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COVENANT NEWSThe Newsletter of the First Congregational Church
of Webster Groves
Inside this issue:
Worship Notes 2
Music Notes 3Tracey’s Blessing 3
Moderator’s Corner 4New Bank 4
Cliff Aerie & MICA 5
Lenten Study Series 5
Youth Update 6
Habitat for Humanity 6
History: Church 7 Plaques
The First Thing – 7First Church’s RadioShow
Year of the Dog 8Lady Elect Outing 8Benevolence Auction 8
Paris Noir 9MLK Celebration 9
SAGE Night Out 10Jennie E. Davis Sharp 10
Gateway ONA 11February Birthdays 11
February Calendar 12Missing Someone? 12Meal-a-Month 12
FROM THE PASTORS’ DESKMeet Our Candidates
Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of
some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for
both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7b-8)
At the December meeting of the Executive Ministry, our Director
of Christian Education Tracey Harris announced what we already knew
quite well, that she is a student at Eden Theological Seminary. At
the halfway mark through her first year, Tracey told us, she was
now ready to throw her proverbial hat in the ring as a candidate
for ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
In order for someone to be considered for ordination in our
denomination, they must first be an established member of a local
church. Next, they must be recommended by their local church’s
governing body – in our case, the Executive Ministry acting on
behalf of the Congregation – to the local Association. In our case,
within a few days of the approval by the Executive Ministry, both
Moderator Linda Kopetti and I composed letters of recommendation to
the St. Louis Association’s Committee on
Ministry: Preparation.
We expect that the CoM:P will affirm Tracey’s candidacy at one
of their own monthly meetings soon. She will be assigned a mentor
by the Committee, and Tracey will assemble a support committee of
members here. Similar actions took place, in the last few years, on
behalf of ordinands Janice Edwards Barnes and Paul Porter, both of
whom were ordained in 2015.
On Sunday, January 28, the Congregation welcomed into membership
Eden student Erick Falconer. Most of you will recognize Erick as
our Student Minister of Music. Having begun his studies as a
candidate from the National Baptist Convention, Erick has expressed
interest in approaching his own ordination through the UCC, ever
since he began attending worship here in March 2017, and he is in
his second year of study at Eden.
In the interest of helping him qualify for an immediate
recommendation of candidacy for ordination to the CoM:P, as well as
for financial aid through the UCC during his final year at the
Seminary, the Parish Life Ministry has decided to recognize his
membership as having begun in April 2017. Erick will attend the
February Executive Ministry meeting in order to request his
candidacy, and the process will begin for him as it already has for
Tracey.
Let our prayers attend these two, as they begin the formal
process toward ordination which their hearts began some time ago in
response to the Holy Spirit’s call upon them. And please, offer
them your congratulations and encouragement as their ministries
unfold before them in Christ’s name.
Peace.
FEBRUARY 2018EDITION
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Page 2 FEBRUARY 2018
WORSHIP NOTES FOR FEBRUARY 2018
Sunday, February 4, 9:55 am – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany;
Sacrament of Christ’s Table – Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11; 1
Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39. As the season After the Epiphany
draws to a close, we have scriptures that draw our attention to our
dependency upon God for strength and healing. The provision of
these graces can serve to focus us upon our relationship with “One
We Cannot Do Without” (sermon title).
Sunday, February 11, 9:55 am – Transfiguration Sunday; Racial
Justice Sunday; Evolution & Science Sunday; Boy Scout Sunday –
2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9. The
final Sunday before Lent begins, we recall how it was that Jesus
was revealed to three disciples as the Child of God’s very being.
In a sermon entitled, “Eureka!” Pastor Dave Denoon investigates how
it was the Simon Peter, James, and John chose to say nothing about
their mountaintop experience until after Jesus’ resurrection.
Ash Wednesday, February 14, 7:00 pm at Peace United Church of
Christ (204 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves) – Ecclesiastes
9:7-10; Psalm 90. In worship that concentrates on ritual and music
and includes meditation rather than a sermon (all in keeping with
Peace’s focus, this Lenten season, upon meditative practices), our
congregation and theirs unite for the evening to mark the beginning
of this penitent season as we prepare our hearts for the joy of
Easter.
Peace will continue their Lenten Wednesday series in their
sanctuary at 7PM through March 21, conducting weekly services in
the Taizé musical tradition. First Church members are welcome to
join them, although we will be hosting our own Soup-Salad-Bread
Suppers at 6PM on those same nights as well as a study of James
Cone’s The Cross and the Lynching Tree at 7PM – an event series in
partnership with three African American congregations (see article
elsewhere in this edition of Covenant News.)
