The
Angelus
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral • Kansas City, Missouri •
Vol. 75 No. 5 • May 2006
Contents
From the Dean
Think the unthinkable
Bachathon
The Inaugural Dean’s Cup Golf Classic
Adult Formation
News from
Guild of the
Christ Child
Friends of MN
Trinity Teens serve others: AIDS Walk, Easter baskets, wooden
crosses
Necessary Dreams
Thank You
Wine to Warm Your Heart
The celebrations of Palm Sunday, Easter, and the Great Chocolate
Feast
Welcome our newest GHTC members
Happenings in Children’s Formation: Youth Sunday, Future Plans
Music Notes
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
Flower memorials and thanksgivings
With Sympathy
The rules have changed
Discovering Jesus in prison
Graduate Recognition
Weekly Activities
Activities for the Month of May
From the Dean
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
“I don’t believe in organized religion. That’s why I am an Episcopalian!” This old joke points to the fact that for a Church that is described as being hierarchical, we find that usually we are not overly structured. That’s because the Episcopal Church in the United States places a great deal of trust for the mission and ministry of the Church where it rightly belongs: with the whole People of God.
All the baptized, lay and ordained, share in the work of the Gospel. This shared, synodical form of government, is rather unique within the Anglican Communion, where the majority of autonomous world-wide provinces are governed primarily by bishops.
You are I are used to this shared model of responsibility in our parish work as well as in our diocesan mission. And this summer, the whole American Episcopal Church gathers in council for the 75th General Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
Every three years, each diocese sends its bishop(s) to attend the House of Bishops, and four members of the clergy and four lay people as deputies to sit in the House of Deputies. It will be my privilege to serve as a deputy to the General Convention and serve as the chair of the diocesan deputation. Candy McDowell from the Cathedral congregation is an alternate. We were both elected at the 2004 Diocesan Convention.
Cathedral parishioner Alexandra Connors will also be attending Convention, having been appointed as a member of the Official Youth Presence consisting of eighteen young people from throughout the American Church.
Note that each diocese sends deputies, not representatives. The nomenclature is important. A deputy is charged with using his or her best judgment in voting on matters before the convention. A deputy prepares for convention by studying pages and pages of material and exchanging opinions with fellow deputies.
But it is mainly the work of the General Convention which leads to the decision to vote yes or no on an issue. Interacting with fellow deputies from around the country, engaging in daily Eucharist, bible study and worship, and listening to debate on issues greatly informs the decisions that are made.
As a deputy, I am obligated to work hard to digest and understand distributed materials, but I know that I must be even more diligent in being open to the Holy Spirit speaking through my sisters and brothers assembled at the Convention.
Bishop Howe and your diocesan deputation will present a pre-convention meeting May 6 here at the Cathedral’s Founders’ Hall from 10 a.m.-noon, and May 13 at St. John’s in Springfield.
I very much encourage you to come and hear about some of the key issues to be discussed at General Convention, and the various committees to which several deputies have been assigned, from ministry discernment to small church ministry to church discipline.
Reports and resolutions distributed to deputies to date indicate that General Convention will address funding and programs for five mission priorities: young adults and youth, congregational transformation, reconciliation and evangelism, peace and justice ministries, and partnerships within the Anglican Communion and with other faith communities.
The 2003 Convention supported the UN Millennium Development Goals as ways to respect the dignity of all human beings, and called on all dioceses and parishes to commit 0.7 percent of their annual budgets for the realization of the goals, such as eradicating extreme poverty, hunger, and infant mortality.
This Convention will propose that a line item in the Episcopal Church’s budget support these goals. Also at this Convention the House of Bishops will elect this Church’s 26th Presiding Bishop and the House of Deputies will be asked to confirm that election.
From church structure to domestic and world mission to liturgy and music, those gathered will seek to strengthen the life and mission of our Church.
The secular press, no doubt, will be exclusively concerned with issues of sexuality and our Church’s official response to the Windsor Report from the Primates of the Anglican Communion.
The diocesan deputation will report daily to the diocesan web site, and you are strongly encouraged to take your news from this and other official Church sources such as Episcopal News Service at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens. Click on the link: Toward Columbus, The 75th General Convention for links to stories, reports, and resolutions including the online Blue Book containing just about everything deputies receive.
A special commission has proposed 11 resolutions to respond to the Windsor Report and to issues related to affirming the place of gay and lesbian Christians in the life of this Church.
It is likely that the Convention will consider allowing the pastoral options of locally blessing a committed relationship between two people of the same gender, and ordaining qualified people in a same-gender relationship as deacons, priests, and bishops.
It is my fervent hope that Anglicans around the world will watch the process leading to decision making. As stated above, our synodical form of government, ordained and laity sharing in the decision-making and leadership of the Church, is unique to most Anglican provinces around the world.
For better or worse, and I think for better, Episcopalians are increasingly struggling with complex issues as openly and honestly as possible. It is not airing our dirty laundry publicly, it is bringing into the Light of Christ those people and issues we have avoided talking about, or at times, have dealt with hypocritically. Many of these complex issues are realities for many in the Church.
