October Newsletter – Volume 70, No. 9
Posts from the ‘News’ Category
Oct 17
August Newsletter Volume 70, No. 7
Imagining Future Possibilities
Whenever I go to the Farmer’s Market at Tower Grove Park, the “Spirit in the Air” feels quite similar to the Spirit of Compton. I see people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences coming together to celebrate community, healthy food and the gift of the park’s green space in the heart of the city where brick and mortar rules.
I see lots of people who likely share many things in common with the church just down the street! ☺ It makes me wonder. What friends could Compton make and what presence might Compton have at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays? What families could Compton meet; families of all shapes and sizes, young and old?
I also wonder about making friends and having presence with other people, including college students and young adults who live nearby.
On that note, we are blessed this month to welcome Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman. She worshipped with us at CHCC while she attended Eden Seminary a few years ago. She is now the Campus Minister of Ekklesia at Missouri State University and Adjunct Pastor for Preaching at National Avenue Christian Church in Springfield, MO.
She will be our preacher on Sunday, July 31 and will stay after church for a box lunch to engage in conversation about ministry with college students and young adults. Everyone is invited to share in this wonderful opportunity to imagine new possibilities for reaching out to young people. It will be a fun day of welcoming Michelle back to Compton to draw on her energy and experience!
Looking ahead, I will be on vacation from August 1 – August 14.
On August 7, the Stewardship & Outreach Team will introduce “Six Weeks of Compassion” which will run through September 11 (see article below). Rev. Madison Peterson will once again preach and lead worship this day. Thank you, Madison!
On August 14, we will put into action an “imagined possibility” that was recently suggested by one among us. We will have a brief worship of Prayers & Communion followed by a “Service Sunday” to help our neighbors at Isaiah 58 Ministries and also finish some projects in our building and outdoor space. Feel free to wear your work clothes!
On September 25, we will have our second Summer Service Sunday helping our neighbors at Cornerstone Early Childhood Center, plus additional projects to be decided. Our Interim work also continues.
During the weeks of September 19 and September 26, we will invite everyone in the church to gather in small groups (based on geographic proximity to where you live) to share in facilitated conversations with specific questions centering around our ministry now and in the future.
Then, on Saturday, October 15, we will have our second Compton Oneing event to share the conversations from our small groups and plan for next steps in our interim journey… a journey marked, in part, by Imagining Future Possibilities!
Blessings, Steve
Worship Notes
CHCC is worshiping in person on Sundays at 11 a.m. We continue to wear masks and observe social distancing in the pews in the sanctuary. Take care to leave suitable space between yourself and others as pew-end ribbons are removed. Please sign the Greeter’s register as you enter, and pick up a bulletin and communion elements.
Prayers of the Community
Please hold in prayer: Walt T., Penny and Howard M., Janet U., Bud Obermiller, Darrell H., Katherine K.’s granddaughter Esha, Shannon W., Diane R.’s cousin Mona, DebE Martin’s friend Sheila Martin, Leslie L.’s parents; Carolyn H.’s sister; Ryan (husband of Steve R.’s niece.) We Also pray for: An end to fighting in Ukraine. All who have been killed, injured and driven from their homes to refuge in other countries. Those affected by extreme weather events. Everyone struggling with loneliness, depression and isolation. All who have lost family to Covid-19 and other illnesses. Migrant farm workers suffering unfair wages and labor laws. Anyone experiencing pain and alienation: may you know that God loves ALL of us.
Serving Schedule
August Home Communion: Elder: Joan James; Alt: Carolyn Harry; Deacon: Mike Hubbard
September Home Communion: Elder: Leslie Latham; Alternate: Diane Richardson; Deacon: Ron Hutcherson
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a strong tradition of lay leadership. Each Sunday you have an opportunity to help lead Sunday morning worship. To sign up to help lead worship or to access the weekly service schedule click here for Signup Genius.
Book Club
Compton Book Club will meet on Saturday, September 10th at 1 pm. Click here for more information.
Upcoming Events
- All Sunday Worship is at 11 a.m.
