Together at Faith Des Peres

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.

---

Giving Tree
Faith Des Peres' Mission and Ministry committee has begun the annual Christmas giving tree collections. Ornaments are 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 are available, 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, when our congregation provides for those in need during the season of giving!

---

 Parent’s Day Out, December 6, 10:30-2:30
Parents, get some shopping done or just have fun while the teenagers of the church babysit your child(ren) for $10.  Register by December 3 so we know how many babysitters are needed.  Please pack a lunch or snack for your child. 

---

Annual Gingerbread House Party– Register by December 7!
Come and decorate a gingerbread house on Saturday, December 13 from 10am-noon. This event is geared towards kids but all ages are welcome to decorate or to provide help. Invite friends to join us in Fellowship Hall for a fun morning together. Please sign up in the Gathering Space by December 7 so we know how many houses to prepare. The cost is $13 a house. Questions? See Leslie Barnes.

---

Presbyterian Women Cookie Exchange
December 10 at 10:30am is the annual Presbyterian Women’s brunch and cookie exchange. Leila Davis will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange. Please RSVP to Leila at 314-994-0039 or Yolanda in the church office at adminasst@faithdesperes.org or 314-432-8029.

---

---

TNT (20s and 30 Somethings), December 12, 6:30 pm
Join us at the Kirkwood Brew Station for a night out. Babysitting offered at the church for free. Make a reservation with Beth Willock.

---

Fund Raiser at Sweet Tomatoes December 1.
The Presbyterian Women's group is hosting a fundraiser at Sweet Tomatoes restaurant in Creve Coeur on Monday December 1.  All church members have to do is show up between 5-8pm with flyer in hand and we will raise funds for our group!  Thank you.

---

Adult Discussion Group
Want to learn more about the music of Christmas?  On Sunday, Dec. 7 our music director, Gay Spears, will use our new hymnbook as the foundation for her discussion – “Something Old, Something New.”  As the topic suggests, Gay  will share information about  songs of the season and offer some background about hymns that have endured over the years and new ones that are becoming a part of Advent and Christmas.   She will also provide a sneak peek at the music for the rest of the season, including the annual lessons and carols service, and let us “in” on who some special guest musicians are that we can look forward to joining us for worship in the coming weeks.

Plan to join the ADG at 9:15 a.m. , Sunday, Dec. 7 for an interesting and inspirational discussion, warm coffee and Christmas cookies.  And while you’re marking your calendar for December please add the 2015 ADG gathering dates at the same time.
Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at noon – Book study of The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus, led by Ron Scott
Feb. 8, 9:15 a.m. – A discussion about Lent, led by Pastor Annie Epling
March 8 and 15 at noon – A book review/discussion, led by Barbara Wright (book to be announced later)
April 19, 9:15 a.m. – Discussion led by Dorcas Case (topic to be announced later)
May 10, 9:15 a.m. – Wrap-up/Evaluation of the year and 2015-2016 planning ​

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

This Sunday I'll conclude my sermon series on gratitude.  We'll sing the traditional Thanksgiving hymns and count our blessings.  I hope you'll be here!

I also want to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am for each and everyone of you.  Faith Des Peres would not be the church it is without you.  Thank you for all you do and all you are.  I truly appreciate all of you.

Blessings, Annie

Life at Faith Des Peres

Barbara Moorman Memorial Service
A memorial service for Barbara Moorman will be Saturday, November 22, at 2 pm in the chapel at Laclede Groves, 723 S. Laclede Station Road.  Barbara was a long time member of Faith Des Peres.  She is survived by her son, two daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Sweet Tomatoes Fundraiser, December 1, 5-8 pm
Join your fellow church members at the Sweet Tomatoes in Creve Coeur between 5-8 pm on Monday, December 1 and help raise money for Lydia's House.  All you need to do is bring the attached flier with you and Sweet Tomatoes will donate a portion of the proceeds to Lydia's House.  Hope you can join us. See you there!  

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.

Giving Tree
Faith Des Peres' Mission and Ministry committee will begin the annual Christmas giving tree collections today. Ornaments are 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 are available starting today, 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!

Parent’s Day Out, December 6, 10:30-2:30
Parents, get some shopping done or just have fun while the teenagers of the church babysit your child(ren) for $10.  Register by December 3 so we know how many babysitters are needed.  Please pack a lunch or snack for your child. 

Annual Gingerbread House Party– Register by December 7!
Come and decorate a gingerbread house on Saturday, December 13 from 10am-noon. This event is geared towards kids but all ages are welcome to decorate or to provide help. Invite friends to join us in Fellowship Hall for a fun morning together. Please sign up in the Gathering Space by December 7 so we know how many houses to prepare. The cost is $13 a house. Questions? See Leslie Barnes.
 

Presbyterian Women Cookie Exchange
December 10 at 10:30am is the annual Presbyterian Women’s brunch and cookie exchange. Leila Davis will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange. Please RSVP to Leila at 314-994-0039 or Yolanda in the church office at adminasst@faithdesperes.org or 314-432-8029.

