September 19 & 20, LIFE at Eden

LIFE (Lay Institute of Faith Exploration) begins again this fall with an exciting retreat September 19-20 on the Eden campus. LIFE retreats provide opportunities to gather together for educational sessions, worship, Bible study, community meals, and fellowship.

 

You may register via the registration form or by contacting Jill Schantz by email at jschantz@eden.edu or by phone at 314-918-2554.

There is no charge for Eden students to attend LIFE, however, if you wish to eat meals with the LIFE group, there is a $25 charge.  

September 19 & 20, Apple Butter Days

September 20, Alive With the Psalms, 2-5pm

Saturday, September 20, First Church Congregational Church of Webster Groves new concert series kicks off with a workshop and concert by progressive Christian songwriter and musician, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan!  Saturday, from 2-5pm, enjoy an engaging, relaxing time of study, song, and idea-stretching, as you discover with Richard how the Psalms can renew and enliven liturgy and daily living, too. The workshop is followed by a meal at 5:30 and a concert at 6:30. All are welcome. 

September 20, Festival of Sharing Collection, 1pm-3pm

St. Johns E UCC - Mehlville, located at Lindbergh and Highway 55 in South County, will be a drop-off site for Festival of Sharing donations on Saturday, September 20th from 1pm until 3pm.  

Festival of Sharing is an interdenominational outreach mission, serving people in need all over the world.  Each year, people gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia and bring their monetary gifts and kits that have been collected assembled during the year.  Event flyer.

September 20, Blessing of the Animals, 1-3pm

September 21, Homecoming Potluck  

 

September 21, Green Fest, 3-6pm

In order to celebrate our commitment to caring for God's creation and to foster a deep and ongoing awareness of sustainable practices and behaviors in our church and community, St. Philip's United Church of Christ (10708 Lavinia Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63123) is hosting Green Fest, an environmental awareness and education event which will include live music; crafts, games and activities for all ages; booths with information on how to live more sustainably and more.  Our event will culminate in an outdoor worship blessing and dedicating our recently installed solar panels. We invite everyone to "Come and See" what St. Philip's and the surrounding community is doing to live "Green" - and how you can too! 

 

September 21, Book Discussion/Event, 6:30pm

"Reading Changes Lives", the United Church of Christ's all-church literacy initiative that starts in Fall 2014, acknowledges that literacy is essential to end the cycle of poverty, to close the school-to-prison pipeline, and to create inclusive, healthy communities where all can be active and advocate for themselves.  

September 21 & 28, The Practice of Ecumenism, 10:45-11:45am

September 23, Book Club, 8:30am

The Clergy book club reading "We Make the Road by Walking" by Brian McLaren is continuing to meet on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. Please note that the meeting location has changed to the St. Louis Bread Co. located at Gravois Bluffs in Fenton, MO. Units of the book are self-contained so you can join in at any time. Even if you don't own the book yet - we will share! Brian McLaren is one of the most important voices of the emerging church and his latest book is an excellent summary of what he has to say.

September 23-25, Faith in Our Music

Union Presbyterian Seminary is very excited about their upcoming music conference, "Faith in our Music:  Many Voices, Diverse Chords, Common Hopes," on our Richmond campus September 23-25, 2014.  This ecumenical and diverse event features John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland, and other fine musicians helping us to learn about new forms of congregational music for folks of all denominations, abilities, and ages.

The early registration deadline of July 31 is quickly approaching.  There are significant discounts for three or more people from one congregation if they register together, especially if they register by the end of this month. Event flyer Website. 

September 26, Celebrate Eden, 6:30pm

The United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund will be having our Annual Partners in Building Event in Chicago, IL this year.  Our event is scheduled for September 26-27, 2014. The PIB Event is held annually and helps new and renewing churches to learn the process of getting a new loan, refinancing an existing loan or how to start a capital campaign. Participants take part in presentations and dialogue with CB&LF and Capital Campaign Staff as well as design and construction professionals, attorneys, and current loan recipients. The CB&LF Fund pays for one night hotel accommodations, airfare and three meals and the participants pay a $70 registration fee.  Event flyer and registration information.

September 27, WA Fall Gathering

Western Association Fall Gathering will be held at Valley Center UCC in Deepwater, MO.  More information coming in late August.

