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Dear Partners in Ministry,

Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19.

You know that God is indeed doing a new thing at St. Philip’s. I don’t want us to actually forget Kit Norton’s wonderful ministry among us. In fact, I want us to celebrate it and remember it and thank God for it. But, we cannot forever dwell on what was, God pushes us all to see what might be.

As part of the remembering and celebrating, please try to be part of one of the “farewell” activities. Let Kit know just how much he has meant to us and how his time with us has been life changing. Wish him and Gina a very fond farewell. Release them for their new ministry at St. Lucas and support them with your prayers.

Then, help us envision our future. Help the leadership of the church support those who will carry on our youth work in the near future. And let us dream of the years to come and envision and find the new person to guide our future work with our youth. Help us to perceive it.

It is the time of year for change. The church year ends with thanksgiving and remembering. The new church year begins November 30 with Advent and looking for the coming of the Messiah. Our calendar year changes and with it we move into our future trusting that we are not alone and that Jesus Christ is still the head of the church.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sue

To My Entire St. Philip’s Family:

You guys made my week with the lovely and handy package! It’s been hard adjusting but things like that make life very special! Love to you all!

Sincerely,
Leetah Nickel
xoxo

Greetings Friends;

Thank you for sharing your wonderful meal with us. Our people were extremely happy to receive the prepared food, especially our homeless. You and your congregation have truly made a difference in the lives of our people. May God bless you always.

Signed Johnniest B. Henry ( St. John’s N Grand)

Greetings in Christ:

Thank you for answering one of our pleas. The blankets you have donated will help keep some of our families warm this winter season.

This project has shown us once again how generous you are in sharing our Master’s love with our brothers and sisters in need. When I look at the abundance of blankets donated, my heart fills with warmth from all the love given to help others. I’m sure our loving Savior is smiling at your response to this and other ways you help to support his mission work………

In God’s grace,

(signed) Johnniest B. Henry ( St. John’s N. Grand)

Dear Members of St. Philip’s

Thank you so much for your continued contributions to the Camp Mo-Val Capital Campaign. It was so kind and generous of you to make this most recent donation of $160 toward your completing your pledge. I would like to thank you for not only completing your pledge of $6,000, but exceeding it by $113. Your gift will help the planned renovation of the line cabins happen.

Blessings

(signed) Stephanie DeLong, Capital Campaign Assistant

Dear St. Philip’s Sunday School:

Thank you for underwriting the cost of Alexis’s allowance with your recent gift of $25.00. Your gift and encouragement is a great support for Alexis in her efforts to overcome her troubles……

We certainly could not do it without support from friends like you! We truly appreciate your spirit of giving to those in need. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
(signed) Michael P. Brennan, Executive Director

Thanks to my St. Philip’s family for all your prayers, good wishes, and cards. I am doing better than hoped for with my recovery from total knee replacement. Today is 2 weeks from surgery. I am working through the pains of therapy to regain flexibility and resting up from work for ½ a day. I have a smile for everyone except Gail, who is my task master (saint).

Love,
Walter Knoll

Yes, tripping on a cell phone cord and falling has certainly put everything to a HALT for me. I am now starting to use the walker, slow but sure.

I do want to thank you all so very, very much for the cards, phone calls, and visits. I plan to be in church soon. I am finding small projects to do. Thank you all for your love and concerns. Each of you is a blessing.

Virginia

WELCOME TO A NEW ARRIVAL

Congratulations to David and Jami Jackson on the birth of their son, Andrew Carter, who was born on October 31 st at 11:30 am and weighed in at 10 lbs 8 oz and is 23” long. Andrew joins his big brother, Joey, at their home in Washington State. Andrew is the grandson of Gary and Cathy Gutjahr.

