The
Angelus
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral • Kansas City, Missouri •
Vol. 74, No. 11 • November 2005
Contents
From the Dean
Disturb us, Lord,
when we are too well pleased with ourselves;
when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little;
when we arrive safely because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess
we have lost our thirst for the Waters of Life;
having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of
eternity;
and in our efforts to build a new earth,
we have allowed our vision of the new heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly –
to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery;
where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.
We ask you push back the horizons of our hopes,
and to push us in the future with strength, courage, hope and love.
(attributed to Sir Francis Drake)
The first time I heard this prayer, I was surprised by how much my piety was shaken. I found that much more often than not, I petitioned God to comfort me, protect me, and pretty much assure me that in all things I was on the right track. Pleading with God to disturb me was most uncharacteristic. Challenge me a bit, Lord? Okay. Rouse me from sitting too long and get me moving about a bit more? Sure. But disturb me? I’m not a big fan of being disturbed.
One translation of the Scriptures refers to a place of healing as a pool where the waters were disturbed. In that disturbed water bones were made whole, sight was restored, and speech became clear. By disturbing the water, God’s wholeness became a reality.
At the Cathedral, we are currently receiving financial commitments from parishioners to enable the mission and ministry of this place for 2006. We ask God to disturb us and this Cathedral so that we might be healed, and in turn, become agents of healing.
In our parish, the larger Church, and in our city, there is much brokenness, much in need of healing. We are in need of clearer vision, to imagine the City of God where all God’s children live in peace with justice, and then build it.
Once God disturbs us and our speech become clear, we in turn give voice to the voiceless, and begin speaking a new language of forgiveness, reconciliation, and holiness.
To build these ministries, to dare more boldly and sail farther from the shore, it will take faith, courage, commitment, and money: my commitment and yours, my money and yours.
Disturb us, Lord. Disturb us real good.
With affection in Christ,
Terry+
Gifts, choices and Advent
When it comes to receiving gifts, I like (within reason) to be surprised. This has, not surprisingly, caused problems for me over the years. Every Christmas, my ever-pragmatic husband pleads with me, “Just tell me what you want.” What I want is for him to read my mind. (Unreasonable? Who, moi?) When we were first married, I gave Rick a list of maybe five different items, any one of which I would have liked. But what I wanted was for him to choose one (or better yet, one like it) and to surprise me with the choice.
Rick, instead, knocked himself out and bought me all five. It was, for me, an object lesson in the old saying, “Be careful what you ask for, for you may get it.” Another, perhaps broader, way of thinking of this is, “Be attentive to how you choose to communicate.”
The second creation story in Genesis tells us that God gave Adam and Eve everything that was needful in the Garden of Eden. But God set boundaries around fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The first humans were told not to eat of that fruit. But since God had first given Free Will to Adam and to Eve, they chose to exercise that freedom in tasting of the forbidden fruit.
Their eyes were opened, Genesis tells us. And we know the rest of the story — with all its triumph and all its tragedy. Freedom brings responsibility; choosing brings consequences. Be attentive, indeed, to what you choose, for you may get it.
In his magnificent Christmas oratorio, “For the Time Being,” W.H. Auden reflects, among other things, on God’s awesome gift of freedom to us. He frames Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary in these words,
Since Adam, being free to choose,
Chose to imagine he was free
To choose his own necessity,
Lost in his freedom, Man pursues
The shadow of his images:
To-day the Unknown seeks the known;
What I am willed to ask, your own
Will has to answer; child it lies
Within your power of choosing to
Conceive the Child who chooses you.
What a surprising gift of grace bestowed upon Mary! Not only had God chosen her, God continued to honor the ancient gift of free will, thereby allowing Mary to choose. And because she chose consent, the world was never the same again.
Advent invites us into contemplation of the choice with each of us is faced. What, indeed, are we choosing when we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel? What are the consequences of choosing faith in a God who chose to become Incarnate? Within each of us, too, like Mary, lies the power of choosing to conceive (in a different sense of the word) of God who chose us long ago. What are we willing to risk in choosing consent, in choosing to invite the Spirit of God to be born and borne within us?
Blessings!
Canon Sue Sommer
Adult Christian Formation
November 6, 13 and 20
Living with Money
You’ve never thought about money quite like this! These weeks encourage us to examine our personal experience with money—the role it plays in our lives, the impact it has on what we do (or don’t do), and how we deal with it every day. What about debt, the growing economic disparity or inherited wealth? There are lots of questions about living with money we will tackle within the context of our Christian faith. We will try to better understand the influence of money in our day-to-day and achieve a balanced, wholesome money life.
November 27-December 18
Advent Sundays
Looking for an alternative to the usual hustle and bustle this season? Let’s re-think the ways we celebrate this Advent and Christmas season! This is a time of preparation for God’s future coming and the fulfillment of God’s promises. It is a contemplative season to watch expectantly and wait patiently with anticipation and joy. Make this a Christ-centered holiday and devote your time to truly remembering whose birthday it is, anyway.