September 27, E&R Historical Society Annual Meeting/Lecture, Noon 

Lancaster Theological Seminary, Hafer Center, Schaff Library Second Floor, 555 West James St., Lancaster, Pa 17603.  Keynote address by Rev. Richard Christensen, "Consecrated to the unexpected: the Youth Caravan Movement in the Evangelical & Reformed Church"

The E & R Church began participating in the National Youth Caravans in 1948 and from the very start specified that each caravan team be interracial and interdenominational. The first four-person team trained at Eden Seminary and then spent ten weeks in the field serving Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. Please join us in celebrating this forgotten yet innovative program. Many caravan participants have donated materials to the archival collection which will be on display during the meeting.

Registration: 12:00-12:45 pm ($10 at the door).   Welcome and Opening Devotions: 12:45-1:00 pm

Remembrance of Rev. Dr. Lowell Zuck, Honoring Retired Archivist Rev. Richard Berg.  Lecture and Reflections from Caravan Participants: 1:00-2:15 pm.  Break: 2:15-2:30 pm.  Annual Meeting: 2:30-3:00.  Event flyer. 

 

September 28, EA Fall Gathering

To be held at Emmaus Homes, 2-5pm.  Watch for information soon to arrive in your mailbox.   

September 28, Fall Organ Concert, 4pm  

Tim Clark Music director and organist at Church of The Master will have a fall organ concert on September 28th  at 4pm.  Location is 1325 Paddock Dr. Florissant, Mo. 63033, 314-921-3344 .

October 4, Trivia Night, 6pm 

Will be held at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in south St. Louis county.  More information coming early in August.  A workshop on Peacemaker Fellowship will also be offered. 
 

FREE Kids Activities - Country Store - Music - Chicken & Ham Dinners - & more!  2:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Adults $10 Children (4-11) $4.  Inside & Outdoor Seating, Handicapped Accessible, Carry Outs Available. St. Martins Church, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023, 636-285-4797 or 636-274-7078 or geristmc@hughes.net.  

October 5, Annual Chicken Dinner, Noon-6pm

46^th Annual Chicken Dinner at Immanuels UCC-Holstein, serving from noon-6pm.  Come enjoy a delicious meal, browse in the Country Store, take a chance on a beautiful quilt, and purchase some famous Holstein Apple Butter.  $11 for adults; $6 children (6-12) and children 5 and under free.  Indoor and outdoor dining.  Carryouts available. Event flyer.

October 5, Sausage & Beef Dinner, 12:00 to 6:00

Friedens Pease UCC at 3560 Mill Street in New Melle invites you to our annual Sausage & Beef Dinner. Our traditional whole hog sausage is made with a secret recipe handed down over many years. Or you may prefer our slow roasted top round beef and Gravy. Maybe you want to enjoy both, with all the fixings (kraut, green beans, corn, mash potatoes, dessert and drink) . And it would not be a complete meal without trying our homemade apple butter. Apple butter and sausage are both available for take home purchase. Bring your family and join us on Sunday October 6^th from 12:00 to 6. Adults $11 and Children $6 with kids under 5 and Pastors eating Free.

 

October 8, Emmaus Homes St. Charles Campus Auction  

 

SAVE THE DATE! Emmaus Homes moved into their new corporate offices earlier this year and are hosting an auction to clear out their previous office buildings. The auction will feature office furniture, antiques, commercial kitchen equipment, and more. A more detailed list of items will be published closer to the Auction Date.  All proceeds from the auction will benefit the more than 250 adults with developmental disabilities Emmaus serves. We will also have food and refreshments for sale throughout the day. Look for more details to come soon!

October 11, Peacemaker Training

Saturday, October 11, 2014: The Introduction to the Peacemaker Training will be offered in St. Louis. The training will be limited to eight people and will cost $75. Lunch is provided. For more information or to register, go to http://www.peacemakerfellowship.org/?page_id=15 

October 15, Ladies Aid Luncheon and Fall Market, Noon

Due to the poor vendor commitment, the ECH Ladies Aid has cancelled the 3 Annual Quarter Auction previously scheduled for September 13, 2014 in the ECH Gym.Instead we will hold a Luncheon and Fall Market at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63126. The event will be October 15, 2014 at noon. Cost will be $10 per person. All is invited and welcome.

