July 4, 2002

Dear Religious Leader:

     How will you and your religious community observe the first anniversary of 9/11?
     The metro Kansas City Interfaith Council is preparing opportunities and resources for you to use.
     By celebrating the religiously diverse resources available to us, the day can deepen our sense of kinship with one another as residents of the region, as Americans, and as citizens of the world, to bring reassurance and hope.
     To assist in metro-wide awareness, events at a central site will be coordinated with “satellite” events, perhaps one you are planning.
     Beginning early in the morning, representatives of many faith groups will gather downtown at [Ilus David Park], for a ceremony with the participants returning to their own faith groups with a symbolic connection to share at the satellite locations.
     Following other activities during the day, a major assembly at 6:30 pm will bring the meaning of the day into focus. Mayor Barnes and other civic and religious leaders will help us, and we will honor emergency-preparedness personnel. At 7:30 pm, workshops will be offered for those wishing to explore various topics, and a brief ceremony at 8:30 will conclude the day.
     A more detailed outline of the schedule appears on the reverse of this letter. Changes and additional information will be posted on our 911 web site, www.cres.org/911.
     Please help us by informing us of your faith community’s plans, and let us know what additional resources you would like to make the day one of spiritual fulfillment.
     You can answer the following questions via email from our web site, or by writing us at the address above.
     1. Will your faith community have its own observance? At what time and place? Can you describe it briefly?
     2. Will you send a representative to the opening ceremony at the central site?
     3. Will you want a videotape of the 7:00 am ceremony?
     4. Will you send people to the 6:30 pm observance? How many?
     5. Do you wish to offer a workshop 7:30-8:30 pm at the central site? If so, please describe it. A limited number of workshop spaces will be available.
     The anniversary of September 11 calls for spiritual responses. The support and connection our religious communities can offer one another on this day will, in itself, be a powerful message of kinship, understanding, reassurance, and hope.

Sincerely yours,

/Vern Barnet/
convener, the metro Kansas City Interfaith Council; www.cres.org/911

KC 9/11 SCHEDULE (please check www.cres.org/911 for updates)

The Kansas City Interfaith Council and others want to assist the greater Kansas City community in observing September 11, 2002. We invite your participation and ask how we can support your own efforts to bring the religious dimensions of this date to effective public awareness. We offer a temporary website, http://www.cres.org/911 which will post information about developing plans in the region. We want to encourage both individual congregational observances and a sense of metro-wide participation. Here is a tentative outline of our schedule:

At 7 am, persons from all participating faith groups will share in a symbolic ceremony in which they receive a vial of water to take back to the various services later in the day. This brief portion will be videotaped with free copies available to all who request them for use later that day.  In this way, each worship service can experience a connection with the entire city and with the richness of its interfaith diversity. The site is Barney Allis Plaza or, in case of rain, Bartle Hall. We may also have streaming video on our internet site.

At 7:48, 8:03, 8:43, 9:10 am, KC time: We encourage the ringing of church bells and sounds from other institutions to mark the four events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania site. (See chronology below.)

At 7:45 am, at the central site and satellite sites, representatives of various faith traditions  will offer prayers. We want to recognize the victims in the four attacks and those who suffered with them: families, friends, rescue workers, the entire nation, and the world, in the context of an imperfect world, with many previous griefs and subsequent sorrows.  With gratitude for those who serve, we join to offer hope through our rededication to peace and justice.

6:30-7:30 pm, at Bartle Hall, the Kansas City Interfaith Council offers an observance which includes Mayor Barnes and other civic leaders, those who protect our public safety, religious leaders, and music. This hour will be appropriate for people of all ages, including children.

7:30 pm, at Bartle Hall, breakout sessions on various topics, including religions practiced in the Kansas City area, will be offered.

8:30-8:45 pm, at Bartle Hall, a brief observance will conclude the day.

We encourage each group to plan its own observance or to participate in the central
observance. We sense a great benefit to all of us in the region if we are able to demonstrate that, in whatever way, we are united across religious, ethnic, geographic, and other boundaries to witness to the Healing Power which is the focus of all faiths.

Please visit our web site, www.cres.org/911, as additional details are available. Please help us by informing us about the plans of your faith community. Please respond to the questions on the front side of this letter.

