Welcome to the Commonplace Blog of Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church. Weekly updates of events and happenings will be posted here, as well as photos and reminders.
Rev. Carol DeVaughan will join Faith Des Peres as our interim pastor to fill the vacancy following Rev Gamm departure. Please join us and give Rev. DeVaughan as enthusiastic FDP welcome on her first Sunday in the pulpit and in the Gathering Space after worship.
Sadly, we are saying "farewell and Godspeed" to Tiara Payne this week. Tiara has served FDP faithfully as our administrative assistant since 2017. She has accepted a position as administrative assistant with the City of Dellwood and began her work there last Tuesday. We will miss Tiara and all she has done for FDP, and we wish her well as she turns to this new chapter in her life. Session is beginning the search for a new administrative assistant. Please let Mary Lewis, Kathy Sherrick or Barb Abbett know if you are aware of anyone who may be looking for a part-time position.
Thanks, Tiara.
Blessings,
Barb Abbett
It is with mixed emotions that I write this farewell message. As some of you know, I have accepted a position for The City of Dellwood. It was not an easy decision to make because I truly enjoy working with all of you here at Faith Des Peres. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to you all. It has been a great pleasure working with you all. Although I can’t be here with you to see all God has in-store for you please know I am on the sidelines cheering you on! I LOVE and will miss you guys! Godspeed!
Church will hold its first congregation wide potluck dinner on Friday, February 21. Please plan on joining us!
The Book of Common Worship says in its introduction to Ash Wednesday: “Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent with a public act of confession. Acknowledging that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, we repent and return to our loving creator….We express our utter reliance on God’s saving grace.”
The Faith Des Peres family will meet in the Gathering Space Wed, Feb 26 at 6:45pm for a service of prayer and reflection. The service concludes with the imposition of ashes on all those who wish it. Take time out from all the noise and busyness of your life and the world around us to be still for a few moments.
Thank You!
Dear Faith Des Peres Siblings in Christ,
Thank you so much for the lovely farewell this past Sunday!
Thank you for the gorgeous cross wall hanging, which is in a place of honor and where we can see and enjoy it and remember you in our living room!
Thanks for the lunch and cake.
Thanks for the gifts and notes from individuals.
Thank you for the hugs and kind words and all the love you showered upon me.
And thank you for all your hard work this past year as we’ve served together during this holy transitional time of waiting and preparation. I expect to hear soon that you have called and are preparing to welcome your new pastor to come and serve with you.
It has been a joy and an honor to serve with you in mission and ministry this past year.
Au Revoir and Shalom in Christ Jesus,
Marilyn
Join us this Sunday! Rev. Dr. Steve Heitkamp will be our guest preacher.
Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church will hold its first congregation wide potluck dinner on Friday, February 21. Sign up in the Gathering Space or contact our administrative assistant at adminasst@faithdesperes.org with what you will be bringing to the potluck!
The Book of Common Worship says in its introduction to Ash Wednesday: “Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent with a public act of confession. Acknowledging that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, we repent and return to our loving creator….We express our utter reliance on God’s saving grace.”
The Faith Des Peres family will meet in the Gathering Space Wed, Feb 26 at 6:45pm for a service of prayer and reflection. The service concludes with the imposition of ashes on all those who wish it. Take time out from all the noise and busyness of your life and the world around us to be still for a few moments.
If you’d like to connect with Rev. Thirza Sayers, who visited with us Feb 2 to speak about Light for the Darkness, the mental health ministry of the presbytery, please email her at thirzasayers@gmail.com or text/call 404.313.4549. We also invite you to pray for the ministry and possibly support the ministry financially. Checks can be made to Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, memo: Light, 1001 Craig Rd Ste 170, St. Louis, MO 63146.
Dear Faith Des Peres Church Family,
We have another jam-packed Sunday planned this week!
This is my last Sunday and week serving with you. My sermon message will be “Letting Your Light Shine” from Matthew 5:13-20, which is the next section of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.”
This Sunday is Disciples Gathering with Clare Dingus following the young people’s message during worship.
A farewell reception for me is being planned in the Gathering Space following the worship service.
And it’s our monthly Buddy Packing Sunday in which we pack meals for University City students to take home for the weekend.
Looking ahead, Rev. Steve Heitkamp will be the guest preacher Sunday, February 16, and then Rev. Carol DeVaughan will begin serving with you Sunday, February 23.
Other upcoming activities include an Ash Wednesday service in the Gathering Space February 26, and a weekly Lenten study and potluck beginning March 6 in the Gathering Space and facilitated by Lori Gilley. More details will be coming soon!
It has been a joy and an honor to serve with you in mission and ministry this past year.
Shalom in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Marilyn
Mark your calendar to be present Sunday, Feb. 9, to say “thank you, peace and blessings” to Marilyn on her last Sunday as our transitional pastor.
Sunday is Disciples Gathering following the children’s message. Clare Dingus teaches our elementary children on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
Buddy Packing day after worship Sunday!
If you’d like to connect with Rev. Thirza Sayers, who visited with us Feb 2 to speak about Light for the Darkness, the mental health ministry of the presbytery, please email her at thirzasayers@gmail.com or text/call 404.313.4549. We also invite you to pray for the ministry and possibly support the ministry financially. Checks can be made to Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, memo: Light, 1001 Craig Rd Ste 170, St. Louis, MO 63146.
The Church will hold its first congregation wide potluck dinner on Friday, February 21. Please sign up in the gather space with what you will be bringing to the potluck.
Join us for a fulfilling morning of mission on Saturday, February 1st at Food Outreach (on Olive and Compton). Beginning at 8am, we will don our hats and hair nets and get to work packaging meals for those in need. No prior experience necessary- the Food Outreach program is very well organized- simply show up and everything you need will be provided there. We are seeking to establish a group of 15-20 participants ages 12 and up. This event is loved and enjoyed by many we are excited to have you join!
Join Faith Des Peres in welcoming First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood confirmation class for worship Sunday. Matthew, Kara, Lesley and James Richter have been participating in the confirmation class since September in preparation to become full members of Faith Des Peres. We will also be welcoming Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Leader Craig Howard, who will co-lead and do a dialogue sermon message with Pastor Marilyn.
This Sunday is Super Bowl ... and “Souper Bowl“ Sunday! Whether or not you’re planning to watch the game this year, you can still help tackle hunger in our community by participating in our Souper Bowl of Caring food collection for Circle of Concern. On Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 2, 2020), place your food donations, cash or checks (made out to Circle of Concern) in the bin of the team you’re supporting in this year’s Big Game. Bins are located at the front of the sanctuary on Feb. 2 or see Dave Lewis.
Mark your calendar to be present Next Sunday, Feb. 9, to say “thank you, peace and blessings” to Marilyn on her last Sunday as our transitional pastor.
