The
Angelus
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral • Kansas City, Missouri •
Vol. 75, No. 1 • January 2006
Contents
From the Dean
Long before coming to Kansas City I was a devoted fan of the cartoon strip Calvin and Hobbes. Hanging in my office is the last cartoon of the series clipped from the Sunday paper, December 31, 1995. Calvin and his best friend Hobbes, the sometimes stuffed tiger, are trudging through a deep, new snowfall, looking for the right spot to begin a toboggan ride.
Hobbes says, “It’s like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on!” Calvin adds, “A day full of possibilities!” The final frame shows the two companions heading downhill, both exclaiming “Let’s go exploring!” The final cartoon was not an end, but a beginning.
A new snowfall’s pristine beauty lasts only so long and rightly so. A greater beauty is created when the snow-scape receives the imprints of life: tracks made by deer looking for food, or by dogs chasing each other playfully, or by the Calvin and Hobbes in your neighborhood or home who head off exploring with sled or saucer in hand.
Our culture has long-viewed the new year as a clean slate, a time to start afresh, with new resolutions. A typical new-year greeting be it secular or religious wishes one peace, health, and prosperity.
For us as Christians in the Anglican tradition, the first month of the year signals the progression from the joy of Christmastide into the work of the Epiphany season. A collect prayed in the midst of that transition says: O God who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns. . . .
Sharing the divine life of Jesus has two meanings: we seek to claim and nurture that divine life which is given us in the coming of Christ, in Holy Baptism and in the Holy Eucharist. Sharing the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity also means that we witness to this glory in our lives, and in various ways invite others to see how God is present in them.
January 30-February 1 the Cathedral will be a regional host for Trinity Institute’s National Theological Conference: The Anatomy of Reconciliation: from Violence to Healing (see article on page 3). The conference will invite reflection on our theology of reconciliation, its costliness, the perseverance, patience, energy and focus which reconciliation requires, ending with a challenge to revise and transform the ministry of reconciliation within every parish church.
To work through issues facing the Church, our nation, and our city, the compelling message of reconciliation must be proclaimed creatively.
Through our Cathedral’s current ministry of serving those on the margins of society and raising awareness of community needs the work of reconciliation is being carried out. But we all agree that there is more to be done. This new year of grace is like a blank sheet of paper, like a new snowfall, awaiting our imprints. The beauty of Christmastide is made more beautiful when throughout Epiphany our imprints of serving others and creating reconciliation can be seen all around this city.
Calvin and Hobbes are right: this is a day of possibilities! Let’s go exploring!
A blessed new year of grace, peace and reconciliation to all.
With my love in Christ,
Terry+
A tiny bit of light
Back when the earth was still cooling, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, back when I was an undergraduate, majoring in journalism, I took a required course in photography. Penniless student that I was, I borrowed my uncle’s ancient Pentax with a split image viewfinder and began to unravel the mysteries of aperture openings and shutter speeds. We worked with black and white film, and learned to develop and print our own pictures.
It all seems hopelessly archaic now in this age of digital photography, scanners, and color printers. But as I said, this was practically the Jurassic (or maybe even Cretaceous) Era. And I must say that I liked just about every aspect of that low-tech process. I liked taking the photographs. I liked the printing process, where we exposed and processed the photographic paper in a room dimly lit by a red lamp.
But I hated developing the film, because it had to be done in absolute, total darkness. Using only your sense of touch, you had to wind the film onto a metal spiral, then place the whole assembly it into a container of developer and set the timer. Load it incorrectly, as I did on more than one occasion, and you risked ruining the entire roll.
I would set out the equipment, and then switch off the safe-light. The absolute darkness would feel heavy against my eyes. In short order, my head would begin to ache and my heart would begin to pound faster. I couldn’t WAIT to get the film safely in the canister so that I could switch the safe-light back on again. The whole thing probably took less than 5 minutes from start to finish, but it seemed like an eternity of darkness.