FOUR EVENTS OF 9/11/01 (all times are EDT)
     8:45 a.m.: A hijacked passenger jet, American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Massachusetts, crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center, tearing a gaping hole in the building and setting it afire.
     9:03 a.m.: A second hijacked airliner, United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston, crashes into the south tower of the World Trade Center and explodes. Both buildings are burning.
     9:43 a.m.: American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, sending up a huge plume of smoke. Evacuation begins immediately.
     10:10 a.m.: United Airlines Flight 93, also hijacked, crashes in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh.

LETTER TO CHIEFS, SHERIFFS, EMS LEADERS

DATE: July 31, 2002
TO: Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, and other EMS leaders

RE: Honoring you and your forces on September 11, 2002
 

Dear Chief, Sheriff, or Leader:
     Please join us for a special observance September 11 Wednesday 6:30-7:30 pm in which we wish to honor you and your forces, who are also welcome to attend. Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, on behalf of all governments in the area, will acknowledge your work and dedication to the safety and security of our community. The observance will be held at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 13th and Broadway, and is the focus of a day-long commemoration, beginning at 7 am.
      A summary of the day appears below. Details are available on the web site listed above.
     The event, initiated by the metro Kansas City Interfaith Council, is being planned by a committee drawn from the community at large. We would appreciate hearing from you about your plans to participate. Please email me if you have questions.
     CBS-TV from New York will be here in August to report on our community’s preparations.
     We look forward to your participation.

Vern Barnet — for the  Metro Committee Planning 9/11 Observances
 REMEMBERING 9/11: A DAY OF HOPE

encl: news articles/ summary of purpose and schedule

LETTER TO MAYORS

 
August 7, 2002
RE: Honoring you on September 11, 2002

Dear Mayor [Name]:
     September 11 this year is an important day for all of us. This is why the Kansas City Interfaith Council, in cooperation with other religious and civic organizations, is coordinating many observances throughout the metropolitan area.
     At a central ceremony, we want to recognize your leadership and service. Other governmental leaders and those who provide us safety and security are also being honored. This 6:30-7:30 pm ceremony at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 13th and Broadway, is the focus of a day-long commemoration, beginning at 7 am. The day is outlined below. Additional details are available and updated frequently on the web site listed above.
     If your schedule permits you to participate, we would appreciate hearing from you so we can plan adequately for your participation. Please email me at 911@cres.org if you have questions.
     CBS-TV from New York will be here Aug 13-17 to report on our community’s preparations.
        We look forward to your participation. In any event, thank you for your leadership and service to the community!
        Respectfully yours,

for the team planning “REMEMBERING 9/11: A DAY OF HOPE”
encl: news articles/ summary of purpose and schedule

---

A. Tasks and Assignments

A. Invitations
1. contact area mayors and county officials, other public officials
2. contact area police, fire chiefs etc         City of Gladstone Mayor Bill Cross
3. Ks/Mo governors

B. Public Information
1. web site information: central schedule, satellite listings, morning participants, video requests http://www.ghtc-kc.org/
2. media contacts: Chuck
3. Press conference Sep 6 Friday 4:30 pm News Conference, ID Park Geo Mike Dennis, Vern
4. As I See It" [submitted by KPSK]
5. Bell ringing protocol

C. Advance Stuff
1. parade permit -- walk, not parade
2. park permit OK
3. security arrangements OK
4. banner DONATED

D. Ceremony at Ilus Davis Park and Procession
1. bus transportation from HGT to ID Park for team and leaders -- Clara Dina
2. procession marshal -- Shelley Ruhlman
3. planning music for procession from park (Copeland's Fanfare CommonMan?)
4. children Peace Pavilion / Star102
5. banner
6. ribbon
7. printed card with map, explanation of ceremony
8. Videotaping -- Jaylene O'Keefe
8. sound system
9. Water ceremony: prelude, conch/trumpets/ prologue, pouring water into pool, filling vessels with water

E. Daytime Arrangements, Founders Hall with  Sanctuary open as well
1. names of victims on screen display and sheets of paper -- Mike -- RC's have wicker baskets
2. coordination of pray-ers
3. distribution of videotapes
4. press conferences, Haden Hall
5. hand-out info sheet
6. host/greeter
7. flags for overhang

