KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 1 Kirkwood United Church of Christ Our Welcoming Covenant Kirkwood United Church of Christ is called by God to be an open, diverse and caring community of Jesus disciples. In following Christ s commandment to love one another, we welcome all who wish to share in fellowship, membership, leadership, worship, ministry, sacraments, rites, responsibilities and blessings of our faith community. As we affirm every person is a child of God, no one is excluded, regardless of race, ethnic or socio-economic background, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, nationality or faith background. We are an Open and Affirming and an Immigrant Welcoming congregation. All are welcome here! A Word from the Pastor November 2018 "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world s grief. Do justly now. Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. - From the Talmud, 303 The violent events of the last week of October have left most of us feeling overwhelmed, lost and weary. Who are we? Who are we becoming?? And what can we do to move us forward toward love, kindness and the affirmation of all humanity? The fear-mongering and hate that is echoing around us requires a response. Thanks be to God, we are a spiritual body, a community that centers itself around faith in something bigger than us, with modeling from Jesus to guide the way. It is during times such as these that faith in a higher power of love is not only helpful, but in my opinion, critical. The Talmud is a collection of rabbinic teachings compiled between 100 and 600 CE that help interpret our holy commandments for living. What I appreciate about the quote above is that it calls us to the humble work of goodness and justice, but does not saddle us with responsibility for the overall outcome. Where it all ends up remains a mystery - certainly to be prayed for. Meanwhile, each moment of each day we face choices about how to show up given the circumstances: one gesture, one word, one second of patience can move the world forward. I have watched with awe the sense of vulnerability and grace (so much grace...) with which Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life Synagogue has faced our nation during this tragedy, and will carry his spirit with me as inspiration for months to come. On the morning of October 29, four members of the Tree of Life congregation were interviewed on CBS Morning News. They had been spared the violence of their synagogue because they arrived late to service the previous Saturday morning, entering the building just as the gunshots were being fired. They quickly exited and called 911. Asked how they were dealing with the pain and grief, one gentleman said, The way to respond in a moment of trauma is to reach out. With that, and tears in his eyes, he grabbed the hands of his wife and friend who sat on either side of him. It has been suggested that communities of faith throughout our country offer their love and support to the Tree of Life congregation through a shower of notes and cards. If you would like to participate in this gesture of goodness and justice, please drop off your note or card at the church office by Sunday, November 11th. We will mail them together on behalf of our KUCC congregation. Beyond that, pray. Pray without ceasing. Oh, and vote on November 6th. Please vote. God s Shalom to you, Betsy
KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 2 Upcoming Sunday Morning Adult Education Classes: Countering Pharaoh's Production-Consumption Society Today November 4, 11, 25 and December 2, 9 A study for Progressive Christians, these DVD-based materials are led by Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, a renown Old Testament scholar & former Eden Theological Seminary professor, and is ideal leading into the Advent season. From Dr. Brueggemann: "It is a journey from slavery to covenant that we keep making over and over again... [because] Pharaoh has immense power always to draw us back into slavery." Questions to be explored in this study include: how can liberal and conservative Christians engage with each other?, what is the meaning of neighborhood?, how are we to understand the role violence plays in the Scriptures?, and many others. This study is published by the Living the Questions production house, a KUCC favorite. Join us on November 4, 11, 25 and December 2 and 9 as we view and discuss the wisdom and insights of Dr. Brueggemann. Class will be held in the theater. Congregational Meeting November 18 - No Class Calling KUCC creative thinkers and faithful followers. We have the opportunity to design and construct two new banners to brighten the walls of our new gathering space and to express who we are as a community. There are many ways to participate in this activity from offering design ideas to helping with construction. The kick-off meeting for this activity will take place on Sunday, November 4, at 2:00pm. The purpose of this initial meeting is to see who is interested in participating and to find a time or times going forward that will work for everyone who is interested. If you are unable to meet at that time, but are interested in helping, contact Jerri Davenport at jerrildavenport@gmail.com. FOR YOUR PLANNING PURPOSES: CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE This year KUCC will offer two worship services on Christmas Eve: A Family-Friendly service (for all ages!) at 4:00 pm This service will last 45 minutes, and will include carol singing; an inter-active, kid-friendly version of the traditional Christmas story; and the singing of Silent Night in candlelight at the end. And there will be Christmas treats for all! A Traditional Candlelight Service at 10:00 pm This service will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the hymn, Silent Night, and will center around scripture, music from the KUCC Choir & others, Holy Communion, and the singing of Silent Night by candlelight. We will conclude by 11:00 pm.
KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 3 Wednesday, November 14th We will be meeting once again for our monthly gathering of Women's Fellowship on Wednesday, November 14th, at 11:30 am. We will start out sharing in our luncheon and then move on to our program for the day. You need to bring your own lunch and drinks and dessert will be provided by our host, Mary Mohl. The program will be "Art for the Heart: De-Stressing for Non-Artist presented by Judy Williamson. Come join in on the fun of learning something new which you will produce yourself! Hope to see you on Wednesday, November 14th!!!! The Shepherd s Center is a place Inspiring older adults through Programs, services & volunteering. The center received a grant to expand the area of service for providing rides to medical appointments, door to door service. My reason for publishing this is to let people know of this for their own use, if needed. Of course with this expanded area, the center needs more drivers. If you are interested in this program, call The Shepherd s Center at 314-395-0988. More on other programs next month. Rose Brockhouse
KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 4 A Uber driver picked up a fare at a hospital. The woman got in and tearfully told him she needed to go to the airport. In a few minutes he asked if she was okay. She answered, "My son was badly injured in an accident with his motorcycle. His legs are paralyzed and he has to be in rehab here for the entire summer. I have to go home because I need my job and that is how I have health insurance for him. The Uber driver dropped her off, went back to the hospital and went up to visit her son. He felt so sorry for the young man and came to visit him every day that entire summer. He even took him out for a change of scenery at times. The mother, son and Uber driver have remained good friends. ******************************************** In Lancaster, California, the police were notified by cell phone that an elderly woman was sitting in her powered wheelchair in the middle of a busy road. A patrol car and two policemen were sent to investigate. It seems the woman's electric wheelchair battery gone out. She explained she lived just a mile away. Rather than wait for a large truck to be sent, one officer pushed the woman's chair all the way to her house, while the other drove slowly behind them to protect them from any vehicles that might come up behind them. The officer in the car spoke into the microphone periodically, saying, "You are now going 1 mile an hour. Is that your best speed?" ******************************************** Wildlife officials in Maryland tracked a bear cub for three days. It had been seen struggling with his head stuck in a bucket. The little guy would starve to death without help! They found the bear, tranquilized him and removed the bucket. The 100 pound cub was freed and the crowd of onlookers was giddy to see the cub run off with no signs of injury. If you find/hear of a story for this column, please email it to Barb Thompson @ pamin2@att.net.
KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 5 2018 CABARET! It was an afternoon filled with terrific music and joy, all for a great cause. Over $700 was raised to help support KUCC Choir s college outreach ministry - and we were blessed with a song from one of those college students, Lauren John. Thank you to our Director of Music Ministry, Scott Kinworthy, and all the marvelous musicians who performed that afternoon! Lots of fun...
KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 6 THANK YOU! SEPTEMBER GIVING/ EXPENDITURE INFORMATION Each month KUCC's Church Council will report on our church's basic giving and expenditures from the previous month. Following is the information for August, 2018: Sept Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget INCOME $21,122 $177,027 $173,250 EXPENSES $20,051 $177,261 $178,420 Because of your generosity, during the month of September, KUCC was able to: hold an overnight retreat at Camp MoVal for this year s faith formation class; welcome a new Eden Seminary student pastor, Phillip Harris; and host an evening book study on Faith by Jimmy Carter. We thank you!!
KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 7 God's Helping Hands Breakfast Program The following KUCC members are scheduled to serve breakfast on Sunday morning, November 18: Russ Kuttenkuler, Emily Kuttenkuler, Kim Finney, Paul Halwe, Carol Bender, Earline Stewart, Barb Thompson The breakfast teams serve between 80 & 120 people on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Thank you for your service in this important ministry. MEN S PRAYER LUNCH Down Under, 1141 Colonnade Center, Des Pres, 63131. Our Next Meeting will be November 9th. CHRISTMAS GIFT PROGRAM The Mission and Outreach Team is already working to make this year's Christmas Program with God's Helping Hands Ministry the same huge success it has been in the past. On November 11, the gift tags will be available on trees in the gathering space after worship. Purchased gifts will be due back at KUCC by December 9 so they can be delivered in plenty of time for Christmas. We will also be supporting St. John s Community Ministry this year as we have done before. The incredible way our congregation supports these programs makes the love of Christmas real and meaningful in the lives of many children and families. We thank you for your generosity!
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KUCC Newsletter November 2018 Page 10 Kirkwood United Church of Christ 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road Kirkwood, MO 63122 Visit us at www.kirkwooducc.org Postmaster: Please deliver promptly (time-dated material) NOVEMBER Newsletter 2018 No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! JOIN US FOR WORSHIP Sunday Worship & Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Adult Education at 11:00 a.m. (Sundays) KUCC STAFF Betsy Happel, Pastor (betsy@kirkwooducc.org) Phillip Harris, Student Pastor pharris@eden.edu Scott Kinworthy, Director of Music Ministry (kinworthy.scott@yahoo.com) Ron Bryant, Accompanist (bigfaye1965@yahoo.com) Donna Bay, Administrative Assistant (donna@kirkwooducc.org) All articles for the next Newsletter are due to the church office at donna@kirkwooducc.org no later than November 21st. CONTACT US Kirkwood United Church of Christ 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road Kirkwood, MO 63122 Website www.kirkwooducc.org Phone (314)822-2240 Fax (314)822-3955 Facebook us