We are very thankful to Rev. Rob Dyer, Rev. Alex Lysdahl, and all volunteers at First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, Illinois for hosting our November Presbytery Gathering.

We are thankful for Gathering Tech Volunteers Rev. Melissa Leo, Rev. Kathleen Henrion, and Dale Overstreet; and our Worship and Education Hour leader, Rev. Shavon Starling Louis.

If you were unable to join us, the worship service can be watched by clicking the link above.

Our Presbytery Gathering was held on November 4^th the same day at the Apache Stronghold prayer vigil. We can still join in prayer with them, as they hold vigil to defend their land of religious practice from Resolution Copper mining which threatens to destroy it. The Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition will be partnering with the Apache Stronghold and is calling all to be part of this prayer vigil. The Doctrine of Discovery, a legal framework from 15th Century Papal Bulls, was the foundation for the enslavement of African Americans in the country (and others) as well as the removal of and annihilation of Native Americans and continues to be woven throughout the US legal system, including the Supreme Court. In 2016, the PC(USA) General Assembly voted to work to denounce and dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and called on churches to be partners in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery. This year, Pope Francis also denounced the Doctrine of Discovery. Let us join together in this prayer vigil.

To read the full obituary or leave a tribute or message for the family please click here.

Former Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons will be leading the next webinar in the Leader Formation series. The event, Leading by Listening: Ruling Elders and Presbyterian Polity, will take place through Zoom on Thursday, November 16, 2023, 7:00–8:30 p.m (Eastern). For more information and a detailed description, visit the Leader Formation website. Use this web link for registration. The registration deadline is November 8.

Don has touched thousands of lives as a pastor, choir director, mentor, teacher, and friend. His talent is well-known locally, serving annually as Scrooge in Granite City Christmas Play. The greatest tribute that could be given to Don is to simply say he is a man of integrity who loves God, his family, and his friends fiercely.

"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Work Group of the Presbytery that monitors the ten Earth Care Congregations of the Presbytery and advocates for low-income, indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQ communities, often hurt first and worst during environmental degradation. Contact: carletonstock@aol.com or 314-941-9378.

The Zoom link is found by clicking here. This is part of a larger gathering examining the denomination's apology to our African-American brothers and sisters for the sin of slavery. Prior attendance is not required. Helpful documents to read prior to the meeting may be found by clicking here.

The Board of Pensions welcomes you to the conversation on Wednesday, November 8, or Thursday, November 9. During our time together, you will learn about recommendations for the Medical Plan designed to better serve the changing Church. The goal of the season of rebuilding is to make necessary changes to provide greater flexibility and cost control for congregations as they care for the well-being of their pastoral leaders.

We hope you will join us in this discussion.

For more information and to register to attend, click here.

The November Prayer Art Retreat is Thursday, November 9th, 2023 at Von Dell Gallery & Studios from 6 to 9 p.m. Worship will unfold. Art will be created in response to prayer and scripture. Communion will be shared. NOTE the change in date from the usual third Thursday due to Thanksgiving. December's Prayer Art Retreat will be earlier as well.

Please register via the RSVP form at http://www.aplaceofgrace-juliegvillo/upcoming-events.html by November 7 to reserve your space.

Supplies will be provided; no previous art experience is required. A Place of Grace is offering-based. Offerings can be made by cash, check, or electronic offering -- Venmo (@Julie_Gvillo) or PayPal.me/JulieGvillo

Children and Youth Workgroup (a Presbytery-wide coalition of Christian educators and supporters) under Dynamic Leaders (GLPBY) is sponsoring a Mini Youth Mission Trip in December.

We are help Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) sort the Christmas gifts received for their children. The sorting will be held at St. Charles Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10 am – noon. Work will be followed by Pizza and drinks for all volunteers.

Flyer can be found by clicking here.

The Association of Partners in Christian Education is coming to St. Louis Union Station from January 24th through the 27th. Your Local Committee needs your help! We will need volunteers.

Please email Julie Gvillo (juliegvillo.aplaceofgrace@gmail.com) AND Pat Cleeland (together) (patricia.cleeland@gmail.com) to let us know you are willing to help and the places you feel most comfortable doing so.

We also need assistance with providing supplies for participants. The QR code previously shared no longer works. Please, use this link instead to access the Amazon Wish List and watch for additions to the list in the next few months. Orders should be sent in the care of Rev. Pat Cleeland at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help!

There are many ministry team positions available in the coming year, and we just know you would be a good fit for a committee or commission

Please fill out and return the form below.

GLPby App Form (Word) | GLPby App Form (fillable PDF)