Friday, November 20, 2009

The Bazaar is Coming!

Compton Heights will hold its first bazaar (at least in a long time) on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can shop for:
  • Handmade gifts, including scarves and accessories knitted by the Prayer Shawl ministry group.
  • Handmade holiday ornaments for the tree or decorations for the home.
  • Free trade gift items from crafts people around the world.
  • Free trade coffee, tea and chocolate from Equal Exchange
  • Unusual glass, pottery and art items, including some of Lana L's abstracts.
  • Potato baking bags and Gypsy Bags in many new designs.
  • Holiday cookies and breads, home baked.
A light lunch (hot dogs, chili, beverages) will help you ward off hunger while you shop.

The quilt shown above will be awarded to the lucky winner of a drawing to be held at 4 p.m. Tickets are available from church members and on the day of the Bazaar. The quilt, "Let Freedom Shine" is a sofa-sized 54x60 inches; the blocks pieced by members of the Flower Valley Quilting Guild and assembled and machine quilted by a Compton Heights member.

All proceeds will benefit the Compton Cares Accessibility project and be applied to reduction of the final $30,000 remaining on our construction loan. The bazaar will be held on the accessible level of the building!

For more information about the bazaar, please call the church office at 314-771-5071. See you on the 5th!

So Much More than Just a Sign

Nov. 8, 2009-- After worship, everyone trooped out to the sidewalk for a dedication of the new church sign. During our disability access construction, a resident in the Shaw neighborhood became interested in what our church was doing. Julia Krovicka is an artist, and she offered to make a sign for us that would more closely reflect the Compton Heights community and ministry.

Pastor Jacque Foster led the dedication. The frame for the sign was made by Dave B., and several members helped dig holes, pour concrete, and place the new sign at a slight angle, so it can be seen more easily from the street. While we gathered, we reminded that Compton truly is a "sanctuary in the city" as life rolled by at 35 miles and hour, including an ambulance answering a call somewhere to the south. The congregation appreciates Julia's gift of her talent so much. She attended the dedication, but demurred when asked to pose for a photo.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Off to India

Our Pastor, Jacque Foster, as well as members Jan K. and Marsha Mc., left Thursday on a People to People mission trip to visit Family Village Farm and other sites in India. They will be gone for about two weeks so we pray for their safe travels and for an inspiring and enlightening journey. Since Compton is in the process of becoming a Global Mission Congregation, the trip is quite timely. We will be hearing about India for a long time to come and we eagerly await the return of our ambassadors!

In Memory of Thelma

Long-time Compton member Thelma Elder died to this life on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and her service will be Saturday morning. Thelma was a faithful member of her Sunday school class and we have missed her in worship since she became ill. Her death follows that of her son Roger within this same year. Our Christian sympathy is extended to Thelma's remaining children: Camille, Rhonda, Jack and Janet.

Two New Members

Recently we have welcomed two new members, who united with Compton Heights through reaffirmation of faith. On Sunday, Nov. 1, we welcomed Rachel R., who is the sister of a former member, Adele C. On Sunday, Nov. 8, we welcomed Devin B., who has been a regular visitor and participant in the Book Club for quite a while! We thank God for both of these women. Blessed Be the Tie that Binds!