Newsletter
September / 21/ 2021
Presbytery Guest Blog
Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Eden Theological Seminary
Crop Walk - Ending Hunger
"CWS/CROP is also doing something new this year – that is, holding a national CROP Hunger Walk on October 16, which is World Food Day."
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket

  • Please pray for... our blogger, Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, and his ministry as an educator and a supporter of Crop Walk
  • Please pray for... for our newest neighbors, Afghanistan refugees, that they are welcomed warmly and create lasting friendships in their new communities.
  • Please pray for...for victims of domestic violence, for law enforcement that respond to those calls, and for support for the victim in their time of need.
  • Please pray for... leadership at every level of this nation, as we strive to end the COVID pandemic
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
Parish Paper
Upcoming Team Meetings
If you have any questions regarding team meetings, 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 lporter@glpby.org
This Week
Next Week
Wed., Sept. 22
10am-Honorably Retired-Click Here
Thur, Sept. 23
10am-Public Witness Click Here

Mon., Sept. 27
12pm-Rural Pastors Click Here

Upcoming Pastor Boundary Training
PASTOR REQUIRED BOUNDARY TRAINING
For All Pastors Currently Serving a Congregation, on the Pulpit Supply List, Chaplains, and in Educational Roles.
Announced For
Thursday, September 30 | 9am to 12pm
Zoom opens at 8:45am

Understanding Healthy Boundaries:
Insights for Ministry
if you have already participated in boundary training within the last three years, you must submit a copy of the certificate of completion to the Stated Clerk, Rev. Joy Myers, at jmyers@glpby.org or by mailing it to 1001 Craig Rd., Suite 170, St. Louis, MO 63146. If you have any questions, please call her at 314.772.2395. We look forward to seeing you September 30!
News & Updates
Blessing of the Animals
Sun., Oct. 3 | 1p.m.
Grace Presbyterian Church Gazebo

In connection with the Feast of St. Francis, Grace Presbyterian will host a Blessing of the Animals during their regular Sunday Farmers Market. Pastor Vicky Michaels will lead the crowd and their pets in a service reminding us of the place pets and other animals play in the richness of God's creation. Grace Presbyterian Church is located at 105 Bailey Rd, Crystal City, MO 63019. Directions found here
TONIGHT!

NWCC Welcomes You
Dreaming and Discerning

Tuesday, September 21
at 7 p.m.
Has God given you dreams and visions for launching a new worshiping community? Let us partner with you by attending a Giddings-Lovejoy “Dreaming and Discerning” Gathering. For more information and to share your dreams and visions in a confidential space led by NWCC’s Steve Matthews and Roger Chamberlain.
Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
Join via Zoom by clicking here. or by calling (312) 626 6799 and entering the meeting ID of 844 6446 8137
And check out these websites for resources at any time:
Wondering if you (you = a youth going into 7th grade through just graduated 12th graders) should go? Check out this highlight video from the 2019 event!!! https://fb.watch/89-ike82TU/
Confronting Hopelessness, Thwarting Division

World Communion Sunday
October 3, 2021

Empowering congregations
and individuals
to become peacemakers themselves.
Through the Peace & Global Witness Offering, congregations are encouraged and equipped to find and address the anxiety and discord that is prevalent throughout this broken and sinful world.
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
October Film Club Featuring "Other Side of the Hill"
Tues., Oct. 12 | 7 p.m.
COME ONE, COME ALL!! Experience how, by working together, government, private industry, farmers, and environmental activists are working together to make a difference. Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, Mission Commission, Environmental Stewardship, Adult Education, and The Advocacy Team are working together to bring you an evening of discussion on the importance of finding common ground, as portrayed in the movie “Other Side of the Hill,” on October 12, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.
 “Other Side of the Hill” will be available for you to view at your leisure. From the film’s producers: “Emmy nominated ‘Other Side of the Hill’ explores the impacts of a changing climate in rural Eastern Oregon – as seen through the eyes of local leaders on the ground. From innovative timber operations in Wallowa County to large-scale solar in Lakeview, we amplify the voices of rural communities often left unheard. In a time of unprecedented cultural divide between rural and urban Oregon, we find common ground in an urgency to address a changing landscape.”
Hunger Action is something our Presbytery has proven to be passionate about. Here are some unexpected resources, that might not be well known. Share with those you know who might be in need of these resources. Our new Hunger Action Leader is Elder Donna Cook, of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church.
Are You On Top of Liability
& Insurance Coverage

