Our Advent Journey Begins - December 2

During this holy season of Advent, we are invited to pray and contemplate with Mary in her Song of Praise — the Magnificat — found in Luke 1:46-53.

This year’s devotional is very special. The paintings and poems are the work of Andrew Weatherly, a young Presbyterian man born with Down syndrome, who uses his gifts to raise awareness of the capabilities of those with special needs. 

It is free to download by clicking here.

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

Christmas Joy Offering: Supporting Past, Present, and Future Leaders

The Christmas Joy Offering is traditionally received during the Advent Season. Learn how you can take part in this yearly offering here.

PLEASE NOTE: The Oaks Conference Room (Oaks) and St. Andrews Conference Room (St. Andrews) are both located at the new Presbytery office, 1001 Craig Rd., Suite 170, St. Louis, MO 63146,

(Oaks) is on the first floor (St. Andrews) is on the second floor. Directions can be found here.

(Ladue) refers to Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124. Directions can be found here.

(WebGrov) refers to Webster Groves Presbyterian, 45 W Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119 Directions can be found here.

Giddings-Lovejoy Ministry Teams and Office

Approaching a Holiday Schedule

** The office will be closed November 22 and 23, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 to spend time with family for the holiday season. We will be accessible by email, albeit it with a delayed response, during this time.

** Most teams will not meet in December, however please check with Team Moderators for definitive schedule.

Pedal for Protein

A Cycling Response to Hunger

In Redwoods Presbytery, located in Napa, California sponsored and participated in the 5th Annual “Pedal for Protein” fundraising ride for hunger and they surpassed their original goal and raised $50,877. The Pedal for Protein’s 50 riders, supporting congregations and many friends, made this possible. Pedal for Protein will be feeding necessary protein food to thousands of hungry neighbors in Redwoods Presbytery and supporting a national or international Presbytery Hunger Program grant partner.

This is a perfect example of using our gifts and talents to support mission and ministry in alleviating hunger.

Uprooting Hunger - Hunger Action Team

The next sixteen months the presbytery will work toward establishing Certified Hunger Action Congregations. This handout will be helpful to your congregation, as we journey together in the year + ahead. If you have any questions, email: [email protected]

Winter Outreach: Join Us! 

Are you worried about our un-housed neighbors staying warm and safe during these cold winter months? Did you know that St. Louis has no 24-hour shelter? Would you like to do something about it? 

Oak Hill Presbyterian Church (4111 Connecticut St.) works with St. Louis Winter Outreach, a group of concerned citizens who volunteer to provide emergency housing and help during the coldest St. Louis nights. Each Wednesday when the temperature is below 25 ⁰F, we provide shelter for un-housed neighbors at the church.

We are seeking volunteers! No experience required! We’ll train you on the job! You don’t need to be available every Wednesday, we’ll be glad to take you whenever can make it. If you’re interested in volunteering, or would like more information, please contact Dena Roper at [email protected] or at 314-562-4533. 

Tuesday, November 27th

#GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community.

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Remember UKirk and Caritas Presbyterian in your giving on #GivingTuesday .

Fall Is Here

Are You Ready for Holiday Shopping?

There are many congregations within our presbytery that host fall art, craft and vendor shows to support their mission projects. Shop for holiday gifts, that also give back to mission! Check our Online Calendar Here before shopping this year! .

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Is your church hosting an event? Please let us know so that we can share with the presbytery. Simply email: [email protected]

12th Annual Gospel Christmas Concerts

Two opportunities to enjoy this glorious celebration of gospel music, as we sing praises to the birth of the newborn King. On Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 pm at Kirkwood Baptist Church located at 211 N. Woodlawn, Kirkwood, MO 63122 if you can’t make that concert, consider Sunday, Dec. 2 at 4 pm, at Northside Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 9001 Lucas & Hunt Rd., Jennings, MO 63136

The concerts are free. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the work of Community Gospel Choir. Uniting God’s People in Song. Learn more about this group by visiting www.communitygospelchoir.com

Con Spirito Concert - The Christmas Skates

On Sunday, December 2 beginning at 2:00 pm the Imaginary Theater Company Presents: The Christmas Skates, in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian - Kirkwood. The true spirit of the holiday season shines brightly in this new musical adaptation of Mary Griggs Van Voorhis’s short story, “The Boy with the Box”. Inspired by kindness and spirit, plans are hatched to create a holiday surprise to remember. Directions can be found here.

Antonio Vivaldi’s Magnificat

The Second Church Chorale and Orchestra presentation of Antonio Vivaldi’s Magnificat with conductor Andrew Peters on Sunday, December 2 at 4:00 p.m. The music, part of Advent Vespers, The church is located at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End, St. Louis, 63108. The movie is part of the Couts Music Series and is free to the community. Call 314-367-0367 or visit www.secondchurch.net , for more information about this event.  

Blue Christmas Services

This time of year can be difficult if you have lost family and friends. Several churches in our presbytery will have services for those who will be struggling with those emotions. Please share these locations with anyone who might struggle through the holiday season.

*Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m. - Boeuff Presbyterian

Directions found here. Flyer found here.

*Friday, December 21 at 7 p.m. - Westminster Presbyterian - St. Louis. Directions found here.

* Saturday, December 22 at 3 p.m. - Westminster Presbyterian - Belleville. Directions found here.

Love Your Bible

Lectio Divina Online Course by Gary Neal Hansen

You want Advent to be a time of spiritual growth – but you need a new way to connect with God. You try to pray -- but the conversation is one-sided. You go to Scripture -- but study leaves you dry. And wouldn't it be easier if you had some company in the journey?

This four week online class will teach the classical approach to Lectio Divina -- and make Advent the renewal you need it to be for nearly 2000 years, Christians have grown deeper in relationship with God through the practice known as "lectio divina" It means "divine reading." It is a prayerful, thoughtful, faithful way to let the Bible lead to connecting with God. More information found here