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The anti-racism work that so many of us are doing is necessary to help us become the church on the other side of the pandemic. |
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Our Presbytery - Our Work |
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Weekly Prayer Basket
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Please pray for... Chris Wittman, son of Debbie and the Rev. John Higgins, who will have surgery for brain cancer on August 27th at Barnes.
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Please pray for...John Leo family and Second Presbyterian Church in his passing
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Please pray ... for students, teachers, administrators and support staff as school restarts (digitally and in person)
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Please pray for... for communities who are experiencing an uptick in COVID19 positives and hospitalization.
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Support Ministry
Help Wanted
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Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
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NOTE: In light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, meetings will be restricted to Zoom or conference call. If you are unsure how to participate, please contact your team moderator, or call the office 314-772-2395, and select Leigh Porter, Office Manager.
Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings
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Tues., Aug. 25
7pm - Zoom Training for Gathering -
Wed., Aug. 26
Thur., Aug. 27
1:45pm - Presbytery Gathering
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No Meetings Scheduled
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NOTE
Mon., Sept. 7 - Presbytery Offices Closed for Labor Day
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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!
If you are not comfortable with Zoom or need a refresher - please join Janice on Tues., Aug. 25th at 7pm by clicking this Zoom link.
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Rev. Dr. Ben Sanders III
We will be joined by the Rev. Dr. Ben Sanders III, of Eden Seminary. (Bio Found Here)
We ask that you please watch this 20 minute video (found here) and submit questions for Rev. Sanders to answer during a time of Questions/Answers during the Gathering. Submit your questions (here)
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PRESBYTERY PASTORS FALL RETREAT
October 23 & 24
Save the date - more information will be emailed directly to you soon. Keep an eye on your inbox!
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Technology Grants - Wave 2
When COVID-19 began to spread across the United States, Giddings-Lovejoy congregations responded in amazing ways to continue their worship and ministries. I am in awe. Congregations have stretched themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of doing. As I like to say, the building may be closed, but the church is not!
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The first wave of grants allowed congregations to purchase the basic equipment necessary to develop their online presence and pivot worship to their preferred platform. Some churches Zoom live; others record and then stream Sunday mornings are a couple of examples.
Now that we’re all “pros,” your worship team may be ready to add a piece of equipment to improve the overall system. What is on your church’s technology wish list? Congregational development is delighted to announce a second wave of grants for the purchase of equipment to be used for the development of your worship ministry.
Requirements:
- The congregation received a first wave grant with documentation submitted to the presbytery.
- Churches are responsible for 25% and presbytery 75% of the total cost. Grants, up to $2000, are available.
- Grants may be used for the purchase of equipment or online subscription services, like Zoom, for the purpose of online worship and faith development ministry.
Please submit your grant request to [email protected]. Note in the subject line Second Wave Grant.
In your request, include the church’s name and address, contact person and email address, and what the grant will be used for.
By the way, First Wave Grants are still available. Please contact Liz Kanerva at the above email for more information.
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Pastor Anti-Racism ZOOM Workshop
Thurs., Oct. 1 · 11:30 am- 1:30 pm.
In 2002 the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy approved the creation of the Dismantling Racism and Privilege Team (DRAP), and required, “All clergy to participate in anti-racism training, within two years and new clergy within one year.” In May of 2018, DRAP provided training at the Presbytery Gathering through Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training. Now, it is time for pastors' anti-racism training.
The timing for this workshop is more important than ever. Since the killing of George Floyd and other innocent African American siblings, hearing the words "I cannot breathe" demands action. We cannot stand by and do nothing. As leaders, we pledge our lives to God's service. With this anti-racism training, let us either begin or deepen our struggle to discern "What can I do?" as individuals and as a church community.
The registration link can be found here. Please add October 1, 2020 from 11:30 am through 1:30 pm to your calendar and look to the second week of September for more information.
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The World's Religions:
A Free Public Lecture Series with Dr. David Oughton
Every Monday, Beginning September 7
This FREE non-credit series, offered via Zoom through the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, is a opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of the world. It will be led by Dr. David Oughton, President of the Board of IPSTL and retired professor of the world's religions at Saint Louis University. This fifteen-part series will be held on Monday evenings. Participants are welcome to come every week, or to attend the weeks that pique their interest most. Course readings and materials will be sent out to participants before each week's meeting.
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Plan Grande # Nicaragua Update
Our recent communication from Plan Grande #2 was encouraging. While there are cases of COVID-19 and even deaths in their municipality (sort of like our county), there have been no reported positive cases and no illness in the community of Plan Grande #2. The schools there have adopted a somewhat "hybrid" approach in that they have been open but recently took an extended three week "vacation" during which the students are expected to complete a workbook they were given and to participate in "tele-education" for two hours every eight days by viewing a state-run educational channel. Like too many communities in the US, this "distance learning" will be a challenge given the lack of resources including internet access. But they are hopeful for a safe return to actual classes soon.
