Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – April 27, 2026 and Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting – May 3, 2026 Informational Items: Update on Financial Audit Audit is complete and a very good overall report. It suggested some prior period adjustments and those were made in the quarter ending 12/31/25. Additional update from the Semi-Annual Meeting Roughly $25,000 in adjustments were made, leaving the year end 2025 deficit at approximately $100,000 instead of the previously reported $125,00. Financial Secretary recommends a review, not a full audit, every 3-5 years. Offering revenue remains soft for the first quarter; encouraging a stewardship effort to reinforce importance of giving despite Mayberry request. Update from Physical Facilities Ministry The lighting work on the sign facing Denny Road is complete. Council approved the recommended bid to replace five electrical panels at the cost of $28,000. The work will commence in July. Miscellaneous Updates Regarding status of the Parsonage Analysis, the tenant has renewed the lease, with a new term expiring April 30, 2027. Council is actively gathering additional data on the state of the property. Discussion favored waiting to decide on the process for decision-making until data collection is closer to completion. Action Taken: Approved the contract with Show-Me Electric to replace five electrical panels for $28,481. Approved Room 18/20 as the new primary Children's Ministry Sunday School space with conditions including a three week trial period to confirm space sustainability prior to any room modifications, council approve any permanent physical modifications, cleanliness and reasonable organization of the room be maintained, and council periodically review arrangement assuring space continues to meet needs of the broader church. Reviewed proposed revisions to the Keeping God's Children Safe policy. Postponed approval until May to incorporate a few non-material changes. The existing KGCS policy stays in effect in the interim. Closed Session Actions: Approved unpaid leave of absence for Amy Bush from June 8 to July 19. Finalized plans for celebrating the ministry of Lynn Fey Follis. Semi-Annual Meeting Actions: Approved the Perpetual Endowment Trust appointment of Bob Mandava to an unexpired term ending December 31, 2027. Elected Sara Savat and Carolyn Schwartz to the Preschool Board, both serving three year terms.
Our Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2026 following the 9:30 AM service. The meeting will be held both in-person and online on Zoom. A limited number of hard copies of the Semi-Annual report are available on the table outside of the Sanctuary. You can also read the Semi-Annual Report by clicking below.
Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting - March 23, 2026 Informational Items: Update on Financial Audit As of the March council meeting, the initial phase was complete, and it was on track for a March 31 completion. An update is expected at the Semi-Annual Meeting Update from Physical Facilities Ministry Work is in progress collecting bids for the replacement of various electrical panels. Discussed the possibility of terminating HVAC yearly maintenance contract and assigning the duties to our maintenance manager, Lamour. Updates on athletic field contracts and the possible work (overseeding, moles) needed to the fields. Update from Personnel Ministry Currently working to update job descrip2ons to reflect actual duties and responsibilities; first step is gathering information from staff. Working on a better reporting system for vacation, PTO, and other time off. Goal is to have consistency in forms. Miscellaneous Updates Discussed the Ryan Burge UCC Analysis and St. Lucas’ standing relative to the denomination, highlighted in e-blast on 3/26. Requests were made for more demographic insights and to understand St. Lucas’ relative property footprint. Debrief of Council Conversation and planning for semi-annual meeting Actions Taken: Approved the Bequest Idea Submission Form Responses from the congregation are due May 3rd. Approved Memorial Committee expenditures, which included funds for updates to the sanctuary flowers, mulch for the Victory Garden, and assis2ng AV with the purchase of new wireless microphones.
St. Lucas UCC is inviting members to share ideas for how the Mayberry bequest can faithfully support the long-term vitality of our church. You may submit ideas using any of the following methods: 1. the online survey (preferred) 2. printing the form at home 3. picking up a form outside the Sanctuary Please submit one idea per form, using as many forms as necessary. Responses are due by Sunday, May 3rd.
Our March Mission Moment highlights One Great Hour of Sharing, a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ. One Great Hour of Sharing supports partners worldwide with ministries that fund health, education, and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response. Your giving to the St. Lucas UCC general fund helps us continue to contribute to OGHS and their work around the world.
Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting - February 23, 2026 Informational Items: Best Practices for Responding to Requests for Cash from Strangers Members and staff are strongly discouraged from providing cash to strangers who request assistance while on St. Lucas UCC property. When approached, we encourage directing individuals to community resources that are better equipped to offer support. Recommended alternatives include: Sharing the Community Resources for Food & Utility Assistance list from the St. Louis Area Resource Directory ( www.startherestl.org ). For your convenience, copies are available outside the Sanctuary. Directing individuals to the Little Free Pantry for immediate food assistance. Additionally, the possibility of laminating and affixing the Food & Utility Assistance resource list to the Little Free Pantry is being explored to improve accessibility. Event Planning Workflow Reccomendations Work is underway to develop clearer guidelines for individuals or groups interested in hosting events at St. Lucas UCC. Please contact Tracy Mulderig with comments or suggestions. Actions Taken: Approved $2,114 from the Memorial Fund, as recomended, to repair the lighting system for the sign along Denny Road. Approved revised language for a new three-way Covenant among retired ministers previously employed by St. Lucas UCC returning as members, the St. Lucas UCC Congregation, and the St. Louis Association. Developed in accordance with the United Church of Christ's 2024 Manual on Ministry and guidance from the St. Louis Association, the covenant articulates shared expectations for participation in the life of the church. General covenant terms are available here: Covenants of Mutual Accountability Approved a plan for gathering information and input regarding the Mayberry Bequest and future overall expenditures, which was distributed in a special e-blast and in the March 1st bulletin. Approved a one-year renewal of the Parsonage lease under the current terms. Updates from the Special Church Council Meeting - March 1, 2026 Actions Taken: Approved a new 3-year contract with MS Lawncare for the main St. Lucas property, the athletic fields, the Parsonage, and the Sexton's house.
History of the Black Community in St. Louis
February Mission Moment
January Mission Moment
Social Justice Ministry - January Spotlight
Social Justice Ministry - December Spotlight
September Mission Moment
