2008
June Archive
July Archive
August
September
October
November
December
2009
 Religious
Holidays Calendar
a
calendar of holy days in the world's faith traditions
Thanksgiving Sunday Interfaith Liturgical Meal
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
this list under construction
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World Religions Series (5 parts)
"He who knows one religion knows none," it
has been said. So to better understand our own faith journey, we examine
the world's religions as they ask and answer the key question, "What gives
meaning to your life?" By comparing and contrasting the various traditions,
our own paths may be deepened and enriched.
1: Pieces or Pattern? -- Three Sacred Dimensions
The confusing details of the world's faiths
can fit into a rough and ready scheme which suggests wisdom for our environmental,
personal, and social troubles.
2 Primal Faiths -- The Sacred in Nature
Ancient and still-living traditions have honored
and ceremonialized the world in which humans participate, rather
than seeking to change it. From ancient Egyptians to American Indians,
meaning emerges from the order in nature.
3 Asian Faiths -- The Sacred in Personhood
The great religions of India and China, with techniques
such as yoga and meditation, delved deeply into personal spiritual development.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism present "therapies"
to recover from the trance of selfishness.
4 Monotheistic Faiths -- The Sacred in Community
The Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam (and other monotheistic religions) find revealed in the history
of covenanted community a power moving toward justice. This involves a
critical view of society and a duty to improve it.
5 Comparative Methods and Questions -- The Sacred
in Mutual Encounter
What effects can mutual
encounter among the faiths have on each of them? What various attitudes
do folks bring to religions other than their own? And how can we as individuals
and a community apply the wisdom of the various faiths to solve the problems
that afflict our age?
The instructor is the Rev Vern Barnet, DMn, known to many in Kansas
City through his Wednesday "Faiths and Beliefs" column in The Star. He
founded the KC Interfaith Council in 1989 and does interfaith work through
his organization, CRES. He has taught world religions at Ottawa University,
Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Saint Paul School of Theology, and
elsewhere. He is a frequent lecturer in area churches and has received
honors from Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, and other organizations.
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Faith Figures Series (4 parts)
This survey of Muslim, Buddhist, Confucian, and Sikh figures presents
their lives and insights for their times and ours. They are not dusty figures
in history but speak to us today about the issues that perplex us.
1. Muhammad: Why He is Loved. How do we align ourselves with a power
moving in history toward justice? -- In the life of Muhammad is the discovery
of a transcendent Power which makes society work.
2. The Buddha: The Guy Who Woke Up. Why is there suffering and what
can be done about it? -- In the life of the Buddha there is compassion
and the wisdom to free ourselves from the trance that keeps us from seeing
reality as it is.
3. Confucius: Say What? How can society be ordered for peace and prosperity?
-- In the life of Confucius the argument between the Legalists and the
Idealists found resolution.
4. Guru Nanak: An Accountant's Truth. Do the differences in religion
really matter? In the life of the first Sikh Guru mysticism and monotheism
were joined. |
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Exploring Spirituality
Spirituality arises from experiences of the
Holy as we seek to understand, honor and share them. This class includes
readings from many sources and practical exercises for learning.
Week 1: What is spirituality? Learn how and why others have answered
and develop your own response.
Week 2: What is the holy and how do I find it? Bring a “sacred” object
to class, an object that has special significance to your personally because
it reminds you of an important occasion, power, connection, relationship,
peak experience or way of understanding.
Week 3: Looking for the holy: What is a pilgrimage? What is a ritual?
Bring to class a chart, map, or diagram of your life’s spiritual journey.
What are the steppingstones and the milestones? The guideposts? The crucial
crossings, the detours, the retracings? The heights and depths? In what
directions have you aimed?
Week 4: Talking about the holy: How do stories and scriptures reveal
their messages? Prepare to tell the class a story that reveals a spiritual
meaning for you (Cinderella, the Tortoise and the Hare, Davey Crockett,
Oedipus Rex, Star Wars, the Prodigal Son, Spider Woman, Hercules, etc).
Week 5: Understanding the unholy: What is the source of evil? Why is
there so much suffering? What does death mean? Describe the greatest evil,
injustice or suffering you know about personally.
Week 6: What is the nature of holy love? What is the spiritual dimension
of sexuality? Write a personal ad to attract or keep your ideal mate.
Week 7: What is the nature of God or the gods, if any? How do we know?
What is our life purpose? What is the destiny of the human race? Prepare
your obituary or write your funeral or memorial service.
Mondays 6:30-9:30 except Labor Day
Ottawa University - Kansas City 913.451.1431
4370 W 109 #200, Leawood, KS 66211
Call for audit or credit (four undergraduate
hours) fees.
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The World's Faiths:
Similarities and Differences
Whether there are more similarities than differences among the faiths depends
on your point of view and how you count. I'll explain. And I'll also say
we probably can learn more from differences than from how we might be alike.
We need to overcome our fear of differences because differences are real
and valuable and life-saving. |
Annual Programs
this list under construction
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The 23nd annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Sunday
Family Ritual Meal, always the Sunday before Thanksgiving
When: 2007 Nov 18 Sunday 6-8 pm
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship
Hall, 1700 Westport Rd, near State Line
Cost: $25 per adult, $20 child
For more information: 913-649-5114 or staff@cres.org
Reservations accepted after Nov 1. email
staff@cres.org
if
you wish to be on the waiting list.
FOR A POSTER-TYPE ANNOUNCEMENT, VISIT
www.cres.org/thanks
Members of more than a dozen faiths gather and
three local interfaith leaders will be honored at the 23nd annual Interfaith
Thanksgiving Sunday Family Ritual Meal Nov. 18. It is the region's oldest
continuing interfaith tradition.
HONOREES this year are the Rev David E Nelson,
DMin, past convener of the Interfaith Council, and Mahnaz Shabbir, a Kansas
City Muslim leader with national prominence.
The full Thanksgiving feast will begin with greetings
from American Indian, Bahá'í, Buddhist, Christian (Orthodox,
Protestant, Roman Catholic), Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, Sikh, Sufi,
Unitarian Universalist, Zoroastrian, and Freethinker participants. The
evening celebrates the American heritage and recognizes our shortcomings.
It demonstrates our commitment to expanding the American ideals to include
the religious adventure of the entire human family.
The ceremony was created by CRES (the Center for
Religious Experience and Study) and is hosted at different facilities each
year. This year the two-hour meal is held at B'nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall
Ave.
"The dinner commemorates the Pilgrims’ exodus
from religious tyranny with narrative, songs, prayers, readings, and feasting.
To their story is added repentance for the violence brought to this land
and to its native peoples, for importing enslaved peoples and denying them
freedom, and for the prejudices which still mar America," explained the
Rev. Vern Barnet, CRES minister emeritus, who created the ceremony.
Each participant receives a booklet with readings
for dinner participants. The children ask questions about the symbolic
foods that are part of the full dinner.
