Parkway UCC - THE GOOD NEWS

 

THE IDES OF JULY

     Our Associate Pastor Search Committee was pleased with the number of qualified and interesting individuals from around the country who wanted to serve at our church. They reviewed the profiles of all prospects, conducted interviews, and have unanimously agreed to recommend Joe Rowley as their candidate.  The Search Committee’s recommendation and call agreement have been unanimously endorsed by the Church Council.  We can’t wait for you to meet Joe, and his wife Jessica, at dinner on Saturday, July 14th!

     You will soon receive some biographical information in the mail about Joe.  The Search Committee is in the process of putting that together.  Joe is a recent graduate of Eden Seminary in St. Louis.  He has had experience at several churches and comes to us with spirit, wisdom, and good humor. 

     As you know, the AP position is for 75% Christian Education and Youth Ministry, with the additional 25% being in general pastoral duties (ie. worship, visitation, administration).  Joe and I have had several conversations about our team ministry.  We understand the importance of role definition, accountability, flexibility, collaboration, expectations, etc.  To this end, we are signed on to work with Care and Counseling for three sessions this summer so that we have an intentional and committed start to this great charge. 

      July 15th is going to be a big day around here.  We will worship as one ---  at 10am.  It will be a blend of our traditional and informal services. 

     It’s Candidating Sunday for PUCC and Joe Rowley.  Joe and I will lead worship together.  After worship, there will be a Congregational Meeting where every member has a voice and vote in calling Joe to serve at Parkway.  This is an exciting time to be at Parkway UCC.  You know the faith and passion that we are experiencing these days.  We are about to make that deeper and wider!

     We give robust thanks for the AP Search Committee:  Harold Cobb (Chair); Judy Lindquist (Secretary); Melanie Muchnick; Karen Nolte (Vice Chair); Pat Owens; Charlotte Sableman; Steven Tallyn; Gene Toombs; Marcela Williams.

     Please be sure and put July 14 and 15 on your calendar right now!  Thanks!

We look forward to your participation.                        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)

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)

Lora Ann Whitten, Summer Christian Education Director (dce@parkwayucc.org)

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 in July!

 

July 1        Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Luke 9:57-62   Loose Ends

Gather for Communion at our open table   

 

July 8       Psalm 30; Galatians 6:1-10                Grin Reapers     

 

July 15      Psalm 82; Luke 10:25-37

New Member Sunday … what an exciting day!

Associate Pastor Candidating Sunday — Joe Rowley!

*** We will worship as one family at 10 a.m.                            

       There will not be any Sunday School;  Nursery open!

 

July 22      Psalm selections; Luke 10:38-42       Balancing M & Ms

 

July 29      Psalm 85; Luke 11:1-13                 Fish, Eggs, Scorpions

 

Please read and pray through the scriptures before each Sunday.

 

SLIGHTLY REVISED SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

STARTING in AUGUST

     Beginning on Sunday, August 5th we will start our 9:30 a.m. worship service with everyone in attendance — including teachers, teenagers, adult education presenters   and class.  Worship is central to our life together so we want to be sure that the whole    family is present.  Some of our Sunday morning classes and leaders have been on a   different schedule.  It’s time for an alignment! 

     Our Pathways of Faith - rotational Sunday School - and preschool classes have been finishing up at 10:45 a.m.  Now our Youth and Adult Education classes will be on the same schedule.

     We look forward to the family being together at 9:30 a.m. and then going to their classrooms from 9:45am-10:45 a.m. after the Children’s Time. 

     The schedule for the Informal Service, which begins at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, will continue on its current path.

     Questions?  Speak with Marsha Peek, Christian Education Convener  314-991-6861

 

CHOIR BIOGRAPHIES

KAREN (SCOOTER) BEATTY was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to St. Louis when she was 3 years old.  She has always loved music and would sing with her family often. She has sung with several choruses including the St. Louis Cosmopolitan Singers, and more recently with the St. Louis County Community Chorus. She has been a widow for four years, and has two sons. The older is 33 years old and the younger is 24 years old. Her older son is in the movie industry, and the younger is a karate instructor at Tracy’s Karate in Kirkwood, MO. Karen lives in Des Peres, MO about five minutes from this church. She love the choir and this church and will be joining this church on July 15th.  She has been  riding motorcycles for over thirty years, as a passenger, and about ten years as a single rider.  She also belongs to 4 different motorcycle riding groups. 

