05/02/2025 | Volume 132 | Issue 5

The Big Ask - May

Deodorant and Bar Soap.

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.

Coffee and Conversation: Enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a bite to eat with Isaiah 58 Ministries Executive Director, Rev. Brenda Booth. Hear first-hand about the current status of our ministry at 2149 South Grand Blvd, and catch a glimpse of our exciting plans for the future.

The final date is: Monday, May 5th at 1:30pm.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn how you can be part of our journey. Use the link below to reserve a spot at one of the upcoming four Coffee & Conversations. You may register yourself and one other person.

Register here

Don't forget! We switch to a single service at 9:30 am on Sunday, May 25. We return to two services on Sunday, September 7.

On Sunday, April 13th, the following joined in sharing the meal of holy communion: Beau, Myles, Ulysses (Sully), Yeats, and Fynnigan.

In the sacrament of holy baptism, we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God. In the sacrament of holy communion, God unites us in Jesus Christ and nourishes us for that mission. Living among God’s faithful people, we are strengthened by God’s word and this holy supper to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

Special thanks to Natalie for assisting with baking the Communion bread!

Myles and Beau during the 1st service

Fynnigan (not pictured), Sully, and Yeats during the second service.

Shout out to Gethsemane's High School and College Grads!

Peter Borkowski graduated in December from Concordia University Chicago, Summa Cum Laude, majoring in communications and minors in journalism and english. After a successful career working for the university Sports Information Department, Peter was recently named Student Worker of the Year, given to seniors for their contributions to the department. In addition, Peter was the starting goalie for the university lacrosse team for the three seasons of his attendance. After graduation, Peter accepted a Graduate Assistant position in the Athletic Communications Department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale to pursue a masters degree in Sports Management.

Anna Bohnert is graduating from The Ohio State University on May 4th with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Civic Engagement.

She will be moving to Chicago this fall to start her job as an auditor with CBIZ

We are thrilled to announce that Riley Boehlje is graduating from Metro High School on May 15. 



Riley has enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, being the manager of the girls softball and boys soccer teams, and leading the Audio/Visual club. 

He plans to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia in the fall.

Joe Cooney is finishing up his Masters in Molecular Engineering at University of Chicago this year. 

He is currently looking for career or internship opportunities to use his skills in Physics, Computer Science, Quantum Mechanics or communicating about science to others. 

Let him know if you have any career connections! 

Evan Cooney is graduating from High School this year. He has been attending dual credit classes (which count for HS and college credit) this year at St. Louis Community College and Arizona State U. and has enjoyed the challenge. Evan captained a student Cybersecurity Team this year and his STLCC team came in 68^th place out of over 4,900 college teams in their very first competition! He is looking forward to attending Mizzou, where he will major in Computer Science and was accepted to the Honors college. M-I-Z!

Kristen Tarsala will be graduating in early May from WashU with her doctorate in physical therapy. It has been a great three years here in St. Louis and she is incredibly grateful for the community at Gethsemane.

She will be returning home to Los Angeles at the end of May where she will start working for a school-based physical therapy company.

Red Cross Blood Drive

The Red Cross will be back at Gethsemane on Monday, June 9 from 1-5pm. Click here to schedule your appointment!

Wondering if donating blood is right for you? Check out this article from Medical News Today highlighting the personal and societal benefits of donating blood.

All types are needed! Click here to schedule your appointment!

Serve Boldly Employment Opportunity: We are seeking seminarians, teachers, youth ministry professionals, and college and grad students interested in a short-term, 2 to 3 week summer commitment. Serve Boldly is a Lutheran (ELCA) ministry that provides youth, grades 6-12, the opportunity to accompany and serve their neighbor in urban communities while deepening their understanding of God’s presence in their lives. Guides provide a quality service experience for church youth groups in St. Louis. We welcome you to visit our website https://www.gllm.org/sb-staff.html to start an application. Please contact Serve Boldly Director, Sara Jonasen, at sjonasen@gllm.org with any questions.

Little Free Pantry

Thank you for your continued support of Gethsemane's Little Free Pantry!

The Little Free Pantry Team is still requesting more items for the comfort cabinet - wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, etc. and would like to see more pasta sauce, cans of soup, pasta, and cereal.

The food pantry is especially in need of the following items: macaroni and cheese, shelf stable milk, and cereal.

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

Love to shop? The Social Action Team buys in bulk to supply the Little Free Pantry and get the most out of folks' financial donations to the Pantry fund. But not all of our thrifty volunteers have a way to get that 50-pack of Vienna Sausages from the store to the church basement. Would you be our shopping buddy? We'd let you know what's needed and where it's cheapest, and you'd place and/or pick up the order (covered by the Pantry fund) and bring it to church whenever you usually come. Even occasional help is great! Email leahjmorrell@gmail.com for more info.