August 2024 News – Volume 72, No. 6

“I thank my God every time I think of you. In every prayer I utter, as I plead on your behalf, I rejoice at the way you have all continually helped promote the Good News from the very first day. And I am sure of this much: that God, who has begun the good work in you, will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 1:3-6

It is August already, and that means that very soon it will be time for me to end my sojourn with you and move on to other things that God has in store. My last day is Sunday, August 11.

These 7 months are a brief moment in time, but you have touched my heart by your grace, kindness, and commitment. I count myself fortunate to have been able to walk with you through times of happiness, worry, joy, and hard decisions. I know that God is still at work in you, and that God’s plan for you will continue to unfold in its own time. I will be praying and watching with the expectation of good work yet to come.

May God continue to bless and keep you as you share Christ’s love with those around you.

Rebecca

Reception for Rev. Rebecca Turner

Please join us after worship on August 11 in the Library for a reception and special time to thank Rebecca for her ministry with us during this transitional time in the life of our congregation, and to wish her well as she works toward her retirement dream of becoming a Master Naturalist.

Life of Compton Community

Compton votes to put its building on the market

At our congregational meeting on August 4, the membership approved the listing of its property at 2149 Grand with a real estate firm. The decision to proceed with this is the culmination of a number of church meetings looking to continue our ministry, but in a facility that better suits our needs. The requirement to maintain the building was a key reason to proceed. There are over $300,000 of building needs, some immediate. Two examples are the replacement of the educational building roof and replacing or repairing over 50 windows. Portions of the building are around 70 years old. Because of historical area building requirements, many windows must be replaced in-kind. The wooden windows in the educational building would have to be custom made, costing more than $2000 each not including installation.

Prayer Requests

Please hold in prayer: Walt T, Howard M, Celia P’s sister; Nancy O’s mother and her neighbor Stacy; George H, Joan J’s aunt Adeline in hospice care; Diane R’s mother, her cousin Mona, and her uncle Jimmy; DebE M’s friend Sheila.

We Also pray for: An end to fighting and human suffering in Ukraine, Gaza and Israel; an end to gun violence in the USA; all who are refuges from war, violence, or economic injustice; everyone affected by extreme weather events. All people experiencing loneliness, depression, isolation and grief. All of our LGBTQ family and friends. Anyone experiencing pain and alienation:may you know that God loves ALL of us.

Weekly Worship Notes

• We worship in person on Sundays at 11 a.m. the service is also LiveStreamed on Compton’s Facebook Page and recorded.
• Masks are optional; if you need one, they are available as you enter the Sanctuary.
• We circulate during Passing of the Peace; if you prefer to keep a distance, feel free to remain in your pew and wave.
• We offer Communion by intinction. You are invited to come forward to receive the bread and dip it into the cup.
• If you prefer to take communion in your seat, the individual cups are available to pick up as you enter the Sanctuary.

Calendar of Events

• Sunday Worship is at 11 a.m. in person and live stream on Facebook
• Spirit Bloom on Zoom: Mondays at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, August 11, Farewell Reception for Rev. Rebecca Turner
• Sunday, August 18, Welcome to Rev. Jody Clegg
• Open Mic Night: Friday, August 23, 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
• Prayer Shawl Circle: Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at Judi L’s home
• Book Circle: Saturday, September 14 at 1p.m. at St. Louis Bread Company – 6734 Clayton Rd., Richmond Heights, MO 63117
• Elders meeting: Wednesday, September 18, 7 p.m. on Zoom

Be a Genius!

Let our Pastor and Worship Team know That You can help on Sunday mornings! Liturgists , Elders and Deacons have been scheduled. If you cannot serve, please trade with someone!

SIGN UP to participate as: Streaming Tech, Greeter, Liturgist, Elder, Deacon, Worship and Wonder, Coffee Hour. Use Sign Up Genius to volunteer.

Opportunities to Connect

Coffee/Fellowship Hour is a Vital Ministry!

Fellowship Hour after worship is a great time to connect, and also to get to know our new transitional pastor, Rev. Jody Clegg, better! Please volunteer to host or help with refreshments; see the sign up sheet on the library doors. You can simply bring a few snacks, or set out juice and make coffee, or both. Napkins, plates and cups are provided. Coffee Fellowship Hour signup is also available on SignUp Genius.

Spirit Bloom: Weekly Reflections

Spirit Bloom on Zoom is open to anyone with questions about spiritual development, or who would like to study scripture or spiritual questions for an hour and reflect with others. Currently the group is using a video series on “Saving Jesus”. Feel free to join us, even if you live out of town, at 7 p.m. on Mondays.

Open Mic Night Friday, August 23

If you have been planning to come “Sometime,” why not come this month? Do you sing, play, recite poetry? Whatever your talent, we invite you to participate in our Open Mic event for all ages. Advanced registration is appreciated, but not required. Contact Diane Richardson to sign up to share your talent.The next Open Mic Night will be Friday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Calling All Readers: Compton Heights Book Club

CHCC Book Club is open to all readers, and we meet every other month, usually on the second Saturday of the month from 1-2 p.m. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, Sept 14. We will be discussing “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown

Opportunities to Show Up and Serve Others

Prayer Shawl & Yarn Craft Circle Sept. 5

On Thursday, September 5 from 7-9 p.m. at Judi L’s, join us to create shawls, blankets and more for our Prayer Shawl ministry. If you knit or crochet (or you would like to learn) come join us. If you would just like to enjoy a time for coffee/tea and fellowship, you are welcome too. If you need directions, send Judi a message.

Bag of Blessings for Isaiah 58 Ministries

Please bring these items and place them in the bins or baskets as you enter the Sanctuary.

August – Peanut Butter, Deluxe Mac and Cheese (uses only water); Shelf stable milk; Bar soap, Deodorant; Paper Towels

September – Sardines (some prefer them to tuna), chili; Cooking oil (48 oz or smaller); shampoo, razors, shaving cream; Laundry detergent (50 oz or smaller.)

Compton Heights CC is collecting items for the 2025 Back to School Fair!

That’s right, we’re preparing for 2025 backpacks. We encourage you to take advantage of tax-free weekends and other later-summer sales. CHCC is collecting packages of graph paper: look for packages of 80-100 sheets. We need 60 packages by Sunday, September 1.