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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

There are many opportunities in October to get "plugged in" to the church.  The first is with Food Outreach, but there's also the CROP Walk, a bonfire, and the new directory.  Next Sunday is World Communion Sunday and we'll celebrate it in a special way by concluding worship with the Great Feast of Thanksgiving (aka communion) outside (weather permitting) with food and wine.  (Some of you may remember this old Faith Des Peres tradition when we did this on Easter!) Also, the kids will pull the wagons for Feeding the Flock, so don't forget your canned goods.

See you in church!

Annie

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October at Faith Des Peres

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, October 4th at 8 am.
It's not too late to sign-up!  Email Elizabeth or sign-up in the Gathering Space.

World Communion Sunday Celebration October 5th
Next Sunday is World Communion Sunday and we’ll celebrate in a special way by concluding the service with the Great Feast of Thanksgiving (communion) outside (weather permitting) with food and wine. If you can contribute food for the festivities (cheese and crackers, etc.) please let Leslie know.

Feeding the Flock October 5th
Don’t forget your food for Circle of Concern next Sunday The kids will pull the wagon during the offering. Thank you!

It’s a Bonfire!
Join your friends and bring your family on Friday evening, October 10th, at 7:00 pm, at the Clayton Road location for a Fall bonfire.  There’s a signup sheet in the Gathering Space so we know how much stuff to get for s’mores.  Attendees can bring guitars, sing, or tell tall tales. Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets!  See you there!

2014 CROP Walk October 12th
The 2014 CROP Walk is Sunday, October 12th. Registration begins at 12:30 and the walk begins at 1:30 pm at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves. The CROP Hunger Walk is an interfaith effort that raises money for hunger, 25% of which stays in St. Louis. There is a one mile and a 3 mile walk. We hope you will join us. Register in advance here or at Eden the day of the walk. For more information, contact Erica Ebbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net, or sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space.

One Great Hour of Sharing
By God’s grace, each day is a gift, an opportunity for a new beginning. Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), for many years Presbyterians have faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift to OGHS is a gift of hope. Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours.  We will collect the OGHS offering on World Communion Sunday, October 5th. 

Say “Cheese!”
FDP is in the process of developing a new Photo Directory.  Sign up for an appointment to have your photo taken for the new FDP directory, and also receive a free 8”x10” copy of your photo.  Several poses will be taken, and if you wish, you can purchase additional photos at the time your photo is taken.  Bring a bag of non-perishable food for Circle of Concern to your appointment and receive $5 off any photos you wish to purchase.  Photos will be taken between the hours of 2 - 9 pm on October 22 and 23 in the Gathering Space by Lifetouch Studios.  Look for the Church Life Committee table after church on September 14 and secure your appointment time.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

Is God fair?  I ask this question with all sincerity, and I’m guessing most of us would say “Of course!  Why do you ask?”  I ask because in this Sunday’s gospel reading, God isn’t fair.  At least, not according to our definition of fair.  God is definitely generous in the story, but not necessarily fair.  And for most of us, this probably rubs us the wrong way.  In order to understand what I’m talking about, and to best prepare for Sunday, click on the link above and read the story.  Then ask yourself, where are you in the line? 

This Sunday the children will continue studying the Sacrament of Communion in Sunday School.  They are making something special for World Communion Sunday!  Listed below you’ll see many other ways you can help out both at church and in the community.  Please make note of the quickly-approaching Food Outreach food pack on October 4th.  We need people to help!  E-mail Elizabeth if you can.

See you in church,
Annie

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Together at Faith Des Peres

It’s a Bonfire!
Join your friends and bring your family on Friday evening, October 10th, at 7:00 pm, at the Clayton Road location for a Fall bonfire.  There’s a signup sheet in the Gathering Space so we know how much stuff to get for s’mores.  Attendees can bring guitars, sing, or tell tall tales.  Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets!  See you there!

Presbyterian Women Bible Study
Join the Presbyterian Women this Wednesday at 9:30 am for fellowship and Bible study.  They are continuing their study of “Reconciling Paul”, a look at Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth. Anyone is welcome to attend the Bible study. Questions? Talk to Annie.

Say “Cheese!”
FDP is in the process of developing a new Photo Directory.  Sign up for an appointment to have your photo taken for the new FDP directory, and also receive a free 8”x10” copy of your photo.  Several poses will be taken, and if you wish, you can purchase additional photos at the time your photo is taken.  Bring a bag of non-perishable food for Circle of Concern to your appointment and receive $5 off any photos you wish to purchase.  Photos will be taken between the hours of 2 - 9 pm on October 22 and 23 in the Gathering Space by Lifetouch Studios.  Look for the Church Life Committee table after church on September 14 and secure your appointment time.

