A Family in Christ Caring for All People | | November news & updates at Gethsemane | | 11/01/2026 | Volume 133 | Issue 11 | | | See what's happening this month at a glance. (You can print this November Calendar) | |
We need worship leaders on Sunday mornings! If you are a worship leader, you will receive an email the week of your assignment.
Click on the Worship Leader sign-up to sign up for any worship leader roles through December 27.
Please note there is a new role: "Sell Bridge Bread" for the 2nd Sunday of each month. This position will sit in the fellowship hall and sell Bridge Bread that has been delivered to the church.
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October Attendance
October 4: In-Person 96, Online 42
October 11: In-Person 77, Online 45
October 18: In-Person 80, Online 42
October 25: In-Person 105, Online 55
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November
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Feel free to send a greeting to tose who have recently celebrated a birthday or anniversary! (Addresses are available to Gethsemane Members only through the Instant Church Directory website or app.)
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“For we are your people and the sheep of your pasture; we will give you thanks forever and show forth your praise from age to age.”
--Psalm 79:13
What are you thanking God for, right now? This is a good place to start: an “attitude of gratitude.” Humans are pretty good at noticing things that are going “wrong.” We can also choose to purposefully and mindfully notice the things that are going well. This does take some effort but is a step toward noticing where God’s grace is at work.
Read more..
| Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | |
Presiding Bishop Curry issues his sixth in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled "All Together in One Place." Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.
Read his message here...
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Blessing Bag Assembly, Sunday, November 1
Plan to arrive at 9 am on Sunday, November 1, and we will work together to assemble at least 100 blessing bags with winter items (hats, gloves, water, snacks, etc.) before Worship.
Wanted for Winter Blessing Bags – bottled water! Please put donated water by the blessing bag shelf near the parking lot entrance. We are hoping to collect 100-200 bottles.
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All Saints Sunday, November 1
On All Saints Day, Sunday, November 1st, we will remember and give thanks for the saints who have gone before us.
Everyone is encouraged to bring photos or small artifacts that honor loved ones who have died. These items will be displayed as part of the All Saints Sunday altar.
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Youth Gathering Planning Dinner & Meeting
November 1 at 5:00 p.m. Youth Gathering participants and their parents will gather for dinner and begin planning for the Youth Gathering trip to Minneapolis this summer! We'll discuss travel logistics, important dates, and brainstorm fundraising opportunities to help our youth attend this life-changing event.
Want to support our youth right away? Donations toward the Youth Gathering fund are gratefully accepted and will help make participation possible for our students.
Thank you for investing in the faith journeys of our young people!
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November 8 - Welcome New Members
On Sunday, November 8, during the 10:00 a.m. worship service, we will recognize those who wish to become members of Gethsemane.
If you are not a member and would like to take this next step in your faith journey, we invite you to contact Gretchen or Pr. Cheryl for additional information. We would love to celebrate this special occasion with you.
"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you." - Romans 15:7
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Worship Schedule Trial & Congregational Feedback
We are currently in a trial run of our updated Sunday schedule:
- 9:00 a.m. – Fellowship & Sunday School
- 10:00 a.m. – Worship
- 11:00 a.m. – Meetings
As part of this trial, congregation members will have the opportunity to share their feedback and vote on whether to continue the schedule. Surveys will be available in worship on November 8 and November 15.
If you are unable to be physically present on either of those Sundays, you may request an electronic survey by emailing Gretchen. To ensure an accurate count, please submit only one vote per person.
Thank you for sharing your feedback as we evaluate this schedule together.
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Bridge Bread
Bridge Bread will continue to be available on the second Sunday of each month in the Fellowship Hall before worship.
Interested in helping? Bridge Bread has been added as a Worship Leader sign-up option. When a volunteer host is unavailable, bread will still be provided and available for a free-will offering.
Thank you for supporting this meaningful ministry!
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Stewardship Sunday Breakfast
Join us on Sunday, November 22, for a special Stewardship Sunday Breakfast before worship!
The Fellowship Team will be serving a light breakfast featuring some favorite breakfast items from 9:00-9:55 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited, and there is no need to bring a dish. Simply come, enjoy good food and fellowship, and spend time with your church family before the morning service.
We hope you'll join us as we gather together for food, fellowship, and gratitude on Stewardship Sunday.
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Thanksgiving Meal Ministry
Gretchen and Eve are organizing Thanksgiving meals for our home-bound members and others in need.
If you would like a meal delivered to you or know someone who would, please get in touch with Eve or Gretchen to be put on the list!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)
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Gethsemane Women's Luncheon
Date: Monday, November 30, 2026 (Note the Date Change!)
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: TBD - Stay tuned!
Hostess: Cindi Fenton
RSVP Please notify Kathleen by Thursday, November 27, 2026 at 314-578-5851
The Holiday Luncheon will be on Monday, December 28.
| | Imagine - Stewardship at Gethsemane | | |
On Tuesday, October 27th, the Stewardship committee sent out an email kicking off this year's Stewardship Campaign - Imagine: More Love, More Welcome, More Grace, More Courage, and More Joy!