That long-ago experience taught me how a tiny bit of light can go a long, long way. That is, when you think about it, an apt metaphor for Epiphany. The Light of the Nations has been born. And by his appearing, the grace of God is made manifest to the darkest regions of creation, not just in a moment of time but for all time.
Matthew’s gospel tells us that wise men from the east perceived a new star in the heavens. What that celestial apparition might have been has become a matter of some debate, but Matthew writes as an evangelist, not as an astronomer. Surely the point is that the star was not as large as another sun or moon.
They had to look for it. They had to be open to the possibility of God seeking to manifest his divine presence. They had to be willing to risk the journey to discover where God was leading them. And they had to travel in darkness to do it.
But even a tiny bit of light can go a long, long way. A tiny bit of light ruined a whole roll of film one day when someone came into the darkroom without knocking first. A tiny bit of light brought the wise men to their destination in Bethlehem. It was enough. Too much light, when we cannot take it all in, blinds us. Revelation comes to us as we can take it.
When my film was safely in the canister and the timer set, I would grope my way across the room to the light switch. (Don’t ask me why they put it there). There was no impediment in the way -- no stools or errant pieces of equipment. But out of habit, out of instinct, I would still shuffle my feet, with arms outstretched until I found the light switch.
The red glow of the safelight was one of the most welcome visual experiences I can remember. The darkness ceased to be oppressive, my world regained meaning. The end of every darkroom experience was for me a chance to experience Epiphany anew. The light was not bright, but even a little bit can go a long, long way.
Revelation comes to us as we can take it. God asks only that we respond to that revelation. That we scan the heavens with expectant eyes from time to time; that we carry that lovely light of God’s burning love to those in the world who live in darkness. That we, perhaps in the midst of our own journeys in darkness dare to reach forth with outstretched hand, trusting Christ to set our course, led by light into endless light.
– by the Rev. Canon Sue Sommer
Celebrating new birth through baptism
Friends of Maison de Naissance (MN)
Those who have visited our Haitian neighbors have often commented on the deep spirituality witnessed in their daily lives. Attending church services in Haiti has profoundly affected those who have shared in this community of faith modeled by our Haitian brothers and sisters.
Their simpler way of life (although not easy) has been noted as
one of the reasons they are able to avoid the distractions from
their spiritual development. Whether willingly or not, most have
literally given up all they have in order to follow Jesus and, in
doing so, have become living proof of the need to divest ourselves
of material consciousness in order to follow Christ.
In their daily lives, they recognize that God is good and will provide them with what they need. Their prayers reflect their mindfulness of their dependence on God.
Friends of MN invites everyone to support our faithful neighbors as we celebrate the Sacrament of new birth at GHTC. On baptism Sundays, a specially designed collection box will be set out at the coffee hours.
Contributions made on these special days will be sent to Maison de Naissance in honor of our newly baptized here. All donations are tax deductible. Please be part of this celebration; you may make checks payable to GHTC with “MN” noted in the memo. May our celebrations of new birth help MN continue to serve those seeking healthy, new lives at MN. Bondye bon!
Visit the Maison de Naissance website
- by Valerie Johnson, Director of Adult Christian Formation
(“Bondye bon” is a common Creole expression which means “God is good,” “What is, is good,” and “Whatever God does is for the best” all at the same time.)
The next meeting of “Friends of MN” will be held on Wednesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m. in Founders’ Hall.
We are a group in its ‘infancy’—please join in and let’s grow together!
Questions? Contact Marian Philip at MPHILIP1976@juno.com or 816-421-5808
Adult Formation
All classes begin at 9:15 a.m.
Meet Jack
Who was C.S. “Jack” Lewis? From his academic background, to his
conversion and theology, we will explore Lewis’ work as an
expression of his Christian faith and see how it can challenge and
strengthen our own. We will seek themes that surface in some of his
writings--including the children’s novel, The Lion, the Witch and
the Wardrobe.
A Christian Journey
Make plans to come along! Whether new to the Christian faith, the
Episcopal faith tradition or are simply seeking a ‘renewal’ as an
Episcopalian, please join us on this meaningful journey. This class
also serves as our catechumenate for those seeking the Rites of
Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation. This class will
continue for 8 weeks in the Multipurpose Room. See more details on
our website!