 

Come join us for good fellowship, good food and a head start on your holiday shopping, while supporting ECH and learning more about the young people served by this worthy agency. A variety of vendors will be on hand.  For more information or to make your reservations, please contact the Development Office at 314-427-3755.  Event flyer.   

 

October 17, Healthcare Conversation/Lunch, 11:30am 

 

Missouri Health Care for All and Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries invites you to lunch and conversation about how people of faith can help in the effort to expand Medicaid in the state of Missouri. Lunch is free, starts at 11:30 in the Schroer Commons on the campus of Eden Seminary, presentation starts at 12 noon.  RSVP to dpupillo@faithnurses.org.  Event flyer.

October 18, 25th Annual Oktoberfest, 3-8pm

The 25th Annual Oktoberfest at Valley Center UCC in rural Deepwater, MO.  We will be serving Brauts (hand made by members of our congregation -1200 pounds worth!), German Potato Salad, Kraut, Smoked Turkey, Chicken and Noodles and other goodies including homemade breads and desserts. There will be a Bazaar featuring crafts and baked goods.  Live Music will also be provided by members of other churches in our community. 

This event benefits the food pantries in both St. Clair and Henry County, and over the past 3 years we have been able to donate over 2 tons of food from this event.  As this is our 25th year, we set a goal in January to donate 2500 pounds of food in 2014. We have had "mini" food drives throughout the year and as of September 1, our congregation has donated nearly 2300 pounds of food.  

Our guests can receive $1 off the purchase of their meal by bringing a non-perishable food item and we will also accept cash donations for the food pantries.  We also contribute a portion of our proceeds to the pantries as well.  Event flyer. 

October 18, Trivia Night, 6pm

Joint Neighborhood Ministry Trivia Night, October 18, 2014 at First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, United Church of Christ. Door open at 6:00 p.m.; trivia starts at 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.   

October 18, Family Trivia Night, 6pm

Family Trivia Night  - Doors Open @ 6 Play Begins @ 7 pm.  $15 per person / $120 per table of 8 players. Silent Auction - 50/50 - Head or Tails.  Non-alcoholic family friendly event.  St. Martins Church, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023, 636-285-4797 or 636-274-7078 or geristmc@hughes.net. 
 

October 18, Festival of Sharing Rainbow Bike Ride

October 25, Pilgrim Encounters:  The Racially Diverse Family

Saturday, October 25, 2014: Pilgrim Encounters: The Racially Diverse Family. This event is for persons and families who are interested in joining a conversation about what it is like to live in a family with people of other races. Cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Lunch is provided. For more information or to register go to http://www.pilgrimucc-stl.org/encounters/ 

October 25, Trunk Or Treat, 5-8pm

Car Decorating Contest - all area children to age 12 welcome!  Games - Prizes - Food  - & more!

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    

October 25-26, CUCC Mizzou Homecoming

The Graduates, the college aged group of Columbia United Church of Christ are having a reunion this year during Mizzou's Homecoming weekend, October 25 and 26. This gathering is for everyone participating in the group over the years.

 

Saturday, October 25: For those who want to attend the Homecoming game, would you please make out a check to the University of Missouri, $45 per ticket, and mail it >>> with <<< a self addressed stamped envelope to: Alan Mader, at 14660 Fox Manor Drive, Florissant, Missouri, 63034-­2708. We need to purchase a minimum of 25 tickets to get this group rate. You will be mailed the tickets after they are purchased from the athletic Department.

 

Sunday, October 26: The Graduates group will recognized during Worship after Rev. Dr Jerry Jordan, former pastor, preaches. Rev. Fred Brandenberg, former pastor, plans to attend. At the conclusion of worship, members of the Graduate reunion will gather on the lower level of CUCC for pizza, soda, and fellowship. Pictures and homemade cookies are most welcome!

