Kirkwood Franciscan Sisters’ Free Eco-Film Series!
The films are on Tuesday evenings and begin promptly at 7:00 PM. To attend you must RSVP to www.fsolph.org or by calling the Sisters’ offices at 314-965-3700.
Showings: 3/3: “DamNation”, 4/7 Double Feature: “The Trouble with Bread” and “School’s Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten”.
I hope you'll join us for the first Sunday of Lent this Sunday. This Sunday we're looking at the theme "Giving Up Excess". If you can, the Worship Arts Committee would like you to bring something to worship that represents something you have a hard time giving up. Please place your item on the communion table before worship, and we'll incorporate it into the service. Also this Sunday, we'll distribute the fish coin boxes for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. We'll collect this offering on Easter. Watch for more details in the blog and bulletin.
I hope to see you in church!
Blessings,
Annie
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.
Kirkwood Franciscan Sisters’ Free Eco-Film Series!
The films are on Tuesday evenings and begin promptly at 7:00 PM. To attend you must RSVP to www.fsolph.org or by calling the Sisters’ offices at 314-965-3700.
Showings: 3/3: “DamNation”, 4/7 Double Feature: “The Trouble with Bread” and “School’s Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten”.
Chili Cook-Off TONIGHT! Friday, February 20
FDP's Chili Cook-Off will be held in the Gathering Space TONIGHT, Friday, February 20th. The fun begins at 6:30 PM. Please bring either a crockpot of your best chili or a dessert. Crackers, chili toppings, iced tea and lemonade will be provided. You can bring a beverage of your choice as well. We'll eat, cast votes for our favorite chili, and enjoy each other’s company. Prizes will be awarded to the winner!! Hope to see you there!
Lent 2015
You might think Lent is about giving up chocolate and other fun stuff, but really it’s about growing closer to Jesus. Join us this Lent as we learn how to do that in a variety of way
Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30 am. "Give Up Excess"
Sunday, March 1, 10:30 am. "Give Up Indifference"
Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am. "Take Up the Charge"
Sunday, March 15, 10:30 am. "Take Up the Challenge"
Sunday, March 22, 10:30 am. "Lift Up the Hurting"
Sunday, March 29, 10:30 am. "Lift Up the Healed"
Easter Sunday, April 4! Join us at 10:30 am with special music, communion, and an inspirational message: “Look Up to Overcome!”
Older & Wiser Brunch, Sunday, February 22
The Older & Wiser brunch will be held Sunday after our Worship Service. Want more details? See Barbara Wright.
TNT Dinner, February 27, 7pm at Canyon Café
Where: Canyon Café at Plaza Frontenac
When: 7pm meet at restaurant. If you need childcare, you can drop the kids off at church starting at 6:30pm. The church covers the cost of childcare for this event.
TNT stands for Twenties and Thirties, but we don’t check birth certificates at the door so anyone is welcome! If you have any questions, talk to Beth Willock (618-978-0992). Hope to see you soon!
Adult Discussion Group, March 8 and 15
The Adult Discussion Group will present a book study on Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15 at 12 noon in the Gathering Space. The discussion will be lead by Barbara Wright.
Richard Rohr is an internationally known speaker, author, retreat leader and the founder of The Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. In this book he suggests that in the first half of life we are primarily concerned with issues of identity, achieving and performing. As we grow older, he notes, we embark on a further journey which seems to result in our falling down, but can lead to the spiritual joys of the second half of life.
Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life can be purchased on Amazon or at local book stores. If preferred, the book can be ordered through Barbara Wright.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Diane Asyre and her family on the death of her mother, Virginia Holdereid who passed away February 8. Services were held February 11.
This Sunday Joe Marting is preaching while I take a few days vacation. I hope you’ll be here to welcome Joe and hear his message! He always has something great to say.
Lent begins on Wednesday with our Ash Wednesday worship service at 7:00 pm. Please note there will NOT be a potluck meal with it as previously planned. All you need to do is come! The service will be reflective in nature, the choir will sing, and we will burn last year’s palms from the Palm Sunday service and make the sign of the cross with ashes on our foreheads. I hope you can join us.
On Sunday, February 22, we’ll begin the Lent sermon series “Give Up, Take Up, Lift Up, Look Up”. For the 22nd, the Worship Arts Committee would like each of you to bring something to church that symbolizes something you have a hard time giving up. This could be your car keys (to symbolize your car), a picture of your family, a memento from a vacation . . .you get the idea. Please place your item on the communion table before worship.
Last, don’t forget the chili cook-off on February 20. There’s information about that later in the blog. It should be fun!
Blessings,
Annie
Lunch Bunch February 17
The Lunch Bunch will be meeting Tuesday, February 17 at 11:30 am at Miss Sheri’s on Manchester Road.
Ash Wednesday Worship February 18, 7pm
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and the Worship Arts Committee hopes you’ll join us for a worship service in the Gathering Space on Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 pm. All ages are welcome at this informal service that will get us thinking and talking about how we can deepen our faith this Lent. There will be NO potluck dinner.
