Parkway UCC - THE GOOD NEWS

October 2007

 

     The catalogues for the holidays are beginning to arrive.  While we were shopping at the mall (in early September) for three simple white pitchers for Maya, Tavis and Iris to use when pouring water into the font for their little brother Dexter’s baptism, we saw the Christmas tree displays being set up.  I had to chuckle when Iris went on and on about why they were setting up the trees when she was not even back to PUNS yet.

     One of my part-time jobs while I was in college was to go to department stores and put up the Christmas trees.  Truth be told, it was one of my Jewish friends that found the ad in the newspaper.  She had always wanted to decorate a Christmas tree but never had …. “Be careful what you pray for” became one of our slogans because we traveled all around New England for this company and set-up over 200 trees that fall.

     The in-law emails have started — sharing recipes and travel plans for the holidays.  One of the things that we will be working on together this year is a family mission statement.  I found this in one of the catalogues - a sweetly framed piece that has given us a jumpstart on this process.

     What about you and your family?  Do you have a mission statement?

 

IN THIS HOME

We believe in living deeply, laughing often and loving always.

We believe we were brought together to support and care for each other.

We believe in celebrating together – our faith, our heritage, our traditions.

We believe that everyone’s feelings count

and that the uniqueness of each of us strengthens all of us.

We believe in the power of forgiveness to heal

and the power of love to carry us through.

We believe in one another in this family.

 

(Reminder — see the next page for a refresher in our church’s statements. Perhaps some of the words and phrases will inspire you as you write.)

 

 

PARKWAY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Kevin Cameron, Senior Pastor (kevin@parkwayucc.org)

Joe Rowley, Associate Pastor (joe@parkwayucc.org)

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

Cassie Schulenburg, Interim Office Admin. (info@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)

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 OCTOBER!

 Please read and pray through the scriptures before each Sunday.

It will make for a much more meaningful worship experience.

 

October 7               Luke 17:5-10; 2 Timothy 1:1-14               Duty Free Shop

         Come to our open table as we celebrate the sacrament of communion.  All are invited! (This is also Give-A-Meal Sunday.  Please bring your non-perishable food gifts for our hungry neighbors)

 

October 14             Psalm 66:1-12; Luke 17:11-19                  10%

         Join us as we celebrate New Member Sunday.  Our Children’s Choirs will sing.

           This is also Book Sunday when all of our children and youth receive a book. 

 

October 21             Psalm 119:97-104; Luke 18:1-8                Praying Heart

         As you prepare for worship, spend 15 minutes in silence at the start of the day

 

October 28             2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14        Mirror, Mirror

         Dress up as your favorite person, place, thing, or animal from the Bible, favorite historical figure, or your most important role model!  Be creative!

 

GIVE-A-MEAL SUNDAY!        

          THANK YOU for your generous contributions to Give-A-Meal Sunday! The variety of food brought and the large outpouring of donations are appreciated so much by our food pantry, Isaiah 58. Hunger continues to haunt many residents in St. Louis; you are a blessing with your caring and thoughtful giving.

         Please continue to remember our friends who have real needs. Be generous and bring non-perishable food items on Sunday, October 5th. We are inviting you to bring the kinds of foods that you are likely to see in your pantry and cabinets.  Kid friendly items, paper goods, toiletries and feminine hygiene items are always needed. This is such an important piece of what we do at Parkway UCC. 

                  Questions?  Please contact Ruth Murray  (314) 991-2623

 

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

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 Education Team!

 

THIS MONTH IN ADULT EDUCATION

Adult Education is available to everyone– each Sunday morning from 9:45-10:45 and 11:00-12:00. So, whether you attend the 9:30 service or the 11:00 service, there is an

opportunity to participate in Adult Education.

 

What do you call a woman Catholic priest?

 

October 7

 

Father, Mother, Reverend, Pastor . . . call her what you will, Jessica Rowley is an ordained priest in the Ecumenical Catholic Communion.  Jessica will be joining us to share about the shaping of the ECC and her call to ordained

ministry as a catholic priest.

