September-April, Job Shapers Network, 7am
Job Shapers Network" a career development program will be meeting at Kirkwood UCC, 1603 Dougherty Ferry Rd, 63122, on the first Thursday of each month from September through April. This outreach is for anyone in the workforce wanting to gain insight on how to shape or reshape their job/career. Doors open at 7:00 am, meeting is from 7:30-8:30 am. To register go to activ8careers.com/job-shapers-network. For questions please call David Hults at 314-966-3888.
September 15 thru November 10, Financial Peace Seminars, 6:30-8PM
Register now for the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (FPU), offered at St. John's United Church of Christ, 15370 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Seminars begin starting September 15, 2015 and ending November 10, 2015. Classes will meet each Tuesday 6:30-8:00 PM. Childcare will be provided.
9 week class: Through video teaching, class discussions and small group interactions individuals and couples will learn practical Biblical based money management strategies to get out of debt, make wise financial decisions and save for the future. The purchase of a financial planning kit is recommended to fully benefit from the program.
Contact the church office for more information 636-532-0540 or register on-line at: tinyurl.com/stjohnsfpu
September 19, Why Stay in a Homophobic Religion?- An Evening with Rev. Frank Schaefer, 7pm
Country Club Congregational UCC will host an evening with Rev. Frank Schaefer. In an age where people are leaving organized religion because of its intolerance of LGBTQ people, we will talk about what exactly is in Christianity that's worth sticking around for. Rev. Schaefer's own experience of being persecuted by his denomination and his choice to remain in within it to fight for equality will help inform our own decisions about whether or not we should stick it out with Christianity.
Rev. Frank Schaefer is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church where he ministered for 20 years (in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference) when, in 2013, he was tried by a highly publicized United Methodist church court for officiating at his son's same-sex marriage. He was defrocked on December 19th, 2013 when he refused to uphold the Book of Discipline in its entirety, which would have meant to denounce gay marriage rights. With the stripping of his credentials, he lost his parish, career and security. Subsequently, Frank became a nation-wide speaker and activist. Though his credentials were reinstated by the Church's highest court in the fall of 2014, Pastor Frank continues to advocate for human rights while also working in a new United Methodist parish in Isla Vista California. Frank wrote a book about his experience titled Defrocked: How a Father's Love Shook the United Methodist Church published by Chalice Press.
September 19, Blessing of the Animals, 1-3pm
Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will celebrate our annual Blessing of the Animals 1pm -3pm Saturday, September 19th. We will have refreshments for all God's creatures. Our featured animal assistance organization will be Bi-State Pet Food Pantry. This organization works to keep pets and people together by providing pet food to low income families who might otherwise feel compelled to surrender or abandon their pet. In addition to monetary donations; the following gifts are also desired: dry pet food (even taped closed partial bags), toys and treats for cats and dogs, pet beds, leashes, collars, bowls, cat litter and scratching posts, and pet food for both cats and dogs. Donations will help support this important ministry. Please encourage all the critters you know to bring their humans over to Ivy Chapel UCC, 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 for a sacred afternoon together. Every living creature is a blessing of God. Event flyer.
September 19, Fall BBQ and Fun Fair, 10am Faith United Church of Christ is proud to announce its Fall BBQ and Fun Fair beginning at 10am on Saturday September 19. The BBQ includes options for a pork steak, pulled pork, or bratwurst served as a full dinner with German potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans, or as a lunch plate served with chips. The Fun Fair will include snow cones and games for the family. Come on by for some great food, great fun, and if you're in town, spend the afternoon checking out the citywide garage sale that day! September 19, Trivia Night, 6pm
Mt. Tabor UCC. 6520 Arsenal St. St. Louis, MO, will be hosting a Trivia Night. Doors open at 6 pm, Trivia starts at 7 pm. $20 per person or $150 for a table of 8. Door prizes, raffles, 50/50 drawings, and silent auction. Beer, soda, pretzels, and popcorn provided. Feel free to bring additional snacks or drinks for your table. For more information, call 314-645-9025.
September 19 & 20, New Beginnings
NEW BEGINNINGS COME AND SEE days are set for September 19-20. Dates and locations are:
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Saturday, September 19 from 9 -11 a.m. at Agape House, 312 19 Street Terrace, Blue Springs, MO
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Saturday, September 19 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Columbia UCC
- Sunday, September 20 from 2 - 4 pm at Grace UCC, O'Fallon, MO
These events will be a presentation about the New Beginning assessment process. This event is free, so bring a team from your church. New Beginnings might be for you if your congregation can answer "yes" to three or more of the following -
*Less than 70 in worship, or more than 70 in worship but significant decline for a decade *Wrestling with future vision for the church *Significant building issues *Aging membership *Changing neighborhood *Trouble paying bills and/or paying off a loan * Currently in interim time of transition.