General Convention may be at its core be an exercise in trust: trusting in God to guide, lead and sustain us through whatever journey is before us; and trusting each other, trusting all the baptized people of God, that we truly need each other, even those with whom we disagree, in order to more effectively share the love and redemption of Jesus Christ by living as a servant Church.
Each Sunday in Eastertide we shall pray for the deputies and bishops who shall gather at General Convention. I thank you for your prayers, and I hope to see you Saturday May 6 at the Regional Meeting in Founders’ Hall.
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Terry+
Think the unthinkable
Lent and Holy Week have wrought in me a fresh appreciation for Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral parishioners. Evening Prayer on Wednesdays preceding the Lenten Academy and the Good Friday liturgies of Holy Week had us clergy out of our accustomed places in the sanctuary and sitting instead where you all do.
Believe me when I say, I have gained a fresh appreciation for what you all go through on Sundays. I speak of the kneelers in the nave. Is it possible they were designed during the Spanish Inquisition by Torquemada himself?
I am a genetic Episcopalian (I owe that great phrase to our Bishop who describes himself in that way as well – a product of multiple generations of membership in the Episcopal Church) and therefore have a love-hate relationship with kneeling.
I was liturgically formed as a child in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Those of you who share memories of that venerable book of Elizabethan English and Perilously-Close-To-Calvinist Theology will recall how much time one logged on one’s knees during Divine Service on Sunday.
The church of my childhood, St. Paul’s in Jackson, Mich., had both padded pews and padded kneelers. But there was no resting of one’s derriere on the pew while one knelt – at least, not in my family. My mother of blessed memory was inflexible on that point – one kept one’s back and legs ramrod straight.
To rest one’s rear was to receive The Glare from Mom. And if The Glare failed to straighten one’s spine, then The Grip on one’s forearm followed. (Neither my brother nor I ever dared to test what might follow The Grip.) Suffice to say, there was none of this “protestant slouching” as Mom used to call it. My knees remain calloused even after all these years.
Okay, maybe not so much. But still, you can imagine my shock and delight when the 1979 Book of Common Prayer was ushered in. Here were rubrics actually bidding us to stand for the prayers of the people! Here were rubrics actually permitting us to stand for the Eucharistic Prayer! In fact, in the Rite II Eucharistic Prayers, the rubrics actually said, “the people may stand or kneel.”
Standing was indicated ahead of kneeling! O Frabjous Day! I began to experiment with standing for everything that the rubrics permitted. And actually, it was amazing. Putting aside my facetious remarks about the discomfort of kneeling, the Eucharistic theology of the prayers of consecration began to break open for me.
We had confessed and been absolved. We had greeted one another in the Peace. We had offered our gifts of our life and labor to the Lord. We were now witnesses to Christ’s self-offering and to his resurrection. Heck, in one of the Eucharistic prayers, it even says that Christ made us worthy to stand before him (Eucharistic Prayer B). When I changed my posture 27 years ago, I heard the prayers in a new way. And there’s been no going back.
Make no mistake – kneeling remains a powerfully appropriate posture for the litany of penitence on Ash Wednesday. It is a powerfully appropriate posture for praying Psalm 22 as the altar is stripped on Maundy Thursday. It’s powerfully appropriate for the General Confession during Holy Eucharist.
My sense simply is that for many Episcopalians, kneeling for the prayer of consecration at Holy Eucharist is as habitual and natural as breathing. For some, it seems positively unthinkable to do it differently. Believe me, I get it.
But I’m nonetheless inviting you to think the unthinkable.
Over the years, I’ve been part of many different Episcopal Churches – both as a layperson and as an ordained person. Clergy in most of those churches urged parishioners who normally knelt to experiment with standing during the Great Fifty Days of Easter. I invite you to do the same at this time – not simply because the kneelers in the nave of the Cathedral qualify as cruel and unusual punishment, but because the resurrection changes everything, and it’s a good time to change our posture as well.
Why not try it next Sunday? Plant your feet firmly on that magnificent oak floor and think of yourself as a witness to Christ’s amazing act of self-emptying love. Imagine yourself as one who will be sent. Envision a sense of readiness to hear and to respond with alacrity to the overwhelming good news.
– by the Rev. Canon Sue Sommer
Bachathon
A celebration of the music of
Johann Sebastian Bach
Sunday, May 7
2-7 p.m.
Featuring Kansas University
Chamber Choir, Kansas State
University Brass Ensemble, Schola
Cantorum, Michael Bauer, the
Carrey Ensemble and our own
Jung-Eun Ahn!
Come when you can,
leave when you must!
No Admission Charge
For details, see www.kcago.com
The Inaugural Dean’s Cup Golf Classic
presented by Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral’s Trinity Choir
Friday, June 9, 2006
at St. Andrew’s Golf Club,
11099 W 135th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66221
Registration and Box Lunch 12:30 p.m.
Tee-off at 1:30 p.m.
