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Jul 31

Sanctuary in the City News: August/September 2021 Vol69

As long as the earth endures…

There is a deep assurance in the cycle of life reflected in this text from Genesis 8. It comes toward the end of the ark story as Noah, his family, and the animals emerge to begin the next season of their lives. Just a few verses later in Genesis 9:9, God says “I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you” and all the creatures with you. Then God set a rainbow in the clouds to be a sign to them of God’s faithfulness in covenant with God’s people. As our story unfolds over time, our covenant with God is re-affirmed again and again. We break the covenant and God renews it because God loves the world so much. “Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night never cease,” and God’s love beckons us forward.


This is, of course, a sweeping assurance about God’s faithfulness through all time. And it is the covenant that carries us through all things, great and small, every change in our lives, the Church, and the world. I feel the power of this covenant as I complete this time of ministry with you, as I move into a new season in my life, and as you move into a new season of growth into the Beloved Community of Christ’s Church. I give thanks for all that has been planted and harvested, the seasons we have shared together, the long way we have come, and the reminder that God is in it all –including this time of new opportunity and vision.


These 25 years as pastor of this congregation have been such a gift in my life. I give thanks for those who were here when Dave and I joined you, and who have since become a part of that Great Cloud of Witnesses. I give thanks for each person who has worked and lived into this ministry together over this time. And I give thanks for those who are new to the congregation, whom I may not get to know well, but who have already blessed us with your presence and your gifts! This is a congregation that is always becoming new, while holding on to the spirit of grace and justice in God’s love that has grounded you over time. This is a rare gift of steadfastness in faith that not all congregations have; you are not blown about by every wind. I am excited for your future, for the ministry you will live out in this community and the world. I love you and will cherish these next 5 weeks with you.


I will always hold you in prayer.
May God’s Peace be with you now and always! Jacque

Prayers of the Community

Please hold in prayer: Audrey T., John P., Howard M., Katherine K.’s granddaughter, Esha, Cathy H.’s Mom.
Those who are working to help people feel comfortable being vaccinated. Those in countries without vaccine available, where terrible surges of the pandemic continue. Those who have lost dear ones, homes, and businesses in tornadoes and storms. Those who are suffering financial stress, emotional stress, and mental stress. We pray safety for families and communities who get together after a long time apart.

Jul 31

Six Weeks of Compassion 2021: Let Love Flow

For several years, Compton Heights Christian Church has dedicated six weeks in the summer to concentrate on several
outreach missions, and to learn more about some of the organizations we are supporting. This year, with Rev. Jacque’s
upcoming retirement we have divided the activities into four weeks in August ( 1,8,15, 22) and two in September (12,19.)
In August, we will learn about how our Week of Compassion Offering collected in the winter is helping in disaster
response and long-term recovery, as well as aid to refugees in camps around the world. We also will learn about our
ongoing relationship with a local ministry, Isaiah 58, and a global ministry site, Family Village Farm in India. We will
continue to bring our highlighters (not yellow) for Isaiah 58 along with any other special request they have for August.
We will receive donations for our support of children at Family Village Farm or King’s Matriculation School in India, and
during the break, we will prayerfully consider an additional gift to Week of Compassion.
In September, we will learn about the work of Church World Service and receive items for hygiene kits. We also will
learn about the unique Missouri Festival of Sharing that is an umbrella not only for Church World Service, but many
organizations helping in our state. For those who like to start shopping, below is the list of items for the hygiene kits.
We will start to receive them starting September 5. If you want to purchase all of the items for a kit, please put them
inside a gallon-size zip top plastic bag. (Toothpaste is added before shipping by WOC, so don’t include any in your kits.)
All loose items will be assembled into kits after September 19; volunteers to do this are welcome!

1 washcloth
1 toothbrush (in original package)
1 bar of soap (bath size in package)
10 standard size Band-Aids

1 nail clippers (remove packaging)
1 hand towel 15×28 in to 16x32in
(no fingertip, bath or microfiber towels)
1 wide-tooth comb (remove packaging)

Mar 27

Church in the time of COVID-19: Home Worship Edition

“The church is not a building, the church is the people!”

(Pro tip #1: Do not worship like the above pic at the present moment! God loves when the people gather, but God is also a huge fan of science and the care we exercise for each other when we follow CDC recommendations.)

As we posted previously, we are not meeting in person for Sunday worship..

However, at this time we are gathering on Sundays at 11am via Zoom.

Contact us at comptonheightscc@gmail.com for details!

Jan 14

Sanctuary in the City Newsletter, vol. 68 no. 1

Learning from Story Circles

We have had a season of storytelling at CHCC that has engaged almost half the worshiping congregation in the sharing of stories of our lives. In monthly Story Circles through the Fall and then in three weekly Advent Story Circles, and two Sunday morning Adult Class Story Circles, we have shared laughter and tears, simple stories, and amazing stories. We have shared our times of waiting, times when we were afraid, our experiences of feeling different and how we navigated them. We have told stories of gift giving and receiving, and we have shared stories of expectation and hope.

In almost every Story Circle, people have reflected on the themes that are common between us, as different as we may think we are. I believe our relationships and our sense of community has moved to a new place. Many of us have learned to listen to
another person’s story and to honor and respect it by letting it stand without our judgment of it. Some of us found that hard to do at first, simply because we had become accustomed to placing our seal of approval or suggesting what we think someone must
surely feel or mean, rather than simply honoring the story they tell. In short, we have been working on a deeper way of listening for the story of another. And, we have learned to tell a piece of our story briefly, and then to listen while the other speaks.

Some in the congregation did not get to, or choose to participate in this season of storytelling. But my hope is that All of us – the whole community will experience the ripple effect of half the congregation spending a season telling and listening deeply to each others story. In essence, we have added to our ‘toolbox’ a way of being present.

Hopefully, we will take storytelling and inviting the stories of the other into our visiting, into our building relationship with those who new to us, into our way of creating ‘radical
hospitality.”

Having spent the autumn and now the Advent and Christmas season with Story Circle, it is my suggestion that we take a break and allow space for other ways of living out ministry together. We will keep the practice of Story Circle as something that we continue to weave into our community life. Just as the idea of our Advent Story Circles came from someone who was participating in monthly Circles and thought that this would bring a new dimension to our Advent, so I expect and hope that we will create Story Circles for other special times and needs in the life of the Church! Blessings as you keep listening for and telling stories!

Jacque

prayersWe hold each other and our wider community, nation, and world in prayer. It is more than a turn of phrase to say that we “pray without ceasing.” This is a community grounded and centered in prayer in such a way that we hold each other and those we do not know in God’s Restorative Light day and night.

