Newsletter
June / 18 / 2019
Gloria
"The St. Louis Blues demonstrated that the team with the best talent, most speed, and accurate shooters doesn’t always win in hockey. But playing as a team wins every time! "
Juneteenth – Celebrating Freedom
On June 19, 1865, the last of the African Americans who were in slavery were freed. Texas, the last state to hold out on the edict of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln more than two years prior, had finally been forced into compliance. 
Let us still celebrate, this Junetenth, the hope of a tomorrow where the promise of equity, equality and true liberation are perhaps achievable.
Resources for Juneteenth
  • An excellent article by Henry Louis Gates Jr.: Many Rivers to Cross
  • For a different perspective see this PC(USA) denominational resource, by Rev. Shanea D. Leonard, Associate for Gender and Racial Justice, Presbyterian Mission Agency: Minute for Mission: Juneteeth
  • A Juneteenth liturgy from the Disciples of Christ can be found here.
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket Update

  • Please pray... for the 6 members of our presbytery who are planning the trip to Nicaragua. As well as prayers for real and lasting peace in Nicaragua and especially for the young people from our “family” there who are considering trying to immigrate. 
  • Please pray ... for those who are still fighting flash and prolonged floods in our area.

Click on the prayer basket to find our current prayers.
Keeping Church Safe
by Laurie Griffith
(Regarding ruling elders: a monthly series for serving faithfully)

According to a  recent survey  conducted by Lifeway Research, 94 percent of Protestant responders believe that teens and children are protected from abuse within their congregation and 93 percent of responders believe that adults are protected from abuse within their congregation. In a twist, 32 percent believe more pastors have abused teens and children than have been reported. I wonder if this could be reflective of the sentiment that “It cannot happen here. …” Or, is this a part of a general fear that, as reports of abuse within other denominations surface, our beloved denomination also has its own horrific stories?
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
Parish Paper


2019-2020 Planning Calendars
$8.50/each
(August Arrival)
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Reserve yours now, by calling or emailing
Leigh Porter at
314-772-2395
Innovators and Laggards
To Be Continued on July 2 at 11 a.m. via Zoom
The blog post, Innovators and Laggards, published on June 11, had some comments that I felt needed to have further conversation. I heard - and want us to continue the dialogue.
In understanding summer schedules can get a bit tight, I have scheduled a Zoom Meeting that is open to any who choose to attend.
For those unfamiliar with Zoom, please email Janice McMillen at jmcmillen@glpby.org and she will give you instructions on how to participate.
Join Zoom Meeting on July 2 at 11 a.m by clicking on this link:
Upcoming Team Meetings
NOTE: Meeting locations are as follows: Oaks - is the meeting room next door to the presbytery office; St.Andrew - refers to the Board Room of St. Andrews on the second floor, directly above the presbytery office; Pres - refers to the Presbytery Office Resource Center; Ladue - refers to Ladue Chapel; WG - refers to Webster Groves Presbyterian. Contact the office at 314-772-2395 if you are unsure where you will be meeting.
Week of: June 20 to June 26

Thurs., June 20
9:30 a.m. - History Team (Aberdeen)
4 p.m. -Vision Team (Oaks)
6:30 p.m. - CPM (Ladue)
Mon., June 24
1 p.m. - DRAP (Ladue)
Week of: June 27 to July 3

Mon., July 1
5 p.m. - Liaisons (Oaks)

Office Closed - July 4

Uprooting Hunger - 2019 Presbytery Wide Goal
Teaching Children about Hunger
Phyllis Vos Wezeman, Presbyterian author, introduces readers to a 9-year-old girl who is excited to go fishing with her father to celebrate her birthday. The crowded pier provides Petra a chance to use her new fishing pole. Her interactions also open her eyes and her heart to the needs of hungry people in the world.
Congratulations to our newest Covenanting Congregation:
John Knox Presbyterian
Uprooting Hunger - Hunger Action Team
In 2019 the presbytery will work toward establishing Certified Hunger Action Congregations. This  handout will be helpful to your congregation, as we journey together.
We welcome any questions you might have - email us at communication@glpby.org or call 314-772-2395.
We celebrate, in thankgiving, our 9 Certified and 17 Covenanting Congregations for their dedication to eradicating hunger in their communities!
Ministry Team Updates
Church Service Locations Needed
2MIPeople Ministries is looking for some venues for a series of Sunday evening pop up church services we would like to host this fall. Please contact us if you are a progressive church with a parking lot and some free programming space/time from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. We will set up, clean up, lock up: johanna@2mipeople.org .
Registration Extended to July 21
Social Witness Team Event
"Troubling the Waters for
the Healing of the World"
Featuring: Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director of Public Witness PC(USA),
Saturday, June 22, 2019 - 9 a.m .to 3 p.m.
John Knox Presbyterian Church
On the Road to Reconciliation
October 18 to 21
The Dismantling Racism and Privilege (DRAP) Team of the Presbytery welcome you to join them on the Road to Reconciliation, as they travel to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy in Montgomery, Alabama.
Registration is limited to 50, and the deadline is August 1.
Congregational/Event Happenings
Jammin' 4 Justice
Metropolitan Congregations Jammin’ 4 Justice happens Thursday, June 20th at 6:30 p.m. at The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave. in the Grove. This is MCU's 10th year for this fun fundraising event! The People’s Key will be playing popular music with a hint of jazz, there will be food, baskets raffled off, and a cash bar. Tickets are $25/per person or $40/per pair. You may buy your tickets directly from the MCU web page, www.mcustlouis.org . Buy right away because tickets go up to $30 on the day of the event.
Faith & Fair Trade Conversations
at LoveJoy United Presbyterian
June 23 an 30
9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Join Karen Wilson and Daniel Ervin, of LovJoy United, for a conversation on how we practice our faith within the economic relationships we share with those who make the goods that we use.
Are the people who make our clothes, products, and food our neighbors?
Having just returned from Peru, Daniel and Karen will be sharing how fair trade practices are transforming the lives of individuals and communities there, and how we can help. Directions found here.
Make Music Day - You Are Invited To Participate
Friday, June 21st
Join with Faith Des Peres

