Newsletter
April / 21 / 2020
Reopening
"A church can only open with the authority of the session."

Presbytery Address Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Common-sense tips for the Coronavirus
(COVI-19) Outbreak

Please click here for more information and download and share this important tool in staying healthy during this outbreak.
financial_accounting.jpg
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Emergency Relief Plan
Purpose: To provide emergency support for congregations experiencing proven financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Finance Team has been authorized to approve emergency grants up to $10,000. Find more information by  c licking here.
Board of Pensions
Dues Relief & Deferment for Churches
REMEMBER THESE DETAILS!
  • Dues Relief is not automatic!
  • Churches need to call 1-800-773-7752 to apply for Dues Relief & Deferment.
  • If a church has questions or complicated circumstances, call!
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket

  • Please pray for... for the ill, for those in quarantine, for those in recovery and for for medical personnel who are working the front lines to combat this virus and who are getting sick themselves.
  • Please pray for... children in foster care, waiting through court closures (due to COVID-19) to return to their natural parents.
  • Please pray for... children who are vulnerable to a parent's stress in these difficult days of quarantine.
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
Parish Paper

Upcoming Team Meetings
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.
Becoming Matthew 25
--- --- ---
How Do We Engage Socially Distancing and still participate in Mission & Ministry?
How can I help? Responding to COVID-19 with Grace and Love
COVID-19 has upended life for so many, so now people are asking, “How can I help?”
At Fountain City Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, pastor Andy Morgan was concerned particularly about older people or those who live alone — people who might feel especially isolated. His congregation has a unicameral structure, meaning it has a session made up of elders, but it doesn’t have deacons, the ministry that some congregations might naturally ask to reach out.
Send us your stories on how your congregation is maintaining congregational vitality during this pandemic. Send stories to Office Manager, Leigh Porter at lporter@glpby.org
Ministry Teams News & Activities
EARTH DAY IS WEDNESDAY
The 50th Earth Day is Wednesday when we give thanks for all that has been done to care for God's creation and when we pledge to keep on caring in our churches and our communities. This is the second in a series by the Earth Care Team of presbytery during Earth Day Month to remind people of faith of the urgency of "keeping the garden" (Genesis 2) and caring for God's good earth. We are not only stewards of the Earth but we belong to the Earth, our common home.
Progress over the last 50 years: As climate change (global warming) creates chaos worldwide, young people around the world are taking action and demanding more from adult leaders and political, business and civic organizations. We pray for young climate heroes like Greta Thunberg of Sweden, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez of Colorado, Mayumi Sato of Japan, and Kehkashan Basu of India and many more like them!
Challenges for the next 50 years: The extinction rate for species has accelerated over the past century with at least 680 vertebrate species having gone extinct over the past 500 years.
Join Presbyterian Compassion Peace and Justice for a Training Day webinar Friday, April 24th at noon! Imagine! God's Earth and People Restored - More information below. Click below register! 
Technology Grants Now Available

We need technology now more than ever. There are grants available to help your congregation in acquiring what you need to get your congregation on the technology track    
Summer 2020
Mission &
Outreach Team
Grant Applications
DEADLINE EXTENDED

You can find the application and details about the grants    Click here.
More details will be found in this Friday's newsletter.
Presbyterian Study Grant Available
Presbyterian Study Grant is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s financial aid program for students planning for careers in the church. The program serves approximately 120 students per year. Because the number of students awarded is significantly less than the number of students enrolled in seminary, there are additional restrictions. Only MDiv and MACE students are eligible for award and those students must be enrolled full-time and demonstrate need.
connected_people_colors.jpg
Remote Faith Formation for the Long Haul
Compilation list of resources that could be helpful for you during the current COVID-19 situation and that may be helpful in developing sustainable remote faith formation for your community. In this list you will find resources to deal with the current crisis, studies for Christian education, blogs and ideas. This is your toolbox. We will update this list periodically over the coming weeks. Download here
Online Giving Program
Offering more than the offering plate
Your church can easily accept secure online donations through the Foundation’s online giving system.
  • Add a donation form to your website to accept gifts by electronic funds transfer, debit or credit card.
  • Simple, safe and secure.
  • No setup or maintenance fees.
Light for the Darkness
Mental health is so important. These days of isolation can make things difficult for everyone. Light for the Darkness seeks to help. Learn more about participating and be encouraged in worship and prayer.
Email Rev. Thirza Sayers, Pastor of Light for the Darkness with any questions you might have thirzasayers@gmail.com Be a part of the ministry by engaging through Social Media and "Liking" on Facebook here.
An invitation to daily prayer from Rev. Thirza Sayers
Spiritual Direction
As we hold ourselves accountable and responsible in facing this challenge of the Coronavirus Pandemic, remember to keep in place spiritual practices to keep yourselves nurtured and sustained. One way to do that is by connecting with a spiritual director. 
Learn more about Spiritual Direction, and those who are called to that role by clicking here.
2020 Mission Opportunities
Cloth Face Masks
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church (WGPC) has received requests for cloth masks from local nonprofits and is encouraging churches to get on board to help fill the need. 
Could you help? WGPC will soon be working to fulfill this need and welcomes members of those churches near Webster Groves to contribute to the effort. If you are interested in helping, contact Tracey Rapisardo at 314-962-9210 ext. 3108 or tar@wgpc.org. 
PPE Mission Project While Self Distancing
Calling all sewers! I am forwarding this pattern for sewing face masks from our daughter Chenoa, a PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker in Peru (now sequestered at home during Peru's mandatory, military enforced lockdown). This might be of interest to some of you sewers or someone you know who sews. Ellie Stock elliestock@aol.com
Click here for the filter mask pattern | Click here for other patterns
Aberdeen Heights Looking for Masks
We are accepting donations of homemade fabric masks. A variety of mask patterns are available online. Choose the one that fits your skill level. Here's one:    freesewing.org/blog/facemask-frenzy/
Masks should be at least double layer and have a different pattern on the inside versus the outside, preferably 100% cotton. Cloth ties are fine if elastic is unavailable. While homemade masks aren't medical grade, they are washable so we can sanitize & reuse them, and that's helpful for some purposes.
If you can help, contact Aberdeen Heights by phone at 314-909-6000.
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Executive Director of Child-Care Center

AMEN St. Louis Director - Oak Hill Presbyterian

Called Pastor - Faith DesPeres Presbyterian