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Together at Faith Des Peres

Last Call!
If you didn’t have your picture taken for the directory but want to be in it, we need your picture by November 15.  Questions?  See Terry Baker.  Thank you!

Interested in Joining Faith Des Peres?

Are you interested in becoming a member of Faith Des Peres?  If so, we have 7 people who have said they’re ready to join, and we would love to have some more!  If you’re interested in joining, or just want to talk more about what that means, let me know.  If you know you want to join, I’d like to receive new members on Sunday, December 7 or Sunday, December 21.  Please let me know if either or both of those dates work for you. Thanks and Blessings, Annie

Adult Discussion Group Meets This Sunday, 9:15 am

Annie will lead this month’s Adult Discuss Group.  In keeping with the month-long focus on gratitude in worship, the topic is “Turkey Day or Thanksgiving?  Rethinking Gratitude”.  Anyone is welcome to come! 

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Mission News

Christmas Giving Tree
Faith Des Peres' Mission and Ministry committee will begin the annual Christmas giving tree collections on November 23rd.  Ornaments will be available for parishioners to take that will provide gift ideas for 25 children from SouthSide Early Childhood Center and for 34 women/children from Lydia's House.  The ornaments will be available for collection starting November 23rd, with gifts and ornaments to be brought back unwrapped for our Christmas giving celebration on December 7th.  We will celebrate our gift-giving with music and tasty treats provided by Mission and Ministry. We look forward to this much anticipated event, where our congregation provides for those in need during the season of giving!

 

Nicaragua Community Partnership Annual Fund-Raising Dinner
Join friends of the Nicaragua Community Partnership for our annual celebration and an evening of fine dining at one of St. Louis’ premier Italian restaurants.  Come together as we raise funds to support the mission and scholarship program for our partner community of Plan Grande #2 and as we begin the celebrations of our 15th Anniversary!  
Monday November 17, 2014 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Tickets $50; Cash Bar available
LoRusso’s Cucina 3121 Watson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63139
Tickets available in the Gathering Space after worship through Nov. 9th. 
For more information see Pastor Annie or Barbara Willock [636-227-6904]; they each have
tickets.


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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

This Sunday is all Saint’s Sunday and I’ll begin a short sermon series on gratitude.  We’ll kick it off by giving thanks to God for the saints in our lives.  In November some of us will also keep a gratitude journal.  The idea behind the journal is simple: make note of one thing every day in November for which you are grateful.  You can do this in an actual journal, on your phone with an app, or online.  If you’ve liked us on Facebook, that’s where I’ll post daily and invite you to do so, too.  If you haven’t yet liked us on Facebook, now is a good time to do that!  We’ll also have communion on Sunday, so don’t forget your food for Circle of Concern.  And last but not least, tomorrow night is the bonfire starting at 7pm.  It’s not too late to come!
See you in church,
Annie  

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Almost Full. Only 2 spots left.

Busch Stadium Tour Saturday, November 8 at 10 AM

Join Rev. Joe Marting on a private tour of Busch Stadium. The tour will include the broadcast booth, Cardinal dugout, Champion Club and other points of interest. This is a one hour gentle walking tour. The cost is only $5.00 per person. We will meet at Gate #3 (on west side of stadium by Stan Musial statue) on November 8 at 10 AM. Following the tour we will have lunch at Cardinal Nation @ 11:30. Please sign up in the Gathering Space no later than Wednesday, November 5.  

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It's Not Too Late

It’s not too late to take part in the gratitude journal exercise or submit a writing for the Advent devotion book.  Like us on Facebook to post your gratitude, and submit a devotion to Annie.  Thank you!

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Mission News

Nicaragua Community Partnership Annual Fund-Raising Dinner
Join friends of the Nicaragua Community Partnership for our annual celebration and an evening of fine dining at one of St. Louis’ premier Italian restaurants.  Come together as we raise funds to support the mission and scholarship program for our partner community of Plan Grande #2 and as we begin the celebrations of our 15th Anniversary!  

Monday November 17, 2014 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Tickets $50; Cash Bar available
LoRusso’s Cucina 3121 Watson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63139
Tickets available in the Gathering Space after worship through Nov. 9th. 
For more information see Pastor Annie or Barbara Willock [636-227-6904]; they each have
tickets.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing
On World Communion Sunday we collected $705 for One Great Hour of Sharing.  Thank you very much for generously donating to this offering that supports disaster relief and Self Development of People grants throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA).  On October 12, 8 Faith Des Peres members walked in the CROP Walk and raised almost $400 for hunger-related causes in the St. Louis metro area.  Thank you for your support.  Mission and Ministry Committee

 

Buddy Packs Update
Buddy Packs has started!  Buddy Packs a program of Faith Des Peres that provides weekend meals to children at Tillman Elementary School in Kirkwood.  This year, we’re providing weekend meals to 12 children on a weekly basis.  Previous Buddy Pack volunteers should have received an e-mail by now with a schedule and instructions.  If you would like to volunteer, or want more details on what that involves, please e-mail Clarissa.