 

"Only four Gospels?  I don't think so!"  --Thomas

 

October 14

 

Dynamic and always intriguing, Steve Patterson, famous through Eden Seminary, Living the Questions, and the Jesus Seminar, brings his expertise to bear on the Gospel of Thomas.  Stay tuned for details about Steve's new book

about the Gospel of Thomas.

 

"Who Is My Mother?"

 

October 21

 

Families have never been "normal".  Families are as unique and diverse as their individual human components.  OnA is sharing a video both featuring children and directed toward children, which will explore the differences and commonalities between various expressions of family.

 

Money, money, money, money . . . MONEY!

 

October 28

 

KerCHING!  Wherever it comes from and wherever it goes, money often gets a bad wrap.  According to 1 Timothy 6:10, it is not money itself, but "the love of money" which is "a root of all kinds of evil".  Surely a good budget is the antidote for all kinds of evil!  Join the Stewardship Commission in this

important Budget Forum.

 

 

PATHWAYS OF FAITH SCHEDULE 2007                   

         Jonah                                     October 7 - 28

         PUCC: History and Heritage          November 4 - 25

         PUCC Celebrates Christmas          December 2 - 23

         Christmas Program                     December 23 @ 11:00

         Epiphany                                  December 30, January 6

 

We Need YOU!!!

 

To lead a rotation for one of our upcoming units in Pathways of Faith

Jonah                PUCC: History and Heritage

**The children are eager, their warm smiles delightful,

and the curriculum is ready**

 

To be part of the Middle High/Senior High leadership team with Joe

Sunday mornings            Fellowship            Mission Opportunities

**Contact Joe to say “YES!” to working with our fun young people**

 

To help care for our “little ones” in the Nursery

One Sunday a Month                Substitute             Extra Pair of Hands

**An opportunity to rock a baby or play with a two year old is waiting!**

 

We Need YOU!!!!!

 

Contact: Joe Rowley ( joe@parkwayucc.org or 314-872-9330)

 

PUCC PLAY GROUP

Come play with us! – on the 2nd Fridays and 4th Mondays of October from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church.  We’ll have treats, crafts, games and lots of fun.  Feel free to bring friends, neighbors, visiting relatives, etc.

Questions? Contact Kevin Cameron (314) 872-9330 or kevin@parkwayucc.org  or

Brenda Sperry (314) 909-0789 or brendalang@aol.com

 

CRITICISM

To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. - Elbert Hubbard

 

THE SECRET TO LONG LIFE

Not moping around and thinking positively. –Kamato Hongo, at 116 years old

 

MEMBERSHIP CARE

The photo directory will be updated for those of you new to Parkway, or whose  picture may not have been included last year. Stay tuned for details.

Other events this year will include friendship dinners, progressive dinner, college care packages, secret pals, caroling to shut-ins, and more!! If you are interested in helping us in any way, please call Judy Lindquist. We need people who are interested in providing meals, writing notes, visiting shut-ins, and driving someone who may need a ride to a doctor’s appointment.

— Judy Lindquist  636-537-0877 or by email at cjjslind@charter.net

 

UPCOMING MONTHLY PARKWAY EVENTS!!!

 

October 7      Church picnic at Stacy Park (4:00). (see next page!)

November 3   Hayride at Queeny Park (arrive 5:45) (see article below!)

November 22  Thanksgiving dinner at Parkway (5:00)

December 2    Advent Workshop

December 8    Caroling (9:00)

December 15  Caroling (9:00)

December 25  Christmas dinner at Parkway (5:00)

 

HAYRIDE AT QUEENY PARK!!