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In The Community

Peace in Motion 
Peace in Motion tai chi classes are beginning for the fall semester!  Please make note of the new start date!  Classes begin Monday 9/22 at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Space.  The classes are just $5/person, pay as you go.  Tai Chi is a beautiful mind/body/spirit workout that has been proven to reduce blood pressure, improve balance, improve immune function, improve mood, and much more!  Join us Monday evenings to let go and let God!  For questions or information, call instructor Susan Marting at 314-609-9091.

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Make A Difference

2014 CROP Walk
The 2014 CROP Walk is almost here.  This year’s walk will be on Sunday, October 12.  Registration begins at 12:30 and the walk begins at 1:30 pm.  For the last several years we at FDP have participated with multiple congregations and denominations across the St. Louis area in an annual CROP Hunger Walk.  Individuals walk and can donate money that goes to relief organizations that address hunger.  25% of the money raised stays in the St. Louis area.  Last year the St. Louis area CROP Walk raised over $32,000.  Church World Services sponsors over 1,400 walks that include about 145,000 walkers.  There is a one mile and a 3 mile walk you can participate in.  We hope you will join us.  For more information, contact Erica Ebbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net, or sign up on the sign up sheet in the Gathering Space.

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, October 4th at 8 am.
Want to know how you can make a difference in people’s lives in just a few short hours?  Come join members of Faith Des Peres at Food Outreach on Saturday morning, October 4th.  There we will pack food into individual meals that will be given to people living with HIV/AIDS and cancer who are living at or below 400% of the poverty level.  We start at 8 am, and are done before 11 am—often by 10 am.  If there is interest, sometimes we go out for breakfast afterwards.  Food Outreach requests that volunteers be 11 years old and in 5th grade.  We need to have at least 10 individuals and they strongly prefer 15—so know that we NEED YOUR HELP.  Please sign up by emailing Elizabeth Pribor at efpribor@gmail.com

One Great Hour of Sharing
By God’s grace, each day is a gift, an opportunity for a new beginning. Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), for many years Presbyterians have faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift to OGHS is a gift of hope. Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours.  We will collect the OGHS offering on World Communion Sunday, October 5. 

Do You Like Kids?
If so, we need some extra hands to help in Sunday School in October.  You do not need experience in teaching, nor a mastery of the Bible, to teach Sunday School.  You do need a desire to serve children, God and the church through this important ministry.  If you would like to teach, or are curious about it, please talk to Annie.  Thank you.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

In this issue of the Commonplace Blog you’ll find many opportunities to get involved and help the wider community.  Food Outreach and CROP Walk are great ways to make a big difference in a short amount of time and they’re fun, too.  I’m also still in need of a Sunday School teacher for October 12, 19, and 26.  You don’t need to be a Bible wizard and you don’t need to come up with your own lesson plan.  All you need is a desire to help these young people in their learning! 

Rally Day was a big success.  My thanks go to Leslie Barnes, Beth Willock, Danny and Kenny Mortimer, and Gay Spears for all their help coordinating the day. 

Last, this Sunday the Adult Discussion Group meets at 9:15 am.  Terry Epling will talk about what happened at General Assembly in June.  This is your chance to gets the facts and hear about what else is happening in the presbytery.  And, children’s Sunday School will continue learning about the sacrament of communion.

See you in church!
Annie

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In The Community

Peace in Motion
Peace in Motion tai chi classes are beginning for the fall semester!  Please make note of the new start date!  Classes begin Monday 9/22 at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Space.  The classes are just $5/person, pay as you go.  Tai Chi is a beautiful mind/body/spirit workout that has been proven to reduce blood pressure, improve balance, improve immune function, improve mood, and much more!  Join us Monday evenings to let go and let God!  For questions or information, call instructor Susan Marting at 314-609-9091.

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Say “Cheese!”
FDP is in the process of developing a new Photo Directory.  Sign up for an appointment to have your photo taken for the new FDP directory, and also receive a free 8”x10” copy of your photo.  Several poses will be taken, and if you wish, you can purchase additional photos at the time your photo is taken.  Bring a bag of non-perishable food for Circle of Concern to your appointment and receive $5 off any photos you wish to purchase.  Photos will be taken between the hours of 2 - 9 pm on October 22 and 23 in the Gathering Space by Lifetouch Studios.  Look for the Church Life Committee table after church on September 14 and secure your appointment time.

