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Way to Go
Clerks of Session!!!
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Clerks Reporting - This was an especially difficult task this year with the pandemic causing congregations to move to either mailed worship services or live stream or Zoom worship. |
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Our Presbytery - Our Work |
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Weekly Prayer Basket
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Please pray for... please pray for our Clerks of Session, as they do the keep us organized and on task
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Please pray for... Rev. Kathleen Henrion and her family, as she has announced she is expecting Baby #3. Prayers of health and blessings abound.
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Please pray for...for those receiving vaccinations for COVID19, as our nation works for herd immunity; those battling COVID19 at home and in the hospital, and science and medical personnel making treatment and vaccination possible.
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Support Ministry
Help Wanted
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Special Easter Services & Events? |
Is your church having a virtual or in-person event this Easter? We would love to share that information with the Presbytery! Please let us know by emailing us here.
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As Presbytery Ministry Committees and Commissions Organize, please check with your Moderator for meeting dates and times, or call the office at 314-772-2395, or email Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected]
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Thur., Mar. 4
Mon., Mar. 8
Tue., Mar. 9
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Wed., Mar. 10
Thur., Mar. 11
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Hope Has Arrived in Vaccines for COVID19 |
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We know that there are concerns your community and congregations might have about vaccine development and its safety. In collaboration with the Social Witness Team of the Presbytery, we are pleased to share these support materials that you might use to help your community and congregation understand the vaccines available, their effectiveness, and safety.
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Complete File of Session/Church Resources Binder FOUND HERE
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Questions/Answers from a Local Presbyterian - Trinity Presbyterian Church, University City, is blessed to have several physicians among their congregation, including Dr. Rachel Presti, who has been leading COVID vaccine research for many months. Dr. Presti is Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit (ID CRU) at Washington University. She discussed the vaccine rollout and answered questions. The video, shared by Trinity Presbyterian, can be FOUND HERE
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Where to get the shot(s) - Get your vaccine when it is your turn. You should be able to find out when it is your turn to be vaccinated and how to register in your neighborhood by reaching out to your state or local health department.
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The Presbytery Leader Nominating Committee: Survey
As the Presbytery Leader Nominating Committee (PLNC) starts their task of calling the next Presbytery Leader of Giddings-Lovejoy, we want to provide you with the opportunity to share your perspective of the past, present and future of our Presbytery and your hopes for our new Presbytery Leader.
Your responses will be one of many resources the PLNC will use throughout this process. Please click on the link below:
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The Black Tax:
The Cost of Being Black in America
Thur., Mar. 4 & Thur., Apr. 8
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DEADLINE to REGISTER is
NOON ON THURSDAY, MARCH 4
after Noon on Thursday.
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The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy invites you to two special events with author, Shawn Rochester to discuss his book, The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America. Rochester, a former corporate development, and global strategy executive quantifies the fiscal impact of the detrimental tax Black Americans pay in the auto, housing, online, job, and lending markets. The book examines the staggering financial cost from emancipation to the present day to answer the question of how, after 400 years, more than 40 million African Americans own only 2% of U.S. wealth. More than simply identifying the problem, Rochester lays out an empowerment plan to create much-needed jobs and businesses in the Black community. The first online session will meet on Thursday, March 4 and the second session is on Thursday, April 8. Both meetings will begin at 6:30 PM CST. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required. Advance reading of the book is highly encouraged, but it is not required. Please go to www.glpby.org for more information and to reserve your spot. |
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PCUSA Celebrates Women’s History Month
Church invites congregations to honor women on Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday
March marks Women’s History Month, and on Sunday, March 7, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) invites congregations to honor women who work for transformative change and seek to end poverty and injustice on Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday. Learn more about Women’s History Month – Click Here
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Tips for Caring for God's Awesome Creation
Do not defrost in the Microwave
Rather than adding to your electric bill by using the microwave to defrost your food, remember to take food out of the freezer earlier and let it defrost at room temperature.
"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Team of the presbytery, composed of members of the 9 Earth Care Congregations of the presbytery. To find out how to become a certified Earth Care Congregation in the PC(USA), contact: [email protected] or 314-941-9378.
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Mental Health First Aid Training |
Given generally growing mental health needs, especially due to stressors related to the pandemic, Light for the Darkness and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy will offer Mental Health First Aid training. We encourage pastors, deacons, elders, youth leaders, and anyone interested in mental health to attend. Please share this and spread the word. |
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What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge. Also, it includes how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.
The instructor will be our newest advisory board member, Lawson (Cal) Calhoun, M.A, MHFA, also the clerk of session at Westminster Presbyterian Church St. Louis.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (30 spaces available): April 17th, 9-4pm; (deadline to register is 4/3) (this class is to help adults identify signs in youth, not a class for youth)
The course cost per person is normally $170, but we are receiving the reduced rate of $24 per person, per course. If you need assistance with this cost, please note this in your registration and your fee will be covered.
To register please complete this link, then mail your check to the presbytery with MHFA in the memo, for $24. Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, memo: MHFA, 1001 Craig Rd Ste 170, St. Louis, MO 63146.
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John Knox Easter Egg Hunt
Sat., Apr. 3 | 10:30am
EVERY BUNNY WELCOME! Hundreds of Eggs to Hunt. Rain or Shine – drive-thru distribution in case of rain. Facemasks and Social Distancing Required.
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Clergy Confab Groups
Starting in March, LeaderWise will offer small groups for lay pastors and ordained clergy called “Clergy Confabs.” What’s a “confab?” It’s a conversation – a conversation that is held in a relaxed, personal way and that will be kept confidential. Each Clergy Confab group will be composed of 5 or 6 clergy and lay pastors and will be facilitated by a skilled LeaderWise staff member. The facilitator will have materials prepared for each group session, and group members will covenant to explore with each other the ministry issues that come before them. These groups are a unique experience and opportunity – they are not spiritual direction, therapy, or coaching groups. Rather, they are groups to connect you with others serving in ministry in a safe, trusting setting where you can learn from each other and bring your challenges and successes.
For pastors or CPs in the Omaha Presbytery Seminary Foundation 13-state region, a limited number of $200 scholarships are available for the 8 session participation. Please complete this form to apply for a scholarship.
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Black History Month Event
The Great Divide: Race in Our Region
YWCA Metro St. Louis is partnering with the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis and area Interfaith groups for four important conversations on how systemic racism permeates our city and our region.
These programs will provide background, share stories of how area residents are directly impacted, and explore what action you can take to create change. Each hour-long program will be followed by an opportunity for small group discussion and reflection.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs:
March 10th - Healthcare
April 14th - Environmental Justice
May 12th - Court Systems
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Equinox Chamber Players Concert
Sun., Mar. 14 | 4pm
The Couts Music Series of Second Presbyterian Church presents the Equinox Chamber Players in concert on Sunday, March 14 at 4:00 pm. The program includes works of Gwyneth Walker, Scott Joplin, and St. Louis composer Stephen Mager. The concert is free and takes place virtually at https://secondchurch.net/music/couts-music-series/. Due to union regulations, this program is only available online on March 14 at 4:00 pm. For more information, call 314-367-0367 or visit secondchurch.net
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Dreaming & Discerning Virtual Gathering
Tues., Mar. 16th at 7pm
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 join New Worshiping Commission Moderator, Rev. Steve Matthews for a time of Dreaming and Discerning.
If calling in, please dial 312.626.6799, and enter meeting ID 896 8804 2422
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Education & Training Opportunities |
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Presbyterian Historical Society Live Event
Thur., Mar. 4 | 4pm
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Racism & Organizing 101
1001 Worshiping Communities
Training Opportunity
Racism is a frequent topic of discussion, but we often we often differ in our understandings of what racism really is. The 1001 team is excited to partner with The Open Table, a NWC in Heartland Presbytery to provide an opportunity for NWC leaders to build a common working definition of racism so that we can work together to dismantle systemic racism in all its forms. Learn more about the training on Feb. 24, from 7–9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
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Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Ruling Elders and Deacons Based on the Constitutional Questions
The constitutional questions asked of leaders within the PC(USA) when they are ordained, installed, and commissioned is the focus of a new resource created to assist teaching elders as they serve in ministry with ruling elders and deacons. Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Ruling Elders and Deacons based on the Constitutional Questions provides a study of these beliefs that are central to our lives of faith and in our community with each other and is available through Equip, the church’s online training platform. Beginning with an introduction on baptism, call, and membership, the study for each question has been written by a leader from across the diversity of the church with questions for reflection or discussion included in each section. Leader guides and a visual supplement are also included and available for download. The resource is a focus of the Year of Leader Formation, which provides an emphasis on the ecclesial development of Presbyterian leaders for those currently serving and those preparing to serve PC(USA) congregations as ruling elders and deacons. Events, announcements, and links are available and updated on the Year of Leader Formation webpage. To receive periodic email updates, subscribe here. |
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NEW Virtual Social Justice Conference
Called to Justice: Seeking Change within the
Classroom, Congregation, and Community
February 24 - 25, 2021
This two-day event, co-sponsored by the Seminary's Center for Social Justice & Reconciliation (CSJR) and the Leadership Institute, features two keynote address and four workshop choices.
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Creating a Virtual Choir (2-part series)
Tuesdays, March 2 & March 9
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. EST
Led by: Douglas Brown, Director of Music and Adjunct Instructor in Church Music, Union Presbyterian Seminary
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F R E E ! F R E E ! ! F R E E ! ! ! !
NEXT Church is Here on March 5-7
NEXT Church is teaching elders, students, educators, church members, youth leaders and ruling elders who care about the flourishing of the church of Jesus Christ in ways that are relevant to our communities.
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Synod Youth Workshop
July 12-17
The 2021 SYW Planning Team of youth and adults is once again energetically preparing for an in-person gathering at the University of Tulsa, July 12-17, 2021. It is through the Planning Team’s prayerful discernment that they invited Martin Osae to keynote the Theme: WhataGreatGod based on Romans 8:38-39 (‘…nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) In this passage, they find assurance and hope that God is ALWAYS with us, and takes us far beyond fear to faith, hope and love. In fact, there is nothing which can interrupt God’s love for us…ALL of us. Learn more here
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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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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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Current Support Ministry Position Openings |
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Several Positions - PCUSA National Office
Part-Time Pastor - First Presbyterian, Perryville
Part-Time Organist - First Presbyterian of Alton, IL
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian, Dardenne Prarie
Organist/Pianist - First Presbyterian, Jackson, MO
Interim Pastor - John Calvin Presbyterian
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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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