Looking to the Weekend
Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom
Juneteenth celebrates the day in which slaves in Texas were informed two years after emancipation that they were free. Juneteenth wasn’t big in my community of Chicago when I was growing up. I was made aware of it because my father is from Texas. The event has become more broadly known in the 21 st century. It is important that we learn about Juneteenth, the Tulsa massacre, and other historically significant events in the lives of black people. These histories may not be part of classrooms and textbooks, but they make up the internal fiber of African Americans. These different histories are a reminder that what passes as American History often is exclusive of all Americans.

The best article I have found on Juneteenth is by Henry Louis Gates Jr. It can be found here . A St. Louis Metro reference to Juneteenth at its celebration in local communities can be found here . I encourage you to read these resources and discover fragments of history that help to round out the history you already know. Perhaps by understanding our different histories, we can better understand who we are, as we work together to become God’s Beloved Community.

Rev. Craig M. Howard
General Assembly #224 Events
Giddings-Lovejoy Commissioners
Elder, Carrie Schildroth
First Presbyterian, Alton, IL

Rev. Erin Counihan
Oak Hill Presbyterian, St. Louis, MO

Elder, Ellen Schroeder
Second Presbyterian, St. Louis, MO

Rev. Jeff Snell
Trinity Chapel Presbyterian, Cuba, MO
June 19, 26-27
From Lament to Hope
To watch the assembly Live, please visit their homepage, by clicking here . They will also go live on Facebook, and can be found here.
NOTE - The Presbytery has already purchased Pre and Post GA#224 bulletin inserts for all of our congregations. There is no need for congregations to purchase them.
Upcoming Events & News
Clergy Caucus Zoom
Wednesday, June 24 at 3pm
Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) is inviting all STL area clergy to gather on zoom on Wednesday, to learn about the local demands for racial justice (see pic), to learn about some campaigns already in progress that could really use support from our congregations including:
Close the Workhouse - Click here - Break the Pipeline - Click here
and to talk about what training or support you and your congregation might need to get involved in the work to bring real change to St. Louis city and county. 
Please join us (zoom info in the email below), contact Erin Counihan ( [email protected]) with any questions
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87048158107   
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.
Social Action
The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy has a new tab on the home page of their website , dedicated to Social Action. If you have questions on how you can engage in the work of combating racial inequality and injustice, please visit the resources under the Social Action tab.
If you have questions or suggestions of additional resources, please email: [email protected]
Kids Bored? Consider Virtual Camp
Summer Camp 2020
Campers go to   https://moundridge.org/virtual-camp/   to register for this free program. We then send packages of supplies to the campers and they follow along online! Space is limited so please register asap!
Camp runs June 15- July 17th and the website is open until August 1st. 
Self-Care and Mental Health
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
Light for the Darkness
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. Sundays at 4:30pm. Please connect with Thirza Sayers, who is intimately aware of these struggles, if you have any questions at [email protected] or 404.313.4549
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.
Keep Connected
Presbytery COVID19 Response
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] o r call 314-772-2395. We hope to hear from you soon!