July’s Courageous Conversation

On July 29, members of St. Peter’s Committee for Racial Justice  had a “Courageous Conversation” via Zoom with Pastor Andre Alexander and members of the Tabernacle Church.  The group was relatively small, which led to an in-depth sharing of opinions and feelings associated with Covid and vaccinations.  Many people in Pastor Andre’s community do not feel comfortable getting vaccinated, for a number of reasons. We pray that the Tabernacle Church can develop a plan to safely reopen for indoor worship.

St. Peter’s Helps to Complete the Hub

St. Peter’s Vestry has voted to provide a $137,000 bridge loan to the Tabernacle Community Development Corporation (TCDC) to fund completion of the community resource center it is building in a former elementary school building in the Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood.  Construction on the center, called the “Hub,” had been on hold while TCDC waited to receive the proceeds of two grants it had been awarded.  St. Peter’s loan allows the TCDC to complete work on the Hub this fall.  Pastor Andre says the “Hub” will be open shortly, with its Mercy Health Center being operational in October. This is a significant achievement for the community!

The TCDC grant monies are expected to be received by the end of 2021, and repayment of the bridge loan to St. Peter’s is scheduled for the first quarter of 2022.  The loan carries an interest rate of 2.5%.  For additional information on the TCDC and the work it is accomplishing, please read the July 9th issue of News from the Rock (link).

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

The purpose of our “Courageous Conversations” with Pastor Andre and members of the Tabernacle is to better understand issues facing the Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood; to build meaningful relationships with Tabernacle parishioners and neighborhood residents; and to see how and where we might work together to help stabilize the Ville and Jeff Vanderlou area.

All parishioners are welcome to join in these "Courageous Conversations" and to get involved in the work of St. Peter's Committee for Racial Justice. Please contact Katie Claggett (314-640-0150) or Charlie Claggett (314-757-3595) if you are interested in learning more or getting involved.