The most recent honorees are Gayle Krigel and
Nancy and Gordon Beaham (2006). Previous awards have gone to former Kansas
Attorney General, the Honorable Robert Stephan, and former Chancellor George
M Noonan of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph (2005), Marc
Wilson, Director and CEO of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Laurence
Sickman, his deceased predecessor, (2004), Congressman Dennis Moore (2003),
Mayor Pro Tem Alvin Brooks (2002), Arthur S Brisbane and Bill Tammeus ofThe
Kansas City Star (2001), Mayor Kay Barnes (2000), and the Hindu and
Muslim members of the Kansas City Interfaith Council, Anand Bhattacharyya
and A Rauf Mir, MD (1999), who had served the decade from the Council’s
beginnings in 1989.
In addition to the foods of the traditional Thanksgiving
meal including (1) cranberry sauce and (2) turkey, which have become symbolic
of this holiday celebration — there are small portions of foods on each
table with special meaning: (3) salt water (4) bitter herbs (5) maize (6)
charoses (7) cheese and (8) bread. Their meanings are conveyed in the text
with the meal. The glasses of (9) wine or fruit juice are filled at intervals
during the service and sipped together after the blessing is said in one
voice. (10) A vegetarian option recognizes that some Americans choose not
to eat meat.
Over the years, the ceremony has been hosted by
the Grand Avenue Methodist Church, Rockhurst University, the Village (Presbyterian)
Church, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Saint James Lutheran Church,
Unity Temple on the Plaza, Shawnee Presbyterian Church, Grace and Holy
Trinity (Episcopal) Cathedral, Temple B’nai Jehudah, Central Baptist Theological
Seminary, Congregation Beth Shalom, the Community Christian Church, St
Monica Catholic Church, and St Andrew Christian Church, and the Rime Buddhist
Center and Monastery.
History of the Convocation.-- Dr John Hayward,
then professor at the Meadville Theological School at the University of
Chicago, wrote the original version of this service with the help of his
family. It was first used publicly in 1965. This version was arranged and
edited by Dr Vern Barnet, expands the number of children’s questions, and
places Thanksgiving in a world-wide religious context. It has been revised
and reprinted a dozen times from 1974 to 2004.
This Interfaith Convocation has been sponsored
by CRES since 1985. It has been hosted in the greater Kansas City area
by Grand Avenue Methodist Church, Rockhurst University, the Village (Presbyterian)
Church, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Saint James Lutheran Church,
Unity Temple on the Plaza, Shawnee Presbyterian Church, Grace and Holy
Trinity (Episcopal) Cathedral, Temple B’nai Jehudah, Central Baptist Theological
Seminary, Congregation Beth Shalom, Community Christian Church, St Monica
Catholic Church, St Andrew Christian Church, and the Rime Buddhist Center.
Awards were begun with the 1999 reorganization
of the CRES Board chaired by David Stallings.
The dinner begins at 6 and lasts two hours.
A PDF flier will be available for downloading
at http://www.cres.org/thanks.pdf
For reservations ($25 adults, $20 children)
mail your check (we cannot process credit cards)
to
CRES
Box 45414
Kansas City, MO 64171.
For questions, email contact staff@cres.org. |
FOR REFERENCE--
LAST MONTH
2008 July
*Jul 9 Wed 1p
Vital Conversations: Keeping Faith,
a novel by Jodi Picoult.
When the marriage of Mariah White and her
cheating husband, Colin, turns ugly and disintegrates, their seven-year-old
daughter, Faith, is there to witness it all. In the aftermath of
a rapid divorce, Mariah falls into a deep depression – and suddenly Faith,
a child with no religious background whatsoever, hears divine voices, starts
reciting biblical passages, and develops stigmata. And when the miraculous
healings begin, mother and daughter are thrust into the volatile center
of controversy and into the heat of custody battle – trapped in a mad media
circus that threatens what little stability the family has left.
*Jul 20 Sun 10:30a
"Art and Religion," a sermon by Vern Barnet
United Church of the Good Shepherd, 913-432-0404
3500 Dodson Avenue, KCKS
Art breaks through the narrow and tortuous enclosure of the finite
and provides us a window on the infinite. --adapted from Pope Pius XII
(1952 Apr 8)
Jul 31 Thu 6p reception / 7 lecture
Flanigan Lecture by Steven Schroeder, MD
St Joseph Medical Center, Alex George Auditorium, Building D
Schroeder is Distinguished Professor of Health
and Health Care at the University of California/San Francisco. He speaks
on "Revisiting American Health Policy: Why change is so necessary but so
hard to achieve." Dr. Schroeder is also past president and CEO of the Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation.
Free but registration
required or email dblackwood@practicalbioethics.org.
A generous donor has issued a $500,000 challenge/match
to all of Rosemary's admirers. Gifts of all sizes are welcome so we can
complete the endowment for the Rosemary Flanigan Chair at the Center for
Practical Bioethics.
2008 June
June 6 Fri 7:30-8:45a
The Center for Spirit at Work Breakfast Club
Matt Anthony, President and CEO of VML, on "Translating Core Values
into Real Business Value."
reservations@centerforspiritatwork.org
816.268.1078
Westin Crown Center Hotel, 1 East Pershing Road.
2008 Jun 8 Sun 10:30a - noon
Swami Nishpapananda will speak on "The Halo of God."
Vedanta Society of KCMo, 8701 Ward Pkwy, KCMo 64114
816-444-8045, info@vedantakc.org, www.vedantakc.org
No charge.
Swami Nishpapananda is a monk
of the Ramakrishna Order of India and assistant minister at the Vedanta
Society of St Louis.
*June 8 Sun 1:30p
Vern moderatess a panel on "Diversity in Religion" concluding the at
the Cultural Crossroads-Plaza Library series, Cultural Conversations
Plaza Library. The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council has agreed
to be a cooperative partner, and members of the Council are expected to
participate.
Religion transcends culture
and, yet, all religions arise from and are rooted in particular cultures.
Which elements of religion are attributable to culture and which are ‘beyond’
that culture? How do those cultural elements affect those born into
the religion and those who would convert? How do those elements affect
the religion itself?
The goal of this event is to
provide an opportunity for members of the public to meet with the representatives
of different faith traditions for open dialogue and educational information.
It also presents a unique opportunity for Council members to meet and talk
directly with members of the public who are actively interested in religious
diversity.
See www.culturalcrossroads-kc.org/
1. Which elements of [your] religion
are attributable to culture and which are 'beyond' that culture?
2. How do those cultural elements
affect those born into the religion and those who would convert?
3. How do those elements affect the
religion itself?
4. What is the greatest gift your
faith can offer to those of other faiths?
5. From the loss of the sense of the
sacred, we face three great crises, in the environment, in knowing our
own true natures, and in how to get along with one another. What wisdom
does your faith offer for us to recover a sense of the sacred and how does
the sacred instruct us about these three crises?
6. What are the issues people of your
faith are concerned about that affect the political season we are entering?
7. None of the panelists represents
Christianity, the majority tradition in America. What are the difficulties
and the blessings of practicing a minority faith? How do others treat you?
What are typical misunderstandings about your tradition? What would you
like others to know about your faith?
