Presbytery Blog - Rev. Liz Kanerva
Associate Presbytery Leader
|
|
|
|
"Today’s word of the day is fear. Not the kind of fear I experienced when my sister, Janet, took me to my first ever haunted house. ” |
|
Our Presbytery - Our Work |
|
Weekly Prayer Basket
-
Please pray for... our blogger, Rev. Liz Kanerva, in her role as our Associate Presbytery Leader
-
Please pray for...the citizens of Haiti and Afghanistan
-
Please pray for...flood victims of weekend storms, in Tennessee, along with those in eastern states.
-
Please pray for...Rev. John Harrison and his wife Michelle, as they welcome baby Simone. All healthy and doing well
-
Please pray for... For our children and educators as they prepare to return to the classroom, whether in person or virtually. Prayer for good health, patience, and perseverance as the year begins.
-
Please pray for....Load Master Vanderford and Special Ops McFarland they are both in Kabul also Little Henry Lowry just diagnose with diabetes, friends of First Presbyterian - Park Hills
-
Please pray for...Our nation as we struggle, on many fronts, and that those who have lost their spiritual connection find a way to reconnect to and honor the Lord.
|
|
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
|
|
If you have any questions regarding team meetings, please check with your Moderator for meeting dates and times, or call the office at 314-772-2395, or email Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected]
|
|
Wed., Aug. 24
12pm-Honorably Ret Pastors
Thur., Aug. 26
Presbytery Gathering (see below)
|
|
Thur., Sept. 2
12pm-Specialized Ministries
|
|
Presbytery Gathering - August 26 |
Presbytery Gathering
Thursday, August 26 | 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
(Zoom Fellowship Begins at 8:15 am)
Gathering Binder FOUND HERE. The meeting will be held virtually, using Zoom technology. The April 2021 Gathering Minutes can be FOUND HERE. (Minutes are password protected. Contact the office if you need help accessing the minutes at 314.772.2395)
Gathering Papers Late Arrivals:
Please take about 30 minutes and watch the Pre-Gathering Video from Mission Co-Workers, Peru Partnership, found below. There will be a panel discussion during the Presbytery Gathering.
Join Zoom Meeting
If you are attending by phone, please call 312 626 6799, entering the Meeting ID 860 6435 9286, followed by the # sign
|
|
PRESBYTERIAN WEEK OF ACTION
AUGUST 23-29
|
|
The theme this year is “Shades of Oppression, Resistance and Liberation.” The goal this year is to be even more inclusive of the wider denomination in the planning process as well as the implementation. Events will be both virtual and potentially in person. The Week of Action has, at its core, the idea of being a visible arm of justice in our communities around the denomination as we stand on the foundations of both Matthew 25 and the Hands & Feet Initiative. The week and theme are crafted to bring attention and action to the plight of those suffering from differing forms of oppressive situations.
|
|
As you move about this next week, sharing on Social Media - share a vision of the church. When you have an event, share that with us as well!
Ways to spread the word
-
Post on social media using #WeekofActionPCUSA
-
Follow @Presbyterian and @GiddingsLovejoy
-
AND spread the word about #WeekofActionPCUSA on Twitter
- Share our posts on Facebook and Instagram and tag us!
|
|
Moline Acres, Missouri
Third Presbyterian Church - Working to keep our children safe and being a resource provider to our community, by distributing 260 bags to families attending the Gibson Elementary Back to school event.
We have noticed the negative impact virtual learning has had on our neighborhood students like a decrease in mental wellness, decreases in academic proficiency, and the inability for parents to work due to the need to stay at home while children virtually learn.
Third Presbyterian Church is hoping that this P.P.E. equipment will give the students the protection they need as they transition from virtual to in-person instruction.
We are praying for students, staff, teachers, administrators as classes resume!!
|
|
Please share your "Back to School" Mission Work or School Year Plans with us - we want to share the good news with our Presbytery. |
|
Poorly Understood:
What America Gets Wrong About Poverty
Sunday, October 3rd at 7 p.m.
