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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

I hope you all are staying safe and warm during this cold spell.  It’s freezing out there!  In this issue of the Commonplace Blog you’ll see many new announcements.  There’s something for everyone – Trout Lodge (our 17th or 18th year!), Food Outreach, the upcoming book study . . . and that’s only a few things on the horizon.  I hope you can join us for any or all of these events. 

Also in this issue, you’ll read about a visioning process the Session is embarking on.  With a new year comes new energy and new ideas about what is ahead.  We’re calling it “Vision 20/20”.  Vision 20/20 is about drawing on our strengths as a congregation, which are many, and aligning those strengths with a vision, a mission, core values, and goals we want to accomplish in the next 3-5 years.  There are opportunities for you to be heard throughout the process, so please make note of the church-wide gatherings and attend if you can.  As we seek to discern our vision, mission, core values, and goals, your input is vital.

 It may still be cold on Sunday, but it will be warm in the sanctuary.  I hope to see you in church.

Blessings,
Annie

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January Sunday School
The kids are learning all about Sarah and Abraham in January.  Jason Meyer is leading them – he’ll be ready to collect the kids for Sunday School after the Old Testament reading.  Keep an eye out for him and join the fun!

Celebration Weekend
The Presbytery’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration workshop will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Ferguson on Saturday, January 17. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop begins at 9:45 a.m. The theme will be “Confronting the Racial Divide” with the Rev. Jimmie Ray Hawkins, leader in the  “Moral Monday Movement” in North Carolina and Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC. The Worship Celebration will take place at the same location on Sunday January 18 at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Jimmie Ray Hawkins preaching.

 Adult Discussion Group
The annual ADG book study, led by Ron Scott, begins Sunday, Jan. 18 and will continue on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1.  This year's book by John Dominic Corssan is "The Power of the Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus."  We'll meet from noon until 1:30 p.m. each of the three Sundays.  If you are planning to attend and would like to have a box lunch available, please see Barb Abbett after church today (Jan. 11) or phone or email her (721-3292, b.abbett@att.net) before Wednesday, Jan. 14.  Cost per lunch (turkey or tuna sandwich, side dish and cookie):  $11.00.

Game Night
Join us for GAME NIGHT in the Gathering Space on Friday evening, January 23 at 6:30 pm.  Bring your favorite board games, drinks, and a snack to share.  Fun for the whole family.  Don't be SORRY.  Take a RISK, and have the time of your LIFE! 

Vision 20/20
VISION 20/20 is being launched by the Session, with guidance from an outside consultant, to look at what kind of church we want to be and what path we have to take to get there.  The purpose is to engage all of us in talking about our dreams and aspirations for the church, and how these dreams and aspirations can come to fruition to support our mission identity, help us grow spiritually and numerically, and lead us to be a faithful church.  This process will draw on the participation of all, both members and friends, to bring everything together into a focused plan. 

Over the next few weeks, the Session will be in conversation about aligning Faith Des Peres’ vision, mission and values.  On Saturday, Jan. 24 members of the church’s committees are being encouraged to join the Session and the consultant in a 9 a.m. to noon workshop to set the direction for VISION 20/20.  Other interested members and friends also are welcome to attend this workshop.  Then on Sunday, Feb. 8 all members are invited (and encouraged) to attend a two-hour dialogue following the worship service.  This noon to 2 p.m. “pot luck lunch” will provide an opportunity for sharing our thoughts and responding to the early visioning work.

Please plan now to set aside time on Feb. 8 and also on Jan. 24 to be a part of VISION 20/20 – looking at the future of the church and the church of the future.  If you have any questions about this process, please speak with Annie or a member of the Session.

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, January 31st 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 January 31. 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 efpribor@gmail.com.

TROUT LODGE  
We're going back April 24 - 26, 2015!  The church plans two happy hours on Friday and Saturday nights, and one brief worship service on Sunday morning, but the rest of the time is yours to enjoy as you want.  There’s fun for everyone – horseback riding, ponies, zip lines, fishing, biking, relaxing, mini golf – the sky’s the limit at Trout Lodge.  It’s a great weekend away.  Reserve your spot by calling the Trout Lodge reservation desk at (573)438-2154 before January 31.  The food is good, and the room includes a private bath and hotel type amenities.  For more information, pick up a handout in the Gathering Space, or call Terry Baker @ (314)313-8499.

