The Program for Psychology & Religion

St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute 

Ordained and Lay Pastors - Free Workshop and Lunch

Wed., Oct. 9 | 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m.

In the Belly of the Whale: How to Manage Ministerial Expectations Better than Jonah: In celebration of Clergy and Ministers Appreciation Month, the Program for Psychology and Religion at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute is providing a morning reflection and lunch for all clergy and ministers on October 9, 2019.

RSVP to: Sue Mertens, 314-289-9407; Click to email by Oct. 4th 

NOTE: Meeting locations are as follows: Oaks - is the meeting room next door to the presbytery office; St.Andrew - refers to the Board Room of St. Andrews on the second floor, directly above the presbytery office; Pres - refers to the Presbytery Office Resource Center; Ladue - refers to Ladue Chapel; WG - refers to Webster Groves Presbyterian. Contact the office at 314-772-2395 if you are unsure where you will be meeting.

When were you hungry?

Four countries with famine declared in 2017 are still experiencing extreme hunger: Yemen, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia. Presbyterian Hunger Program has partners that are working to address underlying causes of hunger in each of these countries and in other places where people are suffering from extreme hunger; and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been working with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan to support the work of improving maternal and child health through water, sanitation, and health support. But right now, many communities experiencing extreme hunger and famine are also in need of emergency assistance. We are asking for your help, so that we can support this urgent work. 

Based on Matthew 25, “I was hungry and you gave me food,” a bulletin insert , poster , and short video are available for your congregations. These resources and more information about the need and this response are available at www.pcusa.org/phpfamine .

Senior Hunger is a Nationwide Epidemic

Senior hunger is an expansive issue that requires an understanding of exactly what constitutes a senior being “hungry,” the issues that stem from senior hunger, and how seniors who are hungry can be helped.

Nearly one in every six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger and not being properly nourished. This applies to those who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from and those who don’t have access to the healthiest possible food options. The issue is severe enough that the AARP reports that seniors face a healthcare bill of more than $130 billion every year due to medical issues stemming from senior hunger.

Learn more about senior hunger here.

Uprooting Hunger - Hunger Action Team

In 2019 the presbytery will work toward establishing Certified Hunger Action Congregations. This  handout will be helpful to your congregation, as we journey together.

We welcome any questions you might have - email us at [email protected] or call 314-772-2395.

We celebrate, in thanksgiving, our 18 Certified and 19 Covenanting Congregations for their dedication to eradicating hunger in their communities!

Complete List of Hunger Action Congregations Found Here

Questions on how to get your congregation involved email us here.

Beloved by God

Fall Presbyterian Women Gathering

The fall Presbyterian Women's Gathering was held on Saturday, October 5. The gathering, held at First Presbyterian, Edwardsville, was attended by 50 Presbyterian from all areas of our Presbytery.

The skit presented by Glynnis Brooks, was of the story of Harriet Tubman. (photo captured by Joy Myers, Presbytery Stated Clerk and Presbyterian Women Treasurer)

-------------------

Learn more about our Presbyterian Women here.

Embracing Diversity without Division

Annual Interfaith Dinner & Celebration

Thurs., Oct. 24

Once a year, Interfaith Partnership convenes nearly 500 clergy, leaders and members of St. Louis’ faith communities for a dinner event robust with dialogue, food and more. This event remains our exclusive fundraiser and your participation not only ensures that you will engage meaningfully in interfaith dialogue during the dinner, but that you support the work that we do all year long to build relationships in St. Louis.

This year’s Annual Interfaith Dinner promises to be a special one. You can learn about this annual event by clicking here.

Nicaragua Community Partnership

Mission of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

Annual Celebration and Fundraising Dinner

Mon., Oct. 28 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. [ Dinner at 7 p.m. ]

Celebrate and Support our successful students. Learn about the continuing national crisis in Nicaragua and the growth of our scholarship program in Plan Grande #2. Explore ways to become involved in this mission. Enjoy a terrific meal at one of St. Louis’ finest Italian restaurants, LoRusso’s Cucina, 3121 Watson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri.

Checks payable to “GLPBY” mailed to 20 North Maple Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119, email [email protected] or call Harriet Hall 314-963-7112.

Will you share this with your congregation? A poster can be found here, and bulletin inserts can be found here. Directions can be found here.

Kenyan Well Mission Trip

Thurs., Dec. 26 to Thurs., Jan. 9

This will be a mission trip to witness the completion of the well project which was started about five years ago. There will be a Thanksgiving ceremony on December 29th at Thome Church in Rumuruti, Kenya, a Presbyterian Church of East Africa congregation.

Learn how you can participate here.

UPDATED INFORMATION

Joining Hands - Your Mission Partnership with Peru!

You are invited to be on the 2020 Joining Hands Partnership 20th Anniversary Peru Pilgrimage, to support someone else to participate, or to share this information with your congregation, group, friends and family.

This Pilgrimage includes journeying to the coastal, mountain and rainforest regions of Peru, meeting with our Joining Hands Partners, hearing updates about the socio/economic context of Peru, experiencing historical and cultural events and places, and joining with Red Uniendo Manos Peru (Peru Joining Hands Network) and others in a 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Attached is a flyer (revised from previous announcement flyers) with details about the Pilgrimage which will be August 1-15, 2020, click here for that information.

