February Small Group & Sermon Series: Christ the Savior: Three Soteriological Roles of Jesus

Soteriology is the theological study of salvation. We talk about salvation a lot as Christians, but what does it mean that Jesus is our savior? This Black History Month, our sermon series and small group will consider just three particular soteriological roles that Christ plays through the lens of black and womanist liberation theologians—as together we search for language to see how Jesus really is saving us and the world around us.

Dinners for Eight

Dinners for Eight is meant to improve fellowship and connection between the members of our congregation, to strengthen bonds outside of regular worship, educational faith formation, and mission/social justice activities. Fellowship is the first priority of this ministry! Groups of 6-9 people gather about once a month for a communal meal. After three months or so, groups are shuffled. Visitors, guests, and people just checking out Grace UMC are welcome to attend! To learn more or sign up, visit https://bit.ly/dinners-for-eight

United Women in Faith Lunches

Please join Grace's United Women in Faith on Tuesday, February 3rd and Tuesday, February 10th for special programs as well as special lunches! 

On February 3rd, we welcome Jessica Bueler, Executive Director of Fork in the Road Foundation. Lunch is served at 12:30pm. A   $5 donation is suggested, but for this special lunch, you are welcome to make an additional donation – a chef from Fork in the Road will provide lunch, and we will be supporting her with more than $5 per person. UWF will subsidize as needed.

Fork in the Road Foundation empowers refugee and immigrant women to turn their culinary passion into a scalable business. Through supper clubs, catering, and cooking classes, these chefs earn a meaningful income for their families while building confidence, practicing English, and finding their place in the community. See the announcement below for other ways to support this great organization! 

On February 10, we welcome a representative from Epworth Children and Family Services who will present following our delicious lunch celebrating Chinese New Year. Lunch will be planned by Dorothy and Wheeler Stephens along with Betty Burke. Lunch is served at 12:30pm.

Hope you can join us! No reservations needed!

Correction to previous announcement: The March UWF calendar should read March 3rd with Rev. Susan Vogel and March 10th with Ready Readers.

Bible Blast for 3rd-5th Grade

All 3rd-5th grade students are invited to our next Bible Blast on Sunday, February 8th!! Join us in Fellowship Hall for lunch at 11:30am and stay for the games and learning as we take another step in learning more about our Bibles. The event will conclude by 1pm. There is no cost for this event, but we do need to know if you’re coming, so please RSVP at www.graceumc-stl.org/bibleblast 

Frostbite Festival

Families are invited to join Grace UMC for Frostbite Festival on Presidents' Day (Monday, February 16th) 9am-12pm. There will be crafts, games, fun and food for kids of all ages and their adults. We’ll have lunch about 11:30am. Bring an adult, and show up ready to play! There is no cost for this event, but we do need to know if you’re coming, so please RSVP at https://www.graceumc-stl.org/frostbite

Adult Small Group: Christ the Savior: Three Soteriological Roles of Jesus

Soteriology is the theological study of salvation. We talk about salvation a lot as Christians, but what does it mean that Jesus is our savior? This Black History Month, our sermon series and small group will consider just three particular soteriological roles that Christ plays through the lens of black and womanist liberation theologians—as together we search for language to see how Jesus really is saving us and the world around us.

Sundays | 9:30 am | February 1-15 | Wesley Room | 3 Weeks

Tuesdays | 9:00 am | February 3-17 | ZOOM (Meeting ID: 884 4112 4591; Passcode: 617470 | 3 Weeks

Wednesdays | 6:15 pm (NOTE: This class will meet at 5:30 on Ash Wednesday.) | February 4-18 | Wesley Room & ZOOM (Meeting ID: 893 7699 1688; Passcode: 378096) | 3 Weeks

2026 Book Club Selections

The following titles have been chosen for the 2026 Grace UMC Book Club. Anyone can join the Zoom discussions, which are published monthly in The Good News. Only have time for one book? No problem! All are welcome to the discussions, which begin at 7pm on the dates listed below. Facilitators of the discussions also are listed.

February 3 - Seven Miles from Asphalt by Lisa Laue Moreland; Facilitator: Cindy Zirwes (The author has a connection to Grace UMC.)

March 3 - Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser; Facilitator: Phyllis Hershey

April 7 (Election Day) - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi; Facilitator: Ellen Boone

May 5 - Twice by Mitch Albom; Facilitator: Cheryl Lichti

June 2 - Maisy Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (first in the series); Facilitator: K. Didion

July 7 - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans; Facilitator: TBD

August 4 - Kin by Tayari Jones; Facilitator: Karen Bahow

September 1 - Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile by Aaron Naparstek, Doug Gordon & Sarah Goodyear; Facilitator: Rev. Dori Hudson

October 6 - Whistler by Ann Patchett; Facilitator: Sally Blackwell

November 3 (Election Day) - The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong; Facilitator: Ellen Boone

December 1 - TBD, either The Last American Roadtrip by Sarah Kendzior or Violet is Blueby Anne Shaw Heinrich; Facilitator: Ruth Sulser (These two authors are either a member at Grace or have connections to others who are members.)

