TopeBulletin Highlights:
 
This Sunday, August 19
Worship 10:30am in the Sanctuary

Rev. Dr. Bill Smutz Preaching, "Failure & Vulnerability"
Mission Moment from Julie Pole, Executive Director of Food Outreach

After Worship:  Coffee & Community

Greeters: David and Jeanruie Neil
Ushers: Mary Lou Mellish, Bill Mellish, Paul Brady, Elisa Wang
Welcome & Announcements: Ward Klein
Liturgist:  Paul Evensen
Infant-Preschool: Ginny Hartley
Summer Sunday School: Emily Stokes, Leigh Greenhaw
Summer Music Team:  Carol Bell, Mary Brown, Carol Klein, Leila Sadat, Stephanie Ruggles
Counters: Mary Lou Mellish, Karen Safe
Coffee & Community: Melissa Wurst
nurseryNew space for our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers!

Our youngest FCC children have a new space on Sunday mornings--on the main level right across from Pastor Bill's office. It will be open this Sunday!


 
Announcements
meetinggroundIntroducing: The Meeting Ground
Thursdays September 13-November 15

First Congregational Church of St. Louis is embarking on a new and exciting journey this fall as we kick off The Meeting Ground  on Thursday  nights for ten weeks. This is a weekly opportunity for our faith community to come together for music, meal, and learning. Through this new endeavor we hope to strengthen relationships and dig into the fundamentals of our faith. We will also focus more on intergenerational opportunities for our youth. Check out the new  Thursday  night schedule!
 
4:30-5:30: Bell Choir Rehearsal (for adults & youth 6th grade and older)
                  Out Before Dark (a study for those who prefer not to drive after dark)

5:30-6:15:  Community dinner (catered; suggested donation $8/person, 
                  $20 family max) 

6:30-7:30: God's Blue Earth Elementary Study (for children K-5th Grade)

7:30-9:00: Chancel Choir Rehearsal (for adults and high school youth)

For more information, visit our blog HERE.
teachersBe a part of our children's faith journeys!

If you are interested in helping our kids and youth on their faith journey we could use your help! We are in need of  Sunday  school teachers for  the Kindergarten-Second Grade class this 2018-19 school year.  We ask teachers to commit to teaching twice a month and teachers always teach in pairs. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Emily
Infant-Preschool Care

Our littlest ones are taken care of by volunteers on Sunday mornings. We have a need for some more people to join our team, so if you are interested, please contact Anne Chao.
Tribute to Deena Schorr
Written by her daughter, Leila Sadat

On August 8, 2018, a beautiful soul named Deena Ruth Schorr left planet earth. Born on January 9, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey, she was a brilliant, devout and conscientious person who believed in education, in tolerance, and in rational thought. Educated at George Washington University, Radcliffe and Rutgers, she obtained her PhD at a time when women didn't attend graduate school and even if they did, were expected to settle down, raise a family and take a back seat. Deena was different. She taught at Rutgers University and then worked for Legislative Services for the State of New Jersey, ultimately becoming a supervisor. She loved classical music and the arts, visiting London at Christmas and trips around the world. As a young Jewish woman from New Jersey, she married a handsome Syrian in Istanbul, surely an act of great love, courage and conviction. She never forgot a birthday and adored her grandchildren. She was respected by all. She is survived by a daughter, Leila Sadat (from St. Louis), a son, Rick Dixon (from Nashville), and her beloved cat Princess Fiona ("Puf"). Her last wish was for all her friends and family to enjoy life and especially a glass of champagne in her honor. Donations in her memory can be sent to the Philadelphia Orchestra, One South Broad Street, 14th Floor, Philadelphia PA 19107,  www.philaorch.org/support . May she rest in perfect peace. 
youngadultYoung Adult Food Truck Picnic
Sunday August 26 after Worship