 TNT (20s and 30 Somethings), December 12, 6:30 pm
Join us at the Kirkwood Brew Station for a night out. Babysitting offered at the church for free. Make a reservation 

Adult Discussion Group

Want to learn more about the music of Christmas?  On Sunday, Dec. 7 our music director, Gay Spears, will use our new hymnbook as the foundation for her discussion – “Something Old, Something New.”  As the topic suggests, Gay will share information about  songs of the season and offer some background about hymns that have endured over the years and new ones that are becoming a part of Advent and Christmas.   She will also provide a sneak peek at the music for the rest of the season, including the annual lessons and carols service, and let us “in” on who some special guest musicians are that we can look forward to joining us for worship in the coming weeks.

Plan to join the ADG at 9:15 a.m. , Sunday, Dec. 7 for an interesting and inspirational discussion, warm coffee and Christmas cookies.  And while you’re marking your calendar for December please add the 2015 ADG gathering dates at the same time.

•    Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at noon – Book study of The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus, led by Ron Scott
• Feb. 8, 9:15 a.m. – A discussion about Lent, led by Pastor Annie Epling 
•    March 8 and 15 at noon – A book review/discussion, led by Barbara Wright (book to  be announced later)
•     April 19, 9:15 a.m. – Discussion led by Dorcas Case (topic to be announced   later.
•     May 10, 9:15 a.m. – Wrap-up/Evaluation of the year and 2015-2016 planning

---

ADG Book Study
This year’s ADG book study is scheduled for January 11th, 18th and 25th, and again will take place after church with lunch at noon and the class beginning at 12:30.  This year’s book is The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus, by John Dominic Crossan. Jesus’ parables provide some of the most interesting, and at times provocative, parts of the Gospels.  Crossan offers ways to understand these stories by Jesus.  But he goes further, suggesting that many of the stories the Gospel writers told about Jesus can also be understood as parable, opening up a fascinating new way to understand Jesus and his work.The Power of Parable is easy to read and, at about 250 pages, just the right length for our three-week study.  The books are available from Amazon in paperback ($10.68), and Kindle ($9.78), or you can see Barb Abbett if you would like to get your copy from the church.

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

Last Saturday 41 of us had a great time touring Busch Stadium and eating lunch afterwards at Cardinal Nation.  I want to thank Joe Marting who led a fabulous tour.  While we didn't get to see the dugout, we got to go someplace even better -- the owners' suite!  It was, dare I say, swank.   This picture doesn't do it, or us, justice.  But you get the point.

In other news, we'll continue our topic of gratitude during worship.  I hope you'll join us!

Blessings,
Annie 

Together at Faith Des Peres

Barbara Moorman
It is with great sadness that we let you know that Barbara Moorman passed away Thursday, November 6.  She was 95 years old. Barbara was a longtime member of Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church.  She was the only member who remembered attending church at the Old Des Peres Church before the church on Clayton Road was built.  She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Please keep Barbara's family in your prayers. Memorial service will be held November 22, 2:30 pm at Laclede Groves Chapel.

---

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

---

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.

Mission News

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
For more information see Pastor Annie or Barbara Willock [636-227-6904]

---

ADG Book Study
This year’s ADG book study is scheduled for January 11th, 18th and 25th, and again will take place after church with lunch at noon and the class beginning at 12:30.  This year’s book is The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus, by John Dominic Crossan. Jesus’ parables provide some of the most interesting, and at times provocative, parts of the Gospels.  Crossan offers ways to understand these stories by Jesus.  But he goes further, suggesting that many of the stories the Gospel writers told about Jesus can also be understood as parable, opening up a fascinating new way to understand Jesus and his work.The Power of Parable is easy to read and, at about 250 pages, just the right length for our three-week study.  The books are available from Amazon in paperback ($10.68), and Kindle ($9.78), or you can see Barb Abbett if you would like to get your copy from the church.

Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Thank you to Jim and Terry Baker and Jim Gerst for organizing last Saturday’s bonfire.  It was a success!  And, thank you to Barb Wright for organizing last Saturday’s women’s retreat.  It was a delightful day. 

If you haven’t yet “liked” our Facebook page, please do so!  Many of us have been posting to the page what we’re thankful for, and you would be amazed at what people are saying.  Anyone is welcome to post at any time by leaving a comment on the page.  Doing so is also a great way for your Facebook friends, and your friends’ friends, to learn about Faith Des Peres.  Help us spread the word by clicking like.

This week the topic in worship is giving thanks in adversity.  We’ll look at the stories of the Widow’s Offering from Mark and the battle of Jericho from Joshua.  In both stories, people faced adverse conditions but still gave thanks to God, which is profound – because it’s easy to say “thank you” when everything is going our way, but it’s not easy to say “thank you” when things are not.  So, how do we give thanks when faced with adversity?I hope to see you in church on Sunday!

Blessings,
Annie

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! 

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.

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  

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.  

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.