Is it time for a New Beginning? Come and See! Brochure.
September 20, Fifth Annual Interfaith Concert, 5:30pm
Arts & Faith St. Louis is presenting its annual free concert at Sheldon Concert Hall to bring together people of all backgrounds and faiths. This is an opportunity to gather for reflection and unity in hope of peace. The event has proven to be an exciting, moving and transformative experience for audiences. This is the fifth consecutive year for the concert, which has consistently drawn capacity crowds and demonstrated that music is indeed a unifying experience. Features internationally celebrated soprano Christine Brewer, named one of the top sopranos of the 20th century, and Brian Owens, jazz and soul vocalist. Rev. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation and co-chair of the Ferguson Commission, will give opening remarks. Website.
September 20, Moral March for Climate Justice, 1pm
Missouri Interfaith Power and Light is sponsoring an Interfaith Moral March for Climate Justice on September 20th, at 1:00, beginning at Christ Church Cathedral at 1210 Locust Street. Please come and show your support and concern for this important issue, timed in conjunction with the Pope's visit to the USA. We will begin with a short rally and speakers before the march.
For questions, please contact Tracey Howe-Koch with Missouri Interfaith Power & Light at missouriipl@gmail.com. Event flyer.
September 20 and 27, Who Is My Neighbor
In September, the Adult Education classes will offer one way to respond to this timeless, provocative question. Kirkwood UCC will partner with Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis in offering three sessions in which we engage three representatives of other faith traditions which are part of the fabric of our region - a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Hindu, a Jewish rabbi. Come as each faith representative explores the essential beliefs of their community and then opens the hour for dialogue and deeper understanding of who truly is my neighbor. Mark your calendar now for September 13, 20 and 27.
Class description.
September 20, Family Concert, 4pm
Peace United Church of Christ invites families and seekers of all ages to a start-of-the-school year family concert Sunday, September 20, at 4 p.m. The concert will feature folk singer and liturgical theologian Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, who weaves a community-building spirit that engages listeners of all ages. It will be held at Peace Church, 204 East Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO. The concert will be followed by a healthy finger-food supper. Cost for the concert and meal is only $5 per person or $10 maximum family cap. Richard Bruxvoort Colligan is a musician and liturgical theologian currently residing in Strawberry Point, Iowa. He is known nationally as a featured worship leader for youth events, and is active as a composer for both traditional liturgical and contemporary worship music. He is currently serving as Minister of Worship Life at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and will be spending the week in September as Artist in Residence at Eden Theological Seminary. His participatory concerts range from original compositions based on Psalms and other spiritual sources, to songs about eating bugs and even early Beatles. Call the church office (314-968-1727) for inquiries or reservations. Tickets will be available at the door as well.
September 20, Historian/Archivist Discussion, 2-4pm
Please join Scott Holl, archivist at Eden Theological Seminary and manager of the St. Louis County Library History & Genealogy Department, at Christ Church, UCC, 2200 Bellevue Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143.
Topic: "The Legacy of the German Evangelical Synod of North America in St. Louis"
Most St. Louis-area UCC congregations can trace their roots directly to The German Evangelical Synod of North America (1840-1934) or through its successor, the Evangelical and Reformed Church. This presentation will focus on the history and ethos of the Evangelical Synod and its lasting influence in the United Church of Christ. Brief attention will be given to other 19th-century German Protestant traditions active in St. Louis and their relationship to the Evangelical Synod.
September 22, Gateway to Hope Workshop
Our Gateway to Hope workshop is intended for church communities and everyone concerned about these issues, and for military personnel, veterans, their families, and those who work with and on behalf of them. Participants will learn about moral injury and explore pathways through which we may create safe communities of healing support for returning military personnel who suffer with inner wounds. We will consider strategies to reintegrate them into the civilian world, never leaving them to suffer invisibly and in silence.
Register online.
September 23-November 4, Computer Classes, 6-7pm
Come to the classes that interest you! Starting Wednesday, September 23. 6-7 pm in Sunday School Computer Lab. Led by Marilyn Barton, 314-894-2046. Held at St. Johns Evangelical 11333 St. Johns Church Road, I-55 & Lindbergh. See flyer for specific class descriptions.
September 24-26, Widening the Welcome Conference
Click here for further information.
September 26, Autumn Jam, 1pm
Calling all musicians! Living Well of Bethel and Bethel UCC in Cahokia present Autumn Jam 2015. Bring your instruments! Bring your voices! Be prepared to learn new worship songs and network with fellow musicians.