         Join Parkway friends for a hayride at Queeny Park on Saturday, November 3rd at 6:00. We have reserved two wagons holding twenty people each. The ride itself lasts one hour, and there will be a bonfire for one hour following the ride. Membership Care will provide supplies and makings for s’mores. Please enter Queeny Park from Mason Road. We are asking that you arrive at 5:45 so we will be ready to leave at 6:00. Food and drink are not allowed on the wagons. Sign up as soon as possible in the gathering space if you are interested in this fun event. Space is limited. The cost will be $10 per family or $5 for individuals. Be sure to list each individual attending on a separate line.  Questions? Contact Judy Lindquist at 636-537-0877 or cjjslind@charter.net

 

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

       Membership Care is seeking donations of candy (bags of individually wrapped) to send in care packages to our Parkway collegians. We will be assembling these boxes and getting them ready to mail on Friday, October 19, so leave your contribution in the church office any time before that day. The next time you are at the grocery store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. please pick up an extra bag of treats. This was a big hit last year, and not only let our youth know we are thinking of them, but made them very popular with their friends!

 

CHURCH PICNIC– THIS MONTH!

We hope you are ready for and have marked your calendars for the second annual  Parkway church picnic, which will be Sunday, October 7th at Stacy Park in Olivette. The fun begins at 4:00. (Set up begins at 3:00) Last year over 100 members and friends of  Parkway attended.

 

There will be many activities, including cakewalk, face painting, duck pond, sack races, 3-legged, races, water balloon toss, croquet, volleyball, washers, horseshoes, bean bag toss, and more. We have reserved the spacious pavilion.

 

So--bring your own picnic food, lawn chairs, sporting equipment (ball gloves,    frisbee, etc.). And please bring a dessert on a disposable plate to share. Some     desserts will be used for the cakewalk; some will be enjoyed by everyone after the picnic.

 

Vespers will be at 6:15.

 

Directions to Stacy Park from Parkway:

Merge onto I-64 E/US-40E toward St. Louis

Merge onto Lindbergh north (Exit 28B) (2.5 miles)

Turn right onto Olive Blvd. (.9 mile)

Turn right onto Old Bonhomme (.2 mile)

Stacy Park is on the right.

 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

 

If you have any questions, please contact

Marsha Peek, Judy Lindquist or Harold Cobb.

 

**If the picnic must be postponed due to inclement weather, it will be held October 14 at 4:00 on the church grounds.**

           

“Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.”

-Henry Van Dyke

(or go on a picnic! Come enjoy ours!)

 

IT’S FRIENDSHIP DINNER TIME

         When the frost is on the pumpkin and the leaves begin to fall, a traditional Parkway Gathering begins to unfold. Yes, it is time to sign up for dinner and conversation with new and old friends. The dinners are held in the homes of Parkway members. Look for the sign up poster in the Gathering Space. You may also call the church office to be included in the dinners.

         There will be three dinners scheduled in October/November, January and March. The hostess is responsible for the main course and the guests are asked to bring an accompanying dish. You may sign up for the dinners with adults only. There will also be dinners that include children. Parents who do not want to get a sitter can simply bring the children along and share fellowship with other parents.

         In the event it is difficult to host the dinner in your home- going to a           restaurant is an option, with each person responsible for their own check. Sign up now and join in on the traditional fall event. The dinner bell is ringing.

 

ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN NEARS

“What do I do after I say, “I believe?” 

         The believer’s response is grounded in stewardship and is the believer’s response to the creating, redeeming, and sanctifying love of God.

         The Stewardship Commission is in the midst of    planning the annual stewardship campaign, which culminates with Consecration Sunday, November 11, 2007.  What     we pledge impacts the 2008 budget, which is “under construction” right now by the Stewardship Commission and the Council.  When finished, the budget will be      presented to the congregation for its approval early next year.

         This year’s campaign will be a bit lighthearted, featuring a special goal built around the mysterious phrase “IT’S COMING!”

Of course, we all know that stewardship is weighty and vital, grounded in spirituality and that Christian stewardship is basic to all that we do for God because it fuels our other ministries.

         The Stewardship Commission will be asking all of us to pledge and give with money, talents, and time.  When we do so we grow spiritually. We respond to a call to mission and we confirm our vow that “WE BELIEVE!”

                                    IT’S COMING!

