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Dear Partners in Ministry,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and Today and forever. Hebrews 13:8. There is comfort in having a sure foundation. There is comfort in knowing that some thingswill never change. There is comfort in routine and ritual. There is comfort in the sure belief that the God and Christ of Scripture do not change. Humans change, the world changes but God revealed in Jesus Christ still loves us and longs for us to love and serve.

That being said, our world is changing (as it ever does). We in the United States have long been blessed with cheap gasoline, and cheap food, and cheap energy. So, we have gotten wasteful and we have not cared for God’s creation as best we could. I believe, I know that this spring we are faced with everything costing more and like it or not we will make changes. Maybe we will choose to live as we always have and cut costs in areas that don’t affect our daily living. Or maybe we will go a little more ‘green’ to save money and our planet.

What we as Christians must remember is that while things change, our commitment to God and God’s commitment to us remain the same. A big part of how God will judge us is in how we care for each other and for all of God’s creation. In the Old Testament, Israel was judged by God based on faithfulness and on how the widows and orphans were treated. In the New Testament, Jesus said we are judged on how we care for the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers among us, the naked and the sick and those in prison (Matthew 25: 31-46). When things are tighter financially for us, we still are commanded to help others. That does not change. Should we deny medicine and food for our own families in order to give? I don’t think so, but we are called to be good stewards and make a difference where we can.

Fear not, God is with us, the promises of Jesus Christ remain firm. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sue

Greetings Friends,

Thank you for your donations of tasty barbeque food. We had a full day. Monday we had a few pieces for lunch. The bulk was given out to our people. They also said that they enjoyed it. Thank you once again for remembering us. May our loving Savior continue to bless and keep you. Please keep us in your prayers that we remain effective in his service.

Signed (Johnniest B. Henry

St. John’s Community Services Ministry

Dear St. Philip’s Family:

Just want to say a “special thanks” for all the cards, prayers, Pastor Sue’s call, Bob Leber’s visit during my recent surgery on my leg. I am still recuperating slowly. Also thanks for letting me borrow the walker/wheelchair. It really helped. May God richly bless and keep you all in his care. Am glad that I am a part of the St. Philip’s family. Thanks for caring.

Love and Prayers

(signed) Paul Shrout

To Pastor Sue and Members and Friends of St. Philip’s UCC,

Thank you all for the Book of Worship – a wonderful parting gift. It was a blessing and privilege to share in your ministry over the course of my year at Eden. I will take with me many important learnings as well as many fond memories of being a part of the St. Philip’s community.

Blessing and peace,

(signed) Brad

The Evangelism Committee would like to extend a belated thank you to Linda and Bob Kammerer for the beautiful cake they made for the Sunday our church welcomed new members. It was greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to Girl Scout Troops 464 and 2113 and their leaders for the very impressive Flag Retirement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18th. From the opening Pledge of Allegiance to the closing of the doves being released it was very moving. It is nice to know that patriotism is alive and well. Thanks Karen.

KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

• John Schuette at Green Park Nursing Home
• Walt Miller at Green Park Nursing Home
• Ann Goetz at Delmar Gardens-South
• Melba Schulz at Old Orchard
• LaVerne Ploesser at her home
• The family of Lucille Brand who passed away on Friday, May 16th.

EMMAUS HOMES ‘THANK YOU”

As a way of saying “thank you” to the Emmaus Homes Choir, we will take a special offering for them on May 25th and June 1st.

PANCAKE BRUNCH REPORT

Many thanks to all the helpers and eaters at the pancake brunch.

The Mission Trip Fund grew by $200.00 because of your generosity. It is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Virginia for all her hard work – she was one busy lady this past weekend and still found time to organize the brunch.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Women’s Fellowship will be going to Graham’s Grill in Kirkwood on June 17 th. They will meet at church at 10:30 am. We will car pool. Shopping in Kirkwood after lunch.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION SERVICES

Our prayer and meditation service will continue in June on the 25th of the month. Note there will not be one on June 11 th. This is a quiet reflecting service of prayer, meditation and music. Come seeking peace and understanding and spiritual growth. Please join Pastor Sue for this time.

OUTDOOR WORSHIP

We will be holding an outdoor worship and Sunday, June 22 nd. Be sure to bring a lawn chair for this event.

CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE

Shirley will be updating the church directory next month (July). If you have a change of address or telephone number be sure to lether know ASAP. Thank you.

