Parkway UCC  

THE GOOD NEWS

 April 2007

 

 

Searching … searching … searching

          These warmer days are so welcomed!  You can just hear the collective sigh as people sit outside, enjoy the breezes and go for sweet walks.  We have been cleaning and reorganizing a bit at our house -- looking for the things of spring in the garage and in the basement, pulling out toys and garden stuff and more.  Very exciting times!

            It has been a season of searching.  We have been in prayer with our DCEYM Rick Oberle, our In-Care Mauri Peaco and our Associate Pastor Search Committee as they all seek the Spirit’s movements and calls to ministry.

            At PUCC we have had opportunities to be involved in contemplative prayer and the labyrinth.  We have been seeking after the ways and words of Jesus during Lent.

           As we approach Holy Week and Easter, we remember Mary on Easter morning …                                                                                                                                    But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”    John 20:11-15                                                                                                          What are you looking for this Easter?  What is your plan to find it?       How will you know that you have been successful?  How will you allow yourself to be found by God in the midst of your searching?

                                                                                                             Peace,                                                                                                                                                 Kevin

 

 

 

PARKWAY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Kevin Cameron, Pastor (kevin@parkwayucc.org)

Beverly Clancy, Church Office Administrator (info@parkwayucc.org)

Sally Dischinger, Preschool Director  (puns@parkwayucc.org)

John Jones & Johnny Brown, Caretakers (info@parkwayucc.org)

    Kim Livengood, Financial Secretary (puccfs@parkwayucc.org)

Rick Oberle, Dir of Christian Education & Youth Ministries (dce@parkwayucc.org)

Barbara Raedeke, Organist/Choir Director (braedeke@aol.com)

Barbara Eggebrecht, President of the Congregation (bpeggebrecht@sbcglobal.net)

Alan Stein, Music Director for Informal Worship (just.us.3@sbcglobal.net)

Jan Wiese, Professional Nursery Attendant  (info@parkwayucc.org)

 Carol Wilbois, Parish Nurse (rpwilbois@aol.com)

All Members of Parkway Church – Ministers

 

 

VISION STATEMENT

We shall seek the way of God in today’s world through…

·          Joyful Worshipping

·          Inclusive Caring

·          Compassionate Serving

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Parkway United Church of Christ seeks within the church universal to respond     faithfully to the promises of God as witnessed in the Old Testament and New        Testament.  We seek to follow the way of the crucified and risen Christ.  Therefore we will worship God, educate and nurture persons for discipleship, build a caring Christian community, participate in God’s mission to the world, and be stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.  May all that we are and do be to God’s Glory.

CONGREGATIONAL STATEMENT

Parkway United Church of Christ, with God’s grace, seeks to be a congregation that includes all persons, regardless of race, ethnic, or socio-economic background while respecting differences of gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, and mental and physical ability.  We aspire to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.  We invite all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, fellowship,     worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation.

 

 

WORSHIP with us!

Please read and pray these scripture passages before worship each week. 

It will make for a deeper experience.

 

WORSHIPApril 2007

 

April 1 – Palm/Passion Sunday

                        The sacrament of communion at our open table

                        Give-A-Meal Sunday … please bring non-perishable food items

                        The Children’s Choir will be ringing and chiming

 

April 5 – Maundy Thursday in the Fellowship Hall at 6:15pm

                        A Passover Seder with Rabbi Lynn Goldstein,

                                    which includes a light supper woven through liturgy

 

April 6 – Good Friday in the Historic Sanctuary at 7pm

            A Tenebrae service with communion and personal reflections from         each of the disciples

 

April 8    Easter Sunday!     Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; John 20:1-18    Easter Traffic                              Sunrise Service at St Thomas UCC in Chesterfield at 6:30am

                        Traditional Worship at 9:30am

                        Informal Worship at 11am

            The Children’s Choir will singing “Every Move I Make”

 

April 15           Psalm 150; John 20:19-31                    Reaching Thomas

 

April 22           Psalm 30; John 21:1-19                        Is There an Echo in Here?

New Member Sunday

 

April 29          Youth Sunday

            Come love and support our young people!

            One Great Hour of Sharing … OGHS offering

                    (see the insert in this newsletter!)

