Episcopal City Mission

We're excited to get permission for "modified live interaction" at the St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center (still in "Phase 2" lock down.) On Wednesday ECM Chaplain Clive E. Ponnuraj was allowed inside to meet with some of the kids. He writes, "After over a year in Lockdown, this was the first time I visited the kids in the county detention center. I spent 5 hours with 6 kids, giving individual spiritual care at the visitation area. The kids were so willing and really opened up to share their stories. I didn't want to leave the center, but I had to because visiting hours were over. Praise God for this opportunity!"

This past year has been challenging for everyone - to say the least! But our city and congregations have come together in amazing ways. Let’s come together again as we participate in #GiveSTLDay 2021, powered by the St. Louis Community Foundation on May 6. EARLY GIVING HAS BEGUN and runs thru May 5! Give now at givestlday.org/episcopalcitymission and help us get closer to our goal!

Happy Easter from ECM! Special thanks to Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Charles Sunday School for these extra special Easter Goody Bags for the kids in detention. The hope and promise of the Resurrection are seen in the generosity and caring of our partner congregations, volunteers and donors. "Alleluia. Christ is Risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia."

Right on time, St. John's, Tower Grove and St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church - Florissant showed up at the City and County Juvenile Detention Centers with pizza, soda and gifts to host birthday celebrations the 1st and 2nd Fridays in March. A shout out to Michael Dobbs, Mary Haggerty & William Haggerty from St. Barnabas - Florissant; and Christine Cannon & Dale M. Cannon from St. John's - Tower Grove (with special thanks to the Cannons for 30 years of hosting ECM birthday parties!)

Thanks to the Women's Guild at St. Peter's Episcopal Church - Ladue, the children in detention received St. Patrick's Day "Goody Bags" and Leprechaun top-hats (which the chaplains donned for a photo op!) The bags were filled with chips, candy, beads, St. Patrick's Day "tattoos," activity sheets and more. THANK YOU, ladies, for being a blessing to the kids in juvenile detention in St. Louis!

What's better than finding a Leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Finding 4 ECM Chaplains wishing you a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Unlike those tricky leprechauns who disappear the moment you glance away, ECM chaplains will remain faithfully present and steadfast through tough times to bring the lasting treasures of hope and healing.

You can earn up to up to 3% of your Schnucks grocery purchases for ECM every time you shop! It's easy, and there is no cost to sign up. Register online today using the link below or by calling 1-800-931-6258.

ECM birthday celebrations in December and January were made possible by dedicated ECM Board member Steve Crock, ECM Exec. Director Beth Goad, ECM chaplains Deborah Burris and Kevin Aldridge, and volunteers Mary Jane Moxley Kuhn from Emmanuel Episcopal Church-Webster Groves and Claudine Allen from Christ Church Cathedral. As Mary Jane's mask reads, "Spread Joy" - and they certainly did!

Christmas came early for the Aldridge family this year as they welcomed baby Kierstin on December 19 (8lbs, 5oz.). When asked if we could share this happy news on Facebook and a picture of this beautiful baby, Kevin answered, Absolutely! I'm so proud! My heart is happy. God is faithful!" Congratulations to the Aldridge Family and welcome baby Kierstin!

Today ECM staff and friends wrapped holiday gifts provided by Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Missouri and individual donors for 95 children in the juvenile justice system in St. Louis City and County. Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas: Star and angels gave the sign.... Love shall be our token; Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and neighbor, Love for plea and gift and sign. See more

In today's Journey through Advent and Christmas, Bishop Deon and choir members from Grace Church in Kirkwood invite us to take time to see the things we often take for granted in our lives.