Category Archive

When a group of people work effectively together, for good or ill, the world takes notice. The Christian Church has done this over and over, almost always for good and St. Philip’s United Church has been a powerful participant. In his first letter, Bible writer John identified his readers as Beloved. He challenged them to love each other and in … Read More

Live Peaceably Have you been tempted to retaliate against someone who walked physically close to you without wearing a mask correctly? When people fail to cooperate with the common good — it doesn’t hurt only those individuals who refuse to comply. Consequences are suffered by the whole community. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome: “…so far as … Read More

Evidence-based Action Needed St. Louis County is not seeing a rise in deaths from COVID-19 (as I write this article on July 15, 2020) like many states and the United States as a whole are experiencing. This is likely because most people here have been practicing the evidence-based actions needed to keep us safer and healthier. Dr. Alex Garza of … Read More

God’s Word in the Desert Do you miss connecting with the people of St. Philip’s Church in person? I do. The welcome, joy, mission and purpose when we’re together is contagious and uplifting. But right now, the ways we have to connect are less than they used to be. How can we stay close to God and each other? The … Read More

What Would Jesus Do? Talking to a colleague about my experience at the grocery store, I bragged that they have set up one-way aisles, separate entry and exit doors, breath barriers, marks on the floor at cash registers, and so on. He said his grocery did not have those things. While thinking about the seating in our sanctuary for worship, … Read More

“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” Luke 24:2 Church leaders from our sister churches around the state and nation (following political leaders’ more general orders) have recommended that we suspend in person worship and move instead to gathering virtually on screens and speakers. Projections show that prudent safety may mean doing this for some time to come, … Read More

Two Baptisms on March 29! And a tour of a mission partner! Jesus told his disciples to “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey.” Matthew 28:19-20 The sacrament of Baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. The water we … Read More

Scout Sunday Many of us at St. Philip’s have been a part of the Scout movement started by social worker Robert Baden-Powell on January 24, 1908. In an attempt to lift the quality of life for people and emphasize the importance of morality and good deeds, the program has had a positive influence on millions. There are 12 principles a … Read More

Solutions People often seek real help for what they are going through in their lives. Sometimes we find it helpful to hear, not only what works for a particular problem, but why, and how to find out, so we can use the same strategy for another circumstance, when a new problem comes along. In the Gospel of John, Jesus told … Read More

Music is a favorite part, for many, of what we do together as church! I believe that all God’s children can and should sing. It makes us breathe well and feel good while inspiring us with words that lift us up. “Make a joyful noise!” Psalm 100 St. Philip’s United Church sings well, but as a reminder to keep doing … Read More