Sunday Bible Study
Discover scripture and enjoy the fellowship of others while sharing
common interests and supporting one another in faith. This group
will gather in the Youth Room.
GHTC hosts “The Anatomy of Reconciliation: from violence to healing”
Grace and Holy Trinity is serving as a regional partner for the
Trinity Institute’s 36th National Theological Conference January
30-February 1, 2006. The conference is being webcast from New York,
and GHTC will be one of the regional sites for viewing the
conference and participating in small group discussions with the
help of trained EFM facilitators.
This conference addresses topics that require reflection and discussion, and this first-ever opportunity to participate in the larger conference, on a regional level should prove beneficial for all involved.
These small groups will allow participants to speak personally with others who share a common interest in the subject matter of reconciliation in a world that is ruptured by divisions. Additionally, individuals will be able to reflect on how to bring reconciliation to the particular setting each of us inhabits.
We’ve seen many social conflicts reach a violent pitch in recent
years—churches divided on issues of sexuality; a nation split on
matters of personal and cultural values; a growing chasm between the
wealthy and the dispossessed; and internationally, the forces that
impel Western cultures and economies clashing with Islamic
tradition.
We will look with fresh eyes on the source of our theology of reconciliation in order that we may live it out with new energy and focus. We will examine the costliness of reconciliation, the perseverance and patience demanded by the process. Finally, our goal is to offer our own spiritual change as the base for compelling, integrated communication as preachers and teachers in the Church.
The keynote speakers will challenge us to revise, even transform, our understanding of the theological springs of reconciliation. Author-theologian James Alison advocates a vision of nonviolence based on an understanding of a theology of resurrection and the transformation of human desire. Yale Divinity School’s Miroslav Volf, a native of Croatia, works in a theological context shaped largely from his experience of Serbian-Croatian violence and the struggle toward peace. Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, the author of Dead Man Walking, is a passionate advocate for restorative, rather than retributive, justice. A veteran of the civil rights movement, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is now an American Muslim and professor of religion who specializes in gender issues. Bishop Michael B. Curry, a powerful preacher whose leadership has combined the best of the prophetic and pastoral, will set the tone at the opening liturgy of reconciliation. For more information about the conference content and keynote speakers, go to www.trinitywallstreet.org.
Set aside Tuesday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 1, 2006, to be at Grace and Holy Trinity for this regional conference. Exact times of the webcast (Central Time Zone) and registration information will be available after January 1, 2006, here on the Cathedral website or contact Valerie Johnson, regional partner site coordinator, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 816-474-8260, extension 103.
Annual Meeting
January 29
11:45 a.m.
Come to share in the excitement of all that is happening at GHTC! The 2006 budget will be presented and there will be a vote for new Vestry members.
Watch your mail this January! The Nominating Committee will send a mailing of the Vestry slate.
Flower memorials and thanksgivings from December
December 4 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for her daughter, Diane Sloan, and granddaughter, Sarah, by Mrs. Herbert A. Sloan. At the baptismal font, flowers are given in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton H. Gates, by Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland H. Gates.
December 11 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for their granddaughter, Hannah Lacey McMullen, by Larry and Marilyn McMullen; and in thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary by Paul and Bonnie Lowrey. The flowers at the baptismal font are given in thanksgiving for the baptism of Madeline Claire Molise by her grandparents, Ellen and John Goheen. Memorial candles are given in loving memory of her father, Homer A. Grant, by Elaine Grant. The wreath on the inside tower door is given in loving memory of her beloved husband, Thomas Wood, by Sally Wood.
December 18 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for her children and grandchildren by Patricia Burns; and in loving memory of her father, Howard L. Stewart, by Janet, Ric and Devon Sweeting; and in thanksgiving for her children and grandchildren, by Sally Wood; also in thanksgiving for Sophia Hope McMullen by Larry and Marilyn McMullen. At the chapel altar, flowers are given in thanksgiving for Ken Ryder by Alan and Phyllis Ryder.