What is Make Music Day ? It is a worldwide event, happening in more than 120 countries. Every year, the event involves musicians in local happenings. This year, Faith Des Peres will participate. The event happens on the summer solstice, June 21st. Locally, we call the event MAKE MUSIC SAINT LOUIS - you can find more details here -  makemusicstl.org   Also on that website, you or friends may register as participants if you wish to make music. Please think broadly about "making music", because any related art form is welcome to participate. For example, poetry recitation (why not?)  This year, June 21st is a Friday. Our facility will be available between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you have acquaintances who may be interested, please let them know. For more information, please see our Music Director - Rene Zajner, or via email ( rene.zajner@gmail.com
Kindercottage Ministry
Golden Gala
Saturday, June 29
Celebration of 50 years!

J une 29 is coming quickly. Please order your tickets now and make plans for a joyful celebration of Brenda Crisp’s and all our combined ministries at UniPres Kindercottage these last 50 years. 
Go to https://www.unipreskindercottage.org/gala-event/ to place your orders now. Invite friends to join you and purchase a whole table. It will be a wonderful and inspiring evening!
Full event flyer can be found here.
First Presbyterian Church - Sullivan
Celebrates 165 Years of Ministry
July 14 at 2 p.m.

The first records of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sullivan, Missouri date back to November, 1892, but the first roll of members was received in the area as in 1854, and the first church building was completed in 1897. We have much to celebrate! All are welcome to join us in this celebration.
Whitewater Presbyterian Church
Annual Picnic
July 20 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On a June day 175 years ago, 13 people gathered under a tree on the bank of Whitewater Creek on the old Farmington-Jackson road about a mile east of Heitman's Mill. That was the first official meeting of what is now Whitewater Presbyterian Church in Sedgewickville, Missouri.
This year marks 187 years of ministry and they would love for you to join them at their annual picnic.
First Presbyterian - Ste. Genevieve
Vacation Bible School
July 21 to July 24th

Children aged 3 through Fifth Grade
Mars and Beyond
Vacation Bible School
July 22 - 26, 2019

Your Voyager will discover an interactive, energizing, Bible-based program that will give them an opportunity to experience a mission of a lifetime with God. Join us in Learning Where God’s Power Can Take Us!

Same Week - Different Locations
  • St. Mark Presbyterian from 9 a.m. to Noon (Details found here)
  • Steelville Presbyterian from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Details coming soon)
In Your Neighborhood
Save the Date!
We will visit the western side of the Presbytery, in Sullivan, Missouri on October 2 & 3.
More details will come soon,
Complete List of Educational Opportunities: Found Here
Lifelong Learning Grants
Through the years, the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation has provided over a million dollars to support many educational events, workshops and/or seminars which cover a wide range of topics and serve anywhere from 10 to more than 200 people. Teaching Elders, Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) and Lay Leaders all greatly benefit from LifeLong Learning events that are located within their Presbytery or state.
Stop the Cycle Of Poverty! Free Webinar
The Least of These: Engaging in the Work of Preventing and Alleviating Poverty
June 19 | 11 a.m – 12:30 p.m.

This four-part webinar series challenges us to go beyond charity and take a more holistic view of poverty, equipping teams to create real and lasting change.
  • Hear from leaders in the PC(USA) and in community development as you or your team are guided through core principles that go beyond charity and build relationships.
  • Each webinar features a different theme.
To register, or for more information, email nina.lewis@pcusa.org
Registration is limited to 15 people, per webinar.
Pastoral Responses To Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Preventing Crisis & Suicide in the Church’s Youth
Wed., July 31 | 9 a.m to Noon

 There is little more frightening for a youth minister than when a young person confides that they are having thoughts of harming or killing themselves. This workshop is intended for parish pastors, youth ministers, and directors of religion education to help prepare them to respond to youth in their fellowship who might be experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Participants will be educated on the signs of adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicidality. They will learn basic pastoral intervention that can help keep a youth safe, and will be provided community mental health resources to support the youth and the family.
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Children, Youth and Family Ministry - Second Presbyterian

Soprano Section Leader Wanted - Westminster St. Louis