Please pray for: Joyce Cole – Delmar Gardens Chesterfield, Dennis James, for healing following his hand surgery, Carolyn Harry who is doing so well in her knee replacement recovery, Don Harry with recent time in hospital and continuing to recover, Diane Richardson who has been ill, Leslie  Latham’s mom and dad who are both facing health challenges. We also pray for those who are struggling with jobs, job loss, and who are in the job search process. Peace for those for whom the Christmas season was difficult and has stirred tender places of grief and loss. For those who are grieving the loss of beloved pets in these recent weeks – Brenda and Leslie in the unexpected death of the of their dear cat Taz, and Bob and Linda Lewis in the death of their dear cat Sidney.

insympathyWe celebrate the life of Sharon Lee Sack Clayton
and we grieve our own loss in her death on
November 15, 2019. Sharon was long-time and
beloved member of Compton Heights Christian
Church. She brought laughter and love to our
lives and to the lives of all her family and friends.
We hold in prayer, Sharon’s son John Clayton and
his wife Jill, as well as her sister Caroline Hicks and
her husband Jon. A Memorial Service was held in our sanctuary on November 23. Gifts have been made to Isaiah 58 Ministries and to the Compton Uplift fund in loving
memory of Sharon.

Isaiah58BAG OF BLESSINGS
JANUARY                                FEBRUARY
Food Items:   Oats                                         Tuna
Dried Beans                           Tuna Helper
Pantry Essentials: Cooking Oil                   Spices
(Canola, Olive, Vegetable)
Personal Care: Body Lotion, Lip Balm      Razors, Shaving Cream
Cleaning Supplies: Laundry Soap               Toilet Bowl Cleaner

You are invited to bring any of these items to place in the
ISAIAH 58 Offering Basket in the sanctuary on Sundays.

comptonuplift_logoSAVE THE DATE: Dinner Celebration!
Sunday, March 1st following worship
Bring a Favorite Dish to Share!
“Valet Dish Delivery” to the downstairs kitchen!
(If you would like your food dish taken down and placed in warming oven, fridge, or table at room temperature, we will have “Lift Valet Service” and people to take care of it for you! Just bring your dish to the narthex before worship and place on the designated shelf of the food cart)

Come expecting to:
Celebrate and be energized for the UpLift Renovations for Ministry!
Help Lift our ministry to the community!
Help identify OUR Epiphany Sparks of Light!
AND
To receive A SURPRISE in celebration of one of our ministries!

(PLEASE NOTE: This was previously scheduled for January 26, but has been moved to allow us to finish the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen work!)

protagonistThe Compton Heights CC Book Club
Saturday, February 8, 1:00 pm
Protagonist Café – A Literary Cafe
1700 S. 9th Street
(corner of 9th and Lafayette in Soulard)
Discussing Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Come join us!!

 

Refreshment/Coffee Hosts for 2020
I am currently working on the coffee hosts list for 2020. If you currently are not a part of this ministry and would like to be added to the schedule, please let me know. If you are currently on the schedule from 2019 and would like to be removed, please let
me know.

The coffee hosts provides snacks and juice on your designated Sundays for coffee time following worship service. You are responsible for setting up the snacks before coffee time and cleaning up afterwards. I usually assign a minimum of two people for each Sunday so you are not doing this by yourself. The snacks are just that, snacks – can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose, homemade or store bought. Cups, plates, napkins,
utensils and coffee are provided so you don’t need to bring these items. Please let me know by January 19, 2020 if you would like to be a part of this ministry.
Marsha McGuire
Marsha.mcguire@sbcglobal.net

Sunday Adult Bible Study: The Gospel of Matthew: A Six Week Series January 12 – February 16 10:05 – 10:45 am – Join us in the library for study and discussion.

MCUMCU: METROPOLITAN CONGREGATIONS UNITED 2020 Annual Membership Assembly: Tuesday, January 28, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd; St. Louis, MO 63147
Our congregation is a member of MCU – Metropolitan Congregations United. You have heard from Becky Klemme Eliceiri who is engaged with MCU’s work to stop the School to Prison Pipeline. You have heard from Kathy Mead, who has worked with MCU’s work for Medicaid Expansion. Our congregation took part in MCU’s Sacred Conversations on Race. We served as a Safe Space and Sanctuary Space with MCU’s coordination. We have worked with MCU for responsible policing in our communities. All in all, MCU brings together congregations to work together on the issues of faith and justice that impact everyone in our area.

MCU’s Annual Membership Assembly, our annual business meeting, is every member congregation/organization’s opportunity for the coming year to shape MCU’s work of confronting systemic powers together to create a better St. Louis region.

All are welcome, including interested non-member people, congregations, and organizations. As a member congregation, we are urged bring as many as would like to participate , and we will have 2 voting representatives. We will celebrate MCU’s 2019
victories and go over what’s on the agenda for 2020: Unlock the Vote, EXPO, Raise the Age NOW, and the 2020 general election! We’ll also vote on new cabinet members review the budget for the year, and approve our 2020 agenda.

The meeting includes a light supper for $10 each, REGISTRATION DEADLINE – JANUARY 13 Make reservation at office@mcustl.com or 314-367-3484

coldCAN YOU HELP US PROVIDE WINTER SHELTER?
Again this winter, our congregation is working with Winter Outreach and Oak Hill
Presbyterian Church to provide winter shelter on especially cold nights.

Our night is Wednesday – when temperatures are 20 degrees or below (25 degrees with
precipitation). As these cold days are anticipated, we receive a sign-up request from Dena
Roper at Oak Hill. We then send an email with the link to “Sign Up Genius” for you to sign
up for the time you can help – just two hours means so much! The time slots extend from
4 pm (for Set-up) through early evening (for help serving supper) to late evening and
overnight presence to early morning breakfast help and clean-up.

Two people are needed for each two hour slot of time. This Winter Shelter Ministry is
vital and life-saving for those in our community who would otherwise be on the streets.

If you have questions, please ask Pastor Jacque.

Wow – the work we have been doing …
It should be no surprise that the Compton UpLift project is not all the work of contractors!

1. First, before anything else, we all made the daring decision to do this project – creating accessibility to the lower level of the building, putting in new restrooms with shower, replacing the fellowship hall floor and ceiling, and taking our first steps to make
the kitchen more usable. Our decision together to do this was a commitment to strengthen ministry in this community!

