California Wildfires 2025 Relief Appeal

On January 7, 2025, wildfire activity began in Los Angeles County, California. Immediate reports indicate that this fire has caused substantial damage throughout LA County, making this event the largest fire disaster in the county’s history. At the time of this writing, nearly 30,000 acres have been consumed by the blazes. One hundred eighty thousand people are currently displaced from their homes due to devastation or evacuation orders, and these fires continue to spread, causing additional destruction.
 
Since the onset of this disaster, the Global HOPE team has communicated with the Southern California and Nevada Conference Minister. The team will coordinate with ecumenical partners and a national network of voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD) as it shapes our long-term response.

We received confirmation that the fires destroyed the Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ. They posted an update on their Facebook page.

The Global HOPE team is helping to connect Southern California and Nevada Conference staff, churches, and others affected by the wildfires with immediate resources while also preparing to support long-term recovery efforts. 

As we continue to pray for and support those who experienced unimaginable loss, we invite you to support the UCC’s recovery efforts in the following ways: 

Donate to the UCC’s California Wildfires 2025 Appeal below. Your gifts will support the community’s immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts as we work with local communities to ensure an equitable approach to their long-term recovery. You can also mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo section of your check.  Our EIN: 34-1927041 

Pray for those who have been impacted.

               “A Prayer for Those in the Path of Fire” by Rev. Shari Prestemon

“Steadfast God, we watch in horror as fires rage in Southern California, and we pause to raise these humble petitions to you.
For all those forced to evacuate, who leave so much that is precious behind and know not what the future holds, surround them with your gentle presence in these hours of tortured worry and waiting.
For each beloved one who has already realized the unfathomable loss of everything familiar, of homes and schools and places of worship and so much more that was their anchor and community, receive their shock and overwhelming grief and hold them close in love.
For those called out to fight the flames, to rescue and to help, for those tasked with leading through the crisis, for hospitals that receive the wounded, and for all those extending care even while they themselves have suffered loss, grant the capacity to withstand all that overwhelms and wearies.
And in the uncertain days to come, draw near to all who weep and rage as they begin to sift through the rubble and ash left behind. Stir bits of hope amid despair. Lend strength when exhaustion overtakes them. May they be wrapped in a blanket of grace and healing woven by each act of compassion and generosity we now extend.
O God, in your wide and tender mercy, hear our fervent prayers. Amen.”

You may also act by assembling Hygiene Kits and Cleanup Buckets.  After a disaster, one of the biggest requests is for cleanup buckets and hygiene kits. UCC congregations interested in assembling hygiene kits and cleanup buckets are eligible for a matching grant through the Global HOPE office.

Thank you for your assistance in helping families and communities who are in great need in the aftermath of these hurricanes. Your heartfelt support will make a difference.

Christmas Choral Offering

Rejoice! 

Here’s exciting news of an upcoming Advent gift! 
An intergenerational vocal ensemble has been rehearsing lovely music which will be part of Sunday, December 15 Worship at Ivy Chapel UCC.  We give thanks to Mike Waller and Valerie Waterman for leading Ivy’s diverse choral group. 
The seasonal piece composed by Joel Raney is entitled “Antiphonal for Advent.” 

Join us December 15 when this Choral Offering will be shared in worship! 
O come, Emmanuel, come!

Annual Thanksgiving Worship

Please join us on Sunday November 24^th at 12 noon at St. John’s UCC (15370 Olive Blvd Chesterfield MO 63017) as St. John’s, St. Thomas and Ivy Chapel (the 3 UCC churches in Chesterfield) come together again this year to celebrate Thanksgiving.

We are trying something new and instead of gathering for a traditional service, we will gather around the table to break bread with one another just like the first Thanksgiving!

