Below are the Vestry candidates who will be voted on at the Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 30, at 10:45 a.m. Four (4) candidates will be elected to the Vestry, Class of 2024. Those elected will serve three-year terms, through the Annual Meeting of 2025. Candidates for Vestry must be regular attendees at worship and giving members of record.
Sharon Cheers
I have been a member since the 1980s. Currently, I am a member of the altar guild, Trinity Choir, holy hands and chair of the Cathedral safety and security committee.
My areas of interest and giftedness: I am interested in buildings and grounds and stewardship. I often assist with events at that Cathedral such as The Nativity performances, music art groups and other offerings. I think it is essential there is Cathedral representation for groups and outside events who come to the Cathedral campus. Our representation demonstrates welcoming and hospitality, and helps to provide a safe environment for guests and visitors.
In addition, I would like to include “environmental stewardship” as a part of our stewardship work. I would like to see an environmental stewardship page on the Cathedral website listing environmental resources. I would use the Prayers of the People in the BCP, “…For the Earth, and the wisdom and will to preserve it…,” as a source for environmental stewardship.
My experience in leadership: When the Cathedral resumed in-person services and other activities in 2021, I assisted Kristy Moore, the Sacristan with Sunday services, memorials and other Cathedral services. As an Altar Guild member, I recognize the tremendous time, care, commitment and work duties that it takes to prepare the church for services and events.
My vision for GHTC: My vision for the Cathedral is to continue to seek direction, growth and opportunity for the Cathedral, its surrounding neighborhoods, its partnership with other faith communities and its partnership with the greater Kansas City Downtown community.
Favorite liturgical season: Surprisingly, my favorite Liturgical season is Holy Week, from the Passion (Palm) Sunday to Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. I say surprisingly, because Holy Week is very demanding for musicians and clergy and staff. As a chorister, one can lose sight of the significance of Holy Week when preparing so much music and not recognize all the glory in Holy Week itself. I like the solemnity of the Holy Week liturgies (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) that draws us to Jesus’s last days of public and earthly ministry.
Valerie Johnson
I have been a member of the Cathedral for 27 years. I have been a youth leader, usher, bookstore manager and has participated on planning committees for retreats, special services and events. As a former staff member my involvement included planning and coordinating Adult Formation classes, ministry fairs, publications, coordinating with new members and confirmands, and Diocesan communications/activities.
My areas of interest and giftedness: Buildings & Grounds: We are extremely fortunate to be downtown—the beauty, size and location of our campus is perfect. The question is, “How do we use this to glorify God?” Whether it is allocating and maintaining current spaces or modifying and beautifying areas of the campus for our ministries, it is what conveys a feeling of “home.” Making this an inviting and comfortable place for everyone who enters is important to me. I enjoy considering the possibilities of creating a welcoming, well-maintained place. Social Outreach/Community/Stephen’s Ministry: I would like to foster ways to connect/support our parish community while also reaching beyond—working alongside our neighbors. Social Outreach is well-positioned and has provided ample opportunities to be involved. This is a crucial time for our renewal of relationships when even safer in-person opportunities are in the near future. How can we serve others while supporting one another? We are called to live our faith both inside and outside the church walls. We can do this … with God’s help!
My experience in leadership: Professional: I directed courses and research in university settings, designed and provided continuing education programs for colleagues, led and served on numerous academic committees. Volunteer: I initiated and coordinated seminars/trainings, veteran support activities, educational programs for youth and community education/services for senior citizens.
My vision for GHTC: Enhance our community by preaching the gospel—by what we DO not just what we say. When we study and grow in community together, we can do great things for others—together.
Favorite liturgical season: While I truly love the joy of Easter Season, it is the Season after Pentecost (the longest season) when we GROW in Christ—doing the hard work of following Jesus and living out the mission of the church.
Paula Livingston-Lewis
I have attended the Cathedral for 17 years and have been part of the altar guild, social outreach, a Cathedral diaconate discernment committee and process convener for Robin Rusconi and chair of the dean search committee.
My areas of interest and giftedness: Social Outreach and Stewardship: I have been involved with social outreach throughout my life and career and these experiences were extremely rewarding for me—as well as, hopefully, for those who were served. I have always been committed to the importance of providing time, talent and treasure to my church and to God. I would enjoy sharing my time and talents from previously serving as a vestry member at another parish and would enjoy learning from those who currently serve at GHTC in these capacities.
My experience in leadership: As the previous Directors of Health for Saint Louis County and Jackson County in Missouri I provided administrative leadership to staffs ranging from 200 to over 3,000 employees working with medical providers and personnel, community leaders and elected officials.
As a private dentist I provided leadership which resulted in the provision of quality dental health treatment and a successful dental practice.
My vision for GHTC: My vision for Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral would be that we continuously discern and subsequently achieve what God wants to use us to do for our congregation, our community and our diocese.
Favorite liturgical season: Advent! It’s the exciting time in preparation for the “coming” of Jesus Christ. A time of “preparation and expectation” when everyone is full of joy and anticipation—and when and I was a small child it was always a time that we all enjoyed my favorite color—purple!
Michael Thomas
I have been a member since 1983 and have participated in the finance committee, budget committee, served as treasurer, a member of vestry and Senior Warden. I also was in the EFM program and served on search committees for the dean and choirmaster/music director.
My areas of interest and giftedness: While I have more experience with the finance and budget committees in the past and would be comfortable serving there, I also have an interest in exploring our opportunities in social outreach.
My experience in leadership: In my professional life, I served as an investment advisor and was a founding member of The Resource Group L.C. My partners and I ran that organization until we were acquired by Willis in 2007. In 2015, an associate and I started Retirement Income Strategies, LLC. We managed that business until the sale of the company and my subsequent retirement in 2019. In addition to the privilege of serving in various capacities at GHTC, I have derived most satisfaction from my association with Unbound, a children’s and family sponsorship agency with ministries in the developing world. Cathy and I have been sponsors for almost twenty years.
My vision for GHTC: I would like to see Grace and Holy Trinity continue to be a diverse place of spiritual refuge in the city. The Cathedral should remain an open and accessible place for meditation and prayer (subject of course, to Covid protocols). Given the demographic changes in our community and parish, I would love to see us develop a strong voice for our Latino friends and neighbors. We have discussed this in the past and small steps could develop into a new ministry.
Favorite liturgical season: Easter is far and away my favorite liturgical season. In particular, I love the Easter Vigil. We participate in reviewing our entire salvation history through the liturgy of the Easter Vigil and return light to the darkness of Lent. It is a moving service. It speaks of rebirth as no other service in the year can do.