September 25, 2025 l ISSUE 39

"You are my refuge and my stronghold,

my God in whom I put my trust."

Psalm 91:2

Sunday Morning Adult Formation Conversations

Join us every Sunday

from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.

in the Parish Hall

as we listen to God's Holy Word

and discuss how it impacts our personal lives.

9:30a.m. in the Parish Hall

Sunday service

at 10:30 a.m.



UPCOMING SCRIPTURE READINGS

SUNDAY LEADERS

A Note From Fr. Jeff

I attended the diocesan interfaith prayer vigil for an end of gun violence at St. Timothy's Episcopal in Creve Coeur this past Sunday afternoon. It was a deeply moving service, with a very intimate experience shared from a mother's perspective of having her two children traumatized by being present with a school shooting in St. Louis two years ago. The service stressed the power of prayer

I found a short prayer and a reflection in the service especially meaningful. I share them with you that you too can offer them as part of your daily prayer experience.

God of the weary, God of the hopeful, mend that which is wounded, bind up that which is broken, soothe that which is shattered. Enliven us with courage, passion, and strength to renew and recreate our world in the likeness of lasting peace. Amen.

A single water drop has the power to shape even the hardest stone. A single act of hope has the power to inspire a world to be transformed. A single light has the power to dispel the deepest gloom. Together we embody the power to transform our world into a place where gun violence is no more, because as Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. reminded us, "The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing in seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence, you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence, you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Friends, continue to pray for peace and an end to gun violence in our community and our nation! And add to your prayer some positive act - calling or writing to your state and federal representatives, encourage friends and family to safely secure weapons in their homes, vote for representatives who are like minded in gun safety, become an active member of a group who works towards ending gun violence, and so many more opportunities.

Discernment Team

Seeks Congregational Input

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not your harm, plans to give you a future full of hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Calling our next Rector is an important decision in the life of our parish, and we can’t do it without you. We need your input! We’re planning three “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings as an opportunity to hear what is important to you as we move into the future and to identify the key qualities and skills we are hoping for in our next rector. We can also discuss what we feel are our strengths, and where we have room for improvement.

Please plan to attend one of these gatherings:

Thursday, Oct. 2, 10:00AM-12:00PM in Affton

(Gary & Angela Breeher’s home)

Saturday, Oct. 11, 1:00-3:00PM in Oakville

(Ed & Leanne Rahe’s home)

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:00-8:00PM in South St. Louis

(Karen Watts' home)

RSVP by Sept. 30 by clicking on the link below or response cards can also be found in the entry into the parish hall.

Coffee & Conversation RSVP Link

And, mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 26 (11:30AM-1:30PM)! 

Following the service, we’ll review notes from our small group conversations to find common themes and core values to guide us in our search for a Rector. All are invited! (Lunch will be provided; more info to come!)

Please continue to keep your Discernment Team members in your prayers.

“God our Father, You have a plan for each one of us,

You hold out to us a future full of hope.

Give us the wisdom of your Spirit,

so that we can see the shape of your plan

in the gifts you have given us,

and in the circumstances of our daily lives.

Give us the freedom of your Spirit,

to seek you with all our hearts,

and to choose Your will above all else.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

~ St. Ignasius of Loyola

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Our last BBQ

this year is on

September26

6:00-7:00 pm! 

If you haven't attended our BBQ yet this summer, plan on being part of the September 26 event. Your help and extension of hospitality to our neighbors is always appreciated!

Join us as we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi by taking part in a special service for pets with their friends and families.



Dogs must be on a leash and cats and other small animals must be in a crate.

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Missouri

is holding its retreat and annual meeting on

Saturday, October 4

9 am to 3 pm

Calvary Church in Columbia, MO.

Our theme this year is Creative Soul, Sacred Sound, and it features a program of journaling, storytelling, personal exploration and sound meditation. We hope all Episcopal women will come to our warm, welcoming space and leave with their spirit refreshed. All women who attend an Episcopal Church are welcome to join ECW events at the parish, diocese and national level.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS!