March/Easter/April 2024 News Volume 72, No. 3
Easter is coming very early this year, and, it would appear, so is spring. It’s only mid-March, and we see blooming happening everywhere. Days are warm, and the nights are warming as well. A glance at a 30-day weather calendar shows that there will not likely be many more nights that include freezing temperatures. I expect a longer-than-usual growing season for the fruits and vegetables in my backyard garden. This weather cannot help but make you smile.
Except that we know this unseasonable delight is not a fluke, nor a special gift. It is the earth’s reaction to rising temperatures worldwide. An early spring may also bring an earlier and more violent hurricane season. More coral will be lost to bleaching, and the thousands of life forms that depend on coral reefs will be devastated. Loss of life will also happen on land, and people who already live on the edges will lose their homes and be forced to migrate. People reduced to survival will fight over limited resources.
How can something that feels so good to me bring such pain to others? How do we live within the both/and of joy and suffering? I think these are the big questions of the Lenten season. How do we boldly face the traumas of this world without losing our personal and communal joy? How do we use our privilege to ease someone else’s pain? Life is filled with both/and.The gospel is both/and. The witness of Jesus’ life and death is both/and.
Today, I will tend to my garden and feel the warmth of the sunshine. I will talk to the land and seek methods for being a part of her healing. I will plan ways to share my harvest with those who have no access to land. I will remember that Jesus, even when being hounded by those who wished him dead, found joy and comfort in God’s creation, and said, “Consider the birds and the flowers, and the ways that God cares for them.” Let us take joy when it comes, and yet not lose sight of the vision for justice.
Rebecca
Weekly Worship Notes
CHCC continues worshiping in person on Sundays at 11 a.m. Masks are optional; if you need one, they are available as you enter the Sanctuary.
We circulate during Passing of the Peace; if you prefer to keep a distance, feel free to remain in your pew and wave.
Please continue to sign the Greeter’s register as you enter, and pick up a bulletin.
Communion Changes
We are now offering Communion by intinction, where you are invited to come forward to receive the bread and dip it into the cup. If you prefer to take communion in your seat, the individual cups are available to pick up as you enter the Sanctuary.
Be a Genius!
Let our Pastor and Worship Team know That You can help on Sunday mornings! Liturgists are Needed SIGN UP to participate in worship: Streaming Tech, Greeter, Elder, Deacons, Liturgist, Worship and Wonder. Use Sign Up Genius Click here to sign up
Calendar of Events
- Sunday Worship is at 11 a.m. in person and live stream on Facebook
- Choir Rehearsal: 10 a.m. on Sundays in Choir Room
- Spirit Bloom on Zoom: Mondays at 7 p.m.
- Elders meeting: Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m. on Zoom
- Open Mic Night: Friday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
- Spring Yard and Flower Bed Cleanup: Saturday, March 23: 10 a.m.
- Maundy Thursday Worship: March 27, 7 p.m. Compton Heights CC
- Good Friday Worship, March 28, 7 p.m. St. John Episcopal Church
- Easter Potluck Breakfast: Sunday, March 31, 9 a.m. Fellowship Hall
- Children and Youth Egg Hunt: Sunday, March 31, 10 a.m.
- Retirement of Rev. Katherine Kinnamon: Sunday, April 4, with Regional Ministry Guests
- Craft Circle/Knitting: April 7 at 7 p.m. at Judi Linville’s home
- Scout Sunday: April 14, Scouts in the congregation will help lead the service
Prayer Requests
Please hold in prayer: Madison and Orion P. in thanksgiving for the birth of Campbell Jeffrey on January 31; Walt T., Howard M., Carolyn H. as she continues healing from an auto accident; Dennis J.; Celia P.’s sister; Nancy O.’s mother; George H., Joan J.’s aunt Adeline in hospice care; Diane R.’s mother, her cousin Mona, and her uncle Jimmy; DebE M.‘s friend Sheila. We Also pray for: An end to fighting and human suffering in Ukraine, Gaza and Israel; an end to gun violence in the USA; all who have been killed, injured and driven from their homes to refuge in other countries; everyone affected by extreme weather events. All people struggling with loneliness, depression and isolation. All who grieve the loss of loved ones. All of our LGBTQ family and friends. Anyone experiencing pain and alienation: may you know that God loves ALL of us.
Opportunities to Connect
Coffee Hour is a Hit, Hosts Are Needed!
Coffee Hour is a great time to connect, and also to get to know our transitional pastor, Rebecca Turner, better! Please volunteer to host Coffee Hour; see the sign up sheets on the library doors or via SignUp Genius. You can bring a few snacks, or set out juice and make coffee, or both. Napkins, plates and cups are provided.
Book Club Meets on May 11
Compton Heights CC Book Club meets the second Saturday of every other month on Zoom at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, even if you haven’t finished (or read) the book! The book will be announced soon. Please contact Liz V. for a link to the meeting if you don’t usually receive one and want to join us.
