Local pastor initiates fresh liturgical forms
Although churches are not usually among the places most frequented by college students, Rev. Ronald Sundbye of the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence fills his church with KU students nearly every Sunday.
The secret to this success seems to rest in the fact that Rev. Sundbye concerns himself with college students and their interests, He has participated in a protest march, and has begun a series of experimental sermons based on contemporary music by Simon and Garfunkel, the Beatles, Glenn Yarbrough, and Peter Paul and Mary.
"I relate their music to the Christian philosophy of life by what they are saying in their songs," Rev. Sundbye explained. "This music also gives a sense of the Twentieth Century, something you don't find in the classical music."
Last Sunday, Rev. Sundbye used Simon and Garfunkel for the basis of his sermon. The congregation sang Paul Simon's "Sounds of Silence" and the sermon was based on "A Most Peculiar Man."
The New Democratic Coalition (NDC) is a movement seeking to reform the political machinery of the Democratic party and to give minority groups a party voice, said John Wright, temporary steering committee chairman.
Coalition seeks members to aid political reform
Discussing his sermon, Rev. Sundbye said, "What does it mean to be a peculiar man? Well, it is a good thing because the peculiar man has budged history. The song concerns a man who was thought odd because he wasn't like everyone else. Peculiar is defined as distinct and unique. I would consider Martin Luther King peculiar in this sense."
"The NDC will insure participation at all levels in the political process, especially the delegate selection procedures." Wright said.
"We are organizing a Douglas County chapter of NEWDECK (New Democratic Coalition of Kansas)," Wright said. "The NDC actively seeks the support and participation of youth, blacks, the poor, Mexican-Americans, Indians, in fact, all those who have been deprived of political, economic and social power by the existing system."
The service also included folk singers and dancers. "A song and dance was done very effectively on 'A Most Peculiar Man' just before the sermon,' Rev. Sundbye said.
"The NDC is not a third or fourth party movement. It seeks to provide an organization where power will truly flow from the people up, rather than from the top down," he explained.
The chairman said that after the Democratic national convention in Chicago, various groups such as "Dissenting Democrats," "Concerned Democrats," "Coalition for an Open Convention," former campaign committee members for Senators Kennedy, McGovern and McCarthy and other peace groups met to form the Coalition.
The response to such services seems to be good, Rev. Sundbye said. "We have had many calls and letters-from young and old alike—who find the services beautifully enlightening and enjoyable."
Thirty states now have official NDC organizations and others, like Kansas, are in the formative stages. Wright noted.
"We will spend the next three years getting ready for the 1972 convention with three goals in mind:
Rev. Sundbye took part in a protest march this summer against police brutality in Chicago during the Democratic Convention. He has decided, however, that protest marches are not effective, "although I'm not afraid to do it. There are some exceptions, such as Martin Luther King's marches, which did bring attention to injustice."
to encourage participation of those disenfranchised by the democratic party, including party regulars and newcomers;
The sermon next Sunday will be based on the Beatles' music. "The Beatles are much harder to do because their music is so esoteric and their style is constantly changing." Songs used in the next service will
to provide a training ground and involvement experience for those lacking the skills of participatory politics and to focus on state and local issues which will be the means of fulfilling the first two goals."
When asked about the possibility of protest marches at KU, Rev. Sundbye commented, "I think the present University administration has attempted to listen to the students. The Chancellor's office has been very open about this and it has been a creative thing."
include "Nowhere Man" and "The Fool on the Hill." The sermon will be based on "She's Leaving Home."
12 KANSAN Feb. 7 1969
Sentinel project cut
WASHINGTON (UPI) — The Defense Department announced Thursday the suspension of work on the $6 billion Sentinel antiballistic missile ABM system.
The Pentagon said the decision to suspend deployment of the sentinel was reached Jan. 30th, although construction of the first sites continued a week after the decision.
Sentinel "based on the security of the United States."
President Nixon said Laird and the Defense Department would decide whether to continue the
Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird said acquisition and construction of Sentinel sites were halted last week, pending completion of a review of all "major weapons systems." He said he hoped it would be completed by early March.
Rep. L. Mendel Rivers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, suggested the Pentagon may be working on a modification or complete substitute for the ABM.
Opening set for Sirhan trial
LOS ANGELES (UPI) — After more than five weeks of tedious legal maneuvering and jury selection, the murder trial of B. Sirhan B. Sirhan is moving toward beginning testimony next week.
The prosecution will lead off with its case.
Peace Corps Placement Test
during "Peace Corps Week" in Oread Room of Kansas Union Feb.10-14.
Mon.-Fri. at 10:30 & 2:30 Sat. at 10:00 & 11:00
Make appointments and pick up information in the Peace Corps Committee Office B-114 of Kansas Union. Call 842-1780
VANELI
the Positive ones
Antiqued like 1869... Shaped like 1969 All Shapes, All Shades. Soles lean out, toes are square. Heels are no-nonsense blockys.
Shown here:
A.-Antique tan. B.-Navy or antique tan.
C.-Navy or antique tan.
Sizes to 11. Priced from 20 dollars.
Eight Thirty-Seven Massachusetts Street