Cherith Brook
d’s Mercy & Gospel Resis
icing Go
Pract
C A T H O L I C
So E lijah did according to the word of the L ord; he went and lived by the C herith Brook…and the ravens brought him bread… I Kings 17
Freedom Church of the Poor
by Eric Garbison
In 1967 a year before the his death and
the original Poor People’s Campaign, King
said “There are millions of poor people in
this country who have very little, or even
nothing, to lose. If they can be helped to
take action together, they will do so with a
freedom and a power that will be a new and
unsettling force in our complacent nation’s
life.” King named this new and unsettling
force the “‘Freedom Church of the Poor.”
“Freedom Church of the Poor” centers
church in Jesus’ directive to, “bring good
news to the poor and liberation to the op-
pressed,” Luke 4:18. And it is a beautiful
way of expressing the way the new Poor
People’s Campaign has galvanized our com-
munity. In contrast to paternalizing forms
of charity, the church of the poor recog-
nizes that those most impacted by poverty
should lead the fight to end poverty. And it
gives proper balance to the role that non-
poor should play as allies in our efforts. As
Joe Cooper observed in one of our meet-
ings, “We can’t convince the ruling class to
change. We have to bring change ourselves.” We must also confess that, over
So the Freedom Church of the Poor will
require a different kind of leadership. There
is a need for those impacted most by pover-
ty, racism and violence to bring their experi-
ence to bear and develop speaking, organiz-
ing, and teaching skills; to model faith in
action for others whose backs are against
the wall.
In one of our meeting, Demetrius said,
“Some people are offended being called
poor. But I’m poor.” And with the median
income at $23,000, ours is among the poor-
est in KC. But we don’t mean the word
“poverty” in a condescending manner. After
all poverty comes in many forms and affects
a wide range of people. The audit done by
the Poor People’s Campaign suggests that
there are over a 140 million poor in the
US according to the Supplemental Poverty
Measure which takes into consideration out
of pocket expenses for basic needs, geo-
graphic disparities and varieties of Federal
assistance. Being poor is not an insult it’s a
systemic injustice.
Over the years we have often been frus-
trated that most of our leaders from the
streets and neighborhood did not want to
be called a “leader.” Did they feel so demor-
tance
W O R K E R Ordinary Time 2018
alized by their poverty they can’t see their you would find in institutions and churches
own agency? Have they internalize the lies of today. Poverty impacts us all differently but
systemic racism eroding their sense of self? being part of the one struggle unites us.
The Freedom Church of the poor embraces Hospitality and service also give our Elders
the equalizing power of the gospel. Recall Je- a rapport here. They have emerged at the
sus’ lesson to his apprentices that they were front of our movement because they are
called to serve others not oppress them. And committed to receiving all people with the
for those of us who have internalized pov- welcome of God in a world that William
erty or racism, the Poor People’s Campaign Barber says practices a “politics of rejection.”
reminds us that “we have to first end poverty Receiving God’s unconditional love has an
in our minds before we end poverty with our empowering impact on all of us. In contrast
hands.” to other models of social change which place
Some of our folks don’t appreciate all the hospitality and justice at odds with each
baggage titles like “leader” bring. So now we other, the Catholic Worker has taught us to
refer to those in positions of guidance as part see them as a seamless garment. Our com-
of our “Elder’s Circle.” This name reflects a mitment to Jesus, his teachings and life, call
model for leadership common to communi- us to see the liberating power of hospital-
ties based on strong kinship ties.
Such societies recognize that au-
thentic leadership emerges from
those with roots in the communi-
ty. Long term commitment and
pride in the neighborhood also
emerge out of this rootedness.
the years, we have been mis-
guided on the roles interns and
new community members play
in leadership. We are grateful for
the new energy, gifts, friendships
and passion they bring. But there
are occasions when boosting
them to leadership roles was mis-
guided. They admittedly don’t
have the life experience with pov-
erty and or racism. And we must
be more honest about the impact
racism and class privilege has on
us; we mirror the very injutices The Elders Circle from left to right: Lois Swimmer, Guido “Red”
Sperinza, Christopher, Eric Garbison, Ralph “Butch” Dobbins.
we are fighting. So this shift is a
concession that, to contribute to Seated: Maureen “Nana” Rainey, Jodi Garbison.
this Freeedom Church, we must
do more stepping back, listening, and encour- ity. And our work for justice is informed in
aging. solidarity with those of God’s children facing
The Freedom Church of the Poor also claims hunger, struggling to find affordable hous-
the power of our diversity. At Cherith Brook ing, dealing with illness, mental health or
we are black and white and brown, Native addictions, fighting for legal status, finding
American and Hispanic, immigrant, undocu- work that pays the bills, ostracism for their
mented and native born, educated in schools, sexuality, raising kids in poverty.
life and street, employed and unemployed, Continued to page 6....
gay and straight, men and women, children
and adults. There is a greater amount of
natural diversity in our community than
2 Cherith Brook Catholic Worker Ordinary Time 2018
“I Am a Lakota Native...
by Lois Swimmer
... from the Cheyenne River Sioux
Tribe in South Dakota. Being born
and raised on the reservation was
a challenge. Every aspect of my life
has been affected by poverty.
When I was a child we lived in a
big shack-like building on a parcel
of our land. It had no running
water. By the 1970’s we were living
in town where alcohol became a
big problem with older natives like
my mom, my aunties and uncles.
I lost my mom in 1971 at the age
Lois Swimmer spent a week in Washington D.C.
in June organizing for the mass meeting of the
Poor People’s Campaign. She was chosen to
be one of 3 representatives from the state of
Missouri
of 32. She died from alcoholism
and depression. She did not
receive good healthcare at the local
hospital. I was only ten years old at
the time. It is clear to me now that
our struggle with poverty, housing
and health care was part of the
systemic mistreatment against us as
indigenous peoples.
My story has also been impacted
by the evils of war. Right after that
my uncle came home from Vietnam.
The war changed him- the fear in
his eyes would bring me to tears.
He would get in dark depressive
and angry moods. He even made housing, and utilities resources. The
himself a foxhole. I guess he felt letter raised the injustice of new voter
safe there. He changed so much restrictions in 23 states since 2010.
that we kids were told not to visit Missouri has recently become one of
him alone. But I didn’t care and those states. These are moral issues,
still went to him to listen to his they are faith issues. And we must
stories. Now, ironically, he is the move outside of our partisan silos to
only survivor of all my Elders, How address them.
beautiful and wonderful! The first phase of the campaign
As someone directly impacted was 40 days of nonviolent direct
by poverty, racism and war, I action. More than 2000 people were
was invited to participate in the arrested over the 40 days across
convening of the Poor People’s the country. I was one of the 208
Campaign in Washington DC this arrested in Jefferson City, MO. We
past June. It was the culmination were demanding our right to adequate
of 40 days of actions at our capitals food, housing, healthcare, education,
across 40 states. fair wages, and other basic necessities.
As soon as we arrived in the While in DC we also canvassed in poor
Capitol, there was a big tent sent neighborhoods and petitioned state
up on the lawn. It looked like it legislators on Capitol Hill.
was going to be a busy week. I Before the March began, many
started meeting some wonderful people from across the country
people. We sat down and talked told their stories. They were very
and started get to know each other. meaningful to me as we shared the
After getting materials together, experience of poverty.
we started making signs, banners, I was proud to be sent to DC as an
flags, and buttons. ambassador, representing people from
My roommate, Georgia, was the State of Missouri and representing
awesome! She was from St. Louis my tribe.
and we hit it off the minute we met.
That was a good feeling.
There was a choir that practiced
and sang during the week. They
came together and sang the songs
at the rallies. As they practiced, it
sounded so amazing!
Saturday was the day of the
march. People’s energy could be felt
all around! We started passing out
all the signs, banners and posters,
to whoever wanted them. The stage
was ready, people were pouring in
from all over the country. It was
going to be a great day, and it surely
was.
Representatives from 20 states
identified themselves in a roll
call on stage. Every region of
the nation was well represented Louis Swimmer representing her Cheyenne River Souix Tribe
including by Indigenous people on stage at the mass meeting. Rev. William Barber II and Rev.
from Tribal Lands. Liz Theoharis on her right and left.
I was one of the twenty who
represented my Tribe. It was a
great honor to be involved.
We marched to the capital to
deliver a letter in which Rev.
William Barber and Rev. Liz
Theoharis raised the issue that
140 million poor people are living
in the U.S. live with limited food,

