July 15, 2025

Habitat for Humanity Updates

Author

Denee Bowers

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July Mission Moment

On Sunday, July 13 Paul Litzsinger shared about the history and impact of Habitat for Humanity in the St. Louis area and beyond. Habitat for Humanity began in the 1970s as a way to practice "partnership housing." This concept centered on those in need of housing working alongside volunteers to build quality, affordable housing built at no profit. Projects would be funded by donations from supporters and new homeowners would make payments on zero interest loans.


Nearly 50 years later, Habitat has completed millions of projects. In St. Louis there is a strong partnership between Habitat and local UCC churches, which has produced 50 completed projects. Over time Habitat houses have come to be known as a valuable addition to the neighborhoods where they are located.


In May a group from St. Lucas UCC was a part of completing a successful project and another one is planned for September. If you would like to learn more about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, contact Paul Litzsinger at plitzsinger@gmail.com.


Your giving to the St. Lucas UCC general fund helps us support Habitat for Humanity and our other mission partners.


By Denee Bowers • September 29, 2026
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By Denee Bowers • September 8, 2026
Thursday, September 10 | 5:30 to 8:00 pm | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126
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Sunday, September 13 | 11:00 AM | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126
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September 13, 27, October 11 | 6:00 PM | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126
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Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – August 24, 2026 Informational Items: Update from Financial Ministry Meals on Wheels opted not to renew their annual grant funding for our Backpack program. We are currently seeking alternative funding – we appreciate the continued support of the Sugarbaker Foundation, which helps supplement this mission. The 2026-2027 Backpack Program is still being planned, but it could look different than previous years. Update from Physical Facilities Ministry The new breaker boxes passed the county inspection and we’re still in the process of labeling each breaker. Social Hall air conditioning is still leaking – will continue refilling the freon until the new coil can be install (see Actions Taken). Miscellaneous Updates Following discussion regarding the next step in the Bequest process, Council will develop a perspective to bring to the congregation by the Annual Meeting. It was not voted on but it was the consensus - that we would be prioritizing and developing a vision. Personnel Ministry is continuing their work on updating staff job descriptions and preparing for goal-setting, while finalizing budget recommendations for the Finance Ministry. The Cemetery is surveying the remaining open ground on the eastern area of the Park Hills section, allowing for more two grave and single plots. Looking Ahead – Items Upcoming in Next 1-2 Months Approval of 2027 Budget Approval of delegates for the Conference Meeting in November ( we have two of the three needed for the Conference meeting; still need four delegates for the Association meeting – please reach out if you’re interested in serving ). Performance Reviews and Goal Setting Employee Manual Updates (2019 version) Approval of revised Disaster Preparedness Proposal Upcoming Events – In an effort to better prepare for the various events and events within events, Council members use a more detailed calendar . We hope this tool also helps you better plan for Church activities. Celebration Sunday is September 13 th – this special St. Lucas tradition is open to everyone and follows the conclusion of service; it also falls on Grandparents Days, another reason to celebrate together. Community Meal is October 4 th – this one-time event commemorates Good Neighbor Week and is sponsored by a grant from ServMO and America250. More info to come. Actions Taken: Approved a bid from IFS for $16,986 to repair and replay the fellowship hall chiller coil and install hail guards. While we wait for parts, installation may not happen for 6 weeks. Approved appointments to the nominating committee (Kirk Dalgaard, Jack Laudenslager, and Linda Taylor). One council term is ending in 2026.
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October 3 & 4 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126
By Denee Bowers • August 31, 2026
Saturday, October 11 | 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM | 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126