Newsletter
June / 13 / 2023
How will you spend Juneteenth?
The DRAWP Relate Team Invites You to Commemorate Juneteenth…
Sun., Jun 18 | 1:30 pm
In observance of the Juneteenth holiday this year, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site has two exciting events planned on Sunday, June 18! At 1:30 PM, learn about Kirkwood, Missouri native James Milton Turner in a Park Ranger Greg Carr presentation. 
Turner was freed from enslavement at a young age, was educated despite Missouri's laws outlawing Black residents from earning an education and experienced combat firsthand in the Civil War. After the war, he served as a diplomat in President Grant's administration. This program is free and will be held in the park's theatre. Please call (314) 842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.
Next, at 3:00 PM, St. Louis-based gospel choir The Legend Singers will perform. The Legend Singers have been performing and preserving African Americans' music and musical heritage for over 80 years. The concert will be held indoors, is free, and does not require reservations.
Our Presbytery - Our Work
Weekly Prayer Basket

  • Please pray for ... for the family of Rev. Julie March, as they prepare for her memorial.
  • Please pray for... for sustained energy of volunteers at churches hosting Vacation Bible School events
PC(USA)
Quick Connect
Support Ministry
Help Wanted
Upcoming Ministry Team Meetings
This Week
Next Week
Wed., June 14
10 am - COM Click Here
Thurs., June 15
1:30 pm - Vision Team Click Here
3 pm - Planning Gather Click Here
Thurs., June 22
10 am - Public Witness Click Here
11 am - NWCC Click Here
Our Stated Clerk Search Is Live!
The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy is seeking a part-time Stated Clerk who will join our staff in November of this year!
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume, Personal Information Form (PIF), or CV to Donna Schiro, [email protected].
Please include your name in the subject line of your email and title all documents in the upper left corner with your first and last name. There will also be the opportunity to provide written responses to supplemental questions that will be extended to candidates upon application. Your letter of interest and documents must be received by July 24, 2023. Finalists will be notified by August 1, and interviews will be conducted on August 10 and 11, 2023.

Check out our new webpage for information on the search! https://glpby.org/services/clerk-search/
 
Search Team for the Stated Clerk,
 
Sarah Holt (Chair of Search Team for the Stated Clerk)
Donna Schiro (Vice-Chair )
Rev. Daniel Ervin
Barbara Abbett
Rev. Larryetta Ellis
Rev. Kathleen Henrion
Memorial Service Announced
Rev. Julie Marie March
1944-2023
Rev. March was the former Minister of Equipping at Trinity Presbyterian Church in University City, Missouri, and was beloved by many. Her memorial is scheduled for August 2.
To view her full obituary, memorial details, or leave a memory or message for the family can be done by clicking here.
News & Updates
NOW ORDERING
2023-2024 CALENDARS
Our office is now ordering calendars. The cost will be $10/each.
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glasses_on_book.jpg
2024 Books of Order are also being ordered, but the cost is not known at this time.
We anticipate that these will arrive in early fall, if not earlier, but do not have an exact date. Reserve either or both by emailing, Office Manager, Leigh Porter at [email protected].
Global Partnerships Important Announcement
Urgent Call for Support of Ukranian Family
by John Calvin Presbyterian Church (JCPC)
This photo is of a desperate family of 5, living in a suburb of Kyiv, in immediate need of rescue. Victoria and Oleg, along with their children, have been preparing to seek refuge in St. Louis since April. Currently, they are experiencing heavy missile and drone attacks in their neighborhood and haven’t even been able to hide in their basement any longer due to flooding from heavy rains.
JCPC is looking for a group of individuals to comprise a Sponsorship Team responsible for the process of bringing this precious Ukrainian family to the St. Louis region for safety. The primary point of contact is Amy Brixey.
The Sponsorship Team will include:
  • Several “Support Sponsors” who will work together to obtain the support and means for this family during their journey and settling here.
  • One individual “Head Sponsor” who will be the official sponsor listed for the family and will be responsible for completing the sponsor filing. Though only ONE individual can officially be named, the family will ideally be hosted and supported by the entire Sponsor Team so that no one person is overwhelmed.
We can direct you to available resources for assistance. Please consider this opportunity. If interested in helping this family, please contact Amy, by email, click here, or call 636-220-8327. A shareable flyer can be found by clicking here.
DRAWP Book Study Planned
DRAWP is pleased to announce the 2023 summer book group! The group will meet for 7 weeks (each Wednesday) via Zoom starting July 19, 2023, with the final gathering in person. This year we will be reading "What Kind of Christianity" by William Yoo.
The book is currently on sale at the PCUSA Store for $19.50
(Regular Price: $30.00). Click Here for Details
If you are planning to be part of the group read this summer, order yours today and receive 35% off the list price! Sign up for this summer's book group by sending an email to Travis Winckler ([email protected]) Diane McCullough ([email protected]), or Julie Northrip ([email protected]).
Tips for Caring for God's Amazing Creation: 
Earth Care Actions During Worship
Devote a Sunday every year to an Earth Care theme. Conduct worship outdoors. Preach a sermon on caring for God's awesome creation. Include earth care in prayers and children's messages. Plan for earth care awareness liturgical dramas or dances. Plant trees/shrubs for new members, baptisms, confirmations, etc.
"TIPS" is brought to you by the Earth Care Work Group of Presbytery, monitoring Earth Care Congregations in the Presbytery (10) and bringing awareness to ecological injustice, especially against low-income, people of color, indigenous, women, and the LGBTQ community. Contact: [email protected] or 314-941-9378.
June Opportunities for Transformation, Wonder, and Healing with A Place of Grace:
Grace Camp: Art!
Are you looking for an intergenerational Christian Education opportunity for your family or elementary-aged children through adult members of your congregation this summer?
A Place of Grace is offering Grace Camp: Art from Tuesday, July 25th through Friday, July 28th with an art show on Saturday, July 29th at Von Dell Gallery & Studios in Wood River. Focusing on the Genesis 1 story of creation, APOG, Pastor, Julie Gvillo will guide participants through artistic interpretations of scripture and theological thinking in two-hour retreats beginning at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Light snacks will be provided. Registration is $12/person to
secure your spot in one-time slot or the other, and must be paid by Saturday, July 15th, 2023. Registration fees cover the cost of materials only. An offering box will be present at the retreats and the art show to support the ministry of A Place of Grace. All artistic creations will be held at the gallery for the Saturday reveal, which is open to the public. Artists will have an opportunity to speak to their work at the art show from 4 to 6 p.m. and take their pieces home after.
Direct your questions to Julie Gvillo at [email protected] or 618.410-5060. Register at aplaceofgrace-juliegvillo.net/upcoming-events.html. Registration fees may be paid through Venmo (@Julie_Gvillo)
or via PayPal.me/JulieGvillo. Space is limited! We hope you'll join us for this art and sabbath opportunity!
Presbyterian Pride:
Rev. David Sindt and the Minnesota Roots of the Fight for Full Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians in the PC(USA)
Thurs., June 22 | 6 pm to 8 pm