Chili Cook-Off Friday, February 20
FDP's Chili Cook-Off will be held in the Gathering Space Friday evening February 20th. The fun begins at 6:30 PM. Please sign-up to bring either a crockpot of your best chili, or a dessert. Crackers, chili toppings, iced tea and lemonade will be provided. You can bring a beverage of your choice as well.
We'll eat, cast votes for our favorite chili, and enjoy each other’s company. Prizes will be awarded to the winner!! Hope to see you there!
Lent 2015
"GIVE UP, TAKE UP, LIFT UP, LOOK UP"
You might think Lent is about giving up chocolate and other fun stuff, but really it’s about growing closer to Jesus. Join us this Lent as we learn how to do that in a variety of ways.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30 am. "Give Up Excess"
Sunday, March 1, 10:30 am. "Give Up Indifference"
Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am. "Take Up the Charge"
Sunday, March 15, 10:30 am. "Take Up the Challenge"
Sunday, March 22, 10:30 am. "Lift Up the Hurting"
Sunday, March 29, 10:30 am. "Lift Up the Healed"
Easter Sunday! Join us at 10:30 am with special music, communion, and an inspirational message: “Look Up to Overcome!”
Older & Wiser Brunch February 22
The Older & Wiser brunch will be held next Sunday after our Worship Service.
TNT Dinner, February 27, 7pm at Canyon Café
Where: Canyon Café at Plaza Frontenac
When: 7pm meet at restaurant. If you need childcare, you can drop the kids off at church starting at 6:30pm. The church covers the cost of childcare for this event.
TNT stands for Twenties and Thirties, but we don’t check birth certificates at the door so anyone is welcome! If you have any questions, talk to Beth Willock (618-978-0992). Hope to see you soon!
Adult Discussion Group
The Adult Discussion Group will present a book study on Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15 at 12 noon in the Gathering Space. The discussion will be lead by Barbara Wright.
Richard Rohr is an internationally known speaker, author, retreat leader and the founder of The Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. In this book he suggests that in the first half of life we are primarily concerned with issues of identity, achieving and performing. As we grow older, he notes, we embark on a further journey which seems to result in our falling down, but can lead to the spiritual joys of the second half of life.
Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life can be purchased on Amazon or at local book stores. If preferred, the book can be ordered through Barbara Wright.
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.
Kirkwood Franciscan Sisters’ Free Eco-Film Series!
The films are on Tuesday evenings and begin promptly at 7:00 PM. To attend you must RSVP to www.fsolph.org or by calling the Sisters’ offices at 314-965-3700.
Showings: 3/3: “DamNation”, 4/7 Double Feature: “The Trouble with Bread” and “School’s Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten”.
This Sunday after church we’ll gather for a potluck lunch and discussion around our Vision 20/20 process. The session and committee leaders have had 3 meetings thus far with our consultant, Gayle Engle. We’ve been drafting a vision, mission and values for the church, and we’re excited to see what happens on Sunday when we gather the larger community together. I’ve been very encouraged by the conversation at the meetings and the energy and vitality people are feeling about the church. If you haven’t yet RSVP’d, there still time to do so. Just send me an email. (And please don’t forget to bring a dish for the potluck portion of the gathering!)
Coincidentally, in worship we’ll look at the story from Mark about healing Simon’s mother-in-law. For those of you at church last week, you might remember I talked about how Jesus (according to Mark’s gospel) has come to free us from all the forces that keep us from the abundant life God wants us to have. But what are we freed for? What is that abundant life God has in mind for us? And drilling down a little further, how can we push the boundaries to really live into that life? That’s what we’ll talk about Sunday.
I hope to see you in church!
Blessings,
Annie
Sunday, February 15
Be sure to join us next Sunday when Rev. Joe Marting will be preaching while Annie enjoys the weekend off with her family.
Lunch Bunch February 17
The Lunch Bunch will be meeting Tuesday, February 17 at 11:30 am at Miss Sheri’s on Manchester Road.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and the Worship Arts Committee hopes you’ll join us for a potluck dinner and worship service in the Gathering Space on Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 pm. All ages are welcome at this informal service that will get us thinking and talking about how we can deepen our faith this Lent. Please sign-up in the Gathering Space and let us know if you’re coming.
Chili Cook-Off
FDP's Chili Cook-Off will be held in the Gathering Space Friday evening February 20th. The fun begins at 6:30 PM. Please sign-up to bring either a crockpot of your best chili, or a dessert. Crackers, chili toppings, iced tea and lemonade will be provided. You can bring a beverage of your choice as well.
We'll eat, cast votes for our favorite chili, and enjoy each other’s company. Prizes will be awarded to the winner!! Hope to see you there!!
