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Dear Partners in Ministry:

Churches have life cycles just like people.

They are often at their most vibrant and daring

In their younger years and then move toward a little more maturity and settledness. Some even die eventually. Some partner and merge. And unlike humans some even start over with renewed energy and new hope and dreams. As St. Philip’s hits the big 50, I pray that we are not wasting downhill but being renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

One thing is certain, things will never be like they were because we have changed and the world has changed. One of the big areas of change for many of us is theological. Just think of the changes you have seen in church. When I was a child, the adults took communion maybe 3 or 4 times a year, I never saw a woman minister and the minister did all of the worship service. There was no liturgist. You may have sung the “Gloria Patri” and said the Apostles Creed every Sunday – children may never have been part of worship.

Part of this musing comes from preparation for a traditional Evangelical and Reformed Communion Service right out of our old hymnal. It clearly states communion is to be celebrated twice a year at least and the preparation deals heavily with our own sinfulness and unworthiness to receive it. Listen to the words on February 3 rd and you will see how things have changed.

I hope the old, maybe familiar, words will bring you comfort. It is good to cherish our history and our past as we move toward our future.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sue

 THANK YOU

My sincere thanks to all who sent cards upon my recent knee surgery. Thanks to Pastor Sue and Brad for their hospital visits. As you have seen I’m doing quite well and hope to get back to work soon. Thanks for all your caring concerns and above all, the prayers. It is great to be a part of such a caring and loving congregation.

Jan Mittler

I would like to thank you as always for all your kind thoughts and prayers for my knee surgery recovery. I am on track and doing well. Our whole family would like to thank you.

Robyn Mikusch and family

Thank you so much for your thoughtful donations to replace my new Christmas coat. That was so nice of everyone. It makes my coat even more special.

Emily Mikusch

I would like to thank all those from St. Philip’s who sent me Christmas cards, cookies, afghan, and all the nice visits. It is so nice to be remembered. I am doing well adjusting to my new surroundings, and I do miss my church family. My daughter, Clarine, is my secretary, and takes care of all the things I can no longer do for myself. My handwriting is quite shaky. But as long as the message gets to where I want it to go, that is all that makes a difference. So for now, I wish my Church Family a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Lucille Brand

Thank you Lord for writing upon so many wonderful hearts to bless others through our special program, Adopt-A-Family. All 44 families (177 individuals) were truly blessed.

There were many other families that were blessed through the toys, extra food, and clothing donated. Many families were touched through your generosity. The love of Christ poured out upon us through you was felt by many.

Please continue to smile upon your children Lord, and help us all to stay on the paths of righteousness so we may be a blessing to those in need of one. Remember to include us in your prayers when you talk with our loving Father.

In God’s grace and mercy,

(signed) Johnniest B. Henry Walter V. Fraction, Jr

St. John’s United Church of Christ – North Grand

We have been absent from church for a spell but doing okay. Thanks to all who called or sent “thinking of you, get well cards or e-mails”. I was in the hospital for a few days then released in time to go on our planned holiday visit to our daughters. I have been doing fine and feeling very good. We returned on January 1 st and shortly after that my older sister, Dorothy, passed away. Thanks to all of you who called and/or sent cards. When I hear or open those kinds of greetings that came for either situation it’s as if I have been touched personally by you and strengthened by your sharing.

Thank you. Grace and peace to all of you.

Yours in Christ,

Bob Leber

Thank you to my lovely choir who dedicated flowers to me on the 13 th of January. I never believed I would still be playing for church after 60 years but it is always because of my choir and the love of God that comes from my heart. It is my pleasure to still be doing God’s work with the choirs over these many years.

Thank you all.

Eula

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Joint Neighborhood Ministry Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and people we serve, I would like to thank you for your generous contribution of $50 during the 2007 calendar year. Because of your generosity, Joint Neighborhood Ministry’s Food Pantry has helped over twenty thousand people this year by giving them emergency food supplies and assistance through our Matthew 25 Program which helps with utility bills, prescription drug cost, and bus passes. Your gift also supported our Back to School Program, Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program, Senior Food Delivery Program, and our summer youth programs, such as Urban Mission Experience. Because you support JNM this year, we are able to provide hope and compassion to those in the Benton Park, Benton Park West, and Gravois Park areas of South St. Louis.