- Exercise continues at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- August 7th at 10 a.m. Summer Volunteer Choir Rehearsal
- August 7th through September 11th – Six Weeks of Compassion
- August 14th immediately following worship – Summer Service Sunday
- August 31st at 7 p.m. – Pastor’s Cabinet on Zoom
Ministry Opportunities
HOME MEAL MINISTRY
Wow Church! With special thanks to Deanna S. for organizing us, so many of you have generously contributed to our Home Meal Ministry, providing healthy and delicious food for our friends and loved ones who have needed it!
Many of you have shopped for, cooked or purchased meals and delivered them. Many of you have donated money to provide reimbursement for those who have needed it. Together, because of your giving, we have been able to provide several meals each week for four months, since the beginning of April!
In the future: To cook or purchase and deliver a meal, fill out this form for Deanna. She will give you all the details.
Your message has been sent
To provide financial support for the home meal ministry, click here OR make a check payable to CHCC and write “Home Meal Ministry” in the memo portion of your check.
THANK YOU COMPTON FOR YOUR LOVE AND CARE! Steve
SIX WEEKS OF COMPASSION IS BACK!
Continuing a tradition of the last few summers, we will highlight various outreach missions between August 7th and September 11th. Each Sunday will feature a Minute for Mission that highlights the work of one of the missions we support.
In addition to collecting a second offering for Week of Compassion, we also will gather school supplies for Isaiah 58 Ministries’ 2023 Back to School event, and various items for a new project, Missouri Youth Personal Care Packs for the Festival of Sharing. Just choose what you are able to help with!
Week of Compassion Offering – We will distribute coin boxes and a 4-week prayer calendar on August 7th and we are encouraging everyone to donate what you can to Week of Compassion, the disaster relief, refugee resettlement, and development ministry of the Church. Stories will be shared in worship and special offerings can be received any time during the 6 weeks, and all will be dedicated on September 11th.
Missouri Personal Care Packs for Youth – We are collecting supplies to create packs for youth ages 12-18 who have experienced a crisis situation and who have been placed in state care, or are experiencing homelessness. In 2021, there were requests for 885 of these, but only 236 were donated, which is why our Cabinet decided to collect these for 2022. These will be donated to Festival of Sharing at the St. Louis ingathering on October 1st. All of the items listed below will be placed in drawstring bags, measuring around 17×24 inches. We need volunteers to help us find and purchase or make these bags. We have a tentative goal of 20 Packs. Let’s see how many more we can make! Please note the specific sizes of some items! Each pack contains the following:
- 1 Chapstick
- 1 bottle hand sanitizer, 3 oz
- 1 washcloth
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 travel size toothpaste
- 1 deodorant
- 1 travel size shampoo
- 1 travel size conditioner
- 1 comb or brush
- 1 travel size lotion
- 1 box medicated facial cleansing pads (such as Stridex)
- 1 mens’ body spray OR 1 small pkg feminine pads or tampons
- 1 journal
- 3 ink pens
- 1 fleece throw
Supplies for Isaiah 58 Ministries 2023 back to school backpacks – 25 protractors and 200 boxes of colored pencils.
Cornerstone Center for Early Childhood Learning Hygiene Hut items – Bath Soap, deodorant, shampoo, wet wipes, baby wipes.
The items above for personal care packs, Isaiah 58 and Cornerstone will be collected starting August 7th at a special table in the hallway across from the restrooms and dedicated on September 11th.
SUMMER SERVICE SUNDAYS
On Sunday, August 14th we will have an abbreviated worship service, following worship we will concentrate on various sections of our building that need TLC, including the refurbished kitchen and a children’s classroom on the upper floor of the education building, as well as our outdoor gardens. A second Summer Service Sunday on September 25 will see some of us working in the afternoon at Cornerstone Center for Early Childhood Learning, while others can choose to assemble the Youth Personal Care Packs, or complete other projects.
VOLUNTEER STORYTELLING WITH CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING
In 1969 Compton Heights was one of 4 area churches that saw a need for income-based child care. To fill it, we helped found Helping Hand Day Care Center, a nonprofit that is now known as Cornerstone Center for Early Learning, currently located at 3901 Russell Blvd.
Cornerstone staff member, Tori Jackson, writes: “our kids will really enjoy having a special visitor for storytelling.”
To be a storyteller you will need to complete a volunteer application/waiver and have proof of Covid-19 vaccinations. Storytelling will be scheduled for a weekday morning sometime between 9 a.m. and noon. Cornerstone can provide guidance on books to read.