 

“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;” and “What Does Faith Look Like in the 21st Century?”  All are led by contributors such as Marcus Borg, Nancy Ammerman, Stanley Hauerwas, Tex Sample, and John Shelby Spong. 

     This a very exciting adventure as we journey together.  It is being presented in 12 sessions, the 3rd Sunday of each month, January – December of 2007 from 6-8 p.m. 

      Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 21, 2007!  This will be our next  gathering at 6:00 p.m.  Childcare will be available for all sessions.  This is a great adventure!  Further sessions are set for November 18, and December 16, 2007. 

      WE WILL ALSO START THIS WHOLE ADVENTURE OVER AGAIN —

ON THE 4TH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 12:30-2PM IN KEVIN CAMERON’S OFFICE.

 

EVENING DIALOGUE BEGINS NEW STUDY IN OCTOBER
NOW is a good time to think about joining with the group that meets each second and fourth Tuesday of the month (October 9 and 23) as they will be starting a new study of the book "OPEN SECRETS" by Rev. Richard Lischer, which chronicles his first three years of ministry in a country church in New Cana, llinois.  It is a delight account of this Lutheran pastor's spiritual journey and formation and an 'easy' but interesting read.  The group will conclude September with a final nod to the great short stories in the anthology FAITH STORIES edited by C. Michael Curtis. 

         Each gathering of these readers and eaters begins at 6:00pm in the Heritage Room at the church with a potluck supper (bring an entree, vegetable, salad or dessert to share) followed by spirited discussion of the current assignment. No hard questions, just a friendly exchange of reactions and ideas.  We want to know how YOU feel about life!  Bring your food, your self, and your thoughts to share. ALL are welcome. Childcare provided until 8:00pm every session.
         Questions? Mary Jo Cannon  314/469-3485 maryjo991@aol.com
                            Dottie Dwyer  314/821-6073
jjdwyer@charter.net

FROM THE UCC COLLEGIUM OF OFFICERS

         From time to time, the President and/or Collegium of Officers of our United Church of Christ offer a Pastoral Letter on a particular topic.  These letters are sent to all of the churches in the denomination.  We are encouraged not only to read, pray and discuss these letters, but also to pass them along to others at home and in the community.

          Parkway UCC recently received a Pastoral Letter on the Iraq War.  If, while reading this letter, you feel your heart burning within you, whether in affirmation, protest, or confusion, please contact one of the pastors or our council president by phone, 314.872.9330, or email:

Barbara Eggebrecht, Council President: bpeggebrecht@sbcglobal.net

Kevin Cameron, Senior Pastor: Kevin@parkwayucc.org

Joe Rowley, Associate Pastor: joe@parkwayucc.org

You may go to our denomination’s website www.ucc.org to find a copy of the letter.  If you do not have access to the Internet and/or you would like a hard copy, please pick one up in the church office.

 

NEIGHBORS IN NEED

         Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that     supports ministries of justice and compassion though out the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian  Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects.

         Our congregation will receive the NIN offering on October 7,2007 as part of our World Communion Sunday observance.  Look for more information in the Sunday bulletins and plan to be a good and generous neighbor.

 

IMPORTANT KITCHEN NOTE!!

         Recently the Quilters & Crafters spent the day cleaning the kitchen.  It is    almost perfectly spic and span.  We would ask you to please assist us in keeping it that way.  If you use the kitchen, please clean up any mess, and everything you bring into the kitchen including the food; please take it with you when you leave.  Any  remaining food in the refrigerator as well as food items left on the counter will be thrown away when it is inspected each week. 

         Thank you very much for helping us keep the kitchen a clean and hygienic frequently used area of our church.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU QUILTERS & CRAFTERS!

 

HEALING BIBLE STUDY CLASSES

TIME: Thursdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Parkway UCC    

Material from:  he International Order of St. Luke The Physician

Thank you for considering this opportunity to deepen your caring for one another.

