Presbytery Guest Blog by
Rev. Peter (Ping-Hsien) Wu
Taiwanese Presbyterian Church of Greater St Louis
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"The nurse checked each of our eyes for near sight and other possible issues."
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Our Presbytery - Our Work |
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Weekly Prayer Basket
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Please pray for... our blogger, Rev. Peter (Ping-Hsien) Wu, and the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church of Greater St. Louis and their mission and ministry.
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Please pray for...for families as new babies are born, and families expanded, for health and happiness.
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Please pray for... for our newest neighbors, Afghanistan refugees, that they are welcomed warmly and create lasting friendships in their new communities.
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Please pray for... leadership at every level of this nation, as we strive to end the COVID pandemic
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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 [email protected]
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Thurs., Sept. 29
9am- Pastor Boundary Training
(See Below)
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Please join us in Welcoming
Margaret Evelyn Henrion
Rev. Kathleen Henrion along with her husband, David, and older siblings Calvin and Leah, welcomed Margaret on Wednesday, September 22.
Mom, baby, and family are all very much in love and doing well!
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Upcoming Pastor Boundary Training |
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PASTOR REQUIRED BOUNDARY TRAINING
For All Pastors Currently Serving a Congregation, on the Pulpit Supply List, Chaplains, and in Educational Roles.
Thurs., Sept. 30 | 9 am to 12 pm
Zoom opens at 8:45 am | Registrees Click Here for Zoom Link
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If you have already participated in boundary training within the last three years, you must submit a copy of the certificate of completion to the Stated Clerk, Rev. Joy Myers, at [email protected] or by mailing it to 1001 Craig Rd., Suite 170, St. Louis, MO 63146. If you have any questions, please call her at 314.772.2395. We look forward to seeing you on September 30! |
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Presbyterian Border Ministry Conversation
Thur., Sept. 30 | 3 pm
Woodlawn Chapel will host the Rev. John Nelson, co-pastor of the University Presbyterian Church in El Paso, TX for an informal conversation about Presbyterian ministry along the Mexico/United States border. John has been involved in border ministries for many years and will be transitioning to this role full-time following his retirement this year. His presentation will highlight potential service/learning opportunities. Join us Thursday, September 30 at 3 p.m. at Woodlawn Chapel, 16520 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO 63011 (directions here) or on Zoom by emailing Chris Keating ([email protected]) in advance.
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The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, receives a COVID-19 vaccine in early 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Governor's Office) |
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Vaccination and Faithfulness in a Time of Pandemic
The need for vaccination has been clear for months. It is utterly compelling now. The variants of the coronavirus are harming thousands, infecting us at rates our medical system is straining to handle. Those who are infected by the variants of COVID-19 are overwhelmingly people who have not been fully vaccinated — more than 90% of those now becoming infected. Getting vaccinated is loving oneself.
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Responding to Requests for Religious Exemptions from Vaccine Mandates
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Considering the Alternatively Abled
In an age of reckonings, people with disabilities are making sure their presence is known and their spiritual insights are honored. Disability isn’t an issue on the margins: at this moment, about 25 percent of Americans have a disability of some kind. Most people will eventually experience a disability or know someone who will.
People with disabilities and their allies are fighting for better laws, more accessible campuses, more welcoming congregations. They are bringing a deeper vision of belonging to the life of faith if congregations are willing to listen.
Reflections Journal, produced online twice a year by Yale Divinity School (YDS) as a public service of the School, focussed on how we view our alternatively abled friends.
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APCE Will Gather February 9 – 12 (2022) | Chicago, Illinois
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Lutesville Presbyterian Church
Sat., Oct. 2 | 8 am-3 pm
The Bollinger County Fall Festival will be held this weekend and the Lutesville Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall will have some home-baked goodies, crafts, and more.
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Pacific Presbyterian Church
Parking Lot Sale Extravaganza
Sat., Oct. 9 | 8 am– 12 pm
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Arts & Faith: Integration of Mind, Body, & Spirit
Sat. Oct. 23 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
An opportunity to experience God more fully through Christian practices.
(register early; workshops have limited space)
Deadline to register: Tuesday, October 19
Workshops include:
- Contemplative Clay Play with Ellen Phillips
- Creating journals from recycled materials, with Jeanne Carbone
- Yoga with Kristy Kreitner
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2021 CROP Hunger Walk & Concert
Sun., Oct. 24 | 5pm
The 2021 CROP Hunger Walk and Concert will be held on Sunday, October 24 at Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119 – check-in at 4:30 p. m., Walk at 5:00 p.m., and Concert at 7:00 p.m. Or, you may also participate as a virtual walker. For further information, to register to walk (in-person or virtually), to create a team, to join a team, and/or to donate, go to the following website:
The CROP Concert is also the 10 th Annual Eden Seminary Festival of Psalms, as well as the final installment of Eden Nights; and for the first time, it will be held outdoors on the Eden field. It features musicians who, in church circles, are locally, nationally, and internationally known. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Pure Catering. If you don’t do online, you may write a check to CWS/CROP and mail it to CROP Treasurer, Clint McCann, at 672 Marshall Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119. Questions? Contact Clint at [email protected] or 314-619-0599. |
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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)
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Presbyterian Women Bible Study
Beginning September 30 | 12:30 pm
The Presbyterian Women of Giddings Lovejoy are planning to offer a Bible Study from Horizons – What My Grandmothers taught me; The Women in the Genealogy of Jesus. Some of those grandmothers include Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. The study will be via Zoom and begin later in September, with one study per month for 9 months. If you are interested in the study, please contact Cheryl Rainey (Click Here), and study guides/books will be ordered. We hope you will try to join us and others from around the Presbytery for this study.