Partner with birthing home
Anyone interested is invited to discuss various ideas for partnering with the birthing home, Maison de Naissance, in Haiti.
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
6:30-7:30 p.m. in Founders’ Hall
If interested but unable to attend, or if you have questions, please contact Marian Philip by phone: at 816-421-5808 or by e-mail at mphilip1976@juno.com. Nursery care will be available.
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
Income for the month of September was on budget if you exclude a special vestry-designated gift from a bequest. Expenses exceeded budget by $8,000 in September, leaving the Cathedral with a negative balance of $18,674.
Through September, the Cathedral remains in a good financial position for the year.
Your good financial stewardship this year has enabled the Cathedral to support a dynamic and growing ministry at the Cathedral. Thank you!
– by Doyle White, treasurer
| SEPTEMBER MTD | BUDGETED MTD | ACTUAL MTD |
| INCOME | $ 77,904 | $ 104,630 |
| EXPENSES | $ 115,415 | $ 123,304 |
| VARIANCE | $ (37,511) | $ (18,674) |
| SEPTEMBER YTD | BUDGETED YTD | ACTUAL YTD |
| INCOME | $ 1,027,217 | $ 1,049,876 |
| EXPENSES | $ 1,053,424 | $ 1,073,437 |
| VARIANCE | $ (26,207) | $ (23,561) |
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
Cynthia Newman
Chris Morrison, Small Group Facilitator
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
Finding ways to celebrate Advent
The seasons are changing – we’ve just turned
our clocks back and we’re turning our thoughts
ahead toward the holidays. Get-togethers with
family and friends, traveling, holiday festivities,
Christmas shopping … it can all begin to
overwhelm us very quickly.
Though Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier every year, Advent arrives each year on the Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day).
This season spans the four Sundays prior to Christmas and celebrates the anticipation of the coming of Christ. Advent, a word that literally means “coming,” is more than just a time to prepare for the celebration of our Lord’s nativity at Christmas – it’s also a time to prepare for the final coming of Christ. However, this significance can often get overlooked during the hurried Christmas countdown.
Finding ways to celebrate Advent at home as you prepare for Christmas can help you to slow down and reflect on the spiritual significance of the holiday. Consider marking each week of the season by lighting the candles of an Advent wreath at home.
Also, there are many books available that offer daily or weekly meditations from the beginning of Advent all the way to the Epiphany season. Check the Cathedral Bookstore in the month of November for special books or devotionals for Advent and let them know if you have any specific titles for which you’re looking.
The Cathedral will offer a series of classes for three weeks during Advent.
Starting on November 30 and continuing for three weeks, the Advent series will feature a class at the Cathedral each Wednesday. These weeks of reflection and meditation will offer a special time to study and to share the season with other parishioners, and to prepare for the Christmas holiday. Each class will last an hour and will conclude with a Compline service.
–by Emily Akins
Preparing for Advent
Save the Dates: Advent Wednesdays
November 30, December 7 and 14
Wednesday evenings at the Cathedral are happening! Be a part of the activities and set aside these three Wednesday evenings in Advent for fellowship and prayer. Every room in the house will have its lights on … including the nursery! Details to follow in a special Advent communication and here on the website.
Advent Workshop
An inter-generational
holiday craft and
sharing time will
presented, with love,
by Children’s Formation,
Sunday, November 27,
in Founders’ Hall,
following the 10:15
service.
Volunteer sign-up at coffee hour and on Haden Hall bulletin board.
Visit the Cathedral Bookstore for Advent resources!
Sundays • after both morning services
Wednesdays • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
First Sunday of each month • after 5:00 p.m. service
Blessing of the Animals
Cathedral members brought their pets to gather with our friends from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for this year’s Blessing of the Animals.
The Blessing of the Animals is held annually in celebration of the Feast of Francis of Assisi.
photos by Grady Sanford
Round-the-World Wine Tasting
Cathedral and community members gathered to help support the ministries of the Cathedral at the wine tasting.
photos by Sharyl Wallace
Cathedral offers prayer for victims of violence in Kansas City
This calendar year has been a devastating one for our community. In Kansas City alone, more than 100 people have died from violence, many of them killed simply by sitting on their front porch or riding in their car or standing on a neighborhood street. Homicides at the end of September in Kansas City were 30 percent higher than in 2004. Mayor Kay Barnes and City Council members recently appointed a commission on violent crime to identify underlying causes of violent crime and to develop solutions.
At the Cathedral, we have been praying for the victims of homicides, their families and friends, and also the perpetrators of these crimes. In addition, on an altar by the healing desk, we have placed a candle for each victim. A list of the victims’ names and ages, as well as prayers for victims, for those left to grieve and for the ceasing of violence are available at the altar and at the prayer desk.
