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Dear Partners in Ministry,

There are all kinds of famous people - some good, some bad. There are all kinds of great leaders: military leaders, political leaders, coaches and teachers. There are all kinds of great artists who lead us to the beauty and truth of the world through music, art, drama and writing. There are also great moral leaders of the world and that’s the kind of leader I want to talk about.

Some of you already know that I have decided to preach a series of sermons on famous persons who have changed the world through their example of Christian discipleship. I’m also looking at people who brought the hard messages of life and, therefore, were often reviled by the public. I’m looking for people who are models of Luke 4:14-30, those who take as their work preaching good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom to the captives and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor. When Jesus said these words and then told his home town that these words were for everyone, he was reviled. I’m looking for followers of Christ who took a stance and made a moral, historic difference.

I started with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this last Sunday. I will preach about Abraham Lincoln in February. Mother Theresa is on the list. I hope you all can help me with more names. I’m open to suggestions and I trust that this can be an inspiring and challenging adventure for all of us. Let me know if you have any ideas, any names of people who are truly disciples willing to put their very lives on the line in God’s service.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sue

To St. Philip’s UCC Women’s Fellowship,

Happy holidays on behalf of those we are called to serve and from the staff of Neighborhood Houses. I want to thank you for your holiday gift of $50.00. Your gift will work wonders. Many of our families do not have the financial resources to provide their children with holiday meals and gifts. Through your generosity, Neighborhood Houses can offer support and holiday cheer to these families in need.

Every day, Neighborhood Houses strives to strengthen the lives of children and families through faith based, life-changing programs that help create hope, health, and independence in the neighborhoods we serve. Your ongoing support is integral to our mission.

Neighborhood Houses has been blest in many ways during this past year and our hearts are truly thankful for the wide range of support we have received. We count you as one of our greatest blessings. Your generous contribution will make it possible for us to continue to bring God’s love to those most in need. Your gift this season is deeply appreciated. The staff and Board of Directors join me in extending to you all the joys of the season.

May God bless you,

(signed) Eugene P. Bartell, Executive Director

(please note – this arrived too late to put in the January Crier.)

You are evidence of the scripture. Your donation was timed perfectly to fill our needs. That’s why I’m reminded constantly of a song from my youth, “You can’t beat God giving, no matter how you try.” His generosity has no bounds. It’s awesome to watch how he uses his children to fill the needs of so many.

Thank you for being instruments of our Lord. You have helped to alleviate some of the basic needs, in which we are very grateful. May our loving Savior continue to keep you in his grace and mercy.

Yours in Christian service,

(signed) Johnniest B. Henry ( St. Johns Community Service)

I wish to thank Shawn Williamson and the choir for the excitement of making our debut recording. Shawn used his own personal equipment and much of his time recording our choir for ten songs. It was an experience to hear the rustle of paper or a cough or the slightest sound being picked up on the microphone. But it was a fun time and I believe we all felt a sharing of our time and talent in making this recording.

We all thank Shawn for his time and expert leadership in making our recording.

I thank my wonderful choir for giving so much of their time. It was a sharing of all of our love of music. Thank you all.

Love,

(signed) Eula

Many thanks to Bob Kammerer who donated four easels to the church through the generosity of Hardee’s. It is a much needed item when we have all these fund-raisers going on and luncheons, and barbecues. Thanks for thinking of us, Bob.

Over the past year and a half, I have given a CD or tape to family members and friends who lost a loved one, in the hospital, in a nursing home, in a retirement community, to someone facing a serious illness, to someone facing surgery, to someone who was depressed, someone who just wants to hear an inspirational song, for use at a graveside service or memorial service. I need to pass on the gratitude and sincere thanks from those recipients. Everyone felt inspired by this CD or tape that was produced by non-professionals Art Kuhn and Paul Shrout – members of St. Philip’s – “Anointed Praise – Sweeter as the Day Goes By”.

For those of you that are new to St. Philip’s and those of you that are unaware of this CD or tape, feel free to ask Shirley in the church office. There is a cost – half goes to the church and half to Paul and Art to cover processing charges. You, too, will have a wonderful feeling inside when listening to “Anointed Praise.” In the quietness of your home.

Thank you Paul and Art. You have truly been a blessing from God by sharing your talent and touching so many people’s lives. A gift from you both, “Anointed Praise”. God bless you.

Sincerely,

A member of St. Philip’s

Many thanks for the birthday wishes and cards that were sent to me for my birthday. I am ever so grateful of my thoughtful church family.

