Pilgrimage – A Lenten Journey for Spiritual Uplift! Britannica.com says that a pilgrimage is a journey undertaken for a religious motive; usually toward a place associated with God or other holy connection. All major world religions advocate them and millions of people recommend them. This year, for the season of Lent (March 6th through Easter, April 21st) we will enter … Read More
Notes from the Pastor: February 2019
Dear St. Philip’s United Church of Christ; Thank you for your generous ongoing participation and support of your church and your commitment for the coming year! Because of you, mission and ministry has happened and will continue to be provided for 100s of members, friends, acquaintances, our wider early childhood center families and people around St. Louis, our nation and … Read More
Notes from the Pastor: January 2019
Caring for Others A most prevalent value all the people and organizations I have gotten to know since my start here is the centrality of a mission consciousness! We are Christian and following Jesus means to us, among other things, that we care for our community and world as well as our loved ones and fellow church members. When we give to Our Church’s Wider … Read More
Notes from the Pastor: December 2018
Advent An Advent wreath with Advent candles is a tradition that helps Christians focus attention on the coming of the Christ at Bethlehem and at the close of history. As Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year, this season also begins the retelling of the biblical stories of the life of Jesus on earth in physical form. This next … Read More
Notes from the Pastor: November 2018
For many people, resisting the urge to be isolated gets harder this time of year as fewer minutes of daylight occur each day and average temperatures decrease. It’s more trouble to leave home and it may seem easier to say “no” to the invitations of friends and church to stay engaged and connected. While it’s healthy to honor our individual … Read More
Notes from the Pastor: October 2018
In order to get to know the congregation, six cottage meetings were held — five in member’s homes and one at church. Conversations at those meetings revealed that members and friends of St. Philip’s like the church a lot. The nearly 50 members and friends said St. Philip’s is a welcoming and friendly church which is the right size with … Read More
From the Pastor: September 2018
Neighbors in Need The Bible tells us that when we show empathy or compassion to strangers in our communities, we are representing Christ (Matthew 25:43-45). The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive on October 7, 2018, supports projects in United Church of Christ congregations and helping organizations throughout the United States, including the national Justice and Witness Ministries … Read More
From the Pastor: August 2018
Who are We A claim was made at a recent Board Meeting that people often misunderstand what church is all about. Together it was agreed that if people know our kind of church, there would be much less of this. I accepted the challenge to write a description that might help. There are many other things to say about who … Read More
From the Pastor: July 2018
Dear members & friends: Thank you so much for the welcome you have given as I begin my time as your Pastor! It has been wonderful. The feeling of St. Philip’s being a loving Christian community as our mission statement says has come through loud and clear. I will do my best to engage minds and hearts as we partner … Read More
10708 Lavinia Drive
