News

Welcome to the Commonplace Blog of Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church. Weekly updates of events and happenings will be posted here, as well as photos and reminders.

IN THE COMMUNITY

January 29, 2015

7th Annual Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner Saturday February 21
The Rockhaven Ecozoic Center is holding a fundraising dinner at Grace Episcopal Church, 514 E. Argonne, Kirkwood on Saturday, February 21, 5:30pm -8:30 pm. Rockhaven provides the speakers for our Women’s Retreats. Tickets $15 ($20 at the door.) Tickets can also be purchased at Tau Center (314-965-3700) 335 S. Kirkwood Rd, 63122. Make the checks out to Rockhaven. For more information call 636-575-5671 or www.rockhavencenter.org.

2015 Presbytery History Team Tour
An Underground Railroad tour in Missouri and Illinois is presented by the History Team of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy on Friday, March 20, 2015. The cost is $51.00. Lunch is at your own expense at Fast Eddie's in Alton, IL. For reservations call Betsy Stoll at 314-821-0533.

Summer Camp 2015
Mound Ridge Camp and Retreat Center is pleased to announce that their 2015 Summer Program dates are now available on the new moundridge.org site. Camp is held the first 3 weeks in June. Full details about the camps can be found on their website. Spaces are limited. Registration deadline is June 1.

Around Church

January 22, 2015

Trout Lodge Reservation Deadline
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.

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.

Worship next Sunday, February 1
We’ll celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism! Madelyn Edney, daughter of Tiffani and John and younger sister of Samantha, will be baptized. Tiffani and Jon, members of Faith Des Peres, were married here in 2009 and now live in Memphis where Jon is a doctor and Tiffani is a stay-at-home Mom.

Feeding the Flock is also next Sunday. Don’t forget your canned goods! Current needs: jelly, cereal, canned meats (chili, stew, ham, chicken, etc.), canned fish, peanut butter, toilet paper.

Communion Table Flowers
Registration for communion table flowers is available in the Gathering Space. Please indicate how you would like the dedication in the bulletin to read. Yolanda will send an email a few days ahead of your scheduled date to remind you to bring flowers. Thank you for adorning the table!

Lost and Found
Please have a look at our Lost and Found basket in the gathering space. Included in the basket are some old family pictures that have been left behind. Please take the time to look and see if you recognize anyone in the photos so we can return them. Items not claimed by the end of the month will be donated to charity. Thank you.

Vision 20/20

January 22, 2015

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 met with the Session and the consultant in a workshop to set the direction for VISION 20/20. 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 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.

In The Community

January 22, 2015

7th Annual Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner Saturday February 21
The Rockhaven Ecozoic Center is holding a fundraising dinner at Grace Episcopal Church, 514 E. Argonne, Kirkwood on Saturday, February 21 5:30pm -8:30 pm. Rockhaven provides the speakers for our Women’s Retreats. Tickets $15 ($20 at the door) Tickets can also be purchased at Tau Center (314-965-3700) 335 S. Kirkwood Rd.63122. Make the checks out to Rockhaven. For more information call 636-575-5671 or www.rockhavencenter.org.

2015 Presbytery History Team Tour
An Underground Railroad tour in Missouri and Illinois is presented by the History Team of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy on Friday, March 20, 2015. The cost is $51.00. Lunch is at your own expense at Fast Eddie's in Alton, IL. For reservations call Betsy Stoll at 314-821-0533.

Summer Camp 2015
Mound Ridge Camp and Retreat Center is pleased to announce that their 2015 Summer Program dates are now available on the new moundridge.org site. Camp is held the first 3 weeks in June. Full details about the camps can be found on their website. Spaces are limited. Registration deadline is June 1.

Dear Members and Friends of Faith Des Peres,

January 15, 2015

This Sunday we'll hear the beautiful Psalm 139. This psalm assures us that before we know and name God, God knows us and names us. There's no where we can go to avoid God. I think this is very interesting, especially in an age when so many people are on a quest to know God or to become more spiritual, because this psalm tells us that we don't need to go searching for God. God is there with us, every where we go.

The psalm also assures us that we are of value and worthy. No matter what else anyone says about us, we're valued and loved by God.

Do you know anyone who needs to hear those messages? That they're valued and loved by God, no matter what others may say? And, that they don't need to go searching for God because God is always with them? I know people who need to hear that message. Heck, sometimes I need to hear that message!

I hope you'll give prayerful thought as to who in your life needs to hear that message, I hope that you'll invite them to church. As we'll hear in the gospel lesson this week, invite them to come and see. That's all you need to do.

I hope I'll see you in church. You are loved and worthy, and God is with you!

Blessings,

Annie

Around Church

January 15, 2015

Adult Discussion Group (ADG) Book Study
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. Call or email Barb Abbett for more information. 721-3292 b.abbett@att.net

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!

Game Night, January 23, 6:30 pm
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!

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.

Lost and Found
Please have a look at our Lost and Found box in the gathering space. Items not claimed will be donated to charity. Thank you.

Vision 20/20

January 15, 2015

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.

In the Community

January 15, 2015

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.

7th Annual Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner Saturday February 21
The Rockhaven Ecozoic Center is holding a fundraising dinner at Grace Episcopal Church, 514 E. Argonne, Kirkwood on Saturday, February 21 5:30pm -8:30 pm. Rockhaven provides the speakers for our Women’s Retreats. Tickets $15 ($20 at the door) Tickets can also be purchased at Tau Center (314-965-3700) 335 S. Kirkwood Rd.63122. Make the checks out to Rockhaven. For more information call 636-575-5671 or www.rockhavencenter.org.

Dear Faith Des Peres Community

January 8, 2015

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

Together at Faith Des Peres

January 8, 2015

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.

Together at Faith Des Peres

December 30, 2014

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”

Christmas Eve and Sunday December 28

December 23, 2014

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!)

Dear Faith Des Peres Family

December 18, 2014

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

December and Christmas Eve Worship

December 18, 2014

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.

Dear Faith Des Peres Community

December 11, 2014

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

December and Christmas Eve Worship

December 11, 2014

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!)

Together at Faith Des Peres

December 11, 2014

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.

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

December 5, 2014

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

Together at Faith Des Peres

December 3, 2014

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

Dear Faith Des Peres Family

November 25, 2014

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