The False Promise of Anti-racism Books |
|
This article challenges the idea that broader knowledge of systemic racism will bring about meaningful social change for Black communities. Raising awareness about racism is not a means in itself of correcting injustice. Literature and dialogue cannot supplant restorative social policies and laws, organizational change, and structural redress. Read more here,
|
|
Campus Ministry During a Pandemic |
|
Campus ministry is still happening in the midst of a global pandemic! Rev. Max Hill, pastor of UKirk St Louis, would like to catch you up on what they're doing. Please click here to see Max's video. UKirk needs our support as they continue meeting the needs of college students. Please keep them in your prayers and consider making a donation. Donations can be made online through the UKirk website or can be mailed to UKirk in care of the Presbytery of Giddings Lovejoy.
|
|
The Youth Committee of Dismantling Racism and Privilege (DRAP) will host a zoom call on the evening of Thursday, August 20th for any youth within the Giddings Lovejoy Presbytery that might be interested in serving on a Youth Advisory Team.
The ideas and voices of our youth are critical as we as work together to understand the history and the impact of racism in our community and country.
We plan to offer activities and events that connect youth and provide opportunities to discuss issues of racism, privilege and social injustice. We want the youth advisory team to share with us how they would like to explore these topics.
If you feel the Spirit calling you to be part of this youth team and help us move towards our goal of equal justice for all God’s children, please complete this survey: https://forms.gle/yWx7gwAG4agRbcFHA
If you or your family has questions, please contact one of us.
Thank you for considering being a part of this advisory team and making a positive difference in our community.
Julie Northrip 636-227-3232
Shala Taylor. 314-322-3456
Gary Naylor. 636-484-6029
|
|
Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings
Mon., Aug. 10
Tues., Aug. 11
Wed., Aug. 12
12 p.m. - Interim/Transitional Pastors - Click Here
Thur., Aug. 13
|
|
Stated Presbytery Gathering |
Thursday, August 27
1:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Please share with everyone in your congregation as all are welcome!
|
|
|
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Youth Ministry Director - First Presbyterian (Salina, Kansas)
Pastoral Opportunity - First Presbyterian, Ferguson
Administrative Assistant for Program and Pastoral Ministries – Ladue Chapel
Organist/Pianist - First Presbyterian, Jackson, MO
Interim Pastor - John Calvin Presbyterian
|
|
HELP WANTED HIGHLIGHT
Interim Pastor- John Calvin Presbyterian Church located in Bridgeton, Missouri, is seeking an Interim Pastor who has the vision and the experience to help guide our congregation and to help us maintain our continuity, both spiritually and financially, while we are in transition. Learn more here
|
|
Christian Education During a Pandemic |
|
If you have been wondering about how to use your PC(USA) curriculum this fall, we have you covered. Check out all of the free guides we have made to making using our curriculum easy for you https://bit.ly/38Y7kp7. Check out our webinar that goes into more detail about each of these free resources https://youtu.be/ccf-0Sbt81I
|
|
Matthew 25 - In Difficult Times |
|
We want to hear your stories!
- How is your congregation remaining or becoming even more vibrant?
- How are you reaching out to your neighbors in creative ways?
- How have you participated in the Presbyterians Care Movement?
Send us your comments to [email protected] or call 314-772-2395. We hope to hear from you soon!
|
|
Second Presbyterian Church and the Good Ground Pantry |
This photo shows the “Farmer’s Market” fresh produce distribution at Good Ground Pantry on July 4, 2020. Volunteers Nancy Quigley (left) and JoAnn Ford (right) from Second Presbyterian Church are shown arranging the display. We partner with Operation Food Search, which now is including fresh produce and dairy items as part of our weekly grocery pickup. We also get fresh greens from a nearby community garden each Friday during the summer. For the last several years, Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Louis has partnered with Second Presbyterian Church in this ministry.
As much as possible, we try to provide healthy food and let our guests choose what they want from the items we make available. The outdoor “Farmer’s Market” display each week (weather permitting) invites our guests to “shop” from an attractive display of produce items.
|
|
New Worshiping Communities
Dreaming and Discerning
Tues., Aug. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Although many of our buildings may be closed for now, our churches are creatively open, continuing and even expanding the reach of their mission and ministry, with God’s Spirit inspiring many of us to see visions and dream dreams in ways we might not have imagined a few short months ago. Learn more here.
Please RSVP your interest to Leigh Porter at [email protected]. A Zoom link will be sent to you before the meeting in August.
|
|
Interim Virtual Training
Presbyteries of Grand Canyon and
de Cristo are co-hosting this fall:
Leading Emotional Systems Training / Interim I
Coaching healthy communication for individuals and groups Noticing your organizational system and knowing how to respond to what you observe Mediation strategies for small and large groups (and the limits of mediation) Clarity on your personal engagement style in low stress and high stress situation s Becoming aware of one’s perspective and narrative, while practicing empathy and interest -based negotiating.
|
|
Self-Care and Mental Health |
|
Light for the Darkness
Meeting
Join us Mondays at 7 p.m.
Feeling anxious or depressed, or know someone who is? Light for the Darkness has started a virtual group for anyone struggling with mental health to connect with others who understand and explore where God may be in the midst, Mondays at 7 pm.
Please connect with Thirza Sayers, who is intimately aware of these struggles, if you have any questions at [email protected] or 404.313.4549. Learn more about Light for the Darkness by clicking here.
|
|
Reiki is the prayerful practice of removing disturbances from the human energy field in order to promote relaxation and facilitate the body's natural healing processes. Reiki supports wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. At least through the end of the calendar year, A Place of Grace is making a special offer for the pastors in Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery: FREE Remote Mini-Reiki Retreats. Because Reiki is a practice of prayer, Reiki II and Reiki Master Practitioners have the ability to "send" it to those who request it. A mini-retreat consists of a short conversation followed by an energetic assessment and approximately fifteen minutes of Reiki being sent to the recipient. You can learn more about Reiki here, or schedule a Zoom call if you have questions. You can email me or call 618-410-5060 to schedule an appointment. I'd love to support you as you provide ongoing support for your flock during this challenging time!
|
|
Let's Talk about Self-Care
These days, it is more and more clear there are those who know the practices of self-care and those who don't. In this short video, Synod Executive Landon Whitsitt offers a brief introduction to caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Click here
|
|
FREE 24 Hour Counseling
Pastors and other Board of Pension members, Cigna is offering a separate 24-hour toll-free help line, to support resiliency during this time of high stress and anxiety, and can be reached by calling 866-912-1687 to connect with qualified clinicians, including licensed social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists, who can provide support and guidance.
|
|
Our web page resource.
What will you find there?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