Awards Lobster Banquet in Founders’ Hall 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $115 per entrant (includes banquet)
or $100 per entrant for tournament only
Non-Entrant Banquet Fee $25
KC strip steaks are available, mark this choice at the time
of registration or ordering.
Tournament will include greens fees, range balls, cart, shotgun format, trophies, cash prizes, gift bags, tournament tee shirt, mulligan sales, hole prizes and box lunch. $25 is due at the time you sign up with the balance due no later than May 27.
Sign up at the choir table on Sunday mornings at Coffee Hour or call Charmaine or John Fowler at 816-453-2895. Further information can be obtained by calling the Fowlers.
Various levels of program advertising and tournament sponsorship are available. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to fund the Choir Tour to the United Kingdom in July.
See this page for more information, or to register.
The Angelus
A laypersons’ newspaper published in the interest of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
THE ANGELUS SMALL GROUP CONTRIBUTORS:
Emily Akins
Tom Atkin
Mary Byrne
Rachel Chambers
Jan Frizzle
John Hornbeck
Geoff Logan
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
Adult Formation
Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
In the Common Room
The Resurrection Narratives in the Four Gospels
(Sundays in May, continued from April)
Led by The Rev. Michael Johnston
Each of the four Gospels paints a different picture
of Jesus and his community, telling different
stories, and often slanting those stories differently
when they are repeated from one text to
the next. So it is with the resurrection accounts
in each of the gospels: Mark’s version is as much
about the resurrection of failed discipleship as
it is about the resurrection of Jesus; Matthew
promises a faithful Jewish teacher who will be
with the community of believers to the end of
the world. Luke’s resurrection constructs a new
kind of discipleship community with Jesus as its
Eucharistic center. John simply returns Jesus to
the cosmic place with the Father where he began
his ministry in the first place. In this series of
four classes, we will attempt to look at the four
Resurrection Narratives with fresh eyes, asking
what they tell us about the Risen Lord and our
relationship to him as people of faith.
Judas ... Revisited
(June 4, 11)
Led by The Rev. Canon Susan Sommer
National Geographic magazine’s unveiling of
a Judas gospel is intriguing and timely in light
of our recent Lenten series, “The Lost Disciple.”
Although we studied a rich and startling variety
of depictions of Judas, this Gospel of Judas gives
a different view of the relationship between
Jesus and Judas, offering new insights into this
disciple who betrayed Jesus.
Unlike the accounts in the canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, in which Judas is portrayed as a traitor, this newly discovered Gospel portrays Judas as acting at Jesus’ request when he hands Jesus over to the authorities. How does this all fit in our theology and tradition? Does it? Let’s revisit Judas with this new twist!
In the Youth Room, Haden Hall
Lectionary Learners
Each week this group gathers for lectionary study
of the day’s readings and fellowship while exploring
what the Bible has to say about living a Christian life.
This type of study has been described as “building the
body through sharing; opening the mind by questioning;
and embracing the spirit for Sunday worship.” A
deeper understanding of the Bible text brings us all into
a closer relationship with Christ and each other.
In the Multipurpose Room,
Level 1 of Founders’ Hall
Religious Book Study
(Begins May 7)
Life of the Beloved is one of the final works penned by Henri Nouwen. Much like some of the other great texts in Christian literature, it began as a request from one friend to another, and is in the form of an open letter to Fred Bratman, a secular journalist and writer.
His friend’s request was for an explanation of the spiritual life in terms that he and his friends could understand, avoiding theology and technical language. This might seem somewhat reminiscent to those who participated in our group last year discussing the C.S. Lewis classic Mere Christianity, but this is a very different work.
Nouwen addresses a variety of questions in this work, pulling from a lifetime of experience including his final years serving as pastor to the mentally disabled of L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto. This work views spirituality not as something separate from the world, but within the world.
What is our place in the world in God’s eyes? How can we blend service and spiritual worship with the harshness of the everyday world? How can we, imperfect and each broken in our own way, feel beloved by the Almighty?
Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Henri J Nouwen will be available in the Cathedral Bookstore.
News from Guild of the Christ Child
Wow, did we have a great time cooking for Lenten Academy. Thank you to Valerie Johnson for the great idea and thanks to the multiple talents of all the ladies cooking. You shopped, chopped, boiled and stirred up some great fellowship. Let’s do it again next year!
Our special
thanks
go to all
those who helped with this
year’s Egg Hunt on Easter
Day.
Thanks to the Trinity Teens for tossing eggs, to Mom’s Bible Study for stuffing eggs, to the Guild of the Christ Child organizers Heather Cleavinger and Stacy Morgan, to all the generous hearts who provided the egg and candy donations and to the children who are the creamy, swirly, decked out, nutty, cherries on top for this Easter Sunday treat.
Looking ahead mark your calendar for the Annual Parish Picnic, June 11. Wonderscope will be returning for the 4th year providing activities for children in the courtyard. Join us for fun and fellowship.
Our next Guild Meeting will be May 23 at 6:15 in the Youth Room.