The following prayer is one that we offer for our community:
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the
people in this community
who live with injustice, terror, and death as
companions.
Have mercy upon us.
Help us to eliminate violence in our neighborhoods.
Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing
equal protection
of the law and equal opportunities for all.
And grant your peace to all of us,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– by the Rev. Canon Linda Yeager, Canon Deacon
Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan honors Scottish heritage
The sounds of bagpipes and drums and the colorful plaids of Scotland will again adorn the Cathedral for the annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Sunday, November 13.
The Cathedral has celebrated the Kirkin’ for more than 20 years, with the St. Andrew Pipes and Drums Ltd. and members of the St. Andrew Society. Many members of the Society, as well as several Cathedral members, dress in Scottish regalia for the celebration, and many bring their clans’ banners for a modern-day blessing of ancestral tartans.
The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan is a tradition that dates to the 18th Century. After the English defeated the Scots in the Battle of Culloden in 1745, the display of anything denoting Scottish heritage was forbidden.
Kilts, shoulder plaids and all other plaids were banned, as was the playing of bagpipes, the bearing of arms and even the use of the Gaelic language. After that time, the residents would take small pieces of clan tartan to their Kirk (kirk is Scots’ Gaelic for church) and at a specific time during the service, when the minister pronounced a blessing on all tartans, each Scot secretly pledged his loyalty and respect for his country’s heritage and traditions. The ban was lifted after 35 years.
In the United States, the ceremony known as the “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” dates back to 1941, when it was instituted by the Scottish-born Rev. Peter Marshall, Minister of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and Chaplain of the United States Senate, to rally support for America’s British allies during World War II.
Since 1954, a Kirkin’ has been held at the Washington National Cathedral and is now practiced in all of the United States and Canada. The Kirkin’ is often held near the feast day of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. In modern times, the Kirkin’ also commemorates the consecration of Samuel Seabury, the first American bishop. He was ordained as a bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church in 1784.
Cathedral members are encouraged to don their Scottish attire and celebrate after the service by sharing in a special coffee hour after each service.
–by Chris Morrison
Calling all bakers
Coffee hour after all services November 13 will feature an array of Scottish shortbread. We need lots of shortbread to serve the parish and our special guests this festive day. One recipe is listed to the right but feel free to use your favorite.
Cathedral Shortbread
5 cups of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 lb. of cold butter
This can be made in a food processor, in two batches. Process cold butter with sugar and add flour. Do not overprocess or it will get too hot. Pat it into an 11 x 17 ungreased jellyroll pan. You can use a smaller pan and it will just be thicker.
Prick all over with the tines of a fork. Sprinkle sugar on top and bake on lower oven shelf for 40-45 minutes at 300 to 325 degrees.
As soon as it begins to brown, take it out because it will continue browning after it comes out of the oven.
Cut into whatever shapes you want while it is hot. You can leave it on the counter in the pan overnight and it pops right out in the morning.
News from Guild of the Christ Child
October 16 couldn’t have been any more beautiful a day, especially for a Baptism Sunday. With joy and love we congratulate Paige Davis, Michelle Miller, Marie Torres and Melissa Weisbach and their families. They celebrated their Baptisms that gorgeous evening at 5 p.m.
Our next Sunday morning baptism will be November 6. Calls have been made to invite participation in this wonderful part of The Guild ministry. Please come for fellowship and celebration as we welcome our newest members with a coffee hour feast. Set up begins at 9:30 and clean up lasts until we are done.
The trunk was dark; the music scary, a perfect place for our nocturnal, caped and sharp toothed Guild. Many thanks to those who helped shroud our trunk and shared our “teeth of trade” with Cathedral Trick or Treaters. Special thanks to “Thrills by Jill” Schnittker for her ideas and abs of steel. And to Angela “Saw Fangs and Bought” Michka for those pointed toothy treats.
The next Guild meeting will be November 8 at 6:15 p.m. in the Youth Room. We are presently having a lull in babies; so if you are expecting a child or even a grandchild, let Deacon Linda Yeager know so we can begin to pray and prepare to assist you during this joyful and wondrous time.
– by Jeanette Coletti
Hats, gloves and socks for KCCK
As cold weather approaches, we remember those who eat lunch in the Kansas City Community Kitchen, many of whom are without the warmth needed to protect them against the cold temperatures of the winter. It has been our custom to distribute hats, gloves, scarves, and socks to our guests. The need is great this year, so please consider purchasing hats, gloves, scarves, and socks to donate. There is a basket in the tower in which to place your items. We will distribute these in the Kitchen on need basis. The greatest need is for men’s items, with lesser need for women and children. Warm socks are particularly helpful during the winter season. Thank you for your contributions in the past and for your thoughtfulness again.