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Presbyterian Justice Week of Action
August 24–30, 2020
The 224th General Assembly called the PC(USA) to action (Click Here) in confronting our complicity with white supremacy, and many Presbyterians are seeking to learn, repent, be transformed. The whole church is invited to join staff of national agencies August 24–30 to proclaim in word and deed that BLACK LIVES MATTER. Details are being added as they become available; one day or seven, make these PC(USA) community activities a part of your justice journey.
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Daily events will take place virtually, and the complete list can be found here.
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If daily events are hard because of your work schedule, consider Sunday, the Day of Service. Here are some suggestions on how you can help. Click Here.
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Sunrise Celebration Virtual Benefit
with MC - Al Hrabosky
Thursday, August 27
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Sunrise Celebration virtual event will feature a Caribbean steel drum performance, auction, raffles and fund-a-need via our mobile bidding site, all with Al Hrabosky live in-studio as our honorary chair and emcee!
The hour-long event will be free to stream on our YouTube channel.
The proceeds from the Sunrise Celebration and Dream Vacation Raffle will allow Care and Counseling to provide vital, often lifesaving, mental health services to all who seek them, especially those who lack insurance or ability to pay.
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St. Louis UKirk Ministries Featured in Presbyterian Outlook Article:
Presbyterian campus ministry finds new paths during COVID-19
What does campus ministry look like during a pandemic? How can campus ministers provide support and spiritual guidance for students? As colleges and universities reopen, here’s what’s happening in three places with UKirk, the campus ministry connected to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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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, 1001 Craig Rd., Ste. 170, St. Louis, MO 63146.
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Tips for Caring for God's Incredible Creation:
Reduce waste by Limiting packaging volume
Limiting the amount of waste for disposal inevitably involves reducing the volume of packaging. For such food as cheese, ham, seeds, and rice, buy in bulk, by weight, or cut to your needs rather than in prepackaged sizes. For every large bag of rubbish placed at the curb, the equivalent of 71 bags of waste are created in the course of the production, transportation, and industrial processes used to convert raw materials into finished products and their packaging.
TIPS are brought to you by the Earth Care Team of presbytery representing the 8 certified Earth Care Congregations plus Mound Ridge Camp and Conference Center of the presbytery. For info on how to become an Earth Care Congregation, contact: [email protected] or 314-941-9378.
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PCUSA Store FREE Children's Bible Story
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Light for the Darkness
Join us Mondays at 7 p.m.
If you are feeling depressed or know someone who is, besides seeking professional help, connection and divine hope can help. Message me about our group Monday at 7pm and here’s another good resource, too. Click Here
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Education & Training Opportunities |
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Upcoming APCE Sponsored Zoom
and Webinar Events
It has been awe-inspiring to see how our educators have continued serving their congregations with creative energy during this difficult time of social distancing in our country.
APCE has stepped up with incredible webinars and zoom meetings that support, educate and nurture our members and many others who join these online events.
- Engaging Volunteers for Remote Ministry – Thurs, August 20 – 2:00 pm EST
- Thinking Ahead to Advent – Wednesday, August 26 – 4:00 pm EST
These Zoom conversations can be found at:
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September 22, 29th and October 6th
The Kaleidoscope conference is just around the corner and it is one of the best conferences the PC(USA) offers. Ruling Elders, Teaching Elders, stewardship chairs, and church treasurers will find the resources and workshops invaluable.
The conference is online and spread out over several weeks making it easier than ever to participate especially our lay leadership. Furthermore you can’t beat this year’s registration fee of $45.00.
Click on the link for a brief overview of the conference theme by keynote speaker, Eric Barreto. Eric will be exploring the relevance of the Acts of the Apostles for a 21st century audience, asking us to imagine what our call as stewards of the gospel looks like today, and how we can be a relevant, impactful church in the midst of crisis.
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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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Interim Virtual Training
Presbyteries of Grand Canyon and
de Cristo are co-hosting this fall:
Leading Emotional Systems Training / Interim
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.
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Becoming Matthew 25
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How Do We Engage Socially Distancing and still participate in Mission & Ministry?
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Current Support Ministry Position Openings |
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Send us your stories of how your congregation is maintaining congregational vitality during this pandemic. Send stories to Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected]
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Part-Tim Organist - First Presbyterian Church of Alton, IL
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian, Dardenne Prarie, MO
Pastoral Opportunity - First Presbyterian, Ferguson
Organist/Pianist - First Presbyterian, Jackson, MO
Interim Pastor - John Calvin Presbyterian
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian, Dardenne Prarie, MO
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Keep Connected
We love to hear about the work of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Congregations. Have an event, fundraiser, or concert and want to get the word out? Simply email that information in by 6 p.m. on Monday of the week you want your event published. Help keep us connected by simply emailing your information to [email protected]
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