Witnessing Whiteness

All over the country, especially in St. Louis (including several local UCC congregations) and at Peace UCC,  many people are willing to work on our own internalized, perhaps subconscious, racism.  Do you want to be part of such a group that is open to both Peace UCC and the local community?

In 2011, Amy Hunter started the first WW group here and hundreds of people have participated since.  She also started WW groups in 16 YWCAs across the country.  Here in St. Louis, there are also groups for African-Americans & other people of color on internalized racism.  Based on the material available at http://www.witnessingwhiteness.com/Witnesssing_Main/Workshop_Series.html 

Each WW group meets 10 times-particular dates are sometimes rescheduled for holidays, weather, etc.  That is usually worked out at the first session.  The YWCA facilitator doesn't expect participants will make every session or read every word of the WW book. The work in the WW groups is related to but separate from the text. 

The YWCA has a supply of books because ordering takes a while (the publisher prints when it has an order) and are $23.  An e-book is also available from online sources.

Beyond the Book's goal is to commit to sponsoring a group by the end of December so that in January the YWCA will begin to coordinate groups that will start in March/April timeframe.  If Peace UCC wants to have a group, the target number of participants is 25 and the Y will provide facilitators. 

Do you want to go Beyond the Book? 

September-April, Job Shapers Network, 7am 

Our guest speaker will be Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN, the Executive Director of Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries.  She is an ordained UCC minister and served Friedens Chapel UCC from 1993 to 2010. Join us for this fresh look at Advent!
  

Come to St. Peter's, Owensville and enjoy the elegance, reminiscence of an English High Tea!  This includes multiple teas, sandwiches and desserts.  Seatings are at 11 am and 2 pm.  Cost is $10 which supports  Mission Projects: Emmaus Homes, Every Child's Hope (ECH), and our local Helping Hands Food Pantry.  For reservations, contact Jean Baker at 573-437-6580 or jbakeroms@yahoo.com.  Invite a friend to this wonderful way of experiencing the season of Advent!
 

Eden United Church of Christ, 8920 Eden Ave. in Affton, 63123 will hold its annual sale of Christmas cookies. Box your own cookies, sweet breads and candy. Cost is $8.50/pound. For more information call 314-631-8930 or visit us on the web at www.edenucc.org.

The Board of Trustees of Joint Neighborhood Ministry will celebrate the Ministry of Joan Hensley after 14 years of leadership as Executive Director. This celebration will be held at St. Lucas UCC, 11735 Denny Rd. St. Louis, MO  63126.   Worship will start at 3pm with a reception to follow. 

Please RSVP, with regrets only, to Mr. Lorin Cope, Board Chair, by calling St. Paul United Church of Christ: 314-772-4772 or by emailing: stpauluccsec@att.net.

 

The Board also invites you to make a financial gift to Joint Neighborhood Ministry in honor of Joan's ministry as she concludes her service and moves into well-earned retirement. The Board's goal is to raise $14,000 honoring her 14 years of service. Please send gifts to Nancy McFadden, Joint Neighborhood Ministry Bookkeeper, at 4823 Holmeswood Court, Saint Louis, Missouri 63128. 

December 6 & 13, A New Bethlehem Journey,  10:45-11:45am

Kirkwood United Church of Christ's Advent Adult Education opportunity will be a three-part series called 'A New Bethlehem Journey", which seeks to engage the community of faith in a different holistic approach to preparing for Christmas. Each week the group will look with "new eyes" at the scriptures and spiritual practices that can lead us to fresh understandings about preparation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas.    

 

Our guest speaker will be Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN, the Executive Director of Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries.  She is an ordained UCC minister and served Friedens Chapel UCC from 1993 to 2010. Join us for this fresh look at Advent!

December 8, Joint Neighborhood Ministry-Shop, Dine Give, 10am-7pm

 

Shop at Plowsharing Gifts and Ginger & Mary Ann Boutique, then enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at PJ's Tavern.  Each patron who shows this flyer or mentions JNM will have a portion of their purchases donated directly to Joint Neighborhood Ministries (JNM).  JNM continues to serve individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, single with children, grandparents raising grandchildren, have no health insurance or are underinsured and may be living in substandard houses or are homeless. For more information call  314-771-3987

December 12, Christmas Cookie Sale, 9am-Noon

St Peter's UCC, Owensville is hosting a Huge Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday, Dec 12th from 9AM until noon.  Many varieties of cookies and candies to choose from will be sold for $7.50 per pound.  We are on Second Street two blocks north of Hwy 28 in Owensville  at 112 W. Peters (corner of 2nd and Peters) .  For more information call 573-437-2779 or email stpeters@fidnet.com

  

December 12, Bake Sale, 8:30am-Noon 

 

St. Peters UCC, 20 E. Fifth St, Washington, MO 63090.   Cookies, cakes etc.

December 13, Rising Generation Youth Choir, 7pm

Friedens UCC, 1703 Old Highway 94 South, St. Charles  (At the intersection of Highway 94, Zumbehl Rd. and Friedens Road).  Phone: 636.724.1918. Free Admission.  Event flyer. 

December 13, Cookie Sale & Mini Christmas Bazaar, 9 am-1 pm

Mount Tabor UCC and Watson Terrace Christian Church, 4205 Watson Rd.  Cookies $8.50 per pound.  Many varieties plus sweet breads & candy.  For more information, call 314-645-9025.

December 13, Canticle of Joy Christmas Cantata, 3pm

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

 

January 27, Eastern Association Pastors Luncheon, 11am

The Missouri Mid-South Eastern Association Pastors Luncheon is Wednesday, January 27th,11:00 am at St. Peters UCC in New Haven.  If there is inclement weather on January 27th, the luncheon will take place on February 3.  St. Peters New Haven is located at 607 Maupin Ave.  

February 27, Gateway ONA Convocation

 

We have moved the event from Eden Theological Seminary to Parkway United Church of Christ.  Registration information will be available in early January.  Details to follow.

 May 5, St. Louis Association Spring Meeting

 

More details to follow.

June 9-11, MMSUCC Conference Annual Gathering (CAG)

 

Mark your calendars for next year's Conference Annual Gathering to be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO.  More details to follow.