As part of our commitment to the tenets of Matthew 25, Trinity Presbyterian Church, University City, is organizing a discussion via zoom featuring Mark Rank, the Herbert Hadley Professor of Social Welfare at Washington University. Mark is one of America’s foremost experts on issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice. He has written 10 books on a range of subjects, including the role of luck in shaping the course of our lives. He will be talking about a new book he has co-authored, Poorly Understood: What America gets wrong about poverty. All are welcome, whether they read the book or not. There will be time for Q&A. We have invited all the Matthew 25 churches in our Presbytery to join in the first of what we hope will be more opportunities to get together.
If joining by phone, dial 312-626-6799 and enter the Meeting ID: 899 2846 5161
|
|
2021 Presbytery History Tour
Angels, Miracles & Stained Glass Windows
Thursday, September 30
The tour will meet at 8:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri. The tour group will return at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Please note that masks are required.
The tour will be $59 per person. This includes the tour, boxed lunch and gratuities.
Make reservations with Janet Stanford by calling 314-638-0195, 9511 Howerton Drive, St. Louis MO 63123. Please make checks payable to Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy (memo: History Tour)
|
|
Tips For Caring for God's Good Earth
Use mugs or glasses instead of paper cups, and cloth instead of paper towels and napkins.
"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Task Force of the Public Witness Team of the presbytery, composed of representatives from the 9 Earth Care Congregations in the presbytery and 250 nationally. Contact: [email protected] or (314) 941-9378.
|
|
LoveJoy United recommends new
Elijah Lovejoy biography, "First to Fall.”
Our church book club recently read the new Elijah P. Lovejoy biography, “First to Fall” by Ken Ellingwood. As a journalist - rather than a historian - Ellingwood presents a fresh perspective of Lovejoy and the landscape of 19th-century journalism that aided his cause. Not only did this new book give us a deeper understanding of the roots of our church, community, and presbytery, it raises contemporary questions around the issues of faith, free speech, mob violence, and justice. If you or your church is looking for a good read, LoveJoy United recommends, “First to Fall."
|
|
Building Financial Resilience in the Black Community
Wednesday, September 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
This webinar will engage attendees in the process of acquiring a holistic approach to managing money. The webinar will address particular financial questions that emerge from the values and experiences of African American individuals, families, and communities and will stress that making improvements in our personal finances can be greatly enhanced when we consider both money-related matters and personal aspects of how we make choices and decisions. Making improvements in our finances cannot be limited to financial activities such as saving more, paying down debt, and paying for retirement. Engaging a holistic approach helps us to become more aware of the subtle issues that can help us change our financial and economic outcomes. By becoming more conscious of the broader aspects of how many of our decisions factor into our finances, we become more financially resilient as we make necessary shifts that will help us make the most of our resources.
|
|
Metropolitan Congregations Online Program
Environmental Racism:
Alive and Well in St. Louis
Thurs., Sept. 9 at 7 pm
Black children in the City of St. Louis are 2.4 times more likely than White children to test positive for lead in their blood. Black children in St. Louis make roughly 10 times more emergency room visits for asthma each year than White children do. Black St. Louisans are disproportionately harmed by lead poisoning, asthma, mold, and high energy costs—all associated with factors such as substandard housing conditions and air pollution due to living near industrial facilities, highways, and building demolitions. Indeed, environmental racism is alive and well here where we live.
We will explore these deeply rooted problems with the Metropolitan Congregations United Environmental Justice team at our virtual program on September 9 at 7 p.m.
|
|
NWCC Welcomes You - Dreaming and Discerning
Tuesday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
Has God given you dreams and visions for launching a new worshiping community? Let us partner with you by attending a Giddings-Lovejoy “Dreaming and Discerning” Gathering. For more information and to share your dreams and visions in a confidential space led by NWCC’s Steve Matthews and Roger Chamberlain.
Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
Join via Zoom by clicking here. or by calling (312) 626 6799 and entering the meeting ID of 844 6446 8137
And check out these websites for resources at any time:
|
|
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.
|
|
COVID Mask Update
With the uptick in COVID cases, the St. Louis County Health Department announced that the public is to be masked when in public spaces. Our return to hybrid commission and team meetings in August at the presbytery offices will go forward with just a couple of modifications. Masks are required when entering and moving through the building. We ask you to keep your mask in place, regardless of vaccination status, when in your meeting. Bottle waters will be provided, but additional snacks will not be served.
Please note that Presbytery Gatherings will continue to meet via zoom. The presbytery gathering planning team hope to begin hybrid gatherings in November but ask we all remain flexible. Be on the lookout for updates. The presbytery staff and leadership’s priority continue to be the health and safety of GLPBY congregations.
|
|
GA#225 Commissioners Needed
The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy is in need of two Ruling Elders, two Teaching Elders, and One Young Adult Advisory Delegate for the upcoming General Assembly. If you think you might be a good fit or know of someone who is, we would love to hear from you!
The General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be ruling elders, half will be teaching elders. Few will ever have been commissioners to the General Assembly before, but most will have served in one of the other governing bodies of our church: the session, which provides care and oversight of a local congregation; the presbytery, which provides care and oversight of a group of congregations; or the synod which provides care and oversight of several presbyteries.
Learn more about being a Commissioner - Click Here
|
|
Education & Training Opportunities |
|
Youth and Children's Ministry Foundations Retreat
September 13-14
MLI is pleased to invite area youth and children's ministers to our annual Youth and Children's Ministry Foundations training retreat on September 13-14, 2021!
The two-day event serves as an optional gateway to the MLI Instructional Cohort Program and certification. The retreat, held at a partner church in Prairie Village, Kansas, begins with a noon lunch on Monday and ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Class topics include working with volunteers, developing teaching techniques with students, identifying leadership strengths, budgeting trips and events, organizational strategies, and more.
Find more information about the September 13-14 event, register, and download an event schedule at: mlievents.org
|
|
Year of Leader Formation:
Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons
Deacon Ministries – A Webinar
September 16, 2021; 7-8:30 pm (eastern)
According to our PC(USA) Book of Order, “the ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service . . .” The ways that this ministry is lived out varies from one congregation to another, depending on the culture, context, and needs of the church and the broader community. In this third webinar of The Year of Leader Formation series, join a panel of deacons, pastors, and ruling elders in exploring this vital ordered ministry of the church. You will have an opportunity to hear about the ways that the gifts and skills of deacons are used within congregational ministries, community impacts of deacon ministries, and the connection between discipleship and deacons. There will be an opportunity for questions, answers, and further exploration of the way God is moving through the deacons of the PC(USA).
- Two of the three webinars being offered especially for deacons and ruling elders this year have taken place, and the recordings are available. PDFs of the slides for last month’s presentation on the parliamentary procedure are posted in Spanish, Korean, and English.
|
|
Save the Date
What's Possible? Strategies to
Serve Better Webcast
Wed.,, Aug. 25 | 1- 2 p.m. (ET)
or Thurs., Aug. 26 | 3 - 4:00 p.m. (ET)
Many church leaders are asking a broad range of questions as they evaluate what mission and ministry will look like in a post-pandemic world. As you review your Employer Agreement for 2022 and consider which benefits to offer, you also may have questions about how to best serve your employees and congregation in this evolving world. To help guide you through these questions and benefits decisions, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will host a one-hour webcast, What's Possible? Strategies to Serve Better. This webcast will examine how churches may attract, retain, and motivate employees to adapt to the changing circumstances of ministry. You will hear from several Board of Pensions representatives, including from our Benefits, Church Engagement, and Plan Operations teams.
Registration - Look for an invitation in your inbox with a registration link in late July.
Questions? Contact Nicole Erle, Meeting Planner, at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN), ext. 7221
|
|
|
|
Stewardship Kaleidoscope
September 13-15
|
This annual conference offers excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship, in its many colorful dimensions!
