A Note to All Pastors: Come Away and Rest |
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Rev. Dr. Craig M Howard
Special Friday Blog
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First Presbyterian - Fredericktown
Final Service
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First Presbyterian Church of Fredericktown, Missouri, and member of the Son Light Parish of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, held their final service on Sunday, September 20, 2020. The pandemic did not allow for presbytery members to attend, but it was recorded so that you can view and feel a part of that service. |
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PCUSA VOTE
Daily Virtual Events will be offered the month of October!
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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to taking a continued stand for equity and equality for all God’s people. Seeking to be a faithful witness to the need to continue to stand and bear witness in issues of justice, the Presbyterian Voting Campaign has been created to engage, educate, and motivate people to exercise their right to vote, especially those who are a part of marginalized communities. |
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VOTERS REGISTRATION DATES COMING SOON
MISSOURI - October 7 (in person, by mail, or online)
ILLINOIS - Online: Oct. 18/By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 6/In person: Nov. 3
You must be registered to vote. You can check to see if you are registered to vote, Missouri, here, and in Illinois, here. If not you may register to vote online in Missouri here and in Illinois, here.
Be a prepared and knowledgeable voter - See your voting options here
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A Note from Leigh & Janice....
Did you know we are notaries? We want to help you vote safely! Call or email us and set up an appointment to meet with one of us.
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Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
Offers Notary Services
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church will offer free mail-in ballot notarization services on four upcoming Sundays, October 11, 18, and 25 from noon to 3 p.m. The notary services will be held on the parking lot on the east side of the church at 45 West Lockwood in Webster Groves. Directions can be found here.
All Missourians will be able to vote by mail for the Nov. 3 elections. Except for those age 65 and older or those with specific health-related exemptions, however, most voters will need to have their ballot notarized before mailing it in.
Participants will need to sign their ballot envelope in front of the notary, present an ID and sign the notary’s log. All voters and participants will be required to wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Social distancing will be maintained. The activity will take place outdoors, rain or shine.
For more information, call: Janice Seele at 714-642-3376.
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Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings
Mon., Oct. 12
Tues., Oct. 13
Wed., Oct. 14
Thurs., Oct. 15
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Presbytery Gathering
Saturday, November 7
ALL are welcome to attend our Presbytery Gatherings. Please encourage your fellow congregants to join us.
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Flu season during a pandemic calls for urgency and ingenuity, which can mean getting vaccinated in your car or even in a hockey arena.
St. Louis area health providers are trying to make it easy and safe to get a flu shot this year by offering free drive-thru events throughout the community and even a walk-in location on Oct. 17 at downtown’s massive Enterprise Center where the St. Louis Blues play.
If you do not live in the St. Louis Area, please consult with your local Health Department for guidance on where you can get your Flu Shot. If you don't know how to contact your local health department, the following links will direct you to the appropriate office.
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October Couts Concert
Sun., Oct. 11 | 4 pm
Please join us for the opening concert of the new season of the Couts Music Series. Organ Plus will air on the church website Sunday, October 11 at 4:00 pm CST. This concert features Hannah Frey, violin, Jennifer Gartley, flute, Megan Stout, harp, and Andrew Peters, organ. Due to musicians’ union rules, this is only available online for the above date and time.
Then enter this password: spcyoutubeconcert
Again, this concert is only accessible online on today at 4:00 pm CST. We hope you will join us for this opening event on the 2020-2021 Couts Music Series!
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Synod Support for Pastors & Churches
As the air begins to turn crisp and the leaves show off their autumn beauty, we pray you are settling into this Fall season well. Like a hearty soup or chili, we hope this month's 4th Sunday Sermon can be a source of comfort to you. We are grateful you keep allowing us to join you in worship.
Here is the information for the October 25 sermon from the Synod of Mid-America:
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Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46
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Title: "The Second Is Like It
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Themes: Reformation, Christian Ethics, Great Commandment, Golden Rule, Sacrifice
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Preacher: Rev. Landon Whitsitt, Synod Executive, Synod of Mid-America
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If you would like to pass on this information to others so they can sign up, please do so. They can sign up for the sermon links at: http://synodma.org/join-our-mailing-list
- Video, audio, and transcript links for this month's 4th Sunday Sermon will be sent to you by email on or before October 21.
Landon Whitsitt, Synod Executive
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Shelters of Last Resort: Examining Systems of Congregate Emergency Shelter for Homeless and Vulnerable Populations During COVID-19
Fri., Oct. 16 |1 pm
Every day, hundreds of thousands of homeless Americans are crowded into emergency shelters. Many of the homeless have severe and persistent co-occurring behavioral and medical disabilities, including drug and alcohol addictions. Using a public health and safety lens, this webinar will examine the challenges, options, and emerging model practices to address the daunting task of providing shelters and longer-term housing options for vulnerable populations during COVID-19.