LENT 2015
"GIVE UP, TAKE UP, LIFT UP, LOOK UP"
You might think Lent is about giving up chocolate and other fun stuff, but really it’s about growing closer to Jesus. Join us this Lent as we learn how to do that in a variety of way.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30 am. "Give Up Excess"
Sunday, March 1, 10:30 am. "Give Up Indifference"
Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am. "Take Up the Charge"
Sunday, March 15, 10:30 am. "Take Up the Challenge"
Sunday, March 22, 10:30 am. "Lift Up the Hurting"
Sunday, March 29, 10:30 am. "Lift Up the Healed"
Easter Sunday! Join us at 10:30 am with special music, communion, and an inspirational message: “Look up to overcome!”
Older and Wiser Brunch February 22.
The Older & Wiser Brunch will be held after church on Sunday, February 22.
TNT Dinner, February 27, 7pm at Canyon Café
Where: Canyon Café at Plaza Frontenac
When: 7pm meet at restaurant. If you need childcare, you can drop the kids off at church starting at 6:30pm. The church covers the cost of childcare for this event.
TNT stands for Twenties and Thirties, but we don’t check birth certificates at the door so anyone is welcome! If you have any questions, talk to Beth Willock (618-978-0992). Hope to see you soon!
Adult Discussion Group
The Adult Discussion Group will present a book study on Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15 at 12 noon in the Gathering Space. The discussion will be lead by Barbara Wright.
Richard Rohr is an internationally known speaker, author, retreat leader and the founder of The Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. In this book he suggests that in the first half of life we are primarily concerned with issues of identity, achieving and performing. As we grow older, he notes, we embark on a further journey which seems to result in our falling down, but can lead to the spiritual joys of the second half of life.
Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life can be purchased on Amazon or at local book stores. If preferred, the book can be ordered through Barbara Wright.
This Sunday we’ll celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism for Madelyn Edney, daughter of Jon and Tiffani Edney. Jon and Tiffani, members of FDP, were married here in 2009 and now live in Memphis. They’re excited to bring Madelyn back to their church home for her baptism, and I’m excited to welcome them. I hope you’ll join us! This Sunday is also communion and the feeding the flock, so don’t forget your food donations. There’s a lot going on but it’s all good!
Also, don’t forget the Vision 20/20 potluck gathering after church on February 8. Please sign-up in the Gathering Space or email me at pastor@faithdesperes.org. We hope to have 45-50 people. Your participation in this process matters and is important!
Blessings to you all,
Annie
Trout Lodge Deadline is Today!
The deadline to reserve your room(s) for the annual all-church Trout Lodge weekend (April 24-26) is today Friday, January 30. To reserve your room, you need to call Trout Lodge directly at 314-241-9622. Tell them you're with the Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church group.
Room rates are $178 per couple, per night. Loft rooms are $20 extra.
Each family is allowed 2 free children (ages 6-12). Additional children are $29/night. Children 5 and under are free. Anyone 13 and over is considered an adult. All prices include the cost of meals and many activities.
For additional information, please contact Trout Lodge or Terry Baker at terrylvb@live.com.
Your "20/20 Vision" Needed on Feb. 8
For the past few weeks, you have been reading about Vision 20/20, undertaken by the Session to look at what kind of church we want to be and what path we have to take to get there. We have had three very good and productive working meetings with our consultant and now want to share with all of you the work that has been accomplished thus far and ask for your help in moving to the next level. Our consultant, Gayle Engle, will be with us on Feb. 8 to continue facilitating our work.
A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Gathering Space for everyone (members and friends alike) to sign up to attend the "pot luck lunch" on Sunday, Feb. 8, noon to 2 p.m., with lunch beginning immediately after the worship service. Please indicate how many members of your family will be there and what you will bring for the lunch. Beverages will be provided. Childcare will also be provided.
We hope you will join us for this exciting meeting as we talk about how our dreams and aspirations for the church can come to fruition to support our mission identity, help us grow spiritually and numerically and lead us to be a faithful church.
Men’s Group
Joe Marting is gathering the men of the church for lunch and fellowship on Tuesday, February 3 at 11:30am at J. Greene’s on Manchester Rd. in Warson Woods. Please call Joe by noon on Monday if you’re going, and he’ll make a group reservation for lunch. Joe can be reached at 314-894-9051.
Lent 2015 Give Up, Take Up, Lift Up, Look Up
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and the Worship Arts Committee hopes you’ll join us for a potluck dinner and worship service in the Gathering Space on Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 pm. All ages are welcome at this informal service that will get us thinking and talking about how we can deepen our faith this Lent. Please sign-up in the Gathering Space and let us know if you’re coming.
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!
ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP
The Adult Discussion Group will present a book study on Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr on Sunday March 8 and Sunday March 15 at 12 noon in the Gathering Space. The discussion will be led by Barbara Wright.
Richard Rohr is an internationally known speaker, author, retreat leader and the founder of The Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. In this book he suggests that in the first half of life we are primarily concerned with issues of identity, achieving and performing. As we grow older, he notes, we embark on a further journey which seems to result in our falling down, but can lead to the spiritual joys of the second half of life.
Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life can be purchased on Amazon or at local book stores. If preferred, the book can be ordered through Barbara Wright.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.