The
Angelus
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral • Kansas City, Missouri •
Vol. 71 No. 1 • January 2007
Contents
From the Dean
Thank you, altar guild
Michael Johnston named Cathedral’s Scholar-in-Residence
Cathedral Women’s Retreat
2007 Cathedral Chili Cook-Off
Journey
of Faith
Live from New York … to Founders’ Hall
Adult Formation
Seminarian Rice attends investiture
Pajama Sunday is January 7
Children show importance of God and family
Christmas celebrations at the Cathedral
Library Guild forming
With Sympathy
Memorials and thanksgivings
Two pioneers remembered in January church calendar
Learn to Sign in 2007: American Sign Language course returns at GHTC
Bells, Bells, Bells
News from Guild of the Christ Child
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
Eve of the Epiphany
Weekly Activities
Activities for the Month of January
From the Dean
Christmastide moves to the season of Epiphany. From the Incarnation to the Manifestation. From celebrating the Word of God made flesh in Jesus, to making Jesus, the Word of God, take on flesh in our own lives, in the life of the Church, and especially in how we serve the world.
The season of Epiphany has traditionally be a time to emphasis the preaching of the Good News that God is among us, that Gentiles and Jews alike – all people – belong to the covenant of Abraham. In certain times, this emphasis has been especially proclaimed through preaching and teaching.
In January we celebrate the feasts of some of the Church’s greatest missionaries and events, from Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah to Paul’s conversion and ministry to the Gentiles. Other great missionaries commemorated in Epiphany include Agnes, Vincent, and Antony, Timothy and Titus, John Chrysostom, Thomas Aquinas, and Massachusetts bishop Phillips Brooks, Harriet Bedell and Florence Li Tim-Oi (see page 6). Some are better known that others, but all have contributed to manifesting the glory of God in some tangible way.
This is the call of Baptism. To confess the faith of Christ crucified, to proclaim the resurrection, and to share in the eternal priesthood of Christ by living out our faith in clear and intentional ways. In other words, manifesting the glory of God.
Evangelism, sharing the Good News of God in Christ, will always include preaching and teaching, and especially in our tradition, worshipping God and celebrating the Holy Sacraments of the New Covenant. In our current times, evangelism also includes the Church practicing what it preaches, manifesting the glory of God in ways small and great, as vast as the heavens. Increasingly people seeking meaning in their lives do not enter the Body of Christ by first attending a worship service. More often than not the journey to a deeper relationship with God begins by serving one’s neighbor, such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, or standing up for a cause that will right an injustice. A faith journey may begin by fervently waging peace or being an active agent of reconciliation. And still others come to a deeper relationship with God through a love of creation and a deep commitment to living as faithful stewards of all that God has made.
As individuals, and as members of this Cathedral parish, we are blessed by numerous opportunities to lend our gifts to enrich a variety of ministries which seek to authentically manifest God’s glory. We are also blessed to have plenty of resources to support new ideas that will add flesh to our commitment to serve our neighbors and help build the City of God in Kansas City.
Incarnation—God taking on flesh. Epiphany—manifesting the love of God in Jesus to all the world. Baptism—knowing that one is a beloved child of God called to serve God in faithful and concrete ways within the fellowship of God’s people.
Know how much you are loved by God, and know how important you are to the mission of the Cathedral. Every gift for ministry can be found in our parish, and it is both a privilege and calling for each of us to share our gifts to the glory of God. Let us be intentional and clear in our work of reconciling the world to Christ and embracing all those whom God embraces.
We are missionaries! We are evangelists! We are the Cathedral at the Heart of the City! We are The Episcopal Church! And I am grateful to be among you.
With affection,
Terry+
Thank you, altar guild
I joined the Altar Guild when I was 12.
Now it happened in this wise: I got a phone call one evening from Miss Harriet Howard—the elder of the two Howard Sisters, as they were known at St. Paul’s, Jackson, Mich. She and her sister Charlotte were retired teachers who shared an immaculate bungalow, and who were faithful 11 o’clockers, whose pew was sixth from the front on the Epistle side, two pews behind my family.