         OSL is international, interdenominational, and Christian.  OSL was founded in 1930 by Rev. John Gaynor Banks and was incorporated in 1953.  Its members are clergy, health professionals and lay people who believe healing is an essential part of Jesus Christ’s teachings. This is both physical & inner healing.  Members are        required to study the 26 miracles of Jesus before being fully inducted into OSL. They attend class to discuss 8 basic questions=who, what, where and when. And then    further explore unique meaning in ‘digging deeper” questions. Through this process we spiritually nurture each other and are equip to serve our church family, friends, and relatives.

         We learn skills of laying on hands and anointing with oil.  These are outward & visible signs of Jesus Christ’s healing love covering us and cleansing us from sin, sickness, and disease as we surrender to God’s will and purpose. If we are to reflect Jesus’ life on earth, we too will continue to do the WORK he did in ministry.  HE restored health and sent out his disciples by twos to do the same.  

         OSL ministry sends out its members two by two to be God’s channel to     restore health.  The purpose of our class is to have a new appreciation for our       Savior’s mercy, grace and love.

To register or for more information please contact

Margaret Gieselmann at 314-965-8517 or  mgieselmann@att.net

 

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 & 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 will be in the Prayer Corner on Tuesday, October 9th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

HAVE YOU WALKED & PRAYED A LABYRINTH? 

Here’s your opportunity! Meet at the church this Wednesday, October 31st at 11 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.

 

Join us for coffee AND CONVERSATION

At the St Louis Bread Company—Manchester & 270 on Tuesday, October 16th at 10:30 a.m. Questions?  Contact Kevin at (314) 872-9330 or kevin@parkwayucc.org  

 

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

Still haven't browsed the library shelves?  It's just down the hall from the   Heritage Room.  Stop by on your way to adult education or picking up your children.  And don't forget - there are lots of great children's books available. The Case for Faith:  A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity  by Lee Strobel The author was an award-winning legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and is currently a teaching pastor.  In The Case for Faith, Strobel presents eight common obstacles or conundrums to faith – “Since Miracles Contradict Science, They Cannot Be True”, “Church History is Littered with Oppression and Violence” are just two.  The book is written in a very conversational style, in spite of its serious questions.

Going to Church with Children by Stan Stewart

         Most of this book is devoted to providing practical help to people who wish to involve their children in worship, with sections such as “The special role of Sunday school” and a delightful anagram for the worship service – CALM SHEEP.  CALM is for things to be done at home (C – calm them at home, A – anticipate, L- love worship, M – music).  SHEEP  are for things to be done at church (S – sit with care, H – help by providing helpers, E – exit when necessary, E – enter when the cause of the child’s  distress is resolved, and P – persevere). Parents – want to know more?  You will find this book most helpful.  Check it out!

 

BOOK DONATION PROGRAM

We are excited to announce a Gift Book Program for our newly refurbished library as a means of expanding the library collection while commemorating special times and  special persons:  birthdays, holidays, grandparents, teachers, etc.  A book plate will be placed in each book.  You can donate a book from the wish list, or if you would like, make a $20 donation and we will choose the book for you.  Donation forms and a wish list will be available in the Library and the Gathering Space soon.

 

CALENDARS

Remember to keep saving 2008 calendars for our troops overseas. Calendars can be dropped of in the church office.  John Williams will get them to the USO. Thanks!

 

GOODSEARCH REMINDER!

Searching the internet? Don’t forget to use www.goodsearch.com to earn money for PUCC with every search!

 

E-SCRIP SCHNUCKS COMMUNITY CARD

Thank you to all PUCC members who are using their Escrip cards when shopping at Schnucks. This is such an easy fund-raiser for the church.  If you would like to obtain a card, you can visit your local Schnucks store to get one.  Any questions/concerns please contact Diane Tallyn, 314-567-5433, diane_tallyn@hotmail.com PUCC Chairperson of eScrip.

 

EXCITING E-SCRIP news!!!!!!

We have 78 PUCC e-Script supporters and 63% are participating!!!!!!!

With just a swipe of the card PUCC has a total of $743.20 to date.

