09/01/2026 | Volume 133 | Issue 9

Labor Day is September 7th.



On Labor Day, we pause to honor the workers who keep our communities moving and growing. Progress happens when we lift our voices, support one another, and stand together. Jesus walked with the overlooked, challenged injustice, and strengthened the weary. As we celebrate workers on Labor Day, may we carry His example — asking boldly, loving deeply, and working toward a more just world for all.

Sunday School Rally Day

Sunday, September 13 - 9am

Sunday School Rally Day is coming up on Sunday, September 13. We’ll start in Fellowship Hall at 9am with activities and a family scavenger hunt.

Prizes will be awarded to those who finish! Stop for a donut and keep going until you need to head up for church at 10.

Kids (and kids at heart) of all ages are welcome! See you there!! 

Single Sunday Service Begins Sunday, September 13 - 10am

Thanks to everyone who voted and shared feedback. The results show a clear preference for trying one Worship Service at 10:00am, beginning September 13 and continuing through the end of the year. Fellowship, coffee, and donuts will begin at 9:00am. And for those who asked, yes, regular bulletins will be back on September 13!

This change is a trial. In November, we'll send another survey so everyone has an opportunity to share their experiences and help determine whether this arrangement is working well or needs adjustment.

We recognize that this decision isn't an ideal fit for everyone. As the old joke about compromise goes, "If everyone gives up a little, nobody gets exactly what they want." While we hope that's not entirely true, we know this change asks each of us to be flexible in some way.

As we considered our options, it became clear that there is no worship time that works perfectly for everyone. Maintaining two identical services has also become increasingly difficult due to limited volunteer availability. While a single service may be less convenient for some, we believe that gathering together as one congregation at one time is the best path forward for this season.

We invite everyone to approach this trial period with patience, grace, and an openness to seeing what God might do as we worship together in one service. Thank you for your willingness to adapt, for your faithful service, and for your continued commitment to Gethsemane.

We look forward to hearing your feedback in November as we evaluate how this arrangement is working.

Announcing a new season of Gethsemane’s Bell Choir!

A message from new Bell Choir Director Ella Rothgangel:

I look forward to meeting returning bell ringers and new ringers this fall season. All levels of experience are welcome. There are bells for everyone.

I am a member of Gethsemane and have a husband (Chris) and daughter (Noel). I played organ at Gethsemane for a number of years in the aughts and then for a few more years post-Covid. These days, I play organ and piano part-time at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Lake St. Louis. When I am not playing there, I sub as organist/pianist at a number of local churches. I worked for over 20 years at the Saint Louis Art Museum, but now work as an executive assistant in a private family office. I also teach a handful of piano students.

Last December, I put together a children’s holiday bell choir made up of kids in my neighborhood (“The Hartford Handbells”), culminating in a recital at Gethsemane. It was super fun and delightful. I am now very excited to direct Gethsemane’s bell choir. I have been a bell player and substitute bell choir director, but this will be my first time at the permanent helm. I love supporting worship with music and can’t wait to make music with all of you.  

Rehearsals start September 14 and run every Monday from 6:00-7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Ella Rothgangel - Gethsemane Bell Choir Director

In case you were wondering…

Favorite non Christmas hymn: Will You Let Me Your Servant (ELW 659)

Favorite hymn tune: Beach Spring (tune of Lord Whose Love in Humble Service amongst others)

Favorite Christmas hymn in the ELW: Angels We Have Heard on High (ELW 289)

Favorite Christmas hymn NOT in the ELW: Sing We Now of Christmas (Noel Nouvelet)

Favorite liturgical season: Advent 

Favorite Bible verse: the entire 23rd Psalm

Other instruments I play: Flute, Violin

When I am not making music: I swim!

Feel free to contact me directly with any questions about bell choir or playing bells. 

e.rothgangel@gethsemanestl.org or 314-973-9543 (cell)

Gethsemane wants you to volunteer as a listener during our upcoming listening campaign!

Listeners will deepen their connections with other members, shape the church's direction and ministries, and learn communication skills they can apply throughout their lives. Listeners will have 1 or 2 conversations per week until the campaign ends (6-8 weeks total).

Church council leaders are approaching congregation members to invite you to join the listening team. Keep your ears open!

Sunday School Begins September 20!

We're excited to kick off a new year of Sunday School on Sunday, September 20. Sunday School is open to all children ages 3 through 5th grade. It is free, and no registration is required. Simply show up!

Each week, children will gather in the Sanctuary at 9:00am for music and singing together. At 9:15am, they will head with their teachers to their classrooms. Classes will be divided into two groups: Pre-K/Kindergarten and 1st-5th Grade. Sunday School concludes at 9:50am, allowing families time to gather for the 10:00am worship service.

While the children are in Sunday School, parents are encouraged to stay at church, enjoy coffee and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall, and connect with one another.

Families with young children are invited to join Faith Village, a gathering led by Sunday School music leader Ruthie Grollman in the play area adjacent to the Fellowship Hall. Faith Village provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to get to know one another, build relationships, and share fellowship while children play together.

We look forward to seeing everyone on September 20 as we begin another year of learning, growing, and sharing God's love together!

Bridge Bread Returns Monthly

Bridge Bread will continue to be available on the second Sunday of each month in the Fellowship Hall.



Interested in helping? Bridge Bread has been added as a Worship Leader sign-up option. When a volunteer host is unavailable, bread will still be provided and available for a free-will offering.

Thank you for supporting this meaningful ministry!

Tower Grove Pride Fest!