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2020 Pivot Grant for
New Worshiping Communities
2020 has challenged all of us, and we know those challenges pose unique threats to our youngest faith communities who are particularly vulnerable to un-budgeted costs and perhaps a decline in financial support.
New Worshiping Communities recognized by their presbytery are invited to apply for a one-time Pivot Grant of $1000 to assist with shifting programs, new training, or unanticipated expenses due to the pandemic or racial injustices in your community. The application is simple and awards will be made on a first come, first served basis - so communities must act quickly! Applications can be submitted by clicking here.
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Dreaming & Discerning Virtual Gathering
Tuesday, October 20th at 7:00 pm.
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.
Please RSVP your interest to Leigh Porter at [email protected]. A Zoom link will be sent to you before the meeting in October.
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Social Witness Cares for Your Community
The Social Witness Committee is concerned about the spread of COVID19 and wants to supply FREE yard signs to any church that wants one.
These signs would list the steps individuals need to take to help them keep safe from the virus and help slow down the spread in their community. Please consider accepting this FREE sign for your church property.
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Educational Opportunities |
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Forging a Path Forward
Resilience Amid the Pandemics
The 2020 Herencia Webinars will explore the ongoing impact of COVID-19, systemic racism, and a crumbling economy on the local and global church while offering a vision for developing a creative way forward, influenced by God’s revelation of “doing a new thing”—Isaiah 43:19. The webinars will be held in three parts over three days: October 22, 27, and 29. Registration is required. The price for admission is $20 each or $50 for all three.
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Two FREE Virtual Workshops for Ministers
We offer these workshops to support your well-being, and to demonstrate our appreciation for your ministry.
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Preventing Burnout by Building Resilience in Ministry
Wed., Oct. 21 | 11:00 am
Ministry is demanding and complex, but burnout is not inevitable, and resilience can be developed. Learn how!
Participants will learn:
· Five predictors of burnout, and solutions to each
· Three methods for preventing burnout
· Six characteristics of resilience that ministers can cultivate in their own lives.
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Mindfulness in Ministry
Wed., Oct. 21 | 11:00 am
Mindfulness is a popular term, but do you know what it means? Do you know how mindfulness supports overall well-being? Do you know how to begin a practice of mindfulness meditation, or how it can be integrated with other spiritual disciplines? Here is your chance to find out!
· Learn the definition and meaning of mindfulness
· Gain an understanding of the current theory of how mindfulness meditation benefits the brain
· Learn nine benefits of mindful practices
· Be taught introductory skills of mindfulness meditation
Learn how mindfulness can be integrated with other spiritual
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FREE WORKSHOP
Brain Science & Bias:
Understanding How Your Brain
Works to Prevent Racism
Thur., Oct. 15 | 12 p.m. CT
Today’s organizations are working hard to raise employees’ awareness of unconscious bias. They think that by addressing bias, they can cut down on discrimination and boost inclusion all in one. Science tells us this conventional wisdom is wrong.
Learn to practice optimal inclusion in this free session. Register by clicking here.
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Register for the remaining
Fall 2020 Pathways Online Courses
at Union Presbyterian Seminary
Courses open to all, including Commissioned Ruling Elder candidates or any individual seeking further knowledge & edification
- Each course meets weekly for five (5) weeks, 7:00pm – 9:00pm EST
- Two courses, Reformed Theology/Church History and Teaching the Bible, begin next week.
- The Reformed Theology/Church History course is seeking interested participants for a second section, beginning Monday, October 19
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For more info, click here: Pathways Online Courses
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Rethinking Evangelism
October 12-14
The department of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism is inviting you and your churches to the Rethinking Evangelism Conference, October 12–14, 2020. This virtual event will feature Ralph Watkins (Columbia Theological Seminary), Mark Ramsey (Macedonia Ministries), and others for an event you won’t want to miss. Come as a church group or as an individual to explore what it means to practice evangelism in these transformative times.
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Art of Transitional Leadership
Virtual Training
Our partner, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, is offering the Art of Transitional Leadership virtual training the week of October 12-15, 2020. Please visit their website to learn more and register. Click here for details
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Self-Care and Mental Health |
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Please reach out…
Light for the Darkness offers a safe place to reach out whether as a starting point, as a place to receive information on mental health and support resources that are available, or as a place to connect to others feeling similarly. It is our hope that you will find our group a helpful way for you to explore where God is in the midst of these challenging times with others who are feeling sim.
We meet Mondays at 7pm via Zoom.
Contact me about this group or to speak one-on-one, Thirza Sayers, 404.313.4549, [email protected]
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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
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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.
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Matthew 25 - In Difficult Times |
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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!
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Our web page resource.
What will you find there?
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