Necessary Dreams
A cooperative effort between The Dream Works and GHTC
Many of us dream of having the “nicer things in life,” even though in reality we already have those things. Others find themselves dreaming of necessities and small things that can make life just a little more bearable. We call these dreams, “Necessary Dreams.”
You can help make these dreams true!
The following are needs of the most critical kind. All other possibilities have been exhausted. If you can provide goods, services, or finances to fulfill these dreams, please contact Sam Satterfield at 913-281-8695 or provide your donation to The Dream Works in the Sunday plate.
It is not necessary to donate money—any donated resource, or combination thereof, will help our clients.
You may “adopt” a specific dream by utilizing the (code number) below each name. For more information, please visit our web site at: www.TheDreamWorksinc.com
Bronya’s Dream (#1004)
Bronya is a 72-year-old woman who has
moved into her daughter’s home. Bronya’s
daughter has quit work so she can care for her
mother. The daughter is opposed to placing her
mother in an institution and thereby shifting the
cost of Bronya’s care upon taxpayers. Bronya’s
son-in-law works fulltime and is the only source
of income. The house that Bronya lives in is
elevated and has a decrepit deck.
In order for Bronya to leave the house it requires strong men to lift her (and her wheelchair) and carry across the deck and down/up the stairs. The maneuver is dangerous to the men and Bronya. Bronya dreams of leaving the house without burdening family and friends. She desires a ramp to be built and the deck either repaired or replaced. Approximate dollar value = $3,000.00
Delores’s Dream (#1005)
Delores is a widow and experienced a stroke
two years ago and survives on social security
and and a small pension. She lives alone and her
home is older and sits atop a steep, sloping hill
that is her front yard. The land comprising her
front yard is supported by a six foot retaining
wall. Due to erosion, the retaining wall is beginning
to bulge and is now leaning. It is a safety
hazard for people along the sidewalk.
If the wall collapses, the land (her front yard) will spill into the roadway and destabilize her home. Delores has been issued a warning from the Unified Government (UG) of Wyandotte County to repair the wall or be evicted. She was given 30 days to comply. The UG Policy also states that prior to repair or construction of any wall more than 4 feet high, an engineering plan must be developed. Delores does not have resources to pay for a plan estimated to be $750.00. The Dream Works has partnered with Bethany Area Neighborhood Association and the Association will pay $250.00. Approximate dollar value = $500.00
Adrian’s Dream (#1007)
Adrian is a 29-year-old man with severe
developmental disabilities. He lives at home
with his parents so that his personal needs are
met. The state does not pay for 24-hour care.
Transporting Adrian to the doctor’s office and
for community integration is nearly impossible.
The family is in desperate need of a van that can
be modified for wheelchair transportation. Approximate
dollar value = $5,000 - $10,000.00
With sympathy
We ask that you remember the following families in your prayers:
• Catherine “Kitty” Jones, long-term member of the Cathedral
Christmas pageant try-outs and rehearsals
Can you believe that Advent and Christmas are just around the corner?
It is time, once again, to prepare our hearts and minds for this beautiful time in the Church calendar and make plans on our family calendars for the Christmas Pageant on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 5 p.m.
Malinda McCasland is the Pageant Director and Lenette Johnson is the Assistant Director. Under the helm of these two talented, capable and spiritual women we know the pageant will be a very meaningful part of a very special service.
We are seeking volunteers to assist with the pageant and pageant rehearsals. All interested persons (not for parents only) are invited to attend a brief meeting on Sunday November 6, in Haden Hall, after the 10:15 a.m. service.
Children, whose calendars have been checked at home and will be able to attend all practices and the pageant, may sign up for pageant roles at this time.
On November 20 we will hold try-outs for speaking roles only. Children should be comfortable with independent reading in order to try out for speaking roles. We will gather in Haden Hall after the 10:15 service for lunch and tryouts will take place in the Nave.
The rehearsal schedule is as follows:
• Sunday, December 4, after 10:15
service, in Haden Hall. Lunch is
provided.
• Sunday, December 11, after 10:15
service, in Haden Hall. Lunch is
provided.
• Saturday, December 17, Choralier
practice 10:00-10:30 followed by pageant
practice 10:30-12.00
• Sunday, December 18, after 10:15
service. Lunch is provided.
The Christmas Pageant is during the 5:00 Christmas Eve service on December 24. Pageant participants and volunteers should arrive at 3:30 p.m.
–by DeAnn McTavish
Thank you!
Children’s Chapels have been blessed by the generosity of Mrs. Sally Wood. Through her gracious gift both chapels now have banners and altar covers for all seasons of the liturgical year.
She gives these in memory of her loving husband Tom. What a testament to the love the Woods shared and their love for the Cathedral to bestow such an enormous gift to the tiniest of worshipers!