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

This Sunday we’ll celebrate Reformation Sunday with a bagpiper.  You’ll have a chance to post your own “theses” on the church door just like Martin Luther did but with a twist because we are, after all, a church reformed and always reforming.  It will be a great Sunday!

With November a little over a week away, I want to encourage you to take part in this year’s Gratitude Journal exercise.  All you need to do is make note of one thing every day for which you are grateful.  Once a week, I’ll share either by e-mail or our Facebook page an encouraging word or quote and invite you to share with the group some of things you’ve noted in your journal.  This is strictly an online interaction; there are no face to face meetings.  The idea is simply to create an “attitude of gratitude”.  I’ll also be preaching on gratitude in November.  If you’d like to take part, send me an email. 

See you in church.
Annie

 

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Things to do

 

Meet and Greet
Are you interested in finding out more about Faith Des Peres? We’re hosting an informal gathering before church on Sunday, November 2, 9:15 am. Meet and Greet is an opportunity for you to learn more about the church, to ask questions and to meet others in the congregation. There is no expectation that you join the church if you attend Meet and Greet, but we are planning to receive new members into the Faith Des Peres community. If you are interested in finding out more about Meet and Greet or becoming a part of Faith Des Peres, please contact Annie Epling (pastor@faithdesperes.org, 432-8029).

Busch Stadium Tour Saturday, November 8 at 10 AM
Join Rev. Joe Marting on a private tour of Busch Stadium. The tour will include the broadcast booth, Cardinal dugout, Champion Club and other points of interest. This is a one hour gentle walking tour. The cost is only $5.00 per person. We will meet at Gate #3 (on west side of stadium by Stan Musial statue) on November 8 at 10 AM. Following the tour we will have lunch at Cardinal Nation @ 11:30. Please sign up in the Gathering Space no later than Wednesday, November 5. 

Presbyterian Women Bible Study
Join the Presbyterian Women Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 am for fellowship and Bible Study. They are continuing their study of “Reconciling Paul”, a look at Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. Anyone is welcome to attend the Bible study.

Bonfire
The Bonfire has been rescheduled to November 1. There is a new signup sheet in the Gathering Space so please let us know if you are able to make it on this new date. Hope to see you there!

 

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Get Ready for Thanksgiving and Advent

Gratitude Journal 2014
Last year a group of Faith Des Peres folks kept a gratitude journal during November. The idea is simple: make note of one thing a day for which you are grateful. Once a week, we’d share together via email what we’d noted and written. Personally, knowing others were keeping the journal with me kept me accountable, so I didn’t fall behind. If you’re interested in keeping a gratitude journal during November, e-mail me or talk to me in church. Thank you!  -Annie

Advent Devotion Book 2014
​It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about Advent. Last year, the Worship Arts Committee published an Advent devotion book to give people the opportunity to connect more fully with the church and to provide a worship guide to be used at home during the week. If you would like to submit a short devotion and prayer for the book, please let Annie know. Submissions are due by November 1.


 

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Mission News

One Great Hour of Sharing
On World Communion Sunday we collected $705 for One Great Hour of Sharing.  Thank you very much for generously donating to this offering that supports disaster relief and Self Development of People grants throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA).  On October 12, 8 Faith Des Peres members walked in the CROP Walk and raised almost $400 for hunger-related causes in the St. Louis metro area.  Thank you for your support.  Mission and Ministry Committee

Buddy Packs Update
Buddy Packs has started!  Buddy Packs a program of Faith Des Peres that provides weekend meals to children at Tillman Elementary School in Kirkwood.  This year, we’re providing weekend meals to 12 children on a weekly basis.  Previous Buddy Pack volunteers should have received an e-mail by now with a schedule and instructions.  If you would like to volunteer, or want more details on what that involves, please e-mail Clarissa.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Friends,

This Saturday, people from around the presbytery are invited to attend a forum on race relations in St. Louis.  The event was organized in response to the Michael Brown shooting.  You can find more information about the event later in the blog.  If you are able to attend, I would encourage you to do so.  This is an important topic and the issue isn’t “going away” any time soon.  Plus, J. Herbert Nelson and Gradye Parsons are thoughtful, articulate speakers who will engage our hearts and minds. 

This Sunday, I’m going to continue my sermon theme of “Many Members, One Body”.  This week, we’ll pay attention to what our role is in the body of Christ as individuals and as a church.  And, next Sunday, we’ll conclude the series with Reformation Sunday.  A bagpiper will be here to play in true Presbyterian style, and you’ll have a chance to “nail” your “theses” to the church door just like Martin Luther did. 

