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Apr 3

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: 

  1. How can we develop more “formal” policies to strengthen our convenantal ministry relationship with Isaiah 58?
  2. 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?
  3. 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. 

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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. 

Apr 3

Easter Special Offering

Our gifts to the Easter Offering are part of God’s enduring love…

Love that creates…

  • Bible studies that challenge and inspire
  • Opportunities for clergy to gather in prayer
  • Spiritual care for those in prison
  • Resources for mental health and trauma care 

Love that inspires… 

  • Visionary leadership that calls the us to imagine new ways of being church
  • New congregations that worship in a variety of languages and worship styles
  • Ministries of compassion and care 

Love that makes a difference… 

  • Global ministry partners who work for justice, reconciliation and peace
  • Colleges, universities and theological institutions that nurture Christian leaders who are transforming church, society and the world
  • Collaborative response in the wake of disaster
  • Support for congregational service ministries that serve hungry neighbors 

Our gifts benefit Disciples of Christ General Ministries, allowing us to do more together than we can do alone! 

Mar 5

March/Lent Newsletter – Volume 70, No. 3

“Compton Oneing”

Julian of Norwich said, “The love of God creates in us a ‘oneing’ that when it is truly seen, no person can
separate themselves from another person” (Julian of Norwich, Showings, 65.)


The love of God has “oned” us together at Compton Heights Christian Church where ALL are welcome!
And so, similar to the Compton Rising process several years ago, Compton Oneing is a new name we have chosen for the journey of our interim ministry together, where over the next 12-18 months, we will
engage our Heritage, Leadership, Mission, Connections and Future as a congregation.


Compton Oneing is everything we do in the interim period to build up and strengthen CHCC. It’s an
invitation for everyone to dream, imagine, and create, in a variety of ways and formats.


As we are returning to in-person worship this month, we would also like to come together (in-person) for
a Compton Oneing event! We want to spend a little time together enjoying one another’s company and
engaging with our interim ministry. Steve will facilitate some fun and meaningful activities focused on intentionally naming and celebrating the core values that serve as the underlying passion and spirit of our mission and ministry together.

WHEN: Saturday, March 26
TIME: 9:00am – 11:30am
WHERE: Fellowship Hall at Church
FOOD: ☺ Breakfast: Fruit, Bagels & Cream Cheese, Donuts, Coffee, Tea, Juice
Lunch: Going out for those who can

We hope everyone can come. Everyone is needed. God’s love makes us One. See you on Sundays and see you on Saturday, March 26! Steve

Mid-Week Lenten Worship

Dear Church,
Once again, we are entering into the season of Lent. It is the season of journeying with Jesus to the cross, and therefore, it is the season of not
“sweeping under the carpet” his suffering, our own suffering and the suffering of the world. It is the season of drawing near to God and to the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ comes again.


We enter this season in humble reverence because we know that the inevitable journey to and
through the cross is holy, sacred, life-changing, world-changing. So, as we journey together during this season, in addition to Sunday worship, let’s come together for midweek worship too! Let’s meet on Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm.

Worship will be reflective and conversational, offering an additional touchstone with the Spirit
and with one another each week.

To center our worship each week, we will use the Daily Lectionary Gospel Texts and Eugene Peterson’s interpretation of the Bible: The Message. (See information on The Message below)

Here are the assigned scripture passages and some conversation starters for each week:
March 9 – Luke 21:34-22:6 “Don’t Fall Asleep at the Wheel”
March 16 – Luke 13:22-31 “Strangers to Grace”
March 23 – Luke 13:18-21 “How Can We Picture God’s Kingdom?
March 30 – Luke 9:10-17 “Graciously Welcomed”
April 6 – Luke 18:31-34 “What Didn’t They Get?”
See you on Sundays AND Wednesdays during Lent!
Grace & Peace, Steve

A little about The Message…
“While I was teaching a class on Galatians, I began to realize that the adults in my class weren’t
feeling the vitality and directness that I sensed as I read and studied the New Testament in its
original Greek. Writing straight from the original text, I began to attempt to bring into English the
rhythms and idioms of the original language. I knew that the early readers of the New Testament
were captured and engaged by these writings and I wanted my congregation to be impacted in the
same way. I hoped to bring the New Testament to life for two different types of people: those who
hadn’t read the Bible because it seemed too distant and irrelevant and those who had read the Bible
so much that it had become ‘old hat.’ [My] primary goal was to capture the tone of the text and the
original conversational feel of the Greek, in contemporary English.” -Eugene H. Peterson

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Worship Notes

NOTE! CHCC is returning to in-person Worship on Sunday, March 6

Volunteers are needed for in-person worship: Streaming Tech, Greeter, Elders, Deacons, and Liturgist. Elders and Deacons are asked to enter the dates they are serving on line and to arrange for a substitute if they cannot serve on their selected dates. Click here to go to SignUp Genius.

