Church of England?" is a survey of the theological issues the Church needs to consider as it decides whether or not to ordain women bishops. “We have tried to do this as comprehensively as possible,” says the Bishop of Rochester, “and hope that our report will prove to be a useful resource for discussion and debate in the Church as a whole.”
The important theological issues covered by the Rochester Report will be debated by the Synod in February. The Synod will also have the opportunity, on the basis of a motion from the House of Bishops, to consider what the next steps should be. Synod will be invited to agree that, following a period of reflection on the report, there should be a decision at the July Synod on whether to embark on the process of removing the legal obstacles to ordaining women as bishops.
The members of the Working Party, women and men, represent a wide range of views, both lay and ordained, from within and outside the Church of England. “Our meetings have demonstrated a basic unity, not only in faith and a commitment to scholarship but often also in theological approach,” said Bishop Michael.
In the course of its meetings, the Working Party heard evidence directly from representative groups and individuals and received some 500 items of written evidence. In its task of setting out as even-handedly as possible the fundamental issues that will need to be addressed, it has borne three key questions in mind:
• Would it be right in principle
for women to be bishops?
• If the answer is ‘yes’, is this the right time for the Church of
England to ordain women bishops?
• If it is the right time, how should women bishops be introduced
and what provisions should be made for those conscientiously unable
to accept their ministry?
"Women Bishops in the Church of England?" takes nothing for granted and examines the fundamental issues that the Church will need to bear in mind as it seeks to reach a decision. It goes back to the Bible itself and to the role of bishops in the Early Church as well as considering how the Church of England understands the role of the bishop today. It advocates an approach to the forthcoming debate that is rooted in Scripture and also makes proper use of tradition and reason.
The chapter that looks at the options facing the Church examines each one carefully. It does not come down in favour of any one of them. Rather, as requested by Synod, it focuses on the issues that need to be addressed in preparation for the debate and leaves it to Synod to decide the way ahead.
Welcoming the report, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd David Hope, said, “We are happy to commend it for prayerful study within the dioceses of the Church of England and to invite other Churches in the Anglican Communion and our ecumenical partners to let us have their reflections on it.”
Published alongside the report is a reader’s guide. This and further material to resource reflection on the report will be available on the Church of England website, and can be found here: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/papers/index.html.
"Women Bishops in the Church of England?" is published by Church House Publishing, and is available on the web at: http://www.chbookshop.co.uk/ (mail order available).
– from the Anglican Communion News Service
Two new small groups forming this month
New Marriages
This small group is for couples from one year before
their marriage through three years after. If you are a newlywed
or soon-to-be newlywed, this group is for you. The
group will focus on Bible Study,
marriage-related book study, and
time to share our experiences of
marriage. The organizational
meeting will be Monday, December
13, at 7:00 p.m., in the Common
Room. At that meeting we’ll
decide on when, where, and how
often to meet. If you are, or think
you might be, interested, please call Fr. Ben. Call even if
you can’t make the organization meeting so we can have
your input.
Table Top Games
Do you like to play Monopoly? Want
to learn to play Chess? Have an amazing
collection of Digimon Cards? Come
join in the fun at the new Table Top
Games small group. Our organizational
meeting will be Tuesday, December 14,
at 7:00 p.m., in Haden Hall. Bring your
favorite board
game, card game, or anything you
can play on a table top. Children
of all ages are welcome. In addition
to having some fun, we’ll decide
when, where, and how often
to meet in the future. Call Fr. Ben
if you’re interested, even if you
can’t make the first meeting.
Advent brings a new beginning for Bible reading
As Advent begins, we find ourselves in a new church year. This means that the Bible readings we hear every Sunday are beginning a new yearly series.
Studying the Bible is a practice that goes back to pre-Christian days, as early Jews met regularly to read and study the Scriptures. As Christianity grew, reading the Bible remained important during worship and many systems for selecting readings have come and gone.
Our Sunday scripture readings are organized into a three-year cycle called the Lectionary. It is product of the Vatican II conference in the 1960s and is used by the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Lutheran churches with some minor changes. The three years in the Sunday lectionary are labeled A, B and C and we are now in year A, which in this case runs from the first Sunday in Advent 2004 through the last Sunday in Pentecost 2005.
The readings for each Sunday come from
different parts of the Bible and are listed in
the Book of Common Prayer beginning on
page 888. First, we hear a selection from the
Old Testament or
the Apocrypha
followed by all or
part of a Psalm.
That is followed
by an excerpt from
one of the epistles,
Acts or Revelation.
The last reading
is always from
the Gospels.
Most of the Gospels are read over the three years. During Year A, readings are taken mostly from Matthew, Year B features readings from Mark and Year C covers Luke. Readings from John are used during Lent and Easter and at other times of all three years. Most of the epistles are also read over the cycle. Old Testament readings are usually chosen individually to complement either the epistle or Gospel reading, so it is fairly common to have a theme run through two or all three of the readings on a Sunday.
The Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) has its own two-year lectionary for its seven-day-a-week cycle and we have just started Year 1 of the Daily Lectionary. In the Daily Lectionary, we read all or parts of each New Testament book twice and major parts of the Old Testament once.
Also, the Psalms are covered in a seven-week cycle that repeats several times a year. The Daily Office Lectionary is listed in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 934. Beginning in Advent, the Cathedral will offer Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m. and Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m. each weekday.
Of course, you don’t have to know any of this to get something out of reading the Bible, whether in church on Sundays, as part of Morning Prayer during the week or on your own at home. One advantage of having the readings set out in advance is that we can go through the Bible in an organized way. Anyone who comes to church every Sunday will hear all of the Gospels and most of the rest of the Bible, which is something that can’t be promised if the readings are chosen a week at a time. The Lectionary also adds to the idea of “communion” as all Episcopalians hear or read the Bible in the same way every week, whether during the liturgy, in a small group or alone. You can certainly read whatever you want, whenever you want, but following the Lectionary puts us in communion with each other.
A variation on the standard lectionary is becoming popular in many churches, the Revised Common Lectionary. The RCL is an ecumenical project and is very similar to the standard lectionary. The major difference is that the Old Testament readings are usually different. The Episcopal Church has agreed to make a slightly modified version of the RCL available for trial use and some churches, with their bishops’ permission, have started using it.
You can find more information on the
Episcopal Lectionary on the GHTC website on the
"This Week" page.
You will also find links to these websites:
- Episcopal
Lectionary: The Lectionary Page
-
Revised Common Lectionary: Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
– by Chris Morrison
Upcoming Music Events
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Chorale Concert
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
2:00 p.m.
Kansas City Chorale Concert
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13
12 noon
City Come Again
William Jewell College
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
7:30 p.m.
William Baker Festival Singers
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18
5:00 p.m.
Messiah Singalong
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
3:00 p.m.
William Baker Festival Singers
Call the Cathedral office for details, 816.474.8260.
Weekday Services
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| 8:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer | 12:05 p.m. - Holy Eucharist | 5:30 p.m. - Evening Prayer |
Trunk or Treat 2004
The world was made flesh and dwelt among us.
photo by Chris Morrison
Weekly Activities
SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:15 a.m. New Beginnings: Advent Activities
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist -
Children’s Chapel -
Grace Choraliers
5:00 p.m. Order for Evening & Eucharist
MONDAY-FRIDAY
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer
TUESDAY
1:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study
WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Benedictine Spirituality Group
7:00 p.m. Youth Group
THURSDAY
7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study
9:30 a.m. Cathedral Outreach Program
6:00 p.m. Cathedral Bell Ringers
6:30 p.m. EFM
7:00 p.m. Choir Small Group
7:30 p.m. Trinity Choir
FRIDAY
9:30 a.m. Moms’ Bible Study
SATURDAY
9:15 a.m. The Tallis Singers
Activities for the Month of December
Please verify times and dates of the events listed with the appropriate person(s) or by contacting the Cathedral Office.
1 • WEDNESDAY
7:00 p.m. Advent Series Classes
8:15 p.m. Compline
5 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Music Committee
11:45 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal
6:15 p.m. Centering Prayer Small Group
7 • TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Needlework/Quilting Small Group
8 • WEDNESDAY
7:00 p.m. Advent Series Classes
8:15 p.m. Compline
9 • THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
11 • SATURDAY
9:00 a.m. Altar Guild Clean-Up
12 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal
11:45 a.m. Social Action Committee
6:00 p.m. Caroling Party
13 • MONDAY
4:30 p.m. Buildings and Grounds Committee
5:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee
7:00 p.m. New Marriages Small Group Organizational
Meeting
14 • TUESDAY
7:00 p.m. The Angelus Small Group
7:00 p.m. Cancer Support Group
7:00 p.m. Table Top Games Small Group
Organizational Meeting
15 • WEDNESDAY
7:30 a.m. Finance Committee
7:00 p.m. Advent Series Classes
8:15 p.m. Compline
16 • THURSDAY
5:00 p.m. Vestry
18 • SATURDAY
10:00 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal
19 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal
24 • FRIDAY • CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Pageant
10:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist
25 • SATURDAY • CHRISTMAS DAY
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist
26 • SUNDAY
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Lessons and
Carols – only service this day
27 • MONDAY
Cathedral Office Closed
The Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri
P.O. Box 412048
Kansas City, Missouri 64141
Telephone: (816) 474-8260
Facsimile: (816) 474-5856
Website: www.ghtc-kc.org
E-mail: office@ghtc-kc.org
The Right Rev. Barry R. Howe
Bishop of West Missouri
The Very Rev. Terry White
Dean
The Rev. Benjamin J. Newland
Associate Priest
The Rev. Dr. John J. O’Hearne
Assisting Priest
The Rev. Linda Yeager
Deacon
The Rev. Bryan England
Deacon
The Rev. Bruce Hall
Deacon
Mr. John L. Schaefer
Canon Musician
The Very Rev. J. Earl Cavanaugh
Dean Emeritus and Pastoral Adjunct