8. How have interfaith experiences
changed you? Why are interfaith relationships important? What misunderstandings
do you encounter about interfaith work? How does interfaith work make Kanas
City a better place? What are your personal interfaith goals and interfaith
goals for Kansas City?
American Indian: the Rev. Gary Langston and the
Rev. Lee "Stumbling Deer" Slusher
Baha'i: Barb McAtee
Buddhist: Lama Chuck Stanford
Jewish: Susan Choucroun
Muslim: Prof. Syed Eqball Hasan and Dr. A. Rauf Mir
Sikh: Karta Purkh Khalsa
UU: the Rev. Kathy Riegelman (panel status uncertain)
Jun 8 Sun 6p social hour; 7 dinner
More2 Third Annual Banquet with Jim Wallis, author of God's Politics
and The Great Awakening
Downtown Marriott Tower, 12th & Wyandotte
$40 to MAINstream Education Foundation, 5350 West 94th Terrace, Suite
103, Prairie Village, KS 66207.
Visit more2.org.
*Jun 11 Wed 1p
Vital Conversations: The
Great Awakening: Reviving Faith & Politics in a Post-Religious Right
America by Jim Wallis.
The old politics has failed
to solve the biggest issues of our time. While Washington offers
only the politics of blame and fear, Jim Wallis has traveled the country
and found the sparks of a new movement promising great change. A
revival of faith is under way – a spiritual awakening that is bringing
people together round common values for the common good. In “The
Great Awakening”, Jim Wallis reminds us how spiritual revival has led to
dramatic social change before, and how it can do so again.
Jim Wallis will be in Kansas
City for the "Living Out Our Faith in 2008" Banquet sponsored by MORE2
June 8 Sun--see above listing and visit .more2.org
*June 12 Thu 11-noon
Interfaith in Independence, a panel moderated by CRES community chaplain
Josef Walker for the Independence Ministerial Alliance; St Mark’s Roman
Catholic Church, 3736 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence
Jun 14 Sat 7:00p - 8:30p
Movie--Seekers of the Truth
Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 West 47, classroom D
816-753-1871, info@gurdjieffkc.org, gurdjieffkc.org
Love Offering
Seekers of the Truth was
produced in 2007 by the Institut G. I. Gurdjieff in Paris France. The movie
introduces the life and work of G.I. Gurdjieff, a world renowned philosopher
of Armenian origin. Coffee and Discussion follow. Donations to offset
the cost of the facility are accepted. The film is available only through
the Gurdjieff Foundation.
The members of The Gurdjieff
Foundation of Kansas City have been working together for over twenty years
in the Metropolitan Area. We are a registered non-profit corporation, sanctioned
by the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York.
Background.-- Georgi Ivanovitch
Gurdjieff was born c.1866 in Armenia of a Greek father and an Armenian
mother. In his youth he studied science, medicine, and the ministry, but
found that these disciplines could not answer his questions about the essential
nature of humanity and our possibilities. He embarked on a search for ancient
wisdom that took him to remote regions of the Middle East, Africa and Central
Asia. He reappeared in Russia c.1912 with a distinctive, internally
consistent teaching rooted in Asian and Western spiritual traditions.
He eventually settled near Paris and established the Institute for the
Harmonious Development of Man. He continued to teach in Paris and New York
until his death in 1949.
The original Gurdjieff Groups
were established in Paris, London, New York, and Caracas. The teachings
radiated from those centers and can now be found in most metropolitan areas
around the world.
Jun 15 Sun 3:00p - 4:30p
A Sermon From the Mountain (Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
in word and song); Westport Presbyterian Church, 201 Westport Road, 816-931-1032,
info@westportcenterforthearts.org,
westportcenterforthearts.org; $5.00
Acclaimed New York City tenor
Robert Hughes performs African-American Spirituals, accompanied by Marian
Thomas. Alice Parker's "A Sermon From the Mountain" will be presented by
the Westport Presbyterian Church Choir, directed by Marian Thomas, with
Sam Wisman, drums, Stephan Casurella, organ, Ron Brown, piano, and soloists
Robert Hughes, Paul Davidson, Pam Gregory and Christine Schneider. -- This
program, originally scheduled for February 15, was postponed until June
15 because of bad weather.
Jun 19 Thu 7p-Jun 22 Noon
Ecumenical Women's Gathering
Community of Christ International Headquarters, 1001 West Walnut, Independence,
MO 64050
800-825-2806, ext. 2247, gathering08@cofchrist.org, www.gathering08.org,
$175. including meals.
Church Women United, Inc. is sponsoring
a national women's conference June 19-22, 2008. Outstanding speakers
and presenters are listed on the electronic registration website www.gathering08.org.
You can also see more about Church Women United at www.churchwomen.org.
All women are encouraged to
attend this event. The main objectives of this gathering will be to experience
vibrant worships, noted speakers, small group communities, and motivating
workshops. Contemporary issues will be addressed including peace
and justice, diversity, racism, reconciliation, ecology, health issues,
family, theological perspectives, trafficking, domestic violence, violence
in teen relationships, and outreach opportunities and more.
The conference provides a unique
opportunity to hear and interact with top rated presenters. For example,
we will hear from Kikanza Nuri Robbins, of the Robins Group, dedicated
to “Facilitating Processes that Heal and Transform.” Dr. Nuri Robbins,
a trustee of the San Francisco Theological Seminary, also serves as Presbyterian
pastor. Her focus is helping congregations that are seeking to become whole
and healthy communities of faith.
We will have the opportunity
to hear from Dr. Glory E. Dharmaraj, who is the Director of Spiritual Formation
and Mission Theology for the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global
Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Dharmaraj is the Administrator
of the United Methodist Seminar Program on National and International Affairs
at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York.
Kansas
City's own Josef Walker presents a workshop, "Diversity of Faith Groups:
How to find and Understand the Diversity of Your Community."
Rev. Cynthia L. Hale (D.Min)
is the founding and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in
Decatur, Georgia. Beginning with only four persons meeting for Bible study,
over 8,500 persons have joined Ray in the last 21 years. Dr. Hale has received
many honors and awards. She was inducted into the African-American Biographies
Hall of Fame and the Martin Luther King’s Board of Preachers in Atlanta,
GA.
Gillian Martin Sorenson – formerly
the Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations, now Senior Advisor
at the United Nations Foundation, is a national advocate on matters related
to the United Nations and the United States.
The Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray
– Member of the General Board of American Baptist Churches, Dr. McCray
serves as a preacher, teacher, retreat and workshop leader, and spiritual
life counselor. In June 1999, she was elected president of the American
Baptist Churches and served in that position until 2001. Dr. McCray’s current
work is primarily focused on providing housing, education, and social empowerment
support for fighting against the impact of systemic poverty.
Dr. Marie M. Fortune – Founder
and Senior Analyst at the Faith Trust Institute in Seattle, Washington.
The work of the Institute focuses on education and advocacy related to
the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. Dr. Fortune was a recipient
of the Community of Christ International Peace Award.