FAITHFUL READERS BOOK CLUB

Our next book is The Shack by William Young. This book has been a surprise best seller with 2 million copies sold and has spread in popularity, mostly by word of mouth. It is a very readable novel in which the Trinity, Creator, Savior, and Holy Spirit, is presented in a community of mutual love with three distinct persons. It involves a father’s quest to find meaning and peace after the tragic death of his daughter. I encourage anyone who is interested to read it and join us for conversation. We will gather for a pot luck lunch and discussion on January 18th after worship. The next book will be Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris which we will discuss on February 15th.

Bible Study in January and February - This is the year of the Gospel of Mark in the lectionary. We will be reading straight through Mark, one chapter a week for 16 weeks, which will take us from January 4 to Easter. To increase our understanding, we will also have regular Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark. This will be the topic for the Monday morning study. There will also be a class on Sunday morning before church. Watch for details.

ADULT EDUCATION CLASS DURING ADVENT

Michelle Torigian will be doing a class during Advent. They will meet at 8:45 am for half an hour or so for the four Sundays in Advent.

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT DINNER

Don’t forget about our annual Christmas Candlelight Dinner, which will be held on Friday, December 5 th at 6:30 pm. There is a sign-up sheet on the easel in the gathering space. Be sure to indicate how many will be coming and what food item you will be bringing. The meat will be provided. This has always been such an elegant affair that we hope you plan to join us.

PARTY FOR KIT

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, December 21 st. That is the Sunday we will celebrate with Kit and Gina and wish them well on their new adventure at St. Lucas. Please join in the fun.

• John Schuette at Green Park,
• Melba Schulz at Orchard House
• Walt Miller at Orchid Terrace
• Wenk family on the death of Maurine’s son, Malcolm this past week
• Tammy Knoll’s mother, June, who fell and broke her hip.

50+ GROUP

The 50+ Group will have their Christmas Lunch Party on Saturday, December 13 th at 12:00 noon, at Helen Fitzgerald’s on South Lindbergh. The cost is $18.00 per person. This includes the meal, dessert, tax, and gratuity.

There is a choice of three entrees. Be sure to mark your preference on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board:

chicken mudega ~ 8 oz strip steak ~ baked cod

served with house salad, roasted red potatoes, vegetable medley, bread and butter, coffee/iced tea.

Reservations and money needed by Sunday, November 16 th. Each person, please bring a $1.00 wrapped gift.

HANGING OF THE GREENS – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, November 30 th is Advent Sunday. Preparations are being made so that after church will be a special time to decorate the church. Lunch will be provided by Fellowship and Service. Special events and crafts volunteers are planning crafts for children and adults.

The crafts will be: a special wreath with an Advent Family devotion booklet, Christmas suncatchers to be painted with paint pens. Then a special project will be to color or paint a Christmas picture which will then be scanned and put on PowerPoint ® for the screen. Hopefully, there will be time to make a paper Christmas quilt to hang in the gathering area, or we will just hang the pictures.

Plan to stay and participate, or just be there for the enjoyment of it all.

Christian Education and Special Events and Craft Committees

ST. PHILIP’S CHRISTMAS TRADITION

It has been a tradition here at St. Philip’s that members of the church place an ornament on the Christmas tree in the sanctuary. If you are a new member we ask you to bring an ornament to put on the Christmas tree at the hanging of the greens on November 30 th. It is fun to look at all the variety of ornaments that we get and some that have extra special meaning for our families.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Yes, it’s time to put our annual cookie sale on your calendar and to dust off your favorite recipes! We’ll package your wonderful cookies on Saturday, November 29th, and sell them the next day. As usual, we’re looking forward to a large assortment from our great bakers!

We will also need cookies for the reception after the play in church on the 14th. Hopefully, Santa Claus will also be there. Please sign up if you can bring some cookies.