Miss Harriet Howard said that she knew that my mother was the Altar Guild directress, but that since I was practically a grown woman I probably wouldn’t want to be on my mother’s team, but would I consider joining her and her sister that coming Saturday with perhaps an eye toward joining their team. Harriet, wise teacher who knew the importance of making a child feel special, managed to convey the impression that I—schlumpy grumpy adolescent that I was—was somehow the first round draft choice among the four altar guild teams and by heaven she intended to have me on hers.
As I recall, my gracious response was something along the lines of, “Uh ... I guess so.”
After I hung up, I considered asking my mother if she had orchestrated this. But I was 12, and conversations with Mom at that point often started well and ended badly, so it was easier just to shrug and think, oh what the heck. After all, I couldn’t be an acolyte back in those benighted pre-1976 General Convention Days like my brother Tom, but I could still do cool stuff around the altar that HE couldn’t do. Besides, I figured it would at least get me out of Saturday morning chores around the house one Saturday a month.
And so it came to pass that the Misses Howard picked me up at 9:30 sharp in their immaculate beige Buick and I set about learning the Sacred Mysteries of preparing the vessels, cleaning candle wax out of votive holders, counting out wafers, learning the sacristy safe combination, polishing brass and silver, and dusting the carved altar and reredos. I learned how to get lipstick stains out of purificators and how to get wine stains out of corporals and fair linen cloths.
I learned how to set out the vestments and I learned to bite my tongue when the rector would appear, imperiously demanding that the altar vases be shifted one tenth of an inch to the left, “no, now back to the right, no, back to the left, right there. Perfect” (pretty much exactly where it had been from the beginning).
And I learned to love what I eventually, post-ordination, came to call, “holy puttering.” That is to say, spending time in the worship space, polishing or dusting or simply arranging the pew racks. I discovered an amazing secret: there is something about being in sacred space with a simple, repetitive task that produced balm to my inmost heart.
I’m beginning my 15th year of priesthood, but have spent a great deal more time than that in sanctuaries and chancels and sacristies, thanks to the intuition and kindness and initiative of two saintly altar guild members. They, probably more than anything or anyone else in my formative years in The Episcopal Church, prepared me to answer a call to Holy Orders. My family was active in worship and steadfast in service in our church, but it was the Howard Sisters who made the sanctuary home for me.
I’m reasonably sure that among my clergy colleagues (or at least among my female colleagues of a certain age), my experience of altar guild work is not unique. And so I was surprised, when I set about in December to find appropriate prayers for the Altar Guild work day here at the Cathedral, that none of the official texts of the Episcopal Church, including the venerable Ritual Notes or the Manual for Priests, include prayers of thanksgiving for altar guild members. Prayers of commissioning I could find, but no prayers of gratitude. Hmmm. Given the crucial nature of their work, this oversight seems particularly troubling.
And so I wrote one, and prayed it with the members who were at the work day December 16, thankful for the work they do faithfully, weekly, behind the scenes, making possible our corporate worship. And to Miss Harriet Howard and Miss Charlotte Howard who both entered into greater glory while I was in seminary, I give humble thanks as well.
Merciful God, we offer praise and thanks to you, that you did put into the hearts of your faithful servants the will and the desire to serve in your sanctuary. We offer thanks for their devotion, their service, and for their careful stewardship of sacred vessels and linens. Pour out your continual favor upon them; bless their hands, O Lord, and bless their hearts. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, who calls us all to lives of service. Amen.
– by the Rev. Canon Sue Sommer
Michael Johnston named Cathedral’s Scholar-in-Residence
Dean White is pleased to announce that the Rev. Michael Johnston
has accepted the appointment to become Scholar-in-Residence at Grace
and Holy Trinity Cathedral effective January 1, 2007.
“For some time now we have benefited from the gifts of Father Johnston through his teaching, preaching, and presence,” said Dean White. “Michael is a faithful priest, gifted scholar, and natural teacher. He has been generous with his time since moving to Kansas City last spring, and has quickly become an active member of our parish community. The Cathedral parish and wider Church will be blessed by his ministry as Scholar-in-Residence.”
