E-Newsletter
May/31 / 2017

Driving from California

Blog Post by Rev. Craig Howard

    This past week I flew out to California and drove back to St. Louis with Marilyn. We took our time traversing the 1800 miles. We even stopped in Santa Fe to renew our wedding vows! It was an amazing day, and the drive from California was an amazing route through a diverse terrain.

   While driving, I can experience the breath of our country from the west coast to the Midwest. We begin with the mountains of California and drive through the deserts of Arizona. The further we drive east, the dryer the climate becomes and the sparser the landscape. By the time we leave New Mexico headed toward Texas, the heat has reached close to 100 and there are patches of wild grass, bone-dry land, with very few trees. Things begin to improve in Oklahoma as the rain falls and the topography turns greener. By the time we reach Missouri, the landscape is lush with rolling hills covered by flourishing trees. The beauty of the Ozarks is something to behold. Click here to continue reading

Our Presbytery - Our Work


    This week's prayer basket...
  Please pray for those traveling this summer in mission focused projects.
Ministry Team Meetings
(all meetings are held at the presbytery office - unless noted)
Thurs., Jun. 1
4 p.m. - Vision Team
Wed, Jun. 7
10 a. m. - Pastoral Transitions and Care Com.
Thurs., Jun. 8
5 p.m. - Congregational Vibrancy Team
Tues., Jun. 13
10 a.m. - Finance Committee
4 p.m. - Administration and Support Team

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

   Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery and its member congregations have been asked to provide volunteers to help with everything from onsite registration to golf cart shuttle drivers. This is an incredible opportunity for us to extend the hand of fellowship to our brothers and sisters from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As a token of our gratitude you’re invited to attend Big Tent activities at no additional cost for the same day of your service. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities please visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent.

Description of each volunteer position and schedule can be found here.

 
This issue contains

Opportunities for Growth
  Calendars are in! 
The calendars are available for $8.50/each and can be picked up at the Presbytery Center, 
Monday -Friday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
UKirk Summer Session

    UKirk is happening this summer! Our gatherings are open to all college students throughout the Presbytery - from incoming freshmen to seniors who just graduated. Here's our full schedule of events.

    UKirk Students need fed, physically as well as spiritually. If you aren't a college student but like to cook, support this ministry by signing up here to bring a meal. (Full details provided through the sign up sheet!) or email Pastor Miriam ([email protected]).

     If you, or your congregation is interested in information about how you can support the ministry of UKirk, please visit them online at UKirk-StL or like them on Facebook and keep up with their activities.
 
Engaging in Faith, Love & Fellowship
     Carillon Ringers Homecoming Concert
Ladue Chapel, invite all to welcome home the Carillon Ringers from their North Carolina Tour on Sunday, June 11. The Carillon Ringers will perform their Homecoming Concert in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to stay after the concert for the Pie Night Reception in Fellowship Hall! 
  Jazz for the Journey Festival of Jazz Worship
   This three-day national gathering held September 28-30, celebrates the Spirit of jazz in Christian worship and ministry held in St. Louis—a great city for jazz and spirit. Produced by Rev. Geoffrey Black and Rev. Cliff Aerie , the event will provide hands-on learning experiences to complement inspiring jazz performances in the context of worship. Rev. Black will offer the keynote address, and three great bands, renowned preachers, workshop leaders and storytellers will inspire participants.
 
Hands & Feet Initiative - Flood Mission Work Calling
  Volunteers are needed to help repair damages and rebuild the homes of those devastated during the winter 2015 floods throughout the St. Louis area and surrounding counties. Over 100 disaster survivors are still in need of construction repairs. That list is growing due to the recent flood activity over the last month impacting many of the same areas that were previously damaged in 2015 as well as new areas around the state.

  Recruiting teams with skilled volunteers is a top priority due to the large amount of construction needs throughout the flooded area. They have several teams assisting throughout June and July, but would love to recruit more to assist in August and beyond.

Educational Opportunities Available
 Gift of Voice - Pastor Resource Day

  Gift of Voice holds Pastor Resource Day - Wed., July 19th.

One of the greatest contributing factors to spiritual and physical death is a lack of knowledge, insight and open dialog about mental health recovery.  Churches, including leadership, are not exempt from mental health challenges.  This unique forum focuses on personal wellness, community collaboration and making an eternal difference.  In addition to our phenomenal keynote speakers, topics include Healthy Leadership, Suicide Prevention, Integrated Healthcare, Trauma-Informed Ministry and Christ-Centered Advocacy. For more information and to register continue here.   

Ministry Postings
       Mound Ridge Retreat Center
Summer Residential Counselors & Kitchen Cook
( Contract Jobs)
   Over Night/Residential Counselor needed one male and one female. If interested in being paid for a great summer, working outdoors and camping, kayaking, swimming, BEING AROUND CHILDREN and you are a young adult between 20-25 some college, please contact through the email posted. Contracted Salary will be discussed upon interview.
    Kitchen Cook is needed someone that can read recipes and enjoys cooking for others and doesn't mind working in summer heat. contact the email posted. This is a summer contracted salary to be discussed upon the application and interview process.
   Click here to learn more.
REVISED Motor City Mission Corp Apprenticeship
   Motor City Mission Corps is a year long nonprofit apprenticeship for young adults with a focus on breaking down racism and building equitable community. Participants live in community, serve in organizations with a reputation for making change in the city of Detroit and explore how they might be called to join God's work in the worldFor more information on how to apply, please click here to continue.
     Youth Coordinator
   The First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson is seeking a part-time Youth Coordinator. This position would also require participation in a summer High School Mission Trip. For more information continue here. 
Children’s Ministry Assistant
    First Presbyterian, Kirkwood is seeking a Children’s Ministry Assistant will work closely with the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, the Director of Music Ministries, the Children and Family Committee of Session, volunteers, and staff to facilitate the faith formation of the children of the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, MO. The Children’s Ministry Assistant will be supervised by the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries. Continue to read more about the position. To apply contact, [email protected]
  Church Business Administrator
   Webster Groves Presbyterian Church is currently seeking applicants for a Church Business Administrator. The current Business Administrator will be retiring this summer.  Please continue to read the position description, and learn how you can apply.
Choral Call - Seeking Your Voice
   Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, is seeking choral section leaders We are looking for experienced singers to lead and sing longside our choir members from early September through early June.. To find our how you can schedule an audition, please continue here.