04/01/2026 | Volume 133 | Issue 4

North Hampton Neigbbors will meet at Gethsemane on April 27 at 6pm. They used to meet at Gethsemane every month and now they meet at Gethsemane every even month. (February, April, June, August, October, December.)

VOTE in the St. Louis area on Tuesday, April 7th! (Gethsemane is NOT a polling place.)

St. Louis City information, St. Louis County information, Jefferson County information, St. Charles County information.

Race for Refugees – Register Now!

Join the 8th Annual Race for Refugees on Saturday, April 18 at 9:00am in Tower Grove Park. This family‑friendly run/walk celebrates our refugee and immigrant neighbors while supporting the International Institute of St. Louis and the important services they provide.



Form a team of 5 or more and save $5 per registrant! Participants can choose a Race for Refugees t‑shirt or upgrade to a hoodie during registration.

Whether you run or walk (in person or virtually), you’ll be helping create a more welcoming community for all.

The Direction of the Lutheran Church



Join Saint Philip’s Evangelical Lutheran Church for a Christian forum exploring the direction and future of the Lutheran Church. This event will feature presentations and conversation with Rev. Roy E. Christell, Rev. Kristen Koch, and Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Wheeler. The forum will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Saint Philip’s (2424 Minnie Lane Dr., St. Louis). Registration is encouraged.

The Big Ask - April

Toilet Paper, Paper towels

Gethsemane has partnered with St. Anthony's and Isaiah 58 to provide them with food and non-food items. The non-food items are particularly important as these are not covered by food stamps.

These donations can be placed in the wooden cabinets at the end of the hallway leading into the narthex.

Isaiah 58 Ministries: New Building Update

Isaiah 58 Ministries purchased a new building at 4164 Chippewa Street, creating a larger and more accessible home for their expanding food pantry and outreach programs. This new location brings the ministry closer to the neighbors they serve and provides room to grow in meaningful, sustainable ways.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 24 to celebrate this milestone. As renovations begin, the ministry invites continued prayers, support, and partnership as they work to transform this space into a welcoming hub of dignity and care for the community.

Little Free Pantry and Comfort Cabinet

Thank you for your continued support of Gethsemane's Little Free Pantry and the Anne Crotty Comfort Cabinet.

The Little Free Pantry Team is still requesting more items for the comfort cabinet - wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, hand warmers, etc.

The food pantry is especially in need of the following items: cereal, canned meats, and peanut butter. (Remember no glass jars, please!)

All items can be placed in the cart located in the hallway next to the mailboxes.

Reminder that the summer schedule will begin at the end of next month on May 24th 9:30am

Vacation Bible School Registration is Open!

Join us this summer as Gethsemane explores how God uses water throughout Scripture to show His power, care, and new life.

Kids will enjoy a fun week of Bible stories, games, crafts, and music! Click here for more info!

Camper Registration

Volunteer Registration

Know a family or friend who might be interested? Please share the links—everyone is welcome!

We extend our prayers and the comfort of the resurrection to the family and friends of Neil Gustafson and Sue Hackmann.

Neil Gustafson, husband of the late Linda Gustafson, died over the weekend. We pray for comfort and peace for his family—his son Damien and sister‑in‑law Sharon Salerno, who are members of Gethsemane—and for all who grieve. Neil’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 10. His obituary, including funeral arrangements, can be found here.

We also mourn Sue Hackmann, a faithful member of Gethsemane, who died on Sunday, March 29th and now rests with her late husband, Dave. We commend Sue to God’s gracious care and hold her loved ones in prayer. Her funeral will take place at Gethsemane sometime next week; details will be shared in the Thursday eNews.

Rest eternal grant them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Attention Class of 2026

Gethsemane would like to feature our high school and college graduates in next month’s Messenger! If you have a graduate this spring, please send a short bio and picture to Gretchen by April 29th. To see examples you can refresh your memory from the May 2025 Messenger.

Honoring Don Kurt

For many years, Don Kurt has faithfully and lovingly updated Gethsemane’s outdoor sign—through rain, snow, heat, and everything in between. As he steps into retirement from this ministry, we offer our heartfelt thanks for his dedication, care, and service to our community.

On Easter Sunday, a card will be available in the narthex for everyone to sign.



Please take a moment to add your name—or leave a personal note of gratitude—to show Don how much his Gethsemane family appreciates him!

Did you know Gethsemane has a Member Care team?

Gethsemane’s Member Care team provides support for members facing illness, surgery, crisis, or loss, and also celebrate significant life events like births. We perform duties such as sending cards, providing meals (via gift cards), and coordinating visits for the homebound or hospitalized.

The team acts as a vital link between members in need and those who can offer help within the church community. If you or a church member you know is in need of support from the GLC’s

Member Care team, please contact the church office or check box on weekly insert. You may reach out to the Member Care team directly at bbart1801@gmail.com.

Requests for member care support are private and will only be shared with the congregation if you so choose.

All of us can be members in need as well as members who provide care.

If you’d like to be a part of Gethsemane’s Member Care team, watch for meeting updates in the Messenger or weekly newsletters. Thank you!

Chili Cookie Cook Off - Thank you!

Thank You for a Wonderful Chili and Cookie Cook‑Off!



Thank you to everyone who participated in our Chili Cook‑Off on March 1—and to the more than 50 people who stayed to sample, vote, and enjoy a fun afternoon of fellowship. Your enthusiasm and creativity made this event a great success!

Congratulations to our chili winners:

Alfred Gorvie (3rd place), Simone Richardson (2nd place), and Gretchen Jenson (1st place).

And congratulations to our cookie contest winners: Chris Schmidt (3rd place), James F. (2nd place), and Gretchen Jenson (1st place).



This year’s cook‑off also marked a first in church history, with one participant taking 1st place in both the chili and cookie categories—a moment worth noting and smiling about! Most importantly, the day was filled with good food, laughter, and community. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a joyful gathering.

from left to right: Chris, James, Gretchen, Simone (and Maddix!), and Alfred

If you would like the recipe for either the 1st place chili or cookie click here!