Each Sunday leading up to Stewardship Sunday on November 22, we'll hear from a Gethsemane member sharing what it means to imagine their faith and how that vision shapes their daily life, generosity, and service.
To learn more about the importance of giving and how to pledge, click here.
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Early voting is happening now through November 3!
As Election Day draws near, we encourage all eligible voters to prayerfully consider the issues and candidates before casting their ballots.
Participating in elections is one way we serve our neighbors and seek the welfare of our communities. Whatever your political views, let us approach this season with respect, grace, and a commitment to the common good.
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Singing for Our Lives
Friday, November 13, 2026 6:30-8:30 pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall
6337 Clayton Rd., Clayton, MO 63117
In these unsettling times, let's get together and sing songs of justice, unity, and compassion. Singing has always been a part of encouraging people in the work of activism and building beloved community. You're invited to come and lift your voice and join in the song!
Music led by Jeff Lindgren, Roy Christell, and Paula Brown.
No charge. Simple snacks provided!
Questions? Call Jeff at 314-973-7801 or Kendra at 314-973-7531
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Third Thursday Concert Series at St. Philip's
St. Philip's Evangelical Lutheran Church invites the community to its Third Thursday Concert Series on November 19 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The evening will feature musical acts, and will be hosted by comedian Reggie Reg. Tickets are $25. For more information and ticket purchases, visit St. Philip's website.
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Gethsemane Lutheran Church is invited to take part in a meaningful opportunity for study, reflection, and community through the ReconcilingWorks Monthly Bible Study. Organized by ReconcilingWorks, this online gathering offers a welcoming space to explore scripture together each month.
When: Bible Study takes place on the third Thursday of each month:
Time: 3:00 p.m. Central Time
Where: Online via Zoom (Register here for the Bible Study to receive the link)
Participants who register will receive the Zoom link by email two days before each session.
Each Bible study is led by a rostered leader and focuses on the scripture text appointed for the Sunday occurring ten days after the gathering. This provides a thoughtful opportunity to engage the upcoming readings in advance. In addition, Sermon Notes and study materials are available on the ReconcilingWorks Bible Study webpage to further support reflection and discussion.
We encourage all members of Gethsemane to consider participating and to share this opportunity with others who may be interested.
For more information or to register, visit the ReconcilingWorks Bible Study webpage.
| | Miscellaneous or, ways to live like Jesus! | | |
The Big Ask - November
2-4 lb bags of sugar!
And the St. Anthony Christmas Cheer Program
Gethsemane has partnered with St. Anthony's and Isaiah 58 to provide them with food and non-food items. The non-food items are particularly important as these are not covered by food stamps.
These donations can be placed in the wooden cabinets at the end of the hallway leading into the narthex.
Isaiah 58 Ministries: Building Update
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Get into the (Christmas) holiday spirit!
We know that Halloween just happened, and it may seem a little early to think about Christmas. But it IS coming (quickly!)--and you have the chance to help make the holidays a bit brighter for families in need in St. Louis by adopting a person (or two or three!) through Gethsemane's Christmas Cheer Program for St. Anthony's Food Pantry (formerly known as the Adopt a Family Program).
Gethsemane has committed to providing gifts for 35 people this year through St. Anthony's, one of our social ministry partners, and we hope you and your family will consider providing some Christmas Cheer--in the form of a gift and clothing items--for one (or more!) of these people.
We are using SignUpGenius again this year. Individuals to be sponsored will be available on Sunday, November 22nd. You can sign up to provide gifts for someone on SignUpGenius (the link will be in the Thursday e-newsletter, bulletin, and on the church website). Or, if you would rather talk to a real person, please sign up during coffee/fellowship on Sunday, November 22, in the narthex, or call Maryn Olson at 563.419.1885 or Angie Fulton at 618.410.6986. We ask that people spend about $75/person.
How does it work? Once you commit to providing gifts for someone, you will be emailed their wish list and clothing size information. Not sure what to buy for that teenager? Gift cards are a great option!
Wrapped gifts should be delivered to the church on or before Sunday, December 13th, and our faithful volunteers will organize everything and deliver to St. Anthony's in time for Christmas.
We will also be collecting blankets and gift cards from local stores (Schnucks, ALDI, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) to be divided between Isaiah 58 and St. Anthony's--know these items are very welcome and appreciated!
Happy holidays, and thank you for helping to make Christmas brighter for our neighbors served through St. Anthony's!
~ Maryn and Angie
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Little Free Pantry and Comfort Cabinet
Thank you for your continued support of Gethsemane's Little Free Pantry and the Anne Crotty Comfort Cabinet.
The Little Free Pantry Team is still requesting more items for the comfort cabinet - small tissue packets, shaving cream, sunscreen, etc.
The Little Free Pantry needs the following items: canned fruit, fresh fruit, mashed potatoes, rice packets, jelly in plastic containers, and nutri-grain/fruit/granola bars
All items can be placed in the cart located in the hallway next to the mailboxes.
