Two Churches

Blog post by the Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard

Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

Transitional Leader

[email protected]

This weekend I experienced two churches in two different parts of our presbytery.

 

Imagine asking 40 leaders in your church to come out on a Saturday morning for plenaries and workshops. As they arrive there are quality donuts, good coffee, and fruit. There is lively conversation around tables as people interact with the information and with each other. Plenty of laughter fills the room, people feel free to speak, and recognize they are being heard by the pastor and other leaders. This was Saturday morning at First United Belleville in Belleville Illinois, where Pastor Rob Dyer and I presented workshops .

Please continue here. 

UrbArts

Workshop by MK Stallings

MK Stallings will lead participants through the tradition in which UrbArts participates, the Black Arts Movement. Stallings, a sociologist by training, will describe the social context that gives rise to his work and the organization's goals for changing a culture that marginalizes artists and art form. Ultimately, marginalizing voices of poor artists or artists of color narrows debates about community and well-being and maintains status quo in American society. Part of the work Stallings will demonstrate is through the poems of two program participants, as they express their truth through poetry.

Learn more about UrbArts here

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.

Has your study been planned yet? Let DRAP know here .

Church Participation

Practicing Faith

Mission Planning for 2018

Now is the time to establish your Stewardship Team and start planning your year-long stewardship activity for 2018. Encourage your session to submit your congregations per capita giving.

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Team COLA Welcomes Program Assistants!

Please help me welcome Rev. Emma Dobson and Rev. Kathleen Henrion as our two part-time Program Assistants for COLA. They are each teaching elders and bring with them skills and talents which we’ll be happy to add to our growing COLA team that is busy coordinating and planning for GA223!

Emma is the pastor at Calvary Presbyterian, Mehlville, and enjoys time with her kiddos, Ellery (6) and Locke (3). Kathleen is the supply pastor at Beouff Presbyterian, Gerard, MO, and especially appreciates time with her husband, David and 18 mo. old son, Calvin. For the next 6 months we’re so glad they are sharing their time and talents with GA223!

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.

Continue to read on for more details

UKirk Open House!

Help UKirk kick-off our semester by joining us at our Winter Open House on Sunday, January 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We'll gather at Trinity Presbyterian Church (6800 Washington Ave) and through our evening of dinner and worship together, it's an opportunity for you to connect with our collegiate community and for UKirk students to learn more about the broader church in St. Louis. Please RSVP here and let us know what dietary needs you might have.

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Miriam at [email protected]

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 .

Martin Luther King Day Celebration

First Presbyterian Church, Union, was honored to be a part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at East Central College, also located in Union. Carol Gruber, the Clerk of Session for Union, presented the Human Rights award to Carl, Jr and Patricia Bowers.

This photo and several others taken that day were posted by The Missourian, and they can be found here.

2018 Washington Island Forum

Reading the Verbs:

Finding the Script in the Scriptures

The Washington Island Forum welcomes you to spend four and one half days of worship, workshops, discussion, and contemplation in an ecumenical retreat setting on Washington Island, just north of Door County Wisconsin.

This year’s presenter is Anna Carter Florence with the theme “Reading the Verbs: Finding the Script in the Scripture”. She is Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Please continue here for more information.

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.

Please continue here to see full details on the position.

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]