Talk to Marsha McGuire or Judi Linville if you are interested in volunteering with Cornerstone for storytelling. Click here for more information about Cornerstone.
Learn about youth and young adult ministry.
Join us on Sunday, July 31st, the Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman will preach during worship and share her insights regarding youth and young adult ministry during a box lunch in the fellowship hall immediately following the service (childcare provided). Rev. Scott-Huffman is the campus minister with Ekklesia at Missouri State University and is an Adjunct Pastor for Preaching at National Avenue Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri. She attended Compton while she was studying at Eden Theological Seminary.
Click here for more information about Ekklesia.
Reservations for the box lunch are now closed, but please feel free to bring your own bag lunch and join us for the presentation.
Isaiah 58 Ministries – Back to School Fair
Isaiah 58 Ministries is hosting their annual Back to School Fair and Backpack Distribution on Saturday, July 30th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm outside on the church lawn. Compton Heights Christian Church, along with other area churches and organizations donated the supplies for the backpacks.
If you are a family interested in registering to receive backpack(s) or a volunteer interested in helping with the event click here for more information.
Isaiah 58 Ministries extends a welcome to everyone to come and enjoy the fair, with food, carnival games, and resources for parents and families.
June – July Newsletter Volume 70, No. 6
Steve’s thoughts for the Season After Pentecost
Sermon excerpt from Sunday, June 5 in celebration of Pentecost Sunday…
The world rages mightily today with division, fragmentation and “othering.” We don’t need uniformity, but we do need more unity. We need more people throughout the earth today to celebrate and promote our common humanity and the common language of our existential equality as God’s diverse peoples.
This is what those first Jewish disciples, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, were doing on Pentecost and during the years that followed. May it be so today and may we be among those who passionately fan those flames!
In this season of Pentecost and in this month of PRIDE, may we celebrate and promote our common humanity and the beauty of all God’s diverse peoples.
Prayers of the Community
Please hold in prayer: Walt T, Penny and Howard M, Janet U, Katherine K’s granddaughter Esha, Shannon W., Diane Richardson’s cousin Mona, DebE M’s friend Sheila, Leslie L’s parents; Carolyn H’s sister; Ryan (husband of Steve R’s niece.) We Also pray for: An end to fighting in Ukraine. All who have been killed, injured and driven from their homes to refuge in other countries. Those affected by extreme weather events. Everyone struggling with loneliness, depression and isolation. All who have lost family to Covid-19 and other illnesses. Migrant farm workers suffering unfair wages and labor laws. Anyone experiencing pain and alienation: may you know that God loves ALL of us. May we find hope and choose to build healthy relationships within ourselves, with others, and with creation itself.
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday, June 15 – Elders Circle, 7 pm on Zoom
- Saturday, June 18 – Isaiah 58 Juneteenth Celebration
- Sunday, June 19 – Worship, 11 am in person and on Facebook live
- Monday, June 20 – Spirit Bloom, 7 pm on Zoom
- Saturday, June 25 – Compton and area Disciples booth at PrideFest, all day Downtown
- Sunday, June 26 – Worship, 11 am in person and on Facebook live, and Compton and area Disciples booth at PrideFest, all day Downtown
- Monday, June 27 – Spirit Bloom, 7 pm on Zoom
- Wednesday, June 29 – Cabinet, 7 pm on Zoom
- Sunday, July 3 – Worship, 11 am in person and on Facebook live
- Wednesday, July 6 – Board of Ministry, 7pm on Zoom
- Saturday, July 9 – Book Club, 1 pm on Zoom
- Sunday, July 10 – Worship, 11 am in person and on Facebook live
Longtime member, Audrey T, died to this life on June 3. A celebration in honor of her life will be held Friday, June 17, at 5 p.m. at the church. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Walt, to daughters Susan and Alyson and their children, and all other family. Audrey and Walt celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 21.
We also extend our sympathy to Janet U on the passing of her mother, Mary, age 92, on June 8. Visitation was held on June 12. with services and burial to be in Arkansas on June 15. We hold both of these families in prayer.
