January 15, 2026

Unleashing Potential Updates

Author

Denee Bowers

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January Mission Moment

On Sunday, January 11 we welcomed back Darlene Sowell, President and CEO of Unleashing Potential for a Mission Moment. Unleashing Potential's mission is to close the opportunity gap for children regardless of their economic circumstances, race, or zip code by building on their strengths.



She shared that at the end of this summer the difficult decision was made to close the direct care early childhood education program at Caroline Mission. Several factors combined to make this program no longer financially sustainable. Their focus has shifted to parent engagement services to continue to support families. Strengthening Resilient Families is a program that prioritizes educating parents about ways to advocate for themselves and their children.


Flexibility and collaboration have been essential parts of fulfilling the mission of Unleashing Potential in the last year. UP relies on and greatly values their many partner non-profits in the area that allow them to meet the varied needs of their families.


Your giving to the St. Lucas UCC general fund helps us continue to support the important work Unleashing Potential is doing for families in our community. 


By Denee Bowers February 10, 2026
February Mission Moment
Civil rights march with Martin Luther King Jr., holding button, looking forward, signs in background.
By Denee Bowers January 15, 2026
Social Justice Ministry - January Spotlight
Advent wreath with lit candle, evergreen, and red flowers against a dark blue background.
By Denee Bowers December 15, 2025
Social Justice Ministry - December Spotlight
Camp MoVal sign in front of a tan building with red shutters and flowers, trees, and blue sky in the background.
By Denee Bowers September 30, 2025
September Mission Moment
Man with long beard, wearing suit, posed portrait with sepia tones.
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!
Children waving and smiling in front of a blue gate. They are wearing blue and green tops.
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Group of people in pink shirts posing in front of a tall white lighthouse under a blue sky.
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: 
Group of people standing in front of a  brick building on Habitat for Humanity work day.
By Denee Bowers July 15, 2025
July Mission Moment
Juneteenth graphic: Green, black, and red hearts with text
By Denee Bowers June 11, 2025
In 2021, Juneteenth completed the long journey of seeking official recognition from the government and becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth National Independence Day is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery.
Three people smiling, wearing matching black t-shirts, posing in an indoor setting. One is in a wheelchair.
By Denee Bowers June 10, 2025
June Mission Moment