Poor People’s Campaign & Unity
by Virginia Davis
When Cherith Brook guests and
volunteers gathered for the first New
Poor People’s Campaign Organizing
Committee meeting hosted in our café,
one of the most important themes
that arose was unity. We shared our
motivations for participating in the
renewed movement of Dr. King,
and several people talked about how
uniting with others—whether or not
the issues they faced affected them
Virginia Davis, Molly Minnerath and Diana
Garbison in Jeff City, MO during the 40 days
of civil disobedience.
in the same ways—helps us grow in
strength and numbers.
Throughout the campaign,
I experienced this unity as an
energizing force and as a something
that truly sustained the movement.
For me, it all began in that very first
meeting, listening to the stories of
guests and friends most affected by
the issues of poverty, racism, and
militarism and feeling connected to
them in a deeper way. Even in simply
sharing frustrations with how our
nation’s idolization of money and
violence dispossesses so many people,
it was clear that everyone around the
table had a lot in common and could
empathize with each other. Through
these meetings, I saw many Cherith
Brook guests become more engaged
in community life and in activism,
Ordinary Time 2018 Cherith Brook Catholic Worker 3
and the same became true for the
broader Northeast and Kansas City
communities as well. We were growing
a movement already!
As the campaign built over the
course of the beginning of this year,
I helped organize a few meetings
both with Cherith Brook friends
and neighbors in the surrounding
Northeast community. At one of
these events, we hosted four speakers,
each with a unique perspective on
the evils of economic exploitation,
militarism, racism, and environmental
degradation. While their stories and
experiences differed, the struggles
they had faced and continue to face
overlapped immensely. To hear
four people of different races, ages,
genders, etc. speak about what they Savanah Horan, Kenneth Jenkins and Micah Chrisman were
held in common was deeply moving three of the eight from Open Table, Jerusalem Farm and Cher-
and created a sense of unity. At ith Brook who carpooled to the mass meeting in Washington
the end of the discussion, a social D.C. for the culmination of the Poor People’s Campaigin’s 40
worker at a housing organization in days of Moral Fusion this Spring.
the Northeast approached us to ask
about getting her clients involved in
the campaign. The folks she worked
with dealt with the same kinds of
struggles and would want to join in Poor of Peace
the movement, too.
Dr. King knew the importance of By Maureen Rainey
unity, and the New Poor People’s
Campaign continued this legacy,
drawing into focus that everyone We the poor
has skin in the game when it comes people of our state,
to demanding better wages and
healthcare, an end to racism and war, Of our nation and our world, in the midst of an
and a more livable planet. The first identity crisis and bound by
phase of the campaign coalesced by Competition. What we need to do is
bringing hundreds and thousands
of people together state-by-state. overstand (knowing without reservation)
I traveled to Jefferson City one of that me as a poor human being
the weeks of action to participate
in civil disobedience along with 14 with great potential of being a variety of
other people. This act of unity was positivity, becoming the poor of peace.
a huge source of encouragement as
we banded together to show we were Then will pride of productivity of humanity
strong in the midst of violence and Surface and we
greed perpetuated by our state and
federal governments. As I sat on as the poor
the pavement in the middle of the shall speak and
road next to several others who had
chosen to be arrested that day, I felt be strong again.
strong—even with numerous police
officers shouting from above. The
unity we created that afternoon in
front of the capitol was powerful and
overwhelming. None of us was alone
as we prepared to be arrested. We were
together, and we were strong.
4 Cherith Brook Catholic Worker Ordinary Time 2018