Thank you. Christian Education Committee

AND SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 5th is the date of the St. Louis Association Women’s annual Christmas Pilgrimage. It will be held at Dignity House, located by Pilgrim UCC, and will benefit the Neighborhood Houses. Plan to attend and see your St. Louis Association funds in action! More information will be available soon. Beverage and dessert will be furnished. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Enclosed with the Crier is an order form for poinsettias for the Christmas service. If you would like to order any please fill in the form and make a check out to Walter Knoll Florist and place it in the offering plate or give it to Shirley in the church office. Orders must be in by December 14th.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH

The Women’s Fellowship will hold their Christmas Luncheon at 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 16th at Roberto’s Restaurant. Order off the menu and have separate checks. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. Besides a wonderful lunch and fellowship we will play fun games. Each lady should bring a fun $1.00 wrapped gift. Sign up for a guaranteed great time.

YOUTH NOTES

Our Christmas Play this year will be held on December 14 th at the 9:30 am worship service. All ages of youth!

Rehearsals for 1 st grade and up will be held the last half of Sunday School hour on November 23rd, 30th, and December 7 th. December 7th the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten will meet at end of Sunday School to practice the manger scene.

On December 13th we will rehearse from 6-8 pm for 1st grade and up. The Skyzone Jump event and Lock-in at church will follow rehearsal ! ! ! !

DAY CARE NOTES

Hello! My name is Theresa King. I am very excited at the new opportunity to serve as Director of St. Philip’s Early Childhood Center. I love working with children, but also love creating a safe and happy environment for them to grow in.

My husband, Chad, and I are originally from Farmington, Missouri. We moved to the South County area about 2 years ago with our dog, Charlie. I am 28 years old, have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and 3 years of teaching experience. I was also a nanny for a family for the previous 2 years before beginning with St. Philip’s in August.

I am a very outgoing person who loves to laugh and get the job done. I look forward to my future with St. Philip’s and would love to meet you all!

Theresa King

COMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS (see bulletin board for more information)

• Wednesday, December 3 Christmas Concert – Eden Seminary – 10 am – Eden Chapel
• Saturday, December 6 Breakfast With Santa 9 am – 11 am St. Johns Evan. UCC – Mehlville $8 per person
• Saturday, December 13 Cookie and Craft Sale – Prince of Peace UCC 4966 Towne South Road 8 am – noon
• Wednesday, December 31 New Years Eve Dinner-Dance 7 pm – 12:30 am $50 couple $25 person

Salem Lutheran School is seeking out its alumni. If you attended Salem Lutheran School, or know any alumni, please contact Edie Hagan at ediehagan@slcas.org. A reunion is being planned for September 27-29, 2009 to mark Salem Lutheran School’s 100th year!

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

• December 7 Gary Karcher
• December 14 Barbara Barnes
• December 21 Michelle Torigian
• December 28

Welcoming Teams

• November 30 and December 7 - Pat Siewing & Bob Kammerer
• December 14 and 21 - Carole Armistead, Merle Schuette, Elvira Rebienne
• December 28 and January 4 -

  

• December 7 Alex Balzer December 14 Rachel Fischer
• December 21 Ashley Kulich
• December 28 Sarah Witte

• December 7 Sandy Stevenson
• December 14 Youth Play
• December 21 Kit Norton
• December 28

 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

 
This
Christ
-mas,
I would
like to put
up a tree in my
heart, and instead
of hanging presents,
I would like to gather
names of all my friends.
Close friends and not so close
friends. The old friends, the new
friends. Those that I see every day
and the ones that I rarely see. The ones
that I always remember and the ones that
I sometimes forget. The ones that are always
there and the ones that seldom are. The friends of
difficult times and the ones of happy times. Friends
who, without meaning to, I have hurt, or, without meaning
to have hurt me. Those that I know well and those I only know
by name. Those that owe me little and those that I owe so much.
My humble friends and my important friends. The names of all those
that have passed through my life no matter how fleetingly. A tree with
very deep roots and very long
and strong branches so that
their names may never be
plucked from my heart. So
that new names from all
over may join the existing ones. A tree with a very
pleasant shade so that our friendship may take a
moment of rest from the battles of life. “May the
happy moments of Christmas brighten every day
of the new year”. These are my sincere wishes.

Merry Christmas !

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