Panelists & Speakers:
Melissa Atchison
Isabel Call
Miriam Edelman
Bruce Grover
Reverend Kristen J. Sexton
Elder Carl B. Taylor
Glade Topham
Caela Simmons Wood

Moderator:
Carol Barta

Introductions:
James Kaup
Dr. Rana Johnson

Join UFM for two meaningful events focused on unity, diversity, and peace across faiths. Together, we’ll explore how to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Event 1: Lecture and Discussion
On October 15 at 7 p.m., join a panel of local faith leaders for an engaging discussion on fostering understanding and collaboration across different faiths. Panelists include representatives from the Manhattan Jewish Congregation, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan Mennonite Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, Bethel AME Church, the Baha’i faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and others.

Event 2: Community Day of Service
On November 3, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., come together for a hands-on afternoon of community peacebuilding at the Douglass Activity Center (900 Yuma Street). There will be various activities for all ages. We welcome volunteers to help with setup, supervise craft projects, and assist with cleanup. If you’d like to help, please contact Linda at linda@tryufm.org. Additionally, we are accepting donations of winter coats (all sizes), shelf-stable food, and toilet paper at the event.

Event Details:
K-State Lecture/Discussion Event

• What: Interfaith Community Peacebuilding
• When: Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.
• Where: Forum Hall, K-State Student Union

Community Day of Service Event

• What: Lou Douglas Interfaith Community Event & Day of Service
• When: Sunday, November 3, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
• Where: Douglass Activity Center, 900 Yuma Street

For more information visit tryufm.org or contact UFM at info@tryufm.org. All Lou Douglas events are free and open to the public. These are kid-friendly events!

LD_Fall 24_event descriptions

Melissa Atchison
Melissa Atchison is the Pastor of Manhattan Mennonite Church and a spiritual director. Melissa has served as a pastor since 2021. She has an MDiv from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a BS in Forest Management from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She and her spouse, Bob, have lived in Manhattan for 29 years and have four adult children.

Carol Barta
Carol Barta is a retired librarian. For over 40 years Carol worked in school, academic, and public libraries. She served as the Assistant Director of the North Central Kansas Libraries System for 15 years. She serves as a volunteer librarian of the Guiding Light Library in St. George. As a founding member and co-director of the Flint Hills Renewable Energy and Efficiency Cooperative, she enjoys installing solar panels on people’s homes. She serves on the boards of the Kansas Permaculture Institute and the UFM Community Learning Center. She was appointed to the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board by Governor Laura Kelly. Carol received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and her Master’s of Library Science degree from Emporia State University. She completed her Permaculture Design Certificate with KPI in 2011 and her Permaculture Educator Certificate in 2014 with Midwest Permaculture in Stelle, IL. Carol has three grown children and seven grandchildren. She lives on a small homestead in Riley County.

Pastor Isabel Call
Rev. Dr. Isabel Call – or Pastor Isabel – is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, she has also lived in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, California, and Indonesia. Her ministry grew out of her work as a development economist and her membership in disabled and queer communities. She understands herself as a spiritual leader who holds worthiness, rather than scarcity, as the motivating principle.

Miriam Edelman
Miriam Edelman grew up in the Manhattan Jewish Congregation, and, after working around the world, returned to Manhattan in 2020; she now serves on the MJC Board. Miriam is an organizational psychologist interested in voluntary organizations like faith communities, decisions, culture, research, and organizational transformation.  Miriam has also for many years taught Judaism, social justice, and ethics to teens and adults.  She taught congregational social justice to rabbinic students for seven years, having long been a congregational activist and consultant.  Miriam is a member of the Manhattan Women Religious Leaders. She is a docent at the Konza Prairie Biological Station and bakes a good cake.

Bruce Grover
Bruce was born into a Bahá’í family and became a Bahá’í at age 15 while living in India, where he explored teachings from various faiths. He has translated his belief in the oneness of humanity into community service in India, Ghana, Argentina, Israel, and the U.S. Bruce’s career in purpose-driven branding and communications flourished in New York City, where he and his family lived in neighborhoods with diverse populations to support child and youth empowerment initiatives. In 2016, they moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where his wife joined the K-State dance faculty. They host service-learning activities in their neighborhood and are committed to the Bahá’í concept of “unity in diversity” as a foundation for peace and justice. Bruce founded Cause, a brand consultancy serving purpose-driven organizations and institutions. See cause.us.

James Kaup
Jim Kaup is a sixth-generation Kansan and a graduate of KSU and the KU Law School. Prof. Douglas has been a lifelong inspiration to oppose injustice wherever it is, in whatever form it takes.  Jim has recently retired from the practice of law and lives in Topeka with his wife Glenna.

Reverend Kristen J. Sexton
Reverend Kristen J. Sexton, often referred to as Pastor Kristen, was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. She completed her secondary education at Holy Ghost University in May 2010 and will continue pursuing her bachelor’s at Western Governors University. Early on she recognized the value Christ places on us as a direct result of God’s love. Upon her first ordination as a local deacon, Rev. Kristen J. Sexton became the proud supply pastor to Myers Chapel A.M.E church in Great Bend, Kansas; and is currently serving Bethel A.M.E in Manhattan, Ks.

Pastor Taylor
Elder Carl B. Taylor, born on December 25, 1964, in Jackson, Mississippi, has had a distinguished career in both the military and the ministry. After serving 20 years in the United States Army, he retired as a First Sergeant and pursued higher education, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work from Washburn University. Ordained as an Elder in 1999, he became the pastor of Mount Zion C.O.G.I.C. in 2003, where he is committed to spiritual growth and community outreach. Elder Taylor, married to Tonia Latrise Martin, is dedicated to his family and his ministry, which includes prison outreach and support through Angel Tree.

Glade Topham
Glade Topham serves as the Stake President of the Salina, KS stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been in Manhattan for 8 years and has served in his church leadership position for 7. In this lay leadership role, Glade provides support to 10 congregations in north central KS. He has served in this role since April 2017. Glade has been married to his wife Rebecca for 28 years, and they are the proud parents of 6 children and the proud grandparents of 1 grandchild. Glade is a Professor and Program Director for the Couple and Family Therapy program in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Kansas State University. He is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

Caela Simmons Wood
The Rev. Caela Simmons Wood (she/her) has served as a pastor since 2014, leading worship and working with church leadership to serve the community and seek justice. Originally from Kansas, Caela holds a B.A. in History from K-State, an M.T.S. from Perkins School of Theology, and an M.Div. from Christian Theological Seminary. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2010 and completed her training as a spiritual director in 2023. She also serves as a volunteer chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. Caela is passionate about confronting systemic injustices and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. She lives with her husband David, their two kids, and a variety of pets.