GRADUATES

Congratulations to Hannah Schillinger who graduated from Rockwood Summit High School on Tuesday, May 20 th, and to Andrea Moran who graduated from the University of Missouri on Saturday, May 17 th with a degree in elementary education. If anyone else has graduated please let the office know and we will mention them in the July issue.

LYDIA ’S HOUSE

Many thanks for the food provided for the last Lydia’s House community meal by Virginia Hladnick, Hilda Leonard, Delba Engelhardt, Nancy Krenning, Ardelle Dischinger, Alice Hillyard, Joan Schumacher, Shirley Nottelmann, Jan Freese, Pat Siewing, Joyce Brand and Frances Kalbfleish. As usual it was a large and delicious assortment of wonderful food and was very much appreciated. The ladies and their children really enjoy the variety and, of course, taking any leftovers (if there are any!) home for the next day. You do great service by supplying this meal.

The next community meal will be Wednesday, June 4 th. Please sign up on the bulletin board. If you haven’t helped in the past, please consider doing it this time. It’s really not that expensive or time consuming and you’ll be helping the ladies and their children know that people really do care about them.

JUNE MISSION MOMENT

Our mission moment this month will be given by Jack Eason on June 22 nd. He’ll tell you about Habitat for Humanity and ways that you can help even if you’re unable to physically work on a house. He’ll also explain his own long time involvement with them.

Because of the St. Louis heat, there is always a need for drinking water for volunteers. How about helping by bringing bottled water for them to pass out to the workers? One bottle or one case – any amount would help. Bring your donation by June 22 and let’s construct a wall of water!

BELATED THANK YOU

Our last St. Philip’s women’s retreat was a wonderful day. Thanks go to all the participants for their part of the fun, fellowship and education but a special thank you to each of the following: Pastor Sue [worship, Bible study, and guided meditation], JoAnn Leber [bracelets], Susan Klepper [women’s health issues], Carole Armistead [skin care], Pat Siewing [honey], Gina Pona Norton [yoga], and Esther Rhodes [reflexology]. Thanks also to everyone for bringing a comfort food to share. What a great experience it was!

A NEW EARTH (Awakening To You Life’s Purpose) by:Elkhart Tolle

When I first saw the title of this book I thought of those lines of scripture from the book of Revelation “I saw a new heaven and a new earth”…(Rev. 22: 1). I learned a long time ago never to try to read too much into those thoughts that just flash through my mind like that one did. I usually tuck them away somewhere inside. When the time is right they will resurface and it will make sense. The longest I ever recall one of them staying below the surface was 42 years. It came back about five times over the years almost as if it was reminding me that it was had not been cleared out yet. That thought was a statement made by a high school teacher – “the nation that controls the world’s oil supply controls the world’s economy”. I didn’t understand it back then but it stuck and I didn’t know why. Not too many years ago when the gas prices took the first big jumps it resurfaced --- need I say more? The thought that flashed through my mind as I read the book title resurfaced in about thirty minutes, when I got to page 23 of the book. The author used only part of the Bible quote for this book. It was the half that we can change “THE EARTH” (ourselves) and didn’t use the half we can’t change which is heaven. The book is about CHANGING...what we can...not what we can’t. From the first page I was hooked. It reminded me of several other books I have read over the years, books like, “African Genesis”, “Territorial Imperatives” and “I’m O.K. You’re O.K.”

The book has ten chapters. Each chapter is divided into shorter sections – that makes for easy short spurt reading. At least two people have indicated a desire to get a study group together to work through or just discuss this book. If you would be interested, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board. The book is available at the library. We will contact you to set up a time/day that will be suitable to the majority.

Bob Leber

RACE FOR THE CURE

The St. Louis Komen Race for the Cure is being held on Saturday, June 21 st. To avoid the massive crowd downtown, St. Johns UCC-Mehlville is organizing a walk through the business area next to their parking lot. It will start at 8:30 am on June 21 st (the same day as the downtown race). If you would be interested in being part of a team from St. Philip’s to walk for the cure at St. John’s, please let Sandy know as soon as possible.

ST. PHILIP’S HABITAT DAY

St. Philip‘s will have a Habitat for Humanity Workday on July 19 th.

There will be a sign-up sheet placed on the bulletin board in the near future. If you could help in any way please be sure to sign up or let Pastor Sue know.

ST. PHILIP’S DISCOVERY DAY AT MO-VAL

Don’t forget the St. Philip’s Discovery Day at Mo-Val on Wednesday, July 16 th, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm for students in grades 1-5. There will be swimming, boating, playing games, and crafts.