Sally Rymer – A young woman
who felt a call to research modern day slavery of women. As she uncovered
more and more about the horrors of female slavery today, she decided she
had to become a modern day “abolitionist.” She has done some really “cool”
things to organize a growing number of teens to fight slavery.
We are hoping that 3000 women
will want to be part of this Gathering and you are encouraged to make your
plans early and register online at www.gathering08.org. If possible
please register online since the electronic registration will be very helpful
to the volunteers managing the registrations, while offering all a very
secure site for credit card payments. If you prefer, you may request
the printed form and mail your registration.
June 22 Sun 5-9p
Crescent Peace Society Annual Picnic,
free to all, members and nonmembers
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs supplied by CPS
Indian Creek Recreation Center, 103rd & Marty - just west of Metcalf
near the Tennis Courts)
(Grills fired up only between 6:00-7:00PM)
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs supplied by CPS
Bring your favorite dish or One Dessert Dish last names A-M; Salad
or Chips last names N-Z
Jay Zaidi 913-220-2094, Nina Zaidi 816-942-6591, Shaheen/Iftekhar Ahmed
913-491-5509,
Please call for information and reservation RSVP by June 15, 2008 at
816-942-6591
Mission--“To enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures
through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas
and experiences among peoples of diverse cultures.” crescentpeace.org
June 23 Mon 2p
Imams from Italy -- private meeting
Hosted by the Rev Stan Runnels, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
with the courtesy of the International Vistors Center
Jun 26 Thu 7:00p - 8:00p
Talk: Prayer and Politics: Spiritual Solutions for Creative Government
Plaza Library, Truman Auditorium, 4801 Main, KCMO 64112
816-931-1832, alamar48@sbcglobal.net, christiansciencekc.com
Free.
Speaker, Ron Ballard, of Ashland
Oregon, is an international speaker and a practitioner and teacher of Christian
Science healing. With a degree in political science, he formerly
worked a a campaign consultant and had clients on both sides of the aisles
in Congress, the White House and some state houses.
Jun 21 Sat 10:30a -noon
A talk on 'Realization'
Vedanta Society of KCMo, 8701 Ward Pkwy
816-444-8045, info@vedantakc.org, www.vedantakc.org
No charge.
Swami Chetanananda is a monk
of the Ramakrishna Order of India and minister of the Vedanta Societies
of St Louis and Kansas City.
*Jun 29 Sun 4:45p
A Jihad for Love is the world's first feature documentary
to explore the complex global intersections between Islam and homosexuality.
Director
Parvez Sharma enters the many worlds of Islam by illuminating multiple
stories as diverse as Islam itself. The film travels a wide geographic
arc presenting us lives from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, South
Africa and France. Always filming in secret and as a Muslim, Parvez makes
the film from within the faith, depicting Islam with the same respect that
the film's characters show for it. Tivoli Cinema with OpenCircle and CRES
-- panel discussion following the 81-minute film in English & Arabic,
Farsi, Undu, Hindi, Turkish, French w/English subtitles
INFO: 816 931 0738; see opencircleonline.com
and firstrunfeatures.com/jihadforlove_synopsis.html.
Kansas City
Star column
CAMP
column
Panelists: Josef Walker (Christian), Ahmed
El-Sherif (Muslim), Lynn Barnett (Jewish), moderated by Vern, will respond
to questions such as "What most surprised you about this movie?" and "How
does the jihad (struggle) you see portrayed in this movie compare with
struggles you know about that people in your own faith have dealt with?"
For background, we recommend
Islamic
Homosexualities (edited by) Stephen O Murray and Will Roscoe, NY University
Press, 1997, ISBN 0-8147-7468-7.However, no advance study is necessary
to benefit from the movie. What we want to explore are thoughts and feelings
about seeing the film, not a scholarly commentary.
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VITAL CONVERSATIONS --
2nd Wed of the month, 1p
led by CRES associate minister David Nelson (humanagenda@juno.com)
at the Mid Continent Library, 6060 N Chestnut, Gladstone. Vital
– that which creates life and hope. Conversations – intentional
moments of listening and talking. A collaboration with the Greater
Kansas City Interfaith Council. "The purpose of a vital conversation is
not to win an argument, but to win a friend and advance civilization."
--Vern Barnet. |
|
2008
August
Aug 4 Mon 7:00p - 8:30p
Interfaith Book Club
Christian Science Center, Red Bridge Shopping Center, (south side),
Red Bridge Rd.(111th) and Holmes; 913-268-8212, pcpeck99@hotmail.com,
kcinterfaith.org; free.
Topic: Politics and Religion.Book
suggestions: Religion and Politics in America: Faith, Culture,
and Stragegic Choices, by Fowler, Hertzke, Olson and Dulk; For an international
focus, Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective: The One, The
Few, and the Many, Ted Jelen and Clyde Wilcox; The Great Awakening:
Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post Religious Right America, by Jim
Wallis.
According to the book you chose to read:
1. How significantly has religion affected
the politics of the country under study? How has it accomplished this,
or why did it fail?
2. What did you learn that has increased
your understanding of the political process in the country studied, or
that might help you be a more discerning voter?
3. What trends have occurred recently, are
in progress, or are predicted regarding religion and politics?
4. How does your belief system affect the
choices you make in the voting booth?
5. How important to you are the religious
beliefs of the people you vote for? What do you look for in a mailings
or speeches that indicate religious leanings, particularly in local elections?
Aug 7 Thu 10p
Barclay Martin/Pitch Music Showcase
Blayney's, Westport
barclaymartin.com/
Aug 9 Sat 7-8p
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembrance
Loose Park Lake, 52nd & Wornall Road
(913) 375-0045
No admission, contribution to floating lantern., Young children are
welcome
August 9 is the 63rd anniversary of the dropping of an
A-bomb on the city of Nagasaki. This is a Remembrance, starting with
a potluck, social period at 6:00 PM, then the program at 7:00 PM, 63 gongs,
30 posters from the Hiroshima Peace Museum, 63 floating lanterns, and speakers.
One speaker will address manufacturing of parts for nuclear weapons here
at the Kansas City Plant, now located at the Bannister Road federal complex,
with a proposed move 8 miles south of Highway 150 and Botts Road, a $500.
million project in which the City of Kansas City, MO is asked to provide
$40. million in incentives. One may place the name of a loved one or an
event or a hope onto a floating lantern, and a free-will offering is requested.
Aan open microphone will allow the audience to share their reflections.
*Aug 13 Wed 1p
Vital Conversations: Fed Up with
Fundamentalism: A Historical, Theological and Personal Appraisal of Christian
Fundamentalism by Leroy Seat.
Seat is a member of Vital Conversations. Forthrightly,
but without rancor, in this book the author elucidates the major weaknesses
of and problems with Christian fundamentalism. Rather than condemning
or rejecting fundamentalism, though, the book forwards a theological understanding
of the Christian faith that is truer to the message of Jesus – and one
that will be more appealing to readers who are “fed up” with the faults
of fundamentalism.