F. Evening Arrangements (see worksheet on reserve)
1. stage manager -- Chuck
2. TV monitor -- Chuck investigate
3. videography of 6:30 pm observance
4. workshops facility assignments
5. printed program --  RC's
6. Symphony, Ballet, Lyric

B. Worksheets for events -- DRAFT / BRAINSTORMING

5:30 interviews on Star102
6:30 bus leaves HGT for IDP
6:45 shells, vessels, and other arrangements confirmed
6:50 Prelude
7:00 Prologue
        Remarks
        Litany/ Water Ceremony
7:15 Dismissal /
        Procession to GHT
7:45 Arrival at GHT

--------------------------

DRAFT ORDER OF OBSERVANCE
[No introduction of speakers]
[Sexton: Steve Johnson]
[Stage Manager; Chuck Stanford]

6:15 Organ Prelude -- John Schaefer, Cathedral canon musician
         [Seating -- no processional]
6:28 American Indian Prelude -- Kara Hawkins and Stumbling Deer
6:30 Adhan -- Bilal Muhammed [to be confirmed]
6:31 Greetings -- the Rt Rev Barry R Howe, Bishop
6:33 America the Beautiful -- led by Brian Steele with the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Children's Choir, Devra Learner, director
6:36 Remarks -- Bill Tammeus, columnist, The Kansas City Star.
6:38 Ani Mavtiach Lach -- Children's Choir [on risers]
6:40 Honoring Government, Police, Fire, EMS, and others -- Brian Steel
6:42 Organ Flourish -- John Schaefer
6:45 Remarks -- the Honorable Kay Barnes, mayor of Kansas City, MO
6:49 Sarva Dharma -- Raja Govindarajan
6:52 Water videotape
6:55 Time with our Neighbors (2 minutes each in pairs)
        Looking back over the year, where have you seen signs of compassion, peace, and hope?
        Where have you been disappointed? How can we honor those we remember today with the promise of renewal?
6:59 Piano Solo -- “Peace, Piece” by Bill Evans. Dan Velicer
7:03 Remarks on behalf of Interfaith Council
7:07 Bell struck
7:08 Water ritual and words from IFC and assembly
7:16 Od Yavo -- Children's Choir (Jewish and Muslim) and assembly
7:19 Sending Forth
7:20 Postlude with Praise Dancers [to be confirmed]

How beautiful, our spacious skies, our amber waves of grain;
Our purple mountains as they rise above the fruitful plain.
America! America! God’s gracious gifts abound
And more and more we’re grateful for life’s bounty all around.

Indigenous and immigrant, our daughters and our sons:
O may we never rest content till all are truly one.
America! America! God grant that we may be
A sisterhood and brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

How beautiful, sincere lament, the wisdom born of tears,
The courage called for to repent the bloodshed through the years.
America! America! God grant that we may be
A nation blessed with none oppressed, true land of liberty.

An insert describes the Workshops and the Interfaith Passport program.

A. Learning about Islam — nave with video
B. Learning about Sikhism —
C. A Jewish-Muslim Friendship
D. Making a Tibetan Buddhist Sand Mandala — The Ven. Gyaltsen Wangchuk, Rime Buddhist Center and Monastery
E. Comforting Communities in Crisis — Nancy E Crump, Certified Grief Counselor, and Fr Jerry L Spencer, KUMC Chaplain/Pastor, Holy Name Church
F. Applying the Diversity Task Force Report within the metro area —   Rodger Kube, Research Director for the Task Force
G. MOSAIC
H. American Indian Spirituality
I.  "Congregations Partnering Across Religious and Racial Lines" — Janet Moss & Regina Stillman of Kansas City Harmony
J. "Non Violence and Reconciliation"  — Sister Donna Ryan (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) and Ira Harritt (American Friends Service Committee)
[X. Christian Science session]
K. NCCJ / youth workshop

Remembering 9/11: A Day of Hope
NOTES FROM AUG 9 MTG

Review of remaining tasks and assignments

Peace Pavilion

 . Vern asked Grant to follow through with this item and clarify the
presence of the children at the front of the group.