I hope to see you in church!

Blessings,

Annie

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Coming Up Quickly

Adult Discussion Group
The Adult Discussion Group will meet on Sunday, October 19 at 9:15.  Guest speaker Terry Jones will lead the group on a discussion of current election issues in Missouri with a focus on constitutional amendments.  Terry is always a popular presenter. Join us and be an informed voter in November.

 

Saturday, October 18, 10am-2pm
Ferguson: From Hurt to Beloved Community: Presbyterians Talking About Race in St. Louis
First Presbyterian Church
401 Darst Rd., Ferguson, MO 63135
Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Director of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington DC Office of Public Witness, and Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will speak and lead a discussion on racism in St. Louis and steps to take toward organizing and creating the beloved community God envisions.  All are invited to attend this very important forum with excellent speakers.  More information is here.

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Meet and Greet
Are you interested in finding out more about Faith Des Peres? We’re hosting an informal gathering before church on Sunday, November 2, 9:15 am. Meet and Greet is an opportunity for you to learn more about the church, to ask questions and to meet others in the congregation. There is no expectation that you join the church if you attend Meet and Greet, but we are planning to receive new members into the Faith Des Peres community. If you are interested in finding out more about Meet and Greet or becoming a part of Faith Des Peres, please contact Annie Epling (pastor@faithdesperes.org, 432-8029).

Bonfire Rescheduled for November 1, 7 PM
The Bonfire has been rescheduled to November 1. There is a new signup sheet in the Gathering Space so please let us know if you are able to make it on this new date. Hope to see you there!

Busch Stadium Tour on Saturday, November 8 at 10 AM
Join Rev. Joe Marting on a private tour of Busch Stadium. The tour will include the broadcast booth, Cardinal dugout, Champion Club and other points of interest. This is a one hour gentle walking tour. The cost is only $5.00 per person. We will meet at Gate #3 (on the west of the stadium by Stan Musial statue) on November 8 at 10 AM. Following the tour we will have lunch at Cardinal Nation @ 11:30. Please sign up in the Gathering Space no later than Wednesday, November 5. 

Presbyterian Women Bible Study
Join the Presbyterian Women Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 am for fellowship and Bible Study.They are continuing their study of “Reconciling Paul”, a look at Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. Anyone is welcome to attend the Bible study.

 
Welcome, Yolanda!
Yolanda Mortimer is our new part-time Administrative Assistant.  Her hours are somewhat flexible, but you can likely find her here on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Her e-mail address is the same: adminasst@faithdesperes.org.  If you call the church office and no one answers, please leave a voicemail.  Thank you.

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Getting Ready For Thanksgiving and Advent

Gratitude Journal 2014
Last year a group of Faith Des Peres folks kept a gratitude journal during November. The idea is simple: make note of one thing a day for which you are grateful. Once a week, we’d share together what we’d noted and written. Personally, knowing others were keeping the journal with me kept me accountable, so I didn’t fall behind. If you’re interested in keeping a gratitude journal during November, e-mail me or talk to me in church. Thank you!  Annie

Advent Devotion Book 2014
It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about Advent. Last year, the Worship Arts Committee published an Advent devotion book to give people the opportunity to connect more fully with the church and to provide a worship guide to be used at home during the week. If you would like to submit a short devotion and prayer for the book, please let Annie know. Submissions are due by November 1.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Last week we had a wonderful World Communion Sunday celebration by gathering around the table outside for the Great Feast of Thanksgiving.  I want to personally thank Leslie Barnes, Danny Mortimer, Beth Willock and Gay Spears for all of their work behind the scenes.  Together, the 5 of us comprise the Worship Arts Committee and dream up different, creative ways we can worship.  If you are interested in joining our committee, please let me know.  We meet about 6 times a year in brainstorming sessions.

I also want to say that the energy was great last Sunday because you were there!  Your presence matters – it adds energy and life.  If you ever wake up on a Sunday morning and debate whether to come to church and wonder what difference it makes, please know it makes a difference! 

And on that note, I hope I’ll see you in church this Sunday! 

Annie 

PS: Don’t forget the bonfire Friday night at 7pm.  Bring a blanket or chair and join the fun.

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Meet and Greet
Are you interested in finding out more about Faith Des Peres? We’re hosting an informal gathering before church on Sunday, November 2, 9:15 am. Meet and Greet is an         opportunity for you to learn more about the church, to ask questions and to meet others in the congregation. There is no expectation that you join the church if you attend Meet and Greet, but we are planning to receive new members into the Faith Des Peres community. If you are interested in finding out more about Meet and Greet or becoming a part of Faith Des Peres, please contact Annie Epling (pastor@faithdesperes.org, 432-8029).

