News of the Family, Birthdays & Anniversaries

Sayer Kobersmith & and Eli Hayden and group on the steps of the Capitol in Frankfort for the Kentucky Youth Assembly. The bill Sayer was working on with a team of 3 or 4 others was signed into law by the KYA Governor after passing the house and senate, of course. He had a great time, learned a lot and looks forward to returning.

Our former intern Abby Embry graduated from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary on Dec. 6 with her M.Div. Rachel and Les Small Stokes were able to attend!

Ordination of Les Small Stokes! Clergy from Union Church, several Louisville congregations, the Indiana Kentucky Conference of the UCC, University of Louisville Hospital and beyond gathered with family and friends for Les’ ordination on January 6.

Kentucky Foundation for Women is proud to announce the 2018 Artist Enrichment grantees! These artists are finding diverse and innovative ways to further their own artistic development while creating art for social change throughout the state. Here are the ones associated with Union Church:

Heather Dent and Grace McKenzie (Berea): To work on a children’s picture book about Dr. Michelle Tooley, former professor of Social Justice at Berea College and lifelong activist for women and education, particularly in Central American countries. The collaboration will help them both develop as social change artists, and the finished work will inspire children to become advocates for social change.

Elizabeth DiSavino (Berea): To record ballads of unknown early Kentucky ballad collector Katherine Jackson French, who put together the first large, scholarly collection of Appalachian (Kentucky) ballads. The project will provide a unique opportunity for her to combine scholarly writing, written ballads, and a recording. The finished work honors the memory of one of London, Kentucky’s proudest daughters.

Kim Kobersmith (Berea): To create and distribute 150 posters with 100-word biographies and pictures of historical women who have had a lasting impact on the Commonwealth. Writing the biographies will hone her writing skills and give her experience working with historical sources. The posters will encourage women to take pride in their heritage while providing inspiration for their own important work.

Rainbow Star (Berea): To develop vocal and songwriting skills with professional coaches, and enter a formal mentorship with an accredited music industry consultant. These activities will enable her to produce better music and broaden her audience. The work created will inspire other Appalachian women musicians and encourage audiences to feel connected by and proud of their heritage.

Laura Nagle has received the Spirit of the Mission award from the Madison County Health Department!

January Birthdays

1 Jerry Cooper

5 Loyal Jones

6 Harrison Brownrobie

6 David Parks

7 Luther Center

7 Eliana Saderholm

7 Bob Shaffer

7 Christine VanPelt-Ward

9 Bob Montgomery

10 MacGregor Lakes