Michael will begin keeping office hours a couple of days a week that will soon be determined, continue to lead the Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study, teach Sunday morning classes as announced, join in celebrating the Eucharist and preaching as assigned on Sundays and weekdays, and perform other duties as requested by the Dean.
In addition, he will be afforded time to study and to write manuscripts for publishers as well as retreat addresses and lectures that will be presented at the Cathedral and throughout the Church. Finally, his work will include arranging for occasional visits to the Cathedral by scholars theologians, and other leaders.
photo by Julie Toma
Cathedral Women’s Retreat
Thankful Hearts
Franciscan Prayer Center
January 19-21, 2007
The annual Women’s Retreat is an opportunity for relaxation, reflection and fun with your sisters here at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. In the quiet setting of the Franciscan Prayer Center in Independence, we will come together for worship, music and group activities, as well as enjoying free personal time. Space is limited, so make your reservation now to ensure a place.
The fee is $85 and includes all meals. Some scholarship help is available. The registration deadline is January 10.
For information or to reserve a space, contact Mother Carol Sanford (816-474-8260 or csanford@ghtc-kc.org).
2007 Cathedral Chili Cook-Off
Cold weather is here again, and it’s almost that time of the year. The Great Cathedral Chili Cook-Off will be Saturday, January 27, 2007. Watch for more details in your Sunday Bulletins. In the meantime, here are the top ten reasons to attend the 2007 Cathedral Chili Cook-Off.
10. Help welcome new members, visitors and guests to our Cathedral community.
9. Have one or more chances to win one of several great door prizes
8. Test your latest chili recipe on an unsuspecting crowd of willing tasters.
7. Bring in the New Year right with the first major Cathedral party of 2007.
6. Help those in need of housing and utility assistance in the Kansas City area.
5. Save shopping time by getting a Valentine’s Day present in our Benefit Auction
4. Support Maison de Naissance birthing center through the Cathedral Friends of Haiti group.
3. Practice the virtue of humility when you win one of the many awards given out at the end of the evening.
2. Share recipes with others (naturally keeping any secret ingredients to yourself).
1. And the number one reason for being there—Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Good Chili
Any questions? Contact John Hornbeck at 913-669-1174 or e-mail him at cambridge-group@sbcglobal.net.
Journey of Faith
Journey of Faith classes begin January 7, 2007. This class is
offered to prepare candidates for confirmation, reception and
reaffirmation in the Episcopal Church.
Classes are on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10 a.m. in Founders’ Hall. This is an 8-week course and is designed to help every Christian—new or lifelong—to embark upon a path to life in Christ.
So whether you are new to the Christian faith, the Episcopal faith tradition or are simply seeking a renewal as an Episcopalian, you are invited to come along on this journey.
Contact Valerie Johnson at vjohnson@ghtc-kc.org, or any of our clergy at the Cathedral office, if you would like more information.
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
Jan Frizzle
John Hornbeck
Geoff Logan
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
Live from New York … to Founders’ Hall
A live webcast of Trinity Institute’s 37th National Theological
Conference from New York will be hosted once again by Grace and Holy
Trinity Cathedral. GHTC will serve as a regional partner for this
conference January 23-24, 2007.
The theme of this year’s conference is: God’s Unfinished Future: Why it Matters Now. In America today there is a battle over Christianity’s vision of God’s future. Popular apocalyptic works such as the Left Behind series pit the forces of good and evil in an imminent showdown where God will defeat the forces of evil, the earth will be annihilated, and the saved lifted up. The claim of this conference is that this vision is a massive and dangerous distortion of the biblical picture of God’s purpose. This apocalypticism, in our tradition and others, supports a politics of polarization, violence, and extremism.
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| Jόrgen Moltmann
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| Barbara R. Rossing
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| Peter J. Gomes |
In a lifetime of teaching and writing, Jόrgen Moltmann (Theology of Hope, The Coming of God) has championed an alternative to contemporary renderings of apocalypticism. His perspective is rich in its biblical grounding as well as socio-historical analysis, underscoring the political implications of all theological visions about ultimate things. Now at the pinnacle of a significant career, he offers a powerful story in which God is truly all in all and no life, no aspect of God’s good creation is abandoned.