Summer 2018
by Josh Armfield

Shower
Needs
Tennis Shoes
Jeans (smaller sizes)
Belts
Boxers & Panites (smaller)
Shampoo & Conditioner
(large bottles)
Deodorant
Razors
Socks Jodi, Mia, Freddie, Chris, Christopher, Eric, Lois, Grace, Emily
Baby & Foot Powder and Ben going to the funeral of friend “Crazy” Dave Robbins.
Toothbrushes
Tampons & Pads
Ibuprofen & Tylenol
cold meds
Ollie & Zsa Zsa
Body Wash/ Shower Gel
Hand and Foot Warmers
Sleeping Bags
Reading Glasses
Back packs

Tony Pettry

Paul Emory Williams

 Ordinary Time 2018 Cherith Brook Catholic Worker 5

Ben Parker Sutter trimming oriental pears

Thanks to the 150 supporters who packed the courtroom at the Garbison
trial. We defeated the cities charges of resisting arrest. Witness against police
brutality and abuse of power won the day. We are still waiting for an internal
investigation of the police officers to be completed. House
Needs
Clothes Dryer
Bus Passes (31 day &
One-Rides)
Baking Soda
Butter
Creamer & Sugar
Dish Soap
Hot Sauce
Rice
Salt & Pepper
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Stamps (forever)
Energy Saving Light
Bulbs
Industrial Refrigerator
Chris Homiak and Dylan Chan gathering Bill Dickenson extracting honey. Yes we
honey frames for harvesting. have honey to sell!
6 Cherith Brook Catholic Worker Ordinary Time 2018
The Path of Liberation
by Jessica Tiller
Last week, as I prepared to
transition out of my time as an intern,
Jodi emailed me a list of questions
to help me reflect on my summer at
Cherith Brook. From that list, one
question stood out to me and seems
to follow me around even now: “What
proactive steps will you take as you
leave Cherith Brook to continue down
this path of liberation?”
This path of liberation. That phrase
rings sweet and deep in my ears. The
word “liberation” has been with me
throughout my journey of faith, from
my earlier years as a youth group kid
hearing sermons about Christ liberating
Jessica with peaches gathered from our or-
chard. She is back at Truman State finishing
her senior year this Fall.
us from our sin, to my summer in
Central America last year learning about
liberation theology, to this internship
here where I’ve seen firsthand the
importance of liberation from the
injustices of inequality and the excesses
of Empire. It’s the “path” part that is
new.
I am beginning to learn that liberation
does not come in a single moment, like
the altar calls of my youth; it doesn’t
come in grand historical events in a
book about Ernesto Cardenal, or even
in a poem. Rather, liberation is a path
we all walk daily together. It comes as
we continuously choose to make peace,
seek justice, and remain faithful. It
requires resistance, courage, and a good
deal of patience.
I, being young and in a hurry, didn’t
realize about that last bit. Patience. One
week in the middle of the summer, our
passage that we reflected on each morning
before and after showers was the Prayer
of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. I heard over
and over in the voices of so many friends:
“trust in the slow work of God.” Trust in
the slow work of God. Trust in the slow
work of God.
Liberation, in all its forms, is slow
work. But I believe and have seen that
it is indeed God’s work. Now, as I return
to college, I am filled with excitement
and energy to continue on this path by
bringing the lessons of Cherith Brook
back to my peers in student ministry. I
am looking forward to leading my friends
into a greater understanding of our calling
to work towards the liberation of others
and ourselves-- specifically through taking
literally the Bible’s call to love and live in
solidarity with the poor and oppressed. As
the aboriginal activist, Lilla Watson said:
“If you have come here to help me, you are
wasting your time. But if you have come
because your liberation is bound up with
mine, then let us work together.”
Thank you to everyone who let me work
together with them towards our common
liberation this summer. You all have
taught me more than you know.
Love and peace, Jess
“Above all else,
trust in
the slow
work of God.”
Pierre Tellhard de Chardin, S.J.
A Native
Prayer
by Lois Swimmer
Standing in prayers and unity for
all sacred life
upon our precious mother earth.
All sacred nations - all Father skies
All Sacred waters - All sacred life
I ask for you, Creator, to watch,
hold, and love
each one of your children in this
circle,
and leave our discussion in each
others mind
to carry on to others with much
love!
Bless us for this day!
A’ ho’
“FREEDOM CHURCH” continued
from page 1...
by Loispowerful
Their Swimmer stories debunk the
myth that poverty is the fault, sin, or
failings of the poor.
When Dorothy day was accused by
radicals of her day who claimed the
Catholic Worker was “feeding the poor
from the crumbs of the rich” she rebut-
ted that the works of mercy are the
christian’s “revolutionary technique for
changing the social order.” The gospel is
good news to the poor so that when we
welcome others in Christ, with Christ
and as Christ we are all made new.
Those committed to fight against rac-
ism, poverty and a war economy from
the trenches of their own poverty know
we’ve go their back. For those too tired
to fight, we extend solace and hope.
For those who don’t need a shower or
worry about their next meal, it forms
a critical consciousness about what
poverty looks, smells and feels like on
the ground and how the dehumanizing
effects are evil. Our hospitality is our
anchor.
This is all a work in progress and still
so many more lessons to learn. But as
one of our Elder’s, Nana, reminds us,
“Trying is not failure.”
 Ordinary Time 2018 Cherith Brook Catholic Worker 7