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A Call to Help Neighbors Across the Globe
From natural disasters to armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, countless families around the world continue to face uncertainty and loss.
Lutheran Disaster Response responds to immediate needs while also supporting long-term recovery efforts. They walk alongside communities as they rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and find hope for the future.
Today, we invite you to join this ministry of compassion and care through a financial gift.
Your generosity helps Lutheran Disaster Response bring God's hope, healing, and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disaster, conflict, and crisis.
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Preparing for Advent
Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, marking the start of a new church year and a season of hopeful anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. As we enter this sacred season, we invite you to set aside time for prayer, reflection, and Scripture reading.
To support your Advent journey, we are pleased to share an Advent devotional resource that can be used for personal study, family devotions, or small group discussion. The devotional offers weekly reflections, prayers, and opportunities to deepen your faith throughout the season.
Download the devotional using this link or this PDF, and join us as we prepare our hearts to welcome the coming of Christ.
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Gethsemane's annual Live Nativity Saturday, December 5, 4-5pm.
Meet the Holy Family and live animals, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, feed the animals, and sing Christmas carols as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Would you like to help?! Sign up here
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Red Cross Blood Drive
The Red Cross will be back at Gethsemane on Monday, December 7, from 1-5pm. Click here to schedule your appointment!
Wondering if donating blood is right for you? Check out this article from Medical News Today highlighting the personal and societal benefits of donating blood.
All types are needed!
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Parent's Day Out: Save the Date & Register Today!
As Advent approaches, we're offering families an opportunity to make some holiday preparations while supporting a meaningful cause.
On Saturday, December 19, from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., children ages 3-12 are invited to join us for Parent's Day Out at Gethsemane. Kids will enjoy a fun-filled day of games, activities, playtime, lunch, and a special first look at our Christmas Program, while parents use the time to shop, wrap gifts, decorate, or simply enjoy a few hours of breathing room during a busy season.
A freewill offering will be received to support Gethsemane youth attending the 2027 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis this summer, helping them grow in faith alongside thousands of Lutheran youth from across the country.
Registration is now open: Register Here!
We look forward to spending the day with your children while supporting an important faith-building opportunity for our youth!
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Christmas Worship Schedule at Gethsemane
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we invite you to join us for these special worship services during the Christmas season:
🎄 Children's Christmas Program
Sunday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Come enjoy the Christmas story as our children share their gifts through this special worship service.
🕯️ Christmas Eve Worship
Thursday, December 24 at 4:30 p.m.
A family-friendly candlelight service filled with Scripture, carols, and the light of Christ.
🎶 Christmas Day Lessons & Carols
Friday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m.
An informal worship service featuring Scripture readings and beloved Christmas hymns as we continue celebrating the joy of Christ's birth.
Invite your family, friends, and neighbors as we gather to rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel, God with us. We look forward to celebrating this holy season together!
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Congratulations, Confirmands!
We give thanks to God for Nathan, Michael, Benjamin, and Colleen, who recently affirmed their faith through the Rite of Confirmation. Congratulations on this important milestone in your faith journey! May God continue to guide, strengthen, and inspire you as you grow in faith and service.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in worship and celebration on this special day. Your presence, prayers, and encouragement are a meaningful reminder that our confirmands are surrounded by a loving and supportive church family.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to Susan Sommerfeld for creating the beautiful embroidered ornaments presented to each confirmand. These one-of-a-kind keepsakes will serve as lasting reminders of this special occasion. Special thanks as well to Mike Schmidt for providing the hand-forged fish gifts, a cherished confirmation tradition at Gethsemane for many years.
Congratulations again to our confirmands, and thank you to all who helped make this day such a meaningful celebration!
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Shop Fair Trade the Convenient Way
Love Fair Trade but don't have time to browse in person?
Explore The Bridge's online inventory here and here, and send your selections to Johanna, our Fair Trade Coordinator by email or phone (636-443-9495). After payment is arranged, your items can be delivered or picked up at The Bridge at your convenience. It's a simple way to support artisans and farmers around the world while avoiding shipping costs.
| | Get Connected @ Gethsemane! | | |
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
3600 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 Phone: 314-352-8050
Email Address: office@gethsemanestl.org, connect@gethsemanestl.org
Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10-1.
Pastoral Care: Rev. Cheryl Walenta Gorvie 903-918-3992 | pastor@gethsemanestl.org
Council President: Cayce Morice
314-574-0850 | cayce.morice@yahoo.com
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WEEKLY eNEWS If you are not receiving our weekly Thursday eNews and would like to receive it, let us know by clicking here. Please make sure to check your junk mail
eMESSENGER NEWS You can send your news and notes for the Messenger to connect@gethsemanestl.org. There is also a Messenger drawer by the church office. For best results, news should be in by the 25th of each month.
Website: www.gethsemanestl.org
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Instagram: gethsemane_elca_stl
Facebook: Gethsemane Lutheran Church - ELCA, St. Louis, MO
| | Gethsemane Lutheran Church | | | | | |