If you want to volunteer but need help with the online signup, let Kathy Mead know and she will walk you through the process.

Serving Schedule

March Home Communion: Elder: Judi Linville; Alt. Rev. Millie Slack; Deacon: Heather Stout
March 6: Liturgist: Nancy Obermiller; Communion: Diane Richardson; Stewardship: Carolyn Harry;
Deacons: Kathy Mead and Liz Vollmar
March 13: Liturgist: Susan Miller; Communion: Judi Linville; Stewardship: Nancy Obermiller; Deacons TBA
March 20: Liturgist: Brenda Booth; Communion: Rev. Millie Slack; Stewardship: Joan James; Deacons TBA
March 27: Liturgist: Madeline Haraway; Communion: Leslie Latham; Stewardship: Marsha McGuire;
Deacons TBA.

Please hold in prayer: Audrey and Walt T., Karen P., Howard M.,
Katherine K., Cathy H., 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 facing burnout; exhausted medical workers and teachers. 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.

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Congratulations To former pastoral intern Rob Van Ness (2009-2010), who has accepted a call to be Senior Pastor at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Rob has been Senior Pastor of Holy Trinity Community Church (UCC) in Memphis, TN since 2016. He and his husband, Nicky Banks, (and their two cats) will be relocating at the end of April. Rob concluded his announcement on FaceBook with this quote: “You never really leave a place you love; you take a part of it with you…and leave a part of you behind.” So true for all of our Pastoral Interns at CHCC!

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Thank you to everyone who answered the call on Saturday, March 5 to transform the Sanctuary for Lent
(by taking down the last of the Advent/Christmas decorations) and prepare the building for our return to in-person Worship on March 6.

Happy Birthday!

MARCH

16 David F

18 Courtney H.

19 Bob M.

22 Dave M.

APRIL

20 Leslie L.

25 DebE M.

26 Karen P.

29 Madison P.

Upcoming Events

  • Sunday, March 6, Morning Worship, 11 am
  • Monday, March 7, Board of Ministry, 7 pm on Zoom
  • Wednesday, March 9, Lenten Worship, 7 pm on Zoom
  • Saturday, March 12, Book Circle, 1pm on Zoom
  • Sunday, March 13, Morning Worship, 11am
    • Deacons meet after worship
  • Wednesday, March 16, Lenten Worship, 7 pm on Zoom
  • Sunday, March 20, Morning Worship, 11 am
  • Tuesday, March 22, Elders Circle, 7 pm on Zoom
  • Wednesday, March 23, Lenten Worship, 7 pm on Zoom
  • Saturday, March 26, Compton Oneing Event, 9 – 11:30 am
  • Sunday, March 27 Morning Worship, 11 am
  • Monday, March 28, Cabinet Meeting, 7 pm on Zoom

If you are not on the church email list and need Zoom link information, fill out the form below with information on which event you want to attend and we will send you the link.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Calling All Deacons

Please plan to meet briefly after church on March 13. The Deacons need to choose a chair and discuss scheduling and responsibilities.

Book Club News

The CHCC Book Club will meet Saturday, March 12 at 1 pm on Zoom. We are reading “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.

In-person Worship Protocol

We will continue to wear masks and observe social distancing in the pews as we return to worship
in the sanctuary. Please sign the Greeter’s register as you enter and pick up a bulletin and
communion elements.