Discussion Questions on
Fed Up with Fundamentalism: A Historical, Theological,
and Personal Appraisal (2007) by Leroy Seat
(1) What do you think about the “Ten Commandments”
on page ix? Do you think the author kept those commandments? If not, which
one(s) do you think he broke?
(2) The first chapter differentiates between
“fundamentalism as a sincere movement to preserve or to restore the true
faith” (pp. 3-17) and “fundamentalism as a militant movement” (pp. 17-29).
Do you think this differentiation is helpful or necessary? Why or why not?
(3) At the end of the second chapter, the
author suggests that “there is every likelihood that in the years ahead
there will be escalating conflicts between Christian fundamentalists and
fundamentalists in other religions, as well as ongoing conflicts between
fundamentalists and other Christians in this country” (p. 62). Do you agree
or disagree, and upon what do you base your agreement or disagreement?
(4) In the third chapter the author writes
about the religious, the psychological, and the political aspects of fundamentalism;
which of these aspects do you think has been the strongest appeal of fundamentalism
and why do you think so? Do you see other reasons why fundamentalism has
been appealing to so many people?
(5) Arrogance, intolerance, and obscurantism
are listed in the fourth chapter as problems with fundamentalism; do you
think the author was fair in charging fundamentalism with these problems?
Why or why not?
(6) The fifth chapter is about the Bible;
which part of this chapter did you find most helpful and which part did
you find most questionable?
(7) The author has been charged of being
unfair to Republicans and the Republican Party. Did you find evidence of
that in the sixth chapter? If so, where and how could/should there have
been a fairer statement?
(8) The author contends that most fundamentalist
Christians “support war in order to protect the American way of life, but
there is often little difference between their attitude and the macho crowds
who gather at sports bars or football stadiums on the weekends” (p. 199).
Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?
(9) Did you find the author’s interpretation
and explanation of Bible passages concerning the submission of women and
women pastors helpful? Why or why not?
(10) The ninth chapter is about abortion,
homosexuality, and capital punishment; what did you find most helpful and
what did you find most questionable in that chapter?
(11) In the concluding chapter the author
declares that moderate Christianity “will likely continue to gain strength
and will eventually become a force more dominant than either fundamentalism
on the right or liberalism on the left”; do you agree or disagree with
that statement? What evidence can you give to support your agreement or
disagreement?
(12) The author is currently working on
the sequel to Fed Up with Fundamentalism; do you see the need for a book
about The Limits of Liberalism: A Historical, Theological, and Personal
Appraisal of Christian Liberalism? Why or why not?
Please send written comments, if you so
desire, to 4-LPublications@4-L.org. |
|
|
Aug 13 Wed 8p
Barclay Martin Ensemble
Bar Natasha, 1911 Main
(816) 472-5300
barclaymartin.com/ |
|
|
"TASTE THE WORLD"
Aug 15 - 17
Taste the World: The 29th annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival
Swope Park
Friday (August 15), 6-10 pm
Saturday (August 16), Noon-10 pm
Sunday (August 17), noon-6 pm
Adult admission is $3.00 and children 12 and under are free. Parking
is free.
The festival is located around the Swope Park
bandstand, near the park's main gate at Meyer and Swope Parkway.
This event, one of the largest
and longest-running of its kind, annually attracts more than 35,000 visitors.
Aug 17 Sun 6p
Barclay Martin/Pitch Music Awards Ceremony
Uptown Theater
barclaymartin.com/
Aug 19 Tue 8p
Barclay Martin
JP Wine Bar, 1526 Walnut St
barclaymartin.com/
Aug 21 Thu 7p
Barclay Martin and Ensemble
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building, 4525 Oak St.
barclaymartin.com/
Aug 23 Sat 10p
Barclay Martin Ensemble
Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS
barclaymartin.com/
Aug 25 Mon 7p-8:30p
Rev. Alex Awad, pastor international church, East Jerusalem, professor,
Bethlehem Bible College
St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1815 NE Independence Ave.(at Colbern Rd.),
Lee's Summt, MO 64086
816 524-5552, alexawad.org
Free
Sponsored jointly by St. Anne's Episcopal and St. Paul's Episcopal
Churches, Lee's Summit and by Lee's Summit Ecumenical Citizens Comittee
for Peace & Justice in the Holy Land. Rev. Awad has years of
experience living, preaching and teaching in the Holy Land. He will
give eye-witness report on current events and the hstory of the conflict
in the Holy Land. He will answer questions and sign copies of his
new book, PALESTINIAN MEMORIES. RSVP Requested at St. Anne's 816
524-5552
2008 September
Sep 1 Mon 7p
Barclay Martin Ensemble
RecordBar, 1020 Westport
barclaymartin.com/
Sep 6 Sat 8-9:30a
MAINstream Voices of Faith Clergy Breakfast
Rob Boston
Colonial Church- Social Hall lower level
Sep 6 Sat 8p
Barclay Martin Ensemble
Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee
barclaymartin.com/
*Sep 10 Wed 1p
Vital Conversations: Discovering the
Real America: Toward a More Perfect Union by Lewis, W. Diuguid
Discovering the Real America examines the often-overlooked history
of white privilege, racism and discrimination in the United States. The
text explains how the media have played a big part in maintaining the status
quo. The book offers solutions to overcoming the obstacles of bigotry so
that people can finally discover that the richness in the real America
is in the long-overlooked diversity of this nation's multiethnic, multiracial,
multicultural, multinational, multitalented people. Lewis will be
present to assist in facilitating this conversation. |
Sep 10 Wed 6:30p - 8:30p
Spirit Circle
House of Menuha, 801 E. 77th St, KCMO 64113
(816) 444-2434, information@menuha.org, www.menuha.org
Offering $15-$25
Through silence, guided meditation, music
and simple ceremony women share learned wisdom as we honor each woman's
sacred tradition and unique spiritual path. We are a self-led group and
you will learn the topic for the session when you register.
Sep 11-21 Eleven Days of Global Unity -- A Season of Interfaith Celebration
Sep 11 Thu 7p
From Pain to Peace: Bringing Bread - Building Bridges:
Annual Interfaith Service of Remembrance, Healing, and Hope after the tragic
events of 9/11.
Community Christian Church, 4601 Main |
 Cordoba
Mezquita (Mosque) with plaque pledging interfaith cooperation (photo,
Vern Barnet) |
The Rev Dr Alvin Jackson is the keynote speaker,with local
Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders, City in Motion Children's Dance
Theater, and students from the UMKC Conservatory of Music.
Local Muslim, Jewish, and Christian
leaders will particpate in a creative service of remembrance patterned
after the Cordoba Bread Fest, transcending religious differences by drawing
upon the role of bread in the three Abrahamic religions and celebrating
the historic period of religious tolerance in Spain during the Middle Ages.
Participants from local faith groups are invited to bring breads to share
at the event. Under the artistic direction of Andrea Skowronek, dancers
from City in Motion Children's Dance Theater will distribute the variety
of breads to those present for the event. Students from the UMKC
Conservatory of Music will provide provide special choral selections.
