Dear Partners in Ministry,
God instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children, so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children. Psalm 78: 5b-6
What an honor, what a privilege, what a responsibility, what a joy it is to be a teacher. Isn’t it amazing to think that the future depends on how we rise up and teach the next generation? Will they know God? Will they follow God’s commandments? Will they be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ? Will they work for justice and peace in the world? Will they be kind to one another? Will they make good husbands and wives and parents? Will they build a better world? So often the answer to these questions rests in the nest in which our children are nurtured.
I am proud that one of the “nests” in which the children of our community, including my own grandchildren, find rest is St. Philip’s Early Childhood Center. Started by two women of the church, staffed by countless teachers and nurturers over the years, the ECC has grown into an institution which has helped rear generations of children.
We celebrate 40 years of ministry to the community, 40 years of teaching and love for the ECC. We give thanks for the teachers and leaders and board members and parents and children who have been a part of this journey and adventure. God bless our work and help us be faithful teachers.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Sue
I am truly excited to be your student pastor this year! Let me tell you a little about myself. I am originally from Belleville, Illinois. As a child and into my teens, I attended and was confirmed in one of the area’s Episcopal Churches. In 1995, I graduated from Fontbonne University with a BA in English concentrating in professional writing and public relations.
For eleven years, I lived in Largo, Florida (in the Tampa Bay area). During my time in Florida, I worked mostly in marketing, fundraising and public relations for non-profits.
I first received my call to seminary in 2001. While my road to seminary took a few years, I was able to assess my gifts and discern my call during this time. I realized how much God was calling me to be with others during pastoral situations, and I volunteered in my church to visit those in hospitals and nursing homes.
In 2005, I joined my home church – Faith United Church of Christ in Clearwater, Florida. I was blessed by so many in the congregation to look at things in new ways, and it really prepared me in coming to Eden Seminary, where I began my studies in 2007.
Currently I am a second year student. This year, I am chair of the Social Justice Council and sit on Student Cabinet. We are excited this year that the council will be working with Metropolitan Congregations United and forming a team for the local CROP walk. Also, this year I joined the choir and will have an opportunity play piano as an accompanist for the Christmas concert. I also have a job on campus creating the bulletins for our chapel services.
Thank you so much for your warmth and hospitality. I have felt so welcome by this congregation since the moment I stepped into the church. I look forward to being a part of the joys and concerns in your lives and to seeing the ways that God works in all our lives and throughout this congregation.
Many blessings!
Michelle Torigian
Greetings Friends:
We truly appreciate the many different ways you help us spread the love of our Master to others. We served 195 families this month of July and have served only 175 families for the month of August. Thank you once again for helping us to share our Lord’s love and blessings with others.
Signed (Johnniest Henry, St. Johns UCC on
North Grand
Many thanks from Nadine Saulka for the donation to Feed My People in memory of her father Leonard Syberg. She appreciates all the effort and concern that was shown by St. Philip’s when we were trying to find a home for the altar her father had made.
Dear Pastor Sue:
As Sandy may have told you we got a refund check from Medicare for overpayment for Wand Lee’s (Reidel) care. Bill and I want to donate the money to St. Philip’s in memory of Wanda Lee. Sandy said after talking to you that a digital picture frame would be nice. That way people coming into church can see pictures of “what’s going on” at St. Philip’s.
(signed) Bill and Gloria Gruttke
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all of you who brought food for the Festival of Sharing!! We have accomplished our goal of 20 families plus a little more. Again THANK YOU for being so generous.
(signed) Janet Remmers and Virginia Hladnick
MANY THANKS
The Kammerers walked the Memory Walk, Saturday, September 13 th to raise money for the Alzheimer Association. A big thank you to everyone who donated to this worthy cause. Our little family group of 6 adults and Miles, our grandson, collected $1,763.00 for Alzheimer’s. Thanks to all who helped make this walk a success!
Bob and Linda Kammerer
Many thanks to all who donated toward Feed My People’s Manna March on September 21 st. The $272.00 from St. Philip’s people will go toward helping our neighbors in need in the Lemay area. Thanks again for your usual generosity!
Sandy Stevenson
SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-OFF
The Circus Kick-Off was a great success. The boys and girls had a good time. Thanks to everyone who helped and to everyone who came to enjoy the day. We will look forward to next year.
The Christian Education Committee
KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS
- John Schuette at Green Park
- Melba Schulz at Orchard House
- Walt Miller at Orchid Terrace
- LaVerne Ploesser at home
- Ben Armistead, who had eye surgery
- Susan Cochran, who fell and broke her arm and is now home after a brief stay at the hospital and nursing home.
- Paul Shrout, who had some more corrective surgery on his knee. He is home recuperating.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Doug and Jennifer Larsen on the birth of their new son, Ryker Burnett Larsen who was born on Monday, September 8 th. He joins his brother Drew at home. Ryker weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21 ¼ inches long.
PAINTING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We need your help for a few hours. On Saturday, October 11 th. We are going to repaint the MPR and hallway walls. We need 6 volunteers to paint and 6 volunteers to be painter helpers. Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board. Thanks.