Wanda Reidel

KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

• Wanda Reidel at Delmar Gardens South
• John Schuette at Green Park Nursing Home
• Elsie Frye at Delmar Garden’s South
• Lucille Brand at Green Park Nursing Home
• Lois Decker who had knee surgery
• Cathy Gutjahr who had her leg broken just below her knee while on vacation

WISH LIST

If you have an item on one of these wish lists, a contact person is listed. Please call them.

Engaging Youth Committee
Contact: Terri Karcher

• Children’s shoe boxes (or similar sized boxes)

Early Childhood Center
Contact: Sarah Spencer

• New (or gently used) books appropriate for ages infant – 2 years old
• Children’s toy instruments
• Brio trains (or similar type)
• Little People toys
• Clothes/hats for dress-up
• Area rug (6 feet by 4 or 5 feet)
• Magnets set

Fellowship and Service
Alice Hillyard

• Refrigerator for Multi-purpose room

FREE CHILI LUNCH

On Wednesday, February 7 th at 12 noon we will have a chili lunch. Come and meet our church neighbors, get acquainted, and enjoy the chili and fellowship.

Call the office for reservations 314-843-5100.

CHANCEL CHOIR CUTS A CD

St. Philip’s Chancel Choir has cut a CD. Interested in a copy! There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Cost is a mere $5.00! A great big thank you goes to Shawn Williamson who initiated the idea for a CD and made it happen!

SCOUT SUNDAY

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts – wear your uniforms for Scout Sunday, February 11 th, when all scouts, past and present will be honored during the worship service.

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS

Watch for the family devotional, Making Room For Jesus, available at church, Sunday, February 18. If you cannot pick up a copy, we will be happy to mail you one upon receipt. Call Shirley in the church office.

EVENING LENTEN PROGRAMS – PEOPLE OF FAITH

Has there been a time in your life when because of circumstances or events, you had reason to lose your faith? What made you embrace your faith in time of adversity, grief, or tragedy? Can you share your story with us as part of our People of Faith series?

Beginning Tuesday, February 27, and each Tuesday evening in Lent, we will meet in the Gathering Space at 6:30 pm for a soup dinner and an informal program where ordinary people will share stories of extraordinary faith. Please see Pastor Sue or Linda Kammerer if you could share a story or if you know someone who has a story they are willing to share exhibiting great faith in difficult times. Watch for more details!

16 WAYS TO SAY I LOVE MY CHURCH

Enclosed with this Crier is a booklet entitled 16 Ways to Say I Love My Church. Why not take a minute each day to read what it has to say.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The Women’s Fellowship will be putting together “Hygiene Kits” for Neighborhood Houses for our spring service project. Boxes will be placed in the Gathering Area for donations. We will be collecting soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, mouthwash, bathroom tissue, etc. Thank you for helping us with your donations.

50+ GROUP (FORMERLY GUYS AND DOLLS)

Recently the Guys and Dolls met and voted to change their name from the Guys and Dolls to the 50+ Group. The first event that the 50+ Group is having will be a luncheon at Bevo Mill on Saturday, February 17 th at 11:30 a.m. They will meet at church at 10:45 a.m. to carpool. For any questions call Alice Hillyard at 849-1907. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

PLOWSHARING CRAFT SALE

We recently received a thank-you letter from Plowsharing Crafts. The letter explained that every $3500 in sales provides support for a craftsperson and his or her family for an entire year. Since our sales exceeded $1600, our efforts are providing food and shelter for a family for almost one-half of a year! We are already planning next year’s sale and hope to schedule it in conjunction with the bratwurst dinner.

BOOK CLUB NEWS

The next book club discussion will be on Sunday, February 18 th after church. We will be discussing the book “The Memory Keepers Daughter”. Bring your sandwich and be ready to discuss. The following book will be “How Good Do We Have To Be?” by Harold Kushner. We will discuss this book on March 25 th after worship. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

WALKING THE BIBLE (3 Sunday mornings in February)

Following worship on February 11, 18, and 25 th there will be a chance to “Walk Through the Bible” (a journey by land through the first five books of Moses). This video presentation is as it was presented on Public Television. Bruce Feiler author of 7 best selling books leads us on a journey by foot, jeep, rowboat, and camel – through the greatest stories ever told. From crossing the Red Sea to climbing Mount Sinai to touching the burning bush.

