If you need to set up a meeting for your team or would like information on a team you might be interested in joining, contact the presbytery office at 314.772.2395

First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson

Feed My Starving Children Packing Project

Here we are, all 20 of us, at the Feed My Starving Children event today at the 11:30 time slot! This fabulous team packed 24 boxes of food for starving

children and families around the world. What a fun and worthwhile day it was. Two hours of teamwork and great music, followed by all of us dining at McDonald’s for more fellowship!

Mark your calendars because we will be back next year on July 12, 2025!!!

SOS Spirit of Sharing Soup Kitchen

Collinsville, Illinois

An organization that collaboratively serves meals to those in the Collinsville community, on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Learn more about the organization by clicking here.

Yesterday, the First United Presbyterian Church of Collinsville served 204 dinners of BBQ Hamburger, Corn and Fruit Salad.

A Place of Grace August Prayer Art Retreat

Thursday, August 15th

I never considered myself an artist. Drawing things that looked like things was not a thing I could do. But then I discovered Zentangle® and drawing things that look like things was not a requirement. Zentangle unleashed the artist within me in ways I never knew was possible. The Pastor in me wondered what would happen if Zentangle art was combined with worship and prayer, and WA LA! Prayer Art Retreats were born!

Each month -- usually on the third Thursday, I lead Prayer Art Retreats at Von Dell Gallery & Studios in Wood River at 6 p.m. where worship unfolds, art is created in response to prayer and scripture, and Communion is shared. The result is a visual sermon and a stronger sense of community among people who allow the Holy Spirit to work through them in ways they never imagined. I dream of sharing this practice with people around the country because even if you’ve done Zentangle before, every time you encounter scripture, what you create is different and meaningful. Prayer Art Retreats are a great team-building exercise for families, friends, and congregations.

You can schedule a Prayer Art Retreat in a civic center, a church fellowship hall, or around your dining room table by contacting A Place of Grace Pastor and Certified Zentangle Teacher, Julie Gvillo at 618-410-5060.

*Please RSVP by noon on Wednesday, August 14th to reserve your spot! *A Place of Grace is an offering-based, validated ministry of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy.

Mission Madness Retreats are great for movers and shakers! Praying with your hands and feet in service to those in need transforms the soul. Did you know A Place of Grace works in person with five local agencies once each quarter – usually on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month -- (AND during our annual Grace Camp: Mission Madness week)? I dream of growing that team with more people who want to make a difference in the world … who want to support local agencies, but maybe don’t know how … who want to share their gifts … who want to learn more about poverty and how God’s people have answered the call to serve. I wonder if you are one of those people. August 2024 Mission Madness Retreat schedule:

• Wednesday, August 14th at Operation Blessing in Wood River from 9 a.m. to noon. We will meet in the parking lot across the street from OB's front door by 8:45 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 28th at Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River from 9 a.m. to noon. We will meet in the back parking lot behind RFM by 8:45 a.m.

Call Julie at 618-410-5060 to reserve your spot in the next Mission Madness Retreat today!

Saint Louis Metro CROP Hunger Walk Registration is Open

CROP WALK HELD - SEPTEMBER 29th

No one in this world should be hungry. That's why the Saint Louis Metro CROP Hunger Walk is more than just a gathering of people in a place. We're part of a movement, taking steps and raising funds to provide meals for those in our community who need them - and supporting programs that create greater food security in communities worldwide.

Please join us in the fight against hunger. The steps we take and the funds we raise will make a difference in the lives of others.

Learn How to Become Involved

Real Tools for Real Ministry

September 23 - 25 | Portland, Oregon

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!

Our mission is to create an annual event that:

• Ignites Generosity
• It Gives Practical Tools for Cultivating Generosity in Congregations
• Expands the Leadership Capacity of Those Who Lead Stewardship Initiatives
• Cultivates Adaptive Approaches for Funding Christ’s Mission

Rev. Ryan Landino

Presbytery Leader

rlandino@glpby.org

314.409.9002

Rev. Liz Kanerva

Associate

Presbytery Leader

ekanerva@glpby.org

314.779.6809

Rev. Dr. Brandan Eddy

Stated Clerk

beddy@glpby.org

618.781.9615

Leigh Porter

Office Manager

lporter@glpby.org

314.225.9470

Janice McMillen

Communications Associate

jmcmillen@glpby.org

573.578.3960

Presbytery Moderator - Elder, Lorenzo Clayton

Presbytery Vice-Moderator - Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess

Vision Team Moderator - Rev. Mel Smith