To shed a particularly American light on these questions, theologian and author The Rev. Barbara R. Rossing, Th.D. (The Rapture Exposed) will trace the development of the prevailing narrative and propose a reading of the text that is both more life-giving and more faithful to Christian tradition. The Rev. Professor Peter J. Gomes, best-selling author, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, and Pusey Minister in The Memorial Church at Harvard, will reflect on how a vision of God’s future has served as a source of hope and direction in the African-American struggle of liberation.
From the fate of the individual soul and a model of universal reconciliation to the transformation of the cosmos and a vital focus on ecology, the promise of this conference is practical theology at its most important, as we explore together how a Christian perspective on last things and things that last can be a vital spring for moral life now.
This year’s conference addresses topics that require reflection and discussion, and this opportunity to participate in the larger conference, on a regional level should prove beneficial for all involved. Keynote speakers will set the groundwork for participants to engage in conversation within small groups and even phone in or e-mail questions to speakers in New York.
If you are interested in attending this conference, please register online or download the registration form (PDF) and mail it to: Valerie Johnson, Regional Site Coordinator, at GHTC. Questions may be directed also to vjohnson@ghtc-kc.org.
There is a registration fee to attend the conference and includes all sessions, lunch, refreshments and parking. For those who wish to earn CEU for their participation, the fee is $35. This conference has been approved for 5 CEUs when the registrant attends all sessions and reflection groups. For those who would like to attend without earning credit, the fee is $25.
Adult Formation
Common Room • Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
January 7, 14, 21 & 28
How to Read the Bible and Why Bother?
Led by Fr. Michael Johnston
“Last year” (October 2006), we got through the “Why bother” part, but there’s still quite a bit to discuss and discern about strategies for reading the Bible that work in community -- as opposed to inside the academy. We will take a look at how we can gain a deeper encounter with the biblical literature, how it has shaped the content and character of Christian life throughout the centuries, and what its narrative might mean for us today.
*Attendance of the October session is not required for the January session as we will be at a new starting point in the material. We will continue to use Engaging the Word, from the New Church’s Teaching Series. Copies are still available in our Cathedral Bookstore.
Seminarian Rice attends investiture
Dear Cathedral Family,
I hope you are all doing well. I am writing to tell you about the
opportunity I had to attend the seating of our new Presiding Bishop
Katherine Jefferts Schori at the National Cathedral in Washington,
D.C. There were thirty spots for seminarians to attend and I was one
of the happy few who got a ticket. It truly was one of the most
beautiful liturgies I’ve ever seen. There were banners and ribbons
and liturgical dancers and choirs of all types—the type of pageantry
so wonderful to see at such a historic occasion.
The women clergy
had turned out in force to support their sister Katherine taking on
this new mantle of leadership in the Body of Christ, and it was
inspiring to see them. What struck me the most about the entire
event, however, was that underneath all of the lights and colors and
noise was a deeply peaceful and abiding joy in that sanctuary. There
was a sense of family and fellowship and celebration of the
blessings God has showered upon our Church, guiding us to new light
through all of our struggles to remain one family. It was a day I
will not soon forget, and a day in which I thought of you all at
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral with much love.
From your seminarian, Whitney Rice
Pajama Sunday is January 7
“Let the little children come to me,” said Jesus. Let us make it easier for you, at least for one day. Bring your children to formation in their pajamas. January 7 is the first official “Pajama Sunday” at the Cathedral.
Don’t let the post holiday/cold weather blahs keep your children from joining us in formation. While flannel sheets and hibernation sound awfully tempting, our classes and chapels spark a light in your child’s soul that will keep perpetually.
Hide it under a blanket? No! They want to let it shine. Start the car and come as you are.
Pajamas should be of appropriate length, content and warmth. Let your little children come to Him. Bring them to formation on January 7 and witness the baptisms and “support these persons in their life in Christ.” God doesn’t care what you wear.