2. Then we made financial pledge commitments to underwrite the work! We are still in need of pledges; we’re not quite there! But we had enough confidence to take out the loan and do the work. Now we have the opportunity for more to pledge to financially to the project!

3. Darrell Hughes has been overseeing the work of contractors and maintaining communication to make the project happen.

4. Recently so many of you have done just plain ole super hero work! There was the day we took down the ceiling tiles in the fellowship hall! Picture CHCC folks with masks and goggles, hoes and rakes — arms in the air for hours ripping down the tiles, and others cleaning up the mess and loading them in wheelbarrows and on dollies to haul them out to the dumpster

Then there was Sunday afternoon, January 5, when we gathered after worship to clean the dirt (accumulated from construction) off all the chairs and tables and set up the fellowship hall for Isaiah 58 Ministries to be able to re-open and serve
clients after the laying of the new floor!

5. Now before the contractor hangs the metal framing for the ceiling, some of us will need to paint at least the top 18 inches of the fellowship hall walls.

6. Then, after the contractor hangs the framing for the drop ceiling, Darrell Hughes and Dave Boger will be installing new fellowship hall lights and vents – before the new ceiling can go in.

7. Diane Richardson has volunteered to paint fellowship hall walls and so others are invited to help in this project!!

8. Then we will need to get the kitchen ready to go again before our March 1 meal celebration!

No doubt there is much that is not listed here! You see! It truly takes a village to do all parts of ministry and to create the space for ministry.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE MAKING THIS HAPPEN!

Weekly Winter Schedule
Sundays 9:15 Choir Prep.
10:00 Classes
11:00 Worship
12:10 Refreshments
12:30 Choir Practice
Each Tues. & Thurs. 7 pm Exercise Group
2nd Tuesday Compassionate Listening 7:15 – 8:30 p
1st Wed. Board or Min. Grp
3rd Wed. Elders Circle 7 pm
1st Thurs. Prayer Shawl Grp
Each Friday –Happy Fri. 7 – 8 a
Saturdays Exercise 11:30 am

Compton Heights Christian Church
2149 South Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63104
sanctuary in the city

Contact us: 314-771-5071
www.comptonheights.com
Check us out on Facebook
www.isaiah58ministries.org
Email: comptonheightscc@gmail.com
Pastor: jleigh55@att.net

PDF Version of Newsletter

Nov 22

Sanctuary in the City November 2019 News (Vol. 67 No. 5)

MINISTRY OF CARE

At the very heart of the life and ministry of the Church is caring for God’s people. Our caring takes many forms and is lived out in many contexts, but it is the core of everything we do. Just think about it:
• Caring for God’s people is at the heart of worship as we proclaim the love of God, as we pray for those in and beyond our community, and as we break bread together at the Table of Christ
• Caring for God’s people is at the heart of our giving as we seek to respond to God’s love and care for us, and to live out Christ’s ministry in the world though Week of Compassion, Reconciliation Ministry, and so many others
• Caring is at the heart of our Education and Spiritual nurture of children and adults
• Caring is at the heart of our action and outreach in the community and the world as we advocate for justice, feed those who are hungry, seek adequate housing and health care for all, create Emergency Clean-up Buckets for those suffering in the wake of disasters, as we care for people through Isaiah 58 Ministries, help to feed those who live in poverty, and help provide shelter in the winter, and connect with others thru Happy Friday
• Caring is at the heart of our congregation’s various ways for being community with each other – such the work of the Elders and Deacons in visiting and sharing Communion with those who are ill, and our new Story Circle gatherings, and our Compassionate Listening group, our Books group, our Prayer Shawl Ministry
The list goes on and on. We have always visited and prayed for each other in times of need within the congregation. However, I am excited to see this ministry grow in organization and strength! Deanna Snowden shared with me that she feels particularly called to coordinate our Ministry of Care for people in the congregation. She has already begun to call and check on people who are ill, and facilitate our providing of meals when that would be helpful. If you would like to take part in this ministry, by making a visit when needed, or preparing a casserole or other dish for someone in a time of illness, or grief, or other need, please contact Deanna so that she will have you on her list! The Ministry of Care will coordinate with the Elders, so that the two groups communicate about the needs of the congregation! What a Blessing!!
Jacque

prayersWe hold each other and our wider community, nation, and world in prayer. It is more than a turn of phrase to say that we “pray without ceasing.” This is a community grounded and centered in prayer in
such a way that we hold each other and those we do not know in God’s Restorative Light day and night.

Please pray for: Millie Slack, Joyce Cole, Sharon Clayton, Karen and John Pitt Audrey Tarde, Carolyn Harry’s husband Don Harry

Isaiah58BAGS OF BLESSINGS
NOVEMBER                                  DECEMBER
Food Item: Pancake Mix            Hot Chocolate,
Syrup                                             Tea, Canned Fruit
Pantry Essential: Flour               Sugar
(1 or 2 lbs)                                      (1or 2 lbs)
Personal Care:Diapers (sizes 4,5,6) Shampoo
Baby Wipes                                     Conditioner
Cleaning Supplies: All Purpose   SOS Pads
Cleaner                                             Sponges
You are invited to bring any of these items to place in the
ISAIAH 58 Offering Basket in the sanctuary on Sundays.

comptonuplift_logoWhat’s Up with Compton UpLift?
Wow! The work on the new downstairs restrooms is
really coming along! The Lift is in town and that part of
the work will begin soon! We have chosen the floor finishes for both downstairs and upstairs! Our target is to be finished with the Lift and Restrooms by the end of
November! The work to refurbish the Fellowship Hall floor will
hopefully begin at the end of December!

THANK YOU so much for the faithfulness with which your Capital Campaign Commitments are coming in!

Due to the construction, our Ministry Group leaders made the decision that we will not have a Thanksgiving Dinner downstairs this year. HOWEVER, we will have a
Celebration and Feast in the fellowship hall when the construction is completed! It will truly be a great celebration of Thanks!

buyabirdBUY-A-Bird XXVI & JIFFY MIX – 26 years of Buy-A-Bird – WOW! Buy-A-Bird provides the opportunity for each of us to help families in need to have turkeys, chickens, (or hams (“When Pigs Fly!”) for Thanksgiving.

A $20 contribution makes it possible for Isaiah 58 Ministries to give a family a $20 Schucks gift card to purchase a turkey, ham, or other item for their holiday meal. Then they are invited to shop at the Isaiah 58 for other holiday food.