Compton Celebrates Pride
Compton’s Open and Affirming statement reads in part: “…The ministry of this congregation extends to and includes all persons. We are God’s people of differing races, cultures, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations and stages of life and health. We celebrate the gifts and the faith perspectives that come with our varied life experiences. To live and minister together in this broad community helps us to know the wideness of God’s love and mercy. “ (Full text of Compton’s Open and Affirming Statement)
As an Open and Affirming Congregation, Compton participates in PrideFest St. Louis and Tower Grove Pride. Since 2003 Compton’s booth has offered an opportunity for LGBTQ+ people to talk about faith and to possibly find a welcoming church home in the community. Compton joins with other St. Louis area Disciples of Christ congregations to sponsor a booth at PrideFest St. Louis in June each year. Compton has a booth at Tower Grove Pride in September each year. Come by and visit us at the Disciples booth at PrideFest St. Louis in June, at Compton’s Booth at Tower Grove Pride in September or on any Sunday morning. We worship at 11:00 am in the sanctuary and live stream worship on our Facebook page.
The Psalmist writes “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Pslm 139:13-14. We are all fully human, created in the love of God, with gifts of life to share in God’s world. Come explore faith and life in this community of God’s people.
Pentecost Special Offering
Turning Struggle into Steadfastness
Stories of struggle are nothing new to the church.
From the persecution faced by early Christians to civil rights movements led by faith leaders, the church has found its strength in times of unrest.
The COVID-19 pandemic is yet another chapter in this long history, both nothing unique and yet entirely different.
Through it all, Disciples have been steadfast. By launching emerging congregations, they have stepped up to care for communities in need.
But they don’t do it alone.
With the help of regional and general ministries, these brave leaders have been provided with facilities to conduct their outreach activities and with online educational opportunities, such as Leadership Academy.
By making a gift to the 2022 Pentecost Offering, received in most congregations on Sundays, June 5 and June 12, you can ensure that the new church movement continues to prosper in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Each year, half of these gifts go to your own region to support local new church development. The other half goes to New Church Ministry, which trains, equips, assists, and multiplies new church leaders across the United States and Canada through programs such as coaching, New Church Hacks, and Water the Plants.
Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new places of worship is part of the Disciples’ vision – participation in this Special Day Offering helps this vision come to life.
May Newsletter – Volume 70, No. 5
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples and others began sharing the good news of God’s work in Jesus with people from every culture and tradition in the known world at the time. New communities of faith emerged and these earliest Christians were often called “the people of the Way.” For them, the way, truth and life of Jesus… was their way, truth and life.
Many of the stories of these first, earliest Christian people and communities are contained in the book of Acts. Each Sunday in May, there are lectionary texts assigned from the book of Acts.
I would like to focus on these stories from Acts with you each week. I would like to specifically ask the question what they might have to offer us in this blessed time of interim ministry. What insights and connections can we make with the stories and our interim ministry?
Though I’ve read each of the lectionary texts many times before and have re-read them in preparation for this month, at the time of this writing I do not know whether there will be obvious connections to make each week. But, I’m hopeful and trusting that there will be some!
You can help! The lectionary texts for each Sunday in May are listed below. Read them at your leisure. Ask: “How might this story apply to us specifically in this interim time at church?” Email, text or call me with your thoughts.
In Faith,
Steve
- Sunday, May 1 Acts 9:1-20
- Sunday, May 8 Acts 9:36-43
- Sunday, May 15 Acts 11:1-18
- Sunday, May 22 Acts 16:9-15
- Sunday, May 29 Acts 16:16-34
Worship Notes
CHCC is worshiping in person on Sundays. We continue to wear masks and observe social distancing in the pews in the sanctuary. Take care to leave suitable space between yourself and others when pew-end ribbons are removed. Please sign the Greeter’s register as you enter, and pick up a bulletin and communion elements.
Volunteers are needed each Sunday to help lead worship: Livestream Technician, Greeter, Liturgist, Elders and Deacons. Click here to check the schedule or to sign up.
Prayers for the Community
Please hold in prayer: Audrey and Walt T., Penny and Howard M., Katherine K’s granddaughter Esha, Shannon W., Diane R’s cousin Mona, DebE M’s friend Sheila, Leslie L’s parents; Carolyn H’s sister; Ryan (husband of Steve R’s niece.) We Also pray for: An end to fighting in Ukraine. All who have been killed, injured and driven from their homes to refuge in other countries. Those affected by extreme weather events. Everyone struggling with loneliness, depression and isolation. All who have lost family to Covid-19 and other illnesses. Migrant farm workers suffering unfair wages and labor laws. Anyone experiencing pain and alienation: may you know that God loves ALL of us. May we find hope and choose to build healthy relationships within ourselves, with others, and with creation itself.