Sunday, February 18, 9:55 am – First Sunday in Lent – Genesis
9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15. The scriptures
in this cycle of the lectionary emphasize the covenants God has
made with humanity, promises for all the world (Lent 1), for the
descendants of Abraham (Lent 2), for Israel in particular (Lent 3
and 4), and once again for all the world (Lent 5). Pastor Dave
Denoon will introduce the series, pointing toward some of the
decoration on our Jesse Tree, which now has a permanent home in the
northwest corner of the sanctuary, which emphasize these
covenants.
Sunday, February 25, 9:55 am – Second Sunday in Lent; Seminary
Sunday; Church Vocations Sunday – Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm
22:25-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38. As we celebrate our
historic relatedness with the UCC seminaries of the Midwest
(Chicago, United in the Twin Cities, and Eden), one of our three
seminarians experiencing their Contextual Education at First Church
will preach.
MUSIC NOTESUpcoming programs in the God Is Still Speaking – Come
Listen! Artistic series: The Sylvan Trio: Innovations – Sunday,
March 11 at 3:00 pmComprised of the eclectic instrumentation of
flute, cello and piano, the Sylvan Trio will present a concert of
innovative, playful and adventuresome chamber music. At the
conclusion of the concert, audience members will have the
opportunity to ask questions of the performers. The concert is free
and open to the public. A free-will offering will be received. The
Wound In the Water: Journey Toward a Shared Song – Sunday, April 29
at 4:00 pmThrough a bold fusion of choral music, dance, drumming,
visual art, and narrative; the program depicts the brokenness of
humanity as we have become separated from nature and each other,
and the hope and healing that is possible as we cultivate
compassion in our world. The concert is free and open to the
public. A free-will offering will be received.
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Page 3 September 2017 Page 3 FEBRUARY 2018
Student Minister of Music, Erick Falconer, will lead a four-part
series delving into the profound interplay between music, theology
and social justice themes which will be explored in the concert.
Join Erick in the Parlor on Sundays March 25, April 8, 15 and 22
from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Chancel Choir to Sing at Lincoln Center in New York City!The
First Church Chancel Choir has been invited to participate in a
performance of Rosephanye Powell’s Gospel Trinity in New York
City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This performance at
Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall (formerly known as Avery Fisher
Hall) is planned to take place on Monday, May 28, 2018 – Memorial
Day Weekend. Members of the Chancel Choir will join with other
choristers to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers
International, a choir of distinction. Maestro William Powell will
lead the performance and will serve as the clinician for the
residency; Rosephanye Powell will be Composer-in-Residence. Members
of the congregation are encouraged to give financial support in
sending our singers to New York by contacting Dr. Ray at
[email protected].
Our Choirs Always Welcome New Members!Canterbury Bells:
Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. in Sample Chapel– Open to high school youth
and adultsChancel Choir: Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Room –
Open to high school youth and adultsUnichords: Sundays at 11:15
a.m. in Sample Chapel - Open to all children in 3rd – 5th
gradesYouth Choir: Sundays at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary – Open to
all youth in 6th – 8th grade
TRACEY’S BLESSINGS – LONGING, LENT AND LOVEThomas Aquinas
stated, “The effects of love should be displayed as well as felt.”
Jesus tells us to love our neighbors. It seems appropriate to
discuss both of these ideas in February as we celebrate Valentine’s
Day and begin the season of Lent. What do these have in common? The
answer is love. Traditionally, Lent was a time of learning creeds,
learning the teachings of Jesus and preparing for Baptism.
Currently I hope as we journey through Lent, we can reflect on how
we might move from self-serving to self-giving. Displaying our Love
and care for all of our neighbors leads to new effects of our love
on our neighbors. Be creative! Meet as a family and find new ways
to give to your family, your church and your community. Instead of
thinking of Lent as a time of giving up something, use Lent as a
time to start a new practice that brings you closer to people
through the effects of love. May love shine through all you do!
One example of the effects of displaying love, is The Heifer
Project. Think about all the love that shows when the animals give
life sustaining food to families, then the animals multiply and can
be share with other families. It may allow children to attend
school because the family can now pay for it.
In this way, the effects of love are on display. The love that
started with a donation to Heifer Project rippled out. CE collected
$300 for bunnies through our Advent/ Christmas collection. We were
able to fund 15 bunnies. Thank you for your donations.
