Annual Report

If you'd like to get a head start on reading the 2025 Annual Report, which includes the draft budget and the slate of Council and Ministry Team members, you can access the digital version HERE.

TONIGHT!

Red Gate Gallery Exhibits - Opening Reception

Friday January 30, 5 - 7 PM

The Red Gate Gallery presents two concurrent exhibitions - Spirit of the Trees and Coming of Age in 2026: A Counterstory - with a free, open-to-the-public reception from 5–7 pm on Friday, January 30.

Spirit of the Trees responds to the EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, leaving a lasting physical and emotional impact across the region. In addition to the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure, thousands of trees were damaged or uprooted. Artists in the exhibition reflect on both the event itself and the enduring symbolism of trees as forces of life, renewal, knowledge, and loss. And in the Fellowship Hall, Red Gate hosts Coming of Age in 2026: A Counterstory, featuring work by seventh-grade students from Wydown Middle School. Students express their experiences, values, and concerns through writing paired with visual media. Spirit of the Trees will be on view January 16-April 12, and Coming of Age in 2026 will be January 30-February 2.

Celebrate Black History Month

For the month of February we will celebrate Black History Month during worship, largely through our music. Tim will play postludes by black composers and we'll feature their bios in the bulletin. And if we're lucky, we'll be blessed by some special music from Joyce Haynes McCowan, our Minister of Faith Formation. Please join us! (and keep scrolling for more Black History Month opportunities)

Women of Wydown Lunch

Sunday February 8 after Worship

All women are invited to join the Women of Wydown, who meet monthly for "brown bag" lunches, hosted by church members in their homes or other venue of choice. Everyone brings their own lunch and the host provides beverages and dessert. On February 8 Carrie Sayers is hosting at the church, upstairs in the social hall.

Orchestra Concert - the music of John Williams

Sunday February 8, 2 PM

Our Minister of Music, Tim Clark, has formed the "Paul Evensen Memorial Chamber Orchestra," dedicated in memory to Paul Evensen, a member of our congregation. The group will continue Paul's message of inclusion, justice, and reconciliation. 

The orchestra will also be a part of the "Wydown United Concert Series." In addition to the orchestra, there will be additional opportunities to experience wonderful music provided by different groups throughout the year. Be on the lookout for additional information!

The inaugural concert in the series is Sunday February 8th at 2 PM, when the chamber orchestra will perform selections from John Williams' body of work in honor of his birthday.

Request for Help - Next Sunday's Concert

Tim requests help with setup/cleanup for the February 8th concert: February 5th setting up the Sanctuary for rehearsals (time TBD), clearing the sanctuary after rehearsal (Feb. 7th 9:30pm), Feb. 8th after worship to clear the chancel and set up for the concert, Feb. 8th immediately after the concert (approx 2:45pm). If you're willing to help, sign up HERE!

Isaiah 58 Donations

This year we are again collecting donations for our mission partner, Isaiah 58 Ministries, and their Bag of Blessings program. Each month Isaiah 58 requests specific food, pantry essentials, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. The February requests are oatmeal, canned fruit, seasoning and spices, bar soap, deodorant, and all purpose cleaner. Bring your donations to the church and place them in the Isaiah 58 donation box!  

Community Health & Wellness Program

The Community Health and Wellness Program is a new initiative of Mission and Outreach offering classes, workshops, and outings designed to support creativity, connection, and well-being, beginning this February. See the current schedule below, and click HERE to register. Each class is $10 suggested donation, or free for WUC members.

If you are interested in leading a class, hosting an outing, or gathering others to practice intentional community, please contact Adrienne.

Sukanya Mani – Papercutting Workshop for 18+

Wed, Feb 11 | 10–11 a.m.

Wed, Mar 11 | 5–6 p.m.

Learn the basics of paper cutting while engaging in thoughtful conversation about awareness and care. Participants will learn specific techniques and skills to create their own finished piece.

Saaba Lutzler – Deep-Core Strengthening (Women 50+)

Wed, Feb 18 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Wed, Mar 4 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.

A gentle, strengthening movement class in a supportive setting.

Adrienne Outlaw – Plastic Fusion Art Workshop

Sun, Feb 22 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Create colorful art from fused post-consumer plastic. Open to all ages; children under 12 should attend with an adult.

Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families

January 24-February 8

Parkway UCC is hosting "Authentic Selves," an exhibit of 20 portraits and corresponding stories of trans and nonbinary people offered through the Family Diversity Project. The opening reception is January 24 at 7 PM at Parkway (2841 N. Ballas Road), which will include a featured guest - Jordan Braxton, an advocate for trans rights and a member of the St. Louis City HIV Health Services Planning Council. Learn more and RSVP for the event HERE.

Gateway ONA Convocation

March 7, 9 AM - 3 PM

Save the date for this year's Gateway Open and Affirming Convocation at Parkway UCC (2841 North Ballas Road). The keynote speaker will be Rev. Derek Terry, Acting Executive Directory of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ. The cost is $25. Doors open and a light breakfast will be available at 8 AM and worship begins at 9. Workshop information is coming soon! Learn more and register at gatewayona.com.

Eden Seminary Spring Convocation

April 9-10

Registration is open for Eden Seminary's Spring Convocation. This year the focus is Prophetic Imagination for Ministries of Transformation: A Forum Honoring the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann. With two days of impactful events and an incredible lineup of speakers, Spring Convocation promises to be a transformative event. Attend in person on Eden’s campus or live via Zoom. See the full schedule and register HERE.