Newsletter
November / 21 / 2017
Being Thankful
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig Howard
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Transitional Leader

I have almost completed my first year as your Transitional Presbytery Leader, and I just want to say, “Thank You.” There are so many things I can give thanks for, but I’ve limited myself to 10. Then, the Vanessa, Leigh, Janice, and Joy decided to jump in with their testimonies as well! Please continue...
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket Update
  • Please pray for the homeless and hungry, this Thanksgiving week.

Giving Tuesday

Your gift to Presbyterian Mission will transform lives in Christ’s name. Support your church on November 28, an international day of giving. Click on Presbytery Mission above to give that gift!
Want to give locally? What about:
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Parish Paper

Now Available
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!
Upcoming Team Meetings @ Wednesday to Tuesday
(All Teams meet at the Presbytery Center, unless noted)
This Week....
Thurs., & Fri., Nov. 23-24
Office Closed - Thanksgiving Break
Mon., Nov. 27
1 p.m. - DRAP @ Ladue Chapel
Wed., Nov. 29
3 p.m. - CoR/N
NOTE:

In December, many teams will recess until after the New Year. Please check with your team moderator for official meeting times.
Getting Ready for GA-223
Hands & Feet team from Iowa builds connections in St. Louis
On “Day One” of their “Hands & Feet” mission trip to St. Louis, thirteen Presbyterians from southeastern Iowa spent the morning shoveling compost at an urban garden.
“Most of us were older—in our 60s, 70s, even 80s,” says Lynn Ellsworth, one of the volunteers. “We did some really hard physical labor. But everybody worked together, and it felt good to be doing service for others.”
Liturgists Needed for GA - 223
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)
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/
Our Community Connected
Mortgage Burning Party
The Presbyterian Church of Washington is Debt Free!
With joy and gratitude, PCW invites everyone from Giddings-Lovejoy to join us as we celebrate the completion of our indebtedness and the burning of our mortgage!
Celebration will take place on Sunday, December 3, 2017, with Worship at 10:15 a.m.,  luncheon at 11:45 a.m. and mortgage burning ceremony on the terrace following the meal.
Lunch will be provided by Cafe Mosaic at no cost to attendees. Cake, Cham-pagne and Non-Alcoholic Champagne will be served after the mortgage burning ceremony. Directions can be found here.
A Gospel Christmas
The Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church Men’s Chorus will be a special guest in A Gospel Christmas, a Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis event that will be held at Rock Church of St. Louis, located at 9125 Manchester Rd., in Brentwood. Full details can be found here.
“Jesus, The Light of the World”
The Chancel Choir and children’s choirs of Dardenne Pres-byterian Church will be in concert on Sunday, December 3 at 4:30 pm. This musical celebration will feature Christmas carols from the countries of Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, Africa, Brazil, and the United States. A special appearance by the American Parai Academy and St. Louis Tamil Christian Fellowship will represent traditions from India. Please join us as we joyously celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior for people of every tribe and nation.  Directions can be found here.
Advent Vespers at Second Presbyterian Church
The Advent hymn “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” lays the foundation for the Vespers readings and music. On Sunday, December 3, the Second Church Choir, Handbell Choir, flutist Jennifer Gartley, and organist Andrew Peters offer music to give listeners an opportunity to pause in the midst of the hectic holiday season.  Directions can be found here.
Organ Concert

First Presbyterian Church of Alton, Illinois, located at 4th and Alby Streets, will host the renowned organist Dr. Marilyn Keiser, the Chancellor’s Professor of Music Emeritus at Jacobs School of Music,
Indiana University, in an organ concert on Friday, December 15, beginning at 7 p.m.
There will be a reception to follow.
Christmas Concert & Benefit

Grace Presbyterian Church, invite all to enjoy an evening of beautiful Christmas music performed by members of the Grace Presbyterian Church Choir and the Twin City Community, on Friday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Immediately following will be a Cookie and Candy Sale to benefit the Jefferson County Homeless Youth Initiative. Directions found here.
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. Woodlawn Chapel (PCUSA) places value on traditional worship that is vital, fresh, and inclusive of the gifts of our congregation. Complete job description found here.
For more information, please email [email protected] or contact the Rev. Christopher W. Keating, pastor, 16520 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO 63011