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We welcomed new member Tim Marting on December 21. Here is some information about Tim so you can get to know him better. “I grew up in St. Louis Missouri where I attended Lindbergh high school. I continued my studies and graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. I currently work at Truman Middle School and coach the Lindbergh lacrosse team. In addition to working in the Lindbergh district I also manage and bar tend at j greenes pub on the weekends and during summers. In my free time I enjoy playing/watching sports, hanging with family and friends, and doing just about anything outdoors. I am excited to become a member here at Des Peres Presbyterian.”

Adult Discussion Group: Join us on Sunday January 18, 25 and February 1 at noon as we begin our book study of The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction about Jesus, led by Ron Scott.

January 13, February 3, March 3, April 7
All are invited to the immensely popular Kirkwood Franciscan Sisters’ Free Eco-Film Series! Come enjoy complimentary organic hot apple cider and freshly popped organic popcorn. The films are on Tuesday evenings and begin promptly at 7:00 pm. To attend, you must RSVP to www.fsolph.org or calling the Sister’ office at 314-965-3700. The address is 335 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122
January 13           “Goundswell Rising: Protecting Our Children’s Air and Water”
February 3            “Nothing Like Chocolate”
March 3                  “DamNation”
April 7                      Double Feature “The Trouble with Bread” & “School’s Out: Lessons  from a Forest Kindergarten”

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Christmas Eve and Sunday December 28

Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm
Christmas Eve is a special time to gather with friends and family and to celebrate the message of God's peace and love.

Please join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 pm.  Invite your family and friends.  Any and all are welcome.

Sing the carols, light the candles, and feel the warmth of God's love this Christmas.

Christmas Brunch and Worship, December 28, 10:30 am     
Join us for a special Christmas Brunch and worship service on Sunday, December 28 at 10:30.  This special service will take place in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat and worship and focus on the new year.  It’s for all ages and will include the Christmas carols we love and some exercises to get us thinking about things we want to leave behind or take on in the new year.  This is also a potluck!  So, please bring a dish to share.  Thank you!  (There is no nursery care or Sunday School this day.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together!)

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,
Wasn't that a great Lessons and Carols Service last Sunday?  I don't know about you, but it got me in the Christmas spirit! Thank you Gay and the choir for sharing your talent with us.  We are blessed!  This Sunday we'll hear great music again when we welcome Carolbeth True of the Carolbeth Jazz Trio.  They'll start playing at 10:20 so please plan on being here early to enjoy the music.  We'll also welcome new members Ashley Marting and Tim Marting this Sunday.  You'll want to be here!

Christmas Eve is almost here and you and your family and friends are invited to worship at 5:30 pm.  This candlelight service is a great way for all ages to welcome Christmas.  The choir will sing and violinist Christine Sasse will play.  On Sunday, December 28 we'll worship in the Gathering Space while enjoying a potluck brunch.  Sign-up now (pastor@faithdesperes.org) to let us know you're coming and bringing a dish!  It will be a fun and informal way to end the year and welcome a new one!

See you in church.
Annie  

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December and Christmas Eve Worship

Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm
Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 pm Wednesday, December 24. We’ll have a traditional candlelight service with violinist Christine Sasse. Christine was the first concertmaster for the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin. Currently she is a violin instructor at Washington University. Sing the carols, hear the music and stories, and find hope here!

Christmas Brunch and Worship, December 28    
Join us for a special Christmas Brunch and worship service on Sunday, December 28 at 10:30.  This special service will take place in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat and worship and focus on the new year.  It’s for all ages and will include the Christmas carols we love and some exercises to get us thinking about things we want to leave behind or take on in the new year.  This is also a potluck!  So, please sign-up in the Gathering Space or email Annie at pastor@faithdesperes.org and let us know what dish you’ll bring.  Thank you!  (There is no nursery care or Sunday School this day.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together!)

Christmas Joy Offering
Faith Des Peres is participating in the Christmas Joy Offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a means of expressing and experiencing God’s love. The flyer in the pews explains more about this special offering which continues through our Christmas Eve Service.  If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to Faith Des Peres and note that the gift is for the Joy Offering.  Thank you.

