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

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

3. Infancy
All worship services are in German
Membership is growing

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

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

10. 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

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