Participate in World Food Day, October 15

For the second year, the youth of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is taking part in World Food Day festivities at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

The Center is hosting a community food packaging event to commemorate “World Food Day.” World Food Day is observed annually and is intended to to increase awareness, understanding and action to alleviate hunger. It is held in recognition of the founding of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

The Center’s program consists of one-hour food packaging sessions, where volunteers assemble nutritious rice/soy meals to be sent to those in need in Africa. After the packaging session, participants have the opportunity to tour the Danforth Center and learn about their research into reducing hunger and malnutrition around the world. The Danforth Center is located at Olive and Warson Roads in Creve Coeur

We have selected 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15 as our time slot. The cost is $10 for students and $20 for adults (plus wiring fee). Click here to learn more and to register for World Food Day. When you do, please put “Ivy Chapel” in the organization section so we will be grouped together.

Need more information? Drop us a line and we’ll fill you in.

“Adopt” a new idea for fall…

Chris Adams, director of volunteers for Emmaus Homes, gave a brief presentation about EH during worship at Ivy Chapel  on Aug. 28.  A concept she’s developed to give more people opportunities to interact with Emmaus clients involves ‘adoption’ of an Emmaus community home.

Chris is looking for families or congregations to serve as pilots for this new idea that partners groups with Emmaus community residences.  Given our existing relationship with Ross House residents, who regularly attend worship (and always enjoy coffee hour and the picnic), this initiative seems like a natural fit with Ivy Chapel.  The goal is to provide diverse voluntary opportunities for Ivy members, depending on interests and comfort level.  Some involvement may be with the house grounds; other engagements may be one-on-one with residents; others may just be simple extensions of activities we already do–like adding Ross House to the sites where youth Christmas carol.

Nancy Litzinger is recruiting members to work with Chris Adams and the Ross House manager to identify needs and set parameters for the project.  If you’re interested in helping lay the groundwork for this pilot partnership, contact Nancy: 314-434-4162; nancywl@sbcglobal.net

Spaghetti Dinner, Feb. 26

What are you doing Feb. 26, from 4 to 7:30 p.m.?

You could be enjoying delicious pasta and great company at Ivy Chapel! We’re located at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield.

Proceeds will support Ivy Chapel community outreach programs.

With your contribution of $8.00 for adult ($4.00 for children) you’ll get a heaping plate of Spaghetti, bowl of salad, dessert, and a beverage.

Babysitting is provided.

Help spread the word! Download this flyer and send it to your friends!

Need more details? Drop us a line, and we’ll fill you in.

Thanks to all the creatures who joined us…

Dogs and cats — and even a rabbit, hampster and Russian tortoise — descended on Ivy Chapel in record numbers on Sept. 12th for the Blessing of the Animals.

This was Ivy’s ninth year for the Blessing of the Animals, and it was the busiest yet. It was also the ninth straight year we have been fortunate to have perfect weather.

This year, we were proud to accept donations for C.H.A.M.P. assistance dogs. Donations will ensure C.H.A.M.P. will be able to continue providing service dogs free of charge to adults and children with disabilities.

Thank you to everyone who shared their pets with us… and see you next year!

Here’s a short video of Moose the Russian tortoise, who stopped by to be blessed and to sample Ivy’s turf…

Click on the photo below to view our photo album from the 2009 Blessing of the Animals at Ivy Chapel. If you would like hi-res versions of any of these photos, please e-mail the Ivy Chapel webmaster.

Building support for Habitat for Humanity

It’s time again for Ivy Chapel’s annual Habitat for Humanity drive. We’re building a lego house in the Narthex. With each $10 block, you’ll help build our house — and you’ll add your support to this very worthy cause which helps build real houses for families in our area. Our goal is $750. Help us build a house in our church… so we can help Habitat build houses throughout our community!

Click here to contact our church office to learn more about helping Habitat for Humanity, or call 314-434-4991.