Created out of the 2014 tragedy of the killings at the Jewish Community Campus and Village Shalom, Strangers No More (SNM) celebrated its 12th year of programming.
This past year, the group talked about connecting to God through nature and the history of the pope; celebrated a Tu B’shvat Seder; discussed the importance of voting; and heard about some of the history of civil rights in Kansas City from local women.
The year ended with a celebration at Gezer Park. The surprise entertainment was the mother-daughter duo of SNM members Dianna Revelle and Lezlie Revelle Zucker, who sang and danced to songs about friendship. The rain started to fall, but the women covered up with raincoats, towels and plastic bags rather than leave the party early.
Plans are set for the fall season and include a service project touring Jewish Vocational Services, collecting supplies and performing hands-on volunteer activities. Members will learn about and participate in artwork by Jennifer Brownfield Lewis.
Also planned is for Dr. Kathleen Stone to share her recent experiences participating in the excavation of the ancient Israeli city of Hazor. Hazor was burned to the ground by Joshua, rebuilt by Solomon and enlarged by Ahab, Jezebel’s husband. Those attending will be able to experience an archaeological dig. By popular request, there will also be social opportunities.
Meetings are held twice a month; on Monday evening at 7 p.m. on Zoom and on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the community room at Westbrooke Church (9777 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS 66212). Co-sponsors are the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee and United Women in Faith of Resurrection, a United Methodist Church.