Thank you Mrs. Wood!!
Flower memorials and thanksgivings
October 2 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the birthday of Ric Sweeting and for the wedding anniversary of Janet and Ric Sweeting; and in memory of John Edward Deweese by Jeannette, Jennifer and John. At the baptismal font, flowers are given in thanksgiving for the birthday of Bryant Johnson by his parents, Valerie and Jeffrey Johnson; and in thanksgiving for Kaya Fowler; also in thanksgiving for her grandchildren Whitney and Starr Terrell and James and Marguerite Sloan by Mrs. Herbert A. Sloan.
October 9 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Lee Fowler and Toni Telander; and in memory of Charline and Charles J. Schmelzer, II by Charles, Susan and Jonathan Schmelzer and Charline, Jason, Vicki, and Wyatt Franz; also in loving memory of her husband, by Mrs. Sanford Collins.
October 16 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in memory of their granddaughter, Natalie Day McMullen, by Larry and Marilyn McMullen. Memorial candles are given in loving memory of Faith Ganakopulos by Bonnie and Paul Lowrey; and as a thanksgiving by Mrs. Evelyn Toner.
October 23 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in memory of The Very Reverend Eugene G. Malcolm, by Ferne Malcolm Welles. At the baptismal font, flowers are given in loving memory of their grandmother, Mary Gentry Shaw, by Page Branton Reed and Leslie Branton Hoffecker. In the Chapel, flowers are given in loving memory of her husband Kenneth E. Arnold, and their beloved son, Charles R. Arnold, by Mrs. Mildred Arnold. Memorial candles are given in loving memory of Patricia Lenahan, by Bonnie and Paul Lowrey.
October 30 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Jason and Jenny McDowell; and in loving memory of his wife, Larraine Knaub Fisher, by Bill Fisher.
If you are interested in giving flowers, please contact Mary Byrne at mbyrne2457@sbcglobal.net or 816-531-8944. Prices for the flowers vary depending on where you would like the flowers: $75 Tower door wreath; $40 Altar; $30 Chapel; $25 Baptismal Font; $10 Candle.
Other flower gifts
In the pew racks at the Cathedral, you’ll find a new way to donate toward the flowers you see each week at the front of the church. Place your gift, in any amount, in the “Flower Offering” envelope and then place it in the offering plate. There’s a place on the envelope to indicate if your gift is in thanksgiving or memory of someone. These will be listed each month here in The Angelus.
Women’s retreat
A women’s retreat is being planned for January 20-22, 2006. This is the ninth in the current series and will be held at the Franciscan Prayer Center in Independence.
Limited space is available on a first-come basis. If you are interested in being part of this retreat, please contact Deacon Linda at the church office (816-474-8260).
The retreat will begin on Friday evening, January 20, and conclude in the early afternoon of Sunday, January 22.
ERD continues work on the Gulf Coast
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is continuing with its mission of providing relief to those in the Gulf effected by both Hurricane Katrina and Rita. They have now reached over the $10 million mark in contributions, with the monies coming in not just from the US but many other countries: Guam, El Salvador, Taiwan, just to name a few. ERD is responding with a new 4-phase system, aptly named “We Will Stand With You”, to help with not just immediate relief but with the long-term outlook as well.
Effected churches have been asked to report what their needs are to their diocesan bishop, who are the acting liaisons between those who are asking for help and those who can provide help.
A website, called H.E.L.P. (Hurricane Emergency Links Portal) was developed to give a common area to help match up companion churches, and is an integral part of the 4-phase relief system.
The first, and current, phase of the response system is to equip local gulf dioceses with basic supplies and needs such as food, water and shelter during the first 3 months after the hurricanes hit.
The second phase is an assessment phase, to see what the inventory is available and what is still needed. Phase three is designed to address growth, both economically and psychologically, as numerous transitions take place in the community with new housing, job training, and trauma counseling.
The fourth and final phase addresses more long-term development for 18 months to five years after disaster hits.
ERD still supports effort and relief for those affected by 9/11, the tsunami, and civil war and unrest in other countries. To make a contribution towards their efforts, please contact them at www.er-d.org.
Nominations for the Vestry
At January’s Annual Meeting, new members of the Vestry will be elected. Nominations are now being received until November 28. A committee appointed by the Dean will select a slate of candidates from those nominated, which will be published in the January Angelus. Please have the permission of the person you are nominating, put the nomination in writing and send it to the Cathedral office addressed “Vestry Nomination” or via email to vestry@ghtc-kc.org.
The following should be taken into account before placing a name in nomination:
An ideal Vestry member is
• Keenly interested in the well-being of
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral:
- the congregation
- the clergy and staff
- the buildings and grounds
- the greater church
- the community.
• Regularly attends services and various
events.
• Spiritually attuned.
• “Known to the treasurer,” giving substantially
to the work of the parish.
