Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

Current Guidelines on the Coronavirus

Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

Emergency Relief Plan

Purpose: To provide emergency support for congregations experiencing proven financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Finance Team has been authorized to approve emergency grants up to $10,000. Find more information by  c licking here.

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.

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Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings

Wed., May 6 at 12pm - Clerks of Session Click Here

Thur., May 7 at 12pm - All Pastors Click Here

Mon., May 11 at 12pm - TE since 2015 Click Here

Tues., May 12 at 10am - Finance Team Click Here

Tues., May 12 at 11am - NWCC Click Here

Tues., May 12 at 1pm - Mission & Outreach Click Here

Wed., May 13 at 1:30pm - PTCC Click Here

Thur., May 14 at 3pm - Gather Planning Click Here

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Reminders will be sent the evening before, with Zoom link and call-in information. We look forward to seeing you!

What are Feeding America and food banks doing?

COVID-19 is now in all 50 states, but so is Feeding America.  Food banks across the country continue to mobilize their response to the pandemic, as they deploy new distributions, many of which are drive-through and outdoor, to maximize social distancing. The network is distributing emergency food boxes, and more will continue to reach families and individuals in need in the coming days and weeks. Meanwhile, other food banks are working with school districts and after-school programs to offer grab-and-go cold meals for children and families to help fill the gap while schools are closed. Read more here.

Virtual Worship is the New Normal

Make sure your worship music is covered under licensing or be sure you use approved free content.

Festival of Homiletics (FREE)

Preaching a New Earth: Climate and Creation. 

May 18 to May 22

The Festival of Homiletics is a week-long conference that brings together a wide variety of outstanding preachers and professors of homiletics to inspire a discourse about preaching, worship and culture. Our goal is to engage theologically the practices of preaching and worship, as well as issues related to congregations in the 21st century. Individual preachers are invited to consider various styles and methodologies of preaching in the hopes that they will renew their faith and refresh their spirits through engaging worship, lectures and workshops. Throughout the week we aim to inspire preachers in their roles of proclaiming the gospel.  Learn more here.

Nicaragua Trip Canceled

It is with great sadness that we have decided to cancel the July trip to visit our partners in Plan Grande #2, Nicaragua. We will continue to evaluate the situations in the US and in Nicaragua and if a trip in the Fall 2020 is wise, we’ll work to make that happen. Please pray for all of the people in Nicaragua, our partners in Plan Grande #2, and our PCUSA partner organization CEPAD as they face the many challenges this crisis brings. Contact Harriet Hall at [email protected] for more information.

Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua are a validated PCUSA mission and could use support during these challenging times. To learn more about their mission, click this link: https://cepadnica.org/

Technology Grants Now Available

We need technology now more than ever. There are grants available to help your congregation in acquiring what you need to get your congregation on the technology track    

Click Here

Summer 2020

Mission &

Outreach Team

Grant Applications

DEADLINE EXTENDED

You can find the application and details about the grants    Click here.

More details will be found in this Friday's newsletter.

Remote Faith Formation for the Long Haul

Compilation list of resources that could be helpful for you during the current COVID-19 situation and that may be helpful in developing sustainable remote faith formation for your community. In this list you will find resources to deal with the current crisis, studies for Christian education, blogs and ideas. This is your toolbox. We will update this list periodically over the coming weeks. Download here

Light for the Darkness

Feeling anxious or depressed, or know someone who is? Light for the Darkness has started a virtual group for anyone struggling with mental health to connect with others who understand and explore where God may be in the midst. Sundays at 4:30pm. Please connect with Thirza Sayers, who is intimately aware of these struggles, if you have any questions at  [email protected]   or 404.313.4549

Our Presbytery Addresses Hunger in our Communities But there are Challenges During the Pandemic

Hunger is a serious challenge, even as our attention is focused on the health crisis at hand, and in many ways, it may get worse. What can we do to ensure that the virus that has brought so much of daily life to a grinding halt does not do the same to our work to end hunger? Read more here.

Give StL May 7 - Consider UKirk

UKirk gives college students an opportunity to connect with others, explore and question their faith in the midst of schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Every week, UKirk gathers for worship, food, fellowship, and so much more! Help us celebrate our fifth year of UKirk on Give St. Louis Day.

Get your giving on! Every gift counts! On our donation page, you can securely donate using your credit card. You can give on the day or schedule your gift from now until May 7th! Click here: https://www.givestlday.org/ukirkstl