                                                                       

 

BIOGRAPHIES— EVENING DIALOGUE

Tod and Cynthia Bowermaster have been members of Parkway United Church of Christ since 1998.  We joined the church just before the big move across the street!  We have two children,  Kathryn, 7 and Ryan, 5 both of whom have attended PUNS.  We moved to St. Louis from Honolulu, Hawaii where we both played in the Honolulu Symphony.  Currently, Tod plays horn in the St. Louis Symphony and Cynthia, a   violinist, free-lances around the area playing in various groups.  We love having the opportunity to perform in the summer at music festivals in Steamboat Springs,    Colorado and in Sun Valley, Idaho.  During these trips we get to partake in some of our hobbies which include hiking, reading and tennis.

 

Lisa DiTiberio has been a member of Parkway for over seven years.  She has twin daughters who live in San Francisco and Baltimore.  She is a professional flutist who performs regularly in the area and teaches at Lindenwood University and at her home studio.  She enjoys hiking with her yellow lab, reading and learning, and cooking.

 

 John & Dottie Dwyer – We have been members of Parkway since 1992. Dottie was raised in the E&R Church and the UCC in Cape Girardeau, MO; John was raised as a Roman Catholic, in Cleveland, Ohio. We have two sons, Michael, 28, and Jeffrey, 23, both confirmed at Parkway. Dottie graduated from Southeast Missouri State         University in Cape Girardeau, and has Master’s and PhD degrees in English and American Literature from Washington University. She is a member of the          Membership Care Commission and the St Louis Association’s Preparation for     Ministry Committee. John graduated from Hamilton College (New York), and has an MA in History and an MBA from Washington University. John is currently Treasurer of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC and President of the Board of Lydia’s House.  John is a Credit Risk Management Executive at Bank of America, and enjoys Blues hockey and the Symphony, history, genealogy, and photography.  Dottie works part-time at Second Sitting Consignments in Kirkwood and enjoys  reading, writing poetry, antiquing, doing needlework, and participating in St Louis Jung Society events.  J & D are big fans of Shetland Sheepdogs.  

 

O'Ray & Edith Graber  - We started married life with 2 years in Berlin, distributing food and clothing.  Then to Kansas where O'Ray was pastor of a small Mennonite church and Edith had four babies - 2 boys and 2 girls.  (The youngest just turned 44.) We then circled Kansas, living successively in Okla. City, Denver and St. Louis. Edith taught sociology and O'Ray worked with neighborhood and interfaith groups.  Favorite pastimes: for O'Ray, fishing and interfaith activities; for Edith taking classes at Wash. U., reading, and international travel.  We've been UCC since 1990.

The Haack Family - Gail and Bill Haack, along with son Christopher have been members of Parkway UCC since the summer of 2005. They have been attending since October of 2000.  Gail grew up in the Oakland, California area, and met Bill in a graduate class at    University of Houston. They have been married 28 years. Bill was born in St. Louis, but grew up in Texas, moving between Houston and Corpus Christi during those years. Gail taught social studies and language arts in Houston, and Bill was in sales.  Gail’s hobbies include crafting and making cards; Bill is a photographer, and has taken many pictures for Parkway, including for the newest directory. Christopher  enjoys playing computer games and cooking dinner. At Parkway Bill and Gail are members of the choir, Gail is on the Evangelism Commission, and Christopher ushers every Sunday.  Christopher’s brother Mark and his wife Maria have recently made the Haack’s grandparents and uncle of a beautiful baby girl named Eva.

 

Skip and Ellie Larson - Skip and Ellie Larson have been members of PUCC since mid-1970’s.   They have two daughters, two son-in-laws and four grandchildren.  Skip is retired from 7-Up Company and Ellie worked as a secretary, an aide at Craig School, and also worked at PUNS, first in the classroom and then in Mother’s Day Out.  They both helped a group to bring Habitat for Humanity to St. Louis.  Skip served as Executive Director for several years and Ellie worked on publicity and the details setting up work camps.  Skip now volunteers at Shaw Nature Reserve, a part of Missouri Botanical Gardens and also at St. John’s and Missouri Baptist Hospitals.  Ellie tutored for about 10 years and now volunteers at the hospitals, too.  Each has served on Parkway Council and on committees and special projects.  Ellie has sung in choir since joining Parkway; Skip served on the Search Committee which ultimately brought Pastor Cameron and family and Parkway UCC together.  Their membership at Parkway has been a meaningful part of their lives!

