The Necessity of Disconnecting

Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard

Transitional Leader of

Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

It’s been a long time since Marilyn and I have taken a vacation together. Somewhere between getting kids through college, living apart for two years with very demanding jobs, beginning new work for each of us in 2017, life hasn’t allowed the rhythm for us to just get away together. This year we planned a nice Alaskan land and sea cruise. We spent the past 10 days enjoying scenic Alaska. This included seeing bears, wolves, moose, caribou, whales, and eagles. These were against a landscape of mountains, glaciers, oceans, rivers, and trees. The sea cruise portion was a time to be pampered, served, and simply have fun.  Click here to continue.       

PLEASE NOTE: The Oaks Conference Room (Oaks) and St. Andrews Conference Room (St. Andrews) are both located at the new Presbytery office, 1001 Craig Rd., Suite 170, St. Louis, MO 63146.

(Oaks) is on the first floor (St. Andrews) is on the second floor. Directions can be found here.

Save the date for the August Gathering!

Thurs., Aug. 23

There will be two Pre-Sessions offered and we encourage all Congregations within the presbytery to send representatives. For more information on the Pre-Sessions, please click here. Don't forget to save the date!

Giddings-Lovejoy Stewardship Team Updates

Establishing a culture of generosity is intentional work. The Stewardship team is committed to keep local congregations informed of practices, technology, and different approaches that congregations can utilize in their efforts to develop successful stewardship programs. Recently, they revised the Stewardship Binder by adding a purpose statement outlining their emphasis on education, encouragement, and information. Learn more about how the Stewardship Team provides encouragement and assistance to congregations as they establish a culture of generous giving within their membership—a culture that recognizes and claims the ministry of the whole church through participation in mission giving, per capita support and local outreach.”

The revised binder can be found here.

Project Stewardship

You could read that title in more than one way. It was not intended to read, “Project stewardship on to others,” but that is not all bad. To project stewardship outwardly is to be living the faith as a witness to others. To be faithful to God in Christ is to live with love for God and our neighbor. In the face of the reality of the world on the news some people are making that extra effort to smile and be kind. That is projecting stewardship – we can all do that. Continue here

COLA Marketplace

Full Marketplace List Available Here

Items currently available are subject to prior distribution or sale. Please make advance arrangements for pick up either at Ladue Chapel, Presbytery office, or August Presbytery meeting by contacting Jennifer Pitcher by August 10th at the COLA office 314/772-2395 x 1985 or by emailing: [email protected]

Third Annual Blessing Belleville Banquet

The annual Blessing Belleville Banquet is set for Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Banquet Center in Belleville. Ally Dyer, Blessing Belleville Chair, is seeking sponsors to help them achieve their $10,000 goal. Last year's event raised $8,400 to support greatly needed family and individual theraputic support in Belleville and the need is even greater now. Can you help? If you would like more information, please click here, or email directly here.

Presbyterian Women Churchwide Gathering

PW’s Churchwide Gathering set for next week! Time is flying, and this event that celebrates and can deepen your engagement in all that Presbyterian Women does. Full details can be found here.

Church Furnishings Available

Hillside Presbyterian has these lovely items to offer: Communion table is 5' long, 40" tall and 31`” deep; Pulpit is 45" tall 29" deep 40” wide; Baptismal Font; Cross is 125" tall and 72” wide; Candle stick stands are 43" tall and 7x7 top; Choir binders and 8 boxes of sheet music; 45 blue 1990 hymnal; and Choir robes (about 20). Please email [email protected]  for pictures and inquiries.

UKirk - St. Louis

Don't forget that our last gathering for this summer is on July 31, from 7-9 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church; we'll meet for dinner and an information session about the Montreat College Conference (January 1-5, 2019). Email Pastor Miriam at ( [email protected] )

Maryland Heights Presbyterian Church, located at 200 Harding Avenue, will be holding a Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 6th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Crafters and vendors needed!  Registration deadline is September 7th, 2018. If you need additional information or are interested in requesting an application, please contact us at [email protected] or by calling (314) 739-4721.

Presbyterian Women of John Knox Presbyterian Church, located at 13200 New Halls Ferry Rd., in Florissant, are currently looking for vendors and craftspeople for our Saturday, November 10th Autumn Vendor and Crafts Sale, running from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Email [email protected] for information and application. First come, first served. The event flyer can be found here.

Veteran's Mental Health - Community Clergy Training

Mercy Conference and Retreat Center and National Chaplain Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with support from The Daughters of Charity invite you to attend a free interactive training, on July 30 and 31 ^st .

Many Veterans can experience limited choices for all types of healthcare.  Community Clergy Training developed to recognize and reach out to Veterans who are struggling in their return to civilian life. Find complete training information and registration by clicking here.

Afterlife Conversations in Faith   

The Interfaith Partnership Board has announced a Afterlife Conversations of Faith event that will be held on Sunday, August 5 at 2 p.m in the auditorium of the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. There will be a panel of representatives from different religions, that will speak on beliefs about the afterlife.

A ccompanist Needed

The Presbyterian Church of Washington is searching for a part-time accompanist for Sunday morning worship and choir rehearsals. Must have ability to play organ and piano. Full description can be found here.  If interested, please contact Rev. Pat Gruber by email here.

Part-Time Treasurer Needed

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time treasurer. The Church Treasurer, as needed, shall have access to all income and expense reporting, payroll data, and other pertinent financial data of the church to help carry out their purpose. The ideal candidate will need to be knowledgeable and comfortable working with budgets, and adhere to confidentiality. The full description of the position can be found here. Interested parties, please contact Elder Joyce Wilks-Love [email protected]

Connections Coordinator Needed

Webster Groves Presbyterian Church is currently searching for an outgoing, friendly person to fill the position of Connections Coordinator at WGPC! It is a part time position (about 25 hours per week), responsible for social media, newsletter communications, and website maintenance, as well as welcoming visitors and members to worship and other church activities, and connecting visitors and new members to current members, events and mission opportunities. If you know someone who might be interested in this type of work, please advise them to email their resume to Carrie Rao at  [email protected].  

  WGPC members are not eligible for this position.