BRATWURST DINNER
The date for the Bratwurst Dinner has been set for Sunday, October 19 th. Mark your calendars and sign up to bring the food items needed and help needed on the list which is posted on the bulletin board.
CHOIR NEWS
Chancel Choir meets Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. All are needed for choir.
Children’s Choir meets on Sunday immediately after church for 15 minutes only.
NEW EARTH BOOK DISCUSSION
The discussion group started Monday, August 18 th and will continue on the following dates:
- October 14 and 28 7 pm
- November 4 7 pm
We welcome all to come and join in the discussion. If you have any questions call Bob Leber at 636-296-3595.
BLANKETS NEEDED
Women’s Fellowship is collecting gently used and new blankets for St. John’s North Grand. A collection box is in the gathering space. We will be collecting the blankets until November 9 th. Thank you for helping keep someone warm this winter.
NEIGHBORS IN NEED OFFERING
Enclosed with the Crier is an offering envelope for our Neighbors in Need donation. We will be receiving this offering, which supports the United Church of Christ’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States on Sunday, October 5 th. Please give as generously as you can! Don’t forget to bring it that Sunday !!! Thank you.
VISIT TO EBENEZER STONE UCC CHURCH- GERALD, MO.
Everyone is invited to go with the Women’s Fellowship to Ebenezer Stone Church on October 29 th. We plan to arrive between 10 – 10:30 am. Pastor Brueseke will be there to tell us the history of the old church, including the time during the Civil War. The old log cabin church dates back to 1854. This will be very interesting. The fall season should be very enjoyable for a good day. Bring a sandwich for a picnic lunch. Drinks, snacks, and dessert will be furnished. We will leave church at 8:30 am.
Please sign up. Any questions, talk to Virginia 314-843-3605 or Betty 314-487-8429.
50+ GROUP
There is a change of date for our Christmas lunch party. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, December 13 th at 12 noon at Helen Fitzgerald’s. More information will be posted later.
LYDIA ’S HOUSE COMMUNITY MEAL
It’s once again our turn to prepare a meal for the women and children who are served by Lydia’s House. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for the October 1 st meal and your help would be greatly appreciated. They always look forward to food prepared by St. Philip’s!
Here’s a sample of who you have helped as related in the recent Lydia’s House newsletter: One woman, who is soon to leave Lydia’s House, has had great success professionally and personally since her time at House. She has graduated from a medical training program, obtained gainful employment, purchased a vehicle, enrolled her three-year-old in Head Start, obtained reliable daycare, and has recently been approved for Section 8 Housing. Her success is an inspiration to us all and we wish her the best in the future!” As supporters of Lydia’s House, we can share in the feeling of pride at her accomplishments.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION SERVICES
Don’t forget our Prayer and Meditation Services that will be held on the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesdays in October – October 8 th and 22 nd. All are welcome to join in for quiet meditation, reflection, and prayer.
MEDIA IN WORSHIP
St. Philip‘s now has the screen and the projector and the laptop to bring a visual and sound enhancement to worship. Now we need to put together a group to help use the media faithfully. If you are interested in power point, or working on visual presentations, let Pastor Sue know. We will meet at least quarterly to plan.
DEUTSCHER MAENNERCHOR (German Male Chorus)
One of our members, Ray Zeitinger is a member of this organization and they are having their annual fall concert and dance on Saturday, October 11 at 8 pm. It will be held at the German Cultural Society Hall at 3652 South Jefferson Avenue.
The doors will open at 6 pm (if you plan to come don’t be any later than that as parking is a premium and you will want to park on the lot and not Jefferson Avenue.) Donation is $10.00. Food will be available – the usual German Style edibles. If you would be interested in attending this let the church office know and we will get your ticket. It would be nice to have a group support one of our members and have a good time as well.
DAYCARE NEWS
St. Philip’s ECC MOTHER’S BREAK PROGRAM has openings for children ages 2 ½ years – 6 years. Fall/Winter session begins Friday, September 5 th from 9 am to 1:30 PM EACH Friday. The Program offers socialization through play and fun creative projects, as well as games, music, songs, and story time. Tuition is $20 per week and includes lunch. Contact Sarah Spencer at 314-843-2114 for more information.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER FUNDRAISER
The Early Childhood Center is running their Fall Fundraiser September 24 – October 7. They are selling wrapping paper, gift items, and frozen food items (pizzas and desserts). The proceeds will go towards their “40 Wishes for 40 Years” campaign to grant some classroom wishes. Orders will be taken on the easel in the Gathering Space on Sunday, September 28 and Sunday, October 5. Orders can be picked up Thursday, November 13 from 4 – 6 pm. Be sure to check out the bulletin board outside the Day Care Office. All of the classroom wishes are displayed there. If you would prefer to support the center directly by purchasing a “wish”, please feel free to do so. Questions can be directed to Sarah Spencer at 314-843-2114 or spencer@stphilipsucc.com.
