We love hearing about the creativity, joy, and concerns of our congregations. Please send your news to [email protected]

Online through Zoom - Click Here

enter Meeting ID 817 0035 4292.

Ameren Missouri is encouraging families across the state to look into a new program to help pay outstanding rent and utility bills. The State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program is for Missouri renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers up to 12 total months of rent and utility bills, including up to three months of future rent. The SAFHR program is administered through the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

Eligible customers can apply at mohousingresources.com. If approved, payment typically takes place in two to four weeks, directly to your landlord and/or utility companies. If you need help applying, call 1-888-471-1029. To qualify for SAFHR, you must be renting a residential property in Missouri and meet the following criteria:

  - You or someone in your household must also have experienced a financial hardship due to the pandemic, including increased expenses, reduced income, lost wages, etc. You must be at risk of housing instability or losing your housing as a result of the hardship.

  - Your household income must be at or below 80% of the median income in your area, defined by your county and household size. You can look up this information at mohousingresources.com/safhr.

The program is funded by COVID-19 stimulus packages passed by the federal government. Applications for assistance are available now through September 30, 2021. Customers can learn more about available energy assistance programs at AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance.

Linked below find information about a FEMA program that begins April 12, which offers financial support for funeral expenses for families/individuals who have lost someone due to COVID19. This grant can reimburse expenses already incurred.

Please forward this information to your congregations. There many be church members who can benefit for this support. In addition your churches can share this information with community partners who may have clients who could benefit from this support. FEMA Information Found Here

The next "4th Sunday" is April 25. Below is the worship information. The direct video and transcript links will be sent on or before April 19th.

April is Earth Day Month with the 51st anniversary of Earth Day itself on April 22. The Earth Care Team of presbytery is encouraging congregations to acknowledge Earth Day during worship in April. It could be in the music, the prayers, the sermon, the liturgy, the children's message, the décor in the sanctuary, or whatever way the church decides to do it. We are called by our faith to care for Mother Earth especially in this time of climate crisis across the world, our country, and our community. We take care of her as she takes care of us! It is part of following the "Jesus Way"!

"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Team of presbytery, represented by membership from the nine "certified Earth Care Congregations" of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in the presbytery. For more information contact: [email protected].

Over the last year, GLPBY congregations have worked hard to move vital ministries online. We have connected for worship, learning, and fellowship utilizing resources we never imagined incorporating into our ministries pre-pandemic. To that end, GLPBY granted more than $46,000 in Tech Grants to assist churches in their efforts to establish and/or update their online presence.

Wave 1 and Wave 2 Grants are now phased out. GLPBY is pleased to announce a new round of Tech Grants is available to GLPBY congregations. The Presbytery will pay 75%, up to $2,000, of the grant request with the church commitment to paying the balance. Just to be clear the maximum grant will be $2,000. This round of grants will assist congregations that are expanding their online presence. The grant could be used for upgrading equipment, tech training, or developing hybrid worship for example. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Rolf Kanerva, Associate Presbytery leader at [email protected]

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.

Register Here

GLPBY is pleased to offer free subscriptions to this year’s recorded NEXT Church National Gathering held March 5-7th. By subscribing, your congregation will have access to the national gathering in its entirety, plus additional resources. Over the years, GLPBY Teaching Elders and lay leaders have participated in NEXT Church national gatherings and have appreciated its focus on resourcing the Presbyterian Church for the 21st century. To learn more about this year’s conference, its presenters, and workshops, please navigate to https://nextchurch.net/product/2021-next-church-national-gathering-subscription/.

If your church would like to take advantage of the free subscription please sign up, following the NEXT Church website’s instructions, and be sure to select the appropriate church size when purchasing the subscription. When checking out use the coupon code: “GiddingsLovejoyGroup”. Once you have purchased, you will receive an email with instructions for how to pass on your access to the rest of your church. You may only use ONE coupon code purchase per church. If you have questions, please contact Liz Rolf Kanerva, Associate Presbytery leader at [email protected].

at Union Seminary by clicking here.

Please mark your calendars for the next offering of the  Art of Transitional Ministry Education. The orientation will begin at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 18, 2021, and will conclude the evening of Thursday, October 21, 2021. At this time, the in-person orientation will be hosted at the Parkville Presbytery Church in Kansas City, Missouri. 

To learn more visit synodma.org/transitional-ministry-education

Registration is now open. To register click here

For questions related to the content or assignments of Weeks I and II or Executive Training, contact Beth Wagner: [email protected]. For administrative and registration questions contact Danelle O’Connell at the Synod of Mid-America office: [email protected]