– by Jeanette Coletti
Friends of MN
The next meeting of Friends of MN (Maison de Naissance) will be
Wednesday,
May 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room (lower level,
Founders’ Hall).
Questions? Contact Marian Philip at
MPHILIP1976@juno.com or
816-421-5808.
Trinity Teens serve others: AIDS Walk, Easter baskets, wooden crosses
Trinity Teens have been busy with a Sunday outing, Wednesday evenings service projects and Cathedral collaborations that show their commitment to their parish and our neighbors, and demonstrate their concern for the world outside of Haden Hall. On Sunday, April 2, a group of teens visited The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehuda for the “Tour of Living Judaism.” There, we learned about Jewish Holy Days and seasonal celebrations, worship spaces, weddings, and bar/bat mitzvahs, and sampled traditional Jewish holiday foods. After a bit of shopping in the temple gift shop, the teens concluded their afternoon with a stop for ice cream in the park.
| What a great year for Trinity Teens! AIDS Walk, barbecue, crosses, dancing, Easter baskets and fun! Please join us on Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. as we close out our year with a celebration p-a-r-t-y. |
In partnership with the Social Action Committee, our teens spent an evening creating Easter baskets for the youth of the Kaw Valley Center, a residential campus for young people in need of shelter and care. After an introduction by Dave Pierson on KVC, Trinity Teens artfully arranged the Easter candies, books, toys and personal items brought by Ferne Welles and Dave Pierson. They then put their artistic and literary talent to use making individualized cards for the recipients of each of the thirty baskets. The Kaw Valley youth responded with hand-crafted notes of thanks.
On other Wednesdays, our teens continued their work with Bud McDowell to complete the wooden crosses for patient rooms in St. Luke’s Hospital. This is a huge project, and our teens (and Bud!) deserve extra kudos for their persistence and dedication.
Trinity Teens also donated their time and effort to help make the Easter Day egg hunt a success for the children of our parish, are continuing in their monthly food prep for Kansas City Community Kitchen, and walked alongside the adults of GHTC at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for AIDS Walk Kansas City.
We can be proud of our teens for their many contributions to the Cathedral parish and to the wider community, and for the good humor and fun they maintain while working hard for the benefit of others.
– by the Rev. Carol Sanford
The Trinity Teens prepared Easter baskets and cards for youth residents of the Kaw Valley Center. The Kaw Valley youth responded with hand-crafted notes of thanks.
The Trinity Teens joined others from the Cathedral to participate in the Kansas City AIDS Walk. The youth wore T-shirts designed by their own Andi Schooling. Seven youth participated in the AIDS Walk.
photos by Grady and Carol Sanford
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
Penny’s Dream (#1020)
Penny experienced an auto accident
that left her 100% disabled.
She is a single mom with a 16-yearold
son who is also disabled. Penny
has fallen into economic hardship
due to extenuating circumstances
(e.g. fuel costs) and cannot make
ends meet on her limited income.
She is now three months behind
on her house payment and is in
jeopardy of losing her house. She
is requesting any financial help
possible. The Catholic Charities
has agreed to pay $100 if the other
$880 can be obtained. Approximate
dollar value: $880.
James’ Dream (#1019)
James is 100 percent disabled
due to respiratory dysfunction and
utilizes a breathing machine. He is
also diagnosed with morbid obesity.
James has a daughter in junior high
school. They are seeking assistance
in obtaining a computer so that
the daughter can do schoolwork
and he can access the community
via cyberspace. James also desires
to start a home-based business so
he can provide better things for
his daughter. Approximate dollar
value: $500-1,000.
Robert’s Dream (#1018)
Robert is a 61-year old man diagnosed
with kidney failure, high
blood pressure, and pulmonary
disability. He utilizes a scooter to
prevent him from having to walk
too much. Robert needs assistance
with acquiring a scooter-lift for his
car. The lift will allow him to strap
his scooter to the back of his car
and become more independent.
He will be able to drive himself
to the store and other community
events with burdening others. He
receives SSDI as income and no
other funding source will pay
for it. Approximate dollar value:
$3,500.
Dreams You Have Made Come True
The following are needs that you have graciously met so far. THANK YOU!
Michael (#1015) – Working in partnership with the Cathedral, The Dream Works, and another agency, it was possible to restore the utilities for Michael. Michael lost his utilities after his kidneys failed and his wife abandoned him. Your efforts have helped restored his dignity and helped him to cope with a tragic situation.
Lovera (#1021) Bonus Dream #2! – Thanks again to parishioner generosity we have been able to purchase new born supplies for a 30-year-old single mother who just had a baby boy. The unexpected funds bought clothes and blankets for the unsuspecting mom.
Thank You
Cathedral members generously donate toward the Foster Care Birthday fund. Through your donations, in any amount, you have helped purchase $25 gift cards, which are given to a foster care teenager on his or her birthday. For some children, this may be their only gift.
If you would like to help an area teen celebrate, please mark your check or offering envelope “Foster Care Birthday Fund.”
On behalf of our children, thank you for your generous support.