 

October 26, Forum on Marriage Equality, 3pm

  

  

Because of the historic significance of a lawsuit brought by a mainline denomination against a State, the Missouri Mid-South Conference, the Illinois South Conference and The First Congregational Church of St. Louis have invited Mr. Donald C. Clark, Jr., General Counsel of the United Church of Christ, to be in St. Louis on Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2014. Mr. Clark will present additional information, perspective and analysis regarding the lawsuit and answer questions. The forum will take place in the sanctuary of The First Congregational Church of St. Louis, beginning at 3pm and conclude no later than 5pm, with a reception following in the church's fellowship hall. Further event information.  

 

November 8, Art & Soul Event, 6:30pm

  

 Now in its 4th year, Art & Soul is a celebration of Neighborhood Houses and how art reaches across boundaries such as poverty and challenging urban neighborhoods to help strengthen children and youth. The event will feature unique works of art in many forms, done by artists of all ages. Guests will enjoy cocktails, fabulous food, music, silent and live auctions, and Fund the Need.  For additional information, please contact Ellen Reed-Fox, Vice President of Development, at ereedfox@neighborhoodhouses.org or 314-561-3339.  Event flyer.

November 15, 5th Anniversary Taste of Home Cooking School, 9am

  

Emmaus Homes will be hosting the 5^th Anniversary Taste of Home Cooking School at First Christian Church in Washington, MO. The show will feature the popular vendor fair again this year with more than 30 local vendors selling a variety of items including holiday decorations, food, jewelry, and more. The 2-hour Cooking School will be taught by Taste of Home culinary specialist Karen Davis and will feature 10 new irresistible fall recipes. The doors open for the vendor fair at 9 a.m. and the Cooking School begins at 1 p.m. Buy your tickets today!  We have a variety of ticket options that offers a unique experience to everyone.All proceeds benefit the more than 250 adults with developmental disabilities Emmaus is so blessed to serve.

November 21, Craft and Vendor Fair, 5:30-9pm   

Ivy Chapel UCC's Craft and Vendor Fair - Vendor Registration Going on Now!  620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Come join us to shop local vendors, handmade crafts, baked goods, one-of-a-kind jewelry and more! Finish up your Christmas shopping, hang out with friends and pick up some snacks to eat now or later! For more information on this event, please visit ivychapel.org. Registration forms to rent tables at the fair are also available on the website. You may also contact Erin Winship at ewinship@marykay.com or elowry08@hotmail.com with any questions. Event flyer and registration form.  

 

December 1-8, El Salvador IPM Trip

Join IPM on a Special Edition "Holiday with a Conscience" Immersion Experience to El Salvador, December 1-8^th 2014!  Don't miss out on a week with Joseph Cistone and Fatima Benitez building cross-cultural relationships with IPM's Project Partners, and experiencing Salvadoran culture with a focus on Fair Trade practices.  Shop this holiday season with a social justice conscience!

For additional information about the trip please contact Melanie Strout at mstrout@ipmconnect.org or 207.801.9020. For other inquiries about IPM and how to get involved contact Eric Moeller at emoeller@ipmconnect.org or 314.252.8489.

 

December 27-January 7, Italy IPM Trip

IPM is also pleased to offer an opportunity to spend New Years in Italy! Join Joe Cistone for a week in Italy, experiencing the Italian culture, and rich history (maybe add something about the Catholic church?)  and meet with IPM's Project Partner Speranza II, learning from women who have been trafficked from Nigeria to Italy. December 27-January 7.  For additional information about the trip please contact Melanie Strout at mstrout@ipmconnect.org or 207.801.9020. For other inquiries about IPM and how to get involved contact Eric Moeller at emoeller@ipmconnect.org or 314.252.8489.

 

2015

April 9-11, 2015, UCCOSSN Annual Gathering 

Support Staff Network Gathering To Be Held In Ft. Wayne In 2015.  Support staff members (administrative assistants, secretaries, office managers, bookkeepers, etc.) from all settings of the United Church of Christ are strongly encouraged to join the United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network (UCCOSSN) at their 2015 Annual Conference to be held in Ft. Wayne, Ind. April 9-11, 2015. "Rediscovering the Joy of Play" will be the theme for this time of networking, fellowship, professional growth and retreat for those who keep our offices running. Acclaimed storyteller Valerie Tutson will be the keynote speaker. For more information, contact Lettie Eagar at lme@plymouthfw.org or Nikki Richards at n.richards@ikcucc.org.