2006    October - December      $180.40         2007    January - May                $562.80

GRAND TOTAL TO DATE               $743.20

 

GREAT RESPONSE TO READY READERS CALL

Ready Readers is a not-for-profit organization in St. Louis that recruits and trains     volunteers to read to at-risk pre-school children and provide them with their own books.  This summer, the Christian Services Commission challenged Parkway members to   volunteer in this program.  We had hoped to recruit five or six volunteers.  However, the response was indicative of Parkway’s mission orientation with 12 volunteers and others interested in joining later in the year.  These volunteers are assigned to various pre-schools throughout the St. Louis area and go to the schools once each week for thirty minutes to read to the children.  The Christian Services Commission extends a very warm word of gratitude to the following volunteers:

         Vivian Allison                            Elise Bowman

         Pat Damsgaard                           Conrad Damsgaard

         Cathy Jarrell                              Judy Lindquist        

         Marilyn McDougall                     Judy McLachlin      

         Jim Moore                                Rich Schanbacher     

         Gail Schneider                            Sue Stolze

 

LOOK AROUND AT CHURCH THIS SUNDAY...

and notice three people that you do not know.  Make a point to reach out to them   sometime this month.  Introduce yourself to them …even if you feel like you should know their name and they should know your name.  Just do it!  Please!  We will build a stronger faith community! 

 

FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. —  Anonymous

 

INVEST IN OUR FUTURE             -Thoughts from Marilyn McDougall

         Several years ago, Ben and I attended a BEE dinner. This is an evening that is set-aside in November to raise awareness & funds for Eden Theological Seminary. That year the event was held in the beautiful Coronado Hotel Ballroom. It was a lovely evening with a beautifully served dinner, great music, and good friends.

         After dinner the Seminary had asked for a few students to tell of their calling and experience in attending Seminary school. I could not forget one young couple that spoke so eloquently of their continuing religious studies and how they would apply this to their future. Much later those words from the students, especially the young husband and wife, replayed in our minds. We continued to discuss the fundraiser and how that young couple could not have continued without the support from many in our church and community.

         We feel a deep commitment to Eden Seminary as they continue to provide powerful clergy leaders. For the very future of our church we urge you to become    involved in the seminary. As an investment in the future, consider attending Eden’s fundraiser on November 2nd. Incidentally, recently I was informed of the name of that young couple that had spoken at the BEE Dinner at the Coronado, three years ago. The speakers were our new Associate Pastor and his wife, Joe and Jessica Rowley.

           

(Please note: Joe & Jessica both graduated from Eden Seminary. Joe serves as our Associate Pastor and Jessica serves as the Associate Pastor at Sts. Clare and Francis, a member community of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. Joe will be ordained on November 11th and Jessica was ordained on September 7th.)

 

FROM THE EDEN SEMINARY CONVOCATION -SEPT. 2007

Martha Robertson (Chair of Recruitment/Admissions Committee)

Now, before I call these students up – I would like to lift up a few noteworthy aspects of the makeup of this entering class of masters students. The 44 members of this class hail from 10 different states, ranging from Massachusetts to Colorado, and from     Wisconsin to Florida. In addition, the class welcomes members from India, the Sudan, Nigeria, South Africa, & South Korea. Made up of slightly more women than men, the class ranges from 20 to 70 years of age. 30%of the class falls in the “under 30” age range, while 30-45 and 45-older age ranges each hold the similar numbers.  Eden is delighted that this fall, as last fall, approximately 20 percent of the entering class is  African American. The class is diverse ecumenically with 12 different denominations represented. 30% are United Church of Christ, 20% are United Methodist, 14% are Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and 10% are Baptist. Other denominations   represented are the Metropolitan Community Church, Presbyterian Church in the USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Unitarian Universalists, Congregational,  African Methodist Episcopal, Christian Methodist Episcopal, and Episcopalian.