House Notes
by Eric Garbison

Every phase of our call comes with a We as a country put the burden of poverty on friends. Our work collectives have been
sense of wonder and trepidation. And the shoulders of the poor. And the church, has a big asset these past few years. Our
while we plan and vision, we must be she bought into this a narrative as well? beekeepers began the season by attending
honest - it is not the result of some Take, for instance yet another attempt to a beginners beekeeper’s training by the
creative inspiration of ours or strategic create anti-panhandling ordinances in KC. Midwestern Beekeeper’s Association.
organizing; it’s learning to lean anew into They will punish those forced to beg for their Then we split up the work from our six
God. And so we have now entered (again) daily bread will be punished with $500 fine. hives. The spring swarm season gave us
into new season of life. I believe it is the The irony! And the further injustice that will the opportunity to start two hive splits.
most significant change since we opened ensue as they get caught in the tentacles of a We hung a few swarm boxes around the
this community in 2007. debtor’s jail system. Panhandlers are currently neighborhood as an experiment, but no
The cover article speaks of the new committing no crime. If the ordinance passes it luck this year. We recently harvested 8
dimensions blossoming from the will expose our hearts of darkness. gallons/ 33 pounds of honey. In a couple
commitment, passion and faith of our The other great shift is in our family. Both Diana of months we will prepare the hives for
longtime volunteers who have established and Henri have graduated High school. With overwintering.
themselves as organic leaders. These six the swell of pride and tinge of loss we took our Hannah Elder joined Ben and I in the
have committed daughter Diana to Macalaster orchard and is training with Giving Grove
themselves for College in St. Paul, MN. to learn the craft of orchard stewardship.
the next six Being there for orientation Though last year was technically our first
months to faith affirmed the decision. We harvest, this was our first substantial
in action; to offer were struck by the message harvest of apples and pairs. We have made
justice organizing of “belonging” we heard from more fruit salads, especially as we have
and leadership many of the administration. tried to figure how to serve the exotic
empowerment I re-committed myself to jujubes. Watching the kids gobble up
for those who are stating that to all who enter blackberries one evening this summer is
most impacted by our doors, “don’t worry, you one of my favorite memories.
poverty. We have
Shower
belong here!” The kingdom Caitlin Schrader and Bethany Buchanan
decentered the role of God is so often depicted in have recently joined on as dirt farmers,
that interns play Jesus’ actions and stories as tending our large compost. Between the
and are shifting
Needs
a place where those who the garden and food waste from our meals,
our focus to those world refuses to include, are this is a substantial effort. It will be a
with native roots told by Jesus that they belong. stinky job to get it back under control so
in the community We are equally excited we are grateful for their efforts and hope
to call forth their about Henri’s decision to for less flies.
leadership we call join a trade. He is currently There is a maintenance crew led by Jerry
the “Elder’s Circle”. exploring the electricians Penland that comes on Tuesdays. If you
This also means union. At the same time he are handy, there is always some broken or
experimenting with loves spending time, fixing, some new project to make our hospitality
new structures. polishing and driving his car.. more welcoming.
For example, We are glad to have him living Thanks to Kimberly Hunter who
what was before a at home. has been faithful this past year wit
planning agenda Henri and Diana, Class of 2018! It seemed that our residential the Monday laundry. And a great
for our residential community all exited at once this conversation companion. If you have
community, is now a bi-monthly meeting season. Ben and Grace Parker Sutter bought a the laundry charism we are still looking
for leaders of the poor people’s campaign. house in KCK. Ben is taking a deeper dive into for help on Tuesdays or Wednesday
We will be stepping back to make room for seminary but we are glad to have them near afternoons we’d love it! What an
our Elder’s Circle to do more visioning and and to have Ben contributing his experience important way to preserve clothes and
decision making. It has glowing support in showers on Thursdays and leadership in the keep the closet stocked. And there
of our trustees and we may pursue some orchard. is always plenty of donations to sort
grant opportunities to fund that effort Virginia Davis, came to us on a gap year and through. If you are interested you can
as well. Please read the article with care, has now entered UMKC law school. We are join Jodi or Lucy Pomeroy so we can get
ask for clarification and claim it in your excited to see how she will use her sojourn resources as quickly as possible to our
prayers for us. among this poor community to affect her law guests.
As you can read in these pages, our studies. We need folks in the judicial system There is plenty of room for helping and
connection to The Poor People’s Campaign that refuse to criminalize the poor and to fight learning these crafts and works of mercy.
is strong. Can anyone deny the gospel is the systems of poverty. Let us know if you’d like to join one of
good news to the poor? This is a radical When we thought we would have our first these teams. There are myriads of little
notion that we are tempted to domesticate summer without an intern, Jessica Tiller, ways to be in solidarity with the poor
in one way or another. One central theme appeared. But of course that is never true. We and numerous quotidian expressions of
of this campaign is the demand that we are grateful that God connected us through the peacemaking that often go unnoticed but
stop with the false narrative that poverty insight of mutual are as essential to the effort of God’s New
is the fault of the poor. Creation.
Cherith Brook
Catholic Worker
3308 East 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64127
(816) 241-8047
cherithbrookkcmo@gmail.com
cherithbrookcw.blogspot.com
facebook.com/cherithbrookkc
instagram.com/cherithbrookcw