The Persistent Pandemic - How we wish we didn’t need this!
Earthquake, Hurricane, Fire, Flood
We are praying for all who are experiencing disasters and their aftermath. Here are some resources:
25 Choir Robes Available
Southminster Presbyterian Church is blessed to be receiving a gift of new choir robes. This gift enables the church to share its current light blue robes with another church or faith-based organization in need.
These robes will be available on January 1st, or a bit earlier. If you are interested or know of someone who is, please call Carolyn Boeher at 314.780.5123.
Presbyterian Women Bible Study
Beginning September 23
The Presbyterian Women of Giddings Lovejoy are planning to offer a Bible Study from Horizons – What My Grandmothers taught me; The Women in the Genealogy of Jesus. Some of those grandmothers include Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. The study will be via Zoom and begin later in September, with one study per month for 9 months. If you are interested in the study, please contact Cheryl Rainey (Click Here), and study guides/books will be ordered. We hope you will try to join us and others from around the Presbytery for this study.
The study that will be held at 10:30 am, on the fourth Thursday of each month, will be led by Cheryl and Rev. Dr. Aline Russell. Aline may be reached by email
or by calling 618.531.6341.
The next "4th Sunday" is September 26th. Below is the worship information. The direct video and transcript links will be sent on or before September 20th.

  • Title - The Private Healer
  • Scriptures - Mark 7:24-37
  • Themes - After a month’s hiatus, the 4th Sunday Sermon returns this month with a taped excerpt from the 9/5 worship service held at Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Hear the reason why — in part — there was a hiatus, and learn some aspects of healing that Jesus’ ministry in foreign lands reveals.
  • Preacher - Ruling Elder Tony De La Rosa, Transitional Synod Executive
If you find out one of your colleagues is in need of a day off, please do pass this along to them and encourage them to sign up for next month's offering. We want to help anyone who needs it, regardless of the Synod in which they are serving. 
Racial Equity Multicultural Justice Force of the Presbytery of Cincinnati
Hosting a LivingUNDIVIDED Cohort,
Beginning Wednesday, October 13 | 7-9pm

POWERFUL CURRICULUM
What if instead of the topic of race only creating intensely heated or shamefully hushed conversations, there was an environment where those conversations could be doused in grace and become catalysts for the kind of growth that bridges racial divides?
LivingUNDIVIDED is the manifestation of that hope.
The primary activity of LivingUNDIVIDED is a six-week multi-racial experiential journey in pursuit of racial solidarity and justice. Each week includes faith grounding, teaching, small group conversations, activities, and assignments that engage multiple learning styles. The journey fosters belonging, hope, and deep community engagement, inspiring participants to be active change-agents within their communities.
To register, please click here
If you have questions, please contact Bill Bogdan at wkbogdan1@gmail.com; DawnMarie Hayes at dawnmarie@cpresby.org; or Lisa Allgood at lisa@cpresby.org
Florissant Presbyterian Church
Homecoming Sunday
On Sunday September 26, Florissant Presbyterian Church is having a Homecoming Sunday. Whether you were confirmed here or simply attended every now and again, we welcome you to join us in worship. After worship, stay and purchase lunch from a local food truck One Dish Wonders. Diners can socially distance on the lawn, in the pavilion or in Harmon Hall. We'd love to catch up on what is going on in your life!
Florissant Presbyterian Church is located at 660 Charbonier Rd, Florissant, MO 63031. Directions can be found here. Learn more about Florissant Presbyterian Church by visitng their website, found here.
2021 Presbytery History Tour
Angels, Miracles & Stained Glass Windows 
Thursday, September 30
The tour will meet at 8:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri. The tour group will return at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Please note that masks are required.
The tour will be $59 per person. This includes the tour, boxed lunch and gratuities.
Make reservations with Janet Stanford by calling 314-638-0195, 9511 Howerton Drive, St. Louis MO 63123. Please make checks payable to Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy (memo: History Tour)
Poorly Understood:
What America Gets Wrong About Poverty
Sunday, October 3rd at 7 p.m.

