Newsletter
October / 11 / 2022
October is Pastor Appreciation Month
Ministering to a flock today is especially challenging. Attendance patterns are shifting, hybrid meetings are now common, and there are expectations for online worship — all on top of the personal stress associated with the pandemic we’ve all experienced. With this being Pastor Appreciation Month, consider how you can best support your Pastor.
How Does a Pastor Want to Be Appreciated?
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket

  • Please pray for... Rev. John Goodwin has been diagnosed with Leukemia and is on chemotherapy.
  • Please pray for...Rev. Brian Hall is in the hospital with brain bleeds.
  • Please pray for...the family of Paul Gunder, of the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church in his passing
  • Please pray for...Kelsey Hansel, a youth member of Old Argo, who has been diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
Upcoming Ministry Team Meetings
This Week
Next Week
Thurs., Oct. 13
3 pm - Plan Gather (Hybrid)
Washington/Click Here
Thurs., Oct. 20
11 am - Public Witness Click Here
2 pm - CPM - Link to be emailed
Office Closed as Staff Attend the
Presbytery History WorkGroup Tour
We will be back in the office,
Thursday, October 13
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Stated Meeting
Saturday, November 5th

This Gathering will be a hybrid meeting, hosted by the Washington Presbyterian Church. More information will be released this Friday. Watch your email!
Relieve Cripling Medical Debt
Project Jubilee
A Campaign to Relieve
Distressed Medical Debt

The Synod of Mid America is cooperating with RIP Medical Debt,
Inc., a non-profit agency dedicated to distressed medical debt
acquisition and forgiveness. This campaign will begin September
15th and run through November 1st, 2022. The Synod will match
funds raised, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.
Last Week to Nominate
General Assembly Special Committees Being Formed

Dear Colleagues in Ministry, I hope that you are enjoying these last days of summer! I am writing to let you know that application forms for persons who wish to be considered for appointment by GA Co-Moderators, Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, to the special entities. Persons who wish to be considered for nomination are encouraged to file an application form as soon as possible at the GA nominations portal. 
Only those who have completed and submitted an application form and for whom we have received reference forms can be considered for appointment by the Co-Moderators. The deadline for submission of applications for Special Entities is October 14, 2022.
News & Updates
A Place of Grace
Julie Gvillo, Commissioned Pastor, of A Place of Grace, was recently ICF-trained as a coach at the invitation of the Office of Christian Formation (PMA). If you are looking for someone to accompany you on a journey of discernment, help you accelerate change in your ministry or your life, maximize your potential, and reframe your challenges, Julie can help! Call 618-410-5060 or email juliegvillo.aplaceofgrace@gmail.com to set up an appointment for digital coaching via Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meets, or Messenger.
Webinar: Navigating Eldercare: A Compass for Caregivers
Thursday, October 13 | 1 pm to 2:15 pm CT
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM ET
Registration Deadline is 7 pm CT on October 12, 2022 
It’s easy to get lost in the maze of caregiving decisions and challenges. Gaining insights and resources can help you navigate with less stress. Join Joyce Pelletier, a licensed clinical professional counselor from Cigna EAP, for tips on partnering with your elder to determine their needs. Review a variety of living arrangements and what to keep in mind when making a choice. Learn about key financial, legal, and medical advance planning documents that can bring peace of mind, and discuss the invaluable role that supports connection, and self-care play in the sometimes, challenging role of caregiver.
Remember the Deadline to Register is October 12 at 7 pm, Click Here
Webster Groves Presbyterian Social Justice Film Club
Tuesdays, October 11th & November 15th
7:00 pm in the Parlor and  Zoom
All are welcome to join a discussion of the new three-part film, The U.S. and The Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein. Ken Burns calls it the most important film he's ever made. "Inspired in part by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's 'Americans and the Holocaust' exhibition and supported by its historical resources, the film examines the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Germany in the context of global antisemitism and racism, the eugenics movement in the United States and race laws in the American south."
The series premiered on PBS this September and is available to stream for free on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS Video app. The first half of the series will be discussed on October 11th and the second half on November 15th. 
Tips for Caring for God's Amazing Creation: 
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Use cold water when washing clothes to reduce energy use. Energy is needed to heat water. You can also opt for a shorter washing cycle.
"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Work Group of the presbytery. Contact: 314-941-9378 or carletonstock@aol.com.
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Practicing Inclusion
A Leader Formation Webinar for
Ruling Elders and Deacons
Thurs., Oct. 13 at 6 pm (CT)
What is implicit bias—and how does it affect the ability of the church to be faithful to God’s will? How can the church be more welcoming and inclusive of all voices?
Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid Council Ministries in the Office of the General Assembly, will lead a 90-minute webinar exploring these matters—both identifying problems hindering our faithfulness and offering tools to address them.
The cost of the webinar is covered by your per capita dollars. Register no later than October 5. Register by clicking here.
Interfaith Academy Fall 2022 Seminar:
Jewish-Christian Relations in Light of the Holocaust
October 13 & 20 | 7 pm
This two-session seminar will take place at 7pm on October 13 and 20 and will be led by Dr. David Oughton. Come learn more about the relationship between Jews and Christians before, during, and after the Holocaust. The relationship between Christian anti-Judaism and Nazi "racial" antisemitism will be examined.
Participants may join virtually via Zoom or in-person at the Brentwood Christian Science Church. In-person capacity of 50.Those who attend the seminar will have the opportunity to tour the newly expanded St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum at a later date.
POAMN National Leadership Retreat Nov. 9-12
(Reduced Registration Fee Deadline October 15)

Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network (POAMN) is holding its first ever national leadership retreat November 9 - 12 at the Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center near Little Rock. We believe that it will be a very rewarding experience for all who participate. We are excited that our leader will be the well-respected author and educator, Joyce Mackichan Walker. The intended audience are the leaders of older adult ministry, both professionals and volunteers. The focus will be on strengthening skills and spirits, building ministries as the post-COVID period dawns, and acquiring new ideas. There are reduced registration rates through October 15 (We also have some scholarships and hope to use all the funds). Anyone interested in the scholarships may contact me. Also, members of APCE, PYW, PCCC, and UKirk may register at the POAMN member rate. 
Lean more by clicking here.
First Hybrid Meeting of Presbyterian Women
Fall 2022 - Tending The Garden
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hosted by LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church
located at 2550 Rock Road, Wood River, IL 62095 Directions may be found by clicking here.
Attending online? Zoom link found by clicking here.
The Presbyterian Women of Giddings Lovejoy Presbytery are thrilled to announce our first HYBRID Fall Gathering! HYBRID you say? Yes! You can attend one of two ways! In-person or virtually on Zoom. Our theme is “Tending the Garden”. We are grateful to Reverend Daniel Ervin and LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church in Wood River, Illinois for hosting our in-person event which will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Our speakers include Jessica Modlin, PW Headquarters, Louisville, KY speaking about Earth Care Congregations and the Tree Fund. Diane Modlin, Heartland Presbytery will bring us information on the Diversity of Creation and ENB-11. Ken Webster of Lovejoy United PC will bring us highlights on some of the earth care projects they have completed at their church.
We ask that you register, particularly if you plan to attend and eat lunch. Read how to register by reading the Link Letter by clicking here.
Kirkin’ of The Tartan Festival to Celebrate Scottish Heritage
at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church
Saturday, October 22
The festival will take place at Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Road in Ladue, and include the following schedule of events:
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the outdoor concert and activities. For more information, contact Ladue Chapel at 314-993-4771 or visit www.LadueChapel.org
Interfaith Partnership of St. Louis
Thur., Oct. 27 | 5:30 pm