 

Florence and Richard Simonson - Dick was born in Chicago, Florence in St. Louis.  Dick was ordained in the E.&R. (UCC) Church in 1957 and then served churches in Louisville, Chicago, Ann Arbor, Amherst and 21 years here in Maplewood.  He     retired in 1993 and we joined Parkway in 1995.  Florence has served on the St. Louis Assoc. Council UCC (3 years as Pres.) and now serves on its Nominating Committee.    She also serves on the Advisory Board of Lydia's House.  Dick volunteers at Forest Hospital, Forest Park Forever, Epiphany Food Pantry and is part of OA.  We have three children. Andrew and wife Julie (members of Parkway), Rachel and husband Mark in Atlanta and Timothy in Wright City.  We have 4 grandchildren.  Hobbies include book groups, gardening, eating out with friends and traveling.

 

Tom and Leslie Tupper – Tom is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, served churches in St. Louis and Illinois, worked on the national staff of the UCC, and recently retired from the Deaconess Foundation.  Leslie was the director for CUE Seminaries for 9 years before starting her career in real estate 11 years ago.  Our daughter Elise and her husband Jeremy, members of PUCC, have given us two wonderful granddaughters—Lilly (3) and Ivey (1).  Our daughter Sarah is a second year law student at Washington University and our son Glenn lives in Arizona.  We have been members of PUCC for 12 years and during that time have served on      numerous boards and committees.  We like travel, hiking, art, music, gardening, golf, and woodworking.  Leslie serves on the Cape Albeon and Good Samaritan boards and is vice president of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce.  Tom serves at La Clinica, a free health clinic for immigrants.  We are both active in Bread for the World.  We have lived in Belleville, Il; Cleveland, OH, and now in Wildwood.

 

Jamie and Mary Jo Cannon, Barbara Eggebrecht, and Gale Haggard are also regular attendees of Evening Dialogue.  Their biographies have been included in   previous newsletters.  We meet the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month for potluck at 6 p.m. and discussion at 7 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!

 

* * *

 

APRIL 1st is a GIVE-A-MEAL SUNDAY!       (see page 28)

Please remember our friends who have real needs. Be generous and bring              non-perishable food items on First Sunday, April 1  Suggested are protein items like tuna, beef stew, pastas, peanut butter.  Paper goods, toiletry items and feminine      hygiene items are always needed. Questions?  Contact Ruth Murray  314-991-2623

 

PRAYER CORNER - an opportunity to pray with someone

Have you spent time praying in the Prayer Corner of the sanctuary?  Our current prayer list, prayer books, prayer journal, a kneeler and chair, and a perpetual candle are there as well.  Please help us to become a more prayerful community when we are here and out  in the world.  Amen!  If you would like to pray with someone,  Kevin Cameron will be in the Prayer  Corner on Wednesday, April 18th between 9-11am.

 

New Members  will be welcomed into the dynamic ministry and mission of Parkway UCC on Sunday, April 22, at both worship services.   Interested?  Questions?  Please speak with Judy Lindquist (636-537-0877) cjjslind@charter.net or Mary Jo Cannon (314-469-3485) maryjo911@aol.com

 

PROGRESSIVE DINNER

Since we are a progressive church, let’s have a progressive dinner!  Join us on        Saturday, April 14th for a little adventure.  After signing up on the poster in the    Gathering Space, you will receive an invitation to arrive at someone’s home at 5 p.m. for appetizer/salad.  While there you will receive an envelope with the location and directions to the host of your main course… where you will dine with a different group of people.  Finally, we will all meet at church at 7:15 p.m. for a yummy dessert and more fellowship.  This is an alcohol free event.…casual dress … adults only …

 

Childcare will be provided at the church.  Kids will have dinner also – organized games and crafts … popcorn & movies for two age groups.  We will ask for $5 per child or $10 per family… a missions fundraiser for the St Louis Crisis Nursery.  

    

Questions?  Can't wait to sign up and join in the fun?  Are you willing to host?   Please contact Kevin Cameron at 314-872-9330  kevin@parkwayucc.org

(Save Saturday, June 30th for a Family Progressive Dinner – outdoors)

 

 

 

FABULOUS AT FIFTY - THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST!

Our Big Birthday Bash!  We’re Having A Party!

Save the Date: Thursday Evening, April 19, 2007 4:30-9:00 p.m.