Children show importance of God and family
Parishioners Jon Moore and Danny Saphiere recently completed their work on God and Family, part of the God and Country series recognized by the Boy Scouts of America. They celebrated with a pizza-making presentation which illustrated the structure and importance of God and family in our lives and a pizza party. Dianne Saphiere served as their counselor for the program. Jon and Danny earned God and Family medals, along with Ben Mossie who completed the program over the summer, which will be presented to them during an upcoming worship service.
photos by Dianne Saphiere
Christmas celebrations at the Cathedral
Christmas celebrations at the Cathedral included a pageant presented by the Cathedral’s children, music presented by all of the Cathedral’s choirs, greens and flowers designed by parishioner Bob Trapp. Donors for the music and flowers are listed on the next page. The Twelve Days of Christmas continue through January 5; join us for Solemn Evensong and Eucharist with a catered 12th Night Dinner to follow. See here for details.
photos by Julie Toma and DeAnn McTavish
Library Guild forming
Serving Loaves and Fishes: the Cathedral is planning to open a newly organized library in the first quarter of 2007. Part of this process includes putting together a Library Guild that will work together to establish policies, develop the library and manage it on an ongoing basis. We see this as a resource that can be used by Education for Ministry, adult and youth education, Bible study and other small groups — and by parishioners and the diocese overall. If you have a love of books and would like to volunteer, please send an e-mail indicating your interest to library@ghtc-kc.org.
With Sympathy
We offer our sympathy to the members of the Cathedral who have experienced the death of family members this past month:
Anita Borgstede, mother of Barbara Mason
Pete Mistretta, cousin of Bridgett Shirley
Frankie Fowler, mother of John Fowler
Memorials and thanksgivings
December 3 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of her mother, Marjorie W. Beckord, by Pat McKenna. 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 10 • The arrangements 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. Memorial candles are given in loving memory of her father, Homer A. Grant, by Elaine Grant.
December 17 • The arrangements at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of her father, Howard L. Stewart, by Janet, Ric and Devon Sweeting; and in loving memory of his parents, Nell and Claude Dorsey, by Mike Dorsey; also in thanksgiving for Sophia Hope McMullen by Larry and Marilyn McMullen. At the chapel altar, arrangements are in thanksgiving for Ken Ryder by Alan and Phyllis Ryder.
December 24-25 • The Christmas greens, flowers and music are given to the glory of God and
in thanksgiving for
- The Cathedral’s witness to God’s inclusive love
- Our 63rd wedding anniversary and for Sandy and Allen Bennett—Paul and Bonnie Lowrey
- Our children Timothy and Rebekah—Linda Sue and Terry White
- Cynthia Siebert—Sally Chapple
- Terrence and Woodrow
- Our marriage—Michael and Elizabeth Simms
- Tanner, Masen Kate, Chloe and Lauren—Terry and Nancy Rozell
- Helen, Paul, Alexander, Sydney, Jacob and Ethan—Nancy and Earl Cavanaugh
- Leona and John Schaefer and the Trinity Choir—Richard I. Preis
- Sandra Butler
- Linda Yeager—Ann T. Reed
- New life and new ministry
- Greg, Justin and Erin—Mike Sancho and Bridgett Shirley
- Friends at Trapp & Co.
- My children, grandchildren and great grandchildren—Sally Wood
- Lisa Gordon Miller, Stephen Patrick Gordon II, Edward Francis Gordon Jr.—Elizabeth Gordon
- Francis Tracy
- My children and grandchildren—Patricia E. Burns
- The ordination of Andrew McMullen—Larry and Marilyn McMullen
- Life’s blessings—John and Ellen Goheen
- Starr and Tom Wagstaff
- John and Mary Pritchard, my children and grandchildren—Vivian Gibbens
- Monty and Trilla Carter—Eddie and Sandy Carter
- My Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral family—Barbara Bucker
- Benjamin, Tyler and Jackson, Virginia and Max Foresman, John Ingram Eiser, Fudie Barlow—Sarah, Allie and Adam
- Luke and Hannah Woolley—Pat and Kay Woolley
- —Rick Jordahl
- —Friends of the Cathedral
- —Mrs. W.C. Branton
- —Joe and Jackye Finnie
- —Jodi Finnie
- —Thilde Beuing
in memory of
- The wreaths on the tower doors are given in loving memory of Drew—Thomas & Charlene Atkin and in loving memory of her beloved husband Thomas Wood—Sally Wood.