The study that will be held at 10:30 am, on the fourth Thursday of each month, will be led by Cheryl and Rev. Dr. Aline Russell. Aline may be reached by email
or by calling 618.531.6341.
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Blessing of the Animals
Sun., Oct. 3 | 1p.m.
Grace Presbyterian Church Gazebo
In connection with the Feast of St. Francis, Grace Presbyterian will host a Blessing of the Animals during their regular Sunday Farmers Market. Pastor Vicky Michaels will lead the crowd and their pets in a service reminding us of the place pets and other animals play in the richness of God's creation. Grace Presbyterian Church is located at 105 Bailey Rd, Crystal City, MO 63019. Directions found here
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Confronting Hopelessness, Thwarting Division
World Communion Sunday
October 3, 2021
Empowering congregations
and individuals
to become peacemakers themselves.
Through the Peace & Global Witness Offering, congregations are encouraged and equipped to find and address the anxiety and discord that is prevalent throughout this broken and sinful world.
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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
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Wondering if you (you = a youth going into 7th grade through just graduated 12th graders) should go? Check out this highlight video from the 2019 event!!! https://fb.watch/89-ike82TU/
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Hunger Action is something our Presbytery has proven to be passionate about. Here are some unexpected resources, that might not be well known. Share with those you know who might be in need of these resources. Our new Hunger Action Leader is Elder Donna Cook, of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church. Learn more about St. Louis Metro Market, by clicking here.
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Tips For Caring for God's Good Earth
Read the book, Choosing Earth: Humanity's Great Transition to a Mature Planetary Civilization.
Necessary reading for those concerned about the needed transition from an unsustainable lifestyle to a sustainable lifestyle for habitants of Mother Earth. Hard and hope-filled read! Duane Elgin, the author, also wrote the well-known book, Voluntary Simplicity published in the 1970's.
"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.
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25 Choir Robes Available
Southminster Presbyterian Church is blessed to be receiving a gift of new choir robes. This gift enables the church to share its current light blue robes with another church or faith-based organization in need.
These robes will be available on January 1st, or a bit earlier. If you are interested or know of someone who is, please call Carolyn Boeher at 314.780.5123.
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Called to Serve? We Need You! |
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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.
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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
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Education & Training Opportunities |
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Calvin Symposium on Worship
January 31 - February 4, 2022
Join this Livestream Conference, with some in-person sessions as we are able, sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the Center for Excellence in Preaching, located at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
These times feature panels of experts and pastoral leaders on topics related to public worship and the Christian life, broadcast on YouTube Premiere and drawing wisdom from congregations and institutions across a range of traditions and denominations.
Worship services will be based on The Beatitudes, featuring both YouTube Premiere and live stream services, with preachers and worshiping communities from across North America and beyond.
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Virtual Doctor of Ministry Open House
Friday, September 24 at 7 p.m. CT
Navigating Identity: Self, Culture, and Church Before God will be co-led by Dr. David Congdon and Dr. Annette Huizenga. Hear more from our cohort leaders about course readings and rhythms during this virtual gathering. Contact Kayla Schween, Director of Seminary Admission, with any questions. [email protected] | 563.589.3115. The Zoom link will be available immediately following registration.
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Presbyterian Foundation - Online Day of Learning
Explore the Complex Issues with Managing Church Property
Tuesday - October 12
The webinar offers three different issues concerning how congregations and mid-councils can use or repurpose buildings and properties to further their mission.
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8:30 PST/11:30 EST Maggie Harmon will present The Value of Vision How do you get where you’re going if you don’t know where it is that you want to go?
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11:00 PST/2:00 EST Olanda Carr and Robert Hay will share Options for Repurposing Church Property - In this workshop, we will review various options to consider when repurposing your church property.
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2:30 PST/5:30 EST with Understanding Financial Implications for Property Transition from Paul Grier.
We will consider the impact of potential changes in property taxation, together with realistic assessments of the marketability of the property and required market exposure time, as well as compliance and impacts from civil and PC(USA) requirements.
We’re all going to be dealing with these issues more often in the next few years, so it’s important to learn this information right now.
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APCE E-4 Conference
(educate-empower-energize-engage)
October 14–16, 2021
at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Independence, Missouri
For Onsite Registrations—Meals: Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch, Saturday breakfast are included. Lodging: You will need to make your reservations with Stoney Creek and let them know you are attending the APCE E4 Conference. Call 800.659.2220 or use this link: https://www.stoneycreekhotels.com/hotel/travel/independence/. Hotel costs are your responsibility.
Can't make the event in person? Join us virtually! Just mark the virtual option in the form below. You will be sent a link to join all workshops and worship.
The conference begins with check-in at 4 p.m. October 14 and ends at noon October 16 after worship.
Fees: $100 onsite/$50 virtual
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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
Scholarships Available - 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.
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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 [email protected]
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Current Support Ministry Position Openings |
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Organist/Accompanist - First Presbyterian, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Interim Associate Pastor - First Presbyterian, Kirkwood, Missouri
Guitarist (Paid) - First Presbyterian, Kirkwood, Missouri
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
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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 [email protected]
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