(314) 727-9540 | 320 North Forsyth Blvd 

Clayton, Missouri 63105

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Mission



At Samuel Church, we work with local, national, and international groups to spread Christ’s love. Here are just a few of the groups we supported throughout 2021.

The Room at the Inn Nook: Mission Trip 2021

 

In 2021, deep in the COVID- 19 Pandemic, Samuel Church decided to do a mission trip. Since traveling was out, we looked to local ministries to see what we could do. And it turned out that Room at the Inn - a shelter for homeless women and families was in need. They had to Faced changed how they met their clients' needs. No longer could individual churches host families for a night or two. Instead, the families were being hosted at the Room at the Inn campus in Bridgeton. Offices and store rooms were emptied and turned into rooms for clients.  But cooped up so closely together was hard - especially for Teens. And that's where Samuel's Youth came in. In week, our youth turned an old office into a welcoming space for teens  facing the hardships of homelessness.

Click here for more about the 2021 Mission Trip

 A Jean Brugger Education Foundation

 

Jean Brugger is a former member of Samuel Church who moved to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. There, she created a charity to provide education services to families in need. Just $1,500 a year covers tuition, books and other necessities for students from high school to college. Currently, we sponsor Juan Luis, a deaf student who wants to be a teacher. The collection for the Brugger Foundation is taken in January, when the school year begins in Nicaragua.

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BRUGGER FOUNDATION

 

Eden Seminary prepares men and women for ordained ministry. It is one of six seminaries of the United Church of Christ. Several members of Samuel have taught at Eden throughout our history.  Every year we continue to grow our connection to Eden through our Student Pastor program, where Samuel UCC allows student pastors to practice the art of being a pastor.  Several former student pastors have joined Samuel Church and many have remained friends and return frequently.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EDEN

 

ECH was founded in 1859 as an orphanage for children of immigrants who had died from the cholera outbreaks that spread through the city.  Today, ECH is dedicated to helping vulnerable children in many ways by preventing child abuse, treating emotional trauma and mental health issues, Head Start, transitional living, and more.  At Easter and Christmas, Samuel takes a collection to benefit ECH and Emmaus Homes. You can find out more at www.everychildshope.org

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ECH

 

For 125 years, Emmaus Homes has been providing community services to adults with developmental disabilities, helping them live their lives as independently as possible. Housed in numerous group homes throughout the St. Louis and St Charles areas, residents learn from each other and bring diversity into our neighborshood.   At Easter and Christmas, Samuel takes a collection to benefit Emmaus Homes and ECH. You can find out more at www.emmaushomes.org

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMMAUS

 

Gateway ONA Coalition

This Coalition of Open and Affirming Congregations of the St Louis Area provides support and help for the LBGTQIA (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer or Questioning/Intersexual/Ally) community.  Each year, we show our pride at the annual St Louis PrideFest by hosting a booth where we can spread the news that there are churches who welcome those often hurt by religions.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT GATEWAY ONA

Habitat for Humanity

This local branch of the national organization builds affordable housing. Every year, there is one home built by UCC churches throughout the area. Around St Patrick’s Day in March, Samuel hosts a corned beef and cabbage dinner to benefit Habitat. In previous years, this has raised more than $5,000.  In 2020 and 2021 we were not able to hold the dinner, so we held other fundraisers instead.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HABITAT

 

Room at the Inn, is a temporary, emergency shelter program for homeless women and families. With offices located in Bridgeton, RAI outsources hosting to churchs and organizaitons throughout the St. Louis area.  Hosting tehse families was put on hold during COVID, so we supported RAI via finanical donations.

 

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOM AT THE INN

Food Collection

On the first of the month, Samuel collects canned goods for local food pantries. The children and youth love gathering the items together in a shopping cart. Since COVID-19, we have also given support to the U City Meal Appeal and Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry.  We will never know the impact a few cans of food can have on a family.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RITENOUR CO CARE PANTRY

Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM)

Outside of the St. Louis community, Samuel Church participates in the collection of funds to be used nationally and internationally. Samuel collects for Neighbors in Need, One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, The Christmas Fund and OCWM.  For more information about these offerings, visit www.ucc.org/ocwm_special-support

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OCWM

Other Missions

In addition to all of the programs listed here, Samuel Church has also collected for other organizations, including:

  • The Covering House
  • a UCC church devastated by flooding
  • Disaster relief nationally and globally
  • Heifer International
  • CROP Walk

Samuel Church gives extravagantly!