Adult Discussion Group
The Adult Discussion Group annual book study kicks off January 18.  This year’s book is “The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction About Jesus” by John Dominic Crossan.  Copies of the book are available on Amazon.  A reading outline is available in the Gathering Space and on the church’s website.  The class is after church and runs January 18-February 1.  Lunch will be available.  Thank you. 

 Mission and Ministry thanks you for your abundant Christmas giving spirit
We delivered toys to 39 children at Southside Early Childhood Center and Lydia’s House, gifts for 20 women at Lydia’s House and $2000 worth of gift cards to families at both Lydia’s House and Southside Early Childhood Center to help pay for groceries and needed items from Walmart and a local drug store. We know how easy it is to get lost in all the work that happens in this busy few weeks, and we thank you for taking time to care for these women and children. Thank you for passing Christ’s blessing onto them through your kindness. We wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the joy and love you give to these in our community come back to you many times over in the next year.

Peace and Blessings.
Erica Abbett, Whitney Payne, Elizabeth Pribor, Clarissa Schuller-Meyer and Keith Weber

 

Welcome New Members Ashley Marting and Tim Marting
Ashley is a manager at Avalon Exchange, a resale clothing store in the Loop. She got her degree from Webster University in Religious Studies. She enjoys hiking, fashion, and spending time with loved ones.  Her brother Tim teaches at Lindbergh High School and is a bartender at J. Greene's in Kirkwood.  Welcome, Ashley and Tim!

JANET BOYER FUND
Longtime Faith Des Peres member Janet Boyer was an accomplished musician and founder of Music Folk in Webster Groves. The Janet Boyer Fund was established in her memory. Gifts to the Boyer fund make it possible for us to host guest musicians such as various solo instrumentalists, A Fifth Above Woodwind Quintet, our Easter brass, and the Carolbeth Trio. We thank our generous donors for 2014:
Nancy Bender
Bernie and Leila Davis (in memory of Helen Barks)
Philip and Judy Hutchison 
Pat and Bill Malkemus
Michael & Margaret Onken
Will and Charlotte Ridley
Ron and Marilyn Scott
Samantha Stout
John and Beth Willock

Year-end donations to the church
Contributions that you wish to include on 2014 tax documents must be in the church office no later than Sunday, December 28, or in the mail postmarked no later than December 31.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

I want to thank all of the members of the Mission and Ministry Committee for organizing this year’s Christmas Giving Tree and everyone who donated gifts and gift cards.  Your time and effort make a big difference in the lives of families at Christmas.  When I delivered the gifts to Southside on Tuesday, one of the children exclaimed, “Santa!” when he saw me carrying in the gifts.  It was so cute!  His smile spoke 1000 words, and I could tell how excited he was.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to the giving tree, and please know your gifts matter in the life of a child this Christmas.

This Sunday the choir and guest flutist Andrea Clark will present a lessons and carols service.  I hope you’ll join us for this special service.  Next Sunday, the 21st, the Carol Beth True jazz trio will provide music and we’ll accept Ashley Marting and Tim Marting into membership.  Carol is one of St. Louis’ best jazz musicians, and the music is a great excuse to invite your friends and family to church.  Christmas Eve worship is at 5:30.  This candlelight service will also include a guest violinist.  Plan on joining us and invite your friends to this service, too.  The more the merrier!

See you in church.
Annie  

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December and Christmas Eve Worship

You won’t want to miss Sunday December 21
Next Sunday we will welcome the Carolbeth Trio as our guest musicians. Carolbeth True is a very active member of the St. Louis musical community, as both a performing pianist and teacher. David True on drums and Glen Smith on bass are the other members of the trio. The group will play Advent and Christmas music seasoned with a jazz flavor beginning at 10:20. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of St. Louis’ finest jazz groups! 

Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm
oin us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 pm Wednesday, December 24. We’ll have a traditional candlelight service with violinist Christine Sasse, carols and choir. Sing the carols, hear the stories and find hope here!

Christmas Brunch and Worship, December 28    
Join us for a special Christmas Brunch and worship service on Sunday, December 28 at 10:30.  This special service will take place in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat and worship and focus on the new year.  It’s for all ages and will include the Christmas carols we love and some exercises to get us thinking about things we want to leave behind or take on in the new year.  This is also a potluck!  So, please sign-up in the Gathering Space and let us know what dish you’ll bring.  Thank you!  (There is no nursery care or Sunday School this day.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together!)