December 25 • The Wreath is given in loving memory of their son Drew, by Tom and Charlene Atkin.
The Christmas Altar is given to the Glory of God:
In Memory Of:
• Nathan and Sarah Howe; H.T.
Ballard, Jr.; Margaret M. Ballard by The Rt. Rev. and Mrs. Barry R.
Howe
• Nancy and Jesse Roberts; Chuck Hofner
by Dianne Saphiere
• George and Ardyce Chinnery; Don and
Pauline McDonald by Bill and Sharon Chinnery
• Betty Jennings by Her family
• Thomas Higgins, Jr.; Clinton and
Doris Gates by Paget and Tom Higgins
• Bill Haberland by Clint and Family
• Jacob E. Klaassen; Florence Klaassen;
J. Raymond Klaassen by Jan Seaman
• Jim and Kathleen Duncan; Jackie
Pfeffer; Mark Pfeffer by Jane and Jim Pfeffer
• Cornelius C. and Cecelia E. Carter,
Jr. by Cecelia M. Carter
• Anne Pence Little by Mr. and Mrs.
William L. Pence
• Elizabeth Callison by Kay, John and
Mark Callison
• All my loved ones by Helen M.
Schumacher
• Jacqulynn Hillhouse Barr by Brent A.
Barr
• Billie Wallace by Herman Wallace
• Our servicemen killed in action by
Larry and Marilyn McMullen
• Our parents by Hampton and Bill
Hubbard
• Lynn McLeroy and Max McLeroy by
Carolyn and Ron McLeroy
• Our parents by Harley and Patricia
Miller
• Bill and Marian Winslow; Merle and
Mary Rozell by Terry and Nancy Rozell
• Barbara and Philip Rahm; Maude
Forrester; Creighton Hart by Phyllis Hart
• The Rev. Richard E. Mason by Barbara,
Carl and Chris Mason and Cathie LaPreze
• Virginia and Max Foresman; Fadie
Barlow; John Ingram-Eiser by Ingram-Eisers and Allie Sifers
• James G. Cochran by Friends
• Our dear mother by Teresa, Taloyre
and Debbie
• Jack Andrew Lester; Hildreth Ries by
Jane Lester
• Isabel Curdy by Bob Richmond
• Luther Crocker by his Friends
• Our parents by Barbara and Pete
Seidlitz
• Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Trapp; Mr. Bruce
Gehlbach by Bob Trapp
• Mrs. Hazel M. Helmer; Robert J.
Helmer by Faye Richards
• Edward Gillespie; Margaret Gillespie;
Judith Gillespie Sims; Mary Gillespie Brizendine by Joyce Gillespie
• My husband, Albert Franklin Wallace;
my parents, Alfred Howard Osborne and Maryan Aletha Osborne by
Sharyl Wallace
• Frank, Mary and Augusta Fanolio;
Hazel and Loyd Smith; Eleanor Halley; Dorothy Williamson by Richard
and Jill Fanolio
• Ted and Martha Iott; Elynor Baresi;
Sabino Bilotta by Larry and Beverly Bilotta
• Zelma Hanna Copeland by Carolyn and
Jim Henry
• Charlotte S. Morgan by J. Gregory
Morgan and Alexia C. Morgan
In Thanksgiving For:
• Family and friends by John and
Ellen Goheen
• Our children by Day and Whitney Kerr
• Leona and John Schaefer and the
Trinity Choir by Richard Preis
• Our 10th wedding anniversary by
Miguel Sancho and Bridgett Shirley
• Our wedding anniversary; Sandy and
Allen Bennett by Paul and Bonnie Lowrey
• Our wedding anniversary by Barbara
and John O’Hearne
• Helen, Paul, Jacob, Ethan, Alexander
and Sydney by Nancy and Earl Cavanaugh
• Daughters Christen, Rebie Jo, Brooke
by Mary Jo Browne
• by Michael and Cheryl McDonald
• by Mary S. Branton
• by Jeannette Nichols
• Ron and Carolyn McLeroy by Grace and
Henry Leonard
• My daughter Carrie Christine Wallace
Garner and my son Graham Wilson Wallace, and their children by
Sharyl Wallace
• For all Holy Hands teams, Guild of
the Christ Child and all others participating in Holy Hands
Ministry; the Rev. Canon Linda Yeager by Joyce Morrow
• Our children and grandchildren by Ben
and Joyce Morrow
• Anne and Clarence Hansen; Lena and
Gery Lewis by Gordon Hansen and Newt Lewis
• Halling and Vance Families by Jim
Halling
Remember your family and friends by giving flowers
Let your family and friends know that they are being remembered by your gift of flowers or candles at the Cathedral.
