I love my church

Last summer, I wrote a blog post following the summer conference I went to with my church and how it had changed my views as a photographer.  You should read it.  The short version is that regardless of how we see ourselves, full of our insecurities and doubts, God loves us and created us wonderfully.  It is part of my job to help people see themselves as God sees them- beautifully.

Anyhow, that conference is coming up again, and I was asked to create some photographs that represent our church.  Just looking back at yesterday makes me realize why I love my particular local church (City Lights Church) so much.

Friends...

 Families

 Diversity. A true glimpse of Heaven.

Joy.

 

Prayer for each other. Full of compassion and expectation.

 Worship. (with excellent music, I might add)

 

let's not forget the very first bite of a donut!

World Impact St. Louis Benefit Concert

A few weeks back, Brian got his first shot at being my assistant.  He did the Hearts for City Campaign booth at the World Impact Benefit concert.  He actually got more "business" at his booth than I did at mine for family snapshots.  Great job, honey!

But after we were done with the booths, we went into the concert with a sleepy, but well behaved toddler so I could not only enjoy some of the music of Mark Roach, but also get some concert shots.  Here are a few faves...

World Impact St. Louis Benefit Concert

We've been doing some work with World Impact this fall and they have recently had $200,000 in property damage. Thieves stole critical parts to their air conditioning system, and a major part of their ministry takes part during the summer months.  Would you consider marking December 10th on your calendar and taking part of their benefit concert and silent auction?  You can come enjoy some music, get a quick photo taken, and get some great finds at the auction.

See you there!

The Bridge at the Moto Museum

As a the staff photographer for The Bridge, I was able to photograph their 2nd Annual FunRaiser at the MotoMuseum earlier this week.  What a great location!  If you've never been to see this collection of motorcycles, you've got to check it out.  I think it's free. Can't beat that!

High profile folks were there... like senators, the mayor, and other local dignitaries like Fredbird! Isn't he so dignified?

front porch pictures

I haven't done much in the way of personal posts recently, so for the family out there who might like a peek at our little one, here's a few...

The other night we went to a dance/percussion/poetry thing at the Old Post Office Plaza (where I did an engagement session earlier this year) to see a friend dance.  No spectacular pictures of this event- but here's my friend.

Since we were going to be outside, it was getting chilly, and it was with an artsy crowd, we decided to dress the part... And then we felt like we all looked pretty good-- so it was time to take some pictures on the front porch on the way out.

I loved this series of my husband and son together.

And one of me and Eli to finish off the set.

Spokes & Sandwiches

May has drawn to a close, as has our set of specials to provide bikes for missionaries in Asia.  We were able to raise money for three bikes!  Thanks for your support!  We'll be making that donation to Gospel for Asia in the near future.  (Got that, honey-who-pays-our-bills?  Don't forget.)

Also, I did some day-to-day shots for The Bridge (often seen here on PLP) and for their Memorial Day lunch and sack-dinner preparations.

It's fun being down there now that people recognize me and know who I am.  There is a general comfortableness that develops, and now me and my camera are commonplace- much less intimidating for people.

It's awesome how many varieties of fresh produce they get.

Get ready... wedding season is coming into full-swing around here.  I'll try to pop in with each wedding, but we'll be busy!  And let me say... we're starting with a lively bunch (of people that I love to munch so much!)

Community Christmas Celebration

Today was a very special day.  With the help of one of my dearest friends (who often appears on my blog, see if you can find her- without links- where's waldo style, perhaps? the red and white is fitting for the season.  WOW I had a super-digression- back to the task at hand), I helped coordinate a party for some families in the neighborhood where our church is.  We've been working on it for about 6 weeks and today was the big day.  It was the "Community Christmas Celebration"- and aptly named, as it was a community effort!  It was a collaboration between University City Schools, City Lights Church, and Central Christian School.

It was a party that combined the families we 'adopted' for the day and the families in small groups at our church.  Often when people sponsor families over the holidays or serve lunch at a food kitchen, etc. they never get to meet the people.  It all stays kind of anonymous- which sometimes has it's place. But I have to say- this was AWESOME!  Everyone got to hang out together, share food, our church and Central Christian school got to give out presents, and I got to take a family picture for the families by the Christmas tree.  Our kid's decorated cookies side by side, and we look forward to having many of them return to worship with us- side by side again!

 

 

Here are the people I'd like to thank the most for helping in the preparations today.  

You know when people talk about the joy of giving?  Doesn't this just show it?

Friendliness

This past weekend, after my family and I recovered from H1N1, we headed to the Lake of the Ozarks to a leader's retreat with church. I got to take pictures of everyone for some church publication stuff and convinced everyone to gather 'round for a group picture. These are some of my very best friends.

It is tempting to put up all the pictures of the small group leaders since they were all so photogenic, but I'll refrain... In lieu of that, I'll throw in a few extras.

Scratch and Sniff

I wish these pictures had scratch 'n sniff possibilities! Let me just say this steak smelled amazing...


The Bridge, frequently seen here on my blog, had an event this weekend- a steak dinner for their guests provided by Bonhomme Presbyterian Church! Let me tell you that when the man who was announcing things said to praise God if you got a big FAT steak, cheers erupted! I was told that if I didn't eat this cookie, it'd be a sin. I agree. It was tasty!

Their youth choir sang...

This young lady must be gifted at service, as she never stopped smiling. Even when I put the camera down.

Who doesn't love a good picture of salt and pepper shakers on a rainy day?

This guy called me "Camera Lady"- which I'd say works pretty well. I knew he was talking to me. We had a nice chat about my camera, as he is in the market for one, and the Polaroids pictures he used to take years ago in downtown St. Louis. The pictures I am to take of the guests are to help bring a face of dignity to the people served by The Bridge, and this experience did that for me. It is easy to think that the homeless population doesn't know what's going on in the world or are out of touch. But the group of people I spoke with, including this man, all could tell me more about the news, hooking up my DTV converter box (that hasn't ever been done), and local camera stores than I could share with them. Dignity was found.