Congratulations!
Congratulations! CHCC’s own Rev. Katherine Kinnamon, who has served as the Mid-America Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry Coordinator, has been named an Associate Regional Minister. While her duties will remain the same, her new title more accurately reflects the scope of her contribution to Mid-America. [Amen! We say at CHCC] She works with our Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry (RCOM) to help guide prospective clergy through the processes toward ordination/commissioning, as well as to manage all related policies, documentation, and support. Prior to this contract staff position, Katherine served as the volunteer chairperson of RCOM and as an interim pastor. Congratulations, Katherine! We are blessed with your presence and grateful for you at CHCC!!
Upcoming Events
- Sunday, May 1, Morning Worship, 11 am
- Monday, May 2, Spirit Bloom, 7 pm on Zoom
- Wednesday, May 5, Board of Ministry, 7 pm on Zoom
- Sunday, May 8, Morning Worship, 11 am
- Monday, May 9, Spirit Bloom, 7 pm on Zoom
- Sunday, May 15, Morning Worship, 11 am
- Monday, May 16, Spirit Bloom, 7 pm on Zoom
- Wednesday, May 18, Elders Circle, 7 pm on Zoom
- Sunday, May 22, Morning Worship, 11 am
- Monday, May 23, Spirit Bloom, 7 pm on Zoom
- Wednesday, May 25, Cabinet Meeting, 7 pm on Zoom
- Sunday, May 29, Morning Worship, 11 am
Eden Seminary Announces
The Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Leigh Foster is a Doctor of Divinity honorary degree recipient. “Rev. Dr. Foster has not only been an exemplary citizen of Eden’s CE program, she is an exemplary progressive Christian leader in the Seminary’s network.” This degree honors her as a leader who “exemplifies resisting racism (and intersecting oppressions), interfaith collegiality, and vocational resilience.”
CE stands for Contextual Education, which is the program that provides Pastoral Interns to participating churches. During Rev. Jacque’s 25-year ministry at CHCC, we were blessed to have a total of 20 Pastoral Interns from Eden Seminary! Rev. Jacque has also taught the Disciples of Christ Polity Course at Eden several times. She contributed a chapter to the book “Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community” from Chalice Press, and has been a local leader in social justice witness.
Eden’s commencement will be May 20 indoors at the seminary, which unfortunately limits the number of tickets available. We at CHCC will be cheering her on and wishing her the best.
CONGRATULATIONS, REV. JACQUE!
April/Easter Newsletter – Volume 70, No. 4
We Do Not Lose Heart…..or Hope
Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, DC and American theologian specializing in the area of science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics and neuroscience and the import of these for theology. Dr. Delio currently holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University and is the author of twenty books. She writes:
Christianity can help us realize that death and resurrection are part of the path toward wholeness; letting go of isolated existence for the sake of deeper union. Something dies but something new is born – which is why the chaos of our times is, in a strange way, a sign of hope; something new is being born within. Out of chaos, a star is born. Breakdown can be break through if we recognize a new pattern of life struggling to emerge.1
While we continue to mourn and decry what Dr. Delio refers to as the “chaos of our times,” we do not lose heart or hope.
Though the chaos of our times includes great social division, massive gun violence, the war in Ukraine and the pandemics of Covid-19 and racism, we do not lose heart or hope, for as Dr. Delio says: “Out of chaos, a star is born.” Out of death, new life springs forth…
The sacred story of Jesus dying on the cross and rising again in the lives of those who followed him and who began ministering in the power of his Spirit. The sacred story of death and resurrection that we soon gather to celebrate during Holy Week. The sacred story that gives us the heart and hope to say for ourselves and for the world that there is, as Dr. Delio says, “a new pattern of life struggling to emerge.”
Exactly in these times of chaos – as long, painful and disheartening as they have been – let us come together this Holy Week proclaiming, Christ is risen, Christ is risen indeed, which means that a break through to a new pattern of life is always and ever on its way and hope springs eternal!
Blessings!