In the past our congregation has provided a variety of different foods for Thanksgiving meals. THIS YEAR we are asked to take a different approach. We are asked to provide 200 small boxes of Jiffy (or other brand) Cornbread Mix by Sunday, November 17 (or at the latest, by Wednesday, the 20. This gives time for Isaiah 58 to get ready for the Thanksgiving Food distribution on Monday, November 25. GIVE WITH THANKSGIVING!!

storycircleJoin us for STORY CIRCLE – the last Sunday of the month
Next Story Circles are October 27 and November 24
LIGHT LUNCH at 12:20 (ish) pm Circle from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Our Story Circles were so very powerful as we shared our first experience of hearing each others stories in response to a simple question! In September there were 14 of us and so
we divided into 2 groups! Each group had its own unique experience. We hope you will plan to join us on the last Sundays of October and November!

A Story Circle is a group of people sitting in a circle telling personal stories of their experience on a particular topic or theme. The purpose of our Story Circles is to build relationships and deepen community. In Story Circles we can share stories that have
shaped us, stories of surprise, stories of discovery, stories of challenge, stories of hope, stories of change, stories that make us laugh, stories that make us cry. We can share stories about our own spiritual challenges, and stories about our faith.

Story Circle is especially appropriate in the life of a church community because the church is all about Story! We gather around stories of God’s people. The story of the church is grounded in the stories of Hebrew Scripture, the stories about Jesus, and the
stories (parables) that Jesus told. We are constantly telling, retelling, and unpacking stories. Stories have been used destructive ways and in life-affirming ways. We come face to face with stories that have hurt God’s people and stories that have renewed
God’s people.

In this day and time, it is vital that we share and hear our stories. Story Circle is not a place of debate or argument; it is, rather, a sacred and safe place of story. One does not need to commit to participate in every Story Circle in order to take part. Each one
will stand on its own with a particular question. However, after our first experience at the end of September, our sense that many will not want to miss the next story told!

COMPTON HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEEK at PLOWSHARING CRAFTS!
Plowsharing Crafts Fundraiser for Compton UpLift! NOVEMBER 24th thru 30th
A number of us shop at Plowsharing Crafts on Delmar in the Loop (especially as we prepare for Christmas!)

This year, we hope you will do your Plowsharing Crafts shopping from Nov. 24 to 30. On these days, if you mention Compton Heights Christian Church, we will receive 15% of the amount of your purchase for our Compton UpLift Project!!

SAVE THE DATES, and PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS! We would like as many people as possible to shop at Plowsharing Crafts on behalf of CHCC on Nov. 24th through 30th

ORGAN MUSIC RETURNS TO WORSHIP!
We are thrilled that our Rodgers Organ has been repaired and once again we will have Morgan at the organ! Morgan had spent months nursing the failing keyboards to keep them going on Sunday mornings. You may have noticed him quietly moving the keys up and down as other things were going on in worship. He was keeping them moving so that they would play for the next hymn! Then the day came when there were just too many “stuck” keys!

Two weeks ago, Bruce Conley, our wonderful organ repairer, and Darrell Hughes removed the keyboards and Bruce has now rebuilt them. Morgan dashed over to the church the evening they were re-installed just to test it out! What joy!

Witnessing Whiteness Are you ready to challenge the way you view race?
Both Kathy Mead and Dave Boger of our congregation have taken part in the YWCA’s Witnessing Whiteness Small Group experience. They have both found it very powerful and life-enriching!

Kirkwood United Methodist Church is hosting a Spring 2020 series on Sunday evenings 6 – 8 pm, Jan 19 & 26, Feb 9 & 23, March 8, 22, &29, April 5 & 19, and May 3. Email Jess Horsley to sign up: His email is: jess@kirkwoodumc.org
Space for local residents is limited to 18 participants! Registration closes Friday, Nov. 15!

Looking Ahead to ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT COMPTON HEIGHTS CC

ADVENT EVENING STORY CIRCLES – Thursdays, December 5, 12, and 19 at 7:00 pm
Some of those who have experienced our Story Circle, suggested that our ADVENT EVENING Gatherings this year be ADVENT STORY CIRCLES. What a wonderful idea! Our stories of Advent and Christmas are such powerful part of our lives! We will build three
Advent Evenings around these stories.

Mark your calendar to set aside three evenings of Advent for reflection on our stories of expectation and the coming of Christ!

advent.jpgThe Weeks of Advent
Sunday, December 1 — The First Sunday of Advent – Lighting the Candle of HOPE
The Hanging of the Greens in worship
The Tree of Warmth begins – We decorate the Tree of Warmth with warm socks, hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, long underwear for those who are cold and without warmth in winter. These will be distributed through Isaiah 58 Ministries.
Thursday, Dec 5 Advent Story Circle 7 pm
Sunday, December 8 – The Second Sunday of Advent – Lighting the Candle of PEACE
Thursday, Dec 12 Advent Story Circle 7 pm
Sunday, December 15 — The Third Sunday of Advent – Lighting the Candle of JOY
Pastor’s Christmas Open House 6 – 9 pm at Jacque and Dave’s
Thursday, Dec 19 Advent Story Circle 7 pm
Sunday, December 22 – The Fourth Sunday of Advent/Christmas Sunday – Lighting the Candle of LOVE
Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Worship 6:00 pm – Lighting the CHRIST CANDLE
Christmas Caroling in the Neighborhood 7:15 pm
Join in our 70 year tradition of Caroling for the St. Louis Christmas Caroling Assoc.
to benefit Children’s services in the St. Louis area. We carol and then return to the
church for warms drinks and treats
Wednesday, December 25 CHRISTMAS Day
2019 ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: Once again this year, we will have copies of the Advent Devotional created by Phillips Theological Seminary for our congregation!

Weekly Fall Schedule
Sundays 9:15 Choir Prep.
10:00 Classes
11:00 Worship
12:10 Refreshments
12:30 Choir Practice
Each Tues. & Thurs. 7 pm Exercise Group
2nd Tuesday 7:15 – 8:30 pm Compassionate Listening
1st Wed. Board or Min. Grp
3rd Wed. Elders Circle 7 pm
1st Thurs. Prayer Shawl Grp
Each Friday –Happy Fri. 7 – 8 a
Saturdays Exercise 11:30 am

Contact us: 314-771-5071
www.comptonheights.com
check us out on Facebook
www.isaiah58ministries.org
Email: comptonheightscc@gmail.com
Pastor: jleigh55@att.net

View November 2019 Newsletter as PDF

Oct 11

Reconciliation Offering and Ministry: MCU’s Nov 3 Public Meeting: When They #SeeUsSTL

Last Sunday and this Sunday, October 13, we are collecting one of our special offerings, “Embodying the Call,” the Disciples Reconciliation Offering 2019. This offering supports the Disciples’ pro-reconciliation / anti-racism ministry of embodying Christ’s love for our neighbor as we continue to build Martin Luther King Jr’s dream of the beloved community. As part of our embodiment of our call to this reconciling ministry, we are one of several congregational partners with MCU – Metropolitan Congregations United, a St. Louis-based community organization working to change the narrative of black youth and families who are court involved. We believe that children belong in school, not in prison.