 

TOD & CYNTHIA BOWERMASTER have been members of Parkway United Church of Christ since 1998.  They joined the church just before the big move across the street!  They have two children, Kathryn, 7 and Ryan, 5 both of whom have attended PUNS.  They moved to St. Louis from Honolulu, Hawaii, where they 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.  They love having the opportunity to perform in the summer at music festivals in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and in Sun Valley, Idaho.  During these trips they get to partake in some of thier hobbies which include hiking, reading and tennis.

 

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 Haacks grandparents and uncle of a beautiful baby girl named Eva.

 

JESSIE HORSTMANN —  They have three children, Pam 50, Paul 46, and Philip 41.  She  has been a teacher and came to Parkway in 1962 from Owensville St. Peter’s UCC.  They have lived in Owensville, Missouri, St. Louis County; Creve Coeur for 22 years, nine years in Ballwin, and for the past twelve years in Ellisville.  Our interests include sewing, music, gardening, farming and golfing.

 

 

JUDY LINDQUIST resides in Chesterfield with their two sons; JT, 18 and Scott, 15.  Craig, a civil engineer from UMR, manages CCS Group, an eight-person construction and structural engineering consulting firm in Chesterfield.  Judy, with a degree in music from SIUE, teaches strings to approximately 35 violin, viola and cello students in her home studio.  She has been selected by the Missouri Association of Strings Teachers as its private studio teacher of the year for 2007.  The Lindquists have been members of Parkway UCC for a little over a year.  Before Parkway, they attended Eliot Chapel in Kirkwood for over 20 years.  Judy grew up in Lexington, Missouri and Craig in the St. Louis area.  In addition to teaching, Judy stays busy with a passion for genealogy, supporting the boys at school, and many things at  Parkway UCC, including Convener of the Evangelism Commission and member of the Associate Pastor Search Committee.  Craig has been involved with coaching the boys in their various athletic endeavors, Boy Scouts, and BSA Venture Crew, in    addition to being involved with Parkway. 

 

BARBARA RAEDEKE came to Parkway in 2001.  She was born in Minnesota, grew up in St. Louis, and attended Valparaiso University, where she received a degree in church music.  She subsequently studied organ in Paris and at the Eastman School of Music, where she earned a Masters and Doctorate in organ performance.  She has served numerous churches in various denominations as organist and choir director, including a UCC church in Weston, Connecticut where Pastor Kevin served as associate pastor several years after she left.  She has taught at Middle Tennessee State University, and currently teaches organ at Washington University.  She enjoys cooking, hiking, and visiting art museums. 

 

KEVIN RAUSCHER— I am a St. Louis native, grew up at Immanuel UCC in Ferguson. I was very active in the youth groups. I attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri and studied music education for two years. I also became an EMT and worked for the local ambulance service.

Realizing  that high school band director was not my dream I went west to Los Angeles and studied trumpet with Claude Gordon, then returned to St. Louis to study with Robert Ceccarini. I worked as a paramedic  at Christian hospital NE/NW and for three wonderful years played lead trumpet at Six Flags Palace Theatre.  I married, had a son David, and daughter, Jennifer and a really difficult marriage. In 1990 I was liberated from this disaster and vowed to never get married again...... however Steffanie and I met at a training class I didn't want to attend, but my employer insisted and then Steff was in my clinical skills group and I was unable to take my eyes off of her etc....  I passed muster with Marlene and Brandi the dog, and most importently Steff said YES!!  She is the love of my life and my closest and best friend. Also around this time I was hired by the Pattonville Fire district  and happily worked there until health issues forced an early retirement last year. Nathan blessed us by choosing Steff and myself to be his mom and dad!  We live in  unparalled bliss together with Marlene keeping a close eye on everyone.  My mother, Opal, passed away when Nathan was born in 1996 and my father, Bill, died in 2002. I have 5 brothers Frank, Phillip {Deceased}, Laurence, Gene, and Jeff, and many nieces and nephews. I have a truly great life deeply enhanced by family, friends and music. I enjoy singing in the choir and love playing the trumpet on Sundays.  I am currently pursuing a degree in music at SIU-Edwardsville and seek playing opportunities.  I play with The Z band on weekends, on Mondays you can hear me playing jazz at BB's with the Sessions Jazz big band. Every day is a blessing for me and I am thankful that God's plan brought me to Parkway UCC. 

