Newsletter
March / 6 / 2018
The Lens of Disaster
Blog post by the Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Transitional Leader

My first career out of college was as a claims adjuster. As part of that work I learned how to build a house from the ground up. This lead me to work on a national CAT team, where I would be called to respond to catastrophes anywhere in the United States. While doing CAT duty, I saw the power of hurricanes and tornadoes. I witnessed large scale destruction of communities. I encountered people who had lost everything. To my surprise, these people extended hospitality and kindness toward me and my fellow workers. I was invited to more community pot-lucks, barbeques, and shrimp feast (This was in Galveston Texas) than I could attend. Please continue here. 
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket Update
  • Please pray for the community of Cadet, Missouri and the Kingston School District, as they mourn.
Resource Center
Preparing for the Move
Volunteers are sorting and boxing resources for the move.
If you need a resource, please contact Leigh Porter lporter@glpby.org before coming to the Center to make sure it is accessible.
  1. UKirk High School Senior Night
Sun., Apr. 15th at 7 p.m.
at Trinity Presbyterian
For more information, email Pastor Miriam at ukirk_stl@glpby.org.
Celebrating the Lord’s Supper Training Opportunity

We will be offering training for ruling elders to be the celebrant at the Lord’s Supper, Saturday, March 10, at 9:00 a.m. at Steelville Presbyterian Church. This training is for ruling elders attending churches currently without a pastoral leader. Following the training the elders will be approved at the May 5 Presbytery Gathering.
Please let Stephanie Knopf know if you will be attending, sbknopf@yahoo.com or 314-420-9477.
PC(USA)
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Welcome Rev. Daniel Ervin

Newly Installed Pastor of
LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church
Wood River, Illinois

May God to continue to bless your ministry.
MOVING UPDATE
We are in the final stages of our moving preparation. We have communion sets, office supplies, Christmas decorations, old office equipment, overhead projector, books, and many more items that are looking for a new church home. If you would like to have any of these items, please contact Leigh Porter, lporter@glpby.org 314-772-2395 and arrange to pick the items up.

The Presbytery Office Will Be Moving the
Week of March 26th
In transition, we ask that you email requests/information during that week, until we are established at our new home at 1001 Craig Rd., in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Not sure who to email? Simply use: communication@glpby.org
Ministry Team Updates & Highlights
DRAP Book Study Ongoing
Has your study been planned yet?
Let DRAP know here.
2018 Congregation Study
  • Affton - January
  • John Knox - February/March
  • St. Mark - Spring
  • Florissant - Spring
  • Webster Groves - Spring
2016/2017 Congregation Study
  • Second - St. Louis
  • LoveJoy United
  • Faith Des Peres
  • Oak Hill
  • Woodlawn Chapel
Program Grants for Summer 2018
  There are Presbytery funds to conduct summer programs available to member churches and social agencies in relationship with the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The funds will be awarded through an application process directed by the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team. 
The purpose of the grants is to provide opportunities for summer Christian education and witness, personal growth, and recreation to children and adults in communities of need. The deadline for applying is April 6. Full details, along with application, can be found here.
Nicaragua Mission Trip 2018
There will be an informational meeting on Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m. hosted by Webster Groves Presbyterian Church for the planned Nicaragua Mission Trip, scheduled for July 21-29 of this year.
History Team Highlight
Mizpah Presbyterian Church in Bridgeton
was officially organized in 1843 with the name of Fee Fee Presbyterian Church. The congregation of Fee Fee Baptist Church invited them to share their 1829 church building in the area of Fee Fee and St. Charles Rock Roads. For a time, the Methodists also shared the building with the Baptists and Presbyterians. In 1869, the Presbyterians acquired land at the corner of Fee Fee and St. Charles Rock Roads and built their own church, which still stands today. 
Upcoming Team Meetings @ Wednesday to Tuesday
(All Teams meet at the Presbytery Center, unless noted)
This Week....
Wed., Mar. 7
2:30 p.m. - COR/N @ 1st-Kirkwood
3:30 p.m. COLA @ 1st-Kirkwood
Thurs., Mar. 8
3 p.m. - Gathering Planning Team
5 p.m. - Congregational Vibrancy
Tues., Mar. 13
10 a.m. - Finance Team

