More Information
There are many ways to
Gather, Connect, Invite and Serve
at Wellspring Family Church
Scott's Story: Overcoming Obstacles on the Road to Housing
Scott’s Story: Overcoming Obstacles on the Road to Housing
Let me tell you about my new friend Scott. He was living under a bridge in south St. Louis before our recent bitter cold stretch. Scott was housed in a hotel room through InExcelsis’s Winter Haven program. People served him a meal and prayed for him.
Recently, Scott shared at Bible study he was raised in a Catholic family but rebelled against God and lived his life like he was the lord over it, making selfish and harmful decisions. Scott also attended Bible study where we first learned that he has great questions about who God is, challenging what he had thought about God in the past. He shared that he sees evidence of God both in creation and the way God is actively working in his life.
InExcelsis assisted in getting Scott into housing at the Tiny Homes shelter. You can probably tell from the photos below that Scott is grateful and proud of his little blue home. Scott started a job after countless job applications. He is driving a truck distributing soda throughout St. Louis. He loves his job and is dedicated to getting there. His route starts at 4am, but the bus route doesn’t run that time of day. Scott leaves his home at 10:30pm to catch several buses and arrives around midnight. Scott can sleep in his truck until his route starts.
By the grace of God, Scott still has contact with his mother and two adult children. They are rooting for him with encouragement.
Join me in praying for Scott’s health, his job schedule, and that his Tahoe transmission gets fixed soon. Pray that he stays inquisitive as God continues to draw Him close and he that he can reconcile with his family.
One of my friends recently recited 1 Thessalonians 5:14-17 to me as he was memorizing it. Check it out because I really think it captures how God calls us to serve in this ministry. Let us rejoice always and pray without ceasing for Scott and many other new friends.
If you are interested in helping our unhoused friends with both physical and spiritual needs, please read below.
Thank you,
Barry Garber
Opportunities to Serve Those Who are Homeless
Opportunities to Serve Those Who are Homeless
How can I help?
• InExcelsis, our ministry partner, has a need for volunteers on Saturdays and Sundays. Contact Barry Garber at 314-249-1429, or barrygarber72@gmail.com, if interested to learn more about opportunities on how to help.
• Visit Street Sanctuary, Sundays at 11am, at Little Sisters of the Poor, 3225 N Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63107. Discussion leaders needed. Call/text Jack Kennedy at 636-399-3083.
• Join with One Family Church Saturdays, 9-11am, at 4265 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110. Volunteers needed to greet and serve those who are unhoused.
• Support our on-going ministry to those experiencing homelessness. Give to Wellspring Family Church Wings of Hope Michael D. Oppenheim Fund.
• Throughout the year, there is a need to donate personal care items: liquid body soap, shampoo, razors, feminine hygiene products, etc. New socks, underwear for men in L, XL, and XXL, undergarments for women, wash cloths, small hand towels. Items can be left at the church, in the NE foyer next to the Youth Room. Or, drop off items at One Family Church on any Saturday between 9-12, located at 4265 Shaw Blvd, St Louis. These items are needed all year.
• During the winter months, there is a need to donate the following: winter hats, gloves, heavy socks, boots and/or thermal underwear in L, XL, and XXL. Items can be left at the church, in the NE foyer next to the Youth Room. Or, drop off items at One Family Church on any Saturday between 9-12, located at 4265 Shaw Blvd, St Louis. These items are needed all winter.
• Subscribe to the inExcelsis weekly e-news. inExcelsis is our ministry partner to serve those who are unhoused. Visit inexcelsislove.org.
Women of Wellspring Spring Bible Study
Join the Women of Wellspring this spring for “When You Pray”… a bible study with three class options.
Do you have trouble thinking of words to say to God when you pray? Are you afraid some emotions are too intense to express to God? Do you reach the end of a day only to realize you haven’t prayed at all? You’re not alone. Prayer is the way we relate to God, but sometimes it’s a struggle. Throughout God’s Word, we encounter many voices who teach us how to pray.
In this 7-session study, join with six beloved Bible teachers who will help you study prayers in the Bible that can inspire your own. You’ll learn that God welcomes your praise and lament, your thanksgiving and intercession. You’ll see examples of how to pray when you’re alone and when you’re gathered with others. Above all, you’ll notice there’s no one right way to pray. As you draw near to God through prayer, you’ll find your faith strengthened and your heart united to Christ.
There will be 3 in-person discussion sessions each week:
- Tuesdays 7pm-8:30 (in Board Room),
- Wednesdays 9am-10:30 (in Youth Room), and
- Thursdays 9am-10:30 (in Board Room).
Youth Pastor Position Available at Wellspring
Position Available—A Search Committee has been formed to fill a new position of Youth Pastor, and to review resumes and potential candidates
To view the job description, please click here.
The Search Committee includes: Todd Brooks, Jessica Freeman, Sara Otey, Zachary Priest, Dan Rauch, Bekah Segrist, Jason Wescoat, Erin Wodicker and Pastor Steve Otey. Candidates and leads should be sent to Pastor Steve Otey..
SOS—Serving Other Through Crafting / Sewing
SOS—Wellspring Women Serving Other Through Crafting / Sewing
Saturdays, March 16 and April 20, 2024 9am-1pm—Join the Women of Wellspring—the young and young at heart—in fun an fellowship while serving the unhoused and refugees in St. Louis.
Sewing know-how is not required, there are plenty of projects for all skills. We love having girls come with their moms, learning to sew and serve. Coffee and light snacks provided. Invite a fried and see you there!
Men, you may also serve by setting up tables and chairs each month.
Please email Christy Hageman or Kathy Oppelt, if you can help set up or have SOS questions.