- Luther Crocker—his friends
- The Rev. Richard E. Mason—Barbara B. Mason, Carol and Chris Mason and Cathie LaPreze
- Hazel Helmer and Robert D. Helmer—Faye Richards
- James P. Cochran—his friends
- Isabel Curdy—Bob Richmond
- Jim Hendrickson, Art and Albert Patterson—Anna Mae Hendrickson
- Elizabeth McLaughlin and Berry and Douglas—Gene McLaughlin
- Soldiers killed in current and previous wars—Bev Frank
- Cornelius C. and Cecelia E. Carter Jr.—Cecelia M. Carter
- Maude Forrester, Philip and Barbara Rahm, Creighton Hart—Phyllis Hart
- Frank, Mary and Augusta Fanolio, Lloyd and Hazel Smith, Eleanor Halley, Dorothy Williamson and Jessie Reverger—Jill and Richard Fanolio
- Alice and Edward Verburg, David Hawley, Don Livengood and Jean Bailey—Bill Hawley and Sally Livengood
- Our mothers—who encouraged our love of music—Harley and Pat Miller
- Marjorie and Wendell Beckord, Martin and Mabel Beckord and Edwin and Wilhelmine Christie—Pat McKenna
- Madge Watson Westbrook—Elizabeth Tinsman
- Catharine Gardner—Ann T. Reed
- Calvia Hillhouse—Brent Barr
- Lynn McLeroy and Max McLeroy
- Louise R. Peterman—Ray Peterman
- Ellis Thomas Johnston; William George Kibitz, priest
- Edward and Margaret Gillespie—Joyce Gillespie
- David Ludwig—Sam and Dorothy Gershman, Nan and Andi Schooling
- Charles W. Hofner, Nancy L. Smith, Jesse Smith, Pat Trujillo—Dianne Saphiere
- Billie N. Wallace—Herman Wallace
- Edward Gordon—Elizabeth Gordon
- My husband, Thomas Wood Jr.—Sally Wood
- My parents—Orville (Bud) Cooley
- Anne Pence Little—Mr. and Mrs. William L. Pence
- Charlene Schmelzer—Bill Fisher
- Pete Mistretta—Mike Sancho and Bridgett Shirley
- Mr. and Mrs. Delbert E. Trapp
- All my loved ones—Helen Schumacher
- Willard Arnold—Janeece Buckner
- Mr. and Mrs. William N. Deramus
- Anne and Clarence Hansen, Kenn and Kay Lewis, Lena and Guy Lewis, Helen and Keith Jones, Homer Mitchell—Gordon Hansen and Newt Lewis
- Louise and William Shackelford, Alice and Charles Seidlitz—Barbara and Pete Seidlitz
- Margaret Estevez—Jeanne Estevez
- Zelma Copeland—Carolyn and Jim Henry
- Hannah Hollingsworth—Jodie Kavanuagh
- Jacob E. Klassen, Florence B. Klassen, J. Raymond Klassen—Jan Seaman
- Pauline Benjamin, Caulbert R. Livingston, Lewis Powell, Charles Thomas, Lillie and David Livingston—Paula Livingston
- Tim Sifers and John Ingram-Eiser—Allie and Tim
- Charles W. Denny—Denny, Kent, Michelle and Denny Brisley
- Mother—Taylore Mahoney
- Frank and Muriel Ayres—Alan and Phyllis Ryder
- Bill Haberland—his wife, Clint, and his family
- Sabinot Elynor Bilotta, Ted and Martha Iott—Bev and Larry Bilotta
December 31 • The flowers at the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Thelma Clutterbuck Kerr by Day and Whitney Kerr. Memorial candles are given in loving memory of her father, Jacob E. Klassen, and brother, J. Raymond Klassen, by Janet E. Seaman.