WTSUSTLFacebook Cover

On Sunday, November 3 from 3-4:30 pm at Vashon High School, we have the opportunity to be a part of this change and publicly show our support of MCU’s latest initiatives to hold our government and public officials accountable at MCU’s 2019 public meeting, When They #SeeUsSTL:

Raise the Age Now: Join the coalition to give this recently-passed law keeping 17-year-olds out of adult prisons in 2021 an on-time start.

Restore the St. Louis City Mayor’s Office Commission on Children, Youth, and Families and hire a Commissioner of Youth Services

Unlock the Vote MO, returning voting rights to 90,000 Missouri voters immediately upon their release from prison, and true expungement of juvenile records.

Please prayerfully consider joining us on:

November 3, 3-4:30pm at Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106

Share and invite your friends via the When They #SeeUsSTL Facebook Event

Officially register to attend the public meeting at When They #SeeUsSTL on Eventbrite

For more information, contact: Rev. Rebecca Klemme Eliceiri at 314-690-1693 / rebecca@thinkprayact.org.

Oct 11

October 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. 

October Bag of Blessing items:

Food:  Beef Stew, Canned Greens

Pantry Essential: Flour, 2 lb bag or Sugar, 1 lb bag

Personal Care Items: Toilet Paper

Cleaning Supplies: Multi/All Purpose Cleaner

For more information:

Isaiah 58 – Bag of Blessings – October

Oct 11

Story Circle: Telling and Hearing Our Stories at Compton Heights Christian Church

A Story Circle is a group of people telling personal stories of their experience on a particular topic or theme. Each story circle invites stories in response to one simple question. For instance, “When has an experience with art touched your life?” Or “What do you remember about someone caring for you when you needed care?” Or “How has an experience of being outdoors in nature been transforming for you?” Or “When have you felt set free to be more fully yourself?” Or “When have you realized that you were loved by God?” The possibility for theme and questions is unending!

Story Circles can help build relationships, strengthen communities, and build bridges.

Story Circle will meet once a month on the last Sunday of the month. We will gather for a light lunch at 12:30 pm in the church library and Story Circle will begin at 1:00 pm. Our next Story Circle is on October 27 at 12:30pm. Hope to see you there!

For more information:

Story Circle – October 27 at 12:30pm

Story Circle article in the September / October Sanctuary in the City newsletter

Sep 3

Sanctuary in the City News, September 2019

I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY …

The stories of our lives are made up of the ordinary, daily movements of being human in relationship with the rest of creation. Our lives are about waking up and living each day, experiencing delight and disappointment, anticipating something new and meeting the old familiar, discovering who we are and who we hope to become, loving and being
loved, feeling lonely and being afraid, living into our relationship with God and asking who we are and who God is. At the heart of our each of our stories, is the truth that we do not live them alone. Our stories are a part of the story of God’s people. Every interaction, every response shapes and reshapes our world.

We learn about God and what it means to be human through stories – stories in the Bible, stories shared in our history, stories shared by those who have been oppressed, and those who were not the winners and therefore did not get to write history. We learn what it is to be human through the stories that we create, through poetry, prose, music.

One of the challenges in communities in the 21st century is to speak our stories, to
listen to the stories of others, and to thus come to see the movements of God
in, and through, and around us. When we feel overwhelmed and powerless, we are
strengthened in coming to know who we are individually and together. We are
strengthened by shared laughter and tears.

I look forward to this year of storytelling with you – in all the ways we share our
lives of faith as we reach out together.

Please see the page 4 article on the beginning of Story Circle on September 29!
Blessings to you! Jacque

3rd Millennium World’s Fair Concert
Saturday, September 14 , 7:30 pm

This is the second of two shows celebrating the new Album by 3rd
Millennium World’s Fair, “Friends and Places.” This show will
feature the trio:

Hannah Frey: Violin and Viola
Meghan Yankowskas: Clarinet
Michael Hagmeier: Guitar, didjeridu, & percussion
Plus special guest Stephanie Hunt on cello.

Tickets are $10 and available online at:
https://3mwffp2.brownpapertickets.com
prayersWe hold each other and our wider community, nation, and world in prayer. It is more than a turn of phrase to say that we “pray without ceasing.” This is a community grounded and centered in prayer in such a way that we hold each other and those we do not know in God’s Restorative Light day and night.

Please pray for: Millie Slack, Joyce Cole, Sharon Clayton, Karen and John Pitt

Our students beginning school: Xavier Litton beginning Pre-School; Jacob and Ty Woodard beginning college

sept2nd Talya Perry
9th Madeline Haraway,
Becky Klemme-Eliceiri
18th Walter Tarde, Jr.
26th Carolyn Harry

 

oct9th Penny Miller
15th Monte Abbott
23rd Marsha McGuire
28th Liz Vollmar

 

Isaiah58BAGS OF BLESSINGS
SEPTEMBER           OCTOBER

Food Item: Cereal                    Beef Stew
Peanut Butter                            Canned Greens
Jelly

Pantry Essential: Coffee        Salt
(ground)                                     Pepper

Personal Care: Toothpaste    Deodorant
Toothbrush                                Bar Soap
Especially need Toilet Paper!

Cleaning Supplies: Dish Soap Magic Erasers

You are invited to bring any of these items to place in the
ISAIAH 58 Offering Basket in the sanctuary on Sundays.

newmembersWe celebrate that Deanna Snowden and Nick Snowden
joined CHCC on Sunday, August 11. Deanna and Nick are
sister and brother and are both coming of the Churches of
Christ tradition (our shared Stone-Campbell history!).
Deanna has recently retired as a librarian with Webster
University, and Nick owns his own business. We give thanks
for the faith and joy that Nick and Deanna bring to Compton
Heights Christian Church!

Sunday School ResumesFALL CLASSES BEGIN SUNDAY, SEPT 8, 10 am

Our Fall Christian Education and Spiritual Nurture classes
are beginning!

We will have a Multi-Age children’s class led by Kathy
Mead, Madeline Haraway, and Darrell Hughes.