The Rev Dr Alvin Jackson is
minister of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. After
graduating from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana with a Bachelors
degree in sociology, he Jackson received his Master of Divinity degree
from Duke University School of Divinity. His Doctor of Ministry degree
was awarded by Unity Theological Seminary in in Dayton, Ohio. He has served
historic congregations including Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
in Memphis, Tennnessee and National City Christian Church in the nation's
capital.
From Pain to Peace:
Bringing Bread - Building Bridges is sponsored by Disciples Peace Fellowship
(DPF), an independent organization within the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ) that promotes peace and justice worldwide through educational
programs, nonviolent direct action, and collaboration with other
organizations. Founded in 1935, DPF is the oldest peace organization
of its type in any denomination. A freewill offering will benefit
interfaith projects to promote international peace and justice.
Contacts: the Rev Dr Ron Faust 816-468-1868 (ronfaust2@netzero.net),
the Rev Jeff Hon 816-550-0462 (sjhon@kc.rr.com), the Rev Helen Nelson 816-589-6860
(helenjnelson@juno.com). |
Sep 13 Sat 8p
Barclay Martin benefit for Jellybean Conspiracy
barclaymartin.com/
Sep 14 Sun 1:30p-3:30p
The Worlds of Religion with Dr Jill Carroll
Unity Church of Overland Park, 10300 Antioch Rd, Overland Park
913-649-1750, ucop@ucop.org, www.ucop.org
love offering
Have you ever wanted to get
a sense of the similarities and differences between various religions?
In this afternoon workshop you will learn the structural components present
in all world religions, allowing you to approach your own study or experience
of religious diversity with comfort and ease. She is vising Unity
Church of Overland Park as part of 11 Days of Global Unity.
Dr Carroll is a world renowned interfaith
expert who speaks internationally on issues of world religion, religion
and world politics, and the importance of religious diversity training
in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.
Dr Carroll is the Executive
Director of the Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious
Tolerance at Rice University. Through her own company and the Boniuk Center,
she has done religious diversity training for corporations, schools and
other groups.
Dr Carroll co-produces and co-hosts
“Peaceful Coexistence”, a radio show which airs on Houston’s Pacifica station
KPFT 90.1 FM and on podcast at www.boniukcenter.org.
Her most recent book is "A Dialogue
of Civilizations: Gulen's Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse," |
Sep 16 Tue 6:30p-8:30p
Angelic Guidance & Support
House of Menuha, 801 E. 77th St
(816) 444-2434, information@menuha.org, www.menuha.org
Offering $15-$25
Do you have questions about angels? What are concerns for which you
would like greater clarity, healing, or guidance? Using her gifts of hearing
and seeing angels, Brenda will share what she perceives from the angels
in response. No questions? Come anyway - the angels may still have something
to share! Brenda Hafner, MSW, Soul Teachings¨
Sep 18 Thu -- time to be announced
Arun Gandhi speaks on “Lessons My Grandfather (Mohandas K Gandhi, the
Mahatma) Taught Me,” followed by an interfaith panel discussion on “Religion
and Nonviolence.”
Unity Village
2008 Sep 20 Sat 9:00a-1p
Resilience: An Essential Ingredient for a Fulfilled Life
First Lutheran Church, 6400 State Line Rd, Mission, KS 66208
(816) 444-2434, information@menuha.org, www.menuha.org
$55
This workshop is one of House of Menuha's Let My LIfe Speak Workshop
Series for Women. Workshop facilitator Moira Mulhern, Ph.D, is co-founder
and CEO of Turning Point, a nonprofit that offers resilience-building skills,
classes, and support programs to people managing chronic or serious physical
illness. In this highly interactive workshop, through poignant exercises,
small and large group discussions, and shared information from Dr. Mulhern,
you will learn: #What factors make a person resilient #Where
you fall on the resilience spectrum #What your resilience strengths
& weaknesses are #Skills and daily exercises to strengthen your resilience
and help you achieve ~ greater personal balance ~ enhanced creativity ~
increased work effectiveness ~ increased relationship effectiveness ~ and
better physical health.
Join us! Learn more about yourself .... from yourself,
from Dr. Mulhern, and from other soul-filled women on their journeys to
fulfill the passions of their lives.
Sep 20 Sat 10:30a-noon
Swami Paritushtananda will speaks on [Topic to be announced]
Vedanta Society, 8701 Ward Parkway
816-444-8045, info@vedantakc.org, www.vedantakc.org
No charge.
Swami Paritushtananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order of India.
He has been in the US since March 2008 and is assistant to Swami Tathagatananda
at the Vedanta Society of New York.
*Sep 21 Sun 10:30
"Ocean Sunday," sermon by guest preacher, Vern Barnet
Country Club Congregational United Church of Christ
205 W. 65th Street |
|
 Sep
21 Sun 12-hours, time to be announced
Peace Vigil on UN Day of Peace.
The 12 hour vigil includes lighting a candle for peace each hour along
with prayer with music. On the half hour speakers share brief stories of
hope for peace.
LOCATION: The UN Peace Plaza is a small park in
Independence, Missouri, at Walnut and Lexington just west of the Independence
Square. In the center of the park is a round fountain with a lovely stature
reaching for a dove above it, and it is dedicated to peace. |
*Sep 22 Mon 2p
Vern speaks about Islam
Johnson County Central Library, 9875 West 87, free.
JCCC's Brown and Gold Club (membership over 4,300) provides special
programs designed to benefit persons over 55+ living in Johnson County.
"Dr. Barnet will enhance our
understanding of Islam, a religion of peace and surrender, and how it is
practiced by ordinary people in their daily lives. It is the fastest growing
religion today. This interactive lecture deals with the history, art, scripture,
theologies, and modern character of Islam." |
Sep 23 Tue 10:00a - 12:00p
Angelic Guidance & Support
House of Menuha, 801 E. 77th St, KCMO 64113
(816) 444-2434, information@menuha.org, www.menuha.org
Offering $15-$25
Do you have questions about angels? What are concerns for which you
would like greater clarity, healing, or guidance? Using her gifts of hearing
and seeing angels, Brenda will share what she perceives from the angels
in response. No questions? Come anyway - the angels may still have something
to share! Brenda Hafner, MSW, Soul Teachings¨ (House of Menuha programming
is designed for women participants)
Sep 23 Tu 8p
Barclay Martin Ensemble
JP Wine Bar, 1526 Walnut
barclaymartin.com/
Sep 25 Thu
55th Annual Harmony Humanitarian Awards Dinner
Honorees include CRES Board member Mahnaz Shabbir, Peter Levi and Sandra
Lawrence
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
Harmony: 816.333.5059
Sep 26 Fri 6:30
Annual Intercultural Friendship and Dialog Dinner
Instittue of Interfaith Dialogue
(UMKC University Center Pierson Auditorium)
By invitation only
Contact: kansascity@interfaithdialog.org
Sep 26 Mon 7p
Barclay Martin Ensemble dinner show
RecordBar, 1020 Westport
barclaymartin.com/
*Sep 27 Sat 10:00a - 4:00p
Independence Heritage Festival
McCoy Park, 24 Hwy at Spring Street, 64050
(816) 410-8348, josefwalk@aol.com,
independenceheritage.org
Free, Young children are welcome
The Independence Heritage Festival is a free event with
fun for everyone, especially families with younger children. The day features
music, dance, storytelling, food, games, and booths. The nationally-known
"Wild Women of Kansas City" bring their smooth sounds to the stage as one
of our featured performances. The festival celebrates the rich heritage
of Independence as well as the vibrant diversity we find in today’s neighborhoods.
