Newsletter
April / 16 / 2019
Partners
By Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard
Presbytery Leader
"How does a church building become part of the fabric of a community? When does sacred space become public space: a place of intersection between insiders and outsiders where all feel ownership and community?"
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket Update

  • Please pray.... for those who mourn the fire of destruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral
Click on the prayer basket to find our current prayers.
Regarding Ruling Elders.....
The gospel of Matthew tells the story of a man who entrusts a large amount of money to each of three servants and then goes on a journey. When he returns, he calls the servants for an accounting. Two of the servants have invested and made a profit. They are praised and rewarded. The third servant, motivated by fear, has buried the master’s money in the ground for safekeeping. This servant gets a scathing rebuke and is thrown “into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Mt.25:14–30, NRSV). What did this third servant do wrong? The story seems to say that he was judged harshly, not for losing the talent, but for failing to do anything with it. Fear of failure kept him from investing what belonged to the master for the master’s purposes. For this he was thrown into the outer darkness.
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Upcoming Team Meetings
NOTE: Meeting locations are as follows: Oaks - is the meeting room next door to the presbytery office; St.Andrew - refers to the Board Room of St. Andrews on the second floor, directly above the presbytery office; Pres - refers to the Presbytery Office Resource Center; Ladue - refers to Ladue Chapel; WG - refers to Webster Groves Presbyterian. Contact the office at 314-772-2395 if you are unsure where you will be meeting.
Week of: Apr. 18 to Apr.24

Thurs. Apr. 18
9:30 a.m. - History Team (Aberdeen Hts)
Mon., Apr. 22
1 p.m. - Dismant Racism Priv. (Ladue)
Week of: Apr. 25 to May 1

Thurs. Apr. 25
10 a.m. - Presby Educators (Oaks)
4 p.m. - Vision Team (St.Andrew)
Tues., Apr. 30
4 p.m. - Mission/Outreach (Oaks)
Next Presbytery Gathering - Saturday, May 4th

  • Pre-Gathering Fellowship on Friday, May 3 - Beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the dedication of the Prayer Park of First Presbyterian Church, Cape Girardeau. Many activities will take place in the downtown area that evening.
  • Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the food pantry that services the Cape Girardeau community.
  • The presbytery will offer up to $50 toward your hotel stay, (double occupancy) if attending the Friday night Pre-Gathering. The Courtyard Marriott is located close to our gathering and we have reserved a block of rooms for those interested. Call Leigh at 314-772-2395 for more details, about how to participate.
  • Carpooling is key! Again, when there are three or more to a vehicle, a $10 gift card will be offered to carpooling attendees.
ALL are WELCOME!
Share with all in your congregation!
Uprooting Hunger - 2019 Presbytery Wide Goal
Presbytery Gathering Workshop
- HUNGER -
Sat., May 4

When did we see you hungry?
How the church meets Jesus as we engage in hunger ministry.....
50 years ago, Presbyterians declared hunger a major mission priority for the church. Now, we have multiple programs working internationally and domestically to combat hunger and to address underlying reasons why people are hungry. Rebecca will give an overview of all that Presbyterian Hunger Program offers right now, including stories of what’s going on in churches, presbyteries, and at the national and international levels to address hunger. We will also unpack the impact our combined work has in the world, and how you can participate—from becoming a Hunger Action Congregation to serving in your local community to connecting to one of our One Great Hour of Sharing grantee partners.
  Join us in welcoming and learning from Rev. Rebecca Barnes,
Coordinator of Presbyterian Hunger Program
All are welcome! Share with all in your congregation!
Uprooting Hunger - Hunger Action Team
In 2019 the presbytery will work toward establishing Certified Hunger Action Congregations. This  handout will be helpful to your congregation, as we journey together in the year ahead. If you have any questions, email:  [email protected]
Ministry Team Updates
The Mission and Outreach Team of the Presbytery of Giddings – Lovejoy is announcing those who have been awarded Summer Grants for 2019, and they include:


Cote Brilliante • Oak Hill • UKirk • Westminister • Third • Webster Rock Hill Ministries • First – Ste Genevieve • Grace – Crystal City • Rock - Imperial
The grants will be utilized predominately for children/youth programs. Thanks to all of the applicants for committing to providing children in presbytery a spiritual and fun summer. 
Presbyterian Women's
Annual Spring Gathering
Sat., Apr. 27
Presbyterian Women's Annual Spring Gathering is quickly approaching The Gathering will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Ste. Genevieve on Saturday, April 27, 2019. The theme is “Creation Covenant”. We’ve scheduled to dynamic speakers on the program, Dr. Clarice Hutchens, President of Partners for Just Trade and Alyson Miller, Executive Director of Partners for Just Trade. The registration form and directions can be found on page 7 of this issue of the Linkletter. Please send in your registration form and fees by April 20, 2019. Registration Form Here.
Dismantling Racism & Privilege Team Presents
Presentation by Diane McCullough
World premiere of Fire Shut Up in My Bones,
Sunday, April 28, 2019 – 9:30 a.m.