 

GAIL SCHNEIDER  - We have two children Lauren age 26, and Meara age 18.  I am a bookkeeper, and Mike is in quality control at Bohn & Dawson, Inc.  We have been members of Parkway for 21 years and previously at Brentwood Congregational UCC.  Gail grew up Lutheran and Mike Church of God.  We have always lived in the St. Louis area.  Hobbies and interests include sewing, crafts, genealogy; recently learned to knit, and working on crocheting, and audio-books.  I have been a choir member for six years.

 

LAUREN SCHNEIDER  has been a member since 1985 and was confirmed at Parkway. A graduate of Marquette High School, she is working on a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood at Fontbonne University and should graduate in May of 2008.  She enjoys reading, crafts and being with young children.

 

CHARLOTTE SMITH   We have two married sons: Dwight III, who is married to Janna,  and are parents of Corey and Chelsea; Dwain, who is married to Lori, and are parents of Sean and DJ.  Charlotte was an elementary school secretary at Henry School (Parkway School District).  Dwight worked at Ameren U.E.  Charlotte is a life-time member of Parkway UCC.  Dwight has been a member for 53 years.  Dwight was born and raised in Palmyra, MD.  Charlotte was born and raised in Kirkwood, MO.  Dwight’s hobbies are traveling, photography and gardening.  Charlotte’s hobbies are traveling and  reading.  We are enjoying our family, grandchildren and retirement.

 

MIKE STOLZE has been singing tenor for two years at Parkway.  Before that he had not sung with a group since he lived in Iowa.  When not singing, he enjoys playing with his three children, Claire,  Sarah, and Matthew.  He also works as a registered nurse in the step-down ICU at Missouri Baptist Hospital.

 

SUSAN STOLZE  Hi—I’m Susan Stolze, a retired teacher from Iowa who moved to St. Louis to live nearer to family. ( I’m also known as Claire’s, Sarah’s and Matthew’s Gramma!) I love living here and usually find something fun to do.  I like the outdoors, walking, reading and discussing “great ideas,” volunteering, reading, playing with the kids, various musical activities, reading, hearing NPR, and also reading.  (I really love to read.)

 

I decided to join the PUCC choir to share “church” with my kids, learn about a different worship tradition (I’m a member of Sts. Claire and Francis Ecumenical Catholic Community), and be in a choir, which is something I’d been missing.  All those benefits have accrued, I must say, along with finding a warm and welcoming community of friends and sharing a Spirit that’s alive and well here.  My favorite thing (among many) is the attitude and blessing that the whole church brings to the children in our midst.  It’s so good to know that my “grands” have this wonderful support of love in their lives.  Thanks so much for allowing me to “piggy-back” here and making this Catholic girl a real UCC friend and fan.

 

JANET WHEATLEY - married to Ed Wheatley, a long time member of PUCC. They  have two sons, one graduated this year from Missouri State and the other is a junior at Auburn University.  Janet works full time as Vice President of North American Operations for Carlson Wagonlit Travel and her job requires her to travel almost every week.  In spare time she enjoy reading, needle pointing, working out, and the theatre.  She has always enjoyed singing, and  was in the University Chorus and studied voice at the University of Missouri, so she enjoys being part of the choir at Parkway.

 

 

Parkway Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and sings for the 9:30 worship service September through May.  Everyone who enjoys singing is invited to join us--you are most welcome!  Childcare is provided both Wednesday evening and Sunday morning.

 

EXTRAVAGANT WELCOME

Have you noticed something exciting at Parkway on Sunday morning? We have had lots of visitors!! Parkway is a warm, faithful, friendly place. How do we extend an extravagant welcome and hospitality?

 

Practice welcoming and greeting others.

Look for someone you do not know and introduce yourself.

Wear your nametag.

Inform visitors about upcoming events in which they may be interested.

Don’t do church business on Sunday — be intentional about people.

Think of the word GUEST as opposed to VISITOR.

Invite a guest to have coffee with you.

Introduce a guest to someone else.

Write a note of welcome — tell them you enjoyed meeting them.

Check in with the Evangelism Commission and the pastors if you would

     like to help in other ways.

 

Welcoming congregations are made up of welcoming people, where everyone extends hospitality. They see hospitality not as a task but as a spiritual attitude that expresses their faith. This Sunday, meet someone new.  Practice extravagant welcome! 