Please sign up on this  RSVP   form so we can be sure to have plenty of turkey and you can bring your favorite Thanksgiving side or dessert to share.
For more information contact Katie Wilsdorf 636-532-0520

Hurricane Helene Recovery Appeal

The impact of Hurricane Helene is widespread and devastating, as more than 200 people have been confirmed dead, over 1 million people are still without power, and damages are estimated to be over $140 billion. We know of two UCC congregations on Florida’s Gulf Coast whose church buildings suffered significant flood damage, and another building that experienced structural damage from high winds. We continue to be in touch with our Southern, Southeast, and Florida Conferences as they work to contact local congregations and become aware of their needs.

The United Church of Christ has a long history of supporting communities as they recover from disaster well after their plight fades from the headlines. As we continue to pray for and respond to those who have experienced unimaginable loss this past week, please consider a gift to the Hurricane Helene Recovery Appeal. Your gifts matter. This is something you can do to help alleviate suffering, rebuild homes, and restore communities. Your gifts will make a difference to those who are struggling during these difficult times and enable needed assistance as we stand with impacted communities in the years ahead. Thank you for your generosity.

Donations can be made by clicking here or sent to:
United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 71957, Cleveland
OH 44194. 
Please be sure to note “Hurricane Helene” on your  check’s Memo Line.

Fall BBQ Sept 28th, 2024

Ivy’s Annual BBQ fundraiser on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28th 4:30-7pm.
Stop by to get a full meal without having to cook yourself-what a deal!
Meals are:
$10 for adult meals (Choose 1 main, 2 sides, 1 dessert)
$5 for kid meals (Comes with a hot dog & chips and choice of 1 dessert)
Find out about the meal details here.
Click here to purchase tickets.

Blessing of the Animals

Join us Saturday, Sept 21st from 1-3 pm under the pavilion as we celebrate Ivy Chapel UCC’s
 Blessing of the Animals.

Our partner animal assistance organization is  Bi-State Pet Food Pantry.  
You are invited to offer gifts in support of the pantry’s ministry:  
Cat treats
Dog treats
Canned cat food
Canned dog food
Cat litter
They are also accepting new or gently used: 
Cat toys
Dog toys
Cat bedding
Dog bedding
Leashes
Collars
Monetary gifts are always welcome. 

Thank you! 

We are blessed by the companionship of our pets.  Let’s offer them a blessing! 
Come to Ivy Chapel UCC along with your creature companions where we will enjoy sacred time together.  All God’s creatures are welcome! 

Special Events at Ivy Chapel UCC

September 21st– Blessing of the Animals will take place on Saturday, Sept 21st from 1-3 pm in the outdoor pavilion-all of God’s creatures are welcome as long as they are safely secured by their human

September 28th– Ivy’s Annual BBQ fundraiser on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28th 4:30-7pm. Stop by to get a full meal without having to cook yourself-what a deal! Find out about the meal details here.
Click here to purchase tickets.

Ivy Chapel’s 60th Anniversary!

Join us Sunday, May 19th to help celebrate 60 years of Ivy chapel UCC!

We invite you to join us directly following worship in Fellowship Hall for a ‘Trip Down the Ivy Memory Lane’. There will be stations located around the room with memorabilia and a ‘docent’ for each area as well as refreshments!
There are still a few t-shirts available for purchase for $15 cash/check or $15.50 on a credit card.

We hope to see you Sunday as we celebrate this momentous occasion and the people through time who have helped build Ivy.

Blood Drive

Please join us for our Spring Blood Drive. We are once again partnering with Impact Life.

Where: Ivy Chapel UCC, Fellowship Hall

When: Thursday May 9, 2024 from 4:00-7:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME HAS CHANGED!!!!

You can schedule your appointment by following the link below or contacting Sue Wilson at 314.324.3756. Schedule your blood donation at Ivy Chapel HERE

THANK YOU for signing up and give the gift of life!

Chili Supper

Our Annual Chili Supper is BACK!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 2nd from 4:30-7 pm and join us as we come together for fellowship, food and fun!
Adults meals are $15 and kids are $8 (10 and under)
Tickets are on sale after worship on Sundays.
For more information please contact the church office at 314-434-4991 or ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org.

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