January 15, 2026
The Life & Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Author
Denee Bowers
Social Justice Ministry - January Spotlight

This month the Social Justice Ministry is spotlighting the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

By Denee Bowers
•
August 28, 2025
In the 145 year history of St. Lucas U CC, the church has been blessed by leaders who have left a profound legacy. One of those leaders, Rev. Samuel Kruse was born on this day in 1858. Rev. Kruse's father, Michael, immigrated from Heide, Germany and was also a minister who was a part of the second graduation class of the Evangelical Seminary in Marthasville, MO. At age sixteen, Samuel enrolled in the pre-seminary program at Elmhurst College before continuing his theological studies at Eden Seminary. On July 15, 1880, he was ordained by his father into the ministry of the Evangelical Church. In 1882, Rev. Kruse was called to the recently formed St. Lucas Evangelical Church in Sappington, MO. He was installed on July 2, 1882 and remained in that position until July 26, 1925 -- 43 years!
By Denee Bowers
•
July 24, 2025
Our high school youth mission trip was an incredible experience and refreshing to see Back Bay Mission fully embracing and serving the core values of the United Church of Christ. The following letter was from one of Back Bay Mission’s summer interns, Hazel. While this letter was intended just for our group, I think it summarizes the impression Back Bay Mission had on our group and the impact our group had on Back Bay Mission. And therefore important to share with the congregation:







