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Called by the Holy Spirit, filled with hope, we faithfully embrace a future that leads us to proclaim the gospel in new ways. 

Purpose Statement
The Great Rivers Collaborative, comprising several Lutheran congregations in North St. Louis area, embodies Christ’s love through mutual support and community engagement.  Called by the Holy Spirit, we faithfully embrace a future that leads us to proclaim the gospel in new ways which may include sharing resources, consolidating to pursue new missions and ministries and joining together to engage with our neighborhoods. Through God’s grace we come together to worship, foster relationships beyond our church buildings and serve our neighbors.    During this journey, we commit to uplifting one another and working collaboratively to create a vibrant, inclusive ministry where everyone is welcomed and valued.

Origin In the summer of 2023, leaders from several area ELCA churches gathered to discuss how the gifts within individual congregations could be used in conjunction with other congregations to perform even greater mission and ministry.  From these conversations, the Great Rivers Collaborative (GRC) was formed.

Congregations The GRC member congregations are Atonement, Good Shepherd (Hazelwood), Living Christ, Shepherd of the Hills, St. Philips, Unity, and Zion.

Meetings Meetings are held on the second Sunday in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Representatives from the GRC congregations attend regularly, but any member of a GRC congregation is welcome to sit in. If you want to attend a meeting, ask one of the Atonement contacts listed below for details about the time and place.

Actions The GRC initially focused on discerning the purpose of the group. Early on, there was an agreement to hold joint worship services and fellowship events so that congregants from the GRC congregations could build relationships. The congregations have gathered for Reformation, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Ash Wednesday services, and a picnic was held. Congregation-specific events are being shared via the GRC Calendar and Facebook page (see below), and everyone is welcome to attend. Sharing knowledge and resources also evolved into an important theme. Sub-committees have learned what is and is not working for each congregation and shared best practices. Shepherd of the Hills and Unity are sharing a pastor, while Living Christ and Zion are considering how they might collaborate.

Contacts If you have questions or ideas, please contact Atonement’s GRC representatives, Keith Tomazi (314-831-1607), David Cole (314-921-4264), or Cathy Hohl (314-862-3822).

GRC Calendar

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Amazing things are happening and your are invited to participate!   Click the link below to see events sponsored by the GRC and individual GRC congregations.

 GRC and Congregations Events Calendar

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Tips

  • Click on an event in the calendar to see details.

  • Click Week, Month, or Agenda in the top-right corner for a different view.

  • Events highlighted Green are sponsored by a specific congregation.  Items in Blue are GRC events.

Follow the GRC on Facebook

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