E-Newsletter
September / 5 / 2017
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Transitional Leader

"Called to Serve"  

   We had a full and exciting Presbytery Gathering this past Thursday. In addition to hearing motions, voting, and taking actions, this meeting featured several “ignite” presentations. An ignite presentation is a five minute or less slide presentation that focuses on an issue or event. Thursday’s reports included:
  • Highlights of the Nicaragua Trip
  • Invitation to participate in the Hunger Action Network kickoff
  • History Team activities
  • Ukirk presented an update and appeal
  • Hands and Feet provided an update
  • COLA provided an update and request for volunteers
 
  In addition, the sermonic moment during worship was divided into three presentations: one from Isaac Wanyoike pastor of the Pendo Fellowship, John Harrison spoke about his work with the prison ministry, and Johanna Wagner shared about Caritas, our New Worshiping Community that focuses on people with cognitive disabilities.     Read on...
Our Presbytery - Our Work
    This week's our prayer
basket overflows ....    
   Let us lift these prayers up to the one who hears all and who loves all.

  •  Please pray for the Rev. Vanessa Hawkins, who begins as the Designated Associate Presbytery Leader, on Monday, September 11.
  • Please pray for the Rev. Paula Cooper who is traveling to Africa to live and work with Theological Education by Extension in Zambia for 15 months.
  •   Please pray for Hurricane Harvey victims, for those in the path of Hurricane Irma, and those impacted by the wildfires raging in Montana and California. Please pray also for all of the volunteers, emergency, medical and utility personnel who are working hard to insure the safety and well being of those hurt.
  •  Please include Anita Taylor, the Director of Delegations programs for CEPAD in Nicaragua who is unable to work due to serious health concerns. Our local mission workers and PG2 are very worried about her. 
  •   Please pray for Kerry Downing, Rev. Wendy Downing's brother, whose experimental cancer treatments in Houston was rescheduled because of the hurricane. He will begin treatment on September 15.
    Have a prayer you would like added to our basket ?    
   If so, click here to please visit our prayer page often in unity and love of those who are listed there. You can find the page here.
 Caritas Presbyterian Fellowship
Sat., Sept. 16 - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
  Learn in person, or by viewing a live stream, about the genetics and environmental factors that increase a person's risk for mental health issues. Follow here for more information and to register.

  August Presbytery Gathering, opening prayer crafted by Moderator, the Rev. Erin Counihan was requested.
  Please follow us in prayer, here.
Happy Birthday To You!
Pastor's with September Birthdays
Steve Artz, Barthel Brenner, George Henry Humbert, Paul MacVittie, Joan Marshall, and Joy Myers
Team Events & Updates
 Upcoming Ministry Team Meetings
(All Teams meet at the Presbytery Center, unless noted)

Tues, Sept. 12
10 a.m. Finance
11 a.m. Personnel
4 p.m. Administration & Support
Thurs., Sept. 14
5 p.m. Congregational Vibrancy
Tues., Sept. 19
1 p.m. Mission & Outreach
Our Community Connected
Prepare the Way
An Advent Preparation Workshop
for Clergy & Musicians
 This workshop, held at the Mercy center from October 2-4, will be led by Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III and Paul Vasile, and will be exploring the prophetic and poetic power of the Advent and Christmas seasons at this dynamic Worship Planning Retreat. Held at the Mercy Center, more information and to register, please click here.
Religions of the World Tour
The History Team is presenting a tour of Religions of the World on Friday, November 10. The tour will begin at 8:30 a.m. Please see this flyer for more information.
  Presbyterians in Prison Ministry
  Have you ever considered participating in Prison Ministry? Commitment these ministry teams is NOT financial--it is relational, and it can be as simple as treating someone like a person again, claimed and beloved by God. Our Presbytery has currently fielded six teams.
 Start your research here:  Concordance Academy or contact the Rev. John Harrison by email here .

Celebrating 61 Years of Worship, Fellowship & Ministry at Cote Brilliante
  Join Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 17, 2017 for regular worship at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. will continue in an Anniversary Musical Celebration with invited musical guests.
  All are welcome to join in worship and praise of Almighty God for this dynamic ministry.
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering

   Mark your calendars for the Presbyterian Women of Giddings-Lovejoy fall gathering. The theme is “Cloud of Witnesses” and will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at New Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Charles, Missouri from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Rev. Joy Meyers will present the Fall bible study to all in attendance. Lunch is available for a small fee of $10 per person.
  The registration deadline is Friday, September 15,
2017. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ann Schmidt at 636-699-2142. Registration for the gathering can be found on page 4 of this month’s Linkletter. which can be found here.
2017 ST. LOUIS CROP WALK AND CONCERT
 
  The 2017 St. Louis CROP Walk and Concert will be Sunday, October 1 at Eden Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves, starting at 5:30 pm with registration/check-in/walking, followed by the CROP Concert at 7:00 pm. 
  Register, create a team, and/or donate at www.crophungerwalk.org/saintlouismo
Questions? Contact Clint McCann at cmccann@eden.edu or 314-395-5826.
art-event.jpg
Maryland Heights Presbyterian Church
Arts & Crafts Fair
This holiday shopping event will be held on Saturday, October 7, from 9 a.m.- 2p.m., and more information can be found here.
Educational Opportunities
Christian Martyrdom and Political Violence
     Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, Teaching Elder within Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, argues that martyr narratives deserve consideration as resources for resisting political violence in contemporary theological reflection. Click here , if you would like more information. 
     Acknowledgements in this book include Ladue Chapel and Trinity Presbyterian Churches.
  E4 Faith Formation Conference
Educate-Empower-Energize-Engage

   The 2017 E4 Faith Formation Conference will be held October 22-24, 2017 at the Embassy Suites in Kansas City, Mo. More information can be found here .
  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.  Continue here.    
VBS Curriculum Available   
   St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Ballwin has Hero Central Vacation Bible School supplies with a full kit of leader’s guides and DVDs to share with another congregation. 
  Please contact ehynes@discoverstmark.org , and we will send it your way.
Ministry Postings
    Small Congregation Seeking Pastor
Small congregation seeking part-time pastor. This community is in the western area of the Presbytery, approximately a one hour drive west of St. Louis.
  Interest parties, please read the position description, found here , and then email the Clerk of Session, Cindy Koppelmann, at ckoppelmann@dutchmen.us.