Presbytery Blog - Rev. Bill Vincent
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“A return to a normal that is not normal at all...or is, but shouldn’t be, for it negates a yearning for God’s sovereignty in our lives"
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Our Presbytery - Our Work
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Weekly Prayer Basket
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Please pray for... our guest blogger, Rev. Bill Vincent, and his congregations of First Presbyterian, Union, and Pacific Presbyterian
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Please pray for... those who are battling the newest COVID variant, Delta.
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Please pray for... For Cuban and Haitian citizens who are struggling with poverty, raging COVID, and political unrest.
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Support Ministry
Help Wanted
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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 lporter@glpby.org
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Wed., July 14
Fri., July 16
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Nothing Next Week
Please contact your Team Moderator for your next scheduled meeting
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Dismantling Racism & White Privilege
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"Voices Lifted - Two Centuries of Black Composers of Opera"
Using a selection of Black composers from Joseph de Boulogne to William Grant Still to Terence Blanchard, Diane McCullough, Elder at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and retired St. Louis Public Schools music teacher, will discuss the work and agency taken by these composers in the face of barriers of racist Jim Crow laws and prejudice.
The presentation will explore the musical forces that place these composers squarely at the heart of the development of an "American" sound in many genres of American music - folk, pop, jazz, classical.
Opera Theatre of St. Louis is committed to addressing systemic issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. This presentation describes their efforts to create real seats at the table on the stage, backstage, and front office.
Date: July 28, 2021
Time: 7 PM
Location: Zoom
Please share the flyer with friends with this flyer-Click Here
Sponsored by: Dismantling Racism & White Privilege Team (DRAWP) – Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
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Dynamic Leaders Team Recommendations & Support
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope Registration Opens
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope
September 13-15
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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:
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- 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!
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"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 ( efz@wgpc.org).
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Installation of Co-Pastors
at First Presbyterian-Ferguson
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The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
invites you to share in the Worship of God and the Installations by the Presbytery of
The Reverend Dr. Kerry Allison as Designated Co-Pastor
&
The Rev. Michael F. Trautman as Designated Co-Pastor
of
First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson
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Sun., July 25 | 2:00p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson
401 Darst Rd., Ferguson, MO 63135
A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service.
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Final Worship Service
You are invited to celebrate the life of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Belleville, Illinois
at a final worship service on
Sun., Aug. 15 | 2:00pm
1419 N. 17th Street
Belleville, Illinois
Reception will follow
Please RSVP to Laurie Brown (618) 520-8112 or Joyce Dyer (618) 614-3288
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
Fri., July 23 | 1:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
WGPC Fellowship Hall
WGPC is hosting a blood drive for the Red Cross on July 23rd. Our goal is at least 20 units. We have 28 appointment slots available. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter "WGPC" to schedule an appointment to donate. Directions can be found here
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History Team Reminder
Returning to Open Worship Celebrating
The Presbytery History Team would like to remind congregations, as they return to in-person worship, that celebrating church anniversary dates is a good way to honor and remember the church's history and those who founded and sustained the church family over the years.
The History Team maintains a history file for each church in the Presbytery and would be happy to share any information available from our records. In addition, the team provides a framed proclamation for the milestone anniversaries of 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 yrs.
If your church is planning an anniversary celebration be sure to share the date and details with the Presbytery for the weekly newsletter.
Joan Huisinga
Virginia Messersmith
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In case you don’t know about us yet:
What we're about briefly:
Vision: To offer a safe place for those with mental health variances to explore where God is in the midst. To build hope and foster Spirit-led connection among members, connecting members to mental health resources as necessary.
Mission:
1)To facilitate worshipful support groups that allow people to come with their faith and their doubts, their joy and their sadness, to be heard and to connect with others who understand.
2) To provide access to groups in an equitable manner regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background.
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Fireside Chat
Wed., July 14 at 7 pm
Join LFTD for a fireside chat for those with mental health variances. Social connection is known to contribute positively to mental health. So, let's do it. The suggested topic of conversation: how is your spiritual life? What are you doing to care for yourself spiritually? How can this group support you? Open to your topics too. S'mores and some non-alcoholic beverages provided. Text or Email Thirza with LFTD for details @314.266.8007 or thirza@light4thedarkness.com.
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LFTD Fellowship Re-Surge
Mon., July 12 at 7pm
Returning from our summer break, we are excited to come back together and invite you to join us as we connect and explore the emotionality of God, emotions throughout the Bible, and how this may inform our own mental health and self-care. Mondays at 7pm via zoom. Contact LFTD for details.
If you struggle with or you know someone who struggles with mental health variances and would like to know more about joining these people of faith who genuinely understand, please text or email Rev. Thirza Sayers @314.266.8007 or
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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
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Tips for Caring for God's Unbelievable Creation
Take 5-minute shower and
install a flow control showerhead.
It takes about 30 gallons of water to fill the average bathtub. But a 5-minute shower with a 3-gallon-a-minute flow uses only about 15 gallons. Could save thousands of gallons of water over the course of a year!