Our Adult class will do a study/discussion of “The Prophet” following Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation. We will reflect on the Prophet in scripture and in our current world.

comptonuplift_logoWhat’s Up with Compton UpLift?

Like the old commercial line: “Where’s the beef?” you might be asking: “Where’s the construction?

We dare to say, “It’s Coming!!” We know that work with architects and seeking approvals from the city and glitches and changes and then more approval processes, and then getting new bids from contractors (because of the aforementioned changes) can take a crazy amount of time and energy!

Darrell Hughes and Dave Boger have poured hours and hours into this and it looks like we are “a go!” They have about been ‘driven to distraction so thank them when you
see them!

2019-2020 Pastoral Intern – Madison Peterson

201920CHCCintMPHello! My name is Madison Peterson- I’m so excited to be joining you this year at Compton Heights! I was born and raised Disciple. I call the Kansas City Region home and grew up a Lee’s Summit Christian Church. I first felt a call to
ministry when I was in high school at my beloved church camp, Tall Oaks. After high school, I went to Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. There, I was fed and nurtured by my campus ministry, Ekklesia, and our interfaith student group, Bears Better Together. I met my husband Orion the day after we moved onto campus our freshman year and over time at MSU, we became partners both in life and in
leadership roles in Bears Better Together. I graduated in May 2018 with my BS in General Business and minor in Religious Studies. Orion and I moved to St. Louis so that I could start seminary at Eden Theological Seminary. He has a master’s in biology and works at Washington Univrsity in an Immunology research lab,
studying Type 1 Diabetes. We were married January 2019 (in the wake of a big
snowstorm) and in May, adopted our beloved chihuahua mix, Ella J, who brings 14 pounds of joy and energy into our home. As we continue to get settled in St. Louis, we really love taking walks in our neighborhood, eating too much Ted Drewes and sushi, and hosting our families from Kansas City and Rockford, IL.

As I begin the start of my second year of seminary, I am still discerning what my call to ministry looks like. I am very interested in chaplaincy and had a great experience as a chaplain intern this summer at St. Louis University Hospital. I am looking forward to learning from the good folks here at Compton Heights and am honored to join a long
lineage of student pastors that this congregation has welcomed and fostered. I have already experienced your hospitality and kindness in my visits, and am hopeful to pour myself and my gifts in to the life of this ministry. I pray that my time with you will be full of learning, grace, and growth for both you and for me!
***********************************

blessinganimalsIt has been a while since we held a Blessing of the Animals at Compton Heights CC! Several people have suggested that this would be a good time to gather for Pet Blessing! The last time we did this blessing on Earth Day. But it is more traditionally done around the Church’s celebration of St. Francis of Assisi which is October 4. So this year, we will hold a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 5, 1:00 pm on the church lawn.

All pets must be either on leash or in crate. If you have a pet that will not do well around other animals or should not be brought for any reason, you are invited to bring that pet’s collar or blanket (something to represent the pet being blessed.)

bookclubCompton Heights CC Book Group

Next meeting: Saturday, October 12 at 1:00pm at the church
We are reading and discussing:
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

storycircleJoin us for STORY CIRCLE – the last Sunday of the month, beginning Sunday, September 29 LIGHT LUNCH at 12:30 pm Circle at 1:00 pm

A Story Circle is a group of people sitting in a circle telling personal stories of their experience on a particular topic or theme. Each story circle invites stories in response to one simple question. For instance, “When has an experience with art touched your life?” Or “What do you remember about someone caring for you when you needed care?” Or “How has an experience of being outdoors in nature been transforming for you? Or “When have you felt set free to be more fully yourself? Or When have you realized that you were loved by God? The possibility for theme and questions is unending!

Story Circles can help build relationships, strengthen communities, build bridges. In story circles we can share stories that have shaped us, stories of surprise, stories of discovery, stories of challenge, stories of hope, stories of change, stories that make us
laugh, stories that make us cry. We can share stories about our own spiritual challenges, and stories about our faith.

The model is simple and yet profound. It has been used to great effect by the Appalachian group “Roadside Theatre,” in community building, and in congregations. Each story circle is different and is focused around a question. Each circle has a
facilitator and follows simple guidelines to help us listen to each other’s stories.
Story Circle is especially appropriate in the life of a church community because the church is all about Story! We gather around stories of God’s people. The story of the church is grounded in the stories of Hebrew Scripture, the stories about Jesus, and the
stories (parables) that Jesus told. We are constantly telling, retelling, and unpacking stories. Stories have been used destructive ways and in life-affirming ways. We come face to face with stories that have hurt God’s people and stories that have renewed
God’s people.

In this day and time, it is vital that we share and hear our stories. Story Circle is not a place of debate or argument; it is, rather, a sacred and safe place of story. One does not need to commit to participate in every Story Circle in order to take part. Each one
will stand on its own with a particular question. The exception to this would be if we decide to do a series of questions around a single theme or issue of importance to us.

While away for General Assembly, Pastor Jacque worshiped with a congregation that is using Story Circle in wonderful ways.

She came back with a passion to introduce Story Circle into the life of Compton Heights CC.

A poll of the congregation in worship over two Sundays revealed 11 people interested in Story Circle on the last Sunday of the month and 3 interested in a Thursday evening. We will begin meeting on the last Sunday of the month and if more become interested in a weekday evening group, we can explore that option later on!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THIS SUMMER’S MISSION/OUTREACH

+ Those who made sandwiches twice a month for people who are un-housed and hungry
+ Those who greeted the community on the street on Friday mornings during “Happy Friday”
+ Those who participated in General Assembly and those who led worship and cared for others during that time.
+ Those who have volunteered with and given to Isaiah 58 Ministries
+ Those who have participated in Break the School to Prison Pipeline work and other community ministry with Metropolitan Congregations United
+ Those who have participated in SIX WEEKS OF COMPASSION – creating Disaster Clean-up Buckets, giving to Week of Compassion to support relief and development ministries.
+ Those who have participated in public witness actions in opposition to gun violence and in opposition to abuse of refugees seeking asylum. Those who have prayed and made contacts calling for justice and peace.

fallWhat’s Happening Here

Weekly Fall Schedule

Sundays 9:15 Choir Prep
10:00 Classes
11:00 Worship
12:10 Refreshments
12:30 Choir Practice
Each Tues. & Thurs. 7 pm Exercise Group
4st Tues. Compassionate Listening 6:30 – 8:30 p
1st Wed. Board or Min. Grp
3rd Wed. Elders Circle 7 pm
1st Thurs. Prayer Shawl Grp
Each Friday –Happy Fri. 7 – 8 a
Saturdays Exercise 11:30 am

