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A prayer written by the Rev. Yousif al Saka, an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Baghdad, offers an Easter word, full of poignancy and promise:

We beseech You, we humble ourselves for the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, to send your Holy Spirit to shade the land of Iraq,

so that peace may prevail in its dwellings, and the acts of violence, kidnapping, and persecution may cease;

so that the displaced may return to their homes, the churches may reopen their gates without fear from shells and explosion;

so that smiles may be seen again on the faces of children that have been stolen from them here in this difficult time;

so that the elderly may lean back on their chairs in comfort and tranquility saying farewell to their children when leaving for school or work without anxiety or fear;

so that mothers think only of happy, prosperous, and peaceful future for their daughters and sons.

O Lord, have pity on us, we Iraqis. Let the light of your face shine on us, bless us, strengthen our belief, and bestow patience upon us.

Amen

 THANK YOU

Thank you for all the get-well cards, phone calls, visits and prayers during my knee replacement surgery and recuperation.

Also, thank you to Pastor Sue for her hospital visit.

Jan Freese

To all our St. Philip‘s Pizza Eaters:

Thanks again for all your support of our Cecil Whittaker’s pizza fundraiser. Thanks to all who made cash donations, also. We made almost $300 towards our mission trip to New Orleans in July. Thanks again.

St. Philip’s Youth

With gratitude and many thanks –

I enjoyed the fellowship with you. The personal care items are truly a blessing for our people. Thank you once more for the support of the mission work we do at St. John‘s Community Service Ministry. May God bless and keep you.

(signed) Johnniest B. Henry, director

At the last minute on Good Friday we decided to make sandwiches for the volunteer sand baggers. Thanks to Sandy Stevenson, Alice Noland, and Joan Schumacher for helping organize and getting food together on a minute’s notice. Also thanks to Alice Hillyard and Elvira Rebienne, who came to help before church. After church people stayed to help finish up and then load up. Thanks to Brad for making the tea. All this was delivered by 2:00 pm and was greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone.

Virginia Hladnick

Thanks to everyone who helped with the Easter Brunch – to those who helped with the Easter Egg Hunt – to the confirmands for reading on Maundy Thursday – to the Choir for their ministry of music.

Pastor Sue

TRIVIA NIGHT REPORT

We would like to thank everyone for making the Super Trivia Weekend another success. Thanks to the Trivia Committee; those that contributed prizes or money toward the purchase of prizes; those that helped set up; those that helped during the evenings with running, manning the raffle table, manning the kitchen, scoring, Mr. MC, and the AV team; those that purchased seats at tables; those that helped clean up afterwards. Because of you all, we had the most successful Trivia Weekend yet.

Income:

Expenses:

KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

APRIL DINNER

Join us on April 11th at 6:00 pm for our April Dinner. The sign-up sheet for either Sandy’s or Virginia’s is on the bulletin board. This is a fun evening with lots of good fellowship.

CAMP SUNDAY

Camp Sunday has been set for April 27 th. Watch the bulletin for more details on this.

FAITHFUL READERS BOOK CLUB

Here are the books we are reading and the dates we will discuss them. Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch and discussion.

March 30 th Faith Club

June 1 st Middlesex

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Women’s Fellowship will be collecting books, CDs, and DVDs, for the second annual Neighborhood Houses Book Sale. Items will be collected during the month of March in boxes in the gathering area. The sale will be at St. John’s Chesterfield on April 4, 5, and 6. Last year over $4000 was raised at the book sale for Neighborhood Houses. March 30 th is the last Sunday to bring them.

Thanks. Nancy Krenning

The Women’s Fellowship will be going to St. Charles on Tuesday, April 15 th for lunch and shopping. They will eat at the The Mother-In-Law’s House. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. Meet at church at 10:30 am to carpool.

50+ GROUP

The 50+ Group will be going to Hodak’s for lunch on Saturday, April 19th. Meet at church at 11am to carpool. After lunch we’ll return to church to play games. Sign-up list will be posted. Hostesses: Elvira Rebienne and Alice Hillyard

COPY MACHINE AVAILABLE

The church office is now the owner of a different copy machine – one that does many more things than the old one. So, the old machine is available to anyone who might be interested in taking it for their office or home. Just call the church office 843-5100.

NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED

There will be an informational meeting for those interested in knowing more about St. Philip’s and the United Church of Christ on Sunday, April 6th following worship. We will receive new Members on April 13 th. Please let Pastor Sue know if you are interested in learning more and/or formally joining with us.

THE 50 TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

The 50 th Anniversary Committee will be taking orders for the Anniversary T-shirts until Sunday, April 13 th. The t-shirts are $12.00 each and we can order children’s sizes through adult 2X. The t-shirts will be delivered sometime in May.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Our spring congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, April 20 th. If you are a committee chairperson please have your year-end report in to the church office by Sunday, April 13 th, so that Shirley can have them typed and ready for distribution on or before the 20 th. Thank you. Also enclosed with the Crier is a proposed amendment for the Church Constitution and By-Laws related to the Memorial and Special Gifts Committee. Please read it over as it will be voted on at the meeting.

ANNUAL BARBECUE – SUNDAY, APRIL 27 TH

The barbeque is approaching, April 27 th to be precise. As always, we are looking for contributions to help make the dinner a success. Please be on the lookout for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the next several weeks. Every little bit helps.

Thank you in advance for all that have contributed items for the barbecue. Now we need your help on working that day. Dinner will be served 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM and shifts will be in two hour increments. Also, we will need help Saturday setting up as well as Sunday evening cleaning up. Thank you for all your help.