Next Week:
Wed., Mar. 14
2 p.m. - Pastoral Trans/Care Com
Thurs., Mar. 15
10 a.m. - Stewardship @ 1st-Kirkwood
4 p.m. - Vision Team
6:30 p.m. - Prep/Ministry @ Ladue Chapel
Mon., Mar. 19
1 p.m. - Social Witness @ 2nd -St. Louis
Tues., Mar. 20
1 p.m. - Mission & Outreach
General Assembly #223
Connect to COLA
Singers needed for massed choir at
General Assembly
Opening Worship Service
We are forming a choir from churches within the presbytery to sing at the opening worship service of GA223 on Saturday, June 16 at America’s Center (the convention center) in downtown St. Louis. This choir will be conducted by Bill Stein (First, Kirkwood) and the organists will be Andy Peters (Second PC) and Shawn Portell (Webster Groves PC). The choir will also be accompanied by musicians from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The sheet music for the singers will be provided (at no cost to the individual churches) by the COLA. The expectation is that choirs will prepare the music on their own and that singers will attend 1 regional rehearsal (dates and locations TBA) and a dress rehearsal on Friday, June 15 (Time and location TBA). At this time we would like to get a sense of how many singers to expect so that we can order the music and get it distributed to churches.
Please email David Erwin (Ladue Chapel) at derwin@laduechapel.org to let him know how many singers to expect, and for any questions you may have. This is going to be a wonderful experience, and we’re hoping for a choir of at least 200 singers!
Calling Crafters for General Assembly
 The primary visual artistic element for General Assembly will be a paper lace banner designed by liturgical artist Ellen Phillips. Ellen will design the banner, but it will be cut out by members from around the Presbytery. Ellen will lead cutting workshops at Ladue Chapel, and we invite you to come, cut and commune together. Supplies will be provided, so just sign up and come! Dates and times of the workshops are:
  • Wednesday, April 18              7:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 19                  10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
  • Thursday, April 19                  1:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Friday, April 20                         9:00-11:00 a.m.
There is a limit of 10 participants in each session, but you may sign up for multiple sessions. To sign up, please visit stlouisga.com and click on the volunteer tab. This will take you Sign-up Genius and the Artist Workshops are listed there.
Any questions, please contact David Erwin at DErwin@laduechapel.org.
Seeking Temporary Seminary Student Housing for GA#223
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Office of the General Assembly are co-sponsoring a for-credit class for Presbyterian seminary students on Presbyterianism focused on the 223 rd General Assembly. The students will spend the entire run of the Assembly attending classes at the convention center and Assembly-related events. They will come in on Thursday, June 14, to begin their classwork.
Our Community Connected
You are invited!
Sunday, March 18, the First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville, Illinois and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy welcome all to the dedication of the new home of First Presbyterian-Edwardsville.

Becca's Closet Ministry of
First Presbyterian - Jackson
Semo Prom Mothers of First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, a chapter of the national Becca's Closet is in its 2nd year of providing formal dresses to teens for their formal school event. Homecomings, Mid winter balls and especially prom make huge special memories for teens. First Presbyterian took on the mission project last year and served over 100 girls! This year , with prom season just starting, that number has already been reached . There are 2 chapters of Becca's Closets in Missouri both run by Presbyterian churches. After working in this mission in her former Presbyterian church at Marshall, Missouri, A congregation member brought the program to the Cape Girardeau area. See our Facebook page (link below) for more information!  
Lenten Prayer Retreat

On Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, a Lenten Prayer Retreat will be held where you are invited to rest in God’s presence and allow yourself to receive the pure gift of God. This morning of prayer is an opportunity to let God in – as one invites a contractor to do some remodeling in one’s home – God is the inner remodeler. What carpenters do with walls and wiring, God does with hearts and minds. Join Dr. Dieter Heinzl and Anne Peacock as we nurture contemplative practices to enhance life’s journey. Please join us at 8:45 a.m. for breakfast. The cost of the event is $5. Friends welcome.
RSVP to Anne Peacock: apeacock@laduechapel.org or 314-993-4771 x3122
 
Presbyterian Women of Giddings-Lovejoy

PWGL Midwest/South Metro Winter Gathering to be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Egg and I Restaurant in Des Peres, MO. Please include the information in the flyer in the weekly newsletter. Reservations are due by March 9th. More information can be found here.
 Contact me with any questions: Ann Schmid, 636-699-2142 or email her at: ann_schmid1@yahoo.com .
Mound Ridge Annual Benefit
Dinner Auction
This annual event will be held at Andre’s South Banquets and Catering, located at 4238 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, April 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Come join us and help support “The Magic of Mound Ridge” Tickets: $65 per person or $500 for a table of 8, and can be purchased by c onnecting here .
Save these Dates - Installations Upcoming
Rev. Travis Winckler
Sun., Mar. 11
at 3 p.m.

Second Presbyterian
St. Louis, Missouri
Rev. Karl Hauser
Sun., Mar. 25

Southminster
Crestwood, Missouri
Educational Opportunities
Confession Conversations on Eden Campus
 The conversations will be held every Tuesday [except for one Monday] on the Eden campus. This coming week will be the Westminster Confession.
All you have to do to join us is come at 9:30 on Tuesday mornings having read the confession we will be talking about. There is no cost to you nor do you have to be part of every discussion. Come for the ones that fit your schedule. I would like to hear from you that you are interested in joining us or if you have any questions. Contact me at bwill2@mindspring.com.
Annual Meeting for Members and Friends Courageous Conversations
On Thursday, March 15th, at 7:30 pm, after a short business meeting that begins at 7 p.m., we will host a 90-minute opportunity called "Courageous Conversations," an opportunity to prepare you for the next level of interfaith (and other!) dialogue. Whether you're just beginning, or you've been engaged in interfaith dialogue for years, this program will help you identify how you can deepen the authenticity of how you speak and the compassion with which you listen.
Program will be led by Rev. Robert Chase, Founding Director of  Intersections International. Directions can be found here.
  Triennial 2018: “Dragons, Frogs, & Other Fairy Tales of Women in Ministry”
The National Association of Presbyterian , Clergywomen, invites all Clergywomen to the Triennial 2018 “Dragons, Frogs, & Other Fairy Tales of Women in Ministry” the week of April 23-26, 2018 at the Montreat Conference Center. The keynote preacher is the Rev. Floretta Barbee-Watkins, with worship leader, Rev. Dr. Tracy Keenan. There will be exciting workshops led bydynamic Clergy. There are scholarships and childcare available. The invitation is also extended to Clergymen, CREs, . Seminarians & Laity. More details can be found here.  
Ministry Postings
Part-Time Secretary Position Available
The Woodlawn Presbyterian Church is currently seeking a Part-Time Secretary, at 20 hours per week.
If you are interested, please contact Rev. Chris Keating at pastor@woodlawnchapel.com
Children’s Music Director
 
If you have a music appreciation background, love to teach, and enjoy working with children of all ages, then we have the perfect position for you. The Music Ministry of St Mark Presbyterian Church, Ballwin, MO is looking for a Children’s Music Director to work part-time providing musical selection and instruction to support the worship services and special church events. 
Days/Hours are somewhat flexible, but could total two days per week meeting two hours each time for approximately 39 weeks (Sept – May). If you are interested, please submit your resume or letter of interest to St Mark Presbyterian Church, 601 Claymont Drive, Ballwin, MO 63011, Attn: Personnel Committee, or email your resume to mmedley@discoverstmark.org