• Celebrate a baptism, confirmation or the birth of a child
• Honor the accomplishments of someone you admire
• Note a special birthday, wedding or anniversary
• Memorialize a friend of loved one.
All gifts are listed in the Sunday bulletin and in The Angelus as a record of your thoughtfulness.
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.
Days Off
Normally, the clergy and program staff have the following days off:
Dean White • Monday
Canon Sommer • Friday
Canon Yeager • Monday & Thursday
Canon Schaefer • Tuesday
The Rev. Sanford • Monday
Mrs. McTavish • Monday
Ms. Bock • Tues. & Fri. afternoons
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
November at the Cathedral saw the income trailing budget slightly and expenses exceeding budget slightly. Income for the year-to-date is still ahead of budgeted income. This is the first time I recall this happening this late in the year and those who have supported the Cathedral deserve special thanks.
Actual expenses for the year are approximately $23,000 ahead of budget due primarily to an increase in clergy at the Cathedral. Actual expenses for the year should finish close to budget.
The first of the year is always the most difficult time financially at the Cathedral so please continue to remember the ministry of the Cathedral during this period.
– by Doyle White, treasurer
| NOVEMBER MTD | BUDGETED MTD | ACTUAL MTD |
| INCOME | $ 128,332 | $ 120,547 |
| EXPENSES | $ 137,667 | $ 141,348 |
| VARIANCE | $ (9,335) | $ (20,801) |
| NOVEMBER YTD | BUDGETED YTD | ACTUAL YTD |
| INCOME | $ 1,283,830 | $ 1,299,074 |
| EXPENSES | $ 1,309,055 | $ 1,332,196 |
| VARIANCE | $ (25,225) | $ (33,122) |
Cathedral supports ERD work in Louisiana and Mississippi
Thank you for Grace and Holy Trinity’s generous gift of $4,490.27 for Hurricane Katrina relief. You may be sure that the money you sent to Episcopal Relief and Development will be used wisely. ERD staff and volunteers have been on the scene of the disaster area from the first day, and they, in partnership with Episcopal Migration Ministries and the bishops in the affected area, continue to help restore the area to as much normalcy as possible.
The following description of aid was received from the ERD office November 10.
In partnership with the Dioceses of Mississippi and Louisiana, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) continues working with Gulf Coast communities devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. ERD’s partnerships with the Office of Disaster Response in the Diocese of Louisiana and Lutheran Episcopal Disaster Response, a program of Lutheran Episcopal Services in the Diocese of Mississippi, are serving affected people and communities. Currently in Phase 1I of a multi-year, long-term rehabilitation, ERD’s partnerships are providing immediate assistance such as food, clothes, water as well as supporting cleanup work and health care services in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Louisiana
In the Diocese of Louisiana, new services are providing additional assistance to people directly affected by the hurricanes as well as recovery workers.
Christ Cathedral in New Orleans has become a resource center, supplying food, household goods, water, baby supplies and other necessities to 200 families daily. Trinity Church in New Orleans has received prepared meals from Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization from Austin, Texas, to serve families. The mobile unit will bring food into populated areas of the city.
Through ERD’s partnership with the diocese, local churches in New Orleans are also serving the needs of recovery workers. St. George’s Church in New Orleans has opened a car for recovery workers. At Holy Comforter Church, located on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, a team is being set up to provide crisis counseling and respite for recovery workers.