Wine to Warm Your Heart
The celebrations of Palm Sunday, Easter, and the Great Chocolate Feast
photos by Jan Frizzle and Richard Fanolio
Welcome our newest GHTC members
At this year’s Easter Vigil, new members were welcomed into the Cathedral. Those presented by GHTC to Bishop Barry Howe are pictured here. Those who were baptized (B), confirmed (C) and received (R), participated in a series of classes, “A Christian Journey,” this past year.
All come to GHTC from a variety of faith traditions and have chosen GHTC as their home. We welcome them as we all celebrate this special time as our Cathedral family continues to grow!
– by Valerie Johnson
Welcome our newest GHTC members
Front Row L to R: Zan Crum (C), Sandra Carter
(C), Cristalle Johnson (C), Sara Copeland (C)
Middle Row L to R: Jo Stueve (C), Michael Legg (C), Joselyn
Verschelden (C)
Back Row L to R: John Stueve (C), Brian
Marrs (C), Jacob Reeves (C), Richmond Jones
(C), Jim Halling (R), Jason Bozarth (C),
George Verschelden (R)
Happenings in Children’s Formation: Youth Sunday, Future Plans
Youth Sunday is May 21! Our children, age 3 through 8th grade will be participating in the service through readings, prayers of the people and song. We are looking forward to sharing, with the entire congregation, what we have learned in formation this year. We welcome all visiting children in this age group to sit with us near the front of the nave.
We have been working with the Kansas City Missouri Fire Department on emergency procedures for Haden Hall. We have scheduled a fire drill immediately followed by a tornado drill on Sunday, June 4 at 9:30 a.m. Parents will be given a copy of the procedures.
Our 9:15 a.m. formation classes meet through Trinity Sunday, June 11. Both chapels meet through June 25. We have a great summer planned for our children. The schedule will be published in the June issue of The Angelus. We are so thankful for the wonder and faith of our children, the guidance and caring of our teachers, chapel and homily leaders and the committed parents who have volunteered in our chapels. We can always use more helping hands.
We are currently seeking chapel leaders to conduct the modified service according to our chapel outline. If you are interested in becoming a chapel leader during the summer or coming on board in the fall please contact DeAnn McTavish at 474-8260.
– by DeAnn McTavish
Easter Day
During the Christian Formation hour on Easter Day, the children participated in the “flowering of the cross.” They had the chance to add daisies to the cross (shown above). Then, during the 10:15 a.m. service, the children, carrying the cross, processed with the choir and altar party . The cross remained near the baptismal font through the Second Sunday of Easter.
Members of the Guild of the Christ Child and the Trinity Teens spent the early morning on Easter hiding candy-filled plastic eggs, pinwheels and other small treats and toys in the north lawn.
Following the 10:15 a.m. service on Easter Day, all children were invited to participate in the annual Egg Hunt.
photos by Grady Sanford
Music Notes
The Cathedral choir’s tour of the United Kingdom is taking shape. The choir departs July 23 from Kansas City and will arrive in Dublin the following day. Side trips and exploration of Dublin precede the singing of Evensong at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on July 25.
The scenic trip down Ireland’s coast to Rosslare includes an early morning ferry to Fishguard, Wales. Then on to sing Evensong at St. David’s Cathedral on July 27.
Choristers can enjoy this quaint and historic rural site until they travel to Birmingham, England, for the July 29 Evensong. The choir will lead the Sunday choral services for the morning Eucharist and Evensong on July 30.
Upcoming Music EventsMay 6 |
The following day includes a stop in Coventry and Warwick. Lodgings await in Oxford at Corpus Christi College, in the shadow of Christ Church Cathedral. The choir will be in residence August 1-6 at the cathedral, where they will sing each day, including three times on Sunday.
Christ Church Cathedral, built in the twelfth century, is one of the oldest buildings in Oxford. (You may visit this historical site online at www.chch.ox.ac.uk.)
The choir has been, and will be, presenting the music they will be singing on the tour at our 10:15 a.m. Sunday service and at Choral Evensong. The next Choral Evensong is May 21.
The group returns to Kansas City August 7.
You can still be part of the choir tour in two ways:
| Contact Canon Schaefer immediately if you would be interested in traveling with the choir this summer. The cost is $3500 per person. |
First, you can take part in fundraising activities. The upcoming golf tournament and lobster sale are two ways to help. Contact Charmaine or John Fowler if you are interested in either of these activities.
Second, some spaces have become available, due to changes in plans for some who intended to go, for you to go with the choir for their 2006 UK Tour. If you have any interest in going along with one of America’s finest church choirs, contact Canon Schaefer immediately. The cost is $3500 per person.
– by Tom Atkin
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
March at the Cathedral saw income slightly below budget and saw the expenses come in below budget. For 2006 income is below budget but it is in-line with historical patterns. Expenses have been below budget every month this year. The staff at the Cathedral deserves credit for the good management of the Cathedral’s monies.
Your pledge allows the Cathedral to fulfill its ministry.
