For Emmaus Homes and St. John’s UCC, Intentionality Builds Friendships

Sometimes big changes begin with the simple things. A plate filled with food. A laugh shared between neighbors. A picnic area at the local park.

That was the scene one day in January 2026, when Emmaus Homes clients and members of St. John’s UCC in Weldon Spring, Mo., came together. At first glance, it looked like any other picnic, with food and conversation. But this was more than a picnic. It was the first step in a new partnership: a Bible Study between neighbors.

The idea started with Emmaus’ Chaplain, the Rev. Andrea Asselmeier, who has long believed that inclusion grows out of relationship. She wanted a space where Emmaus clients and neighbors from St. John’s could truly get to know one another on a personal level—not just through formal programs, but through friendship.

“It came about because we are starting an in-person Bible study,” Asselmeier said. “We realized we should do some events to just get to know each other a little better.”

For her, the purpose was simple but profound.

“The vision is just to have some friends in the community, meet our neighbors, and support one another,” she said.

For the Rev. Patrick Gruber, pastor of St. John’s UCC, the event carried an even deeper meaning. Having known Pastor Andrea for nearly a decade, he has seen the value of Emmaus’ ministry up close. “I know how important, how vital, the ministry of Emmaus Homes is to this area,” he said. “It is such a beloved ministry—not only for the individuals served, but for the churches in this region as well.”

Gruber said he hopes these new friendships will benefit his congregation in many ways. “I want to help reduce some of the stigma that people with developmental disabilities face. I want their visibility to rise within the congregation,” he said. “I do not want people to see this as just visiting Emmaus clients. Instead, I want them to see them as valuable individuals and valuable souls, worshiping right alongside us.”

That is the vision behind the bible study: not clients and church members on opposite sides, but neighbors and friends sharing faith together. Not charity, but community.

The study meets the first Monday of every month at St. John’s UCC. These gatherings will be short, welcoming, and open to anyone. The goal is simple: to share stories, to learn together, and to remind one another that belonging is for everyone.

At the picnic, that belonging was easy to see. Emmaus clients and St. John’s members sat shoulder-to-shoulder, sharing food and conversation. Smiles were everywhere. The joy and connection were real.

Moments like these remind us that building a community does not always require big plans. Sometimes, it just takes an invitation and a willingness to be open to the small opportunities around you to build friendship.

Because sometimes a meal is just a meal. And sometimes, it is the beginning of something beautiful.