by Phil Shoulberg

The cast performs

What started out as the coldest day of the winter so far, and my wondering if maybe we shouldn’t cancel our worship service, turned out to be a wonderful day in the life of our church.  I know quite a few folks understandably opted out because of the frigid temps, but those of us that were there were treated to a wonderful production of “Alice in Bethlehem” put on by the kids.  Kudos to Tracey, Tim and the many people that helped to pull the production together.   The lead actors memorized some pretty lengthy parts and the music sounded great.

Our sponsored Webster University student Wafa’a Abu Elula

Following worship we had an opportunity to meet Wafa’a, the young woman from Syria that our church is helping sponsor  as she studies at Webster University.  Considering the transitory life she has led, she is a very poised.    Let’s hope that her experience in Webster brings stability.

The temp warmed up to 14 degrees that afternoon in time for Jazz Noel, another proud moment for our church.  There’s something about the jazz infused Christmas music that come from Cliff Aerie and Oikos that I find irresistible.  The addition of poetry and an artist doing a painting during the performance just added to the warm feeling on a very cold day.

Arianna Aerie and Kim Fuller sing
as Tim Osiek plays trumpet
and Michael Anderson paints

Cliff Aerie

Shifting gears, I’m getting a new knee for Christmas!  December 20th is the day of the surgery, and by the time you read this I hope to be well on the way to recovery.  I mention this because I have every intention of being a part of the MLK Celebration on 1/15.  I hope you too, will participate.  I’ve had some involvement in the planning, and the program at Steger is going to be a wonderful community event.  Come for dinner beforehand, or better yet join the march that leaves City Hall at 4:30.  This is NOT a protest, but rather a celebration of community togetherness.   This is particular important for 1st Church members, as it’s the kick off of our year long “Renewing Our Mission” initiative.  Hope to see you there.

Wishing you God’s grace in the new year,
Phil

January 2017 edition