Two pioneers remembered in January church calendar
Several saints and other people who contributed greatly to the Church are remembered in January, including two women who worked in traditionally non-Christian areas of the world, one of them a relatively unknown pioneer in church history.
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| Harriet Bedell |
Harriet Bedell, a deaconess and missionary to Native America tribes, is remembered January 8. Bedell, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., trained as a schoolteacher. Years later, an Episcopalian missionary who spoke at her church about the importance of missionary work inspired her to change her life’s work. She trained as a deacon and was sent to be a missionary and teacher to the Cheyenne Indians in Oklahoma. She cared for the sick, organized social services, filled in for the regular rector and taught women and children. She also taught Christianity to the tribe, in hopes of converting them.
She accepted an assignment to a remote Alaskan village in 1922, where she worked at a mission that also had a boarding school. After serving there for nearly a decade, she later visited a Seminole Indian reservation in southern Florida. She was shocked by their living conditions and began a campaign to improve the quality of life there by living and working with them, not just teaching them. She encouraged Mikasuki-Seminole doll making and weaving skills, and the proceeds from selling their products helped provide improved income. Bedell emphasized health and education over religious conversion with the Seminoles, believing that their spiritual and physical well-being were more important.
The 2006 General Convention approved the provisional commemoration of Harriet Bedell.
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| Florence Li Tim-Oi |
The ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi is commemorated January 24. She was the first woman to be ordained a priest in the Anglican Communion, January 24, 1944.
Li Tim-Oi was born in Hong Kong in 1907. She added the name “Florence” at her baptism because, like Florence Nightingale, she wanted the little light of her spirit to shine with the glory of Christ’s love through her service to others.
She was ordained a deacon in Hong Kong in 1941. After considerable deliberation by her bishop, Ronald Hall, and fully aware of the controversial nature of such a move, she was ordained a priest in 1944. After World War II the Purple Guard, overseers of tradition in the Church, complained that it was wrong for Florence to be a priest, and asked her to stop serving as a priest. In 1946, she gave up her license to practice as a priest but did not give up her Holy Orders.
She moved to Canada in 1983 to serve two parishes in Toronto, and was officially reinstated as a priest in 1984. She died in Toronto in 1992. The Episcopal Church added Florence Li Tim-Oi to its Calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts in 2003. The Anglican Church of Canada remembers her on February 26, the anniversary of her death.
– by Chris Morrison
(Information for this article came from http://satucket.com/lectionary/Calendar.htm and http://www.stepsmia.org/jlr/.)
Learn to Sign in 2007:
American Sign Language course returns at GHTC
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex visual-spatial language that is used by the Deaf community in the United States and English-speaking parts of Canada. It is a linguistically complete, natural language. It is the native language of many Deaf men and women, as well as some hearing children born into Deaf families. In addition, ASL signs are used commonly in preschools and other venues to teach young children to sign before they speak as this is an easier form of communication for them.
In the fall of 2006, an ASL class was offered at GHTC and because of continued interest and desire to learn this communication skill, we are able to offer this course again beginning Monday, January 22. The classes will meet every other Monday evening for eight class sessions from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. (February 5, 19; March 5, 19; April 2, 16, & 30).
This class is open to all who would like to learn to sign. Whether you attended the Fall classes or are just getting started, please join us on these Monday evenings. To assist with planning, please “sign” up, by calling the cathedral office at (816) 474-8260 or e-mail Jennifer Lowry (lowrydavid@msn.com). Children are welcome to attend if they will not be disruptive to learning and childcare will be provided upon request at sign up. You will need to pick up a copy of the alphabet to practice before class begins (or you can download one here). This class is open to anyone who has a desire to learn this form of communication, so please bring a friend and pass the word.
Bells, Bells, Bells
One of the joyful sounds we hear about the Cathedral is the ringing of bells. The bells remind us of time’s passage, with peals of excitement in anticipation of worship and hymn melodies who give us great remembrance. All come from our Mass-Rowe carillon system.
It features small rods of bell-tuned metal, struck and amplified. The system is set to strike on the hour, uses a CD-like program to play hymn melodies at given times or simply sounds a joyous peal before worship. It may also be played from a keyboard. A portion of the carillon is a memorial to Daniel Vowell.