Who We Are Our Schedule

Nonviolence—to live from life’s resources.
by Jesus’ model of a Downward mobility Showers | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8-11:30 am
nonviolent way of life comes at personal
and his Sermon on surrender and connects Prayers | Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7am;
the Mount manifesto us to an economy of Thursday at 12pm
(Matthew 5-7). grace (Luke 9:57-62;
Hospitality—to Mark 8:34-38; Matthew Community Meal | Thursday from 5–7 pm
welcome everyone in a 6:19-21, 25-34, 7:13-14).
manner that mirrors the Revaluing Land and
Poor People’s Campaign meetings | 4th Tuesday 11:30 - 1pm
upside down nature of Labor—to rediscover *check our posts for Poor People’s Campaign events
God’s reign (Luke 7:36- our original connection
50, 14:7-24, etc.); to with the goodness of
daily welcome everyone God’s handiwork, the
as Christ (Matthew 25).
Community—to live
proper meaning of labor
and self-sufficiency, our
intimate connection
Upcoming Events
together and share a
life of table fellowship, with nature, the need to Oct 4, 11, 18 — Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Training. Thurs.
economic resources, steward native resources 11:30-2pm.
labor, study, prayers and and discern appropriate
technology—all to Oct 10 — Poor People’s Hearing, 6pm, Swope Parkway United
worship and to trust that Christian Church. Rev. Barber & Rev. Theoharis
by covenanting with each celebrate the sublime
mystery of God’s creation Oct 13 — Work Day Workday at Cherith Brook, 9am- 1pm
other, we can do more Nov 4 — Trustee Meeting, 1pm
together than we can do (Genesis 2:4-9, 15-16,
on our own (Acts 2:38, “Aims and Means“). Nov 10 — Work Day at Cherith Brook, 9am- 1pm
42-47, 4:32-35). Catholic Worker—We Dec 8 — Work Day at Cherith Brook, 9am- 1pm
are a part of the Catholic Dec 19 — CB Closed until January 6th
Downward Mobility—
to live simply, practice Worker movement co-
alternative economics founded by Dorthy Day Visit cherithbrookcw.blogspot.com/email to subscribe to our
and voluntary labor and Peter Maurin (See monthly email updates with information about other upcoming
among people on the Catholic Worker “Aims events.
margins and excluded and Means“).