Newsletter
November / 7 / 2017
Truth
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Transitional Leader

I spent Sunday afternoon at St. Mark. It was the installation of their new pastor, Dr. David Burgess. The service was smooth, efficient, and worshipful. Mike Willock, our new presbytery moderator, led Dave in the installation questions without a hitch. What impacted me the most was the sermon by Dr. Jared Witt. He talked about the latest survey showing the continued erosion of White Christians in American. It is a decline we are experiencing in presbyteries across the country. Our presbytery exists in several cultural bubbles (we still have several churches located in neighborhoods and communities that are over 90% white) that are delaying the change, but it is coming our way. Please continue...

Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket Update
  • Please pray for the families of those who lost loved ones at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas.

View from the Pew
I’m just another face in the pews each Sunday morning. I regularly tune into the evening news going so far as to also watch the News Hour on PBS. I need not reprise here the scenarios we are all too familiar with. But perhaps I can share an insight that puts some of the turmoil in greater perspective for me. Please continue

PC(USA)
Quick Connect

Parish Paper

Now Available
Church Shooting Prompts Emergency Planning
Church Shooting Prompts Emergency Planning
   This week our nation experienced another church shooting, this time in Texas. The following link shares ideas each congregation can use to prepare itself for such an emergency.
   Let us continue to pray for the community of Sutherland Springs as they struggle through this difficult time.  Craig Howard
Upcoming Team Meetings @ Wednesday to Tuesday
(All Teams meet at the Presbytery Center, unless noted)
This Week....
Wed., Nov. 8
2 p.m. - Pastoral TCC
Thurs., Nov. 9
5 p.m. - Congregational Vibrancy
Mon., Nov. 13
1 p.m. - Dynamic Leaders
3 p.m. - Gathering Planning Team
Tues., Nov. 14
10 a.m. - Finance
4 p.m. - Admin & Support


Next Week....
Wed., Nov. 15
All Day - Presbytery Closed
(All Staff Retreat)
Thurs., Nov. 16
10:30 a.m. Educators/Youth Workers
2 p.m. - Personnel
4 p.m. - Vision Team
6:30 p.m. CPM
Fri., Nov. 17
9:30 a.m. - Presbyterian Woman (CCT)
Mon., Nov. 20
1 p.m. - Social Witness Action
Tues., Nov. 21
1 p.m. - Mission & Outreach

Missed the November Gathering?
Wonder what you missed?
  • Fantastic Fellowship
  • Great Meal
  • Truth Talk – Study & Message
  • Election of New Moderators
  • and Much More
COLA Needs you! Yes you!
Help us create liturgies, prayers, calls to worship and litanies for this summer's General Assembly. We are seeking contributions that demonstrate the rich diversity of our presbytery as we prepare to welcome the national church to St. Louis. Please continue to read on...
COLA SEEKS - Program Assistant (paid postion) - Click here for details!
Welcome
Rev. Dr. J. David Burgess
Rev. David Burgess was installed at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, Sunday, November 5. Congratulations to St. Mark and Welcome!
Now Nested - Affton and Calvary Presbyterian
Affton Presbyterian Church has been searching for a permanent home, after selling their building two years ago. They found that home and are now nested with Calvary Presbyterian.
Congratulations to both ministries!
Have you read it yet?
If your congregation has read or is currently reading Waking Up White , we would love to hear from you. Your personal reflections will further the conversation!
Waking Up White
Training/Learning Opportunities
Triennial Announced
The National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen will be hosting our Triennial in April 2018. Registration is now open via our website. We invite all clergy as well as lay leadership within your Presbytery. https://presclergywomen.com/triennial-conference/
Reformation - 500 Years of History
The Presbyterian Historical Society
Invites you to learn more about John Calvin
Our Community Connected
FREE Curriculum - Interested?
First Presbyterian - Fredericktown was given extra sets of curriculum and want to share with anyone interested. Growing in Grace & Gratitude , published by Congregational Ministries Publishing 2017, a ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Presbyterian Church (USA) Although issued for fall and winter, they can actually be used for any three month period. This includes:  
 A. Leader's Guide with reproducible pages, Multiage (ages 5-10) -- Fall 2017
      B. Stories, Colors & More for multiage (ages 5-10) -- Fall 2017 (Sept., Oct., Nov. 2017)
     C. Leader's Guide with reproducible pages, Multiage (ages 5-10) -- Winter 2017/18      D. Stories, Colors & More for multiage (ages 5-10) -- Winter 2017/18
Contact   Rose Mier (573)218-8515 or email [email protected]
Divas Concert

DIVAS for Jesus
The all women gospel Group, DIVAS (Dedicated Individuals Voicing a Song) for Jesus will be performing at Sullivan Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 11 at 7 p.m. More details can be found here .
Pre-Holiday Vendor & Craft Sale
This event will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Save the date to shop for those special in your life.
Community Thanksgiving Services
Steelville Presbyterian and Sullivan Presby-terian will both host their community's Minis-terial Alliance for Thanksgiving services.

Steelville on Wednesday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
Sullivan on Friday, November 17 at 7 p.m.
Thailand Missionary Chat Hour
The First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville will welcome PC(USA )mission workers from Thailand on Wednesday, November 15 and they would like to invite anyone in the presbytery, who may be interested in hearing them speak of their journey, to attend. The chat hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of First United-Belleville.
Smorgasbord for Scholarships
Trinity Chapel Presbyterian Church, locate at 1631 Highway 19, in Cuba, Missouri is holding its annual Smorgasbord on Saturday, November 11 from 4-7 p.m.
Proceeds will be used for our Scholarship Fund. Admission is $12 for adults; $5 for children 4-12 and under 4 free. Veterans are also free!
Ministry Postings
Part-Time Music Director/Pianist Wanted
Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in Wildwood seeks a part-time music director/pianist to lead our congregation's music ministry. Primary duties include directing the chancel and bell choirs and providing piano accompaniment for Sunday worship. The music director works closely with the pastor and others to implement a comprehensive, theologically engaging music ministry that includes a diversity of musical styles and genres. Woodlawn Chapel (PCUSA) places value on traditional worship that is vital, fresh, and inclusive of the gifts of our congregation. For more information, please email [email protected] or contact the Rev. Christopher W. Keating, pastor, 16520 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO 63011
Christian Education Coordinator
The Presbyterian Church of Washington is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic individual to coordinate Christian Education programs and activities. This is a year long, part-time position that involves Sunday mornings and some activities during the week. Resumes should be sent to [email protected] . A full job description is available at www.presbywashmo.org