Sunday, Sept 1
Tues, Thurs Exercise 7p
Wed. Sept 4 Min. Grps 7p
Thurs. Sept 5 –Prayer Shawl Group 7
Happy Fri, Sept 6 – 7 am
Sat. Sept 7 Exer 11:30 am

Sunday, Sept 8
Bible Presentation
Pastoral Intern Begins!
Tues., Thurs Exercise 7p
Wed. Sept 11 Board 7p
Happy Friday Sept 13 7a
Sat. Sept 14 Exer. 11:30a
3MWF CONCERT – 7:30 p

Sunday, Sept 15
Tues, Thurs Exercise 7p
Wed., Sept 18 Elders 7p
Happy Friday Sept 21 – 7a

Sat. Sept 21

Exer. 11:30
Sunday, Sept 22
Tues., Thurs Exercise 7pm
Tues Sept 24 Compassionate
Listening 6:30 pm
Wed., Sept 25 Cabinet 7p
Happy Fri, Sept 27 7am
Sat. Sept 28 Exer. 11:30

Sunday, Sept 29
Reconciliation Sunday
Story Circle – Lunch 12:30
Circle 1:00p
Tues., Thurs. Exercise 7p
Wed., Oct 2 – Board 7p
Thurs Oct 3 – Pr. Shawl 7p
Happy Fri, Oct 4 7 am
Sat. Oct 5 Exer. 11:30a
Blessing of Animals 1:00p

Sunday, Oct 6 World
Communion and Reconcil.
Tues.,Thurs. Exercise 7 pm
Happy Friday Oct 11 7am
Sat, Oct 12 Exer. 11:30 am
Book Group 1pm

Sunday, Oct 13
Tues., Thurs Exercise 7p
Wed., Oct 16 Elders 7 pm
Fri Oct 18 Happy Fri 7am
Sat.Oct 19 Exer. 11:30

Sunday, Oct 20
Tues., Thurs Exercise 7pm
Tues Oct 22 Compassionate
Listening 6:30pm
Fri Oct 25 Happy Fri 7 am
Sat, Oct 26 Exercise 7pm

Compton Heights Christian Church

2149 South Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63104

Ministry Leaders
Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Foster
Pastor

Ms. Madeline Haraway
Moderator of Congregation
Mr. Monte Abbott
Vice Moderator
Ms. Marsha McGuire
Clerk

Ms. Marty Hughes
Ms. Leslie Latham
Financial Secretaries
Ms. Kathy Mead,
Mr. Tom Litton
Treasurers

Contact us: 314-771-5071
www.comptonheights.com
check us out on Facebook
www.isaiah58ministries.org
Email: comptonheightscc@gmail.com
Pastor: jleigh55@att.net

Jun 3

Sanctuary in the City: June – July 2019 (Vol. 67 No. 2)

AWAKE TO THE SPIRIT: Advocate, Comforter, Breath
In these last Sundays of Easter, we have heard Christ’s promise of Presence in powerful ways. Two Sundays before Pentcost Sunday, we read in John 14:23-29: “We (Christ and God the Creator) will come to them and make our home with them.” “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit . . . will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” Oh how we need the assurance of God’s Presence in these days! And the gift is that God’s Spirit is present:

  • As Advocate for God’s people – for ALL who forget how to love ourselves, forget who we are, forget that we are One People throughout the earth! The Advocate stands with and reminds us of the call to wholeness!
  • As Comforter for ALL who feel that we have been left alone, abandoned. For all who grieve and feel lost and confused.
  • As Breath, that we may live fully as one people – no longer separated by language, or race, or gender. or orientation, or nation, or religion. We are ‘God-Breathed’ for the wholeness in which we were created!

Sunday, June 9 is PENTECOST – 50 days after Easter when, as the story is told in Acts, the Spirit came like the rush of a mighty wind, and like flames
touching each one gathered. And they
heard and understood each other across
the barriers of nation and language.

As we enter this season of Pentecost, I pray that we may truly hear and speak so that understanding grows. May the harm caused by our unwillingness to see and respect each other as fully human, be revealed and healed. May women, children, people of color, people of every nation be respected in body and spirit.

Jacque

CHCC_Uplift_concertCompton Uplift Concert

We invite all CHCC members and friends to help make this a great concert, a celebration of
community, AND a great fundraiser for the COMPTON UPLIFT accessibility project!!

Please sell tickets, invite friends in person and on Facebook, help put together a basket for raffle, help with food for the evening, make goodies for the bake sale, volunteer to help with set up, greeting, tending tables, etc.

. . . . And most of ALL, COME! ENJOY! CELEBRATE! HAVE FUN!
Let Madeline Haraway and Diane Richardson know what you would like to do!

DOCGenAssembly2018GA 2019: Abide in Me  We are excited that 10 CHCC members are going to the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Des Moines. Laypersons:
Judi Linville – voting delegate
Leslie Latham – voting delegate

Marcia Hendrix (alternate voting delegate)
Madeline Haraway
Dave Boger
Marsha McGuire
Kathy Mead

Clergy: Jacque Foster, Brenda Booth, Becky
Klemme-Eliceiri (Clergy also have vote)

I58SpeakEasyIsaiah58Isaiah 58 Ministries

Bag of Blessings

JUNE                                        JULY
Food Item:

Hot Chocolate                       Oats
Canned Fruit                         Dried Beans
Tea

Pantry Essential:

Cooking Oil                             Flour
(canola, olive,                         (1 or 2 lbs)
vegetable)

Personal Care:

Shampoo                                  Body Lotion
Conditioner Lip Balm

Cleaning Supplies:

SOS Pads                                Laundry Soap
Sponges

You are invited to bring any of these items to place in the ISAIAH 58 Offering Basket on Sunday mornings at Compton Heights CC!

prayersWe hold each other and our wider community, nation, and world in prayer. It is more than a turn of phrase to say that we “pray without ceasing.” This is a community grounded and centered in prayer in such a way that we hold each other and those we do not know in God’s Restorative Light day and night.