Thank you and Peace! Tracey Harris, DCE
The Green Team and the Sunday School will team up on February
11, Chocolate Sunday! We ask you to participate in some “Puppy
Love.” We will be collecting clean towels and washcloths that will
be donated to the Humane Society of Missouri to help with shelter
animals. A tub for donations will be located in Memorial Hall.
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MODERATOR’S CORNER FEBRUARY 2018Our year of Renewal has come to
an end. I find myself looking back at the Journey. It has been a
Journey, not just for the Denoons, but for all of us, particularly
for those of us that were “up close.”
The first time I remember hearing about the endeavor was when I
was elected Moderator, almost two years ago now. I had missed the
announcements, as I was out of town on those Sundays. Before I knew
I was Co-chair of the Steering Committee!
Bob Moody and Nancy Rudolph had worked hard with Dave, on the
Grant proposal. But now we had won the prize! What are we going to
do with it?
I remember meeting with Nancy over lunch and trying to set
goals; goals that we could look at and say “yes we met them’ or “no
we didn’t.” We sat there overwhelmed. But, piece by piece, with the
help of a terrific steering committee, it came together. Sonya came
to us as if it was meant to be, and by summer of 2017 we could say
“It’s happening”! By fall, Dave returned refreshed, and in one
piece.
Not everyone in our congregation bought into The Year of Renewal
but, in true First Church style and grace enabled it to move
forward, watching. We watched members and visitors engage in
challenges to our thoughts, beliefs and understanding.
This year affected us all in one way or another. Of course with
my level of involvement it will be a milestone in my life. For
you…who knows…will you have the opportunity to act, to reach out,
to change someone’s life?
You will have opportunities to continue examining issues, and
participating in activities as we continue the effort through the
Christian Education programming.
Linda Kopetti
2018 Brings Banking Changes to First Congregational Church!
As of Thursday, February 2, we have opened a new bank account at
the PNC Bank here in Webster Grove and are in the process of
closing out our account at First Bank. There are many advantages
First Congregational will see once the change over has taken
place.
As Office Administrator, I have seen many variations of our name
written on the “Pay to the Order Of” line on incoming checks. After
speaking with the bank manager while setting up the new account, I
cannot guarantee PNC will accept quite as many varieties of our
name as did First Bank.
Please try to use the following names when writing checks to the
church:• FCC of WG• FCC of WG MO• FCCWG• First Congregational
Church of Webster Groves
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to
contact me at the church office.
Thank you much!
Debbie
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CLIFF AERIE AND THE MINISTRY OF IMAGINATION, CREATIVITY AND THE
ARTS (MICA)
As you read this, my wife Jan and I will be in the UK with our
daughter and her family to help prepare for the birth of their
second child. Arianna’s due date is January 28 so we plan to be
there to help before, during, and after the birth of their son.
We’ll be embracing our grandparently role to help Fiona welcome her
new baby brother. It’s an exciting time for us all and we welcome
your prayers for a normal birth and the health of mother and
child.
We return on February 20th and hit the ground running. Jan has a
number of speaking engagements in March and I have a full calendar
of events with my MICA emphasis primarily focused on music. Here is
a complete list of MICA-related programs that I’ll be producing,
hosting, or assisting in March. Each one offers an opportunity for
you to deepen your spiritual life.
March 2 & 3: Jazz for the Journey — a two-day symposium at
Eden Seminary for pastors and laypeople to learn more about using
jazz in worship and ministry. More information can be found at
www.eden.edu/events. It will include a Sacred Jazz concert by Oîkos
on Friday evening.
March 4: Sunday morning worship — Oîkos will be offering music
for our regular worship.
March 11: God is Still Speaking, Come Listen Concert — featuring
the Sylvan trio (flute, cello and piano www.sylvantrio.com) in an
afternoon concert, plus in worship that morning. They will also be
presenting a Saturday morning master class for the Webster
Community Music School in our sanctuary. All are welcome. Stay
tuned for further details.
March 18: Beyond the Comma — Rev. Robert Chase will be our guest
preacher and after worship discussion leader about his recent book.
Bob was the Communications Director for the UCC and founding
director of Intersections International. You can learn more about
him at www.robertjchase.com.
March 30: Good Friday Blues — returning by popular demand, a
creative jazz/and poetic experience to help us re-imagine the
events of Good Friday biblically as well as in our own lives
today.