Let's give Sarah Bereza and Brandon Tan and Nico a warm First Church Welcome!  Not only are they new to First Church but they are also new to St. Louis!  So if you're a parent of youngsters or even a young person or couple that's hip to what's cool and happening in St. Louis - maybe you can share some tips with Sarah, Brandon, and Nico at a special picnic just for folks about their age. We'll gather after service on  Sunday August 26th  for a picnic, and kids can play on the playground. Cheese Shack food truck will be here!
picnicFall Picnic
Sunday September 9

Join us as we celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the school year on September 9! During worship we will bless our Sunday school teachers and begin the fall Sunday school classes. After worship we'll have a potluck picnic out on the garth! Membership & Fellowship is providing veggie burgers and hot dogs, and we're all invited to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share. At the picnic we'll celebrate and welcome our new Minister of Music, Sarah Bereza.
foodoutreachFood Outreach Work Day
Saturday September 22  8:00 AM

Come join our volunteer team (ages 16 and up) on our annual trip to assist Food Outreach with packaging and storing meals for people living with HIV/AIDS or cancer. We need at least 20-25 people. Sign up online HERE. Food Outreach is located at 3117 Olive. If you wish to carpool, please meet at the church at 7:30am and please note that when you sign up. We usually work until 11 am. 
staycationStaycation Bible School
September 23

Our last Staycation Bible School event is a trip to Powder Valley Nature Center on September 23 after worship. Bring a picnic to enjoy with the rest of the group, and then we will explore God's creation on hikes through Powder Valley.
fundraiserSave the Date for Our Annual Fundraiser!
October 20

Because last year was such a fun success, this year's fundraiser to support the ministries and mission of FCC will again be a Chef's Tasting Dinner, featuring delicious tasting portions from our very own FCC chefs. We'll also have silent and live auctions full of exciting offerings from our members, friends, and local organizations and businesses. Add the evening of October 20 to your calendar so you won't miss it! If you have something to donate to our auction (like a gift basket, handmade item, party, vacation home, etc.), please contact Hannah Rice. If you know of a local business owner who might be interested in donating, pick up a donation letter and form from the office. Many letters have already gone out to area businesses.
websiteNew Website!

Our new church website is up! Check out www.firstcongregational.org to see the new look. We'll continue to update and add things as we go. If you spot any errors, please (kindly) inform Hannah Rice! Thanks to Brandon Tan (Sarah Bereza's husband) for taking our new staff team photos. 
cookbookChurch Cookbook

We are excited to announce we are putting together a First Congregational Church cookbook. We are asking for recipe submissions from our members and friends! We are looking for a variety of recipes that include good for kids, parties, coffee hour, etc. Please pick up a submission form in the tower room. If you need help adding a recipe please feel free to email  Chelsea.merrell@gmail.com

We will be selling the cookbook for $20/book.
Canned Food Drive for Isaiah 58

We continue to collect non-perishables for our mission partner, Isaiah 58's food pantry. We have 2 containers - one in the Narthex and one in the Tower Room - you can put your cans in. While all nonperishables are welcome, the priority needs in August are dried potatoes, tuna, and baby wipes.
 
CalendarThis Week at FCC

View our full church calendar online HERE.
Sunday August 19
10:30 am Sunday Worship
11:30 am Coffee & Community
12:00 pm Sunday School Teacher Training
Monday August 20
6:30 pm Mission & Outreach Meeting
Tuesday August 21
10:00 am Sacred Studies & Fellowship
Wednesday August 22
7:00 am Wydown Men's Club: at Epiphany UCC
12:00 pm FCC Staff Team Meeting
Saturday August 25
10:00 am Youth trip to Six Flags
Sunday August 26
10:30 am Sunday Worship
11:30 am Coffee & Community
 
CommunityIn the Wider Community
"Overcoming Political Tribalism 
and Recovering Our American Democracy"
A public conversation between Amy Chua and John Danforth
September 6  7:00-8:30 pm
Graham Chapel at Washington University
Reception and book signing immediately following

