First Congregational Church of Webster Groves

09/06/2026

One week ago, while Pastor David Denoon was out of town, our friend Pastor Marty Black helped us with one of our annual traditions…the Blessings of the backpacks.

Each year, as the school year begins, we take a special opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the school year. We bless the kiddos, the parents, grandparents, and guardians who help make sure each day goes without a hitch. And we end the backpack blessings with a special nod to our educators and support staff.

This year, we had a special surprise for the children. Long-time church member Annie Sampath, her husband Sam, and their dog Rocky joined the blessings circle.

Annie recently wrote a children’s book…”Rocky My Buddy.” Annie and Rocky are traveling throughout St. Louis to area schools so they can share their story of special time together even when there may not be a special occasion.

Enjoying the simple things in life and counting all
of our blessings will help make this school year extra special!

Have a wonderful school year everyone!
Blessings to you.

09/04/2026

Worship, September 6
Sacrament of Christ's Table
Weekend of Labor Day

As we mark the successes of the Labor movement in prayer and song, our scripture readings remind us of Christ's presence in our midst when we are gathered, and what our best behavior therefore is with one another - tolerance, forgiveness, and respect.

Scriptures: Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20
Message of the Day: "No Victims"

09/03/2026

Webster Groves residents, take a look!

Applications are being accepted through Monday, September 14 for the Green Our City initiative.

It’s a great opportunity to have a tree planted in the public right-of-way near your home at no cost. The program requires a two-year commitment to water and nurture the tree before the City will take over the long-term maintenance.

Start by completing the Green Our City tree steward application. A member of our staff will review the submission, visit the site, and call-in utility locates.

Homeowners will be contacted if the right-of-way can accommodate a tree.

Program participants receive a five-gallon watering bucket, gloves, instructions, and a watering reminder magnet to care for the new tree. As many as 20 sites will be considered for planting this fall.

Learn more at https://webstergrovesmo.gov/635/Green-Our-City.

08/31/2026

Stream from 8/30 service. Enjoy!

08/28/2026

Worship, August 30
Worship with Rev. Marty Black
Backpack Blessing

The scripture readings for Sunday explore identity and calling. Throughout worship we will be looking at the nature of the God we worship and who we are and who we are called to be in relationship to God and one another.

--Rev. Marty

Scriptures: Exodus 3:1-5, Romans 12:9-21
Message of the Day: "A Mutual Calling"

08/24/2026

Stream from 8/23 service. Enjoy!

August. 23. 2026"Five Women" Revs. Sue Leary & Jan BarnesFirst...

08/21/2026

Worship, August 23
with Revs. Jan Barnes & Sue Leary

Join Revs. Jan & Sue as they fill in for Pastor Dave this Sunday!

Scriptures: Romans 12: 1-8; Matthew 5:38-48
Message of the Day: "Five Women"

08/18/2026

Stream from 8/16 service. Enjoy!

08/14/2026

Worship, August 16

This Sunday, we revisit the stories of Joseph's reunion with his brothers and the encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman. In each case, a question of forgiveness arises - among estranged brothers and people with big differences separating them.

Pastor Dave Denoon addresses the hard work of getting beyond our prejudices and fears in a Message of the Day titled, "Really? Forgive Them?"

Painting: "Woman of Canaan", Sadao Watanabe
Scriptures: Genesis 45:1-15; Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Matthew 15:21-28

08/11/2026

"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our sibling Rev. Derek Terry and offer condolences to his family, his congregation, and the community that supported and loved him. An incomparable and fearless leader, Rev. Terry, touched the lives of everyone he encountered throughout his ministry in the United Church of Christ, and as the Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition.

Rev. Terry brought to his calling a powerful voice to conversations on civil rights, racial and social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, income inequality, body positivity, and courageous living. His preaching and teachings called people to deeper compassion, creative resistance, and a more inclusive vision of the church. His big heart, warm spirit, and passion for bringing justice to the world will be missed by all who knew, worked alongside, and partnered with him in the struggle. Rev. Terry’s passing is a devastating loss to many for whom he was family, friend, mentor, and confidant."

Karen Georgia Thompson
General Minister and President/CEO
United Church of Christ

Rev. Kevin E. Tindell
Board Chair of the Open and Affirming Coalition

As a member of the Open and Affirming Coalition UCC, we too feel the pain of Rev. Terry's loss.