A person serving on
our Vestry
• Has at least a basic
set of business
skills, e.g. the ability
to understand
financial information.
• Has a sense of
humor.
• Has the ability to distinguish between
being a Vestry member and serving on the
Vestry; willing to serve on at least one
parish committee.
• Should have sufficient time to dedicate to
the work of the Vestry.
• Should be of a positive nature but understand
that the Vestry’s work can be difficult.
• Must have the courage to speak his/her
mind even when their positions are in the
minority.
• Must listen to opposing opinions, be open
to change, and accept the greater will.
A good Vestry member is able and willing:
• To leave behind “constituencies” and
personal agendas, in favor of doing what
is best for our church.
• To share one’s talents and abilities and
one’s honest opinions. And then,
• To listen to others’ opinions with an open
heart and mind.
• To be a good steward of the church’s
resources, both human and financial.
• To know enough of the Cathedral’s history
to be buoyed by a strong sense of
accomplishment and community, yet not
enough to be unwilling to change.
• To understand and be faithful to the concept
of confidentiality.
A member of the Cathedral Vestry
• is positive and enthusiastic about God’s
ministry in Kansas City and the surrounding
communities
• is supportive of
and trusts the clergy
and staff of the cathedral
to do their
work and to serve
the best interests of the parish, diocese, and national Episcopal
community
• is willing to listen respectfully to all parishioners,
seek to serve their needs, try
to find common ground when there are
disagreements,
• is aware that whenever two or more are
gathered in Jesus’ name, Christ is there also.
Nominations are now being received until November 28. Please have the permission of the person you are nominating, put the nomination in writing and send it to the Cathedral office addressed “Vestry Nomination” or via email to vestry@ghtc-kc.org.
With Appreciation
The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in good health, arranging for the disposal of their temporary goods, not neglecting if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.445)
The Cathedral gratefully acknowledges the recent unrestricted gift of $135,727 from the estate of Roland C. and Helen P. “Pollie” Elmquist. Their generous and thoughtful planning will fund current ministry as well as ensure ministry in the future. To include such a gift to the Cathedral in your will speak to your financial advisor and/or attorney. Questions about planned giving at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral can be directed to the Dean or Senior Warden Michael Thomas.
Book Discussion Group
The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini
November 15 • 7:00 p.m.
Common Room
For further information,
call 816.283.0462.
Huw Williams to present recital on Gabriel Kney organ
Great Britain’s music academies, colleges and universities certainly do produce some stellar organists. We at the Cathedral have enjoyed the music making of Simon Preston, Peter Hurford, Gillian Weir and Thomas Trotter.
A new generation of gifted organists is following in the footsteps
of
the veterans named above. Among them is Huw Williams, the
Sub-Organist
and Assistant Director of Music at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Mr. Williams is no stranger to Kansas City; he played a recital on
the Community of Christ Temple organ several years ago. He was also
invited to play in the opening series of the Mander organ at
Peachtree
Road Methodist Church in Atlanta; his performance was included in
the
Pipedreams broadcast of October 16, significant in that the
production
does not include “just anybody.”
Thanks to David Leimkuehler, a Trinity Choir member, Mr. Williams will perform in recital on the Gabriel Kney organ on Tuesday, November 8 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Like others who have considerable experience playing recitals all over the world, Mr. Williams will find and show us new colors on the organ while playing both familiar and unfamiliar (but attractive) scores.
Mr. Williams has offered to play his recital as a benefit for the Trinity Choir’s 2006 tour. We are asking for an at-door donation of $10, but no one will be “sent empty away.”
We will know his program shortly. Please phone the Cathedral office for more information. A complete biography of Mr. Williams is also available.
– by John Schaefer, Canon Musician
contributed photo
Upcoming Music Events
Tuesday, November 7 • 7:30 p.m.
Huw Williams, organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral,
London, in recital on the Kney organ
Wednesday, November 16 • 7:30 p.m.
Jared Prost, Trumpet
in recital in Founders’ Hall and the Nave
Sunday, November 20 • 4:00 p.m.
Choral Evensong
Fall Festival
November 12
10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
with the Lobster Potluck at 6:30 p.m.
In preparation for the upcoming tour to the UK in 2006, The Trinity Choir will be doing a Fall Festival fundraiser. It will be a fun-filled day for everyone!
Food will be available at 11:00. “Celebrity Chefs” will be Dean Terry White and vestryman/organist John Fowler.
Booths will feature handmade crafts, holiday items; baked goods; gently used books, DVDs and videos, and a collection of vintage music and records; Trinity Choir CDs.
We will have magnificent notecards that will feature eight beautiful stained glass windows of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, with the history of each window on the back of each card.
There will be a chair massage station, as well as a booth where you can reserve holiday goods and services such as candy, baked goods, gift wrap service, carolers and party singers, and Santa visits.