This one day workshop begins on Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m. Richard Bruxvoort Colligan will lead us in a jam session while teaching new songs and sharing his musical expertise. We will end the workshop at 4:00 p.m. and share a meal together (meal provided with workshop). Richard will perform a free concert at 6:00 p.m. and workshop attendees will have an opportunity to play with Richard during the concert.
Workshop fee is $25 for individuals or $100 per band (max. 6 members per band). The 6:00 p.m. concert is free. A love offering will be taken. Come, jam with us! For tickets call 773-234-5709 on register on the web at www.TheWellUCC.org/Jam. Event flyer.
September 26, Mary Martha Tea, 1pm
St. Peter's United Church of Christ Kansas City, Mary Martha Tea, Saturday, September 26 at 1 pm. The ladies of Mary Martha are reviving their Fall Tea tradition which began in 1926 and included a program on quilts as well as tea, tea cookies and finger sandwiches. Please join as we carry on this tradition with a speaker from the Quilt Society who will present a bed "turn down," explaining layers of antique quilts. To RSVP to the Tea, please call the church office at 816-942-1155, or respond to September 26, St. Louis Association Fall Business Meeting
The St. Louis Association Fall Business Meeting, Saturday, September 26 at Church of the Master, United Church of Christ, 1325 Paddock Drive, Florissant, Missouri 63033--2238. Further information on Conference website.
September 26, Evangelical & Reformed Historical Society Annual Meeting
The 2015 meeting will be held at the Lancaster Theological Society, Lancaster, PA.
Our keynote speaker will be Margaret (Peggy) Bendroth, Executive Director of the Congregational Library & Archives in Boston, http://www.congregationallibrary.org/. Author or editor of several books, her most recent book, The Spiritual Practice of Remembering,
summons readers to remember and honor the past. Advance registration is not necessary for attendance at this meeting.
Note: ERHS has ordered several copies of the book directly from the publisher (Eerdmans) and is able to offer a special price of $10 plus $2 shipping for members; $16 plus $2 shipping for non-members.
Contact Joy Dressel at 636-256-1736 for more information.
September 27, Eastern Association Fall Meeting
Save the date: Eastern Association Fall Meeting, Sunday September 27, 2015 2:00 PM at Zion/St. Paul at Bay. Further information on Conference website.
September 27, 135th Anniversary
On September 27, 2015 Immanuel UCC in Wright City will be celebrating its 135 th Anniversary. Immanuel has a rich history and we are excited to be celebrating this special anniversary in our church life. Our minister Pastor Tom Higgins will lead our service and share information from Immanuel's history. We plan to recognize those in attendance who were confirmed at Immanuel, have special music and enjoy fellowship with all. We invite everyone to attend our morning worship service at 10:30 am and then to stay after service for a carry in meal. Event flyer. September 27, Festival of Psalms, 7pm
The 4th Annual Eden Festival of Psalms will be held on Sunday evening, September 27 at 7:00 pm in the Wehrli Chapel in the Press Building on Eden's campus. The theme, "What Our Bones Long to Sing," centers on songs from the Biblical psalms. Come and sing along with others who love to express themselves through music! The Festival is free of charge and all are welcome!
Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, nationally known musician/composer is the featured performer and will be Eden's artist in residence for the week leading up to the event. "The Festival of Psalms is actually more of a sing-along than a concert," explains Richard. "The audience will be invited to sing on almost every piece. It's very moving to hear everyone's voices coming together."
For more information about the concert contact Clint McCann at 314-918-2582 or cmccann@eden.edu
October 1, MMSUCC Boundary Training, 9am-4pm
To be held at St. Peter's UCC, 20 E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090. Facilitators: Mrs. Francie Turnure and Rev. Mauri Peaco. Visit our Conference website for a registration form.
October 3, Fall Festival, 2-8:30pm
Fall Festival - Saturday, October 3, 2015 - St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO. Event is 2:00-8:30 pm, with food, music, country store, free kids activities, snack shack, wine tasting, fireworks and more! Dinners served 2-7 pm Adults $10 / Kids (4-11) $4 -- Fried Chicken or BBQ Ham with sides, dessert, & drink. Carry-outs available. Handicap accessible. Contact the church at 636-274-4797 or 636-274-7078 or stmartinsuccdittmer@gmail.com.
October 3, Western Association Fall Fellowship Gathering
In an effort to build a more collegial relationship and to share resources, a subcommittee from the Western Association Council began conversation earlier this year with a group from the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference about the possibility of doing more things together. The outcome of these talks was that our fall gathering will be held on October 3, 2015 in conjunction with the K-O Conference's annual gathering at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park, KS.