Our mission is to create an annual event that:
|
|
- Ignites generosity
- Gives practical tools for cultivating generosity in congregations
- Expands the leadership capacity of those who lead stewardship initiatives
- Cultivates adaptive approaches for funding Christ’s mission
Venues vary annually, and you can count on Stewardship Kaleidoscope to provide Real Tools for Real Ministry!
|
|
"To Be God-Like is to Give Like God"
WANTED
Understanding stewardship is one of the most important aspects of being a church leader and member. Since all churches engage in stewardship campaigns, wouldn't it be helpful to have a team of folks from presbytery as a resource?
We are looking for two people to serve as co-chairs of a Stewardship Work Group-part of the Dynamic Leaders Team. If you have a calling to help disciples become more generous in their faith, we need your gifts.
In order to be properly equipped for this leadership role, we want to send the co-leaders to the Kaleidoscope Stewardship Conference at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Cincinnati, OH. The conference is September 13-15th and we will pay the registration fees and cover the lodging!
If interested to learn more, please talk with Rev. Ed Zumwinkel, chair of the Dynamic Leaders Team ( [email protected]). |
|
2021 Clergy Women and
Christian Educators Retreat
Sun., Sept. 26-Wed., Sept. 29
Has the shutdown, pandemic and trying to “return to normal” left you drained? OPSF invites you to a time of renewal, prayer, skill sharing and fellowship with other women in ministry. - Calvin Crest Conference Center, Fremont, NE - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION BY - August 1st, 2021 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER - August 31, 2021
|
|
2021 Tech Grants
Over the last year, GLPBY congregations have worked hard to move vital ministries online. We have connected for worship, learning, and fellowship utilizing resources we never imagined incorporating into our ministries pre-pandemic. To that end, GLPBY granted more than $46,000 in Tech Grants to assist churches in their efforts to establish and/or update their online presence.
Wave 1 and Wave 2 Grants are now phased out. GLPBY is pleased to announce a new round of Tech Grants is available to GLPBY congregations. The Presbytery will pay 75%, up to $2,000, of the grant request with the church commitment to paying the balance. Just to be clear the maximum grant will be $2,000. This round of grants will assist congregations that are expanding their online presence. The grant could be used for upgrading equipment, tech training, or developing hybrid worship for example. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Rolf Kanerva, Associate Presbytery leader at [email protected]
|
|
Seeking to proclaim Christ's good news — the gospel of peace and justice — and to be active in the sacred ministry of reconciliation wherever and whenever we can
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders for next year:
March 14-18, May 9-13, June 13-17, August 1-5, October 3-7, and November 14-18, 2022
To help us plan these events, would you please answer this question: Assuming conditions with regard to COVID-19 are similar to what they are now, would you consider attending an in-person workshop in 2022?
Whether that event be MSTI or another training event, please reply and answer “YES” if you might attend (or host) an LMPC event in person, or “NO” if you would only attend an LMPC event online via Zoom.
We are eager to return to in-person events and to enjoy the camaraderie and deeper levels of learning that come with that; however, we understand the caution and the practical considerations that cause some people to favor remote learning.
For the latest news and course offerings from LMPC, please consult the attached flyer or visit our website at www.LMPeaceCenter.org.
|
|
|
|
Becoming Matthew 25
--- --- ---
How Do We Engage Socially Distancing and still participate in Mission & Ministry?
|
|
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]
|
|
Current Support Ministry Position Openings |
|
Pastor - Trinity Presbyterian, University City, Missouri
Head of Music - First United Presbyterian, Collinsville, Illinois
Music and Movement Specialist - St. Mark Presbyterian (Claymont Preschool)
Pre-School Teacher Assistant-First United Presbyterian, Belleville, Illinois
Part-Time Pastor - Affton Presbyterian
Full-Time Chaplain - Aberdeen Heights
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian, Dardenne Prarie
|
|
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]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
