SAVE THE DATE
October 14, 2021
Join us for our 2021 Moment in Time Gala.
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Episcopal City Mission
Ministry of Presence
Probably the most important aspect of the chaplains' time with the children is what we call “the ministry of presence”. Our chaplains walk the halls; visit the units; play cards, board games, or video games; or watch TV with the youth. The non-anxious presence of our chaplains reassures the teens that their spiritual well-being is being looked after.
Birthday celebrations may seem like commonplace events, but for the children in the City and County Juvenile Detention Centers who are in crisis, they are reminders of God's love. Thanks to the volunteers from Metropolitan Congregations United and St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Ellisville, Mo. who brought joyful reminders of that truth in the form of birthday celebration supplies. God was present for the children last Friday evening!
Words have power! The kids at St. Louis County’s Juvenile Detention Center were empowered to tell their truth and story through poetry, short story, and rap at a “Poetry & Prose SLAM!” on June 23. Two original works (one faith-based, no curse words!) could be submitted. The Slam celebrated the kids’ talents and provided a space for their voices to come forth. It gave us adults a rare glimpse into their reality and experiences, which touched our hearts. Sharing a piece of themselves took courage. Titles included: I Wanna Be, Money, What It's Worth, Faith, Plastic Love, What I Know, What They Think, Psalms 142,and Story of Creation. Judges were Steve Crock (ECM Board member & St. Timothy's Creve Coeur), poets/writers IbenaGod and Jason LeVasseur - Award-Winning Performer, Songwriter, and Speaker Prize packages included $25 gift cards, a meal from a fast-food restaurant of their choice, ear buds, 30 min. extra gym and/or phone time, writing journals, and playing cards. The event provided Detention Center staff another way to connect with the kids. The event impacted the kids in many positive ways: Their peers were engaged, identified with many of the stories shared, and encouraged each presenter. The Poetry & Prose SLAM reflected the wonderful partnership between ECM and the County Detention Center leadership and staff - our focus is on the kids! THANK YOU everyone who participated - especially our guest judges, and all ECM's supporters!
ECM is saddened by the news that our devoted and beloved friend, Harry Goff, died on June 14. Harry lived a life of service - to his family, his country, and his church. He was faithful and dedicated to the children we serve through his work on ECM's Board (2012-2018) and Advisory Council (2018 - present), and as a staff member at the St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center. Harry also served on Diocesan Council, Cathedral Chapter and volunteered at his home congregation of St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church - Florissant. He is fondly remembered and will be greatly missed.
“Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.” (Mother Teresa)
“Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.” (Mother Teresa)
During the month of June, four children in the juvenile detention centers in St. Louis will have a birthday. While their past and present are troubled - and their future may be uncertain, NOTHING is too big for the transformational power of God's love! Thanks to Becky Coulter and Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood, MO and Tammy Schuster and Transfiguration Episcopal Church - Lake Saint Louis for providing supplies for ECM's June Birthday Celebrations. These monthly celebrations remind the children that they are God's own, beautifully-made, beloved children. They are NOT forgotten! There is hope and healing in that knowledge. Thanks be to God for our birthday volunteers and their congregations! #hopeandhealing
We're thrilled to congratulate The Rev. Susie Skinner on the 40th anniversary of her ordination to the Priesthood on June 11! Susie's ministry with fellow clergy, congregations and organizations she's served has been impactful - including as ECM's Executive Director from 2002-2006. Congratulations, Susie Skinner and thanks be to God for you and your ministry!
On May 14, between the Feasts of the Ascension and Pentecost, Faith Christian Church of India, St Louis, St. Mark's Church in St. Louis, An Episcopal Church with a Welcome for All and St. Timothy's Creve Coeur shared the hope and joy that is Jesus and answered the call of the Holy Spirit by showing up with tokens of love for the children in the juvenile detention centers in St. Louis.