The theme for this joint meeting is "Becoming God's Beloved Community". The keynote speaker will be Rev. Da Vita McCallister, Associate Conference Minister for the Connecticut Conference, and she will speak on "entering into and exploring the sacred conversations on race". Many of the ladies of the Western Association will recognize her name because Rev. McCallister has been the guest speaker at the "Women's Retreat". Invitation Letter. Event flyer.
October 3, Trivia Night, 6pm
First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, United Church of Christ, 10 West Lockwood Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63119. Doors open at 6pm. Cost is $20.00 per person. For more information and to make reservations call Joint Neighborhood Ministry at 314-771-1756.
October 3, Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30-7pm
The Women's Fellowship of Brentwood Congregational Church, UCC is having an All- You-Can-Eat SPAGHETTI DINNER on Saturday, October 3, 2015. Dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Pronko Youth Hall (entrance from the rear parking lot). Dinner will include salad, bread & butter, spaghetti and your choice of homemade desserts. Adults - $8.00; Children (under 12) - $4.00. The church is located at 2400 S. Brentwood Blvd. Come out and join us for a delicious home made dinner you don't have to cook yourself!
October 4, 47th Annual Chicken Dinner, Noon-6pm
Immanuels United Church of Christ, 17510 Church Street - Holstein. 636/932-4646. Take Hwy 47 to Hwy N (halfway between Warrenton and Washington). Go west on Hwy N about 4 miles to Holstein. Turn left on Church Street. Menu is fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, coleslaw and homemade desserts. Event flyer.
October 5-9, Mission Trip, St. Bernard Project, New Orleans, LA
Where can you stay for 6 nights, 5 days, room and board, for $29.00 / day? In a recently renovated house? Three meals a day. That's only $174!
On the fall 2015 New Orleans Mission Trip, that's where. A group of folks will be heading to New Orleans to work with the St. Bernard Project, www.stbernardproject.org the week of Mon, Oct 5 thru Fri, Oct 9, 2015 and we hope you will join us! All skill levels are welcome and needed, still cleaning up after Katrina. Come learn or teach, or probably both. Come be God's hands in this world. For more information, please contact Tom McKenzie at: mckenzie1947@att.net
October 7, Schmiechen Lectures
All are invited to the 28th Annual Schmiechen Lectures will be held on Eden's campus on October 7. Dr. Jason Purnell, Assistant Professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, will share two lectures: Colorblind and Christblind and A Way Out of No Way.
The day begins with worship at 9:30 am in Wehrli Chapel followed by the morning lecture at 10:00 am. Lunch takes place at 11:30 am followed by the afternoon lecture at 1:00 pm. Following the afternoon lecture, there will be a book signing event in Wehrli Chapel to celebrate the release of "Ferguson and Faith" by Dr. Leah Gunning Francis.
October 11, Metro St. Louis CROP Walk, 12:30pm
2015 Metro St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk: The 2015 Metro St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 11 at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119. Registration/check-in begins at 12:30 p. m., and the walk begins at 1:30. To get materials (sponsor envelopes, etc.), please contact Susan Moore at 314-918-2515 or smoore@eden.edu. Questions? Contact Susan, or Clint McCann at 314-395-5826 or cmccann@eden.edu. For more info or to raise money on-line, go to www.crophungerwalk.org October 14, Healing Invisible Wounds: Moral Injury in War and Life, 7-8:30pm
In this lecture, Rev. Dr. Leslie will explore the concept of moral injury as it affects combat veterans and active troops. She will consider how moral injury can extend beyond veterans into other professions and aspects of society, including race relations. She will suggest healing strategies for family, friends, clergy, and clinicians who love, live, and work with those who suffer with moral injury.
Rev. Kristen Leslie, PhD, an ordained United Methodist minister, is the professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Eden Theological Seminary and has lived in St. Louis since 2010. She is the author of When Violence is No Stranger: Pastoral Counseling with Survivors of Acquaintance Rape. Further information and registration.
October 17, Fall Fun Trivia Night
Fall Fun Trivia Night Please join Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries At Eden Seminary, Schroer Commons, Webster Groves Saturday, October 17th doors open 6pm, Trivia at 7pm $25/person and $200/table of 8 VIP Table with VIP benefits $350 (limited number) (Premiere seating, table service, bottle of wine, light snacks, & extras!) Attendance Prizes, Mulligans, Silent Auction & Games. Cash prize for 1st & 2nd place. Beer & Soda provided; BYOB and snacks Proceeds benefit DFCNM and the Faith Nurses who work throughout the entire STL Metro in improving body, mind, spirit and community. Reserve today! Call 314-918-2621 or email Stephanie at sbatson@faithnurses.org.
