The Life cycle of a congregation St. Peter’s UCC, New Haven, Missouri

Birth 1879 (Gestation) 1878 - German Evangelical Christians began meeting in new haven, Missouri 1879 - Pledges of Money Received July 4, 1879 - cornerstone was laid 1880 Rev. Adam Schroeder is called as first Pastor

Infancy All worship services are in German Membership is growing

Childhood 1891 – Membership grows to 65 1891 – Organ Purchased 1891 – School House was built 1896 – The Ladies Aid Society was created 1900 – Discussed building a new parsonage but plans were postponed 1904 – Rev. Jacob Hotz Resigns

Adolesence 1905 – Parsonage is build (not to exceed $2000 1905 – Membership continues to grow and new modern house of worship desired 1914 – congregation approved building New church for $10,750 1915 – Rev. Stoeker resigned “before his dream was realized” Sunday, March 19, 1916 Church was dedicated

adulthood 1920 – the church introduced the envelope system of regular giving 1927 – new Hinners organ with set of chimes for $4,000 was dedicated 1929 – golden anniversary with “full week of services and activities” 1930 – church membership stands at 304 Sanctuary renovations and lowering of the pulpit

Maturity 1945 – rules and regulations governing the use of the cemetery are approved 1946 – use of german language in worship discontinued 1947 – Rev. Harry hein “brought to close 21 years of faithful and fruitful service 1947 – Sunday school is growing 1947 – congregation begins talking about larger Christian education building 1950’s – building improvements, new fellowship groups

The empty nest 1957 – united church of Christ is born 1970’s – 1980’s – money growth has stopped 1990’s – attendance declines 1990’s – 2000 – congregational meetings – “turn into Fights!” Anger about lost of the past – where did the E&R church go?

retirement 2002 – minister resigns after brief pastorate 2002 – members hesitant to invite others to church 2003 – By-Law Revisions, New Committee structure approved 2002-2005 – interim ministers, conflict management 2017 – Sunday school and worship attendance are in decline

Old Age / death What could happen next for st. peter’s ucc? Could abort future attempts at redevelopment Give up Mount a change and transition effort Preaching station – chaplaincy ministry – accept decline

resurrection With god all things are possible So, what is god up to? Can we catch a new vision?