Steve
1 Delio, Ilia. 2020. “Dear God,” The Omega Center, March, 2020 Link to Omega Center “Dear God”
Compton Oneing
Many thanks to everyone who participated in our Compton Oneing day on Saturday, March 26! A great time of food, fellowship and story-telling was shared by all, revealing the “pearl” that is Compton Heights Christian Church! Twenty-six people turned out for this first gathering!
The morning started around the food table with fruit, bagels & cream cheese, Krispy Kreme donuts, juice, tea and coffee.
Then, gathered as ONE in one large circle, Steve offered a brief reflection on two scriptures and invited us into a time of joy and having fun with the activity: “Guess Who Fun Facts.”
- Guess who used to sing and play guitar in her brother’s band?
- Guess who was baptized on July 4, 1976?
- Guess who folded 3,000 origami cranes for her wedding? (answers below)
Moving then, to small groups, everyone shared stories of everyday acts that someone in the congregation has done that have been admired or that have touched people in some way. Out of these stories, lists of values were generated. (e.g. quiet caring, belonging, inclusiveness)
After a break, we gathered again as ONE in the large circle of chairs where each small group shared their list of values.
The next activity was designed for us to identify Five Top Core Values within the life of the congregation. But, alas, we just couldn’t narrow things down. We learned that we value a great many things! ☺
Reflecting on our congregational core values, the final activity was to develop a list of things that might be good for us to be attentive to in this interim time.
And, before we ran out of time, three things were identified, revealing three questions:
- How can we develop more “formal” policies to strengthen our convenantal ministry relationship with Isaiah 58?
- How can our individual and congregational gifts, resources and assets feed and fuel our ministries into the future, lessening the likelihood of ministry fatigue and burnout?
- What will be our plan for intentional, creative ministry and outreach to children, youth and their families?
Before closing with a prayer, Steve gave us some homework:
“What other things,” he asked, “do you see would be good for us to be attentive to? Call/text/email/ visit with me any time as you think of things!”
Steve Says: Compton Oneing continues! It is a blessed time that we share. All are invited to wonder, imagine and share in what God will continue to reveal along the way!
Answers: 1. Millie Slack, 2. Cathy Hutcherson, 3. DebE Miner-Martin
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Worship Notes
NOTE! Compton Heights Christian Church is worshiping in Person on Sundays
Volunteers are needed for in-person worship: Live Stream Technician, Greeter, Liturgist, Elders, and Deacons. Click here to go to Signup Genius. If you want to serve but need help with the online signup, let Kathy Mead know and she will walk you through the process.
Serving Schedule
April Home Communion: Elder: Marsha McGuire; Alt. Joan James; Deacon: Dennis James
- April 3: Liturgist: Susan Miller; Communion: Joan James; Stewardship: Carolyn Harry Deacons: Kathy Mead and Liz Vollmar
- April 10: Liturgist: Darrell Hughes; Communion: Diane Richardson; Stewardship: Judi Linville ; Deacons Celia Pemberton and Darrell Hughes
- April 17: Liturgist: Judi Linville; Communion: Nancy Obermiller; Stewardship: Millie Slack; Deacons Bud Obermiller and Celia Pemberton.
- April 24: Liturgist: Theresa McCruden; Communion: Marsha McGuire; Stewardship: Leslie Latham, Deacons: Janet Utley and TBA.
Prayers of the Community
Please hold in prayer: Audrey and Walt T., Penny and Howard M., Katherine K., Shannon W., Diane R., Ryan O. (husband of Steve R.’s niece.) We Also pray for: An end to violence as Russia invades Ukraine. All who have been killed, injured and driven from their homes to refuge in other countries. Those who are affected by extreme weather events. Everyone who is struggling with loneliness, depression and isolation. All who have lost family to Covid-19 and other illnesses. Workers exhausted and facing burnout. Migrant farm workers suffering unfair wages and labor laws. Anyone who experiences pain and alienation from past experiences: may you know that God loves ALL of us. May we find hope and choose to build healthy relationships within ourselves, with others, and with creation itself.