I want to thank you for support during the 2007 calendar year and hope that Joint Neighborhood Ministry can count on your support during 2008.

Yours in Christ Service,

(signed) Joan Hensley, Executive Director

See the bulletin board for a letter from St. John’s N. Grand regarding their work this past year – it was a little too long to put in the Crier.

KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

• Lucille Brand at Green Park Resident Home
• John Schuette at Green Park Nursing Home
• Ruth Lenz at Bethesda Meadows
• Walt Miller at Orchid Terrace
• Ann Goetz at Sunrise Assisted Living – Clayton
• Bob Leber, whose sister, Dorothy, passed away on January 3 rd
• the Gutjahr family on the death of Gary’s father, Joseph
• Shawn Williamson, who had surgery on Thursday, January 10 th
• Kevin Nickel who recently underwent surgery.

Here is an update on Linda Kammerer’s preschooler, Jacob, who had brain surgery for a cancerous tumor that returned.. His lumbar puncture was clear, however, the spine will be radiated along with his brain. If the cancer returns to the spine at a later date, the risk factors would prevent the doctors from using radiation at that time. He is having a helmet crafted specifically for him. It will protect his face and head during the treatments, leaving the tumor site vulnerable to the radiation. Because it is imperative that he be perfectly still during the treatments, the helmet will be bolted to the table once he is in it. He will also be sedated for all treatments. Treatments should begin in February sometime. Unfortunately, Jacob woke up with an eye infection, unrelated to his other issues, and is now hospitalized to receive intravenous antibiotics. So, Jacob is still in need of prayers. Kristi, Jacob’s mother, wanted me to thank everyone for the prayer received and to please ask you all to keep praying for this little guy.

Thanks,

Linda

 BIBLE STUDY CLASS

The Bible Study Class will resume lessons in February. We meet at 8:30 am on Monday mornings. Please join us.

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 30th Faith Club
• June 1st Middlesex

ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES

It isn’t too late to join the Adult Education class for youth and adults to have a study and conversation on national and international politics and how our faith might help to shape our commitments as we work together toward God’s vision of global peace and justice. We will continue to meet on Sunday morning after worship on the first three Sundays of February.

As a guideline for our conversations, we will use a curriculum entitled “For the Peace of the World,” which was published two years ago by the National Council of Churches. The curriculum should help us engage some of the major, global public issues of our time and to dialogue on those issues in light of Scripture and our faith tradition. We will meet after worship over the course of our six Sundays, and each meeting should be about one hour.

While the presidential primary season hits full stride, I hope that these sessions might serve as another way in which we can consider some important issues facing our country and our world. So bring yourselves and bring your ideas and bring a prayerfully-considered openness to how God might be calling us to be part of the body of Christ in the world.

Brad Urban

CHOIR NOTES

The Chancel Choir is rehearsing for Lenten

Services which are fast approaching. Rehearsal is 7 pm on Wednesday evenings until 8:15 pm.

Please feel free to join us.

PIZZA/MOVIE NIGHT

Friday Night at the Movies on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 6 pm St. Philip’s will host a screening of the movie, “The Gospel of John”. This three-hour epic feature film from 2003 is a word-for-word visual adaptation of the Gospel of John as written in the American Bible Society’s Good News Bible. Come join us for pizza and soda, as we witness John’s account of Jesus’ Life. A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board beginning Sunday, January 20 th. We are inviting viewers, age 12 and older. Please sign up as soon as possible so that we can plan for food and seating. A free will offering will be taken for the event.

CHURCH BARBECUE UPDATE

The profit we made for our barbecue dinner this year was $978.00. Not as well as we sometimes do but one never knows from one year to the next what our attendance will be.

SCOUT SUNDAY

Scout Sunday this year will be held on Sunday, February 17 th. Scouts- don’t Forget to wear your uniforms that Sunday.

ORGAN AVAILABLE

Charles and Beverly Letchworth have an organ that is free to anyone that might be interested in taking it. It is about 44 inches wide and 37 inches high. Call the Letchworths at 314-894-0124 if you are interested.