Please pray for:

Janet Utley’s brother-in-law Neil Alfred (healing prayers)
Audrey and Walt Tarde                          Those who are unemployed
Cathy Hutcherson                                    Those who grieve over time
Karen and John Pitt                                 Those who suffer hatred and violence
Joyce Cole                                                  All who suffer with illness
Sharon Clayton                                         Immigrants: children and adults
Diane Richardson                                    Those who have suffered damage, injury, and loss                                                                          in recent storms and tornados
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to Jacob and Ty Woodard who graduated from Bayless High School! Ty plans to attend UMSL and Jacob plans to attend Meremac Community College. Congratulations also to proud Mom, Charlsi Lewis Lee!

Congratulations to Lisa Pettis, who has completed the coursework for her M.Div. at Eden Theological Seminary. Lisa is not quite to the point of graduation, but only needs to complete her unit of Clinical Pastoral Education.

Congratulations to Lewis Family!
We celebrate with Bob and Linda Lewis at the birth of a new grandson! Declan Andre Lewis was born to Robby and Amelia Lewis on May 9. He entered the world at 7 lb, 6 oz , 20 3⁄4 inches long. Bob and Linda were able to be there for the birth. He joins his big sister Aarilyn. God bless this new addition to the family!

Expecting New Life!
Congratulations to Kim and Tom Litton who are expecting a new little Litton in late November/early December! Xavier will get to be a big brother! God’s blessings each and every day of the journey!

Blessing to Petri Family in their Move!
It is always hard to see beloved CHCC members move away to new places! Yet we bless them on their way and know that they will always be a part of those who make Compton Heights Christian Church the community of Christ.
Sunday, June 9 will be the last Sunday for the Petri family to be with us in worship before their move to Omaha, Nebraska. We will miss Susan, Roland, Willow, Matthew, Sienna, Jackson, Marcus, and Cory! What a blessing they are to this congregation and will be to a congregation in Omaha! The good news, of course, is that with parents/grandparents Walt and Audrey Tarde here in St. Louis and at Compton Heights CC, we will see them when they visit!

Compton Heights CC Book Groupbookclub
Next meeting: Saturday, June 1 at 1:00 pm at the church
We are reading and discussing:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

What Else Are We Reading?
The Book Group is not the only group reading in our congregation!
The Elders are almost always reading a book or articles. In 2018, the Elders read Prophetic Lament which was a focus on Lamentations in the context of our world at this time. The author began it after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson.

At this time, the Elders are reading Where the Cross Meets the Streets by Noel Castellanos. “Castellanos shows the strengths and limitations of a narrowly focused church, and he broadens our imaginations to embrace a gospel that proclaims Christ and that forms disciples while demonstrating compassion, confronting injustice and restoring individuals and communities to wholeness. This is the whole work of the cross; this is the privilege of those who follow the the Word made flesh.”

At least three of us, Madeline Haraway, Becky Klemme Eliceri, and Jacque Foster are reading: Honoring the Body: Meditations on a Christian Practice by Stephanie Paulsell. “Here is a book we have needed for a long time, a book that will help Christians – who affirm that ‘the Word became flesh’ – overcome their baffling historic aversion to the body and learn to honor it. Stephanie Paulsell is a wise and compassionate guide, and she has given us the most compelling treatment of this topic I’ve ever read. May her insights be received, and embodied by many.” – Parker Palmer, author, Let your Life Speak and The Courage to Teach.

2019pentecostofferingHow Is the Pentecost Offering Used?
To help our new church movement continue
to take root! Each year, half of this offering
stays in the local Region or Area where it’s
collected to start and uphold new churches.
The other half is used across the United States and Canada by New Church Ministry to support the recruiting, assessing, training and coaching of new church leaders at events like Leadership Academy. Our church planters remain committed to answering God’s call . . . to serve their neighbors, spread the gospel, and make more Disciples. But they need the nurturing and generous support of people like you. Please help our new church movement continue to take root, bear fruit . . . and grow more Disciples every day!

Please note that at Compton Heights CC, we will receive the 2019 Pentecost Offering on June 9 and 16.

SUMMER SUNDAY SANDWICH-MAKING FOR THOSE WHO ARE UN-HOUSED AND HUNGRY
Our Outreach Ministry Group and Cabinet said “YES!” when asked if our congregation could help Winter/Summer Outreach this summer by making sandwiches which will be a part of meals provided on Sunday evenings for those who are un-housed and in
need of food. NOW, having said “YES” we ALL have an opportunity to help!

After worship on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each summer month, we will make 125 sandwiches (not the whole meal as we did in a previous summer). We will then take the sandwiches to Mokabe’s Coffee House after 2 pm, where they will be put together
with other meal items donated by different churches/organizations. Winter/Summer Outreach Volunteers will then deliver the meals to those in need of them.

We will purchase the sandwich bread, sandwich meat (NO pork, NO peanut butter), and sliced cheese, and sandwich baggies to make and pack 125 sandwiches on each of these 6 Sundays. This year Winter/Summer Outreach has the resources to reimburse
us for the cost of the items. What they really need is for us to make and deliver the sandwiches to them! We will need people to help put together sandwiches following worship! With sandwich-making assembly lines, we are fast and it’s fun!

Our Sundays to make sandwiches are JUNE 9th and 23rd , JULY 14th and 28th , AUGUST 11th and 25th.

PRIDEFEST PLANNING
PrideFest is June 28 and 29! Participation in PrideFest is an important part of our Open and Affirming Ministry. Our Booth Planning is underway! Once again this year, we will be part of a joint Disciples of Christ Booth at the downtown Pridefest site. There will also be a Disciples of Christ group in the Pride Parade.

In addition, our congregation will have a booth at Tower Grove Pride on Saturday. Last year was our first year at Tower Grove Pride and it was wonderful!

We will want to have CHCC representatives in the Downtown booth and the Tower Grove booth. Kathy Mead has made arrangements for our Tower Grove booth space. Kathy, Leslie Latham, and Jacque are in conversation with the group from other congregations planning the downtown booth. If you would like to help with either or both booths, or
the parade, please let Kathy know asap.

“SIX WEEKS OF COMPASSION”
On the first Sunday of August, we will begin our “Six Weeks of Compassion.” During this summer mission emphasis, we will, once again, prepare Emergency Clean-Up Buckets for use in natural disasters such as flooding, tornado, hurricane clean-up. We will create needed mission kits for Church World Service. We will emphasize giving to our Disciples “Week of Compassion” ministry which is our disaster relief ministry. And we will support Isaiah 58 Ministries, for our local community outreach.

In light of recent storms and tornados, you are invited to begin saving for the Week of Compassion offering to be taken in August, OR if you would like to give now, your gifts will be welcomed and sent. Week of Compassion has responded immediately to Community Christian Church, Jefferson City, which took a direct hit by a tornado at the end of May.

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