We know you've been working endlessly for months, not just for your congregations, but also for your families and your communities. If you're feeling exhausted, who could blame you? What if you could run away -- even if it's only mentally -- for twenty-two hours .... not even a whole day ... and rest. And pray. And talk with friends. And play. What if you could sleep and stretch and listen and laugh? And what if you didn't have to pay for it? What if there was STILL TIME to get in on this amazing opportunity? There is. But ... time IS running out because prayer packages need to be mailed THIS WEEK to participants, so if you're going to take advantage of this incredible offer, you have to register now. It's not like any of us really knows what day it is anyway, right? ;) So click here to go to the registration page, and do it while you're thinking about it. Even if you can't leave your house or you will, but you have to take your kids with you. Do it. You know you need this. We know it, too. That's why we're offering it. Register now.

Please note that attendees will receive $75 for travel, food, incidentals. Those who choose to join the retreat from a hotel can be reimbursed up to $175, with receipt submission by emailing Leigh Porter, Office Manager, [email protected] 

You must be registered to vote. You can check to see if you are registered to vote, Missouri, here, and in Illinois, here. If not you may register to vote online in Missouri here and in Illinois, here.

Be a prepared and knowledgeable voter - See your voting options here

Webster Groves Presbyterian Church will offer free mail-in ballot notarization services on four upcoming Sundays, October 18, and 25 from noon to 3 p.m. The notary services will be held on the parking lot on the east side of the church at 45 West Lockwood in Webster Groves. Directions can be found here.

Moderators, Rev. Steve Matthews and Rev. Rob Dyer welcome everyone with questions or ideas to join them, and explore new worshipping opportunities.

Please RSVP your interest to Leigh Porter at [email protected]. A Zoom link will be sent to you before the meeting in October.

     https://www.eden.edu/events/festival-of-psalms/

Once you register, you will be sent a link to use on the evening of the 25th. The Festival of Psalms is also the 4th Annual CROP Concert; and as in the past, it features Richard Bruxvoort Colligan and a host of other nationally and internationally known musicians. To register for the virtual CROP Walk or to make a donation to CROP/Church World Service (CWS), go to www.crophungerwalk.org/saintlouismo and be reminded that the PCUSA is a member of CWS. Questions? Contact Clint McCann at [email protected] or 314-619-0599.

"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Team of presbytery, composed of representatives from the nine Earth Care Congregations. No cost for consultation. For information on how your congregation can become a Certified Earth Care Congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) or just information about doing an Earth Care Project in your congregation, contact: [email protected] or 314-941-9378.

Light for the Darkness hosted our first fireside chat last week. It was a beautiful time of sharing, connecting, being, and feeling. If you live with mental health struggles, consider joining us next month: First Wednesdays we'll have a fire, an outdoor heater, hot chocolate and herbal tea, s'mores. Please bring a blanket or two and dress warmly. A restroom is available. Our next fireside chat is November 4^th at 6:30, click here for event link or contact Thirza Sayers for more information at [email protected].

In Illinois - Click Here | In Missouri - Click Here

Click here to learn more

From Jed: The stress of suffering crisis after crisis seems to fall upon us like a blizzard dumping snow on top of the frozen slush of yesterday that never had time to melt away. Some crises are so deeply buried that we have lost sight of their impact on our daily living; we fail to recognize that they provide a base for new crises to build up and overwhelm us. Blinded by the magnitude of it all, it is easy to lose sight of our neighbor. It is easy to forget we are not alone. It is easier still to deny that we need one another.

From Chenoa: No, I am not in control. But seeing our partners’ faithful witness of God’s love, justice, peace, and strength, I know and trust that God, who moves through, within, and around us, most certainly is.

New Worshiping Communities recognized by their presbytery are invited to apply for a one-time Pivot Grant of $1000 to assist with shifting programs, new training, or unanticipated expenses due to the pandemic or racial injustices in your community. The application is simple and awards will be made on a first come, first served basis - so communities must act quickly! Applications can be submitted by clicking here.

Please submit your grant request to [email protected]. Note in the subject line Second Wave Grant.

Courses open to all, including Commissioned Ruling Elder candidates or any individual seeking further knowledge & edification

Learn to practice optimal inclusion in this free session. Register by clicking here.

This is the second installment of a three-part webinar series discussing the challenges and emerging model practices for housing, sheltering, and congregate population management during the pandemic.  More information on the other webinars in this series.

The 2020 Herencia Webinars will explore the ongoing impact of COVID-19, systemic racism, and a crumbling economy on the local and global church while offering a vision for developing a creative way forward, influenced by God’s revelation of “doing a new thing”—Isaiah 43:19. The webinars will be held in three parts over three days: October 22, 27, and 29. Registration is required. The price for admission is $20 each or $50 for all three.

Where in your church can you take action to address systemic poverty on a global level? The next online Matthew 25 event, scheduled for October 28 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, will lift up how to engage existing partners for this work and where potential partnerships might exist. This event will follow the model of the previous Matthew 25 events with facilitated dialogue, guest speakers, and the sharing of resources. Mark your calendars today and register here