The Mid-Continent Public Library and other organizations offer special
activities throughout the day. The Festival is held in McCoy Park, across
the street from the Truman Library. “Come on in, Neighbor!”
Sep 28 Sun 11:30 Cocktails & Conversation/ 12:30 Lunch & Program
MainStream Coalition 15th Birthday Celebration and 8th Annual Meneilly
Stand Up, Speak Out Award Luncheon (honoring three of MainStream's
founders: Nancy Brown, David Goldstein, Rabbi Mark Levin)
Sheraton Overland Park, 6100 College Boulevard
Details: mainstreamcoalition.com.
2008 October
*Oct 8 Wed 1p
Vital Conversations: Mitakuye Oyasin
“We Are All Related” by Dr. A.C. Ross.
America before Columbus based on the oral history
of 33 tribes. During the past twenty years, American Indians have
experienced a renaissance of their language, culture, and religion.
Many tribes have become conscious of their original names which, when translated
into English, mean “The People.” The fact that we are all one people
is the wholistic view that is presented in this book. Adding to our
Vital Conversation will be Gayl Edmunds, the Native American Spiritual
guide for the Life Connections Program at United States Penitentiary at
Leavenworth, Kansas.
Oct 10-12 Fri-Sun
Leaders Retreat
St Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, KS
Wise Men's Retreats created by James L Fleming MD, sponsored by Prairie
Health Services Inc; jflemingmd@yahoo.com or 816.213.1885; $150.
*Oct 14 Tue 2p
Vern speaks about Buddhism
Johnson County Central Library, free.
JCCC's Brown and Gold Club (membership over 4,300) provides special
programs designed to benefit persons over 55+ living in Johnson County.
"Dr. Barnet will guide us to
an understanding one of the oldest religions in the world. Buddhism is
known as a religion of infinite compassion. A philosophy as well as a religion,
its practices have application to the dilemmas of modern life. Included
will be the art, ritual, and character of this ancient religion."
Oct 19 Sun 6:00p - 8:30p
An Evening With Connie Dover, Celtic Singer, Balladeer & Poet
Hillside Christian Church, 900 NE Vivion Rd, KCMO 64118
(816) 444-2434, information@menuha.org, www.menuha.org
$20 in Advance. $25 at Door
Acclaimed by the Boston Globe
as "the finest folk ballad singer America has produced since Joan Baez,"
Connie Dover is a singer, poet and Emmy Award-winning producer and composer.
Her soaring, crystal-clear voice and inspired arrangements of traditional
music of Scotland, Ireland and the American West display a depth and breadth
of range that have earned her a rightful place among the world's finest
traditional singers. We are honored to have Connie perform a benefit concert
for House of Menuha. Joining Connie for the October 19th concert is guitarist
and fiddler, Kelly Werts.
Born in Arkansas and raised
in Kansas City, Connie Dover is of English, Cherokee, Mexican and Scots/Irish
descent. She discovered the wealth of the Celtic music tradition as a teenager,
devoting her life to the collection, preservation and performance of traditional
songs and ballads. Her history degree, earned from William Jewell College,
and her undergraduate work at Oxford University have further enriched her
unique perspective of the cultural context of folk music. Connie’s insightful
interpretations bring ancient ballads to life.
For a part of each year, Connie
works as a ranch cook in the beautiful country between Wyoming's Wind River
and Absaroka Mountains where she can often be heard singing old-time songs
around a roaring campfire to the accompaniment of hoarse cowboys and lowing
cattle.
You won’t want to miss this
evening of authentic and passionate music and poetry.
Proceeds benefit House of Menuha, a spirituality
center for women.
*Oct 19 Sun 7-8:30p
Vern speaks on Art and the Spirit -- open to adults and teens
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Shawnee
12800 W 75
2008 November
*Nov 2 Sun 9:30-10:30a
Local Sacred Sites
Sacred (but not religious) sites in metro Kansas City. Vern has been
asked to identify and describe places in our area with spiritual significance.
What characteristics make a space holy? What are some examples? Do you
agree? What would be on your list?
Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission
2008 Nov 3 Mon 7p-8:30p
Interfaith Council Book Club
Christian Science Center, Red Bridge Shopping Center, south side, Red
Bridge and Holmes
913-268-8212, pcpeck99@hotmail.com, www.kcinterfaith.org
November selections by Lynne McTaggart: The Field: The Quest for
the Secret Force of the Universe and The Intention Experiment: Using
Your Thoughts to Change Your Life.
*Nov 3 Mon eve
"Is God a problem?" -- a dialogue about God with the Rev Paul Hasselbeck
and Vern, beginning "Lyceum 2008" with Bishop John Shelby Spong, Nancy
R Howell, and Bart D Ehrman
Unity Village, $299 all sessions, $249 through Aug 31. |
 |
*Nov 7-23 Festival of Faiths, events
as announced, concluding with the CRES Interfaith Thanksgiving Sunday Family
Ritual Meal, with a Signature Speaker Event 2009 Jan 26 with Newsweek
editor John Meacham.
Nov 7 Festival of Faiths event
Festival of Faiths begins with sacred art show at the Rime Buddhist
Center with OpenCircle
*Nov 7 Fri 7p
Academy of Welcome (2nd annual)
"For the Bible Tells Me So" film followed by an interfaith panel moderated
by Vern
First Lutheran Church, 6400 State Line Rd
*Nov 9 Sun 9:30-10:30a
The Spiritual Impulse in Art
Whether art has a religious or secular subject, it can
reveal a spiritual reality too deep for mere words. We'll look at examples
from the plastic arts -- painting, sculpture, and architecture -- and hint
at some musical matters as well. We'll explore this statement by Pope Pius
XII: Art breaks through the narrow and tortuous enclosure of the finite
and provides us a window on the infinite.
Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission
 *Nov
12 Wed 1p Festival of Faiths event
Vital Conversations: Muhammad by
Karen Armstrong and “Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet” video.
In a meticulous quest for the historical Muhammad,
Armstrong first traces the West's long history of hostility toward Islam,
which it has stigmatized as a "religion of the sword." This sympathetic,
engrossing biography portrays Muhammad (ca. 570-632) as a passionate, complex,
fallible human being--a charismatic leader possessed of political as well
as spiritual gifts, and a prophet whose monotheistic vision intuitively
answered the deepest longings of his people. We will have in attendance
Murad Karriem and his daughter Ms. Khadijah. Karriem has been a part
of both the Nation of Islam and our Muslim community here in Kansas City. |
Nov 13 Thu 11:30a-1:30p (11a-2p) Festival of Faiths
event
4th annual Table of Faiths luncheon co-chaired by Carolyn Vellar and
Gail Mengel; honoring the Rev Bob Hill and Shawnee Mission Medical Center,
Hyatt Regency Downtown.