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

     Some have said that the 2007 Habitat Workday was the best ever for PUCC.  We worked on the interior and exterior walls of this year’s UCC House back on April 23rd.   It was a great day of hard work and fellowship.  Now that our workday is a fading memory, it’s time for the next phase of this year’s project…..

     The cost to build a house is increasing and the UCC partnership is in need of additional donations. Parkway has pledged $2,250 to work with all the other gifts from UCC congregations in St. Louis.  Your help is greatly needed and appreciated. Contact Doug Sperry (314-909-0798) Douglas.sperry@grainger.com if you have any questions.  Thank you.  [Check and see if your employer matches gifts to Habitat.]

 

GIVE-A-MEAL SUNDAY!        

Please remember our friends who have real needs. Be generous and bring non-perishable food items on Sunday, July 1.  Now that school is out, we are inviting you to bring kid friendly foods ie. cereals, 100% juices, macaroni & cheese, pb & j.  Paper goods, toiletries and feminine hygiene items are always needed. Questions?  Contact Ruth Murray  (314) 991-2623.  This is such an important piece of what we do at Parkway UCC. 

 

Join us for coffee and conversation at the  St Louis Bread Company — Manchester & 270 on Tuesday, July 10, at 10 a.m. Questions?  Contact Kevin     (314) 872-9330  kevin@parkwayucc.org

 

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 Tuesday, July 17th from 1-3pm

 

Have you walked & prayed a Labyrinth?  

Here’s your opportunity!  Meet at the church on Wednesday, July 25, at 9 a.m. 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 at 2039 North Geyer Road, just a few miles from our church.

 

PRAYING FOR OUR CAMPERS THIS SUMMER

     Please remember to pray for our MO-Val campers and their families this summer.  Some are going for the first time, while others could not imagine a summer without MO-Val ….

Emily Biest, Warren Biest, Connor Dakich, Lucia McKenzie,

Pauline Nguyen, Alexander Oberle, Joey Oberle, Shelby Oberle, Nathan Rauscher.

 

     You can find out more about Camp MO-Val, our Missouri Mid-South

Conference Camp, by visiting www.mmsucc.org

 

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 sibling   St. Matthew’s UCC church in New Orleans where we will once again be staying.  So mark your 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 applications 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.

 

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

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,      

        620  N. Woods Mill Road   Chesterfield, MO  63017-3219.    Thanks! 

 

      Office Use:    Check #                              Date Received                                        

 

 

K-PLUS ADVENTURE CLASS – WORLD TRAVELERS!

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday   AM class 8:45-11:45;  PM class 12:30-3:00

PUNS - Parkway United Nursery School  314-872-3018

Calling all half-day kindergarten students for fall 2007!  We have a special program just for you!  In this unique enrichment class we explore the culture, geography, music and art of countries around the world.  You will keep a journal of your travels, have your own passport, fly on a magic carpet, and star in two programs for your families featuring the music and language of the countries we visit.  This fun filled class has something for everyone and surpises around every corner.  Come and explore the world with us!  Call the office for more information or to come visit us. — Sally Dischinger

 

PATHWAYS OF FAITH SCHEDULE 2007  

David, the boy     July 1 - 8                 Jonah                             September 16 - 30

David, the King    July 22 - August 5      Ruth & Naomi                  October 7 - 28 

Daniel               August 12 - 26          PUCC History/Heritage   November 4 - 25

        

SAVE THE DATE – SUNDAY, AUGUST 26th

     Pool Party and Conference Family Picnic – Celebrate a summer of fun, fellowship and faith development, and the one year anniversary of the new accessible pool and shower house at Camp Mo-Val.  Join with your Conference family as we bid farewell to summer with one last picnic.

     Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket, your swimsuit and sunscreen, and friends from church!  Pack a picnic lunch or pick up something along the way.  The grounds will be open from 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the pool from 12:30-4:00 p.m.

     YOUTH MISSION SHARE  - Take a swim from 12:30-3:00 p.m.  Then gather in the Fireside Lodge from 3:30-5:30 p.m.  This annual event is a great opportunity to share the details of your summer mission experience or to learn about specific mission opportunities your youth group can participate in. 

 

PARKWAY CHURCH PICNIC - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7th

     Mark your calendars now for the church picnic on the afternoon of October 7th. 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 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!