 

Inquirer: someone who wants to know more … about Parkway UCC

 

The next PARKWAY UCC Inquirers’ Gathering will be a

dessert night

Monday, October 1st from 6:30-8pm at the church

 

Our goals that evening include:

* getting to know one another a bit more

* discussing some key issues of faith

* describing Parkway’s worship, outreach, education, leadership, fellowship

* taking a look at our denomination, the United Church of Christ

* sharing ideas about the exciting future of Parkway UCC

*soliciting your thoughts on how we can be a more welcoming & inviting

community of faith

* answering any of your questions

 

     You will find our time together meaningful and informative.

 

     Some churches call this sort of gathering a New Members Classwe do not.  

     While we do know that there are a number of you who have expressed interest in becoming members of the church, we do not assume that Inquirers are seeking    membership.  We just want to be hospitable, get to know you and have the chance to express gratitude for your presence among us. 

[Childcare is available that evening]


Please let us know if you are planning to be with us!

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

 

Parkway United Church of Christ   2841 N Ballas Rd    St Louis, MO  63131

314-872-9330  info@parkwayucc.org   www.parkwayucc.org   www.ucc.org

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUTH

Every Sunday:    SENIOR AND MIDDLE HIGH

Church school and fellowship in the downstairs youth rooms with music, games, challenges, snacks, and faith exploration.

 

October 28th,

Happy Halloween . . .

Let’s go see DEAD PEOPLE at

Body Worlds 3

 

Jr. and Sr. high youths and leaders are welcome to marvel at Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ anatomical exhibition of real human bodies.  On display worldwide for more than ten years, Body Worlds has been seen by nearly 22 million visitors in 40 cities in Asia, Europe, Canada, and the United States.  Details are growing like bones and sinews as we speak.  For more info:

Check with Joe Rowley: joe@parkwayucc.org

314.872.9330

 

AWOL– ADVENTUROUS WOMEN OUT LATE

Feeling adventurous or are you in need of fun? Join AWOL on Saturday, October 13th! Meet at church at 6:30 p.m. and we’ll be off to see a movie! What movie, you ask? Let’s vote! The movie will be determined the week of October 7th or on October 13th itself! Don’t miss it!

For more information, contact:

Carmen Bumgarner at (314) 330-0813 or cfbum@charter.net

 

TOWN AND COUNTRY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

 

Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 2:30 at Parkway UCC

         The T&C Symphony performs Tchaikovsky's “Rococo Variations op. 33” in addition to Beethoven, Symphony #3 and Overture.  The orchestra also welcomes guest performer Monica Godbee.

 

Some Information about the Guest Performer for October 14th:

 

Monica Godbee is a noted cellist from  Parkway North high school, most    recently was awarded the 2008 Emerson Interlochen Music Camp Scholarship Award.  She performed the Haydn Cello Concerto with Town and Country Symphony at PUCC in 2006, and has presented numerous other concerto appearances with other            community orchestras.  Monica was selected as a freshman to be a  member of the 2007   Missouri Music Educator Association  “All State Orchestra” held at Tan-Tar-A.

 

BenefitS FOR Evangelical Children's Home

 

9th Annual Trivia Night

Friday, October 26, 2007

Maryland Heights Centre

 

 For more info on this event, please call the Development Office (314) 427-3755. 

     All proceeds benefit abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children, youth and families Evangelical Children’s Home serves.  

www.evangelicalchildrenshome.org

 

LET IT SHINE! UCC BIENNIAL MEETING

Come celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the United Church of Christ, learn about some of the special mission work that has occurred within the Conference, and recognize the various transitions in the life of the Conference.

October19-21, 2007, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, MO

More information can be found in the church office or at www.mmsucc.org

Our Guest Leadership Team will include: Edith Guffey, Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ; Norm Jackson, who has served as Conference Minister in Kansas-Oklahoma and Hawaii, Director of the UCC Council of American Indian Ministries, and member of the UCC national staff; and Da Vita McCallister, who recently served as the Minister for Youth, Young Adults, and Outdoor Ministries in the national UCC office and provided key leadership at the 2007 Conference Youth Event.