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.


Women’s Fall Retreat

The Women’s Fall Retreat is quickly approaching!  Held this year at Mercy Center, the day will focus on stress relief.  The retreat is Saturday, November 1, 9-4, and cost is $50.  Deadline to register is October 16.  There is a sign up sheet in the Gathering Space.  Questions?  See Barbara Wright or Clarissa Schuller-Meyer.

 

Adult Discussion Group
The Adult Discussion Group will meet on Sunday, October 19 at 9:15.  Guest speaker  Terry Jones will lead the group on a discussion of current election issues in Missouri with a focus on constitutional amendments.  Terry is always a popular presenter.  Join us and be an informed voter in November. 

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In the Community

Ferguson: From Hurt to Beloved Community: Presbyterians Talking About Race in St. Louis

Saturday, October 18, 10-2

Dr. J. Herbert Nelosn, Director of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington DC Office of Public Witness, and Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will speak and lead a discussion on racism in St. Louis and steps to take toward organizing  and creating the beloved community God envisions.  Find the brochure here. 

2014 CROP Walk
Join us for the 2014 CROP Walk today at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves! Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the walk begins at 1:30 p.m.  The CROP Hunger Walk is an interfaith effort that raises money to fight hunger around the world. Each year, 25% of funds raised from the St. Louis walk stays in our community. There is a one mile and a 3 mile walk. We hope you will join us. You can register at Eden Seminary.

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Get Ready for Thanksgiving and Advent

Gratitude Journal 2014

Last year a group of Faith Des Peres folks kept a gratitude journal during November.  The idea is simple: make note of one thing a day for which you are grateful.  Once a week, we’d share together what we’d noted and written.  Personally, knowing others were keeping the journal with me kept me accountable, so I didn’t fall behind.  If you’re interested in keeping a gratitude journal during November, e-mail me or talk to me in church.  Thank you!  Annie 

Advent Devotion Book 2014

It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about Advent.  Last year, the Worship Arts Committee published an Advent devotion book to give people the opportunity to connect more fully with the church and to provide a worship guide to be used at home during the week.  You can find a copy of last year’s book here.  If you would like to submit a short devotion and prayer for the book, please let Annie know.  Submissions are due by November 1.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday is World Communion Sunday which happens to be one of my favorite Sundays of the year.  Why?  Because it offers us a distinctive opportunity to celebrate communion in the context of a global community of faith.  On this Sunday, like no other, we are reminded that while we are all different and come from many different places, we are all one body. 

This year, we will celebrate the day by returning to an old Faith Des Peres tradition of going outside for the sacrament of communion.  There, we’ll  gathering around the table and take part in the Great Feast of Thanksgiving by truly feasting with food and wine.  It’s a unique tradition but a special one.  I hope you will be here for it. 

The children have helped us prepare by making a chalice and plate for communion.  They will also pull the wagon for feeding the flock, so don’t forget your canned goods.

I hope I’ll see you Sunday,

Annie

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Together at Faith Des Peres

World Communion Sunday Celebration October 5th
This 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.

2014 CROP Walk
Join us for the 2014 CROP Walk, Sunday, October 12th at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves! Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the walk begins at 1:30 p.m.  The CROP Hunger Walk is an interfaith effort that raises money to fight hunger around the world. Each year, 25% of funds raised from the St. Louis walk stays in our community. There is a one mile and a 3 mile walk. We hope you will join us. Visit this link to register in advance:  http://hunger.cwsglobal.org/goto/FDP2014, or register at Eden Seminary the day of the walk. For more information, contact Erica Abbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net, or sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space. 

Adult Discussion Group
The Adult Discussion Group will meet on Sunday, October 19 at 9:15.  Guest speaker Terry Jones will lead the group on a discussion of current election issues in Missouri with a focus on constitutional amendments.  Terry is always a popular presenter.  Join us and be an informed voter in November. 

Feeding the Flock
On Communion Sundays, the children of the congregation gather together and pull a wagon through the Sanctuary, collecting food for our outreach facility, Circle of Concern. After the service, the Feeding the Flock ministry sorts through the donations and takes them to Circle of Concern. The idea behind Feeding the Flock is that while we are spiritually fed at Christ’s table, we are called to physically feed others. This is an important outreach ministry of Faith Des Peres, and is one that especially gets everyone involved. The children learn about giving and participating in mission ministries.  Current needs are: cereal, tomato products, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, canned meat, canned fish, razors. 

Women’s Fall Retreat
The Women’s Fall Retreat is quickly approaching!  Held this year at Mercy Center, the day will focus on stress relief.  The retreat is Saturday, November 1, 9-4, and cost is $50.  Deadline to register is October 16.  Questions?  See Barbara Wright or Clarissa Schuller-Meyer.

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!

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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