Rev. Rose Edington and Rev. Mel Hoover, Cedars Guest Ministers

Nancy Philip, Worship Associate

Featuring music from Kids in Concert

In the present, we can look back and see how the seeds of thoughts and actions — both positive and negative —planted back then are now part of our lives. We might have influenced someone or an event without even knowing it. What kinds of seeds that we plant now would we like to see blossom in the future?

Clergy couple Mel Hoover and Rose Edington are co-ministers Emeriti of the UU Congregation in Charleston, West Virginia. Retired from congregational ministry in 2014, they continue their ministries through MelRose Ministries, with a focus on creating Beloved Community that considers the intersections of racism, classism, sexism, and environmental justice. Wishing to be closer to their granddaughter (and her parents) prompted their move to Bellingham in 2020.

Kids In Concert (KIC) is a free, four‑day‑a‑week music and youth development program serving 90 students ages 6–18 across North Kitsap County. Founded in partnership with the Suquamish Tribe, it offers high‑quality instruction in strings, percussion, ensembles, and choir while ensuring equitable access—no auditions, no tuition, no prior experience required.

KIC nurtures compassion, well-being, and leadership through social‑emotional learning, mentorship, homework help, healthy snacks, and college‑readiness support. With 32 students on the waitlist and rising demand, the program is working to close a funding gap so more young people can experience the healing power of music.

For more information, go to their website https://kidsinconcert.org.