BACK BAY MISSION- Buloxi, Mississippi

As of now, I will be going to Buloxi on April 28 th to meet with groups of volunteers from Eden UCC and St. John’s UCC at Mehlville. I understand we will be staying in a dormitory type building. Last year we gutted a house and cleaned it. In another house we put up wallboard. I do not know the job description this year. I will find this out later. This, of course, is a good mission project, but along with that – it is fun and then the many friends you meet.

If you are interested in going with me, call Shirley or call me.

Virginia Hladnick 843-3605

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

On May 18 th, we will have a Pancake Breakfast at 11 am. The Emmaus Home Choir will be here to share their many talents with beautiful singing. Look for more information later. There will also be a sign-up sheet for supplies.

MUSIC NOTES

The Chancel Choir will continue rehearsal during April.

The Children’s Choir will continue rehearsing after church during the month of April.

50 TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

Speeding right along, here we go – 50’s Sundays to Remember

May 18 Emmaus Home Choir and Pancake Breakfast

June 8 Finally our Goal!

50 th Anniversary Church Service – We hope to welcome back some of our former pastors - then the gala luncheon. See enclosure for all the details.

Tickets on sale soon ! ! Get your’s early as it’s sure to be a sell-out.

And don’t forget Nancy and the 50 th anniversary t-shirts. A real bargain at $12.00 and great to wear at some of our church functions.

WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT EVERYTHING !

Your 50th Anniversary Committee

EARLY CHILDHOOD NEWS

We are currently collecting the following items for our Summer Program:

Thank you to Pat Siewing for the shoeboxes.

Thank you to Tom Nottelmann for helping to keep our playground clear of debris.

We are looking for someone who would be interested in temporarily working in the kitchen during the month of June. The hours would be 9:30 am – 2:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Please contact Sarah Spencer at 314-843-2115 if you know someone who might be interested.

NEW PRAYER AND MEDITATION SERVICE

Beginning in April Pastor Sue will lead meditation services on select Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. The services will be held twice a month, and will incorporate meditation techniques similar to those we’ve experience during Pastor’s meditative sermons. See the enclosed brochure. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday evenings.

APRIL MISSION MOMENTS

Our April 20 th mission moment will be given by Dawn Williamson on behalf of BeadforLife.

BeadforLife partners with over 200 women in Uganda, providing opportunities for them to lift their families out of poverty through the creation of beaded jewelry. The beads are handmade by rolling colorful recycled paper. The love and hope of the beader is present in each bead. Once strung together, they become beautiful necklaces and bracelets.

The money women earn from the sale of beads goes directly into feeding their families, buying medicine, paying for school fees, and perhaps saving to start small businesses. All profits from the sale of the beads are invested in projects that fight extreme poverty including health education, housing, and sustainable livelihood. BeadforLife offers people opportunities for jobs, rather than handouts.

You will have a chance to buy unique handmade jewelry and watch a short DVD about BeadforLife. This is a great way to do something to improve the world.

LYDIA ’S HOUSE COMMUNITY MEAL

Our next community meal for Lydia’s House will be on Wednesday, April 2. Please consider preparing an item to be included in our dinner for them that evening. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Food needs to be at church by noon on the 2 nd. As usual, thank you so much for all you do.

ST. LOUIS ASSOCIATION WOMEN, UCC SPRING GATHERING

On Wednesday, April 30 th, you are invited to the spring gathering of SLAW to be held at St. Lucas UCC from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. You’ll have an opportunity to be with other UCC women, meet the new conference minister, share in small groups and enjoy a delicious lunch. The cost is $10.00 per person, which includes lunch. Sign up on the bulletin board by April 15 and be part of the St. Philip’s group attending.

THANKS FROM THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE OFFICE

Recently four women from St. Philip’s went to the conference office to help sort literature and stuff envelopes for the Camp Mo-Val mailing. Many thanks to Virginia Hladnick, Janet Remmers, Joan Schumacher, and Sandy Stevenson for helping with this important task.

YOUTH NOTES

Two upcoming discussion groups for high school and college students…..

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

COMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Be sure to check the bulletin board for events occurring in April.

 DON’T FORGET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BARBECUE – APRIL 27TH

LITURGISTS, USHERS, ACOLYTES AND CHILDREN’S TIME FOR APRIL

Liturgists

• April 6 Brad Urban
• April 13 Dana Faerber
• April 20 Mike Shelton
• April 27 Ellen Disseler

Children’s Time

• April 6 Kit Norton
• April 13 Kathy Shelton
• April 20 April Schillinger
• April 27 Brad Urban

Ushers

• April 6 Youth
• April 13 50+ Group
• April 20 Stewardship and Finance
• April 27 Women of St. Philip’s

Acolytes

• April 6 Alex Balzer
• April 13 Rachel Fischer
• April 20 Haylee Thibodeaux
• April 27 Brent Rohlfing

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m. the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. “Just a minute”, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

“Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. “It’s nothing”, I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.”

“Oh, you’re such a good boy”, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?”

“It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly.

“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.”

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. “I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.” I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

“What route would you like me to take?” I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lilved when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.”

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse.
”Nothing,” I said.

“You have to make a living,” she answered. “There are other passengers,” I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. “You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.”

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware – beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, ~but~ they will always remember how you made them feel.

Think about that!

An internet article from a friend of Shirley Nottelmann

NEW – PRAYER AND MEDITATION SERVICE

2ND AND 4TH Wednesdays – 6:30 PM
APRIL 9 TH AND APRIL 23 rd

Format:

• Opening Prayer
• A reading of instruction or inspiration
• Lord’s Prayer
• Meditation
• Prayers for healing
• Closing
• Discussion and homework

This will be a quiet reflecting service of prayer, meditation and music. We come seeking peace and understanding and spiritual growth. Please join Pastor Sue for this time.

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