– by Doyle White, treasurer
| MARCH MTD | BUDGETED MTD | ACTUAL MTD |
| INCOME | $ 118,329 | $ 113,087 |
| EXPENSES | $ 131,384 | $ 124,757 |
| VARIANCE | $ (13,055) | $ (11,670) |
| MARCH YTD | BUDGETED YTD | ACTUAL YTD |
| INCOME | $ 401,197 | $ 373,308 |
| EXPENSES | $ 415,839 | $ 395,608 |
| VARIANCE | $ (14,642) | $ (22,300) |
Flower memorials and thanksgivings
April 2 • The arrangements at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Frank D. and Lora C. McMullen by the Larry McMullen Family.
April 9 • The arrangements at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Lennice Yeager by Jon and Linda Yeager; and In loving memory of his parents, Nell and Claude Dorsey, by Mike Dorsey; also in loving memory of her mother, Louise Hutt Shackelford, by Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Seidlitz, Jr. At the chapel altar, the arrangements are given in thanksgiving for Alan Ryder
April 16 • The Easter Day flowers
are given to the glory of God:
In Memory Of:
Beth Trapp by Bob Trapp
Herb Simon and Drew Atkin by Thomas
and Charlene Atkin
Wendell R. Beckord, Mabel L. Beckord,
Wilhelmine B. Christie by Pat
McKenna
Clinton and Doris Gates, Tom Higgins
by Paget Higgins
Philip and Barabara Rohm, Creighton
Hart by Phyllis Hart
Family and Friends by Tom and Paula
Miller
Luke and Hannah Woolley by Pat and
Kay Woolley
Albert and Cecelia Higdon by Cecelia
M. Carter
Anne Pence Little by Mr. and Mrs. William
L. Pence
Virginia and Max Foresman, John
Ingram-Eiser, Fudie Barlow by the
Ingram-Eiser family
Jennifer Bradley by Tom Taylor and
Catherine Green
Jacob E. Klassen, Florence Klassen and
J. Raymond Klassen by Jan Seaman
Bill and Marian Winslow, Merle and Mary
Rozell by Terry and Nancy Rozell
The Rev. Richard E. Mason by Barbara
Mason, Carl and Chris Mason and
Cathie LaPreze
William and Hortense Lambert, Harley
and Mildred Miller, our parents, by
Harley and Pat Miller
Gene and Virgene Jordahl by Rick Jordahl
Anne and Clarence Hansen, Lena and
Guy Lewis, Homer Mitchell by Gordon
Hansen and Newt Lewis
Helen and Emory Gingrich, Mary and
Michael Cavanaugh by Nancy and
Earl Cavanaugh
Brandy Chance Hutcheson by the
Cleavingers: Matt, Heather, Bryn,
Sydney and Molly
Bob Radcliffe by Joyce McIntosh
Our grandparents, parents and her
brothers by Ben and Joyce Morrow
The wreath on the tower door is given
in loving memory of her husband,
Thomas Wood, by Sally Wood.
Deena Buckner from the Buckner family
and three AFS sons
Zelma Hanna Copeland by Carolyn and
Jim Henry
My parents, by J. Michael Dorsey
In Thanksgiving For:
The confirmation of Brian Marrs from
Children’s Formation
Our children Elaine and John, Sarah
and Drew, Benj and Amy and our
grandchildren, Kelsey, Zachery,
Emma, David, Brendan, Evan and
Kathryn by Ben and Joyce Morrow
The life and ministry of the Rev. Canon
Linda Yeager by Joyce Morrow
The “Downtown Ladies” of GHTC by
Annie Heck and Gary Hicks
Amy, Jon and Camille by Steve and
Kristy Moore
Our family by Ron and Carolyn McLeroy
The Easter flowers and music by Bill
Hawley and Sally Livengood
The anniversary of John S. Ransom’s
baptism by Martha and Jason Ransom
Our family and friends by Paul and
Bonnie Lowrey
Our friends and family by Mike Sancho
and Bridgett Shirley
Leona and John Schaefer and the Trinity
Choir by Richard I. Preis
My children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren by Sally Wood
Health by Bev Frank
Our wedding anniversary, Jim and
Pattie Phillips
The Bowens: Marion, William, Taylor and
Kristy by Betty and Harold Phillips
The Altar Guild by Betty Phillips
Other Gifts Given by:
Jill and Richard Fanolio
Paula Connors
Suzanne Wright
Miriam Marrs
Paul and Gibralter Hemingway
April 23 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving their 35th wedding anniversary by Marsha and Bill Beggs; and in loving memory of Arnold Luther Frizzle, by his wife, Janet; also in thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Bishop Edward R. Welles, II by Ferne Welles. At the baptismal font, flowers are given in loving memory of George and Frances MaGill by Ruth MaGill. Candles are given in thanksgiving for her granddaughter, Heidi Sloan, by Mrs. Herbert A. Sloan.
April 30 • The flowers at the altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Morris Solsky by Ann T. Reed and Catharine Gardner; and in loving memory of Charline Schmelzer by Bill Fisher.
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 or 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.