It’s time to CELEBRATE, SING, AND HAVE FUN as our beloved UCC turns 50 years old. We will gather on Thursday, April 19, at Parkway UCC for the Big Bash! Get ready for a UCC Trivia Game with prizes and surprises!  Get ready to be         hospitable hosts!   We’ll have dinner, birthday cake, worship, and more. You don’t want to miss this St. Louis Association Spring Gathering! Be there or be square - April 19th here at Parkway UCC.  The fun starts at 4:30; dinner at 5:30.  Be there!

 

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 2007 NEEDS YOU

The 2007 Habitat House UCC build is fast approaching and we need your help!  This year Parkway will have its workday on Monday, April 23.  We nearly have our 25 individuals who are available to work Monday, April 23, building interior and exterior walls for this year’s Habitat House build.  This will be an experience you don’t want to miss.  There is a sign up sheet in the Gathering Space.  If you want to participate, sign up today!

 

The cost to build a house is increasing and the UCC partnership is in need of additional donations. Even if you cannot assist with the workday, you can contribute to this project with a donation.  Your help is greatly appreciated.  Contact Doug Sperry at Douglas.sperry@grainger.com with any questions.  Thank you.

 

 

ADULT MISSION TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS

We’re Going Back - To NOLA, that is!

            After the incredible experience by our 19 member Recovery Team made up of members from 5 different West County UCC churches, we have begun plans to return to New Orleans and continue the work, which continues to be extensive.  We have already confirmed the dates with the UCC Volunteer Office and with St. Matthew’s UCC church in New Orleans where we will once again be staying.  So mark you calendars now for September 8-15, 2007.  Maybe this year will be your year to share in this important ministry.  We are beginning to receive your application for consideration as a part of this year’s Recovery Team.  As last year, each of the five churches will have 4 spots reserved on the Team until July 1.  After that remaining spots will be filled on first come first served basis.  Please fill out the attached form, including your $50.00 deposit and return to the church office.  (If things hold true as last year, the total cost for each team member will be your $50.00 deposit, plus meals enroute and any spending money you wish to have in New Orleans.)  If you want to be assured a place with the Team, do not delay your registration.

[To find out more about this joint venture….. come to our

Pot Luck on April 29th at PUCC.  It’s a 2006 Reunion and 2007 Preview]

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reservation Form

“This form is an application to be considered as a volunteer for the

UCC Recover Team to St. Matthew’s UCC, New Orleans.)

September 8-15, 2007

 

Name                                                                              Phone                                        

 

Address  _______________________________________                                            

                                      

e-mail  _________________________________                                                          

 

Member of                                                             Church

 

            Enclosed reservation fee $50.00  

 

Mail checks, payable to Ivy Chapel UCC, to: Rev. Dan Wilson, Ivy Chapel UCC, 820 North Woods Mill Rd.  Chesterfield, MO.  63017-1717.

 

Office Use:    Check #                              Date Received                                          

 

 

Have you walked and prayed a Labyrinth? 

Here’s your opportunity!  Meet at the church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25 in Kevin Cameron’s office.  We’ll talk a bit about labyrinths and then head for the great   labyrinth at the nearby Mercy Center.  This is a wonderful spiritual exercise.  If you can’t be with us that day, you can always go there on your own….  The Mercy Center is located at 2039 North Geyer Road, just a few miles from our church.

 

Join us for coffee and conversation at the  St Louis Bread Company — Manchester & 270 on Tuesday, April 17 at 10 a.m.   Questions?  Contact Kevin

(314-872-9330)   kevin@parkwayucc.org

 

PARKWAY UCC PLAY GROUP

This fun group meets from 10-11 a.m. on the second Wednesday and the fourth   Monday of each month in our PUCC Nursery.  All parents and children are warmly welcome.  Come ready to play and make connections!!     Questions?  Contact Brenda Sperry (314) 909-0798 BrendaLang@aol.com. 

                        Upcoming dates:    April 11, April 23, May 9, May 28.

 

AWOL: Adventurous Women Out Late

      Meet new friends and keep the old ….

       Hope you can join us next time around — which is May because the April outing is to see Chicago at the Fox Theater — for which tickets needed to be reserved weeks ago.  Join us on May 11th for dinner.  As always, please feel free to bring a friend with you!  Now that the warm weather is here to stay, we will dine out on a patio!