So as you can see, there is a lot to experience in March in
addition to our regular worship and programs. On the horizon is
“Wound on the Water,” another creative God is Speaking, Come Listen
Concert by Ray Landis, choir and community artists. May 21 is the
debut of Inner Jazz, actually the rebirth of a monthly Interfaith
jazz meditation series that began in Kirkwood and has been on hold.
More details to follow. Stay tuned also for additional MICA
programs that will coming later this spring.
Cliff
Lenten Wednesday Study – The Cross and the Lynching Treeby James
H. Cone
Beginning February 21
We will be partnering during Lent with Christ the King United
Church of Christ and Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal
Church, in Florissant, and St. John’s UCC - The Beloved Community,
in St. Louis, for a 5-part study series based on James Cone’s 2011
book, The Cross and the Lynching Tree (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis,
2011).
Each session will follow one of our Lenten Soup & Bread
Suppers. Supper at 6:00 PM (soup provided, bread and salads are
potluck), book study/discussion at 7:00 PM. A children’s
alternative will be provided, also at 7:00.
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DATE FROM OUR YOUTH COORDINATORDear Church Family,I have a few
youth group updates to share with you.
• We will be holding regular youth group sessions on the fourth
Sundays of each month; youth are invited to remain after church,
lunch will be provided.
• Through Lent we invite you to purchase a jar to fill with your
spare coins to help fund our next mission trip.
• Confirmation classes continue to go well, and we look forward
in 2018 to our interfaith field trips. • On December 9th we met at
the church and prepared various lotions and goodies for you to
purchase. If you need
a present or want a treat for yourself, we have a solution for
that problem!• The youth helped the younger children with the
Christmas Pageant that was held on Sunday, December 17th.
In 2018 we will be investigating ways to serve the church and
the wider community, using our God-given gifts. As
always, we are thankful for your love and support as we explore
our faith together.
Thank you for being a source of home.
All of that said, I hope that I can take a moment of personal
privilege as an alien who lives among you. Occasionally I write
poetry. The following poem expresses some of what has been heavy on
my heart of late.
Amy BrooksCoordinator of Youth Ministries
HomeDon’t oppress an immigrant. You know what it’s like to be an
immigrant, because you were immigrants
in the land of Egypt. ~ Exodus 23:9, CEB
Home is an intangible, nebulous, notion.Home is a vivid memory -
joyful… painful… problematic…Home is an emotion, a location, a
time.
Home is an open door (and) home is a slamming door.
Home is the hearth warming the heart of the Refugeeit is a
smoldering ruin left behind and the dimly lit flame flickering
ahead.
Home is everything the Dreamer has ever known and it is a
foreign land, never experienced.
Home is where the heart is, where the heart breaks where the
heart aches for the Homeless.
Home is a blue-green marble tucked into the pocket of a
fathomless, ever-expanding universe.
There are no homeless.There is no refugee, no dreamer, no
immigrant.
There are only those whose homes have been denied them by we who
have forgotten that yesterday we, too, stood in desolation and
looked for home, the true experiences of a family of Indigenous
Australians.
Page 6 FEBRUARY 2018
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Page 7 FEBRUARY 2018
HISTORY – PLAQUES AROUND THE CHURCH Those who went before us,
and some still with us have given us so much as evidenced by the
numerous plaques around our church building. Have you ever stopped
to read any of these? The History column this year will be focusing
on some of these plaques and the people whose names are inscribed
on them.
DID YOU KNOW...?In the vestibule of the Narthex there are
several plaques of historical importance. A large framed one is a
tribute to Rev. Truman Post. He was held in high esteem for he
guided our church founders as they were forming our church. Dr.
Post was Moderator of the Council of Congregational Churches, in
1867, when our church was officially recognized by the Council. The
cornerstone of our first church building was laid by Rev. Post. He
delivered the opening address that day. In 1992 when the 1892-3
sanctuary was demolished that cornerstone was opened so contents
could be transferred to the new cornerstone in 1993. On opening the
old cornerstone we found contents from both 1870 and 1892-3
cornerstones. Among these treasures we found a photo of Rev. Post
and the only photo we have of William M. Plant, often called our
founding father.
K. Roush 2018
“THE FIRST THING” IN FEBRUARY“The First Thing” is our new radio
broadcast. It airs at 9:00AM, every Sunday morning, on Radio 63119
– KWRH-LP, 92.9FM. The program offers a mix of “words and music for
the progressive Christian,” featuring excerpts from our worship
services and concerts.
