Latest from OKS Inc.

On Sunday, August 10, our very own Marty Schmidt shared an update on the work of OKS Inc. OKS is a non-profit organization, created in 2012, dedicated to serving the malnourished children of western Kenya. They accomplish this goal by manufacturing and distributing Pudgy Butter, a peanut butter based ready-to-use therapeutic food that was developed right here in St. Louis.

Marty shared the exciting news that ground was broke on a new factory that will produce and package Pudgy Butter on August 4. The timeline for construction is 4-6 months, with a goal of opening the facility in January of 2026. This facility will allow OKS to increase production from 6 to 100 metric tons per year.

The impact on the surrounding counties will be significant, but that is just the beginning. The team is hopeful that this is a model that will be able to be reproduced around the world.

If you are interested in learning more, you can visit our website at www.oksinc.org, call 314-941-1814, or email oks.mms@gmail.com.

Your giving to the St. Lucas UCC general fund helps us support OKS Inc. and our other mission partners.

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Council Corner - August 24 Meeting Update

By Denee Bowers • September 4, 2026

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.