Unfortunately there will be no livestream this Sunday. We are having plaster repaired in the sanctuary and scaffolding has been installed, which taking up a large amount of space on the pulpit side. It obstructs the camera's view so we will not be able to livestream this Sunday. Instead we will post a previously recorded service from another Sunday, which you can watch on facebook or YouTube at 10:00 AM. We apologize for this change and next Sunday we should be back to livestreaming.

We are also aware of sound challenges and instabilities with the livestream video, so we are investigating those with our tech company as well.

We’re learning a new hymn to support this year’s theme of Radical Inclusion - Our Minister of Music, Sarah Bereza, shared a video to help us learn the chorus so we’re ready to sing on Sunday! Check out the video HERE.

Our Zoom Coffee Hour discussion this Sunday will focus on an article from The Christian Century: This Seattle church's stained-glass Jesus was far too White by Sam Luikens. Drop into Zoom this Sunday at 11:20 to discuss this article and check in on one another!

The UCC has launched a ‘Severe Storms 2021’ appeal to take donations for Hurricane Ida relief. Gifts can be made online using this page at the UCC website.

On kick-off Sunday we were able to hear from several people about their heritage. Everyone has an interesting story to tell! If you'd like to share your heritage with the congregation, please send a short story to Hannah (hrice@firstcongregational.org). We will share one story each month here in the eBulletin.

Twice a year our Mission and Outreach Ministry team sends monetary donations from our congregation to the agencies we are in relationship with. You can read some of the letters we have received back HERE. Thank you for your generosity to our church, which then allows us to extend the generosity into our community.

Hannah is updating our records for our church member directory. If any of your contact information has changed since January 2021, please contact Hannah (hrice@firstcongregational.org). Thank you!

Neighbor 2 Neighbor is an exciting new Fellowship & Outreach program being brought to you by Membership & Fellowship as a program that Rev. Mia has used very successfully with past congregations. We’ve divided the church into 15 smaller geographic groupings of 4 - 6 households/families who can check in on each other, provide support & form a smaller more close-knit group within the larger congregation. It’s an opportunity to get to know those in the church close to you geographically - and to be a way to share resources when needed - from help during a power outage - to meals during an illness - to something as simple as a referral for a good dentist or handyman in your area. Eventually it can also be a way to reach out to other neighbors and friends who may be interested in a way to get to meet other folks at First Church. As it says in Mark “Love your Neighbor as Yourself” - and this is a wonderful way to share the love! Expect to hear from your Neighbor 2 Neighbor leader in the next few weeks - to give you an update on our plans for Kickoff Sunday on Aug. 29th! (Note to Leaders - our final orientation will be this Tuesday 7:00 pm by zoom - check your email or contact Carol Klein at carolsklein@me.com for the link.)

Calling all 7th and 8th graders! Our confirmation program is beginning soon, which is an opportunity to explore your faith and become a full member of our congregation. If you'd like to learn more, contact Emily Stokes.

Amy Camie, who has often played harp in FCC's worship services, was recently featured in the Ladue News. Check out the article HERE.

Rev. Audrey Nourse, 83, died on August 19, 2021 in St. Louis. She was a UCC pastor and also the spouse of a former FCC interim pastor, Rev. John Nourse. You can read Audrey's obituary, view the arrangements, and leave a tribute online HERE.

The 10th Anniversary Interfaith Concert sponsored by Arts & Faith St. Louis will feature soprano Christine Brewer and the Interfaith Youth Chorus, with performances by choirs and ensembles of many faiths on stage at the Sheldon Concert Hall. You can stream the concert live at www.hecmedia.org and YouTube. Stay up to date on the concert and other Arts & Faith St. Louis news on Facebook (@artsfaithstlouis), Twitter (@ArtsFaithSTL), and Instagram (@artsfaithstlouis).

Join Interfaith Partnership for a free virtual course this fall. In "What We Believe," Dr. David Oughton, former IP Board President and retired professor of religion at Saint Louis University, will interview guests in each of the major non-Christian religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Ethical Humanism, and the Baha'i Faith. The course is free and open to all. Learn more HERE.

Registration is open!

Gateway Open and Affirming is hosting the second Drag Bingo event benefitting the United Church of Christ Open and Affirming Coalition. The event will be on Zoom beginning at 6:30 PM and ending at 9:00 PM. A free will offering will be taken for the Open & Affirming Coalition of the UCC and the AllianceQ of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Registration is $25 and includes 5 bingo cards via email. Register by September 28 at www.gatewayona.com/bingo-fundraiser-2021.html. For additional information, contact Melissa at mhattman@att.net or call 314-443-4277.

Calling all tech-minded folks! Currently Hannah Rice is the only person trained to run our Sunday morning livestream. Since she will occasionally be on vacation or otherwise unavailable, it is necessary to train others to help with our online ministry. It is not hard to do, but does take someone a little tech-savvy, preferably with their own laptop or tablet they can bring. We're hoping to gather at least four volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Hannah.

Now that we are back to worshiping in person together, we are welcoming volunteers to help serve on Sunday mornings. We need greeters/ushers and liturgists. If you're interested in learning more, contact Hannah Rice, or sign up online HERE.

If you would like to continue to give offerings to First Congregational Church, you may do so online HERE.

Alternatively, you may mail your offering to the church at 6501 Wydown Blvd. 63105.