Press Conference

 . Lewis said a press conf. a week before would be helpful.  He recommended scheduling it at 4:30 so that it could be covered live on the 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. newscast.  The group concluded that Friday, Sept 6 would be best.

Media Releases

 . Lewis recommended that we send separate media alerts to individual sections of the KC Star.

A. Mayors, County Officials
 . Vern signed a letter to mayors

B. Police, Fire chiefs
 . Mahnaz sent a letter to police

C. Music for procession from park
 . Jonathan Monk sent letters to many schools to ask for musicians.  They are planning to be there at 5:30 a.m.
 . Jonathan wants from us people to interview for their 7 a.m. radio show.
 . Grant reported that he has a staff person working with him who has communicated with Jonathan Munk.  Through the radio, they'd be able to publicize the week prior.
 . It was suggested we should not provide transportation.  Parents and schools would need to transport interested students / teachers / staffs.

D. Procession marshall
 . Grant has offered their events planner from their headquarters as the marshall.

???
 . Channel 5 wants to do something.

H. Coordination of 7:30 workshops
 . Linda is coordinating 8-10 workshops.  We are going to have to limit because of space concerns.  Pam Peck will have a site but it won't be listed.
 . Chuck asked about a sand mandala with kids. Linda asked about space concerns.

I. Names of victims
 . Founders Hall will be the site where the names will be read.  Perhaps there could be slips of paper with names on them.  A PowerPoint presentation was discussed.
 . Bulletin board with all names
 . Mike needs help coordinating this.  Jean will help.
 

J. Coordination of pray-ers
 . Alcove within Founders Hall
 . Church will be open all day
 . Have someone in the church to answer questions

K. Distribution of video tapes
 . Grant could get the tapes of the water ceremony sent to G&H by 2 p.m. Grant will need to get an estimate number.

L. Listing of satellite observances - ???

M. Website updates / photos
 . There was concern people might be confused if the photographs on the web are different than the site of the ceremony.  Apparently, the new photos will be downloaded and added to the website. Thanks to L. for his work.

N. State Governors
 . We will be asking them to be at the evening (?) event, but not as a speaker.  There presence will be acknowledged.  Only Mayor Barnes will speak. Chuck will write the invitation letter and Vern will sign.

O. Kids 20/4 banner
 . Procession to park.  Chuck to call Fastsigns or Kinko's to ask for them to donate a sign.

P. Printed program with info on United Way, Red Cross, etc...
 . There will be printed information about these orgs. but not in the
program

Q. Press conference during the day ???

R. Jewish representation
 . Rabbi Taub will be present
 . Debra Lerner is the director of the children's choir from the Hebrew Academy.  They (with Muslim children) will offer a meditative piece early in the service and a sing-a-long which includes "shalom" and "salam".  65 kids.  They will be standing on risers.
 . G&H custodian - Steve Johnson
 . There will not be microphones/amplification for the choir.

T. Sept. 6th conference
 . Asked if transportation could be FREE from Grace&Holy back to the site. Clara Dina said that she's call a contact at MTSI.  We would need 1 or 2 busses.

 Parade permit
 . We need a parade permit for use of the park. Gene Flannery (in absentia) will be asked to do it.  Chuck will work on it too.
 

 . It takes 15 minutes to walk from park to G&H.  We need to make sure there is water in the pool.

E. Liturgy for Water Ceremony
 . Water will be recognized not "blest".  People will be invited to take water.
 . Helen Gray wants photos of vessels to be used.
 . Pools is very shallow.
 . "Draw water"
 . Water is being "transformed"
 . Amplification is needed.  Chuck will find out.
 . Vern will lead the prayer with others on the IFCouncil
 . It was suggested that there be a vessel exchange perhaps with other groups with the IFCouncil
F. Liturgy for 6:30 observance
 In addition to what is printed on the back of the minutes...
 . We will sing "America the Beautiful with a different text.
 . We will sing "God Bless America"
 . The suggestion of an honor guard was denied
 . Chuck to inquire about security issues.  We need to locate some
undercover people
 . Grant's son will videotape the 6:30 p.m. service.