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Dear Partners in Ministry,

We at St. Philip’s are being reminded of what it means to be a community of faith. We rejoice with the Krennings, the Kammerers and the Hickmans on the births of their grandchildren. We grieve with the families of Audrey Brill, Elsie Frye, and Wanda Reidel. And we celebrate the weddings of Megan Yung, Kit Norton, and Sheryl Treaster. This month has brought the cycle of life and the need for the love or our church family into sharp focus. We do indeed share our lives and our faith in community.

As the United Church of Christ celebrates 50 years of life and St. Philip’s prepares to celebrate 50 years, I have been thinking about the Pastors who have been shepherds for the denomination and our local church. I’ve been thinking about the baptisms and weddings and funerals that mark the lives of the faithful. I’ve been reading Evangelical Synod history and thinking about Eden Seminary and the Pastors formed in that place. I am proud to be part of St. Philip’s United Church of Christ and proud to be an Eden Seminary graduate.

I want to thank the St. Philip’s community for the essential part you have played in shaping and formation of Pastors for the United Church of Christ over the years. I have a colleague in ministry who says the most important thing his church does is have an Eden student work and learn with them each year. Having a Student Pastor means more work for me (we do not have a student to “help” me), but a student brings fresh gifts and new life each year. We do not have a student to work with our youth. We have a student to show that student what it means to be the whole church; to preach, to teach, to visit, to lead worship, and to participate in and observe the life of the congregation. Our training of the Eden student is a contribution to the church of Jesus Christ and its future.

Our student for next year is a classic example of the way the training up of our youth benefits not just our local church but the whole church. Brad Urban is a member at Zion UCC in Union where I helped teach his confirmation class. I was ordained from that church and they supported me all through seminary by buying my books and praying for me. I was their Student Pastor for a year. They sent me out into the world of ordained ministry and never counted the cost. Now we will help train Brad in ministry and he will go out to serve, and most likely will not serve either Zion or St. Philip’s. Brad will serve the United Church of Christ in some other place and we will always be a part of who he is as a pastor.

So again, thank you all for being the church in so many different ways.

Yours in Christ

Pastor Sue

Dear Friends of St. Philip’s:

We wish to thank you for the prayers, thoughts, and cards we received. We love our church and miss being there on Sunday morning. Thanks also to Pastor Sue for her visits to Ollie in the hospital. We love you all.

Ruth and Ollie Lenz

Our thanks to Bob and Linda Kammerer for donating the delicious, beautifully decorated cake they made for our new member reception welcoming Brigitte, Dottie, and Jan. The red, white, and blue decorated cake fit with the theme for Memorial Day.

The Evangelism Committee

I wish to thank the Chancel Choir for their faithfulness and devotion during the fall, winter, and spring. It is always my joy and blessing to be a part of St. Philip’s and of my beloved choir. This summer soloists and duets will be helping me with the service. To all of you I say thank you and thank God for letting me be here at St. Philip’s UCC.

Love to you all,

Eula

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, and the congregation for their support. To everyone who put the luncheon together – you did a wonderful job. My mom was most overwhelmed when she heard the choir was going to sing at her funeral. Thank you to everyone.

The Brill and Bippen families

KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

• Lucille Brand at Green Park Nursing Home
• John Schuette at Green Park Nursing Home
• Bob Stevenson at St. Anthony’s Hospital
• Ollie Lenz at Bethesda Dilworth
• Walt Miller at Green Park Nursing Home
• The families of Audrey Brill and Elsie Frye who entered eternal rest on May 29, 2007.
• Keep Wanda Reidel in your prayers – Wanda entered eternal rest on Monday, June 18, 2007.

WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Megan Elizabeth Yung and David Comstock who were united in marriage at St. Philip’s UCC on Saturday, June 2 nd. Megan is the daughter of Susan and Robert Yung and the granddaughter of Alice Hillyard.

NEW ARRIVALS

Congratulations to Les and Nancy Krenning on the birth of a granddaughter, Ripley Anne Roth, who was born Friday, June 8 th weighing in at 2 lbs. 12 ounces and measuring 14 inches long. Ripley and her parents are doing well. Keep them in your prayers.

Also congratulations are in order for Josh and Tricia Kammerer McCabe on the birth of their son, Miles Christopher, on Thursday, June 14 th weighing in at 8 lbs. 13 ½ ounces measuring 20 ½ inches long. The proud grandparents are Bob and Linda Kammerer.