Our three octave set of Wal-mark hand bells is heard many times through the year during worship services. All can appreciate the expert timing and concentration of the bell ringers.
Hand bell ringing has grown from a small group in the 1940s in New York City. There is a vast national organization with conventions, and a large amount of new composition. It has become a unique gift of music to Christian worship. If you would like to be a apart of the special ringing group, contact Canon John Schaefer.
– by Tom Atkin
News from Guild of the Christ Child
The Guild of the Christ Child provided an area of activities for the
children who come with their families, in the area under the stairs
to the Multipurpose Room in Founder’s Hall. The area includes a
chalkboard as well as books, plastic toys, a play kitchen, and a
removable mat floor. We believe that this small gesture will bring
smiles to the children who play in the area and knowledge of our
support for the parents who desperately need our help.
photos by Julie Toma
The Cathedral’s Financial Status
November 2006 saw pledge income $8500 below budget but plate income was $1100 over budget. Expenses for the month were $22,500 below budget due largely to excellent oversight of the expenses by the staff of the Cathedral.
Income for the year is $77,000 below budget and expenses are $53,000 below budget. Overall, we have an excellent change of balancing our budget by year end.
– by Doyle White, treasurer
| NOVEMBER MTD | BUDGETED MTD | ACTUAL MTD |
| INCOME | $ 188,630 | $ 180,808 |
| EXPENSES | $ 158,330 | $ 135,828 |
| VARIANCE | $ 30,300 | $ 44,980 |
| NOVEMBER YTD | BUDGETED YTD | ACTUAL YTD |
| INCOME | $ 1,553,162 | $ 1,476,296 |
| EXPENSES | $ 1,549,969 | $ 1,496,968 |
| VARIANCE | $ 3,193 | $ (20,672)- |
Eve of the Epiphany
January 5 • 6 p.m.
Solemn Evensong and Eucharist, Rite 1
Catered 12th Night Dinner to follow in Founders’ Hall
Since the meal will be catered, we need those attending to make reservations. Please phone in your reservation to the Cathedral office by Tuesday, January 2. Let’s feast together!
The cost will be $10 for those 13 and older, $5 for 12 and
younger;
children 6 or younger are free.
Basic beverages will be provided; you bring your own preferred beverages.
Evening ends at 8 p.m.
Weekly Activities
SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:15 a.m. Christian Formation
10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist
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. Tuesday Afternoon 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
6:30 p.m. EfM
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 • MONDAY • New Year’s Day
Offices and Buildings Closed • No Services
2 • TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Needlework Arts Group
7:00 p.m. The Angelus Small Group
4 • THURSDAY
5:00 p.m. Vestry
5 • FRIDAY
6:00 p.m. Evensong/Eucharist & Dinner
7 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Music Committee
3:15 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
8 • MONDAY
4:30 p.m. Buildings and Grounds Committee
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
9 • TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Cancer Support Group
10 • WEDNESDAY
5:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee
11 • THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
14 • SUNDAY • Blood Pressure Sunday
11:45 a.m. Social Action Committee
15 • MONDAY • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Offices and Buildings Closed • No Services
16 • TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Guild of the Christ Child
17 • WEDNESDAY
7:00 a.m. Finance Committee
19-20 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY
Youth Lock-In
20 • SATURDAY
7:00 p.m. Kansas City Chamber Music Society
21 • SUNDAY
11:45 a.m. Integrity
3:15 p.m. Centering Prayer Group
22 • MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Robbery Victims Support Group
6:30 p.m. Sign Language Class
23 -24 • TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY
Trinity Institute
24 • WEDNESDAY
6:30 p.m. Reel People
25 • THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Thursday Evening Bible Study
27 • SATURDAY
Chili Cook-off
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. Bryan England
Deacon
The Rev. Bruce Hall
Deacon
The Rev. Michael Johnston
Scholar-in-Residence
Mr. John L. Schaefer
Canon Musician
The Very Rev. J. Earl Cavanaugh
Dean Emeritus