Sunday Morning Hospitality Team

Are you feeling called to serve on Grace UMC’s Sunday Morning Hospitality Team? Serving on the Sunday Morning Hospitality Team is a wonderful way to share the grace and love of God with all who enter our building! This ministry welcomes newcomers to Grace UMC, ensuring all who enter our building on Sunday morning experience the intentionally open and kind spirit of our congregation. There are multiple opportunities to serve on the Sunday Morning Hospitality Team as either a Greeter or an Usher. To learn more about these roles, please visit www.graceumc-stl.org/hospitality. This page includes a sign up sheet, or you can just show up!

Lift Every Voice: Advocacy Scripts from the Social Justice Team

Grace UMC's Social Justice Team has been sending out Lift Every Voice emails to make it easier to make your voice heard on important legislative issues. Each email includes a quick, concise explanation of one concerning issue, a link for more detailed information, a list of names and associated emails/phone numbers of appropriate elected officials, and a pre-written script to use or ignore at your discretion. Click here to sign up and access previous issues.

Fork in the Road Dinners at Grace UMC

The Fork in The Road Foundation is scheduled to host two dinners at Grace UMC: United by Flavor: A Vegan Supper Club Experience on Saturday, January 31st and Share the Love Valentine's Day Event on Saturday, February 14th. Both dinners will take place from 5-7 pm in the Grace UMC Fellowship Hall. Reservations for the January 31st dinner can be made now for $30 at https://forkintheroad.charity/. If you'd like to support this organization but can't attend a meal, you can purchase a Valentine's Day Love Around the World Box and other sweet treats at https://forkintheroad.charity/.

LuMin College Ministry: Sunday Nights at the Campus House

Join LuMin College Ministry at LuMin House (7019 Forsyth Blvd.) for Upper Room Worship @ 7:30 pm and Fellowship Gathering @ 8:30pm. No experience necessary. You are welcome. Visit www.lcmstl.org for more information. Contact Pastor Tina, Campus Pastor, at 314-626-3202 or pastorluminstl@gmail.com.

LuMin St. Louis Trivia Night

Registration for LuMin St. Louis Trivia Night 2026 is open! There are 10 tables of 8 left for purchase, or there is the option to buy individual tickets and be added to a group. The event takes place on Saturday, January 31st at 6:30pm at Bethel Lutheran Church (7001 Forsyth Blvd.). For more information or to register, visit https://lutherancampusministrystlouis-bloom.kindful.com/e/trivia-night-2026

LuMin St. Louis Spring Meals & Snacks

LuMin St. Louis invites you to discern if you are able to support us in one of two ways:

Monthly Church Sponsor:

We’d like the items to be at the house around the first of the month. Connect with Pastor Tina (314-626-3202) for delivery. Seltzer/Capri Sun juice pouches; Granola bars; Grab & go – Uncrustables/hot pockets/burritos/breakfast sandwiches; Cheese/fruit snacks; Goldfish/chips/pretzels; a sweet snack; Ice cream sandwiches (48 max); A bag of cuties (mandarin or tangerine oranges); Liquid IV or other hydration/energy mix packets

Weekly Sunday Dinners:

We are moving to a light dinner after worship on Sunday evenings. We expected to have 5-10 folks for worship/dinner. Delivery should be made by 6 pm on Sunday nights. This is what we’d appreciate from Sunday dinner folks: Vegetarian soup (meat on side optional); Bread; Fresh fruit – students are partial to berries, pineapple, grapes; Simple dessert (brownies, cookies, etc.)

Please Note: The campus house has butter, salad dressings, ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, & mayonnaise. Please only bring other condiments/sides if we don’t have them. We do have two folks with tree nut and peanut allergies. We also have a gluten allergy.

Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084FA5A72AA3FC1-60297239-lumin#/If you have questions, please contact Pastor Tina at 314-626-3202.

LuMin Weekly Campus House Events

Join us on Fridays at 6pm at LuMin House (7019 Forsyth Blvd.) 

Movie & Chill: Jan 23, Feb 27, Mar 27, Apr 24
Game Night: Feb 13, Mar 6, Apr 10

Craft & Bake: Jan 16, Feb 20, Mar 20, Apr 17