Mission Notes

Wider Church Opportunities

Disciples Women in Mid-America will hold their regular monthly gathering on Saturday, March 26 at 9 a.m. Grab a cup of coffee and learn about missions in other churches of the region. For a zoom link, visit Click here for Zoom link information.
Restoring Nature: What People of Faith Can Do to Heal the Earth is a Webinar jointly sponsored
by the Christian Church DOC and the United Church of Christ on March 23 at Noon Central Time.
Here is a description:
Douglas Tallamy’s books have awakened thousands to the problem of wildlife decline and the solution that resides in habitat restoration. This is a solution of which you and your faith community can be a part. The solution can be as close as your backyard or the property surrounding your place of worship. In this webinar, Tallamy will outline the crisis faced and what we can do in response. The green teams and green thumbs of faith communities will learn not only about cultivating native plants in the landscapes around them, but also what can be done to create a transformative movement full of actions ordinary people everywhere can take. To care for God’s creation, we can start by simply stepping outside the doors of where we gather for
worship to make the most of our sacred places. In this webinar, Tallamy will raise our awareness and equip us to make a difference in our world. Click here to register.

Response in Ukraine

Week of Compassion is already there! Our partners, through ACT Alliance, have already responded to the immediate needs by shipping 28 tons of food in the first days of the conflict to support those fleeing to Hungary, and staff have been working with refugees at the Ukraine/ Hungary border. Shipments of canned food, flour, sugar, oil, rice, pasta, biscuits, long-life milk, tea and hygiene products are arriving at centers for families forced to flee their homes. Shelter capacities are being scaled up, and humanitarian information points are being established to help those arriving to the border and awaiting entry. WOC also has connected with International Ministries of the American Baptist Church and their work through the European Baptist Federation in Poland and Hungary.
Note: We have received $460 so far in the February special offering. Contributions for Week of Compassion can be given at any time and are still being received in the current appeal. Checks may be made to the church and designated for WOC or click here to donate through Givelify or click here to donate through PayPal

Marty Renner-Hughes, our financial secretary, is still receiving estimates of giving for 2022. If you have not yet returned your estimate form, you may simply email her with your giving intentions for 2022. We hope to have a good report of Giving at the March 7th Board Meeting.

Nov 6

Thanksgiving Special Offering

November 14th & 21st we will collect for our Thanksgiving Offering.

The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.

The Thanksgiving offering supports everything from scholarships, to religious life offices, to faculty growth and development. By giving to the Thanksgiving Offering you are helping our institutions invest in students as
they prepare themselves to become leaders.

The Thanksgiving Offering also provides scholarship and support for our theological education institutions. Each of our seminaries and divinity houses is committed to educating and forming Christian leaders for church and society. Generations of pastors, community leaders, and agents of social transformation have been educated at our theological institutions. They have flourished and made a difference in the world, thanks to gifts from Disciples congregations and individuals throughout the ages. These institutions continue to prepare leaders for the present age and the age to come.


Oct 10

Reconciliation Special Offering

In 1998, General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) approved the formation of a church-wide process to discern the nature of racism in North America and to develop ways of helping congregations address racism. Our Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation initiative was born out of this process. The initiative is based on several premises.

  • Racism is a spiritual and theological dilemma as well as a social evil;
  • Racist practice exists throughout the life of the church and needs to be addressed. The church needs to get its own “house” in order even as it looks toward being a transformational agent in the larger world;
  • Racism is a systemic problem with historical root causes;
  • Racism is understood to be a combination of racial prejudice and institutional and/or economic power.

Our initiative calls the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to practice faithfulness with regard to the elimination of racism, which exists in all manifestations of the church and to develop strategies to eradicate racism and work toward racial reconciliation.

Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering will be received October 10th and 17th. When you donate via Givelify, PayPay or check, please note that your offering should go toward “Reconciliation Ministry.” This special offering provides grants to ministries and congregations actively developing and implementing programs that promote our Church’s Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racist identity.

Sep 21

Compton Heights Christian Church

Our congregation is committed to ministry in the city. Like most residences and buildings around us, our parking is on the street.

When visiting the church you may park on either side of South Grand. Parking is also available on Flora Place, you can reach Flora by entering Shaw Neighborhood on either Shaw Boulevard, north of the the church or Magnolia Avenue, south of the church take 39th Street to Flora Place. See map below

On Sunday mornings, our next door neighbors, Jack-In-The-Box, have graciously agreed to allow our members and visitors to park in the 15 spots along the back row of their lot. Out of respect for their management and customers, please do not park in the first available spots.

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