COMING EVENTS
| October 1 | Choir Practice 7 pm |
| October 2 | Yoga Class 6:30 pm |
| October 4 | 50+ Service Project 10:30 am |
| October 5 | Communion Sunday |
| October 6 | Bible Study 8: 30 am Church Council 7 pm |
| October 7 | Bell Choir 7 pm |
| October 8 | Free Lunch – noon Choir Practice 7 pm |
| October 9 | Yoga Class 6:30 pm |
| October 11 | Painting MPR and Hallways |
| October 12 | Birthday Sunday |
| October 13 | Bible Study 8:30 am |
| October 14 | Bell Choir 7 pm New Earth Book discussion group 7 pm |
| October 15 | Choir Practice 7 pm |
| October 16 | Yoga Class 6:30 pm |
| October 19 | Bratwurst Dinner 11 am – 7 pm |
| October 20 | Bible Study 8:30 am |
| October 22 | Choir Practice 7 pm |
| October 23 | Yoga Class 6:30 pm |
| October 26 | Congregational Meeting |
| October 27 | Bible Study 8:30 am |
| October 28 | Bell Choir 7 pm New Earth book discussion 7 pm |
| October 29 | Women’s Fellowship – Ebenezer Stone Church – Gerald, MO – 8:30 am Choir Practice 7 pm Day Care Board Meeting 7 pm |
COMMUNITY EVENTS (see bulletin board for more information)
Saturday, October 4 – 11 am to 3 pm – Evangelical Children’s Home 150 th Anniversary WurstMarkt and Carnival adults $10 and children $5
Saturday, October 11 - 8 pm – German Male Chorus Fall Concert and Dance – German Cultural Society Hall – 3652 South Jefferson Avenue – Donation $10 – Food available
Sunday, October 12 - Friends of Emmaus 36 th Annual Fall Bazaar – 12 – 5 pm and Quilt Auction – 3 pm –
All-You-Care-To-Eat Dinner – adults $8.00 and children $4.00 – 2200 Hwy D, Marthasville, MO
Sunday, October 12 – St. Martin’s UCC – Dittmer Outdoor Ministries Charity Golf Tournament – Deer Creek Golf Course – 5300 Dulin Creek Road, House Springs, MO – Registration 12 noon – Shotgun Start 1 pm
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
| 2 | Roger Decker Raymond Zeitinger |
19 | Andrea Moran Philip Shelton |
| 4 | Hannah Kelly | 20 | Sharon Jackman |
| 6 | Chuck Knoll Joshua Hickman |
22 | Linda Boucher |
| 9 | Linda Kammerer Richelle Fischer |
24 | Connor Hickman |
| 12 | Harry Jennings Claire Vogt Samuel Vogt |
25 | Bruce Eason Susan Cochran |
| 14 | Scot Rohlfing | 26 | Jamie Kotthoff |
| 17 | Doug Stevenson | 29 | Patrick Moran Pam Kelly Delba Engelhardt |
CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS
Jesus spoke constantly comparing the Realm of God and the Realm of the Jewish Authorities and the Realm of the Roman Empire. As we lead up to our elections in the United States, we will have a sermon series on Christians and Politics using scripture, John Danforth’s book, and Jim Wallis’ book on religion and politics.
October 5 – The Place of the 10 Commandments in Our Nation -
Exodus 20: 1-20
October 12 – Judging Others and Reforming Ourselves
Exodus 32: 1-14
Matthew 22: 1-14
October 19 - Children’s Sabbath
Psalm 90: 1-7, 13-17
Matthew 22: 34-46
October 26 – What Do We Owe the Emperor, Church and State Matthew 22: 15-22
Psalm 99
LITURGISTS, USHERS, ACOLYTES AND CHILDREN’S TIME FOR AUGUST
Liturgists
- October 5 Michelle Torigian
- October 12
- October 18 Dana Faerber
- October 26 Patty Siewing
October 5 and 12
Sharon Jackman & Merle Schuette
Elvira Rebienne & Alice Hillyard
October 19 and 26
Nancy Krennings & Ellen Disseler
Carole Armistead & Bob Kammerer
- October 5 Carley Nickel
- October 12 Scott Karcher
- October 19 Alex Balzer
- October 26 Rachel Fischer
- October 5 Youth Sunday
- October 12 Michelle Torigian
- October 19 C.E. Children’s Sabbath
- October 26 Kit Norton
ADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE CHOIR
Have you ever thought of joining the choir? Well here are some of the advantages in doing just that:
- You never have to worry about what to wear.
- You have excellent seats and are assured a reserved seat for Christmas and Easter.
- From your advantageous seat, you can smile at, gawk at, ignore and otherwise enjoy the rest of the people in the congregation.
- The pastor is nearly always looking the other way.
- You’re in a wonderful spot to see new members.
- The cost for all of these benefits? Just one evening a week.
- Oh, yes, one more reason to join the choir: You’re a leader in the worship experience.
Now – aren’t these good reasons to join the choir. Give it a try !