If you miss the program on Sunday morning, you can stream it
from www.SoundCloud.com/FirstChurchWG, starting the Monday
afterward (schedule for the uploads may be subject to interruptions
in the office). Our January programming included
• New Year’s worship words from 2017, with Oîkos Ensemble music
from Palm Sunday 2016 (aired, December 31, 2017)
• Epiphany Celebration from 2016 (aired, January 7, 2018)•
Worship for the MLK Weekend 2017, with music by Oîkos (aired,
January 14, 2018)• Interviews about and music of “Triumph Through
Struggle,” our 2016 concert benefiting Magdalene St.
Louis (aired, January 21, 2018)• Worship from our Jubilee
Sunday, January 31, 2016 (aired, January 28, 2018)
The following is scheduled for February, although the schedule
is subject to change without notice:• February 4 – Worship sounds
from February 15, 2015, including Pastor Dave Denoon’s
memorable
retelling of the story of the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:1-20)•
February 11 – Worship sounds including Pastor Dave Denoon’s sermon,
“Science Is Our Friend”• February 18 – Worship sounds from February
22, 2015, “The God You May Not Have Known: Lost”• February 25 –
Worship sounds from February 29, 2015, “The God You May Not Have
Known: Outlaw”
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IT’S THE YEAR OF THE DOG – COME AND JOIN THE FESTIVITIES
A group will be celebrating the Chinese New Year on Sunday,
February 18, at 12:15, at The Joyluck Buffet, 8030 Manchester Road,
Brentwood, just east of Hanley. The cost will be about $15.00,
including a contribution to Webster-RockHill Ministries.
Be sure to wear red, the color of celebration and good luck.
PLEASE sign up in the office. If you have questions, call Garie
Perry at 698-2614, or Jane Porchey at 961-0283
FEBRUARY OUTING FOR LADY ELECT
Lady Elect Guild will visit Craft Alliance, in University City,
for their February 27 meeting, to see the Teapot Exhibit. We will
then eat dinner somewhere in the Loop. For those who want to
carpool from the Church lot, meet at 4 PM on 2/27. If one wants to
meet at Craft Alliance, we will gather there at 4:30. Craft
Alliance closes at 6 PM. All are welcome!
BENEVOLENCE AUCTION 2018
We are gearing up for the annual Benevolence Auction which will
be held on Saturday April 28. I’m so excited to announce that Mike
White Lenard will be joining me as Co-Chair for the committee this
year. Many committee members from last year will be returning to
help out again this year. Thank you all! If you are interested in
lending us a helping hand this year, please contact Mike or myself.
We welcome your ideas. The Benevolence Auction raises money to
support our partner agencies. Some of these include Care and
Counseling, Gateway 180, Great Circle, Habitat for Humanity, Room
at the Inn, Sandwich Makers, Missouri Mid-South Conference and
Webster-Rock Hill Ministries.
At the meetings, the committee will review the results of the
Benevolence Survey and plan the 2018 event. It’s a fun and exciting
event.We look forward to your participation this year. Thank you
for your continued support.
Jeanene Harris
Page 8 FEBRUARY 2018
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PARIS NOIR First Congregational Church of Webster Groves
sponsored Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light, a St.
Louis movie premiere that marked the end of our
“Year of Renewal.” The good sized crowd enjoyed the movie and
the lively discussion that followed.
Thanks to Webster University for allowing the use of the
Winifred Moore Auditorium and for supplying a projectionist.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH AND CELEBRATIONA number of hearty
First Church members ignored the frigid temperature on January 12th
and joined in the annual community march from City Hall to Steger
Sixth Grade Center. Once at the school they were joined by
others for dinner and a wonderful community celebration of
music, awards and oratory. The keynote speaker, Rev. Dr.
Craig Howard gave a truly inspiring address and the choral piece by
the WGHS A-Men and A-Ladies was absolutely beautiful. I walked out
feeling optimistic and happy to live in a community that
honors Dr. King in such an wonderful way. Kudos to the
planning committee headed by Pastor Dave and the many community
organizations that came together to provide a wonderful, smoothly
run event!
Phil Shoulberg
Page 9 FEBRUARY 2018
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SAGE NIGHT OUT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY BEARS BASKETBALL
Fifteen First Church members braved the cold on January
12th to watch the Washington University Bears take on
Brandeis. We had an excellent meal in the Hall of Fame Suite
overlooking the North side of the court. It was great to have
Coach Edwards drop in pre-game to say hello. The women’s team
unfortunately went down to the Brandeis Judges 92-84. The
Washington University men dominated with a final score of
84-56. After paying for the pizza we were able to contribute
$59 to Webster/Rock Hill Ministries.