“We expect this ministry to grow as the population returns and the neighborhood is rebuilt,” said Abagail Nelson, ERD’s Vice President of Programs. “People from the 8th and 9th Wards are being displaced from hotels and into FEMA trailers but have no form of transportation,” said Nelson.
“Churches continue to fill in this gap as mobile units will be an important ministry in the trailer parks,” she said.
In Baton Rouge, the diocese’s Office of Disaster Response will use a recreational vehicle donated by St. Luke’s Church as the mobile command center for crisis intervention work. The mobile unit distributes water, cleaning supplies, and snacks as well as offers pastoral care throughout the community.
In Slidell, Christ Church is providing sleeping bags, clothing, household goods, and laundry supplies to families in need.
Mississippi
ERD’s partnership with the Diocese of Mississippi and Lutheran Episcopal Disaster Response (LEDR), under the direction of Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi, is supplying critical assistance throughout the state.
This past weekend, “Camp Coast Care,” one of LEDR’s main relief and supply operations located at Coast Episcopal School in Long Beach, served 1,928 people in the distribution center and another 140 in the clinic. Increasing numbers of people are passing through “Camp Coast Care” on a daily basis as some of the large shelters have recently closed.
Some of the supplies being distributed include canned foods, juices, blankets, clothes, cleaning supplies and gift cards to local stores. As the relief phase ends and early rehabilitation work begins, ERD remains in affected communities as many relief agencies begin leaving.
LEDR currently has six other staging areas in Mississippi; three are based at Episcopal churches. St. John’s Church in Ocean Springs is organizing work crews for minor repairs and cleanup. St. John’s Church in Pascagoula is housing and tasking work crews.
St. Thomas Church in Diamondhead is distributing clothes and using mobile units to offer health services. Three Lutheran churches in Ocean Springs, Biloxi and Long Beach are being utilized to shelter evacuees and distribute needed supplies.
God bless you for caring and sharing.
Yours in Christ,
Margaret Heckendorn, Diocese of West Missouri and Province VII ERD
Coordinator
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
Arturo’s Dream (#1008)
Arturo has two dreams. Arturo is diagnosed with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. He is unable to verbally communicate. Arturo goes to school daily and one goal of his is to learn to utilize the toilet himself. Because he is unable to verbally communicate, it is important that he wear “pull-ups” while at school. Pull-ups assist him in learning to properly use the toilet without the danger of soiling his school clothes. Arturo’s father is the only source of income and the cost for pull-ups is high. The family requests assistants with purchasing pull-ups. Approximate dollar value = $35 per case
Arturo’s second dream is the acquisition of a swing set. Due to his inability to communicate, Arturo enjoys swinging and entertaining himself. His current swing set is rusty and unsafe. He is hoping to purchase a new swing set. Approximate dollar value = $150-250.
Penny’s Dream (#1005)
Penny is a severely physically disabled woman. She is almost in need of total care. She is unable to work and receives SSDI as income and state Medicaid pays for in home services. Penny’s furnace was old and began leaking causing her gas bill to rise dramatically. Once the cause of the rise was determined, a new furnace was installed for Penny. She is still left with a gas bill of $1,000. Because the fault was not fully hers, BPU is allowing her to make additional monthly payments towards the balance. Penny is requesting relief with the outstanding bill. Approximate dollar value = $1000.
Dreams you have made come true!
The following are needs that you have graciously met so far. THANK YOU!!
Brenda (#1001) – Brenda was in desperate need of new clothes. Your gift of $50 allowed her to obtain a summer wardrobe and now she has more confidence as she began her GED studies!
Deborah (#1002) – Deborah has multiple disabilities and is unable to leave her home. The Cathedral has provided an internet ready computer so that Deborah can access web sites to learn about her health and to find friends and peers on-line for socialization!
Bronya (#1004) – A $500 contribution from a parishioner towards the $3,000 needed to repair the deck and install a ramp on Bronya’s home. Currently, family members have to lift her and her wheelchair and carry her down the steps in order for her to leave the home. The lifting and carrying is dangerous for Bronya and the men.