The stories of the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah, come alive as Feiler searches across three continents for the stories and heroes shared by Christians and Jews. You’ll visit the slopes of Mount Ararat where Noah’s ark landed, trek the desert outpost where Abraham first heard the words of God, and scale the summit where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Each Sunday gathering will last between 45-60 minutes. There will be time for questions and discussion if desired. Barbara Barnes, who loaned us this video set said it would be available for loan to those who might want to see them again in their own home or for those who cannot stay for all three sessions. The three parts are on two DVD’s. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING BY SIGNING UP ON THE SHEET ON THE BULLETIN BOARD. Bob Leber will host each viewing. We will try to provide a setting that does not have a lot of distraction and the sound can be heard real well.

THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS (Five weekly evening classes)

It also is known by its other name “The Secret Gospel of Thomas”. Not “secret” in the sense it cannot be made public but “secret” in the sense that you might not understand the words if you do not read them in the right spirit (frame of mind). For those who would read the writings in the wrong way, the meaning would probably remain a secret.

An evening class will be held to take a closer look at this Gospel – beginning Wednesday, March 14th at 7 pm. The classes will continue for the following four weeks on Wednesday March 21st and 25 th, and April 4 th and 11th.

Bob Leber will facilitate the class. He will use Elaine Pagel’s book, “Beyond Belief” (the Secret Gospel of Thomas). Each week one chapter will be used:

• From the Feast of Agape to the Nicene Creed
• Gospels in conflict: John and Thomas
• God’s Word or Human Words?
• Cannon of Truth and the triumph of John
• Constantine and the Catholic Church

The book is available at Eden Seminary Bookstore or at any major bookseller. It may also be available at the library. It is not a must that the book (chapter) needs to be read in order to attend….HOWEVER…it is strongly suggested that you do read the actual Gospel of Thomas before you come to the class. Complete copies of this 114 verse Gospel are available at the bulletin board near the sign up sheet for the class. Sign up as soon as you can so adequate preparation for the session can be made.

ECC UPDATE

There may be snow on the ground, but the Early Childhood Center is already planning for the summer. Below, you will find a list of items that we are collecting for our summer camp program.

• kid-sized gardening gloves toy stethoscopes
• fake flowers snorkels
• plastic vases flippers
• green Styrofoam pieces sea shells
• boots khaki shirts
• ocean animal toys (sharks, dolphins, fish, etc.)

We are also currently enrolling for our 2007-2008 preschool program. Children must be 3 years old by August 1, 2007 for the 3 year-old class or 4 years old by August 1, 2007 for the 4 year-old class. Please call Sarah Spencer for more information – 314-843-2114.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSES (letter from Neighborhood Houses)

Neighborhood Houses will hold a book fair in March 2007. One of the most-time-consuming aspects of a book fair involves collecting books from individuals and groups. For this reason, we are looking for liaisons within the congregations which support us. Specifically, individuals to help collect books from your congregation, arrange a pick-up time for collection, and help recruit volunteers from your church to help out at the book fair.

If you know of a group or individual within your congregation that would be willing to take on this role, please contact Matthew Maier at mmmaire@neighborhoodhouses.org. We graciously thank you for your continued support.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

1	JoAnn Leber		21	Cara Holdener
2	Bud Leonard		23	Virginia Hladnick
3	Gary Gutjahr			Hayden Werner
4	Brian Werner		24	Jerica Gordon
5	Allison LaMont		26	Chloe Gutjahr
7	Danielle Kelly		27	Emily Mikusch
8	Kirk Thurmond			Luke Siewing
9	Elizabeth Vogt		28	Joan Hemingway
14	Dustin Knoll			James Kelly
	Eleanor Morris			J.P. Ried
17	Kathy Vogt			Dave Schiele
20	Gavin Armistead		29	Tiffany Walsh
	Joseph Jackson

COMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

See the bulletin board for more information on these events:

February 9 Open Your Heart Dinner to benefit Emmaus Homes

February 17-18 “Pieces of Love” Quilt Show at Concord Trinity Methodist Church

February 18-19 24 hours at Eden

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

 Liturgists

Children’s Time

Ushers

Acolytes

February 4	Dawn Schillinger
February 11	Alex Balzer
February 18	Sarah Witte
February 25	Bradley Knoll

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Since Valentine’s Day falls in February we kind of think of it as the love month – here is a story of a different kind of love.

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You’ll like it even if you don’t and you may even decide that you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named ‘Lucky.’ Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget, and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky’s toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky’s other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box, and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease…in fact, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulder. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her…what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary’s dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won’t understand that I didn’t want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated, and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whined, and was miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn’t even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn’t come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn’t understand what was wrong. She couldn’t move her head, and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day.

It’s been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember…live every day to the fullest.

Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget…the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards…they are the ones that care for and about us.

Thanks to Shirley Nottelmann’s cousin, Lori, for this internet article.

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