Newsletter
January / 30 / 2018
Take The Long View
Blog post by the Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Transitional Leader


At last count I have over 100 relatives. Yet, I am the only Presbyterian in my entire family. This includes my children, siblings, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. I have looked into my family history and gone back to 1865. Not one Presbyterian is mentioned. This is why the story my mother would tell about the Presbyterian church is so prominent. Please continue here. 
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket Update
  • Please pray for Rev. Denise Anderson, Co-Moderator GA 222, complications and re-hospitalization following surgery
  • Please pray for Rev. Tom Hay, Associate Stated Clerk and Director of Assembly Operations (the “in charge” person with whom our COLA is working), heart issues and blockages that have been successfully treated
Rev. Larry Jackman
The Rev. Larry Jackman, former Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian, Alton has passed away.
We extend our prayers to all of his family and friends, in this presbytery and beyond.
Visitation will be Friday. February 2, from 4-8 p.m. at Myers-Reed Dignity Memorial Chapel, at 3729 25th St. , Columbus, Indiana. The Funeral will be Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 512 7th St., also in Columbus.
Celebration of Ministry in Tower Grove Presbytery Building on
Sat., Feb. 3 at 11 a.m.

If you have any questions, please call 314-772-2395 or email [email protected]
Called Presbytery Gathering
Saturday, February 3 - 1 p.m.
PC(USA)
Quick Connect



Parish Paper



SAVE the Date!


UKirk Senior Night
April 15, 2018
Details soon!
Email any questions for UKirk here .
Resource Center - Preparing for the Move
Volunteers are sorting and boxing resources for the move. If you need a resource, please contact Leigh Porter [email protected] before coming to the Center to make sure it is accessible. If you still have books, DVDs, or curriculum checked out and are no longer using them, please bring them with you on February 3.
Presbytery Gathering @ FAITH365 Conference
Saturday, February 24
Conference Highlight - What Can You Learn
Home Sweet Home
Workshop by Betsy Reznicek
In order to effectively address homelessness in America and impact a long-term solution to this problem, people transitioning out of homelessness need help with stability. At Home Sweet Home, we believe part of that stability comes from establishing a first home stocked with the necessities for everyday life. Part of maintaining a home is usability and affordability. We can help make taking the first step to stable home life comfortable and accessible.
Presbytery Ministry Team Leaders
Please note that all motions, or other meeting papers are due to the Stated Clerk, Joy Myers, no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25. The easiest point of contact is emailing [email protected] .
Host our History - Presbytery Wide
As the presbytery staff prepares to move into a smaller space, we must look at locations willing to host and care for historical items that are treasures of our presbytery. These items vary from communion sets to bound books; statuettes to stoneware; pictures to photographs. Can your church be in care of these precious gems? If you are willing to host items, we need to hear from you soon! Please email [email protected] to discuss what you might be interested in preserving for our presbytery.
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
Upcoming Team Meetings @ Wednesday to Tuesday
(All Teams meet at the Presbytery Center, unless noted)
This Week....
Sat., Feb. 3
11 a.m. - Celebration of the
Ministry of Tower Grove
Presbytery Office
1 p.m. - Called Presbytery Meeting
Information and Registration



Next Week:
Wed., Feb. 7
9:30 a.m. - History Team
3:30 p.m. - COLA @ 1st-Kirkwood
Thurs., Feb 8
5 p.m. - Congregational Vibrancy
Mon., Feb. 12
11 a.m. - Dynamic Leaders
@ Webster Groves
Tues., Feb. 13
10 a.m. - Finance
4 p.m. - Admin & Support

General Assembly #223
Connect to COLA
Our Community Connected
Jazz Concert
Courtney Loveless and her trio present a wonderful concert of jazz, on Sunday, February 11 at 4 p.m. A native of St. Louis, Ms. Loveless comes from a gifted musical family. Loveless’ rich, soulful alto voice supported by her talented trio of musicians will dazzle listeners with their technique and energy. These four musicians’ delightful presentation will immerse the audience in a vibrant jazz soundscape. 
Second Presbyterian Church is located at 4501 Westminster Place, Saint Louis, 63108 in the Central West End. The concert, part of the Couts Music Series, is free and open to all. For more information call 314-367-0367 or visit us at www.secondchurch.net.
Blues for Lovers
You are cordially invited to attend our ninth annual “Blues for Lovers” concert at Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, February 17 at 2 p.m., in the Educational Building. The concert features local artist, Ms. Denise Atty and Friends, specializing in Blues, Rhythm and Gospel music. 
You will definitely leave on a high note as we celebrate “Heart Awareness” month with healthy snacks and information on how to be healthy. This concert supports our Outreach and Media Ministry. 
Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, is located at 4673 Labadie Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115. Tickets are $10 per person (either at the door or in advance). For further information or to purchase advance tickets please contact Elder Milton Robinson, 314-222-1747 .
Pinwheels Social Group
Have any church families that might enjoy Pinwheels, a social group in University City for transgender or gender expansive kids, teens and their supportive parents? Our next gathering:
Sunday, February 18th, 1-4pm in U City. Please call Liz Nelson at 314-359-2478 or email [email protected] to learn more and find out the exact location.
This gathering, we plan to bake cookies (Spring! Valentine's Day!), hang out, play pool, and eat while parents have a chance to talk together. Save the date for the next get together after that, which will be Sunday, May 6th.
Second Annual Night at the Improv
Uni-Pres Kindercottage Fundraiser, invites you to a night of laughter, fine dining & frivolity on Saturday, April 14 at 5 p.m at the Second Annual, Night at the Improv, featuring Ed Reggi, and The Paper Slips Troupe “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
This fun event will be held at St. Paul UCC, 115 West “B” Street, in Belleville, Illinois.
Tickets include dinner and show at $40/each. There are personal and corporate sponsorships available. Call 618-874-6505 or visit their website here , for tickets or information.
Save these Dates - Installations Upcoming
Rev. Ellen Gurnon
Sunday, February 11
4:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Rev. Clyde Crumpton
Sunday, February 18
3:00 p.m.
Cote Brilliante Presbyterian
St. Louis, Missouri
Ministry Postings
Seeking New Executive Director
Partners for Just Trade (PJT) is seeking a new Executive Director. PJT is a non-profit, faith-based organization that builds partnerships between producers living in extreme poverty and consumers in North America. We address root causes of poverty through Fair Trade sales, education, solidarity, and a commitment to trade justice. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2018.
Permanent Nursery Attendant Needed
Saint Charles Presbyterian Church, St. Charles, MO, 131 Gamble Street, is seeking a permanent Sunday morning Nursery attendant. Times will be from 9:15 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. each Sunday. Inquires may be directed to Mary Kay Lyon or Margaret Osborn at [email protected].
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 [email protected]