"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 of the presbytery. For more info: carletonstock@aol.com.
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This policy change will allow applicants to submit a statement or letter from the death certificate’s certifying official, medical examiner, or coroner, that attributes the death to COVID-19 fatalities that occurred between Jan. 20 and May 16, 2020.
This policy change was made after consulting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials and other health experts. The new policy provides applicants, as well as medical authorities, coroners and jurisdictions, flexibility to attribute a death to COVID-19 without amending the death certificate. The change also provides flexibility with documentation for the period before the CDC-published and implemented COVID-19 death certificate guidance in the spring of 2020.
For deaths occurring after May 16, 2020, COVID-19 funeral assistance documentation must include a copy of a death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19.
Individuals who would like to apply for assistance should call the COVID-19 helpline tollfree, at 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday.
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For Deacons and Ruling Elders
As a part of the “Year of Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons,” a series of webinars will be offered. Please share the information and registration for the second of these events, Parliamentary Procedure for Leaders, July 14, 7:00–8:30 pm (EDT).
PC(USA) ruling elders and deacons have responsibilities as leaders in Christ’s church. Whether you serve as a moderator or as a participant, your call will involve meetings conducted by parliamentary procedure—usually Robert’s Rules of Order. Most Presbyterians have learned about parliamentary procedure through observation during meetings. During this Year of Leader Formation webinar, you can expect to learn more about the theological connections between parliamentary procedure and our Book of Order and gain skills to help you participate more confidently and effectively. You will have an opportunity during the registration process to name questions you would like to see addressed.
Korean and Spanish interpretation will be available. The webinar will also be recorded, and will be posted in English on the Year of Leader Formation website in the week following the event.
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Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2022
Nationwide High School Youth Rally
July 24-27
This Triennium will feature a Matthew 25 framework, activities that will extend a full year following Triennium and enough innovation to send thousands of high schoolers and young adults scurrying to register — once registration goes live this winter.
Among other changes, organizers are moving the popular every-three-years event, set for July 24-27, 2022, from the campus of Purdue University, which has hosted Triennium since 1983, to a place where everyone involved can enjoy around-the-clock air conditioning: the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, as well as at least eight nearby hotels, most of them connected to the convention center by pedestrian walkways. All attendees will enjoy their meals together in a large assembly hall at the convention center. Meals together will also include Bible study, games — and one of PYT’s signature components, music.
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PC(USA) GA 225
Moved from Columbus, OH to Louisville, KY
The General Assembly has several specific responsibilities outlined in Chapter 3 of the Book of Order. The assembly seeks to protect our church from errors in faith and practice, is responsible for assuring that the expression of our theology remains true to the biblical standards in our historic confessions. The General Assembly presents a witness for truth and justice in our community and in the world community. It sets priorities for the church and establishes relationships with other churches or ecumenical bodies.
Upcoming Deadlines:
- 180-day Deadline: December 27, 2021 - Send the List of commissioners to OGA (Stated Clerk)
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120-day Deadline: February 25, 2022 - Overtures requesting amendment to/interpretation of Book of Order due to OGA
- 60-day Deadline: April 26, 2022 - Overtures with financial implications due
- 45-day Deadline: May 11, 2022 -All other overtures/concurrences; comments due
- 30-day Deadline: May 26, 2022 -Slate of Nominations for General Assembly positions due
Watch the newsletter for future GA225 Updates!
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Education & Training Opportunities
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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
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Teaching Elder Co-Laboratory
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Save the dates and let's begin a conversation. (See Below) Email your thoughts or questions to Liz Kanerva at ekanerva@glpby.org
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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 ekanerva@glpby.org
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Virtual Certification
If you have considered becoming a Certified Church Administrator, you can now take the core educational requirements without leaving your place of work or your family! The Church Network, a nationally recognized leader in providing support for church administrators, is offering online certification courses, easily accessible through Zoom, in two modules.
Seminars will be offered on Thursdays from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Eastern time, with the eight sessions of Module A in the fall of 2021 and eight sessions of Module B in the winter of 2022. You'll get live instruction for the first two hours of each class, followed by small group discussion for the third hour. There may be a short homework assignment some weeks, with will focus on the practical application of the material you learned
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Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation
Do you need financial support for the upcoming 2022 educational events, workshops and/or seminars benefiting Teaching Elders, Commissioned Pastors (CPs) and Lay Leaders?
Lifelong Learning Event Grant consideration is given for those serving in the 13-state primary service region of the foundation. If you are a Synod, Presbytery, or Church within the OPSF service region, consider applying today. The grant deadline is August 15th!
Grant guidelines and applications are available on the OPSF website
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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 lporter@glpby.org
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Current Support Ministry Position Openings
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Pre-School Teacher Assistant-First United Presbyterian, Belleville, Illinois
Part-Time Pastor - Affton Presbyterian
Coordinator of Christian Education
Washington Presbyterian
Full-Time Chaplain - Aberdeen Heights
Associate Pastor - Dardenne Presbyterian,
Dardenne Prarie
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 jmcmillen@glpby.org
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