Riley Elizabeth Kelly entered this world on Friday, June 18 th, the daughter of Brian and Rachel Hickman Kelly. The proud grandparents are Russ and Judy Hickman.

BARBECUE UPDATE

We served 410 adults and 30 children at our barbecue event on April 29 th, about 100 more than ever served before. The profit for this was $2,035.00. Last year’s profit was $1500 and 2005 profit was $1700.00. What was needed was more help.

WE CARE COMMITTEE

It has been brought to our attention that some of our new members do not realize that we have what we call “The We Care Committee.” This is a committee that has been set up to handle any luncheons that might be needed after a funeral service for members of the church family. The committee is headed by Lois Decker, who has been doing a tremendous job for many years. She calls on members of the congregation to provide, salads and desserts for the meal. If you would be interested in donating an item when the need arises, please let Lois Decker know. She would like to avoid calling the same people all the time. Thank you.

SUMMER STUDY

This summer, during the months of July and August, Pastor Sue will be leading a study of forgiveness. We will read How Can I Forgive?by Joretta Marshall, a professor at Eden Seminary. The course will run for 7 weeks. We will meet on Tuesdays at 7 pm. It is best if you also read the book. To order it, sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board. The back cover of the book is on the bulletin board also so you can see the broad scope of the study. I hope you will join us.

How Can I Forgive?

Tuesdays – July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 7:00 pm at church

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – July 30 – August 3

It is just a few weeks until the Lift Off. There is lots of work to be finished. Anyone who is willing to help, please call Shirley or Virginia. We also would like someone to take pictures of the day’s events and someone to help with the story telling.

Remember, Saturday, July 28 th is the day we decorate and set up for the week. Let us know if you can help.

Virginia

SUMMER SERMON SERIES

During the summer Pastor Sue would like to preach and teach on topics that you suggest. So – look for the sermon suggestion box on the credenza in the gathering space. If you have sermon topics, scriptures you want to hear more about and/or hymns you want to sing – please leave suggestions.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, August 19 th

St. Philip’s all-church worship and rec-day at Camp Mo-Val. Worship at 10:00 am followed by lunch, fun and fellowship for all ages!

There will be something for everyone – swimming, table games, canoes, fishing, hiking, and just enjoying the fresh country air! Stay tuned for more info, including carpool options.

We hope everyone will be there!

FAITHFUL READERS BOOK CLUB

The next selection “Faith and Politics” by Jack Danforth will be discussed on August 12 (tentative date). September’s book will be “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand, with date for discussion to be set later.

MISSING BANNER

The 50 th Anniversary Committee is looking for the large white satin 40 th Anniversary Banner. If anyone knows where this banner might be stored, please contact the committee or the church office.

CRAFTERS WANTED

We have 4 opportunities to make crafts for future church events. These include making crafts to see at the Fall Dinner, craft projects for the Hanging of the Greens, our 1 st Annual St. Philip’s Christmas ornament, and a give-a-way for our 50 th anniversary celebration in spring of 2008. Anyone who is interested can contact the church office or sign up on the bulletin board. We will have a preliminary meeting to discuss the types of craft to make and when we would have to start these projects. Even if you’re not a skilled artist or craftsman we can use help in assembly.

Dave Schiele

LOOKING FOR GOLFERS

Dear Friends,

Our MOVAL charity golf tournament is fast approaching and we are in need of more golfers. The tournament will be held on Saturday, August 18 th beginning at 1:00 pm and will be held at THE Landings @ Spirit Golf Club in Chesterfield just off of I-64 near The Spirit of Saint Louis Airport. I would like to commit at least two teams from St. Philip’s this year improving on the one team that we entered last year. The entrance fee is only $135 per golfer, considerably less than last year and it includes one round of golf with cart, lunch during the round and dinner with awards ceremony and auction following the tournament. Free beverages will be available every couple of holes throughout the course as well. The tournament will be a scramble and will have a putting contest as well as a long drive contest. There will also be a hole- in-one contest on one of the par threes in which you can win a brand new car with one swing!

If you are not a golfer but know of a family member or friend that you would like to sponsor, give me a call (Philip Ricks: 314-487-2610) so that we can fill out our teams. If you are not a golfer and don’t know of anyone who plays, you can still participate by attending the dinner and auction following the tournament that begins around 5:00 pm. The cost of just the dinner is $15.