This adult education event will be held at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. This presentation is commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis in partnership with Jazz St. Louis. Based on the memoir by Charles Blow; Libretto by Kasi Lemmons; Terence Blanchard, composer.
The event flyer can be found here. - Directions can be found here.
Partners for Just Trade
360° FAIR TRADE
Give StL - Give the Month of April to Support
Partners for Just Trade in 2019
Partners for Just Trade is a non-profit, faith-based organization that builds partnerships between producers living in extreme poverty and consumers in North America. We address root causes of poverty through Fair Trade sales, education, solidarity, and a commitment to trade justice. Learn more about Partners for Just Trade by clicking here.
To learn how to give through Give StL, click here.
Earth Month in April
Earth Day has been on April 22 for nearly 50 years but now April has been designated Earth Month. And, also added is Faith Climate Action Week, April 5 to 14 this year. So now churches have the whole month to raise awareness about caring for God's awesome creation as well as opportunity to participate in some kind of action that will protect and preserve the incredible gift of nature all around us. It is indeed a part of what it means to be a person and community of faith in our time! For resources: [email protected] in Louisville and www.FaithClimateActionWeek.org .   Also, contact the presbytery's Earth Care Action Team: [email protected] .   
Troubling the Waters for the Healing of the World
Social Witness Action Team of the
Synod of Mid-America
Annual Conference
Saturday, June 22, 2019 - 9 a.m .to 3 p.m.
John Knox Presbyterian Church
More information on the day can be found here.
Congregational Happenings
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Annual Spring Salad Luncheon
The Hardin, Illinois Presbyterian Church will be having its Annual Spring Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in its fellowship hall. The menu will include chicken salad, assorted salads and breads, dessert, and drink for $8.00. Proceeds go to local missions. Treat your secretary on “Administrative Professional’s Day.” 
Directions can be found here.
Annual Mound Ridge Dinner Auction
Saturday, April 27, 2019
at Andre’s South Banquets and Catering
4238 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO
from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m .

Tickets: $65 per person or $500 for a table of 8. Come join us and help support Mound Ridge because there is, “No Place Like Camp”
RSVP and pay for your tickets via PayPal, by clicking the link above.
Bach Society Young Artists             
Sunday, April 28 - 4:00 pm

The versatile 2018-19 Bach Society of St. Louis Young Artists and pianist Sandra Geary present a delightful afternoon program on Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End, St. Louis, 63108. The concert is part of the Bach Society’s 2019 St. Louis Bach Festival and is free to the community. For more information call 314-367-0367 or  www.secondchurch.net.
Safety/Active Shooter Workshop
Thurs., May 2
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security and J.R. Green Insurance Services, Inc. extend an invitation to the churches and organizations of The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy to attend the Safety/Active Shooter Workshop. Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church has graciously provided the meeting space.
J. R. Green Insurance Services, Inc. provides the insurance program to many of the Presbyterian churches and organizations in the Presbytery. The Workshop is free and will provide information and resources that are valuable to your organization and members. This is an opportunity to "review your plan of action" or "develop a plan of action"
To register and learn more about this training opportunity, please click here.
Friday Night Story Delights
Friday, May 3 - 7 pm
Faith DesPeres Presbyterian Church

Sponsored by the University Extension of Missouri you are welcome to join these Festival Featured Storytellers for bite-sized stories.
Featured Storytellers: Bil Lepp, Diane Ferlatte, Liz Weir, Robert Lewis, Noa Baum, Bill Harley, Motoko, Antonio Sacre, and TrixBruce.
Hosted by Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church, Directions may be found here.
$5 suggested donation at the door - Visit stlstorytellingfestival.com for more information.
Exploring Missional Leadership
Tuesday, May 7 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ferguson Presbyterian Church