 

Confirmands 2007

Julie Connors, born November 11, 1992, in St Louis, lives with her parents, Dan & Lori, and younger sister Jessica.  She came to PUCC about 5 years ago.  She loves the people here – and the donuts. Starting high school in the fall at JFK, she loves art.  Her favorites are: summer, ice cream, the color pink.  Julie likes to ice skate.  With a free day she would go shopping!  While she has learned lots of stuff in Confirmation, she would like to ask God why the Bible is so long.  She thinks that God is awesome and would like to grow a beard like Jesus – she’s always wanted one.

 

Jenny DeGroote was born to Joan & Steve and into the PUCC family on February 9, 1993.  She has two older brothers, John and Thomas.  She will be a freshman at Parkway North in mid-August.  She enjoys history and hanging out with her friends.  Jenny likes autumn, the color green and cheesecake!  She would like to go to Europe.  She appreciates the power of God and how accepting we are in the UCC and at PUCC in particular.  In confirmation class she has learned more about Jesus and would like to be more forgiving like he is.  

 

Kyle Horstmann was also born into the PUCC family – on February 21, 1992.  He lives with his parents, Paul & Sue, and younger sister Katie.  He likes summer, ice cream and the color blue.  Kyle says that God is cool.  He would like to learn to walk on water.

 

Allycia Kleine has been at PUCC for about half of her life.  She was born on September 15, 1992. Allycia and her older sister, Ashley, live around the corner from the church with their parents, Kim & Steve.  She will soon be freshman at Parkway West.  She likes language arts, all seasons, apple crisp, the color orange and hanging out with her friends.  She would like to travel the world.  Allycia likes to diversity of the UCC and the people at PUCC.  She has learned about the church’s good deeds this year and wonders what God thinks of the world today.

 

Lucia McKenzie, daughter of Kris & Tom, younger sister to Laura, was born at St Mary’s Hospital on June 15, 1991.  She has been a part of the PUCC family since birth.  She likes science class and will be a sophomore at Ladue.  Her favorite colors are pink, purple and yellow… she likes summer, swimming and eating brownies!  She understands that God is everyone.  She’d like to be more loving like Jesus.  Given the opportunity, she’d like to buy more earrings.  She’d like to ask God how the sun is a star.

 

Emily Oehler will be a freshman at Viz before too long.  She is older sister to Grant.  She was born to Barbara and Kurt on February 5, 1993, and has been at PUCC throughout.  She looks forward to her free periods at school and hanging out with her friends.  She enjoys spring, the color pink and apple pie.  Given the chance, she’ll go shopping anytime.  Emily knows that God is great, good … She’d like to be more patient like Jesus.  She thinks that PUCC is funny and likes the laid back nature of the UCC.  She has been very interested in the fact that all kinds of people ask the church for help and money in any given week.  She’d like God to explain creation a bit more.   

 

Brian Sableman is the third child of Lynn & Mark … with older siblings, Charlotte and Paul.  Born at Barnes on December 17, 1992, he has been in the PUCC family all along.  He is on the verge of being a freshman at Ladue.  He likes PE and having fun wherever he is.  He enjoys summer, the color orange and all kinds of cake.  With a free day, where money is not a limitation, he would like to buy something really cool and mess with it … or play a massive capture the flag game or a sport without rules.  Brian likes the friendliness of PUCC and sees God as a helping friend.  He likes that Jesus helps everybody and would himself like to give more things to charity.  He wonders, “God, what do I need to do to get into heaven?”

 

Kyle Schantz was born on January 4, 1993 in Philadelphia.  His parents are Craig & Jill.  He has two sisters, Carla and Karin, who are older than Kyle.  He will begin his high school days late this summer at Vianney.  He likes history class and playing video games at home.  He likes summer, German chocolate cake and blue & red.  God is a motivator to him and he would like to be nicer like Jesus.  Kyle would like to work with God to end world hunger.  He thinks about God’s everlasting love.  He wonders if God feels it when someone shoots up into the sky.  

 

Sara Tallyn has been a part of the PUCC family since birth – October 29, 1991.  Her parents, (Diane & Kent), also have four sons: Steven, Jameson, Mike and Ryan.  She will be a sophomore at Parkway North.  A fan of history, she also likes to hang out with friends and listen to music.  She would love to go to more concerts!  She enjoys summer, cheesecake and the colors purple & green. She says that God is everything, and that she’d like to be more like Jesus in that he is so nice.  Sara likes the people here at PUCC.  In line with the UCC she has learned to accept everyone.

