E-Newsletter
June/6 / 2017

Stepping Up in Steelville

Blog Post by Rev. Craig Howard

    On Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at our church in Steelville, Missouri. The city is known as the floating capital of Missouri. Considering the number of boats being pulled by trailers, and canoes on roof racks I saw while driving down I-44, I can see why! The worship service went well and included communion. The parishioners were kind and treated me well as their visiting preacherClick here to continue reading

Our Presbytery - Our Work


    This week's prayer basket...
  Please pray for our Acting Stated Clerk, the Rev. Joy Myers, in the sudden death of her brother in law.
Ministry Team Meetings
(all meetings are held at the presbytery office - unless noted)

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

    As attendance for this year’s Big Tent gathering in St. Louis continues to grow, workshop presenters are gearing up for the event. The biennial gathering will take place July 6–8 on the campus of Washington University. The theme — Race, Reconciliation and Reformation — will emphasize the hope of the gospel and its power to transform society in our current cultural context marked by anxiety, racial division, political animosity and economic inequality.  Read more and register here.

    Volunteers are NEEDED! Please make time to volunteer now for this amazing bi-annual event!   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 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]). 

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! 

             Celebrating America's Music

                      A Patriotic Concert

   This concert will be presented by the Chancel Choir and Instrumentalists of Dardenne Presbyterian Church along with guest musicians from our community, and is scheduled for Sunday, June 25 at 3:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center of Dardenne Presbyterian Church, located at 7400 South Outer 364, Dardenne Prairie.  

   Please come and enjoy the 34 member concert band play patriotic favorites such as "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "American Salute" and hear the 43 voice choir sing selections including "God Bless America" and "Salute to the Armed Forces."  Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the concert.  This is a free event, so all are welcome to join us!

Missouri Flood Victims - Federal Assistance Now Available
  At Governor Greitens’ Request, President Trump declares major disaster in Missouri, and now the Governor urges residents, local governments and nonprofit agencies impacted by historic flooding to register for federal assistance.
   President Donald Trump today approved Gov. Eric Greitens’ request for a major disaster declaration for a total of 48 Missouri counties. The declaration is in response to historic flooding that began April 28 and led to the destruction or major damage of more than 1,200 homes and at least $58 million in damage to roads, bridges, other public infrastructure and emergency response costs. The Governor’s May 24th disaster request estimated total losses and expenses of over $86 million.
  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

The Hesitant Herald: Why Preachers (and Stewardship Committees!) Hate Talking About Money and What to Do About It

   Stewardship Kaleidoscope is offering a FREE 90 minute-Live Webinar, featuring Karl Travis. ,Don't miss this opportunity to help the stewardship ministry in your own church. The webinar will be on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 1 p.m. Central Time, talking about the hurdles that faithful pastors and leaders face when it comes to preaching and counseling about generosity. Register NOW and plan to be a part of the conversation!  

Please click here to learn more and to register.

Blessing the Waters of Life:
Justice and Healing for Our Watersheds

  The national biennial conference, held September 26-29, 2017, of Presbyterians for Earth Care will focus on water issues at the nexus of faith, climate change and indigenous people. Caring for and celebrating the “waters of life” has always been central to Indigenous people of the world much as water rituals and images in scripture are central in the Christian tradition.
    Our keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, an ordained Lutheran minister, and seminary professor, who is active in public theology in both the scholarly academy and the church, working on climate justice and the Bible. The worship leader is the Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath, a professor of theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte.
    Please continue hear to read more. Registration discount ends June 30!
 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
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.
       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]
Earth Care Team Tips for Green Living
                      Re-use Gray Water
   Keep a bucket in the bath or shower to catch the water waiting for hot water to arrive. Use this gray water to water your garden or indoor plants or to flush your toilet. Re-using the gray water reduces waste by 100%
   These tips are sponsored by the Earth Care Action Team of the presbytery, composed of members of the six Earth Care Congregations of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. For more information, contact Carleton Stock