CHRISTMAS DEOCRATIONS FROM CANDLELIGHT DINNER

In the church office on the back counter are two large boxes that contain Christmas decorations that were used for table decorations at our Candlelight Dinner. If they belong to you will you please pick them up soon. We do need the counter space. Thank you.

LYDIA ’S HOUSE COMMUNITY MEALS

Our schedule for providing community meals for Lydia’s House has changed this year. We will take food on the First Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December and as always your help is not only appreciated but needed. Watch the bulletin for the sign-up sheets.

A big thank you for last December’s meal goes to (in random order) Patty Siewing, Joan Schumacher, Delba Engelhardt, Janet Remmers, Hilda Leonard, Nancy Krenning, Virginia Hladnick, Frances Kalbfleish, Jackie Meeks and Merle Schuette. Perhaps there were others who donated money toward the meat but didn’t put their names on the list. Thank you all for caring.

MISSION MOMENTS

We will have a mission moment during selected worship services to highlight organizations and causes that are among those the members of St. Philip’s support. Our first mission moment will be on February 17 th when you will learn about Joint Neighborhood Ministry located at Epiphany UCC. They have an urgent and continuing need for bar soap and bathroom tissue. If you could possible bring one of these items on February 17 th, it would be a great help to them in providing care to those they serve.

SAVE THE DATE

March 29 th has been chosen for the second annual St. Philip’s retreat to be held at Camp Fenwick. Stay tuned for more details but be sure to save the date.

JANUARY DINNERS

Virginia and Sandy would like to thank all those who attended the dinners on January 25 th. It was a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship and a good time was had by all – even the hostesses.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

I’ve noticed recently that more and more people are waving off the microphone when making announcements before the service begins. The comment is usually something like “ I don’t need the microphone to talk!” and you are right. You don’t need the microphone to talk, but those of us that don’t hear to well anymore need you to use the microphone so we can hear you. After all, if you are making an announcement, it must be important so you want everyone to hear it.

When using the microphone, hold it close to your mouth (2-3 inches away) pointing it towards your mouth. A general rule of thumb is if you can’t hear yourself over the speakers, there are a number of people in the pews that can’t hear you either.

GIFT CARD DONATIONS FOR TRIVIA NIGHT

Our Trivia Nights are Friday, March 7 th and Saturday, March 8 th. The best way to support our Trivia Nights is to get together a table of 8 for $100 and come and play! If you cannot make it, but would still like to support the church in this fund raiser, you can donate gift cards to use as prizes at Trivia Night.

We ask that you purchase gift cards in $10 increments to the following businesses:

Borders Olive Garden

Friday’s Panera Bread Company

Kohl’s Target

When you purchase the cards, please place them in a sealed envelope with your name, the amount of the card, and the store or restaurant where the gift card was purchased. Please give these cards to Shirley Nottelmann in the church office and she will get them to the Trivia Committee. Thank you so much for your support.

The Lenten Season starts early this year with the Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 6 th at 7:30 p.m. Enclosed with the Crier is a pamphlet for Lent entitled “Lessons of Lent.” We hope you will put it to good use thru this important time of the church year.

MEN’S RETREAT

Enclosed with the Crier is a flyer regarding the 2008 Men’s Retreat to be held at Camp Mo-Val on April 18th – 20th. If you’ve never been to one it might be a good time to register and attend this year. Registration deadline is April 1st.

SUB SANDWICH SALE

The St. Philip’s Youth Group will be making Pro-Bowl Sub Sandwiches to be picked up on February 10 th, just in time for the big game. Proceeds from the sale will help offset the cost of the 2008 Mission Trip to help the people of New Orleans.

Youth members will be taking order for Sub Sandwiches this Sunday (February 3 rd), or you can call Shirley at the church office 314-843-5100 to place your order. Subs are $8 each for ham (cheese), turkey (cheese), or roast beef (cheese) and $10 for the “All Star Sub” (ham, turkey, roast beef, and cheese).

Checks can be made payable to Saint Philip’s Youth. Thanks for your support - SEE THE ORDER FORM ENCLOSED WITH THE CRIER.