*********************************************************
We remember former member Clarence Diedriech, who died to this life on March 14. He and his wife, Wanda, were long-time active members of CHCC. They also led the creation of Helping Hands Day Care Center in 1969 at CHCC, and Wanda was its founding director. It became the first accredited Day Care Center in St. Louis in 1984. In 1993 the center changed its name to Cornerstone Center for Early Learning and moved to its present home at 39th and Russell Blvd. Clarence and Wanda continued to support Cornerstone after retirement and also stayed in touch with CHCC, including contributing to support CHCC and recently, the Lift Project. Wanda preceded Clarence in death in 1997. Clarence’s memorial service was March 18 at Lake of the Ozarks. We send our sympathy to their son Dan, their daughter Linda, and all of the family.
Upcoming Events
- Sunday, April 3, Morning Worship, 11 a.m.
- Monday, April 4, Ministry Groups, 7 p.m. on Zoom
- Wednesday, April 6 Lenten Worship 7 p.m. on Zoom
- Saturday, April 9, Book Club 1 p.m. on Zoom
- Sunday, April 10, Palm Sunday Worship, 11 a.m. with presentation of Children’s Bibles
- Thursday, April 14 Maunday Thursday Worship 7p.m. on Zoom
- Friday, April 15, noon, Good Friday Service in the Sanctuary with Isaiah 58
- Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m., Holy Saturday picnic and community egg hunt on the lawn with Isaiah 58
- Sunday, April 17, 11 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship
- Continental breakfast, 9 a.m.
- Easter Egg hunt 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 20, Elders Circle, 7 p.m. on Zoom
- Sunday, April 24, Morning Worship 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 27, Cabinet Meeting on Zoom, 7 p.m.
APRIL
- April 20 – Leslie L.
- April 25 – DebE M.
- April 26 – Karen P.
- April 29 – Madison P.
MAY
- May 14 – Heather S.
- May 15 – Marty H.
- May 16 – Bryan R.
- May 19 – Diane R.
- May 27 – Sarah H.
News and Notes:
- From Deacons: The Deacons met after church on March 13. They elected Janet Utley as chair of the Deacons.
- Book Club: Compton Heights Book Club will meet Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m. on Zoom. We are observing National Poetry Month. Bring a favorite poem to read and share! Click here for more information about National Poetry Month
- Happy Friday is back! After a two year pause, the Happy Friday group will greeting passersby on South Grand from 7-8 a.m. on Friday mornings starting in April. For details, talk to Steve or Bud Obermiller
HOLY WEEK and EASTER EVENTS
- Thursday, April 14: Maunday Thursday worship will be on Zoom with participation from Oak Hill Presbyterian and Compton Heights. It will be a service of Scripture, Song and Communion. Plan to join us at 7 p.m. for this time of holy remembrance.
- Friday, April 15: Good Friday Please join us for a Stations of the Cross service at 12noon. This service is designed to center ourselves on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, spending time in scripture, prayer and reflection. All are welcome and COVID precautions will remain in effect during our time together.
- Saturday, April 16: Isaiah 58 Ministries and Compton Heights Christian Church will host a community picnic and Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 16 beginning at 11am. Join us for hotdogs, chips and drinks outside on our church grounds. There will be a crafts for the kids and an Easter egg hunt to top off the day. We anticipate the Easter Egg Hunt to begin at 12noon.
- Sunday, April 17: Unpack those Alleluias! Replace those black paraments! Easter morning will begin with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by the traditional Easter egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Depending on the weather, these may be held on the lawn or in Fellowship Hall and the education wing. Worship in the Sanctuary will begin at 11 a.m. with live streaming on FaceBook.
- Sunday, April 24: Special Guests in Worship will be Development Director Dani Smith and Executive Director Karen Lucy from Cornerstone Early Childhood Learning Center here in the Shaw Neighborhood. They will bring us up to date on the programs and plans for this organization which has its roots in the day care center started by Compton Heights Christian Church in 1969.
April Bag of Blessings at Isaiah 58
Isaiah 58 Ministries provides a list of food, pantry essentials, personal care items and cleaning supplies each month. You are invited to bring any of these items to place in the Isaiah 58 Offering Basket on Sunday morning or you can drop off donations in the alley behind the building, which is where Isaiah 58 Ministries’ entrance is. The alley can be accessed from Flora Place. Donations are received M-F, 10am-1pm.
April Bag of Blessing items:
Food: Peanut Butter, Deluxe Mac & Cheese
Pantry Essential: Shelf Stable Milk
Personal Care Items: Toilet Paper
Cleaning Supplies: Paper Towels
For more information:
Compton Heights Christian Church 