Annual Fall Luncheon to Benefit Mission

First Presbyterian - Hardin, Illinois

Wed., Oct. 9 | 11 a.m to 1 pm.

Join us in the fellowship hall for delicious homemade soup or chili, sandwiches, desert and a drink. Suggested $8 donation/plate. EAT IN or TAKE OUT!

Proceeds benefit local mission projects, Trunk or Treat and Stuff Your Stocking. We will also have a wreath on display for our Sherwood Forest Farms evergreen fundraiser. These were a HUGE hit last year - they are exceptional quality at a great price point. You can order at the luncheon.

Directions found here

Annual Apple Butter Festival

Old Argo Presbyterian Church

Sat., Oct. 12

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Directions found here.

Trivia Night - Sat., Oct. 12

The Florissant Presbyterian Church will hold a Trivia Night on Saturday, October 12. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with Trivia to begin at 7:00 p.m.

The cost to play is $20 per person at the door or $120 for a table of 8 with a Prepaid registration by Oct 9th .

Call church office to register and send payment. 314-837-8555. Directions can be found here.

Chili Supper for Local Missions

Fri., Oct. 18 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Potosi Presbyterian Church

Eat in or Take Out

-----------

Chili, Sandwiches, Dessert & Drnks for $5/Donation.

Call ahead orders available by calling 573-631-4964

Let All the Earth Rejoice

October 20 | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

First Presbyterian - Kirkwood

As a part of the Con Spirito Concert Series this Hymn festival with organ, brass, and handbells, features Aaron David Miller who will share his highly imaginative and creative style. Prize winner of several prestigious competitions, including the top prize at the AGO National Improvisation Competition, he is noted for his fine performances of repertoire spanning all periods. He has received rave reviews when accompanying silent films. His recital performances have taken him across the country. He serves as the Director of Music and Organist at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Directions to the event can be found here. 

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church

Community Men's Chorus Concert

Sunday, October 27 at 3:00 p.m.

Parking is available. This event is FREE and open to the public. Directions found here.

Reformation Concert to Benefit Food Action

Sun., Oct. 27 | 5 p.m.

Woodlawn Chapel, Wildwood, MO

Soloist Dallas Blair returns to Woodlawn Chapel for a Reformation Sunday concert, Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m. Featured works will include some of Mr. Blair's noted hymn arrangements, along with classical works for trumpet. He'll be joined by bassoonist Anthea Ybarra for Paul Hindemith's astonishing "Concerto for Trumpet & Bassoon." Sunghee Hinners, a member of the faculty at Washington University's music department will provide accompaniment. Lafayette High School senior Alex Norvell, a member of Woodlawn Chapel, will play an original composition for flute, oboe and piano. A free will offering will be received to assist Woodlawn Chapel's Coupon Club, which purchases food for local food pantries.

Directions found here.

Save the Date - Sat., Nov. 2

Annual Smorgasbord

@ Trinity Chapel Presbyterian

Directions Found Here.

More Details Next Week!

UKirk Meal Sign-Up

Calling all chefs and potluck masters! - Would you support this ministry by signing up for meal coordination for this upcoming year? We gather at Trinity Presbyterian Church every Sunday evening. You can sign up and find more information  here.

Space For Rent in Imperial

1600 square foot space, five rooms and common room, second floor. Perfect for office, preschool, daycare, etc. Rent all or individual rooms. Located at Rock Presbyterian Church, Imperial, Missouri. Call 314-420-9477

Four Types of Advent and Christmas Eve Services:

Which Have You Tried?

Experimenting with a different Advent or Christmas Eve worship format may help worshipers connect with the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. Blue Christmas, Christmas pageants, Las Posadas, or lessons and carols make room for emotions, movement, culture, and people’s gifts.

Learn more at Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

for the study and renewal of worship, by clicking here.

1001/Vital Congregations Conference 

Westin Crown Plaza - Kansas City

October 14-16  

Perspectives: The Church then…now…beyond is an opportunity for church leaders of all ages, shapes, sizes and identities to take a new look at the ministry and mission of God.

Learn More Here

Prepare the Way: Advent Planning Workshop with Paul Vasile 

Thur., Oct. 17 | 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church

(4111 Connecticut St) 

Explore the prophetic and poetic power of the Advent and Christmas seasons through music and improvisation with sacred text. We’ll explore Revised Common Lectionary texts for the season (Year A), seeking insights that inspire compelling preaching and liturgy, focusing especially on creative possibilities for small and mid-sized churches. We’ll sing together, experiencing how music from many traditions can enliven and enrich worship. And we’ll create in community, sharing newly written liturgy and worship ideas with each other in a supportive space. Leave with practical worship ideas, preaching prompts, suggested hymns and choral music for your congregation.

Cost: $50/person, $90/congregation (2-4 individuals)

Complete information found here. Directions found here.

Fall Workshop

Social Media Springboard for Congregations      

Thursday, October 10 | 9 a.m. to noon

Churches are at a crossroads these days. They are either thriving or dying. The ones that are thriving all have this in common: clear communication. The workshop will show you how to help your ministry rise above the noise of today's world and effectively use social media to share your mission with your community. This half day workshop will teach you how to reach your community where they are more than 20% of their time: online. The workshop will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 327 Woods Mill Rd., Ballwin, MO 63011. You may register online at: lststl.org/courses