With Sympathy
We ask that you remember the
following families in your prayers:
Doris Peknik, aunt of DeAnn McTavish
Robert Strittmatter, uncle of Christine
Morrison
Kenneth Shenkel, uncle of Sandra Hornbeck
Bud Yocum, brother of Sara Yocum
Felix Skowronek, father of Andrea Skowronek
Ed Moore, uncle of Steve Moore
The rules have changed
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Some seven or eight years ago, Rebekah and I were watching the Walt Disney cartoon Beauty and the Beast, which had been left in her Easter basket by the Resurrection Rabbit. To be honest, Rebekah was watching the video and I was reading the paper or doing taxes or something like that.
In case you don’t know the Disney version
of the story, the curse on the Beast will become
permanent unless the Beauty says “I love you”
before the last petal of a rose falls. And in the
kind of drama that only a Walt Disney cartoon
can produce (you may chuckle here if you wish)
the Beast is mortally wounded by a rival, and
dies. The Beauty looks upon the dead Beast, and
says “I love you” as the last petal falls.
There is sadness. Then suddenly, a change begins, and in a matter of moments the Beast and all his household are released from the curse. The transformed beast is now a prince. And as everyone is dancing and singing and light streams into the darkened mansion, Rebekah says, “Hey. Wait a minute. That’s not fair. He died before she said, ‘I love you.’ He died before the rose petal fell. He should still be a dead beast.”
I found myself explaining to Becky the triumph of love, and that maybe the rules can change for the right reasons. With her trademarked furrowed brow and doubting eyes, I knew that she was not buying what I said, and it would not be the last time that happened.
We are used to Disney endings, though we don’t always buy them. We’ve experienced too much of life to expect that everything always works out happily for everyone, pain-free, and cost-free. And in fact, some of us are suspicious if all the details end up neat and tidy.
For those of us in this category, St. Mark’s story of the Resurrection should be our favorite. Many of the details found in at least one other Gospel are here:
• Three women come to the tomb early Sunday
morning to anoint the corpse.
• They wonder how they will move the large
stone in front of the tomb. But they find the
stone already moved.
• A young man in white tells them that he
knows that they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth
who was crucified. But he is not here – he
has been raised. The tomb indeed is empty.
The rules have changed
• The man in white them charges the three
women to tell the disciples and especially
Peter that he will meet them in Galilee where
they will see him.
But verse 8 is unique to Mark: “So they (the women) went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.”
With that verse, according to most scholars, the Gospel of Mark originally ended. No resurrection appearances, no great commission from Jesus, no Ascension into heaven. These were later added in extending the Gospel at least 11 more verses. In fact, there is even a third ending of two additional verses that some scholars include.
Imagine the fun that The DaVinci Code author could have with this real life conspiracy. Mary Magdalene is probably behind this, too!
Our Gospel reading today ends at verse 8, they fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid. That’s not the ending of the Resurrection story that we are used to. Tuesday through Friday at the daily Eucharist and for the next two Sundays we will hear of resurrection appearances. But let us not avoid the gift of this Easter Day Gospel. What is Mark saying to us by ending his Gospel with the phrase: they were afraid?
Mark may be exhibiting honesty. The news that Jesus is risen, that he is not here in the tomb, breaks the rules. God has done something so new, even though resurrection had been dreamed of and talked about abstractly, resurrection in the flesh (pun intended), caused fear, as in the kind of fear that is created whenever something new is done.
Discoveries in science and advances in technology have led to fearful responses to the electric light, the telephone, the microwave oven, computers and cell phones. (And I think a fear of cell phones is totally valid.)
There was fear when the Cold War ended, both fear that Russia was trying to pull a fast one, and the fear that with an old enemy gone, who would we protect ourselves from now? A generation had grown used to fearing atomic annihilation at any moment. Could we live another way? Could we change?
And that I believe is the fear that Mark sees in these women. The Resurrection does lead to fear, because it means that you and must change. The old rules are out. What we fear is no more. The grave is defeated, death will never again be ultimately victorious. God has acted. God has spoken. God’s reality has changed. Has our reality changed?
In the Church, when a priest who is a woman was consecrated a bishop, it was new, and even as some hailed this new life, fear ensued in many other quarters. Two and half years ago, when a priest who is man in a committed relationship with another man was consecrated bishop, again, some saw this as a logical expression of the new life we are called to live, and for others, fear dominated.
From the Church’s life to our common life as a nation, with a national budget that has cut programs to serve the poor, and as legislation is considered that would criminalize serving people who are discounted and labeled as ‘undocumented’ – we see alive and well the wrong kind of fear that so easily dominates us and causes us to pull in, build walls, and create a false sense of security.
Mark offers another way. Fear is very much a part of life, especially when we encounter something new that is of God. Fear acknowledges that we are not in control, and Gospel Fear calls us to move beyond self-centered motivations and open our hearts and lives to new blessings, new life, and new ways to serve. If you and I can live confident that death is defeated, then most every other priority will change … and for the better.