Save the Date!!
The Presbyterian Women have reserved Saturday, November 1, 9am-4pm, at Mercy Center for the day and time of their annual women’s retreat.  This is for all women of all ages.  More information to follow.

 

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Make A Difference

2014 CROP Walk
​The 2014 CROP Walk is almost here.  This year’s walk will be on Sunday, October 12.  Registration begins at 12:30 and the walk begins at 1:30 pm.  For the last several years we at FDP have participated with multiple congregations and denominations across the St. Louis area in an annual CROP Hunger Walk.  Individuals walk and can donate money that goes to relief organizations that address hunger.  25% of the money raised stays in the St. Louis area.  Last year the St. Louis area CROP Walk raised over $32,000.  Church World Services sponsors over 1,400 walks that include about 145,000 walkers.  There is a one mile and a 3 mile walk you can participate in.  We hope you will join us.  For more information, contact Erica Ebbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net, or sign up on the sign up sheet in the Gathering Space.

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, October 4th at 8 am.
Want to know how you can make a difference in people’s lives in just a few short hours?  Come join members of Faith Des Peres at Food Outreach on Saturday morning, October 4th.  There we will pack food into individual meals that will be given to people living with HIV/AIDS and cancer who are living at or below 400% of the poverty level.  We start at 8 am, and are done before 11 am—often by 10 am.  If there is interest, sometimes we go out for breakfast afterwards.  Food Outreach requests that volunteers be 11 years old and in 5th grade.  We need to have at least 10 individuals and they strongly prefer 15—so know that we NEED YOUR HELP.  Please sign up by emailing Elizabeth Pribor at efpribor@gmail.com

Do You Like Kids?
If so, we need some extra hands to help in Sunday School in October.  You do not need experience in teaching, nor a mastery of the Bible, to teach Sunday School.  You do need a desire to serve children, God and the church through this important ministry.  If you would like to teach, or are curious about it, please talk to Annie.  Thank you.

Office Help
While we are between administrative assistants, we could use help for 1-2 hours in the church office.  Jobs are simple:  filing, pulling letters for the church sign, getting packets ready  for the kids for worship, and the like.  This is not computer work.  If you can help, please email Annie.  Thank you.

One Great Hour of Sharing
By God’s grace, each day is a gift, an opportunity for a new beginning. Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), for many years Presbyterians have faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift to OGHS is a gift of hope. Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours.  We will collect the OGHS offering on World Communion Sunday, October 5. 

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

This Sunday is Rally Day which is a time to gather and catch-up after a fun-filled summer.  The Jim Dandy’s Dixieland group will be here.  Music starts at 10:15!  And after church Chris’ Cakes will entertain us with their flap-jack flipping skills.  Even if you haven’t signed-up, feel free to join us for pancakes.  It will be a fun morning!

I hope to see you in church.

Annie

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This Sunday

Sunday School Starts This Sunday (September 7)!
Sunday School starts this Sunday following a special Time with Children in worship.  During the month of September the children will learn about the Sacrament of Communion.  They will also make something special for our World Communion Celebration on October 5.  Join the fun and invite your friends! 

Feeding the Flock This Sunday (September 7)!

It’s the first Sunday of the month which means the kids will pull the wagon and collect food for Circle of Concern during the offering time.  September is Hunger Awareness Month, and it’s also the month their cupboards are the most bare.  So please bring your canned goods, peanut butter, cereal, and toilet paper next Sunday.  Thank you.

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Coming Up

Adult Discussion Group, Sunday, September 14, 9:15am
Join the Adult Discussion Group for their first meeting of the year.  Rev. Terry Epling, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, will lead the discussion on the actions the General Assembly took in June in Detroit.  You’ve read in the news what happened, so come with your questions and thoughts.

Peace in Motion Tai Chi Classes

Peace in Motion tai chi classes are beginning for the fall semester! Please make note of the new start date!  Classes begin Monday 9/22 at 5:30 pm in the Gathering Space.  The classes are just $5/person, pay as you go.  Tai Chi is a beautiful mind/body/spirit workout that has been proven to reduce blood pressure, improve balance, improve immune function, improve mood, and much more!  Join us Monday evenings to let go and let God!  For questions or information, call instructor Susan Marting 314-609-9091.