      Questions?  Please contact Carmen Bumgarner  314-330-0813 cfbum@charter.net

 

PARKWAY CHURCH PICNIC OCTOBER 7TH

Mark your calendars now for the church picnic on October 7.  The Picnic Committee from last year was thrilled with the site and response generated by the first annual Parkway UCC picnic, and is equally thrilled to be hosting another one.  We will    return to Stacy Park in Olivette again for another afternoon of fun.

 

For those of you who missed this opportunity for PUCC fellowship last year, you may have heard about the 100+ people who attended and how much fun they had.   You don’t want to miss it again!  Mark your calendars now, and save the date!

 

 

PATHWAYS OF FAITH SCHEDULE 2007 

Palm Sunday Lessons        April 1                     Easter Workshop               April 8

Zacchaeus                         April 15-29             Mary & Martha                  May 6- 27

New Beginnings                 June 3                     Creation                             June 3-24

David, the boy       July 1-15                 David, the King                  July 22-Aug  5

Daniel                                August 12-26          Jonah                                 Sept 16-30

Ruth & Naomi       October 7-28          PUCC History/Heritage    Nov 4-25

 

NEW BEGINNINGS SUNDAY COMING UP June 3, 2007!

      No, you did not read that wrong and no, our calendars are not broken. New Beginnings Sunday is coming up!  This year, New Beginnings Sunday is Sunday, June 3, 2007! 

        

N  Now that our Sunday School is in session all year, and since the public schools are starting so early, it does not make sense for our children to wait until the middle of September to advance to the next grade level.  So starting this year, our Sunday School will begin its new year and new rotations the first Sunday of June.  This year, June 3 is New Beginnings Sunday!

 

The Christian Education Commission has been working on scheduling and talking about this for some time.  We believe this will be the most suitable arrangement for our children, and it will help us to emphasize that our relationship with God does not stop in the summer.  Watch for more details about New Beginnings Sunday!

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE – FEBRUARY

Ivey Bowman; Lilly Bowman; Dexter Cameron; Patrick Clifford;

Thomas Clifford; Alexander Roesler; Andrew Stappenbeck;

Alexandra Toombs; Graham Toombs; Jack Beck; Ryan Bowermaster;

Iris Cameron; Eddy De Long; Johanna Kapsis; Lindsey Oberle; Nicole Ristau; Will Stappenbeck; Tyler Wessel; Sam Byerly; Rachel Byerly;

Kathryn Bowermaster; Tavis Cameron; Alexander Oberle; Lydia Roesler;

Maya Cameron; Jessica Connors; Shelby Oberle; Evan Ristau; Joseph Oberle; Grant Oehler; Nathan Rauscher; Hannah Simonson;  Ryan Simonson;

Claire Stolze; Jenna Watson; Julia Watson; Alayna Beck; Sara Tallyn;

Steven Tallyn

Congratulations!

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSION

Our Sunday School children always appreciate the lessons they learn as they work in mission with others.  This year, the mission dear to their hearts is Heifer Project.

        

Heifer Project International is an organization that provides livestock to people in  the US and underdeveloped countries, for food purposes and to help farm the land.  The gifts of Heifer Project are truly gifts that keep on giving; for the animals reproduce, providing the needy families with more livestock for sustenance in the future.

      

Each Sunday, the children of our Sunday School have an opportunity to give their money to support this cause.  Our goal is to collect $1000 by the end of the year, May 27, 2007.  So far we have collected over $500!  You can keep track by checking the bulletin board in the Education wing and counting the cows in the field!

      

Help our children reach their goal by encouraging them to participate in this mission work.  What a great lesson in stewardship this is, giving to Heifer Project! 

(Parkway friends Tony and Katherine Hotle have had lots of experience working with HPI on the receiving end of the livestock!  They will talk with us about this soon!)

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – LIFT OFF!  July 22-26

The summer is filling up fast!  Don’t forget to keep God in your summer plans!  Our Vacation Bible School this summer is a great way to lift off with your faith journeys in our VBS program LIFT OFF!

 

That’s right, the theme this year is LIFT OFF! and we will be encouraging all participants to let their faith soar!  Just like the colorful hot air balloons that will soon be seen drifting through the sky all summer long, we have the opportunity to let our faith soar just as high, bringing joy and delight to the world, just like the balloons we love to watch soar.