September 26-27

Gethsemane supports the Reconciling In Christ booth at Tower Grove Pride, and we need some volunteers! Please look at the sign-up and put your name in the slot that works for you. As of this publication, there are still a few options left!

Our booth will have a fishing game for kids and a pet Photo Booth. It’s a lot of fun!!

Get to Know Gethsemane

Sunday, September 27 | 4-7pm

Interested in learning more about Gethsemane? Join us for the next Get to Know Gethsemane, a relaxed and informative class for anyone curious about the life and ministry of our church. Attending does not commit you to membership—it’s simply an opportunity to explore, ask questions, and get better acquainted.

The afternoon includes an overview of Gethsemane’s mission and community, time for Q&A, and a tour of the building. We’ll conclude with dinner hosted by Gethsemane volunteers.

While many participants choose to become members (with a formal welcome during Sunday worship), there is no pressure—just an open invitation to learn and connect.

The class is free, and childcare is available upon request.

Please email Pr. Cheryl to indicate your interest.

Gethsemane Women's Luncheon

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026

Time:  11:30 AM

Location: Las Fuente Mexican Restaurant

8025 MacKenzie Rd (63123)

Hostess: Phyllis Saathoff



RSVP Please notify Phyllis by Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 314-359-9134

Eric Moeller and the All-In Band at Hope UCC - Friday, September 11

Eric Moeller invites the community to an evening of music at Hope United Church of Christ (6273 Eichelberger St.) on Friday, September 11. Beginning at 7:00pm, Eric will share original music that explores themes of justice, hope, and community, leading listeners from reflection to joy.

There is no cost to attend, though a free-will offering will be received to support the All-In Music Project. All are welcome to attend and enjoy an inspiring evening of music and fellowship.

For a preview of Eric's music, visit subvert.fm/allineric or search for Eric Moeller and the All-In Band on your favorite streaming service.

ReconcilingWorks Monthly Bible Study Invitation

Gethsemane Lutheran Church is invited to take part in a meaningful opportunity for study, reflection, and community through the ReconcilingWorks Monthly Bible Study. Organized by ReconcilingWorks, this online gathering offers a welcoming space to explore scripture together each month.

When: Bible Study takes place on the third Thursday of each month:

• September 17
• October 15
• November 19
• December 17

Time: 3:00 p.m. Central Time

Where: Online via Zoom (Register here for the Bible Study to receive the link)

Participants who register will receive the Zoom link by email two days before each session.

Each Bible study is led by a rostered leader and focuses on the scripture text appointed for the Sunday occurring ten days after the gathering. This provides a thoughtful opportunity to engage the upcoming readings in advance. In addition, Sermon Notes and study materials are available on the ReconcilingWorks Bible Study webpage to further support reflection and discussion.

We encourage all members of our community to consider participating and to share this opportunity with others who may be interested.



For more information or to register, visit the ReconcilingWorks Bible Study webpage.

Third Thursday Concert Series at St. Philip's



St. Philip's Evangelical Lutheran Church invites the community to its Third Thursday Concert Series on September 17 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The evening will feature The Michael Atchison Singers, with ShaWanda Smith, and will be hosted by comedian Reggie Reg. Tickets are $25. For more information and ticket purchases, visit St. Philip's website.

The Big Ask - September

Diapers!

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

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 - small tissue packets, shaving cream, sunscreen, etc.

The Little Free Pantry needs the following items: canned fruit, fresh fruit, mashed potatoes, rice packets, jelly in plastic containers, and nutri-grain/fruit/granola bars

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

A Call to Help Neighbors Across the Globe

From natural disasters to armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, countless families around the world continue to face uncertainty and loss.

Lutheran Disaster Response responds to immediate needs while also supporting long-term recovery efforts. They walk alongside communities as they rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and find hope for the future.

Today, we invite you to join this ministry of compassion and care through a financial gift.



Your generosity helps Lutheran Disaster Response bring God's hope, healing, and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disaster, conflict, and crisis.

Red Cross Blood Drive

The Red Cross will be back at Gethsemane on Monday, October 12 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!

Stand Tall @ St. Philip's

St. Philip's Evangelical Lutheran Church invites the community to Stand Tall, a free domestic violence awareness and empowerment event on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

The event will provide information, support, and community resources related to safety planning, legal and housing assistance, family resources, and overall well-being.

All are welcome to attend and learn more about the resources available in our community.



For more information or to RSVP, visit the St. Philip's website

Black Eyed Pea Soul Cook-Off & Community Celebration

Our ministry partners at St. Philip's Evangelical Lutheran Church invite the community to the Black Eyed Pea Soul Cook-Off & Community Celebration on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at St. Philip's, 2424 Annie Malone Drive.

The event will feature a black-eyed pea cook-off, family activities, community resources, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends. Admission is free and all are welcome!

For more information or to register as a cook-off participant, visit St. Philip's website.



Rollin' & Raisin' Bocce Tournament

Gethsemane member Mike Schaller, who serves on the board of Helping Hands for the St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center, invites you to the Rollin' & Raisin' Bocce Tournament on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00am to 4:00pm at Milo's Bocce Garden. The event raises funds to support clients at the St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center, a state-operated mental health facility that provides psychiatric treatment and recovery services. Enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition while supporting an important local ministry of care and healing. For more information or to register, visit the event page here.

Gethsemane News

Member Care News

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.

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.

If you’d like to be a part of Gethsemane’s Member Care team, we can add you to the email list of helping hands or watch for meeting updates in the Messenger or weekly newsletters.

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

The Price family was delighted to welcome Evelyn May on July 18th and are enjoying settling in as a family of four. Teddy is taking his role as big brother seriously and tells everyone ‘look at my baby!