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Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 11:30 am at Miss Sheri’s on Manchester. Hope to see you there.

Older & Wiser
Plan to join the Older & Wiser group for brunch after church on Sunday, December 28. Contact Barb Wright for more information.

 

 

New Members

Last week we welcomed new members to Faith Des Peres. Here is a little background on our newest members so you can get to know them better.

Daniel & Kennith Mortimer
Danny and Kenny have been attending Faith Des Peres for the last 4 years.  Faith Des Peres provided us with the spiritual foundations we needed through the sermons and music.  We are very excited to finally join Faith Des Peres.
Danny has worked for Clarkson Eyecare for the past 4 years. Currently, He is a Regional Operations Manager managing multiple locations throughout the St. Louis Region. Kenny works as a Nurse for SSM Homecare. Kenny sees patients throughout South City. 
Danny and Kenny reside in South City with their two poodles, Mr. Skittles and Hannah. 

Katy & Andy Richter
The Richter 6 moved from Kirkwood to Des Peres in 2011.  The kids all attend Westchester Elementary in the Kirkwood school district.  James, Kara and Leslie are 9 years old and are in the third grade.  The big guy, Matthew, is 10 and in fourth grade.  All four are soccer and basketball players.
Katy is a representative for Aqua pharmaceuticals and Andy is an equipment manager for Insituform Technologies.  Both support the universities they attended, with Katy rooting for West Virginia University and Andy cheering for Mizzou.
The Richters continued to return to Faith Des Peres to hear Annie’s sermons and enjoy the warm fellowship shown by the congregation.  They decided to become members because of the idea that all children of god are welcome and embraced

Laura Thornton and Bobby Mortimer
Bobby and Laura grew up in church together and have been dating for the past two years.  They are going to be getting married here at Faith Des Peres next year!  Laura is finishing her degree in Special Education, and Bobby is an Assistant Director of food and beverage for The Legends in Eureka.
Laura also has a five year-old son, Cy who is in kindergarten in Parkway.  Cy loves anything cars or Ninja Turtles and loves to read!
Bobby and Laura are excited to begin their family at Faith Des Peres.  They love to listen to Annie’s sermons and enjoy being a part the congregation.  They are very happy to become members of this church family.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent and there is a lot happening at church!  We are:

  • Receiving 6 new members and 5 children!
  • Dedicating our Christmas Giving Tree gifts!  Please bring them on Sunday!
  • Having communion which means it's a Feeding the Flock Sunday.  Bring those canned goods!
  • Gay Spears will lead the Adult Discussion Group at 9:15.  The subject is Christmas music.  Gay always does a great job leading the discussion.  Come, listen, and learn.
  • After church the Mission and Ministry Committee is hosting fellowship with special Christmas treats.  Stay and mingle and meet our newest members.

And if that's not enough, check out everything else that's happening at Faith Des Peres later in the blog.  

See you Sunday.

Annie

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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 Gift Return and Celebration
Please remember to bring your unwrapped gifts for Lydia’s House and Southside Early Childhood Center to church this Sunday.  We will celebrate our gift-giving with Christmas music and tasty treats from Daily Bread Café after the service in the gathering space. We hope everyone will stay for extra Christmas cheer! We look forward to this much anticipated event, when our congregation provides for those in need during the season of giving!

Annual Gingerbread House Party– Register by December 7!
Come and decorate a gingerbread house on Saturday, December 13 from 10 am-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.

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. 

JANET BOYER FUND
Longtime Faith Des Peres member Janet Boyer was an accomplished musician and founder of Music Folk in Webster Groves. The Janet Boyer Fund was established in her memory. Gifts to the Boyer fund make it possible for us to host guest musicians such as various solo instrumentalists, A Fifth Above Woodwind Quintet, our Easter brass, and the Carolbeth Trio. We thank our generous donors for 2014:
Nancy Bender
Bernie and Leila Davis (in memory of Helen Barks)
Philip and Judy Hutchinson 
Will and Charlotte Ridley
Ron and Marilyn Scott
Samantha Stout
John and Beth Willock

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

A special thank you to Rev. Joe Marting for preaching this Sunday while Annie and her family are out of town enjoying a Disney vacation.

If you have an emergency, please contact the church office 314-432-8029.

Yolanda 

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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 ​

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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

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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 

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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.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

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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 

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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.

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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.



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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

  

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