Public Historian and PHS Board Member Tim Hoogland will share the story of the Rev. David Sindt, who came out as an openly gay pastor in the early 1970s. He was a catalyst for the initial advocacy to fully include and ordain LGBTQ Presbyterians in the ministry of the church. After the presentation, PHS Executive Director Nancy Taylor will moderate a panel comprised of participants in this struggle who will reflect on their experiences and the connections of church policy to the larger Gay Rights Movement. Click this link to watch the live stream of this event on June 22 at 6 pm Central.
APPLICATION PROCESS
✓ Higher Education Scholarship App.
✓ 3 Essay Questions
✓ Session Endorsement Form
✓ Letter of Support from the Clerk of Session or Pastor
✓ Completed IRS W-9 Form
✓ Deadline August 1st
About The Scholarship
Funds are available for Presbyterians to use for higher education. Scholarships can be used for any accredited institution of higher learning (including trade schools and graduate study programs.)
Scholarships are awarded per school year and are renewable with application annually. Open to active Presbyterians within the Synod of Mid-America, and whose church membership qualifies as reported on December 31, 2022.
Kansas—total of 100 members or less Missouri—total of 50 members or less
Applicants will be judged on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in the local church, school, and community. Scholarship recipients will be notified by August 31, 2023.
For more information visit http://synodma.org/college-scholarships
PHP American Climate Metrics Survey
Climate change intersects with systemic poverty and structural racism, particularly being an acute threat for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia — the regions where most of the global poor are concentrated.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long recognized our obligation to act as faithful stewards of God’s Creation to respond to climate change. Many General Assembly actions have acknowledged the realities of climate change, its effect on the “least of these” and the need to reduce energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
We would like to hear your voice on important issues that affect our planning and focus around Climate Change. Please take this 5-minute survey to help us better understand your attitudes and awareness on various issues and our role as faith leaders: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCUSA2023
Your individual answers are confidential, and we value your input!
CRAFTERS & VENDORS NEEDED
The New Horizons Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We are looking for crafters and vendors to join us! For more information and/or to request an application, please call (314) 427-0841 or e-mail us at [email protected] Applications will be accepted beginning on July 1st, 2023. Registration Deadline is September 15th, 2023. New Horizons Presbyterian Church is located at 9424 Everman Ave. in Overland, Missouri.
Full Funded Westminster Scholarship Announced
Austin College announces the largest single gift in the College’s history, a $20 million bequest from the estate of Clifford J. Grum. The gift will fully fund the Westminster Scholarship Program for Presbyterian students to attend Austin College with full tuition paid, beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year
Called to Serve? We Need You!
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.
GLPby App Form (Word) | GLPby App Form (fillable PDF)
Current Support Ministry Position Openings
  • Chaplains, St. Lukes Hospital, Chesterfield, MO
  • Contemporary Worship Band Leader, First Presbyterian, Kirkwood, MO
  • (PT) Coordinator Christian Education - Southminster Presbyterian, Crestwood, MO
  • Head of Music - First United Presbyterian, Collinsville, IL

Off Hours Help Needed? Contacts Found Below
Rev. Ryan Landino
Presbytery Leader

314-409-9002
Rev. Liz Kanerva
Associate
Presbytery Leader
314.779.6809
Rev. Joy Myers
Stated Clerk

815.501.5522
Leigh Porter
Office Manager
314.225.9470
Janice McMillen
Communications Associate
573.578.3960