 

You will soon be seeing hot air balloons all over the Parkway UCC facility as this Vacation Bible School adventure is anticipated.  Mark your calendars now to come and let your faith soar with us!

 

LIFT OFF!  will kick off at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, in the Gathering Space with some awesome songs and stories. The children will rotate through four workshops, and end the evening at 8:00 p.m.  The program will end Thursday night, when we will have a potluck dinner for all.

 

There is a lot of excitement in the air around Vacation Bible School 2007!  Plan now on attending!  Join us for LIFT OFF!

 

 

PUCC Fun – Building the Church Family

Help us build a strong church family!  Singles, couples, families – everyone is invited to join us for these events!  No need to RSVP – just come!  Feel free to invite others – whether they are connected with PUCC or not.

 Saturday, April 21st – Park Hopping – beginning with PUNS playground at 10 a.m.

      Saturday, May 12th – Grant’s Farm – meet at 9 a.m. at the Gift Shop

Saturday, June 30 – Family Progressive Dinner!

Come be with us!  We always have a great adventure together!

 

MUSICAL WEDNESDAYS RINGING ALONG

Friendship Company, the children’s component of Musical Wednesdays, has been  ringing along all year, learning how to express praise in awesome ways!  We meet every Wednesday for an hour – from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  (Children of adult choir members are welcome to stay until 8:00, when adult choir rehearsal is over.)  During that hour, we open with a Bible story, and a discussion of how our week is going, then we all sing together as one large Friendship Company choir. 

    

At 7:00, we split into two groups –  the younger ones begin bell practice, while the older ones practice chiming.  At 7:20, we share a story together until 7:30. 

    

Our kids have been having a blast ringing and singing throughout the year.  Watch for us offering our praises to God in church on Palm Sunday and Easter!  They are   working on some really special tunes.  Be sure to check them out!  Do you want to be a ringer or a singer?  Just show up one Wednesday evening!  It really is joyful around here!  Questions?  Contact Rick at dce@parkwayucc.org

 

TUESDAY EVENING DIALOGUE

Looking for a new and rewarding activity at Parkway Church?  The Tuesday Evening  Dialogue group, which meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the Heritage Room beginning at 6:00 p.m., provides food for the gourmet and food for the thinker.  Twenty good folks now enjoy the chatting (good discussion) and    chewing (great food) and there's always room for YOU!  The sessions usually conclude about 8:00pm and childcare is provided.  The discussions are provocative and instructive as we continue to read the current text IF GOD IS LOVE; copies are still available through the church office for $10 and the material is reader friendly.  No reservations required -- just bring a dish to pass at the potluck supper and your reactions to the readings. Please know you are welcome to 'jump in' whenever your schedule permits.  You'll be glad you did.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE …

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007

 

FOND FAREWELL TO RICK OBERLE AND FAMILY

 

ONE CHURCH SERVICE AT 10:00 A.M.

FOLLOWED BY A DELICIOUS LUNCHEON.

 

MANY MORE DETAILS TO COME!

 

***

 

Erin Bode Live in Concert at

Parkway United Church of Christ!

 

Mark your calendars for May 6th at 6:30pm…

St. Louis’ newest rising star will be in our Sanctuary!

 

Erin Bode has recently been featured on

“A Prairie Home Companion”

And “Show Me St. Louis” 

(among other places)

 

She will be here for a benefit concert

to raise money for Camp Mo-Val’s Capital Campaign!

 

Tickets ($25) are available by emailing: dce@parkwayucc.org

Tickets are selling out fast!

All profits raised will go to benefit Camp Mo-Val.

And… visit www.erinbode.com for a sample!

 

 

 

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

 

La Clinica                                                       April 1             9:30 & 11:00

Parkway member Tom Tupper is on the Board of Directors of La Clinica, a Hispanic health care agency here in St. Louis.  Tom will lead us in discussion concerning health issues facing these, our fellow St. Louisans, as they make this community home.  Join him in discussing the opportunities and challenges La Clinica faces.

 

Discussing Alzheimer’s Disease                   April 15                       9:30 & 11:00

Carol Wilbois, RN is our Parish Nurse at Parkway UCC.  She has spent many opportunities working in ministry with people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and the dementia that accompanies it; as well as the families who are affected by their loved one’s suffering.  What are the facts about Alzheimer’s?  What is it, anyway?  What are the signs to watch for?  Come participate in discussion on this vital topic.