Events to be held throughout the day:
• Fun activities for kids
• Build a Scarecrow: Both children and kids at heart can build their own scarecrow for fall decoration.
• Teddy Bear Parade: Bring your favorite stuffed Teddy Bear to the Teddy Bear parade. Prizes will be awarded for biggest, smallest, furriest, most loved, best dressed, and celebrity look-alike.
• Silent Auction will feature some great prizes; winners will be announced at the Lobster Potluck.
• Wine Lottery: To participate in the Lottery you will need to contribute a bottle of wine with a retail value of approximately $15 and purchase a lottery ticket for $10. If you wish to contribute a second bottle your second lottery ticket would be $7.50. The drawing will occur at the Lobster Potluck. Winner takes all of the wine. Two consolation prizes (not wine) will be awarded.
• Lobster Sale: The Lobster Sale is now in progress – lobsters may be purchased following each week’s Sunday services before November 12. You can take your lobster home alive and well or ask that it be cooked for you, or join us at the now famous Lobster Potluck. Lobsters “to-go” may be picked up at the Fall Festival.
• Lobster Potluck will begin at the close of the Fall Festival at 6:30 p.m. Please bring your own beverage and a favorite dish. For more information contact Charmaine Fowler at 816-453-2895 or Meribeth Risebig 816-769-3127.
Second Annual Fall Classic
Croquet Gender
Challenge
photos by David Pearson
Sharing the memories, stories of the Community Kitchen
As the Kansas City Community Kitchen evolves as part of the Anti-Hunger Network under the direction of Episcopal Community Services, I pause to reminisce.
We called her Jeanne, although she never responded with a direct look. She came to eat in the Kansas City Community Kitchen every day, and she was always accompanied by her dingy doll, the sad, grimy face of the baby peeking out of her purse. I suspect that Jeanne had been released from a mental institution in those days when so many sick people were turned out, and she became part of the homeless parade that walks the urban streets. Then, one day, she didn’t come. And she never came again. Others have taken her place in line, but we remember her, how she conversed with someone we could never see and how we worried about people taking advantage of her. We still worry about her.
When I say “we,” I mean those of us who volunteer in the Kitchen, plus the dynamic duo who have made the place work. Jane and Liz Tally are the mother-daughter team who have managed the Kitchen, planned the menus, procured funding, organized the volunteers and have accomplished every other kind of magic that has occurred in the downstairs of Founders’ Hall, the parish hall of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The Kitchen has operated for many years, starting as a true soup kitchen in the old days, dispensing soup and dignity from the basement of the church. When Founders’ Hall was built in the 1990s, an industrial-sized kitchen was included in the plans. Jane and Liz plus the volunteers and guests left the dingy basement and thankfully moved into the modern, air conditioned facility. We left the greasy, noisy fans behind!
Jeanne was just one of the many guests who eat in Kansas City Community Kitchen every weekday. In fact, about 500 people share lunch with us every day. Who are these people? Why are they here? Where do they go when they aren’t here for lunch? Every one of KCCK’s guests has a different answer to each of these questions. Let me tell you about a few of them.
There was Joe, a senior citizen who lived in the neighborhood. Joe had taken care of his mother until she died; then he stayed on. He called himself “a senior citizen hippie,” perhaps an allusion to his long hair and free spirit. Joe got along on social security, supplementing the meager amount with lunch in the Kitchen every day. Then, one day we heard that he had been taken to a nursing home and eventually died. We miss him.
Nick and Teresa used to come, too. Nick still comes. They both had substance abuse problems, but Teresa went to rehab and started on the path to sobriety permanently. Nick was unable to go with her. He still fights his demons and comes to the Kitchen for lunch and for a serving of kindness, too, appreciating the link we had with Teresa as well.
Fred comes regularly, too. Fred is a fine figure of a man, with an intelligent gaze and a gentle manner. He is a vegetarian, so we try to find special foods to meet his needs. He is always appreciative but never demanding. We wonder what the rest of his life is like.
There are those whose names we don’t know, but whose faces are familiar, appearing day after day, year after year. There are those who are simply moving through Kansas City, hoping to find a better life in the next town. They hear about the kitchen on the street, and they share a lunch or two with us before they move on. There are those who come for awhile and then disappear, some to a better life, some to a worse existence. We recognize the hope in some faces, the disillusionment in others. Amazingly, when asked how they are doing, most answer “Blessed.” Some never leave without stopping back by the line to say thank you for the meal. Others never look up at all. We try to find extra treats for the children.
The Kitchen has a reputation for first-rate food. Liz is the genius behind the savory provisions. Since much of the food is donated, Liz seldom knows what foodstuffs each day will bring. But, no matter what comes along, from venison to pasta, from gourmet leftovers to day-old bagels, Liz creates a mouth-watering, nutritionally sound, visually appealing, scrumptious meal each day. She works wonders with spices, and she knows where to go for what she needs. In short, she is unsurpassed in food preparation.
She, however, doesn’t suffer fools lightly. While the guests who know her love her, she can shout with the best of us and threaten when necessary. Not that we have many problems with our guests. In the eight years that I have been helping in the Kitchen, I remember fewer than a dozen altercations among the guests. This proves to me that when people are treated with dignity, they respond in a dignified manner.
Then there’s Mama Jane—that’s what our guests call her. She stands at the end of the cafeteria line, distributing napkins and paper cups, making sure that everyone proceeds in an orderly fashion. Not even five feet tall, Jane stands head and shoulders above the rest of us when it comes to compassion and generosity. Jane is the one who has written the grants for funds and has gathered donations for the Kitchen, which operates totally on the generosity of others.
Recently, funding has slowed down, much as it has for other nonprofits. Jane and Liz have reached out to keep the Kitchen operational. Episcopal Community Services, the bi-diocesan organization for community outreach, under the direction of The Rev. Allen Ohlstein, has taken over the operation of the Kitchen. For the guests, nothing will change. For Jane and Liz, the burden of constantly finding funding will diminish. For ECS, the opportunity to help coordinate such a meaningful outreach matches their goals. The real winners, of course, are those who eat at the Kitchen, who come for food and for fellowship, for kindness and for kinship, for refuge and for refreshment.
– by the Rev. Canon Linda Yeager, Canon Deacon
Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
Saturday, November 12 from 1:00 -3:00 p.m.
Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training for child and youth volunteers will be held Saturday, November 12 from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. The diocese requires all formation teachers, chapel leaders and youth group volunteers to attend formal training in order to fully understand appropriate behaviors when working with children. The training session will be conducted by the Rev. Canon Susan Sommer.
Days Off
Normally, the clergy and program staff have the following days off:
Dean White • Monday
Canon Sommer • Friday
Canon Yeager • Thursday
Canon Schaefer • Tuesday
The Rev. Sanford • Monday
Mrs. McTavish • Monday
Ms. Bock • Tues. & Fri. afternoons
Thanksgiving Day
Sung Eucharist at 10:15 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day is a major holy day in the Episcopal Church. A sung celebration of the Holy Eucharist will begin at 10:15 a.m. We gather at the Lord’s Table to give thanks for the fruits of the earth, and ask God to make us faithful stewards of God’s bounty for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of God’s Name. The liturgy will include hymns, a homily, a Litany of Thanksgiving, and the offering will go to the clergy discretionary fund.
Come ye Thankful People,
Come Raise the Song of Harvest
(The Cathedral offices and buildings will be closed on Friday, November 25.)
Weekly Activities
SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:15 a.m. Christian Formation
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist •
Children’s Chapel
5:00 p.m. Order for Evening and
Holy Eucharist
MONDAY
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
TUESDAY
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
1:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study
WEDNESDAY
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
5:45 p.m. The Tallis Singers
6:00 p.m. Grace Choraliers
7:00 p.m. Trinity Teens (youth group)
THURSDAY
7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study
9:30 a.m. Cathedral Outreach Program
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
5:45 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
12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Activities for the Month of November
Please verify times and dates of the events listed with the appropriate person(s) or by contacting the Cathedral Office.
1 • TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Needlework Arts Small Group
7:00 p.m. The Angelus Small Group
2 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Couples’ Bible Study
6 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Music Committee
12:00 p.m. EV Lunch
6:15 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
8 • TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Guild of the Christ Child
6:15 p.m. Cancer Support Group
7:30 p.m. Organ Recital
9 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Haiti Meeting
10 • THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
12 • SATURDAY
10:00 a.m. Fall Festival
1:00 p.m. Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
6:30 p.m. Lobster Potluck
13 • SUNDAY • BLOOD PRESSURE SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Social Action Committee
14 • MONDAY
4:30 p.m. Buildings and Grounds Committee
5:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
15 • TUESDAY
7:00 p.m. Book Discussion Group
16 • WEDNESDAY
7:30 a.m. Finance Committee
6:30 p.m. Couples’ Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Trumpet Recital
17 • THURSDAY
5:00 p.m. Vestry
20 • SUNDAY
12:00 p.m. Integrity
12:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant Auditions
4:00 p.m. Choral Evensong
6:15 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
24 • THURSDAY • THANKSGIVING DAY
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Offices Closed
25 • FRIDAY
Cathedral Offices Closed
27 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Advent Workshop
12:00 p.m. People Caring for Friends and Family
Small Group
30 • WEDNESDAY
7:00 p.m. Join in fellowship and prayer
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. Susan Sommer
Canon Pastor and Subdean
The Rev. Linda Yeager
Deacon
The Rev. Carol Sanford
Curate
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