Save the Date!!
The Presbyterian Women have reserved Saturday, November 1, 9am-4pm, at Mercy Center for the day and time of their annual women’s retreat.  This is for all women of all ages.  More information to follow. 

A Place in the Choir
​The choir will continue rehearsing for our role as worship leaders on September 10 at 7:15 p.m. The choir would gladly welcome anyone who would like to join. You do not need to read music to participate. Just come to rehearsal on September 10 or any Wednesday following if you would like be a part of this dedicated, fun group. The choir will be leading in worship beginning September 14. We look forward to sharing a wide variety of music with you this year. 

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Mission Happenings

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday October 4th at 8 am.

Want to know how you can make a difference in people’s lives in just a few short hours? Come join members of Faith Des Peres at Food Outreach on Saturday morning October 4th. There we will pack food into individual meals that will be given to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and cancer who are living at or below 400% of the poverty level. We start at 8am, and are done before 11 am – often by 10 am.  If there is interest, sometimes we go out for breakfast afterwards. Food Outreach requests that volunteers be 11 years old and in 5th grade. We need to have at least 10 individuals and they strongly prefer 15 – so know that we NEED YOUR HELP. Please sign by emailing Elizabeth Pribor at mailto:efpribor@gmail.com.

2014 CROP Walk

The 2014 CROP walk is almost here. This year’s walk will be on Sunday October 12. Registration begins at 12:30 and the walk begins at 1:30 pm.  For the last several years we at FDP have participated with multiple congregations and denominations across the St Louis area in an annual CROP Hunger walk. Individuals walk and can donate money that goes to relief organizations that address hunger. 25% of the money raised stays in the St Louis area. Last year the St Louis area CROP Walk raised over $32,000.  Church World Service sponsors over 1,400 walks that include about 145,000 walkers. There is a one mile and 3 mile walk you can participate in. We hope you will join us. For more information contact Erica Ebbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net, or sign up on the sign up sheet in the gathering space.

One Great Hour of Sharing

Miss the One Great Hour of Sharing last spring? We purposely held off on this additional collection last spring as so many activities were happening at Faith Des Peres at that time. We will take up our special contribution to OGHS on World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2014. Look in your church bulletins for the next several weeks for information about the numerous and important ways your special contribution helps people in need. Consider prayerfully what your contribution can be this year. You may make a contribution to OGHS anytime between now and October 5th. Make the check out to Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church and put OGHS in the memo line. If you prefer to contribute cash please put it in an envelope and write OGHS on the outside.  Online donations can be made here; use the Special Projects fund.  

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Help Needed

Do You Like Kids?
If so, we need some extra hands to help in Sunday School in October.  You do not need experience in teaching, nor a mastery of the Bible, to teach Sunday School.  You do need a desire to serve children, God and the church through this important ministry.  If you would like to teach, or are curious about it, please talk to Annie.  Thank you.

Office Help  

While we are between administrative assistance, we could use help for 1-2 hours in the church office.  Jobs are simple: filing, pulling letters for the church sign, getting packets ready for the kids for worship, and the like.  This is not computer work.  If you can help, please e-mail Annie.  Thank you.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend!  Where has the summer gone?  This Sunday, in keeping with tradition, we'll worship at the Old Des Peres Church on Geyer Road (about 1/2 mile south of Clayton).  Parking is on the street and there are no bathrooms, but there IS air conditioning!

I'll conclude my summer sermon series on practices of the faith with the practice of "Saying Yes and Saying No".  What do you need to say "no" to in order to say "yes" to God?   What things in your life are crowding out God and the life abundant God wants you to have?

I hope to see you Sunday.  And, don't forget to register for Rally Day!  Let's make this Rally Day one of our biggest Rally Days!

Blessings,

Annie

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Rally Day is September 7!

Join the festivities as we enjoy a Pancake Brunch from Chris’ Cakes
AND
Entertainment from the Jim Dandy’s Dixieland Group!

pancakes

Worship with us at 10:30 and stay for festivities!

Chris' Cakes will entertain us after church with their flap-jack flipping skills.  The cost of the brunch after church is $5/per person for ages 6 and up and includes unlimited pancakes, sausage and orange juice.  Please register so we know how many people to expect, or you can contact the church office at 314-432-8029 or email adminasst@faithdesperes.org.

Rally Day is a time to gather and catch up after a fun-filled summer!  

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Around Church . . .