Spirit Bloom Lenten Study
Spirit Blooms using the book “Pause: Spending Lent with the Psalms,” by Elizabeth J. Caldwell. Everyone is welcome to join us for this time of reflection during Lent. Future discussions include Psalm 130 on March 18; Psalms 118 and 116 on March 25, and Psalms 22 and 19 on April 1.
Open Mic Night Friday, April 26th
Do you sing, play, recite poetry? Whatever your talent, we invite you to participate in our Open Mic event for all ages. Advanced registration is appreciated, but not required. Contact Diane R. to sign up to share your talent. The next Open Mic Night will be Friday, April 26th at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
March and April Birthdays
- John C. – 3/7
- David F. – 3/16
- Robert M. – 3/19
- Leslie L. – 4/20
- DebE M. – 4/25
- Madison P. – 4/29
Holy Week
- Maundy Thursday Service – Thursday, March 28th – 7 pm at Compton – Compton is hosting this joint service with Oak Hill Presbyterian Church and St. John’s Episcopal church. The offering for the service will go to Isaiah 58 Ministries. We are also asking that people bring socks to donate to our unhoused neighbors. All sizes and colors are welcome.
- Maundy Thursday after party at Ted Drewes – Thursday, March 28th after worship – it’s a Compton tradition, join us at Ted Drewes on Chippewa for frozen custard.
- Good Friday Service – Friday, March 29th – 7pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church – 3664 Arsenal Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 – a joint service with Compton and Oak Hill Presbyterian. There will be a group choir, details to follow in weekly announcement email.
- Easter Sunday – March 31st
- 9 am – Potluck Breakfast—Bring a dish to share in Fellowship Hall
- 10 am – Easter Egg Hunt – on the church lawn, weather permitting
- 11 am – Easter Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Yarn Craft Circle April 4
On Thursday, April 4 at Judi L.’s in Bel-Nor, join us to create shawls, blankets and more for ourPrayer Shawl ministry. If you knit or crochet (or you would like to learn) come join us. If you would just like to enjoy a time for coffee/tea and fellowship, you are welcome too. If you need directions, send Judi a message.
Retirement Celebration for Rev. Katherine Kinnamon April 7
Our own Katherine Kinnamon has served the Mid-America Region as Associate Regional Minister supporting the Commission on Ministry for several years. She will be honored on Sunday, April 7 during worship as she retires from that position. Both Regional Ministers, the Rev. Paul Koch and the Rev. Ron Routledge, will be Compton’s guests in worship that day. Please plan to join us as we recognize her for more than 40 years of ordained ministry!
Katherine earned a BS degree from San Jose State University and worked as a recreation therapist for adults with a variety of physical, mental and emotional challenges. She also worked as a community organizer during that time. She answered a call to ministry and moved to Chicago, Il., to study at the Univ. of Chicago Divinity School. She received her MA and M.Div. degrees there and was approved for ordination by the Disciples of Christ Illinois/Wisconsin Region. She was ordained at Downers Grove Christian Church in July 1980.
She has served the Church in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Missouri, and in Geneva, Switzerland. Her ministry has included serving as a local pastor, college minister, interim director of a council of churches, and over the past 10 years as an interim pastor. A published author, she has been a member of our Mid-America Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry since 2014 and has served as chairperson for the past two years. Congratulations and Blessings, Katherine!
Seeking Total Solar Eclipse on April 8?
Our Regional sister congregation, Abbey Road CC, 2411 Abbey Road, in Cape Girardeau, has extended an invitation to DOC churches to view the total eclipse on Monday April 8 on the grounds of their church. They are offering a lunch at 11 a.m. The eclipse will begin around noon and there will be nearly 4 minutes of totality starting just before 2 p.m.. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunblock, protective glasses, personal drinks and snacks if desired. There will be a guided labyrinth walk at noon. If you plan to come for lunch, please RSVP to capearcc@gmail.com by March 25. If you would like to go with someone, call or text Judi L.
Opportunities to Serve
Bag of Blessings for Isaiah 58 Ministries
April – Peanut Butter, Deluxe Mac and Cheese, Shelf Stable Milk; Toilet Paper, Paper Towels.
Special Offering: Easter Offering
Christ is Risen Indeed, Alleluia! Five Words that summarize our united and active response to Easter. It is our faithful response to the power of resurrection at work in our congregations, communities, and ministries across the world. Because Jesus is risen, we are set free, indeed, to share the limitless love of God, set free from the grip of sin and death, set free to rise together in shared ministry, language and service. Compton Heights CC will collect the special Easter Offering offering to support the work of the General Church during worship on March 24 and March 31.
Note of Thanks
The five Kansas University students that we hosted at Compton the week of March 11 through the KU Alternative Breaks program left the following note: Thank you so much for letting us stay here! It means the world to support us students. We are incredibly thankful. We hope that for future alternative breaks we can keep in contact. Again, thank you so much for the hospitality! Best regards, Carlie Clary and Corrin Helm.
13 Decades of Ministry and Mission
130th Anniversary – April 2024 marks the 130th Anniversary of the founding of Compton Heights Christian Church. Stay tuned for more information on how we will celebrate this anniversary.
Compton Heights Christian Church 