Deloris (#1005) – Another $500 donation from a parishioner has helped purchase an engineering study to repair a retaining wall supporting Deloris’ front yard. The engineering study will allow for a repair plan to be developed and implemented. Repairing the wall will prevent Deloris from being evicted from her home.
Aldo (#1014) Bonus Dream – Thanks to the generosity of the Cathedral, a happily surprised Aldo received a computer system to assist him with schoolwork and communication. Aldo never officially made the Dreams List, but your contributions have made his dream come true.
Special Thanks! – While not identifying specific dream, a parishioner has contacted The Dream Works and offered his services and contributions ranging from “sweat equity” to donations of food and Christmas gifts.
It’s a New Year
Greetings at the beginning of a new year. Feels unblemished and optimistic, doesn’t it? So, what shall we resolve to do as we start afresh? I have learned not to make too many drastic promises since energy and enthusiasm do wane a bit as the winter wears on. The best resolution I ever made was to floss my teeth every day. It was both attainable and sustainable because it was good for me and it became a habit. And I have continued to be a loyal flosser now for several years.
As silly as that resolution seems, there is a part of it that makes sense in other areas of our lives. For it is through the daily routine that we accomplish long-term goals. Perhaps that philosophy would work with our spiritual lives as well. Let’s see ... if I start off each morning with a prayer of thanksgiving before I arise, maybe it will get to be a habit; and it will certainly be good for my attitude and relationships with other. Or, if I empty my change every afternoon into a special box and then give it to our outreach programs when the box is full, maybe that will get to be a habit and it will certainly be good for me and for those who benefit from our outreach.
You get the idea. Instead of the major faith promises or vague faith promises, let’s make small specific promises this year that are attainable and sustainable. Small promises, followed through, result in large spiritual rewards for ourselves and others.
– by the Rev. Canon Linda Yeager, Canon Deacon
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 $54,715 from the estate of the late Genevieve Kaikaka. Her 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, Senior Warden Michael Thomas, Junior Warden Bud McDowell, or Treasurer Doyle White.
Children at the Cathedral: a growing blessing!
A sign of our congregation’s health is the growing children’s formation program. As our classes grow, so does the need for adults to take part. You can lend your gifts and join a team to help teach from time to time during classes held from 9:15-10 a.m. Also, we are looking for team members for our Children’s Chapels, which meet from 10:15 a.m. until the Peace when all join the Nave for the remainder of the Eucharist. No previous experience needed! We will train! Contact DeAnn McTavish.
A reminder to parents: even though a nursery and chapel are provided at 10:15 a.m., children of every age are always welcome to attend the entire Eucharistic liturgy. Welcoming all into the midst of our worship, and learning what others, especially children, can teach us of God’s wonder and love are essential to our corporate offering the Eucharist. GHTC is truly blessed!
Ordination
Ron
Keel, rector at Church of the Resurrection in Blue Springs, and
Carol Sanford, curate at the Cathedral, were ordained into the
priesthood December 3.
The liturgy was followed by a reception in Founders’ Hall.
On behalf of Holy Hands, Pat Wright said, “thank you to those who brought the good things for the ordination reception and made it such a nice affair. We had many compliments from all about the decorations and the feast.”
photo by Jan Frizzle
Peace and unity through reconciliation
During Advent I was privileged to lead an adult forum at GHTC focusing on the scriptural context of George Frederick Handel’s Messiah. The familiar yet ever inspirational oratorio weaves together Old and New Testament passages to tell in glorious music and song the timeless story of the Messiah, of humanity’s exile from God and its redemption through God’s grace.
In his sermon for the second Sunday in Advent, our Cathedral dean, The Very Reverend Terry White, also recalled the poetry of Isaiah 40:1-2, in which the prophet offers comfort and hope to the people of Israel after their captivity and exile from their homeland. “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God,” are the words of Isaiah to the disheartened nation when they return to a devastated Zion. Twenty-two centuries later Handel began his Messiah with the same words.