That same Easter evening after Becky and I had had our talk about Beauty and the Beast, the whole family played a game of Sorry. I landed on one of her pieces, but instead of going to Start she just went back one space. I asked why, and she said, “Just like you said, Daddy, the rules can change.” Becky learned well! Each generation does learn from the previous.
May you and I grasp as never before that on this Easter Day the rules have changed. For Christ is risen. Together as the People of God, may this Cathedral embrace the fear that comes from venturing out into new life and press on. May we seek Christ in Word and Sacrament with a greater hunger. May we care for each other more deeply, forgive others more genuinely, welcome the outcasts and strangers more sincerely, give of our time and money more generously, and may we serve the people of this city more courageously and emphatically.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Be afraid, for Christ’s sake. The rules have changed. Be afraid, that you may new life in you.
– by the Very Rev. Terry White
This was preached at the
8 a.m. Easter Day service.
photo by Grady Sanford
Discovering Jesus in prison
I never really intended to visit Jesus in prison, but in the past eight years, I have found him there several times. Jesus said, “... I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). I guess it has been a bit of a learning experience for me to realize how many of us end up incarcerated for one reason or another. And, I have discovered that most people are convinced that they are the only ones who have this experience in their family. However, suffering through arrest, trial, and conviction is an event that many respectable, caring, productive individuals and families endure.
Perhaps you know someone who is in jail—whether he or she is in a city, county, state or federal facility really makes no difference. Jail is jail, which means the person is away from family and friends, the person feels alone, lonely, and isolated, and the person probably feels ashamed or embarrassed or misjudged or any number of equally miserable emotions. In addition, he or she has time, lots of time, that is unfilled. Even if the person has a job at the facility, many hours of inactivity fill his or her life. I have discovered that those who are alone and away from family and friends appreciate several gestures. First and foremost, the person longs to hear from people, to receive mail. While I sometimes feel when I am writing as if I am rambling about things in my life that the person doesn’t particularly understand, nevertheless a letter is something one can hold in one’s hands and read over and over again. It is a tangible acknowledgement that someone cares.
Another item that is appreciated is a magazine subscription. A magazine is something one can look forward to, something that comes regularly. Ask the person which magazine he or she would enjoy receiving or what hobbies or crafts he or she pursues that has a magazine devoted to these activities. Our daily devotional, Forward Day by Day, can be purchased by subscription. Another truly appreciated item is a book. Again, find out the kinds of reading the person enjoys and go from there. Some facilities will accept only paperback books. And don’t forget a Bible and Book of Common Prayer. These, too, can be found in paperback. Be careful, though, that you don’t send these items yourself. Usually, the facility will not give a magazine or book to an inmate unless it comes directly from a publisher or a bookstore.
Many people who are imprisoned have no funds to purchase toiletries or shoes (would you believe that inmates often have to buy their own shoes?!) or other small items that they need or would like to have. There is usually a commissary at the site for such purchases. You can send a postal money order to an inmate, but not directly. You can find out from the person or the facility where to send the money order. I’m not talking about large amounts of money, just a few dollars once in a while.
And don’t forget these people’s families. Often the family members are embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their loved one who is imprisoned. However, if they know that you care and would truly like to reach out, they will feel the caring of your heart and perhaps feel less sad and isolated themselves.
Remember, too, to pray for those who are in prison and for their families. There is a prayer in our Book of Common Prayer that is especially appropriate:
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for the future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy’s sake. Amen. (p. 826)
– by the Rev. Canon Linda Yeager
Graduate Recognition
If you know someone who is graduating from high school or college, please call the office by Tuesday, May 16 with the name so that we can honor our graduates on Youth Sunday, May 21.
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
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 May
Please verify times and dates of the events listed with the appropriate person(s) or by contacting the Cathedral Office.
2 • TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Needlework Arts Group
7:00 p.m. The Angelus Small Group
3 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Couples’ Bible Study
5 • FRIDAY
6:00 p.m. Cathedral Wine Tasting
6 • SATURDAY
2:30 p.m. Spring Gathering
7:30 p.m. Fine Arts Chorale Concert
7 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Music Committee
2-7 p.m. Bachathon
3:30 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
8 • MONDAY
5:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
9 • TUESDAY
6:15 p.m. Cancer Support Group
10 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Friends of MN
11 • THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
14 • SUNDAY • Blood Pressure Sunday
15 • MONDAY
4:30 p.m. Buildings and Grounds Committee
16 • TUESDAY
7:30 p.m. William Baker Festival Singers Concert
17 • WEDNESDAY
7:30 a.m. Finance Committee
6:30 p.m. Couples’ Bible Study
21 • SUNDAY • Youth Sunday
11:45 a.m. Social Action Committee
12:00 p.m. Integrity
3:30 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
4:00 p.m. Choral Evensong
22 • MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
23 • TUESDAY
6:15 p.m. Guild of the Christ Child
24 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Reel People
25 • THURSDAY
5:00 p.m. Vestry
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
28 • SUNDAY
12:00 p.m. People Caring for Friends and Family
Small Group
29 • MONDAY • Memorial Day
Cathedral Office and Buildings 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. 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