Join us Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 5:30pm-8:00pm at Lambert International Airport's Aero Event Space for IPSTL’s largest gathering of the year! Your attendance enables our essential work of bridging divisions, fostering relationships, and building a St. Louis where all can flourish together as neighbors.
Get your tickets by clicking here.
First Presbyterian Church – Kirkwood
Deacons Red Cross Blood Drive
Fri., Oct. 28 | 1 pm to 6 pm
Make your appointment now! It will be conducted in FPC-Kirkwood Fellowship Hall at church, located at 100 E. Adams Ave, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Directions can be found by clicking here.
COVID PROTOCOLS: Masks are no longer required. Red Cross staff will likely be wearing masks. Participants must come individually.
 Appointments can be made online by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering FirstPresKirkwood or calling 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins are accepted, but those with appointments will be taken first. There continues to be a critical need for blood. Please consider giving this gift of life.
New Horizons Presbyterian
Trunk or Treat
Sun., Oct. 30 | 3pm-5pm
The New Horizons Presbyterian Church, located at 9424 Everman in Overland, will be having a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 30th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be pumpkin carving, games, face painting, candy, hot dogs and popcorn. Kids of all ages are welcome to join us for a fun time together. We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please contact our office at (314) 427-0841 or by e-mail at newhorizonspcusa@sbcglobal.net
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Small Church? What does the Future Hold?
Thursdays at 3 pm on Zoom
Over half of our PCUSA congregations have under 100 members. The first time a church can’t afford full-time clergy leadership affects that church’s psyche. Some adopt. Some don’t. The Synod of the Pacific decided to focus on these congregations as well as clergy who serve less than full-time pastorates to see how together we might DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
This series is for you if you are:
Lay leaders of churches under 100
Pastors serving Part-Time pastoral calls
Presbytery Execs and COM folk seeking ways to serve these congregations and pastors better
The Synod of the Pacific and PneuMatrix Invite You
Join the Zoom Meeting: Thursdays 3 pm CT, use Meeting ID: 817 3132 3973
Learn more by clicking here.
Consider a Retreat
with a Place of Grace
I recently led a women’s retreat in Colorado Springs, Colorado which included a spirituality center with eight prayer stations based on the Luke 10:38-42 passage about the place of grace provided by both Martha and Mary for Jesus and by Jesus for Martha and Mary. Two things happened: first, in order to be adequately prepared, I overprepared, and second, the spirituality centerpiece of the retreat was offered as a Saturday afternoon free time option amidst a number of additional options.
I have supplies to accommodate a spirituality center with faith-booking components for 40 participants ready to go and would love to offer this unique, roughly three-hour opportunity for a group in the presbytery. You provide the location, and I’ll provide the retreat in its entirety. A Place of Grace is offering-based and can be structured for individual offerings or for an offering that covers the group. As the Lectionary Year C draws to a close, I wonder who might like to schedule a November retreat with me? Please call me at 618-410-5060, and we will discuss the details! – Julie Gvillo, Pastor, Founder and Creative Executive Director of A Place of Grace, a validated ministry of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
When Did We See You? Grant
About the Grant The purpose of these grants is to support youth events that are planned around the Matthew 25 theme of “When Did We See You?” These grants may also be used for intergenerational events, as long as there are a good % of youth attendees. Using the Matthew 25 theme of “When Did We See You?” is a grant requirement and preference will be given to applicants who will use the new PYT Connect resources as part of their event programming
Learn more by clicking here.
New Horizons Presbyterian
SINGERS WANTED!
If your church choir has not begun meeting or if you would like to be a part of a group and experience the joy of singing together, whatever the reason, please join us! Read flyer by clicking here.
If you need additional information, please contact our church office at (314) 427-0841 and leave a message. We would love to have you join us!
VBS Curriculum Available
St. Charles Presbyterian Church, would like to donate to some congregation who might use it. The curriculum is Cokesbury’s Knights of North Castle. It is a discontinued curriculum, but we have the starter kit which includes music cds, media info and resources, leader guides, student books, etc. We also have leftover craft supplies and projects and decorations. We bought it in 2019 and couldn’t use it for 2020, obviously, so by the time we did it this past summer (2022), we couldn’t order any other resources. However, there were lots of resources for decorations and craft/art projects on Oriental Trading, so it was an easy VBS to plan and execute. We would be so happy to share if another congregation could use the curriculum. If anyone is interested, they may contact Kenda Carey at kenda@scpcusa.org or 636 946-4467. I am in the church office on Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30-12:30. 
New Commissioned Pastor Class Forming
A Commissioned Pastor is a ruling elder in the Presbytery who, once training is complete, is eligible for limited pastoral services. Commissioned Pastors may, for example, moderate the session of a congregation to which they are commissioned, administer sacraments, and officiate at marriages where permitted by law.
Many current Commissioned Pastors in the presbytery serve as sole pastors of smaller congregations. Others use their training to strengthen leadership roles in their home churches and throughout the presbytery generally.
Many candidates for the Commissioned Pastor Program complete their training while also employed full-time.
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Federal Student Loan Relief for Pastors

The Synod of Mid-America wants you to know that relief is available! Apply soon because this offer expires on October 31.
More information can be obtained here:

The form is here:
Called to Serve? We Need You!
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)
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Communications Administrator - Ladue Chapel, Ladue, MO

Worship Musician/Coordinator -Westminster Presbyterian St. Louis, MO

Part-Time Pastor - Rock Presbyterian, Imperial, MO

(PT) Coordinator Christian Education - Southminster Presbyterian, Crestwood, MO

Organist/Accompanist - First Presbyterian - Cape Girardeau, MO

Music Director - Glendale Presbyterian Church, Glendale, MO

Head of Music - First United Presbyterian, Collinsville, IL


Off Hours Help Needed? Contacts Found Below
Rev. Ryan Landino
Presbytery Leader

314-409-9002
Rev. Liz Kanerva
Associate
Presbytery Leader
314.779.6809
Rev. Joy Myers
Stated Clerk

815.501.5522
Leigh Porter
Office Manager
314.225.9470
Janice McMillen
Communications Associate
573.578.3960