 

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS — June 19, 2007

Council enthusiastically endorsed the call and compensation package recommended by the Search Committee for Joe Rowley to become the Associate Pastor of PUCC.  Joe is a recent Eden graduate.  There will be a reception for Joe and his wife, Jessica,  on Saturday, July 14.  Joe will lead the Worship Service (one service at 10 AM) on July 15, and his call will be voted on by the Congregation immediately following worship.

 

THE DYNAMIC MINISTRY and MISSION of PARKWAY UCC

   We will welcome new members into the ministry and mission of this local church on Sunday, July 15, during the 10 a.m. worship service.  Some people ask why church membership is important.  It gives individuals a chance to do a whole host of things including: grow personally, find a deep sense of belonging, renew your purpose, make valuable friendships, experience joy, discover your spiritual gifts, respond to the needs of the world, heighten your senses to receive and become more intimate with God, develop your prayer life, reclaim peace, ask tough questions, widen your boundaries, prioritize your life, put your faith into action, learn more about scripture, be inspired by the Holy Spirit, become more Christ-like …. and more!  With our congregational polity, as a church member, you have a voice and vote when we adopt an annual budget, call a pastor and make decisions about our properties and buildings. 

If you would like to talk more about church membership, please contact:

Harold Cobb (314) 965-4147  ccjcobb@aol.com

Kevin Cameron (314) 872-9330  kevin@parkwayucc.org

 

GRATITUDE FROM OUR SENIOR HIGH YOUTH!

     Many thanks to the congregation for their support of ALL the Senior High Youth fund- raising during the 2006-2007 school year!  You bought gift packages of nuts, attended a chili lunch and a spaghetti lunch, purchased Christmas greenery, attended the March Trivia Night, donated to the used book sale and the June rummage sale.  The youth netted over $6,250.00!!!  Most of these funds will be used to support the nine youth and their sponsors as they travel to Louisville, Kentucky, in July to donate a week of hard labor to those in need.  Lodging and food are usually cheap for the work camp; rental of a van and the gasoline used is the big cost.  In addition, the youth always make approximately a $500 donation to the organization at which they work. 

     The youth proceeds have also provided the means to replace or add equipment in the youth rooms.  A DVD player, CD system, and board games were purchased.  In addition, as a means of saying "thank you" to the congregation, the youth purchased and donated to the church three new kitchen carts ($150) and the computer projector ($1,300). 

 

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Our Adult Education program will be running strong all summer long, (except for a holiday break– July 1-15) bringing in exciting guests and investigating our world and community in great ways.  For more information, pick up the Christian Education Opportunities booklet in the Gathering Space, or contact Dottie Dwyer, Gale Haggard, Florence Simonson, Edith Graber, or Lisa DiTiberio – The Adult Ed Team!

 

 

The African American

Church Experience in America                                                     July 22-29

Rev. Nelson Pierce is a 2007 Eden graduate, an accomplished and prominent St. Louis preacher, host of his own radio show and an ordained American Baptist minister.  He is currently working on a new book, and a study proposal with Washington University.  He will join us for two  Sundays to examine major movements in the African American Church; their story, their identity; and what they say to us today.                                                                                           11:00 a.m.

 

ONA EXPLORATION COMMITTEE

     As previously mentioned, our Church Council has formed a small committee to look at the Open and Affirming (ONA) movement in our denomination.  They have had their first meeting and are moving ahead with their work.  They are charged with helping the Council figure out if PUCC should enter into the ONA process.

     Thank you to Carol Cobb, Conrad Damsgaard, Gale Haggard, Tom McKenzie, Karen Nolte and Cherie Stolze for serving on this important committee.

 

THANK YOU

Dear Members of the Missouri Mid-South Conference,

     You are invited to a Farewell Gathering to honor The Reverend Sheldon Culver on Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. at Columbia United Church of Christ.

     Rev. Culver has been voted as the candidate for the position of Conference Minister in the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ.  Sheldon has served on the staff of the Missouri Mid-South Conference in a variety of positions since 2000.  Most recently she has served as an Associate Conference Minister.  Many churches throughout the conference have benefited from Sheldon’s faith-filled leadership.

     Please mark your calendar.  Watch the conference website (www.mmsucc.org) in the coming weeks for  specifics regarding this celebration of Sheldon’s ministry with us.                                                             Sincerely,                                                   

Rev. Carol Shanks, Conference Youth & Young Adult Minister                                                                                for the Farewell Gathering Team

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