St. Philip’s will also be sponsoring a hole in the tournament again this year so if you don’t play golf, don’t have a family member or friend that you would like to sponsor, and don’t want to come to the dinner after the tournament you can still help out! A gift toward the hole sponsorship can be dropped into the display on the credenza in the gathering space at church.

Once again I would like to thank you for all of your support for this important effort to upgrade our wonderful MOVAL camp and outdoor ministries. We have a great challenge ahead but with your help we can complete our campaign, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy all of the wonderful opportunities that we have been blessed to have available to us.

Peace and Blessings,

Philip Ricks

MORE ON THE GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Women’s Fellowship will be putting together 2-3 baskets for a silent auction for the Golf Tournament on August 18 th for the MOVAL campaign. We will have 2-3 themes for these baskets. Watch for the announcements. If you want, you may contribute an item or cash. Contact the office if you have questions. We may decide to purchase the baskets like we did last year and if that’s the case we will only need cash donations.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

On Tuesday, July 17 th, our Women’s Fellowship will go to Chesterfield Valley for lunch at 11:30 am at Mimi’s Café. Meet at church at 10:45 am.

UPDATING THE CHURCH DIRECTORY

Shirley will be working on updating the church directory in July. If you have a change of address and phone number that you haven’t turned in to the office, please let Shirley know as soon as possible so that the correct information will be in this directory.

FLOWER SUNDAY

“As is the gardener, so is the garden”-----Thomas Fuller

July 8 th – Flower Sunday: We would like to appreciate God’s beauty and display our flowers in the sanctuary. Please bring a pot of flowers from your yard for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks,

The Worship and Music Committee

USED TOYS

Feed My People will be collecting used toys during the month of July. The toys will be given to an organization that repairs dolls, teddy bears, puzzles, etc. and then distributes them to needy families with children. If you have any toys that you are thinking of discarding why not bring them to church during the month of July so that we can see that Feed My People gets them.

JULY BIRTHDAYS

COMING EVENTS

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

Liturgists

July 1

July 9 Jennifer Larsen

July 15 Work Camp/Mission Trip

July 22 Frank Holdener, Jr.

July 29 April Schillinger

Children’s Time

July 1 Chuck Knoll

July 9 Kit Norton

July 15 Mission Trip

July 22 Karen Moran

July 29 Bob Leber

Ushers

July 1 Church Council

July 9 50+ Group

July 15 Early Childhood Center

July 22 Women’s Fellowship

July 29 Property and Grounds

Acolytes

July 1

July 9

July 15

July 22

July 29

HARVEY ’S COLUMN – guest columnist Claire Schillinger (Sharing the Faith)

Genesis 28 v 15

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not ever leave you.”

Heading away from home and off to school was one of the scariest times in my life. Everything around me changed. I had a new home and was really responsible for myself for the first time in my life. My group of friends was changing, along with the fact that I was beginning to pursue a rigorous education. The first few nights at school were really lonely. I was trying to find my place in this new world.

While the people and places around me had changed, one thing had not – my foundation in Christ. I prayed, and my family prayed, that I would find myself in the right place, that I would enjoy my first year at school, and that I would grow in this experience. I can say that this year at school was not at all how I expected it to turn out – it was better! I trusted that God would help me find security and friendship in this new place, and He provided me with more. I continued my education in Christ too, through a new church and Bible studies.

I suppose one of the biggest things I learned this year, or something that was at least confirmed for me, was that no matter how inconsistent your life is, however changing or unstable you find your world to be, one thing never fails. God is there as a rock for us all, to cling to in all our fright and loneliness. We are part of His bigger plan and He is watching over us. So long as we place our trust in Him, He promises to guide us towards prosperity.

I know now that wherever this journey takes me, I will always be alright as long as I keep my faith. My Heavenly Father will serve as my joy and my foundation. Under His guidance, we are all going to be alright, so long as we continue to trust in Him wherever we go.

SAYING GRACE IN A RESTAURANT

(Thanks to Bob Kammerer for this one.)

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen !!

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!”

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?”

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.”

“Really?” my son asked.

“Cross my heart, “ the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.”

I love this story!

Sometimes, we all need some ice cream.

I hope God sends you some ice cream today!

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