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“What are you doing to nurture your soul?” |
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Our Presbytery - Our Work |
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Weekly Prayer Basket
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Please pray for... our Pastors. Our Presbytery Pastors families and friends are going through or have gone through COVID19, car crashes, heart transplants, pace maker surgeries, pregnancies and more. They also struggle with not being with their churches because of restrictions and safety. Please check in on your Pastor.
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Please pray for...peace and patience with one another, as we struggle with so many challenging medical, social and political issues at this time.
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Support Ministry
Help Wanted
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Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
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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.
Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings
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Mon., Oct. 12
Tues., Oct. 13
Wed., Oct. 14
Thurs., Oct. 15
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Presbytery Gathering
Saturday, November 7
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ALL are welcome to attend our Presbytery Gatherings. Please encourage your fellow congregants to join us.
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2020 Fall Pastors Retreat |
So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; 10 for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. – Hebrews 4:9-10
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Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery is offering an all-digital, remote pastors’ retreat for the pastors in the presbytery beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd and ending at noon on Saturday, October 24th.
Pastors are encouraged to get away to a place of sabbath rest overnight. Strong WiFi should be a priority in choosing your getaway location. Julie Gvillo, A Place of Grace, will be leading the retreat. A schedule has been attached for your convenience. (Click Here) Please register by Monday, October 12 th, so that supplies can be purchased and mailed to your home for you to take with you on the retreat. Included in the package will be a number of prayer activities and special treats for your time away. Watch the GLP newsletter, the GLP Facebook group, and your email for more information. We sincerely hope you will take time out for renewal and restoration. Register soon - CLICK HERE
---> Please note that attendees will receive $75 for travel, food, incidentals. Those who choose to join the retreat from a hotel can be reimbursed up to $175, with receipt submission by emailing Leigh Porter, Office Manager, [email protected]
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PCUSA VOTE
Daily Virtual Events will be offered the month of October
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to taking a continued stand for equity and equality for all God’s people. Seeking to be a faithful witness to the need to continue to stand and bear witness in issues of justice, the Presbyterian Voting Campaign has been created to engage, educate, and motivate people to exercise their right to vote, especially those who are a part of marginalized communities.
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VOTERS REGISTRATION DATES COMING SOON
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MISSOURI - October 7 (in person, by mail, or online)
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ILLINOIS - Online: Oct. 18/By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 6/In person: Nov. 3
You must be registered to vote. You can check to see if you are registered to vote, Missouri, here, and in Illinois, here. If not you may register to vote online in Missouri here and in Illinois, here.
Be a prepared and knowledgeable voter - See your voting options here
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A Note from Leigh & Janice....
Did you know we are notaries? We want to help you vote safely! Call or email us and set up an appointment to meet with one of us.
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Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
Offers Notary Services
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church will offer free mail-in ballot notarization services on four upcoming Sundays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 from noon to 3 p.m. The notary services will be held on the parking lot on the east side of the church at 45 West Lockwood in Webster Groves. Directions can be found here.
All Missourians will be able to vote by mail for the Nov. 3 elections. Except for those age 65 and older or those with specific health-related exemptions, however, most voters will need to have their ballot notarized before mailing it in.
Participants will need to sign their ballot envelope in front of the notary, present an ID and sign the notary’s log. All voters and participants will be required to wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Social distancing will be maintained. The activity will take place outdoors, rain or shine.
For more information, call: Janice Seele at 714-642-3376.
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Matthew 25 During COVID19 |
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Florissant Presbyterian Church
Florissant Presbyterian Church is serving the community during these very trying times. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays we are serving Grab and Go Sack dinners. We will also be doing our 2nd Mobile Market in Oct., giving out boxes of food to the community. It is all done with masks, gloves and social distancing. Both have been a blessing to us and our community.
How does your church address mission in the midst of COVID19? Let us know. Email [email protected]
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Our Partners in Peru
From Jed: The stress of suffering crisis after crisis seems to fall upon us like a blizzard dumping snow on top of the frozen slush of yesterday that never had time to melt away. Some crises are so deeply buried that we have lost sight of their impact on our daily living; we fail to recognize that they provide a base for new crises to build up and overwhelm us. Blinded by the magnitude of it all, it is easy to lose sight of our neighbor. It is easy to forget we are not alone. It is easier still to deny that we need one another.
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From Chenoa: No, I am not in control. But seeing our partners’ faithful witness of God’s love, justice, peace, and strength, I know and trust that God, who moves through, within, and around us, most certainly is.
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Mission Madness - Remotely
Wed., Oct. 7 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Since March, A Place of Grace Mission Madness Team members have been supporting the seven local agencies with which we work exclusively by creating gifts for their clientele.
We knit hats. We make paper dolls. We craft gift bows and upcycle cards and create tags for Christmas. And we cut plastic bags which we weave into sleeping mats for our neighbors who live on the streets. We want to invite you to join us!
We check in via Zoom at the beginning of the event and again at the end for a spiritual practice and for prayer partners.
Then, in between, we work from our own homes on the project of our choice.
If you are local, I can bring you supplies and leave them on your porch. If you are not local, perhaps you have supplies to make something like this where you are. Then, you can give them to one of your local agencies to be given to their clientele at Christmas.
RSVP to this event to let us know how you would like to participate. We'd love to have you on our team! Click Here
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Light for the Darkness
Welcomes You to a Fireside Chat
Wed., Oct. 7 at 7pm
You are invited to a safe place to be with others who understand mental health struggles. It is ok if you are feeling super anxious or super depressed. We understand. Come sit around the warmth of the fire and let's discuss where God might be in the midst of all of this.
