Mission Trip Recap 2025

St. Lucas UCC,

First, I would like to apologize for not being able to give a formal goodbye to you all. I have another event to attend.

I do not normally write letters or thank yous to volunteers, but I really thought it was important for me to write to you all. This week, you brought a lot to this campus and every program you touched you left better. Every staff member you interacted with this week was left with a smile and seemed so thankful for the help you left. When I was doing my rounds this week you all had such an attention to detail and always wanted to help where you could. So thank you!

When you go home, I hope you are left with fond memories of Back Bay Mission and making good trouble, and many memories of laughs and jokes. I hope you leave and think about your own community and reflect how you can make good trouble in Missouri.

Most importantly, I believe everyone here would love to see you next year. You are welcome back anytime. I hope you had a great experience strengthening neighborhoods, seeking justice, and of course transforming lives.

Blessings,

Hazel Sone, summer 2025 intern

Another one of the staff members, during the morning presentations about the various work of Back Bay Mission, told us that “God is well pleased” with our work and group. Lynn and I have been involved in the UCC our whole lives, and this was a new, but powerful phrase to us both. I knew immediately that this would be the theme of our worship weekend. Our Mission Trip youth, adults, Lynn and I are excited to share our trip with you through this letter, worship, and luncheon.

See you on Sunday,

Lynn and Amy

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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.