Newsletter
April / 14 / 2020
Changing My Swing
" Part of me feels as though I am resetting what I believe, and it affects everything from determining who my neighbor is to what it means to show love for my community during a pandemic. "
Presbytery Address Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Common-sense tips for the Coronavirus
(COVI-19) Outbreak

Please click here for more information and download and share this important tool in staying healthy during this outbreak.
financial_accounting.jpg
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.
Board of Pensions
Dues Relief & Deferment for Churches
REMEMBER THESE DETAILS!
  • Dues Relief is not automatic!
  • Churches need to call 1-800-773-7752 to apply for Dues Relief & Deferment.
  • If a church has questions or complicated circumstances, call!
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket

  • Please pray for...all those with Covid-19, those in quarantine and those in recovery
  • Please pray for... for medical personnel who are working the front lines to combat this virus and who are getting sick themselves.
  • Please pray for...our mission personnel around the world.
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
Parish Paper

Virtual Party Scheduled
This week will be Rev. Vanessa Hawkins, Associate Presbytery Leader, last week with our presbytery. Her "official" last day will be on Thursday, April 16. We had originally planned for a May Presbytery Gathering celebration, however that had to be postponed because of the pandemic. We have now planned a Virtual Happy Hour through Zoom for  Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m.   Please join us
at this Zoom link:   https://zoom.us/j/978624108
Upcoming Team Meetings
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.
Becoming Matthew 25
--- --- ---
How Do We Engage Socially Distancing and still participate in Mission & Ministry?
Congregational Vitality
Drawing from the  Vital Congregations Immediate Toolkit , here are four qualities of Spirit-inspired worship:
  • It’s God’s gift to humankind, and it’s a gift of God’s self — a double gift.
  • It’s a calling, both a calling in and a calling out. It’s an invitation into a deeper relationship with God and others, and it’s the invitation to mission and service in Jesus’ name.
  • It’s a witness to the resurrection, our opportunity to bear witness that the crucified One is risen from the dead.
  • It’s a way of life, flowing from the sanctuary to our workplace, home, neighborhood and community. It’s connected to everything else the church does, including the formation of caring relationships, lifelong formation for discipleship and the other marks of vital congregations.
Send us your stories on how your congregation is maintaining congregational vitality during this pandemic. Send stories to Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected]
Ministry Teams News & Activities
Prayers, Praises & Gentle Yoga
Tonight at 7 p.m.
We'll gather in praise of what God is doing, share our requests and burdens and then join in a gentle yoga practice led by a friend of Light for the Darkness. All are welcome. This will be via Zoom.
Eden Seminary’s Theological E-Forum
Virtual Hallelujahs – Faith Communities are Singing and Making Community Online
Presenters: Paul Vasile, Eden’s Music Director &
Sarah Bereza, Minister of Music,First Congregational Church of St. Louis. Register to attend here.
Presbyterian Study Grant Available
Presbyterian Study Grant is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s financial aid program for students planning for careers in the church. The program serves approximately 120 students per year. Because the number of students awarded is significantly less than the number of students enrolled in seminary, there are additional restrictions. Only MDiv and MACE students are eligible for award and those students must be enrolled full-time and demonstrate need.
connected_people_colors.jpg
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
Online Giving Program
Offering more than the offering plate
Your church can easily accept secure online donations through the Foundation’s online giving system.
  • Add a donation form to your website to accept gifts by electronic funds transfer, debit or credit card.
  • Simple, safe and secure.
  • No setup or maintenance fees.
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    
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.
Light for the Darkness
Mental health is so important. These days of isolation can make things difficult for everyone. Light for the Darkness seeks to help. Learn more about participating and be encouraged in worship and prayer.
Email Rev. Thirza Sayers, Pastor of Light for the Darkness with any questions you might have [email protected] Be a part of the ministry by engaging through Social Media and "Liking" on Facebook here.
An invitation to daily prayer from Rev. Thirza Sayers
Spiritual Direction
As we hold ourselves accountable and responsible in facing this challenge of the Coronavirus Pandemic, remember to keep in place spiritual practices to keep yourselves nurtured and sustained. One way to do that is by connecting with a spiritual director. 
Learn more about Spiritual Direction, and those who are called to that role by clicking here.
2020 Mission Opportunities
PPE Mission Project While Self Distancing
Calling all sewers! I am forwarding this pattern for sewing face masks from our daughter Chenoa, a PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker in Peru (now sequestered at home during Peru's mandatory, military enforced lockdown). This might be of interest to some of you sewers or someone you know who sews. Ellie Stock [email protected]
Click here for the filter mask pattern | Click here for other patterns
Aberdeen Heights Looking for Masks
We are accepting donations of homemade fabric masks. A variety of mask patterns are available online. Choose the one that fits your skill level. Here's one:    fr eesewing.org/blog/facemask-frenzy/
Masks should be at least double layer and have a different pattern on the inside versus the outside, preferably 100% cotton. Cloth ties are fine if elastic is unavailable. While homemade masks aren't medical grade, they are washable so we can sanitize & reuse them, and that's helpful for some purposes.
If you can help, contact Aberdeen Heights by phone at 314-909-6000.
Overseas Trips
Please be Aware these Plans May Change
2020 GLPBY Annual Mission Trip to Nicaragua
Plan Grande #2, Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua
July 11-18, 2020
Join us for an Exciting, Multi-Generational Opportunity to follow Christ’s example to love one another. This is an ideal experience for Christians hoping to expand perspectives and be active peacemakers. Learn more here.
2020 Joining Hands Partnership
20th Anniversary Peru Pilgrimage
Postponed to 2021
Please email Rev. Ellie Stock for more details about when planning and rescheduling will occur. Click here

Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Executive Director of Child-Care Center

AMEN St. Louis Director - Oak Hill Presbyterian

Called Pastor - Faith DesPeres Presbyterian