We'll have a fire and s'mores and social distance in my back yard garden.
Near the Botanical Garden. Message me or Text me for exact location (Thirza 404.313.4549)
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Covid19 & Seasonal Flu Shouldn't Mix
Flu season during a pandemic calls for urgency and ingenuity, which can mean getting vaccinated in your car or even in a hockey arena.
St. Louis area health providers are trying to make it easy and safe to get a flu shot this year by offering free drive-thru events throughout the community and even a walk-in location on Oct. 17 at downtown’s massive Enterprise Center where the St. Louis Blues play.
If you do not live in the St. Louis Area, please consult with your local Health Department for guidance on where you can get your Flu Shot. If you don't know how to contact your local health department, the following links will direct you to the appropriate office.
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Synod Support for Pastors & Churches
As the air begins to turn crisp and the leaves show off their autumn beauty, we pray you are settling into this Fall season well. Like a hearty soup or chili, we hope this month's 4th Sunday Sermon can be a source of comfort to you. We are grateful you keep allowing us to join you in worship.
Here is the information for the October 25 sermon from the Synod of Mid-America:
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Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46
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Title: "The Second Is Like It
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Themes: Reformation, Christian Ethics, Great Commandment, Golden Rule, Sacrifice
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Preacher: Rev. Landon Whitsitt, Synod Executive, Synod of Mid-America
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If you would like to pass on this information to others so they can sign up, please do so. They can sign up for the sermon links at: http://synodma.org/join-our-mailing-list
- Video, audio, and transcript links for this month's 4th Sunday Sermon will be sent to you by email on or before October 21.
Landon Whitsitt, Synod Executive
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Social Witness Cares for Your Community
The Social Witness Committee is concerned about the spread of COVID19 and wants to supply FREE yard signs to any church that wants one.
These signs would list the steps individuals need to take to help them keep safe from the virus and help slow down the spread in their community. Please consider accepting this FREE sign for your church property.
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Dreaming & Discerning Virtual Gathering
Tuesday, October 20th at 7:00 pm.
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 RSVP your interest to Leigh Porter at [email protected]. A Zoom link will be sent to you before the meeting in October.
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Paula Cooper
I pray that all is well with you and yours during these days of navigating uncharted waters with God’s help! I greet you in the name of our Risen Savior, Jesus, the Christ, from Lusaka, Zambia.
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2020 CROP Hunger Walk Update
The ongoing pandemic has necessitated the decision that the 2020 St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk be all-virtual. For possible ways to participate (or donate) as an individual or a congregation, please see www.crophungerwalk.org/saintlouismo and/or contact Clint McCann at [email protected] or 314-619-0599. To facilitate the formation of a virtual CROP community, the 4th Annual CROP Concert will be broadcast on Sunday, October 25 at 7:00 p. m., probably as a Facebook Live Premier event. This concert will also be the 9th Annual Eden Seminary Festival of Psalms, featuring Richard Bruxvoort Colligan and a host of other excellent musicians. For updates, check the local CROP website (above) or www.eden.edu. Due to the pandemic, the need is even greater than usual; so please consider how you can support CROP/Church World Service! |
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2020 Pivot Grant for
New Worshiping Communities
2020 has challenged all of us, and we know those challenges pose unique threats to our youngest faith communities who are particularly vulnerable to un-budgeted costs and perhaps a decline in financial support.
New Worshiping Communities recognized by their presbytery are invited to apply for a one-time Pivot Grant of $1000 to assist with shifting programs, new training, or unanticipated expenses due to the pandemic or racial injustices in your community. The application is simple and awards will be made on a first come, first served basis - so communities must act quickly! Applications can be submitted by clicking here.
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Technology Grants - Wave 2
When COVID-19 began to spread across the United States, Giddings-Lovejoy congregations responded in amazing ways to continue their worship and ministries. I am in awe. Congregations have stretched themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of doing. As I like to say, the building may be closed, but the church is not!
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Please submit your grant request to [email protected]. Note in the subject line Second Wave Grant.
In your request, include the church’s name and address, contact person and email address, and what the grant will be used for.
By the way, First Wave Grants are still available. Please contact Liz Kanerva at the above email for more information.
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Education & Training Opportunities |
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Register for the remaining
Fall 2020 Pathways Online Courses
at Union Presbyterian Seminary
Courses open to all, including Commissioned Ruling Elder candidates or any individual seeking further knowledge & edification
- Each course meets weekly for five (5) weeks, 7:00pm – 9:00pm EST
- Two courses, Reformed Theology/Church History and Teaching the Bible, begin next week.
- The Reformed Theology/Church History course is seeking interested participants for a second section, beginning Monday, October 19
- For more info, click here: Pathways Online Courses
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FREE WORKSHOP
Brain Science & Bias:
Understanding How Your Brain
Works to Prevent Racism
Thur., Oct. 15 | 12 p.m. CT
Today’s organizations are working hard to raise employees’ awareness of unconscious bias. They think that by addressing bias, they can cut down on discrimination and boost inclusion all in one. Science tells us this conventional wisdom is wrong.
Learn to practice optimal inclusion in this free session. Register by clicking 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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PRN Staff Chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital
Part-Time Organist - First Presbyterian of Alton, IL
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian, Dardenne Prarie, MO
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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