How do we develop more missional leaders in the church? Exploring Missional Leadership (EML) is a daylong event hosted by mid councils & churches and led by 1001 national staff. Through presentations, active learning and group conversation, participants will be introduced to the concept of missional church and the qualities and competencies of missional leadership.
Sponsored by 1001 New Worshipping Communities and Ferguson Presbyterian Church, this event is free, with lunch provided. Learn more about Exploring Missional Leadership and register for this event by clicking here. Registration for the event can be made by calling Ferguson Presbyterian (314) 522-8542 and registering with Marcia Keys our church administrator. Office hours are M-Th 8:30-12:30 pm. Directions to the church can be found here.
Micah 6:8 Camp
Schools will be letting our for the summer soon. Have you made plans for your middle school student, for day camp?
Explore what Amen St. Louis
June 17th to 21st. Click below:
Complete List of Educational Opportunities: Found Here
Sabbatical support for pastors
  “Where might my congregation and I receive financial support for a pastoral sabbatical? ”
By: Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty
Regularly, I am asked this question. I do know of some programs, but am sad to say it is not nearly enough. Three leading programs supporting sabbaticals for pastors are listed below. A signature program, the first listed below, has a deadline this week! I wonder if you know of others? Continue to read here.
Board of Pensions
Annual Benefits Connection
Thurs., May 9th - 10 am. to 3 p.m.
Hosted by Ladue Chapel
Benefits Connections are half-day events, during which employers hear from benefits experts from the Board about the foundational values of the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA) — wholeness, compassion, and justice — and the Church’s commitment to just compensation. You’ll explore ways your congregation can support ministers and staff through these values. And you’ll understand how benefits offered by the Board can meet your needs as an employer.
You’ll also have the opportunity to network with colleagues from your region and tell us what you need as an employer. We look forward to meeting with you. Learn more here.
Church Buildings: Blessing and Burden
Eden Seminary Spring Convocation
April 23th and 24th
So many beautiful buildings, with so many memories, so important to the congregations that use them, are also increasingly a financial burden, larger than needed, a challenge to the future of the congregations that love them. This two-day event will explore the blessings of congregational buildings and the burdens congregations face because of them. While there are no easy answers to the challenges buildings pose for many congregations, there are ways to begin exploring what can and should be done. Find more details here.
PC(USA) Special Offerings Webinar Offered
Pentecost Offering
Looking for information for this year’s Pentecost Offering? Join Special Offerings staff for a webinar:
Mid Council Leaders:  April 23, 2019—12:00 pm EDT.
Congregation Leaders:  April 30 , 2019—12:00 pm EDT.
Messy Church Training
Saturday, May 18th - 9 a.m. to 3:30 pm. 
at St. Paul UCC-Waterloo, Illinois
Messy Church is a church experience for families who have not found other forms of church engaging and who don’t yet belong to a church. It explores a biblical theme through includes hands-on creative experiences, a celebration and a meal. It is usually held once per month at a time other than Sunday morning. It does not prioritize either the needs of children or adults but intentionally welcomes and provides for all ages.
National Black Presbyterian Caucus
June 27 to June 29
Registration is open  for the 45th Biennial National Black Presbyterian Caucus, June 27–29. This year’s theme is “Seeking Racial Justice & Equity! Where do we go from here?” The conference will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center. 
Faithful Innovation Summit
July 24–26, 2019
Luther Seminary in Minneapolis
 “We live in a time of disruptive change—and many of us are unsure where to start or how to lead through uncertainty. The  Faithful Innovation Summit is designed to help you define and address the challenges you’re facing. Gather with fellow Christian leaders and consider what God is calling you to do.”
The Presbytery of the Inland Northwest has been invited to present a case study of their missional transformation this event. Sheryl Kinder Pyle is eager to have some other EPs join them there; contact her for more information, and plan to attend.
Stewardship Kaleidoscope Annual Conference
September 30 to October 2
The annual  Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference is a great opportunity for congregations to take a deeper dive into stewardship. The program is for pastors and for stewardship committees. Whether you want to refresh your approach or overhaul it, there will be something for you at Stewardship Kaleidoscope. 
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Mid Council Financial Network Planning Team
2019 Conference 
November 20-22, 2019 
Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront

This event is a continuing education and training opportunity for synod, presbytery, and church financial persons. We are working with presenters and various others to bring you the most up to date information for this conference.
Save the date - More details will be released soon.
Opportunity to Talk about the Confessions
Taking a breif break for Easter, join us after Holy Week. Want to join the conversation? Contact Barbara G. Willock, [email protected].
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
Congregations Searching for Support Staff
Part Time Site Manager - AMEN|St. Louis

Soprano Section Leader Wanted - Westminster St. Louis

Director of Music and Organist - Faith Des Peres

Director Faith Formation and Family Ministries
for Children - Ladue Chapel