*Nov 20 Thu 2:30p
The Sacred in Asian Art, a lecture by Vern Barnet
Kansas City Art Institute - Anton Jacob's class
*Nov 23 Sun 6p Festival
of Faiths event
CRES 24th annual Interfaith Thgvg Sunday Family
Ritual Meal
St Paul's Episcopal Church, 40th and Main
See Thanksgiving Sunday Interfaith
Liturgical Meal for information from last year's festivities (left
column, yellow, of this page)
2008 December
*Dec 10 Wed 1p
Vital Conversations: In Search of the
Miraculous by P.D. Ouspensky.
Since its original publication in 1949, In
Search of the Miraculous has been hailed as the most valuable and reliable
documentation of G. I. Gurdjieff's thoughts and universal view. This historic
and influential work is considered by many to be a primer of mystical thought
as expressed through the Work, a combination of Eastern philosophies that
had for centuries been passed on orally from teacher to student.
Gurdjieff's goal, to introduce the Work to the West, attracted many students,
among them Ouspensky, an established mathematician, journalist, and, with
the publication of In Search of the Miraculous, an eloquent and persuasive
proselyte. Ouspensky describes Gurdjieff's teachings in fascinating
and accessible detail, providing what has proven to be a stellar introduction
to the universal view of both student and teacher. A local student
of Gurdjieff, Mark Esping, will be present.
2009
2009 January
Jan 26 Signature Speaker Event: Newsweek editor John Meacham, author
of
American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation.Festival
of Faiths event
Jan 30-Feb 22
"The Arabian Nights" by Mary Zimmerman (of "Metamophoses")
Kansas City Reportory Theatre, Spencer Theatre
2009 February
*Feb 3-Mar 29
A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People
Union Station Arthur Stilwell Room, free
Feb 3 free lecture
This exhibit has been an overwhelming national success
since its inaugural opening in 2005. It has been exhibited in many major
cities, attracting thousands of visitors. Locations have been consistent
success, even in areas with minimal Catholic and Jewish populations.
This state-of-the-art exhibit
includes 105 free-standing wall panels with 350 secondary images and text
panels, 18 flat panel LCD monitors displaying historical footage, an 8-foot
replica of Krakow Ghetto gate and wall, 20-foot long replica of Jerusalem's
Western Wall and so much more.
Exhibit Web Site: http://www.blessingexhibit.org/
Arranged through Avila University, http://www.avila.edu/blessing/
*Feb 20 Fri - Feb 21 Sat
Vern lectures on world religions at the Sophia Center in Atchison for
those training to become spiritual directors.
2009 March
*Mar 21 Sat 6p
Diplomatic Ball invocation
Downtown Marriott
2009 April
*Apr 26 Fri 11a
Tour of the Nelson-Atkins
Private, for national ADL conference
2009 May
2009 June
tentative
June 18-22 NAIN conference
June 19 Fri eve -21 Sunday
Gifts of Pluralism II
Awaiting entry in the Calendar proper
| Topics-To-Go is delighted to announce two very exciting upcoming speakers,
Father Richard McBrien on Saturday, October 4, 2008, and Sister Joan Chittister
on Saturday, June 13, 2009.
Yes, these dates are a long-way off, but we hope that by giving you
lots of advance notice, you will be able to attend. Both events will be
held at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Kansas City.
Richard Peter McBrien is the Crowley-O'Brien professor of Theology at
the University of Notre Dame. He is a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese
of Hartford. He is the author of several books and articles discussing
Catholicism. His stated scholarly interests are ecclesiology, the relationship
between religion and politics, and the theological, doctrinal and spiritual
facets of the Catholic church. He has written a syndicated theological
column for the Catholic press. He also served as president of the Catholic
Theological Society of America from 1974-1975. He was the awarded the John
Courtney Murray Award for outstanding and distinguished accomplishments
in theology.
He has been a controversial figure in the American Church, and is often
considered to be a dissenter from Church teachings. His two volume work,
Catholicism, has been a source of this controversy. In Catholicism, however,
defenders argue that McBrien does not actually dissent from church teaching,
but rather presents both Church teaching and dissenting opinions in order
to teach students doctrine, the ideas of those who criticize some Church
doctrines, and the reasons why the Church maintains a certain theological
position.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The Pocket Guide to the Popes, 2006
The Pocket Guide to the Saints, 2006
Lives of the Saints: From Mary and St. Francis of Assisi to John XXIII
and Mother Teresa, 2006
101 Questions & Answers on the Church, 2003
Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from Saint Peter to John Paul II, 2000
(revised in 2006)
Responses to 101 Questions on the Church, 1996
The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, 1995
Inside Catholicism (Signs of the Sacred), 1995
For the Inquiring Catholic: Questions and Answers for the 1970's, 1973
Who is a Catholic?, 197
Church: The Continuing Quest, 1970
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sister Joan D. Chittister, is a Benedictine nun, and an international
lecturer.
In her more than 50 years as a nun she has authored 35 books, including
recent books such as: Welcome to the Wisdom of the World; The Ten Commandments,
Laws of the Heart; The Tent of Abraham - Stories of Hope and Peace for
Jews, Christians and Muslims; In Search of Belief; Called to Question;
and The Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible. She has
won seven Catholic Press Association Awards for her books. Her latest book,
The Gift of Years will be released in spring 2008.
She writes a weekly web column for the National Catholic Reporter called
From Where I Stand. In 2007, Sr. Joan appeared at the "First Emory Summit
of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding" at Emory University as a responder
to the Dalai Lama. She also spoke in Spain, Scotland and was on a two-week
lecture tour in New Zealand and Australia. In 2006 she was an invited panelist
on Meet the Press with Tim Russert. In 2004, she was a guest on Now with
Bill Moyers and during the funeral of Pope John Paul II and in April 2005
she was a commentator for the BBC from Rome for the election of Pope Benedict
XVI as John Paul II's successor.
She is a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania, where
she served as prioress of the community for 12 years.
Sister Joan is the founder and current executive director of Benetvision,
a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality that is also
located in Erie. She is co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women,
a UN-sponsored organization of women faith leaders, working for peace,
especially in the Middle East.
Sister Chittister earned her master's degree from the University of
Notre Dame and her doctorate in speech-communication theory from Penn State
University. She also served a year as an invited-fellow at Cambridge University.
In 2007, Chittister received the Hans Küng Award from the ARCC
and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the LCWR. She has also received
eleven honorary doctorates and numerous awards, including the US Catholic
magazine award for Furthering the Cause of Women in the Church, the Thomas
Merton Award by the Merton Center, the Distinguished Alumni Award from
Penn State University, and the Thomas Dooley Award from the alumni association
of the University of Notre Dame. |
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