YOUTH NEWS

HUGE thank you to all of you that went up to St. John’s UCC N. Grand on Sunday, January 13 th for SERVICE work and FUN! Each of you gave of yourself with love, dignity, and respect! I am once again so very proud to be a part of this ministry.

THANK U! Kit

 ENGAGING YOUTH NEWS

The February 10 th Engaging Youth meeting is now a “possible” meeting.

The Engaging Youth Committee held a discussion group over the Christmas break for high-schoolers and collegians, and it went over really well. Due to this response you shouldn’t be surprised that WE’RE PLANNING ANOTHER ONE! Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 24 th – right after church – location to be announced. Pastor Brad will lead the discussion topic ‘Is America Number One?”, which is part of a series about America’s power and how we use it in the world. High-schoolers and collegians please sign up on the bulletin board. Additional dates will be held through the spring. Contact Terri Karcher at 842-8739 with questions.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER UPDATE

Our school year is flying by! It seems like we were just starting out the year and now we are already looking at Valentines’ Day! February also brings the start of preschool enrollment for the 2008-2009 school year. Do you know someone that has a child that will be 3 by August 1? Please encourage them to check out our preschool program. We have three class-time options for our 3-4 year-olds: Mon/Wed 9:00-11:30, Mon/Wed 1:00-3:30, or Tue/Thur 9:00 – 11:30. All inquiries should be made to Sarah at 314-843-2114 or spencer@stphilipsucc.com.

Although it is cold outside, we are already thinking ahead to summer! We are in search of a few items for our summer camp. During our first week of camp, we will be talking about camping. We would like to borrow (or have) several sleeping bags and 2 tents for the children to play with during that week. Also, we are in need of shoe boxes (with lids) for a project our second week of camp. The children will be decorating them to store their pirate treasure in during pirate week.

Fundraiser -

The Early Childhood Center will be having their Spring Fundraiser February 3-17. We will be selling gift items as well as frozen foods (pizzas, cookie dough, etc.) Please look for the display in the gathering space. Frozen food items should be picked up on Wednesday, March 12 th between 4 and 6 pm. The money raised will go toward playground repairs/upkeep and new items for the classroom.

COMING EVENTS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Are you ready to make a difference? If so, UNITY HOSPICE wants you!

Volunteers are needed to visit our terminally ill patients and/or perform office duties. There are not time requirements! Social or church groups, families, retirees, and students – all are welcome. Make a difference in the lives of others. Call us today to sign up for an orientation! The next orientation is in Missouri on February 23rd.

(314) 645-UNITY (8648) or (618) 346-1111. Ask for Brenda McGarvey.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

COMMUNITY EVENTS (see bulletin board for more details)

 St. Johns Evangelical UCC, Mehlville will be holding Fish Dinners on February 29 th and March 14 th from 4 to 7 pm. Cost is $8.00 per adult, $5.00 per child, 12 and under. They will have fried and baked cod fillets, fried jack salmon, fried shrimp and in honor of leap year day, they will be serving frog legs on February 29 th.

St. Peter’s Evangelical UCC at Stein and West Florissant will be holding their Trivia Night on Saturday, March 29 th. There will be a chili supper from 6 – 7 pm and trivia games begin at 7 pm. Cost - $15 per player with 10 players to a team. A silent auction will also be held. Call Debbie at (636) 405-1375 for information and reservations. All proceeds go to St. John’s Community Services Ministry.

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

Liturgists

• February 3 Brad Urban
• February 10 Lois Decker
• February 17 Bob Leber
• February 24 Frank Holdener

Children’s Time

• February 3 Brigitte Mittler
• February 10 Kit Norton
• February 17 (Scout Sunday)
• February 24 Brad Urban

Ushers

• February 3 Council
• February 10 50+ Group
• February 17 Scouts
• February 24 Women of the Church

Acolytes

• February 3 Scott Karcher February 10 Alex Balzer
• February 17 Rachel Fischer
• February 24 Ashley Kulich

GREAT LESSONS IN LIFE

1 – First Important Lesson – Cleaning Lady

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked whether the last question would count toward our quiz grade. “Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your career you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even it all you do is smile and say “hello.” I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2 – Second Important Lesson – Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.. it read:

“Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away … God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.”

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nat King Cole

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