As part of our commitment to the tenets of Matthew 25, Trinity Presbyterian Church, University City, is organizing a discussion via zoom featuring Mark Rank, the Herbert Hadley Professor of Social Welfare at Washington University. Mark is one of America’s foremost experts on issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice. He has written 10 books on a range of subjects, including the role of luck in shaping the course of our lives. He will be talking about a new book he has co-authored, Poorly Understood: What America gets wrong about poverty.
All are welcome, whether they read the book or not. There will be time for Q&A. We have invited all the Matthew 25 churches in our Presbytery to join in the first of what we hope will be more opportunities to get together.
If joining by phone, dial 312-626-6799 and enter the Meeting ID: 899 2846 5161
Tips For Caring for God's Good Earth
Repair all leaks and drips as soon as they occur!
Fixtures that leak or drip cause substantial water loss. A moderate drip from a leaky faucet wastes two gallons or more per hour!
"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Task Force of the Public Witness Team of the presbytery, composed of representatives from the 9 Earth Care Congregations in the presbytery and 250 nationally. Contact: carletonstock@aol.com or (314) 941-9378.
Have You Considered Presbytery Service?
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)
GA#225 Commissioners Needed
The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy is in need of two Ruling Elders, two Teaching Elders, and One Young Adult Advisory Delegate for the upcoming General Assembly. If you think you might be a good fit or know of someone who is, we would love to hear from you!
The General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be ruling elders, half will be teaching elders. Few will ever have been commissioners to the General Assembly before, but most will have served in one of the other governing bodies of our church: the session, which provides care and oversight of a local congregation; the presbytery, which provides care and oversight of a group of congregations; or the synod which provides care and oversight of several presbyteries.
Learn more about being a Commissioner - Click Here
GA App Form (Word) | GA App Form (Fillable PDF)
Education & Training Opportunities
Virtual Doctor of Ministry Open House
 Friday, September 24 at 7 p.m. CT
Navigating Identity: Self, Culture, and Church Before God will be co-led by Dr. David Congdon and Dr. Annette Huizenga. Hear more from our cohort leaders about course readings and rhythms during this virtual gathering. Contact Kayla Schween, Director of Seminary Admission, with any questions. kschween@dbq.edu | 563.589.3115. The Zoom link will be available immediately following registration.
Register via Google Forms here: https://forms.gle/nLhf3D3KdvakjndV9
Presbyterian Foundation - Online Day of Learning
 Explore the Complex Issues with Managing Church Property
Tuesday - October 12
 The webinar offers three different issues concerning how congregations and mid-councils can use or repurpose buildings and properties to further their mission.
  • 8:30 PST/11:30 EST Maggie Harmon will present The Value of Vision How do you get where you’re going if you don’t know where it is that you want to go?
  • 11:00 PST/2:00 EST Olanda Carr and Robert Hay will share Options for Repurposing Church Property - In this workshop, we will review various options to consider when repurposing your church property.
  • 2:30 PST/5:30 EST with Understanding Financial Implications for Property Transition from Paul Grier.
We will consider the impact of potential changes in property taxation, together with realistic assessments of the marketability of the property and required market exposure time, as well as compliance and impacts from civil and PC(USA) requirements.
We’re all going to be dealing with these issues more often in the next few years, so it’s important to learn this information right now. 
APCE E-4 Conference
(educate-empower-energize-engage)
October 14–16, 2021
at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Independence, Missouri

For Onsite Registrations—Meals: Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch, Saturday breakfast are included. Lodging: You will need to make your reservations with Stoney Creek and let them know you are attending the APCE E4 Conference. Call 800.659.2220 or use this link: https://www.stoneycreekhotels.com/hotel/travel/independence/. Hotel costs are your responsibility.
Can't make the event in person? Join us virtually! Just mark the virtual option in the form below. You will be sent a link to join all workshops and worship.
The conference begins with check-in at 4 p.m. October 14 and ends at noon October 16 after worship.
Fees: $100 onsite/$50 virtual
Questions? Contact Liz Lindsey, scooterpastor38@hotmail.com
2021 Clergy Women and
Christian Educators Retreat
Sun., Sept. 26-Wed., Sept. 29
Has the shutdown, pandemic and trying to “return to normal” left you drained? OPSF invites you to a time of renewal, prayer, skill sharing and fellowship with other women in ministry. - Calvin Crest Conference Center, Fremont, NE - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION BY - August 1st, 2021 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER - August 31, 2021
Seeking to proclaim Christ's good news — the gospel of peace and justice — and to be active in the sacred ministry of reconciliation wherever and whenever we can

Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders for next year:
 March 14-18, May 9-13, June 13-17, August 1-5, October 3-7, and November 14-18, 2022
 
Scholarships Available - To help us plan these events, would you please answer this question: Assuming conditions with regard to COVID-19 are similar to what they are now, would you consider attending an in-person workshop in 2022?
Whether that event be MSTI or another training event, please reply and answer “YES” if you might attend (or host) an LMPC event in person, or “NO” if you would only attend an LMPC event online via Zoom.
We are eager to return to in-person events and to enjoy the camaraderie and deeper levels of learning that come with that; however, we understand the caution and the practical considerations that cause some people to favor remote learning.
For the latest news and course offerings from LMPC, please consult the attached flyer or visit our website at www.LMPeaceCenter.org.
Becoming Matthew 25
--- --- ---
How Do We Engage Socially Distancing and still participate in Mission & Ministry?
Send us your stories of how your congregation is maintaining congregational vitality during this pandemic. Send stories to Office Manager, Leigh Porter at lporter@glpby.org
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Organist/Accompanist - First Presbyterian, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Interim Associate Pastor - First Presbyterian, Kirkwood, Missouri

Guitarist (Paid) - First Presbyterian, Kirkwood, Missouri

Pastor - Trinity Presbyterian, University City, Missouri

Head of Music - First United Presbyterian, Collinsville, Illinois

Music and Movement Specialist - St. Mark Presbyterian (Claymont Preschool)

Pre-School Teacher Assistant-First United Presbyterian, Belleville, Illinois

Part-Time Pastor - Affton Presbyterian

Full-Time Chaplain - Aberdeen Heights

Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian, Dardenne Prarie