Unlike ancient Israel and Judah, we, as a nation, have not faced defeat, ruin, and exile, but we are no strangers to alienation. We know instinctively that something is wrong, that the times are out of joint, even if we cannot always identify the precise causes of our uneasiness.
All around us we see the ruinous results of war, mindless consumerism, neglect of the weak and poor, resentment of our national wealth and power, and anxiety provoked by divisions among ourselves. In truth, these failings are not so different from those the Hebrew prophets, in their generations, witnessed and lamented.
For Episcopalians, the most sinister threat is that we are a house divided against itself; and while we focus on the issue of the ordination of an openly practicing homosexual bishop, a deeper and more profound question may lie below. We as Christians acknowledge the authority of scripture, but how are we to understand scripture? Who shall answer this question, and if an answer is provided, will Anglicans and Episcopalians accept it? But, ultimately, it is our answer to the first question, it is our relationship to scripture, to the Word, that will define us as a church to ourselves and to the world.
These are serious matters, worthy of conscientious prayer and reflection, and rather than draw hard and fast lines we would be wise to approach them in a spirit of love and humility. It was, of all people, Oliver Cromwell who, in colorful seventeenth century English, warned his contemporaries: “I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.”
Regardless of their context, Cromwell’s words should be held in regard. But perhaps equally perceptively, it was our own Thomas Jefferson who confessed that he trembled for his nation when he remembered that there is a just God in heaven. So as we conclude Advent and celebrate Epiphany, rejoicing that our Lord has come to bring God’s peace to men and women of good will, let us display that same good will toward one another.
If we really long for Messiah, for the Word made flesh, let us remember, imperfect as we are, to try to follow His commandment to love one another. In that spirit we may achieve, with God’s help, justice. For it is justice, not doctrinal or organizational triumph over our kindred in Christ, that will bring reconciliation, unity, and peace. Come, Lord Jesus.
– by David Rice
Upcoming Music Events
Monday, January 9
7:30 p.m.
Patrick J. Stobbs and Jay Carter
Countertenors with instrumental ensemble
$10 donation
Wednesday, January 11
7:30 p.m.
Missouri State University Choir
in concert; Dr. Guy Webb, conductor
Sunday, January 15
10:00 a.m.
The University Singers, UM Columbia
Dr. Paul Crabbs, director; Choral prelude, offertory
and communion music
4:00 p.m.
Choral Evensong
Sung by the Trinity Choir
Instrumental music played by Conrad and Pauline
Kim Harris, former choir boy and his wife
Wednesday, January 18
7:30 p.m.
Cellorondo
Kansas City violoncellists offer a delightful sonic experience. Free
will offering accepted.
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
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 January
Please verify times and dates of the events listed with the appropriate person(s) or by contacting the Cathedral Office.
1 • SUNDAY
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist (only one service)
11:45 a.m. Music Committee
2 • MONDAY
Cathedral Office and Buildings Closed
3 • TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Needlework Arts Group
7:00 p.m. The Angelus Small Group
4 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Couples’ Bible Study
8 • SUNDAY • Blood Pressure Sunday
12:00 p.m. Social Action Committee
3:30 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
9 • MONDAY
4:30 p.m. Buildings and Grounds Committee
5:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
7:30 p.m. Recital
10 • TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Guild of the Christ Child
6:15 p.m. Cancer Support Group
11 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Friends of MN (see article)
7:30 p.m. Concert: Missouri State University Choir
12 • THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
15 • SUNDAY
12:00 p.m. Integrity Group
4:00 p.m. Choral Evensong
16 • MONDAY
Cathedral Office and Buildings Closed
18 • WEDNESDAY
7:00 a.m. Finance Committee
6:30 p.m. Couples’ Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Cellorondo
20-22 • FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Women’s Retreat
22 • SUNDAY
12:00 p.m. Small Group: People Caring for Friends and Family
3:30 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
23 • MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
25 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Reel People
26 • THURSDAY
5:00 p.m. Vestry
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
29 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. GHTC’s Annual Meeting
31-February 1 • TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
Trinity Institute Webcast
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. Carol Sanford
Curate
The Rev. Canon 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