The balance of the Washington University season is as
follows: 2/2 #25 Rochester 2/4
#17 Emory 2/16 Case Western 2/18
Carnagie Mellon
UAA basketball is the best free entertainment in town!
Washington University is the currently #6 team in the
country.
A FIRST CHURCH AFRICAN AMERICAN PROFILE JENNIE E. DAVIS
SHARP
Webster Groves history and the history of Douglass School inform
us that at least one early member of our congregation was an
African American – Jennie (sometimes identified as Jane E., or even
Jeanette) Davis, who attended from 1878 to 1883 and actually joined
the fellowship in 1883 in order to qualify to serve as an
educational missionary to Liberia. Miss Davis received her teaching
degree from the Boston Normal School in Boston, Massachusetts, and
was the first black schoolmistress of what would come to be called
Douglass School. She served in that capacity during those years in
which she was part of our faith community. After departing for West
Africa, she
established a girls school, teaching out of her home in the
village of Mount Coffee, Liberia, not too far up the St. Paul’s
River from the capital, Monrovia. In Mount Coffee she met and
married the sugar planter and mill owner, the Hon. Jesse Sharp, who
had emigrated to Liberia from the U.S. in the 1850s. In the thirty
or so years before he met Miss Davis, Mr. Sharp had established a
150-acre plantation and become one of the wealthiest men in
Liberia. Mr. Sharp died in December 1891. Mrs. Sharp continued her
teaching mission. The photo above is of Mrs. Sharp (at center) and
the student body of her school in 1892; it was displayed at the
Chicago World’s Fair, 1893.
Page 10 FEBRUARY 2018
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OPEN & AFFIRMING: LIVING OPENLYA PUBLIC AND VISIBLE
CHURCH
GATEWAY ONA’S SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Saturday March 3, 2018 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration begins at
8:30AM Coffee, Pastries and Fruit will be Available Displays will
be Open
Parkway United Church of Christ 2841 North Ballas Road Saint
Louis, Missouri 63131 Registration $15 per person/includes lunch or
$100 per church with 7 or more attending
If you are an Open and Affirming congregation, talking about
Open and Affirming or thinking about starting the conversation, if
you want to explore how to be effective allies, there will be
something for you and your church. Come be in conversation with
others, learn what it means to be Open and Affirming and how to
fully express extravagant welcome to all God’s children.
Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ’s (UCC)
designation for congregations and other settings of the UCC which
make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry
to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and
gender expressions.
This year there will be some new workshops and some new leaders
as well as some returning leaders.
For additional information contact: Lorin Cope, Convener,
Gateway ONA at [email protected]
Page 11 FEBRUARY 2018
Doug Barton – Feb 15
Erick Falconer – Feb 16
Allison Davis – Feb 20
Pat Doyle-Grace – Feb 20
Martin Mills – Feb 21
Sam Craig – Feb 26
Elilsabeth Oliphant – Feb 27
Derby Mazur – Feb 28
Charlie Brader – Feb 5
Shirley Durfee – Feb 5
Mary Edwards – Feb 6
K Wentzien – Feb 6
Elyse Von Weise – Feb 7
Sam Oliphant – Feb 8
Kathy Hill – Feb 11
James Romeis – Feb 14
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Seek Christ in each. Serve God in all.
ModeratorLinda [email protected]
PastorRev. David A. [email protected]
Office AdministratorDebbie [email protected]
Director of MusicDr. Raymond
[email protected]
Assistant Director of Music for ChildrenTim
[email protected]
Director of Christian EducationTracey
[email protected]
Coordinator of Youth MinistriesAmy
[email protected]
Facilities ManagerChip [email protected]
CustodianDarrell Lakies
Assistant CustodianGus McLean
Director, Center for Counseling & HealingRev. Linda E.
Smith, BCRN, LCSW, HTCP/[email protected]
Director, Min. of Imagination, Creativity, ArtsRev. Cliff
[email protected]
February Meal-A-Month Canned Tuna (packed in water) • Tuna
Helper
Canned Carrots (low or no salt)
Canned Fruit in Own Juices
Powdered Milk • Shelf Stable Milk • Soy Milk
Diapers • Diaper Wipes • Formula With Iron
Missing Someone?Have you been missing someone for a while from
worship and other church events? Please, let Pastor Dave Denoon
or Parish Life Chair, Faye Dyer know. Either will be happy to
follow up for you.
10 West Lockwood AvenueWebster Groves, MO 63119