Amy Chua is the John M. Duff, Jr. Professor of Law at Yale Law School and New Your Times bestselling author of "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother." John Danforth served as a US Senator from Missouri and is the author of "Faith and Politics" and "The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can Change Politics." Prof. Chua and Sen. Danforth will discuss her new book, "Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations." Visit rap.wustl.edu for more information.
InterfaithEight Annual Arts & Faith St. Louis Interfaith Concert
"Great Music of Many Faiths"
Sunday September 16  5:30 PM (Doors open 4:30)
The Sheldon Concert Hall

This year's FREE concert, "Great Music of Many Faiths," will feature both adult and young singers and musicians from faith communities across the metropolitan area who will share their most treasured music with us. Also performing will be celebrated soprano Christine Brewer and the 442s, an ensemble including members of the St. Louis Symphony. A specially-assembled interfaith youth chorus led by Maria Ellis will perform music written by Adam Maness and Paul Reuter. Short video interludes will transport the audience into local places of worship. The welcome and opening remarks will be given by Mufti Asif Umar, Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. Closing remarks will be made by Rev. Dr. Dieter Heinzl, Associate Pastor of Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. After the concert, the audience will be invited to mingle outside with the artists and faith ensembles and have opportunities to learn about other Arts & Faith St. Louis activities during the year. Join us at this inspiring event showcasing St. Louis's diverse faith groups, which will provide the transforming power of the shared musical experience and unique opportunity for reflecting, unity and peace. For more information go to: ArtsFaithSTL.org or call 314-533-9900.
Unleashing Potential's Art & Soul VIII
November 2  6:30 PM
The Four Seasons Hotel (999 N. 2nd St.)

Now in its 8th  year, Art & Soul is a celebration of Unleashing Potential and how art reaches across boundaries such as poverty and challenging urban neighborhoods to help strengthen children and youth. The event will feature unique works of art in many forms, done by artists of all ages. Guests will enjoy cocktails, fabulous food, silent and live auctions, and Fund the Need.  Our special guest emcee will be Cory Stark, KMOV Morning Co-Anchor and our auctioneer will be Fletcher Lane. The cost is $175/person. Find out more and register online HERE.
 
Sign-Up Center
Children & Families Facebook Page

 

Our Children & Families Facebook page focuses on empowering children and families of FCC to explore and grow in their faith.

 

Make sure to visit and like our page HERE.

coffeeCan You Host Coffee & Community?

 

We will provide coffee & lemonade, and you bring whatever goodies you would like, sweet or savory.

 

Please sign up at the Sign-Up Center outside the church office, or you can access our Google document HERE

Become a Liturgist in Worship

"Liturgy" means "the work of the people," so we would like to incorporate more voices into our worship service. Would you like to become a lay liturgist and help lead the worship liturgy on Sunday mornings? Sign up online HERE or  contact the church office with questions.

From the Membership & Fellowship Committee

Jump Into the Pool!

 

Want to help FCC from time to time, but you're not at all interested in committee meetings or reports? Then join our Volunteer Pool, a group of folks who can be called on to help with short-term projects. If lots of us pitch in, the work will be spread out, manageable, and have an end! Give an hour or two of your time!

 

Please go HERE to sign up, or give us your name and contact information on the sign-up sheet in the office.

Weekday Office Volunteers
 
If you are available during the day, Monday - Friday, to assist the FCC staff with periodic administrative tasks (preparing newsletters for printing, stuffing, stamping, and sealing envelopes, etc.), please add your name and e-mail address to the Google document HERE.


Memorial Service Greeters & Ushers

We often ask for members to participate in memorial services taking place at FCC. 
If you are willing to be on our calling list, please add your name and e-mail address  to the Google document HERE.


Share Your Gifts and Interests with FCC HERE .

 
FCC Church Office
Contact Us Via E-Mail

Rev. Dr. Bill Smutz : Interim Senior Minister
Emily Stokes Minister of Children & Families
Dr. Sarah Bereza: Minister of Music
Hannah Rice: Minister of Administration and Membership
Valerie Jackson: Member in Discernment
Anne Chao: Preschool Director

Phone: (314) 721-5060     Fax: (314) 721-2716     Preschool: (314) 721-7404