Sunday School Start Next Sunday (September 7)!
Sunday School starts next Sunday following a special Time with Children in worship.  During the month of September the children will learn about the Sacrament of Communion.  They will also make something special for our World Communion Celebration on October 5.  Join the fun and invite your friends! 

Feeding the Flock Next Sunday (September 7)!

It’s the first Sunday of the month which means the kids will pull the wagon and collect food for Circle of Concern during the offering time.  September is Hunger Awareness Month, and it’s also the month their cupboards are the most bare.  So please bring your canned goods, peanut butter, cereal, and toilet paper next Sunday.  Thank you.

Do You Like Kids?
If so, we need some extra hands to help in Sunday School in October.  You do not need experience in teaching, nor a mastery of the Bible, to teach Sunday School.  You do need a desire to serve children, God and the church through this important ministry.  If you would like to teach, or are curious about it, please talk to Annie.  Thank you.

Adult Discussion Group, Sunday, September 14, 9:15am
Join the Adult Discussion Group for their first meeting of the year.  Rev. Terry Epling, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, will lead the discussion on the actions the General Assembly took in June in Detroit.  You’ve read in the news what happened, so come with your questions and thoughts.

A Place in the Choir

The choir will resume rehearsing for our role as worship leaders on September 3 at 7:15 p.m.  The choir will explore a wide variety of music this year, including settings of beloved scriptural texts and hymn texts, spirituals and gospel songs, pieces by classical composers, contemporary Christian songs arranged for choir, and more! Plans for an Advent cantata are in the making, and we anticipate that several guest musicians will join us in worship this fall.  The choir would gladly welcome anyone who would like to join. You do not need to read music to participate. Just come to rehearsal on September 3 or any Wednesday following if you would like be a part of this dedicated, fun group. 

Save the Date!!
The Presbyterian Women have reserved Saturday, November 1, 9am-4pm, at Mercy Center for the day and time of their annual women’s retreat.  This is for all women of all ages.  More information to follow.

About the Music
In a survey taken a couple of years ago, the congregation reported its favorite hymns. We are singing two of those today (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee and Fairest Lord Jesus).  Some of the other favorites were Morning Has Broken, How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace (all of which we have sung recently!) and Just a Closer Walk with Thee (which we will sing next week with the Jim Dandy's band).

The Adventures of Flat Jesus

It’s not too late to submit your pictures of Flat Jesus.  We love seeing where he has been this summer!  You can still e-mail them to adminasst@faithdesperes.org.  We’ll get them online. 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This week I’ll resume my sermon series on spiritual practices.  We’ll look at the spiritual practice of testimony.  This isn’t a practice normally associated with Presbyterians!  However, we testify to our faith through our words and our actions.  I hope you’ll come to listen and learn!

Further down this e-mail you’ll read about Rally Day.  I promise great music AND great food on Rally Day!  Please let us know you’re coming by registering or e-mailing.  Sunday School for kids kicks-off this Sunday.  It’s also Feeding the Flock Sunday.  Bring your canned goods! 

See you in church.

Annie

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Around Church . . .

Sunday School Resumes September 7!                                                                           

We hope you’ll be here on Sunday, September 7 when Sunday School for kids resumes.  There are lots of fun things planned.  Join us 10:45-11:30.

A Place in the Choir
The choir will resume rehearsing for our role as worship leaders on September 3 at 7:15 pm.  The choir will explore a wide variety of music this year, including settings of beloved scriptural texts and hymn texts, spirituals and gospel songs, pieces by classical composers, contemporary Christian songs arranged for choir, and more! Plans for an Advent cantata are in the making, and we anticipate that several guest musicians will join us in worship this fall.  The choir would gladly welcome anyone who would like to join. You do not need to read music to participate. Just come to rehearsal on September 3 or any Wednesday following if you would like be a part of this dedicated, fun group. 

Congratulations, Danny and Kenny!                                                                           

Please extend your congratulations to Danny Mortimer and Kenny Landers as they were joined in marriage on August 9. We thank God for their love and we pray for peace, contentment and joy as they begin their lives together.

Worship at the Old Des Peres Church on Sunday, August 31!
Worship on Sunday, August 31st will be at the Old Des Peres Church (a.k.a. the Old Meeting House).  If you have not been there before, our old stone church is on Geyer Road about 1/2 mile south of Clayton Road. Parking is available on side streets near the church. There are no bathrooms, so plan ahead.  The church was built in 1834.

Facebook Update
Like us on Facebook, see what’s happening, register for events, and spread the word.   

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