Where to start...This church has been a life changing place for me, my husband and our little girl…read more God has placed some amazing people here that walk the walk. From new believers in Christ to seasoned Christ followers, with a wide range of ages and stages of life. The first day we visited True Vine Fellowship we immediately knew this is where we need to be. We felt the love and sincerity from each member the first day we attended and we continue to feel the love, encouragement and care they have for us. This church is not your ordinary church. It's not about lights, money and numbers - they are all about Christ and his word!! We sing a few songs, spend time sharing praises and prayer requests and spend time reading Gods word and sharing personal stories, struggles, questions and wisdom. They have complete transparency and want nothing more than to connect you with Christ and his word and walk through life with you. We share "snacks" which is more like a small meal after every gathering and have a pot of coffee ready for when you arrive. This fellowship is like nothing I have ever experienced and I can not express enough how much this group means to me and could mean to you! If you desire to learn more about God and his word, or have questions or want to be apart of a congregation that cares for YOU & desires to walk with you and help you grow in your faith and love for Christ than this is the place for you!!

Largest Buddhist Monastery in the Midwest. Sunday services 10 AM offered on Zoom and Facebook. In…read moreperson visit allowed with proof of vaccination. Should call to confirm a visit. Beautiful grounds and buildings.

MABA stands for Mid America Buddhist Association which is a Buddhist monastery occupying a 76 acres…read moreparcel featuring rolling hills, lotus-filled lake and beautiful woodland, surrounded by majestic vineyards and wineries in Augusta, Missouri, about one hour drive west of the St. Louis International Airport. To understand MABA, one must start with its Abbot, Venerable Master Jiru. Master was born in a small town along the Eastern coast of Malaysia. His parents were both physicians, immigrated from China after World War II. Master grew up learning martial art from his grandfather, first it was a derivative form of yoga (Yi Jin Jing) invented by Bodhidharma, a famous North Indian monk who visited China fifteen hundred years ago and invented the technique after spending seven years in seclusion inside a cave. Bodhidharma is recognized as the original master of Chan meditation in China and his yoga technique also became the basis of what is now known as Shaolin Kung Fu. While continuing to practice this age old technique, Master Jiru also became experts in two styles of Tai Chi (combining both Chan and Tao). When he was around twenty years old, he vowed to dedicate his life to Buddhism and after spending almost two years overcoming incredible obstacles in learning both Pali and the Thai language, he was ordained as a Theravada monk in Thailand. However, fate brought him back to Malaysia and he eventually became the disciple of a famous Mahayana Chan master. A few years later, Master Jiru decided to search for his true calling overseas, first to Australia, then to America, and over time has held important positions in various monasteries, spanning both coasts of United States. Then in the early-90's, Master was invited by a small group of self-practicing Buddhists living in the St. Louis, MO area, who until then were meeting in each other's homes to study Dharma. Pooling their resources, and with leadership provided by the Master, MABA was founded. Land was purchased and over the past twenty years, with nothing but their sheer will and determination, augmented with small donations and lots of generous volunteers, they have built MABA to what it is today. From a Buddhist teaching standpoint, MABA is unique in that it synergistically combines both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, with great emphasis on direct experience in exploring one's body and mind and systematic approach to understanding Dharma, as opposed to ruts, routines and rituals. Three years ago, in order to meet growing demands on their facility, they embarked on an audacious renovation project, modernizing and expanding their female dormitory which was a tiny hundred year old stone farm house. What emerged, after lots of blood, sweat and tears, is a world class full fledged meditation facility affectionately known as the Blue Lotus House. The open house ceremony for the Blue Lotus is scheduled for April 9, 2017. MABA is always open to the public. In addition to Sunday services, it also hosts regular multi-day meditation retreats. Please visit their website, http://maba-usa.org for more information and to make contributions to support their cause. For testimonials from their students, you can also watch interview videos at their Youtube channel, http://maba.live.

My husband and I were married here about 2 weeks ago and I can't say enough good things about…read moreRiverbend. They are amazing. After searching several locations in the St. Louis area we just couldn't find something that wasn't the typical banquet hall or golf club. We both knew we didn't want a barn wedding or a city scape wedding either. Something in between... The Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel is just that! From the gorgeous views, to the beautiful chapel... this location makes for a perfect indoor or outdoor ceremony. The outside ceremony overlooks the bluff and the river, and the inside has tall ceilings with glass windows, a gorgeous arbor, and can be candlelit all the way down the aisle. The outside is breathtaking and the inside is romantic and traditional. Something for everyone! The reception ball room is gorgeous too. They have so many extra amenities that they offer at no additional cost. From the event planning team, Toni and Tonya, to the serving and event staff they were absolutely professional and made our day run so smoothly. I felt at complete ease with them. Not to mention the food choices are absolutely delicious. I really can't say enough good things. If you are getting married in Missouri or surrounding area, it's absolutely worth checking out. My guest still keep saying how beautiful it all was! Thanks Riverbend!!

Beautiful place for a wedding. Would have given 5 stars but tables were set way too tight. There…read morewas plenty of room to spread the tables out and give the staff and guests more room to walk.

Amazing person! Performed a beautiful ceremony for me and my husband, met with us and helped us…read moreevery step of the way! Love her!

Lynda performed our wedding ceremony in September of 2015. From the initial meeting, to the filing…read moreof the marriage license, Lynda was nothing but professional. She truly took the time to make sure our ceremony, and our day was exactly as we dreamed it would be. Last minute I made a change, and Lynda just smiled and rolled with it. Lynda is such a caring, sweet, and great person to work with! I highly recommend Loving Ceremonies by Lynda.