October 20-22, Christian Education Opportunities
Christian Education/Spiritual Formation Opportunity! Plan ahead now for a great Conference hosted by the Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators (GLAUCE) partnering with the Great Lakes Association of Presbyterian Educators (GLAPCE). Festival Gathering of Christian Educators 2015 in the Great Lakes Region WRITE IT ON YOUR HEARTS and take it on the road! As we write the great commandment on our hearts, we are inspired to take in on the road, integrating our faith into our lives, our homes, our work and our greater community. Keynoters include: Ivy Beckwith (Creating Community), David Loleng (The Missional Church), Rev. Dr. Thom Bower (Experiential Learning), and Deborah Payden (Worship) October 20-22, 2015 at Potawatomi Inn in Angola, IN. October 21, Fall Market & Luncheon, 11am Parkway UCC, 2841 N Ballas Rd. will be holding this event. Market opens at 11am, lunch served at Noon. We'll have a variety of vendors, so get a head start on your Christmas shopping! We will also have a raffle with special items you won't want to miss! Tickets are $10 and includes lunch and dessert. Gluten-free and sugar-free options will be available. Please call Ashley at 314-427-3755 with any questions, or to donate a raffle item.  October 24, Trunk-Or-Treat, 5-8pm
Trunk-Or-Treat - Saturday, October 24, 2015 5:00-8:00 pm. - St Martin's UCC, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO. Free night of fun for kids up to age 12 (must be accompanied by parent / adult). Car decorating contest. Everyone welcome. If you would like to participate with a car, please contact the church office to register. 636-274-4797 or 636-274-7078 or stmartinsuccdittmer@gmail.comOctober 30, Camp MoValoween, 5-9pm
Join in the Halloween fun at Camp MoVal - bobbing for apples, hayrides, crafts, haunted hike, worship, silent auction, candy and more. Prices: children=$5, adults (18+)=$10, price cap for families of $35. Please RSVP at campmoval.app.rsvpify.com. For further details, contact Mariah Newell, 636-583-2730 or mariah.moval@mmsucc.org. Event flyer. November 7, Trivia Night
Trivia Night - Saturday, November 7th, 2015 - Arrowhead Sales Facility Hwy B, Cedar Hill (next to Windy Hill Supply) Doors open at 6 pm / Games begin at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 per person in advance, $20 at the door. Maximum of 10 per table/ minimum of 8. Popcorn, soda and water provided, bring snacks to share! Coolers welcome with your favorite beverage! Event sponsored by St Martin's UCC, Dittmer. Contact the church office for tickets at 636-274-4797 or 636-274-7078 or stmartinsuccdittmer@gmail.com.
Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017. 314-434-4991.
November 7, Wurstmarkt Pork Sausage Dinner, 11:30am-7pm
Immanuel United Church Of Christ. Church & Maple Streets, Ferguson. Sausage, Sauerkraut,
Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Applesauce, Desserts, Fresh Baked Pies. Carry-outs. Event flyer.
November 14, Conference Annual Planning Event
Save the date--November 14, Columbia UCC - Conference Annual Planning Event Please mark your calendars for this important planning event. All pastors, church leaders, Association members are invited and NEEDED to help us move forward with the implementation of the Vision Team's recommendations for our conference. We will be determining our priorities for the upcoming year and determining how we can go about achieving the work we are being called to do in our communities. Your input is vital. We hope you attend--YOU ARE THE CONFERENCE.
2016
January 20, Annual Chicken Dinner, 11am-5pm
St. Paul's UCC in Marthasville will be having their annual Chicken Dinner, Country Store, and Quilt Raffle on Sunday, January 20, 11am till 5 pm. Also enjoy live music, homemade ice cream, and children's games.
February 20-March 3, 2016, St. Lucas Trip to Israel & Jordan
Visiting the land of the Bible is an important pilgrimage to make. It's a complicated land where great and tragic events have occurred - some of which are described in the Bible itself, others have occurred across the ages, and more recently in the on-going struggle between Israelis and Palestinians over the same small patch of land. This trip is designed to offer a first-hand look at this multi-layered story, visiting sites where the historical events of the Bible and beyond occurred. We will visit both Jewish and Palestinian villages and cities. The land is rich with story and the connections are made that intersect our lives and our faith. If interested, contact St. Lucas UCC office for a fact sheet giving a detailed description of the trip including cost. Call: 314-843-2100
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