Make a DonationSupport the many ministries of St. John's by making a secure donation through PayPal. You may also send checks made out to "St. John's Episcopal Church" to St. John's Church Offices, 3672-B Arsenal Street, St. Louis, MO 63116. Kendra Norton Dando’s Stewardship Talk from Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.: A little over a year ago Mike and I came to St. John’s on a whim . . . and after that first Sunday we knew this was where we wanted to be. St. John’s was our church home. Perhaps it was the fact that we sang “I Am the Bread of Life,” one of my all-time favorite hymns, or maybe because I had an instant connection with the redhead up front, or perhaps it was because we were truly welcomed by the community. There was an “official greeter” as most churches have, but the rest of the congregation ushered us into coffee hour, stayed to chat, and asked our stories. And I can say that is unique to this place. I have attended an Episcopal Church since the age three and remember overhearing my parents, who were Wesleyan-raised, contemplating what churches their daughters might choose once on their own. Though I attended a Baptist youth group in high school and a wonderful liturgical Free Methodist church in college, the Episcopal Church is still my home. But as Mike and I began the church hunt a few years ago, we realized what a difficult time it was, and still is, for the Episcopal Church. And that brings me back to St. John’s. One of the reasons this church is home is because this is a community that engages in conversation, thought, and prayerful action. There are many different opinions, experiences, and stories in this room, yet each week we come together to worship and share with each other. The St. John’s community does not hide from the difficult questions; instead we challenge, discuss, and process together. I have seen churches split and lived the pain of that experience, and I do not see that happening here. We are choosing to grow together as a community, expanding and stretching as newcomers walk through the doors, as we sit to discuss our focus and plan our short and long-term goals, as we listen and speak and break bread together. As I think about the future of this church—our community—I am excited. The people of St. John’s are committed to Christ, to this church, this neighborhood, and this city. I look forward to welcoming new members and listening to different perspectives. I look forward to watching and participating in the upbringing of our youth fulfilling the vows we pledge during baptism. I look forward to the remodeling of our space and the continued growth of our ministries. St. John’s has a rich history, but it also has a rich future, for this is a living community.
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Make a DonationMake a payment on your pledge or a one time financial gift to support the ministries of St. John's. Thank You! Spirita Sancta CDReceive a CD of St. John's choir, singing music by our music director Carolee Coombs-Stacy when you make a $10 donation. Coffee Mug DonationReceive a coffee mug with the St. John's logo by graphic novelist and parishoner Kevin Huizenga with a donation of $5. NOTE: Wash by hand ONLY! Daily BrewReceive a pound of fair trade organic coffee roasted by Hartford Coffee Co. when you make a donation of $10. Please indicate your preference of:
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