Be sure to bring a sack lunch. The cost is $15.00 and it will be a fun day for all. A sign-up sheet will be on the youth bulletin board.

MORE ON MO-VAL – SUMMER WORK DAYS

Volunteers are needed for 3 more summer work days. The dates are June 21, July 19, and August 16. the focus will be to work on the new Welcome Center and Office. Jobs from electrical, drywall, walls, windows, doors, interior work, painting, to landscaping will need volunteers. I am sure there are other jobs around camp that you would prefer to do. The schedule is 9-4. Lunch will be provided.

Look on Camp Mo-Val website www.mmsucc.org for more information and pictures. If you are interested in any of these days, there will be a sign-up sheet, or call Virginia, 843-3605.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Save the dates – July 28th – August 1st. We will need helpers to help children go from one station to the next. If you would like to help in other ways call the office of call Virginia.

Registration for this week will begin June 1st. The charge is $15.00 for the week. Look in the next Crier for a list of supplies we might need. We are looking forward to this week and hope you will participate and be part of this special week.

Also on May 27th, meet at Virginia’s at 6:00 pm with an item for a salad and, of course, some scissors. We will begin to prepare the activities.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

The summer session will begin on June 15th. The nursery will be available on June 8th. We will have animated videos about characters in the Old Testament. We need someone each Sunday to lead the session. The videos are 30 minutes. Then follow with a short discussion.

If you would like to take this opportunity to do this for a Sunday, it would be greatly appreciated. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

DAYCARE NEWS

The Early Childhood Center’s Mother’s Break program has immediate openings for the summer and/or fall– children ages 2 ½ to 6. Program meets every Friday 9:30 am – 2:00 pm. Lunch is included. Contact Sarah Spencer at 314-843-2114 or spencer@stphilipsucc.com.

Wanted – someone who is willing to donate a ½ hour of his/her time to the Early Childhood Center the morning of June 9. Our camp theme that week is pirates. We need someone who is willing to come and “steal” our treasure. This will help Sarah to set the scene for a treasure hunt later in the week. Pirate attire will be provided. For more information, please call Sarah at 314-843-2114.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

COMING EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS (see bulletin board for more info)

Wednesday, June 4 th and Saturday June 7 th – 7:30 am – 2:00 pm – Rummage Sale – Our Savior Lutheran Church – 1500 San Simeon Way Fenton, MO

Saturday June 7 th – 3 – 8 pm – Chicken Dinner – St. Martin’s Dittmer Adults $8 Children $4 – also Rummage Sale and Quilt Raffle

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

Liturgists

• June 1 Jennifer Larsen
• June 8 Jim Caldwell
• June 15 Harry Jennings
• June 22 Lois Decker
• June 29

Children’s Time

• June 1 Terri Karcher
• June 8 Kit Norton
• June 15 Bob Leber
• June 22
• June 29

Ushers

• June 1 Council
• June 8 50+ Group
• June 15 Dads
• June 22 Women of the Church
• June 29 Worship and Music

Acolytes

• June 1 Scott Karcher
• June 8 Alex Balzer
• June 15 Rachel Fischer
• June 22 Ashley Kulich
• June 29 Brent Rohlfing

KIDS IN CHURCH

3-year-old Reese: ‘Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.’

One particular four-year-old prayed, ‘And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.’

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, ‘And why is it necessaryto be quiet in church?’ One bright little girl replied, ‘Because people are sleeping.’

A Sunday school teacher was explaining how God created Eve out of Adam’s rib. Suddenly, a student who enjoyed showing off started groaning and grabbing his side.

When the teacher asked what the boy’s problem was, he said with a smile, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, ‘Would you like to say the blessing?’

‘I wouldn’t know what to say,’ the girl replied.

‘Just say what you hear Mommy say’ the wife answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said, ‘Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?’

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally the boy replied, ‘That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.’

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand.

‘Daddy, what happened to him?’ the son asked.

‘He died and went to Heaven,’ the Dad replied.

The boy thought a moment and then said, ‘Did God throw him back down?’

AND OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

 The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times. “Now”, said the teacher, “can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?”

A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, “I know, I know!” she said, “to make the gravy.”

The Sunday school teacher was describing how Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, “My Mummy looked back once when she was driving,” he announced triumphantly, “and she turned into a telephone pole.”

A Sunday school teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?” “No,” replied David. “How could he, with just two worms?”

Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, “Don’t be scared, you’ll get your quilt.” Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning’s Sunday school lesson was about. The pastor said, “Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.”

A Sunday school teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible, Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task – but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “the Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.”

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