The Christmas Giving tree is going Up Sunday, November 22
Be sure and come to church Sunday November 22nd or 29th and pick up an ornament (or two or three). As in past years, each ornament will have the name and age of a person (child or mother) and a few ideas of what they would like for Christmas. We have 62 people we are buying for this year. There will also be some ornaments that just say food, Walmart or gas gift card. We ask that you gather as many ornaments as you want to, be sure to indicate to a volunteer which ornament you took, and purchase gifts cards or gifts, valuing no more than $25 per gift. Then bring your unwrapped gift, with the ornament attached, to church by Sunday December 6. Separate wrapping paper and bows always appreciated. We will have a luncheon party after church and then we will deliver the gifts to the organizations in time for them to enjoy Christmas! Thanks for bringing joy to our community in a meaningful way. Have questions? Ask Elizabeth Pribor or Dianne Modrell.
Poinsettia Orders
It’s time to order poinsettias for Christmas. There is a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space. The cost is $10 per plant. Please note on your check that your payment is for poinsettias.
Gingerbread House Party Saturday, December 510 am to noon
Join us on Saturday, December 5 from 10 am to noon in Fellowship Hall to decorate
gingerbread houses. The cost is $14.00 per gingerbread house. All children and adults are welcome. Please sign up in the Gathering Space no later than November 30.
Presbyterian Women Cookie Exchange December 11, 9:30am
The annual Presbyterian Women’s brunch and cookie exchange will be on Friday, December 11 at 9:30 am. Charlotte Ridley will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange. Please RSVP to Charlotte at 314-821-8524 or email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org .
Parents Day Out Saturday, December 12 11:00am to 3:00pm
Parents, for only $10.00 per child you can get 4 hours of babysitting by our teens here at the church. Sign up in the Gathering Space by December 10. If you have any questions speak to Annie or Beth Willock.
Advent Sermon Series “I Believe Even When…”
A timeless story that is still relevant. The story of the birth of Jesus is filled with common themes of human drama: unknowing, doubt, disgrace, fear, oppression, hardship. The words of an anonymous poet begin, “I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining…”
During Advent, we hear the affirmation that in spite of what feels like the absence of light, love and sometimes God, we can acknowledge the presence of hope through Christ “even when…” Advent begins next Sunday, November 29.
Jason Meyer
Our own Jason Meyer was asked to write something about the Mizzou events for a social justice blog of one of his Harvard Law professors. Check it out! https://systemicjusticeblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/13/on-privilege/