"...The polarization that the Supreme Court’s action has fueled in our community of congregations may be symbolized by how our presbytery spans two American states: one state, in Illinois, embodies one of the most accessible in support of women’s reproductive freedom, and another, in Missouri, has become one of the most restrictive against women’s reproductive freedom..."

On Friday, June 24th our group of six advocates for RGJ-08 – An Overture of Apology to African Americans for the Sin of Slavery and Its Legacy, had the joy of hearing a unanimous approval (31/0) vote by the commissioners. It will go to Plenary in July. This was the culmination of several weeks of working together via zoom to create a coherent and effective presentation. It was a special joy to meet RE Magalene McClarrin (Long Island Presbytery), RE Tom Bacon (Denver Pres.), RE Annette Snyder (Baltimore Pres.), Rev. Vicky Michaels (GLPBY but representing the Synod of Mid-America), and RE Barbara Ingram-Edmonds (New York City Pres.). We connected through this work by truly listening to one another and listening to the Holy Spirit, and we have plans to re-convene later this summer to start exchanging ideas for substantive actions to further the work suggested in the overture and in other resolutions that were approved by the GA Race and Gender Justice Committee. I felt there was an energy for reform and real reparations in that room of commissioners. Thanks be to God.

“I look forward to building a relationship well beyond tomorrow's committee meeting in our joint efforts to build the Beloved Community!” RE Barbara Ingram-Edmonds

“Barbara, your presentation was, without sounding hyperbolic, outstanding. And Diane, Vicky, Annette, and Tom you are fantastic (the Fantastic Four have nothing on any of you: you stretched our minds, inflamed our hearts with commitment and intention, made disappear the notion that we are not united in love and in Christ, and infused us with “supernatural” strength by reminding us of the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells us all)’ RE Magalene McClarrin.

“It was such a privilege to serve as an overture advocate with all of you. We gave a strong presentation, and I feel so blessed to have been with you today. I would appreciate collaborating with the group in the future. With our varied backgrounds and lens, we can focus energy on this problem in order to help bring about the Beloved Community.” Rev. Vicky Michaels

“Dear Advocates,Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Our presentation was effective. Thank you for your heartfelt presentations. I think the language amendments were great - made a clearer and stronger case for what we are recommending.” Re Diane McCullough

Cost is $10.00 per person and $5.00 per extra card. Bring in a pkg. of diapers or feminine hygiene products and receive an extra card for free. There will also be a contest for best tropical wear, plus other games. Please RSVP by leaving a voice message for reservations at 314-837-8555 or sign up outside of office. Please give name and number of people attending. Directions can be found here.

Americans fill over 4 billion prescriptions per year, begging the question, “What happens to all the empty prescription bottles?” The answer is a bit complicated as most curbside recycling programs generally do not accept these plastic bottles. Still, there are other ways to recycle them properly and keep them from piling up in the landfill. 

The Earth Care Team of presbytery consists of members of the 9 Earth Care Congregations in the presbytery. If you have questions on what you can do to help, contact: [email protected] or 314-941-9378.

Give online at http://ow.ly/xAY150JyoOi. Then select PW Gives Day and your gift amount. Or mail your check to Presbyterian Women Inc., PO Box 643652, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3652. Please indicate annual fund and PWGDay22 in the memo line of your check.

Why Mental Health First Aid (for Adults and Youth)? Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders (in adults and youth). It gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Visit PCUSA's Financial Aid for Studies website and learn about denominational scholarships, loans, and grants.

The Synod of Mid-America has funds available for Presbyterians to use for higher education. These scholarships can be used for any accredited institution of higher learning (including trade schools and graduate study programs). Scholarships are available/awarded per school year and renewable with application annually.

Scholarships are open to active Presbyterians within the Synod of Mid-America, and whose church of membership qualifies as follows:

- in Kansas (total of 90 members or less),

- in Missouri or Illinois (total of 50 members or less),

as determined by membership reported December 31, 2021.

Applicants will be judged on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in the local church, school, and community. All scholarship applicants must be endorsed by their session, and obtain a letter of support from the Clerk of Session or Pastor.

The deadline for application for Higher Education Scholarships is August 1, 2022 at 5:00pm. Scholarship recipients will be notified by August 31, 2022.

Click here to download a Higher Education Scholarship form.

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.

GLPby App Form (Word) | GLPby App Form (fillable PDF)