E-Newsletter
July / 11 / 2017

Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard

Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

Transitional Leader

[email protected]


"Faith Into Action"

 

   Big Tent was amazing!! Big Tent St. Louis was one of the best Big Tent events ever! From the music, to the food; from the Washington University setting, to the inspiring preaching and workshops, the event was accomplished with precision and excellence.

   But the shining lights were the volunteers from Giddings-Lovejoy. They did a tremendous job. The leadership from our denomination headquarters in Louisville made sure I knew how outstanding our volunteers performed. The participants had mounds of praise for our volunteers as well! These volunteers included:

Our Presbytery - Our Work
    This week's prayer basket...
  Please pray for all those who are participating in and leading Vacation Bible School's, those who are traveling in Mission locally, nationally, and internationally. 
  Please pray for Big Tent volunteers Donna and Deb who sustained injuries while supporting Big Tent organizers.
   Click here to add a prayer slip to our basket, and please visit our prayer page often in unity and love of those who are listed there. You can find the page here.
2017/2018
Planning Calendar
NOW AVAILABLE

Call (314) 772-2395
or please mail: [email protected] to reserve your copy
BIG Thanks for Big Tent 
   We are so thankful for our volunteers at Big Tent! You made the week so much better for all attendees.    
    If you couldn't attend, click here to see what you missed. 
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This issue contains

Opportunities for Growth
 
Presby Connect

 Upcoming Ministry Team Meetings
(Some teams will recess in July please check with your team's moderator)

Wed., July 12
3:30 p.m. - Com on Local Arrangements (COLA)
Thurs., July 13
3:00 p.m. - Com on Representation/Nomination
5:00 p.m. - Congregational Vibrancy
Tues, July 18  
1:00 p.m. - Mission & Outreach
Thurs., July 20
9:30 a.m. - History Team
10:00 a.m. - Stewardship
4:00 p.m. - Vision Team
6:30 p.m. - Com. Preparation for Ministry
 Blessing Belleville Banquet
   All profits from this banquet will go to support Beacon Ministries, Caritas Family Solutions, and Project Compassion.  All three local charities do a great deal in Belleville to help families and children in crisis. 

   This years event will take place on August 12 at 6 p.m.  Please click here for more information.
  Understanding and Engaging our
Muslim Neighbors 

A continuing education course on

Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations

   The University of Edinburgh’s Global Network for Christian-Muslim Studies in partnership with Union Presbyterian Seminary, will host a three-day continuing education course in Richmond on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations, August 1-3, 2017.  Taught primarily by the Christian theologian Dr. Joshua Ralston (formerly of Union Presbyterian Seminary) and the Muslim intellectual Prof. Mona Siddiqui, the continuing education course aims to offer a basic introduction to key ideas in the Islamic traditions, explore theological and scriptural frameworks for Christian approaches to Islam, and consider models for local, national, and global Christian-Muslim engagement. Click here for more information.
  Mediation Skills Training Institute
for Church Leaders (MSTI)
   This seminar is for pastors and all persons in positions of leadership that addresses the types of conflict faced by participants.  Active and practical in focus, the sessions include lectures, discussions, and guided practice in role-plays.  This inter-denominational event will be hosted by St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, IL from August 7-11, 2017 .  The deadline for a $200 early-bird tuition discount is July 14.
    For further information about LMPC, our mission, and all our course offerings (including registration forms and discount coupons), please contact me directly or visit our website at www.LMPeaceCenter.org .  
  Vacation Bible School  Material Available 

   St. Charles Presbyterian just completed a successful week of V.B.S. using the program Maker Fun Factory.  

   If anyone can use the props that are left if they will contact the V.B.S. director,  Jolyn Matthews at [email protected] she will be happy to let you know what she has.  
Seeking Craft Vendors 
    The Maryland Heights Presbyterian Church, located at 200 Harding Ave. will be hosting a craft fair/bake sale on Saturday, October 7th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  We are looking for vendors. 
   If you are interested in participating and would like an application, please email Pat Libhart at [email protected] or call (314) 739-4721.  We will begin accepting applications on July 11th through September 8, 2017.
Ministry Postings
  Extended Pulpit Supply ”Plus” Needed

    A local Presbyterian Church (just outside St. Louis County) is seeking a pastor who is willing to serve on a part-time basis for a limited period of time.    

   The church has a membership of less than 70, with 25-30 in regular attendance each Sunday.  The amount of time per week is flexible; ideally the candidate would be willing to put in 19 hours.  This would include sermon preparation, coming to the office one day a week, handling any visitations, and Sunday morning preparation.  To apply contact Sharon Cardwell of the PTCC committee at: [email protected]  
  Seeking Organist

    Affton Presbyterian is looking for an organist. Worship is at 10 a.m. every Sunday. If you are interested, please contact Rev. John Harrison at 404-861-0848, or email your inquiry or interest to [email protected].  
Food Pantry Needs Volunteers

   Winger Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help on Wednesdays: one shift would run from 11:00am-1:00pm and involve processing Operation Food Search items; the other shift would involve helping clients carry bags from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Please contact Stacey Carman at  [email protected] for more information. Winger Food Pantry is located at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 6800 Washington Avenue, University City, MO 63130.
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. The position description can be found here. If interested please email, [email protected]

Tips for Caring For God's Creation.........

   Encourage individuals at your church to reduce water use, both at church and at home, by hanging signs in kitchens and bathrooms. ("Tips" are provided by the Earth Care Action Team of presbytery consisting of the certified Earth Care Congregations in the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy.  Contact Convener Carleton Stock for more info.)