E-Newsletter
May/2 / 2017
Phone: (314) 772-2395 ext.110
Office: 2236 Tower Grove Ave
              St. Louis, MO 63110

Casting a Vision                       

by Rev. Dr. Craig Howard                                        Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy               Transitional Leader

   April 9th marked my first 90 days as your Transitional Presbytery Leader. I am pleased with the progress I’ve made in getting the office up to speed with staffing, coordinating our budget with our structure, getting our finances in order, building relationships with presbytery teams, pastors, congregations, and our community. I have tried to be the face of the presbytery from Dardennne Prairie to Ferguson; from Kampsville to Sikeston. With the help of my staff, I have used the newsletter to share thoughts and plant seeds.

 Continue to read more...

Our Presbytery - Our Work


    This week's prayer basket...
  •  DAR/B.Curnutt photo
  • Doniphan, Missouri/5.1.17


    Friends,

    On Monday Morning, the Presbytery called 21 churches that are along the flood areas. Please pray for Doniphan, Poplar Bluff, Dexter, and Fisk. These appear to be our hardest hit churches so far. Presbyterian Disaster Assistant arrived Monday as well. I met with them and we will continue to strategize as the week goes on and the Mississippi River crests.

    If your church or community is being affected by the flood waters, please call the presbytery office. We are working together as a connected church to help and support one another. 

    Peace,
       Craig
  • Add prayer slip to our basket here.
     April 27th Gathering Well Attended
    The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy is thankful for the amazingly generous hospitality of Rev. Carol DeVaughan and the congregation of LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church of Wood River, Illinois.
  We are also thankful for those who returned resource material for other congregations to use.
   Those attending heard of the vibrancy that exists within congregations and presbytery ministry teams, but also the heard of the challenges ahead. Please take part in the future gatherings and become involved in the vibrancy of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy.
   Photos of that day will be uploaded to the Gathering page this week.
  Please remember that the next Stated Gathering will be held on Thursday, August 31, at First Presbyterian of Washington,  Missouri.

     Ministry Team Meetings

Tues., May 9                                                Thurs., May 11
10 a.m. -Finance Team                                      5 p.m. - Congregational Vibrancy
4 p.m. - Admin & Support

Tues., May 16
1 p.m - Mission & Outreach
 
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
Joining Hands - Dinner Meeting Planned 
   Presbytery Center on Tuesday, May 16.   We will begin at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner.   Please bring your favorite dish! 
   The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include, greetings from our Transitional Presbytery Leader, Craig Howard, news from Ecumenical Advocacy Days and  the Climate Change March in Washington with reports from  Ellie and Carleton Stock , as they attended both events and will report from their experiences, and updates on LaOroya and Partners for Just Trade.
Educational Opportunities Available
 Gift of Voice - Pastor Resource Day

  Gift of Voice holds Pastor Resource Day on Wednesday, 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.

 
Missouri Interfaith Power & Light
  Missouri IPL seeks to illuminate global warming as a social justice concern; the poorest among us will be the ones most affected by the climate-induced heat waves, floods, famines, and droughts.
   In promoting Missouri’s interfaith community, we recognize that every major faith tradition relates an ethical and moral framework for stewardship of the environment and acceptance of our responsibility to care for the earth.  We can all share in the protection of the planet for our children and future generations. Please continue to read here.
Ministry Job Postings
Job Opportunity For Executive Coordinator
   Someone with excellent administrative and computer skills to serve as the Executive Coordinator for the Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA)for General Assembly in St. Louis beginning late May 2017 through July 2018. This person is hired by GA and serves as the liaison for GA and the local COLA; he/she will manage the COLA office and assist the local committee. Please apply by sending resume C/O Carol DeVaughan cdevaughan@att.net as soon as possible. We hope to hold interviews May 2-3.
                     For complete job description click here.
     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, rmonroe@kirkwoodpres.org
  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.
Seeking Music Associate  
   First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood is searching for a part time (20 hours per week) music associate/assistant organist. This individual will conduct two bell choirs, accompany the Chancel Choir, and assist the Director of Music Ministries with administrative duties. For more information please contact Bill Stein at bstein@kirkwoodpres.org
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.