Ministry & Mission Matters

Weekly News


___________________

April 9, 2024

FINAL WEEK TO APPLY

PUBLIC WITNESS ANNOUNCES SUMMER GRANTS

DEADLINE IS APRIL 12

Each year, the Public Witness Team of the Presbytery offers grants to conduct summer programs at member churches and social agencies in relationship with the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The funds are awarded through an application process directed by the Public Witness Ministry Team.

The purpose of the grant is to provide opportunities for summer Christian education and witness, personal growth, faith formation, and recreation to children and adults in communities of need. Criteria for funding with an application download can be found here: APPLICATION HERE. The application must be submitted electronically, and the deadline for receipt of applications is April 12, 2024. 

Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded on May 1, 2024, however, partial grants may be awarded based on the number of applications received. 

WE GATHER THIS WEEK

LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES

  • Please pray for...those who will be traveling to attend a Pre-Gathering Community Conversation and the Presbytery Gathering. Those who will be joining us online, that they feel included and heard, and that wifi remains stable throughout the events.
  • Please pray for... Rev. Melissa Smith, Rev. Gary Noonan, and Rev. Dr. Deborah Boucher-Payne on their upcoming installations.
  • Please pray for... Presbyterian Women, as they search for Volunteers for the Churchwide Gathering
Submit a Prayer

Caring for Our Planet

MINISTRY TEAMS UPCOMING MEETINGS

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

April 8 - April 14


Wed., Apr. 10

Thurs., Apr. 11

  • 9:30 am History Team @ Southminster
  • 1:00 pm Gather Planning Click Here

April 15 - April 21

Mon., Apr. 15 - Presbytery Office Closed


Tues., Apr. 16

Wed., Apr. 17

Thurs., Apr. 18

  • 1:30 pm Vision Team at Presbytery office - Oaks Conference Room

COMING SOON...

April 22 - April 28


Thurs., Apr. 25

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

EXPERIENCES & EDUCATION IN THE NEWS

St. Louis Black History & North County History

Bus Tour led by Father Gerry Kleba


Two possible tour opportunities from 9:45 am – 1:00 pm:

Saturday, April 20, 2024 or Saturday, May 11, 2024


A great way to learn more about the history of Black Communities in St. Louis. The tour costs $10, and you may reserve your spot by contacting Victoria Sherman, as soon as possible, (vmos@aol.com) member of the Dismantling Racism and White Privilege DRAWP Committee - Dismantling Racism and White Privilege.

The Ferguson Ecology Team Video Night Presents

Via Zoom: Facing Adversity, Choosing Earth, Choosing Life

Based On The Book Choosing Earth, By Duane Elgin

Thursday, April 25th • 7:00 Pm

Facing Adversity: Choosing Earth, Choosing Life is a 63-minute documentary that explores the speed, depth and magnitude of our growing planetary crisis, and the opportunity we have to meet this crisis consciously – with eyes and hearts wide open. Through a broad, whole-systems perspective, the film examines key challenges (climate change, inequities, species extinction, overconsumption, and more) and explores the deeper transformation being called forth from humanity.

Conversation to follow the film TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK: https://bit.ly/FETApr2024

For more information: (314) 521-8418 carletonstock@aol.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

PRESBYTERY WOMEN FROM AROUND THE NATION

GATHER IN ST LOUIS IN AUGUST


Monthly Gathering Quest Emails

Stay informed about the Presbyterian Women Churchwide Gathering opportunities and news with the Gathering Quest emails! These emails—sent the 5th of each month leading up to the Gathering—include news, a reflection, a savings calculator, a fun download, and much more. To be added to the list, email patricia.longfellow@pcusa.org with “Gathering Quest” in the subject line.

Registration Now Open

Registration Options Gathering registration will be available at presbyterianwomen.org/gathering, March 1–July 7, 2024. Know that by registering early, you’ll have the fullest selection of workshops (which can fill up), the option to purchase a Gathering tote bag (which sold out in 2018) and if you register by May 1, you’ll receive the early registration incentives! After July 7, you may register on-site at the Marriott St. Louis Grand.

SPRING FUNDRAISER

Mound Ridge is hosting their spring fundraiser at Andre's West in Fenton on Saturday, April 13th!  We'd love to have you join us there!  Tickets are $60 each. There is a huge array of Silent & Live Auction items, a wine wall, and a dessert auction too!  Lots to choose from!  Most of you have visited Mound Ridge sometime over the years and appreciate the beauty and peaceful setting along the upper Meramec River.

MALT Transitional Ministry Education

Mercy Conference and Retreat Center

St. Louis, MO

May 13 - May 17

Transitional Ministry Education is not limited to those presently engaged in or inquiring about transitional ministry. Anyone interested in learning how to walk through change alongside your church is invited to join in Week I (30 hours), and Week II (30 hours), plus a practicum that combines reflection on, and experience in, some aspect of interim/transitional ministry.

Learn More by Clicking Here

Children's Spirituality Summit: A CHILD'S WAY

May 21-23 • Chicago Area


Join us for the 2024 Children’s Spirituality Summit where we will dive deep and explore what a child’s way of being with God means. Inspired by Rebecca Nye's definition of children's spirituality as "God's way of being with children, and children's way of being with God," we will delve into:  

  • A Child’s Way of Worshipping God·   
  • A Child’s Way in a Diverse World·   
  • A Child’s Way of Playing with God·   
  • A Child’s Way in Family 

Interested in attending and being part of this exploration? We would love to have you join us as we bridge the gap between theory and practice.  Read more about our speakers by CLICKING HERE

There is a small group, from Second Presbyterian Church going, and there is a break on registration if done by the end of the month. Please contact Ruth Musson Clayton at ruthie76@gmail.com to join Second Presbyterian members.

 Read more about our speakers HERE

Missouri Right to

Reproductive Freedom Amendment

The Missouri Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment Initiative Petition is collecting signatures now. If enough signatures are collected, this will appear on the ballot in November 2024.

The amendment will amend the Missouri Constitution to provide the right to reproductive freedom.

The Public Witness Team offers an opportunity for all Giddings-Lovejoy churches. One of our team will come to your church with Reproductive Freedom petition sheets to collect signatures. The most successful time to collect signatures is after Sunday services during the Fellowship Hour, but we can come whenever is best for you.

To learn more or if you are interested in participating, please click here for more information.

Presbytery Staff Contact Information

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