 

Interfaith Partnership                                    April 22                       9:30 & 11:00

The Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls promotes peace, respect, and understanding among peoples of all faiths in the St. Louis region.  The Interfaith   Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls allows the St. Louis region to do this and be a model for the rest of the nation.  Reena Hajat, MSW is the Interim Executive Director of  Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls, and she will be with us this morning as we examine our responsibilities and discern our opportunities.               

 

Bread For the World                                      April 29                       9:30 & 11:00

Bread for the World is a non-partisan, US Christian citizen’s movement devoted to encouraging public policy decisions aimed at alleviating domestic and global hunger.  BFW Members write, call and visit members of Congress and generate media attention about national legislation and other efforts that address hunger world wide. Parkway member Rev. Tom Tupper is a member of BFW, and hosted a letter writing campaign here at Parkway in February.  Join him as he discusses their mission, and the mandate we all share.

 

Churches Uniting in Christ                            May 6                         9:30 & 11:00

Rev. Patrice Rosner is the  Executive Director of CUIC – an ecumenical organization made up of nine member denominations (Including the UCC as a charter member) united in partnership to continue our faith journey together.  Rev. Rosner will be here to discuss CUIC, and examine the new shapes of churches united in mission.

 

For more information about these classes, email Rick:  dce@parkwayucc.org

 

 

LIVING THE QUESTIONS” VIDEO SERIES 

The Adult Education Committee is hosting discussion groups revolving around the video series “Living the Questions” all year long.  This video series is an exciting  departure from the usual faith journeys, as it explores the nature of God in some incredible ways.  Some of the themes include “Biblical Authority;” “Metaphor, and How It Shapes Us;” “The Jesus/Christ Dichotomy;” and “What Does Faith Look Like in the 21st Century?”  All are led by contributors such as Marcus Borg, John Cobb, Nancy Ammerman, Stanley Hauerwas, Tex Sample, and John Shelby Spong. 

 

This is going to be a very exciting adventure as we journey together.  It will be presented in 12 sessions, the third Sunday of each month, January – December of 2007 at 6:00 p.m.  We will eat a light meal together, (sub sandwiches, etc.) and begin the videos and discussion right away.  It will end at 8:00 p.m. although you are certainly welcome to discuss further after it is over! 

 

Mark your calendars for April 15, 2007!  This will be our next gathering at 6:00 p.m.  Childcare will be available for all sessions.  This is going to be a great adventure!  Further sessions (at this time) are planned for May 20; June 17; July 15; August 19; September 16; October 21; November 18; and December 16, 2007.  Questions?  Email Rick:  dce@parkwayucc.org 

 

 

 

     ABC-TV TO AIR “Joy Dawned Again” ON EASTER SUNDAY

The hour long special was filmed on March 3 and included a diverse congregation comprised of Dover UCC members and others from across the UCC’s Western      Reserve Association.  About 200 people, including a 35-member choir, took part in the filming.  While many network affiliates air the IBC-related programs at odd hours—such as late at night or early in the morning—some stations are likely to offer better time slots to those shows known to have a built-in local audience.  You can  affect UCC presence on the air, by urging our local ABC affiliate, KDNL, to air the program at an earlier time!  Watch local listings for show times.

 

PARABLES OF JESUS                                          April 12-May 3

What are the Parables of Jesus?  Why were they delivered to us?  Are they metaphors describing the Kingdom of Heaven, or do they tell us more about our everyday lives?  Did Jesus mean for them to be stories designed to tell us what to do and how to live, or stories for some other    purpose?  How do parables act in our lives?  Rick Oberle will lead this course for four Thursday afternoons as we examine Parables in general, and focus on four different parables in particular.  Join us for one or all of these sessions after Easter.                                                                 Thursdays; 1-2:15pm

 

 

 

LAY INSTITUTE OF FAITH EXPLORATION

Eden Seminary is offering two great opportunities for faith development this month through the LIFE program!

 

LIFE is a partnership with Eden Seminary, the Illinois South Conference, and the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC.  LIFE is a series of weekend retreats offered five times per year to help participants study scripture and explore Christian faith and church life.  It also encourages participants to be life-long learners and disciples, faithful witnesses to the gospel, and faithful members and leaders of the church.  The program equips participants to relate scripture to faith and life.

 

There are two retreats coming up April 20-21, 2007: