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Together at Faith Des Peres

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, March 21 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 March 21. 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. 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-up in the gathering space or by emailing Erica Abbett eabbett@sbcglobal.net.

NEEDED: CANDY FOR EASTER EGGS ASAP!!
The Easter Egg Hunt, held yearly at the Old Des Peres Church (Old Meeting House), is a community-wide event that attracts about 100 people, not just members of FDP. We’re in need of CANDY with which to stuff the eggs. Needed are individually wrapped pieces of candy that will fit inside plastic eggs. Thank you!

Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7:00pm
The Worship Arts Committee invites you to take part in what is known as an “agape meal.” Loosely based on the Jewish Seder meal, this service will begin with a simple dinner around tables in the Gathering Space. Towards the end of the meal, we’ll “move” into a worship service that focuses on Jesus’ final meal with the disciples and a reading of the Passion story. The choir will also be joining us. Sign-ups are needed by Monday, March 30, so please let us know you are coming by e-mailing Yolanda at adminasst@ faithdesperes.org or sign up in the Gathering Space. Everyone is welcome!

Easter Sunday, April 5, 10:30am
Invite your friends and families to worship with us at 10:30 Easter morning! As a special musical offering, we are excited to welcome a brass quartet to participate in this joyous and triumphant service.

Adult Discussion Group continues Sunday March 15 
The Adult Discussion Group study of Richard Rohr's Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life continues Sunday after church.  Barb Wright will be leading the discussion at noon. 

Going Green
During the discussion of our January bible study, Presbyterian Women (PW) members considered ways in which we could participate in caring for God's creation, especially in caring for our own planet Earth.  One idea which was shared was to avoid using Styrofoam hot cups.  The PW group has committed to bringing sustainable hot cups to our meetings, or to bringing our own non-disposable cups each month.  The PWs now offer an invitation to the congregation to join us in this small effort to preserve our environment by bringing a portable coffee cup with you on Sunday mornings and for other church gatherings which include meals.  

Easter Flowers
Again this year, we will decorate the sanctuary with a variety of blooming flowers (6” pots). Cost per plant will be $10. See the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space to place your order or you can email Yolanda in the office (adminasst@faithdesperes.org). Please designate if the flowers are given in honor or in memory of loved ones. Make checks payable to Faith Des Peres and note that the funds are for Easter Flowers. Thanks.

Older & Wiser Brunch Sunday March 22
The Older & Wiser brunch will be held Sunday, March 22 after worship. See Barbara Wright for more details.

Lunch Bunch Tuesday March 17
The Lunch Bunch will meet on Tuesday, March 17 at Miss Sheri’s on Manchester at 11:30 am.

One Great Hour of Sharing
Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), Presbyterians have faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

 The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours. Our goal is to collect $1500. We will collect the OGHS offering on Easter Sunday, April 5th. 

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In the Community

New Horizon’s Church Request
The Ritenour Co-Care  (www.ritenourcocare.org) food pantry at New Horizons Presbyterian Church is in desperate need of all kinds of canned food. They have seen an increase from 600 people per month in early Fall to almost 1000 this last month since they have changed to operating a grocery store in their entire basement and added 15 volunteers to host patrons who choose their own food. They are working on increasing their sources of food, but need immediate help now. The food can be dropped off at the basement entrance of New Horizons Presbyterian church at 9424 Everman Ave. in Overland. They welcome anyone to observe their operations or help host on Monday evening 5-7pm, or Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday fro 9am-12pm. Call Rev. Marsha Brown for more information or training. We will also pick up the food. Marsha's cell is 314-604-2696. Thank you for helping us help our neighbors!

Kirkwood Franciscan Sister’ Free Winter/Spring Eco-Film Series
The films begin promptly at 7pm. Complimentary Missouri-grown organic popcorn and organic hot apple cider served. To attend you must RSVP to www.fsolph.org or by calling the Sister’s office at 314-965-3700.

Showings: Just added 3/19 “Coal Ash Stories”, 4/7 Double Feature: “The trouble with Bread” and “Schools Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten”. For more information go to http://franciscansisters-olph.org/franciscans-for-earth/upcoming-earth-events.html

An evening at the Zoo Saturday, April 18, 2015
Mound Ridge Retreat Center presents “ An Evening at the Saint Louis Zoo” on Saturday, April 18 to benefit the Crippen Campership Fund. Hospitality begins at 6:00pm. Dinner at 7:00pm. Special guest speaker is Scott Woodbury from Shaw Nature Reserve. Tickets are $60.00 per person. To reserve your tickets call 573-265-3098 or email moundridge@glpby.org.

 

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

Even though nearly 300 churches were closed last Sunday, we were open.  In fact, almost 40 of us were here for worship!  

This Sunday, we'll celebrate the sacrament of baptism of Landon Dokovic, son of Beth and Dejan Dokovic.  Beth and Dejan are former members of Southminster Presbyterian Church where they were married by Rev. Joe Marting.  In fact, Joe also baptized Beth when she was a child!  I hope you'll be here Sunday to welcome Landon into the family of faith and to welcome Beth and Dejan.

As we head into the month of March and look to Easter, I want to invite you to invite people to join us at Faith Des Peres for worship, a book study, volunteering at Food Outreach, or any other events we have going on. We sometimes forget that people are struggling, looking for hope, searching for forgiveness, or want to grow in faith, and we offer all of that. So don’t be embarrassed to share with others or invite others, because you never know, it could be just what they want or need to hear.

I hope to see you Sunday.  Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour!

Annie


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Together at Faith Des Peres

 

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, March 8, 10:30 am.  "Give Up Indifference”

Sunday, March 15, 10:30 am.  "Take Up the Charge"

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!”

Adult Discussion Group, March 8 & 15
Planning to participate in the Adult Discussion Group study of Richard Rohr's Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life?  Barb Wright is leading the discussion and we will meet at 12 noon on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15. 

 If you'd like to order a "brown bag lunch"  from The Daily Bread for these two Sundays, please contact Barb Abbett (314-721-3292 or b.abbett@att.net).  She can let you know what is available and will place all orders on Friday, March 6.

Going Green
During the discussion of our January bible study, Presbyterian Women (PW) members considered ways in which we could participate in caring for God's creation, especially in caring for our own planet Earth.  One idea which was shared was to avoid using Styrofoam hot cups.  The PW group has committed to bringing sustainable hot cups to our meetings, or to bringing our own non-disposable cups each month.  The PWs now offer an invitation to the congregation to join us in this small effort to preserve our environment by bringing a portable coffee cup with you on Sunday mornings and for other church gatherings which include meals.  

Church Directory
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of our new church directory in the Gathering Space. Thanks to Terry Baker, Cat Trotter and Judy Sisson for all their work on this project. It looks great!

Easter Flowers
Again this year, we will decorate the sanctuary with a variety of blooming flowers (6” pots). Cost per plant will be $10. See the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space to place your order or you can email Yolanda in the office (adminasst@faithdesperes.org). Please designate if the flowers are given in honor or in memory of loved ones. Make checks payable to Faith Des Peres and note that the funds are for Easter Flowers. Thanks.

One Great Hour of Sharing
Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), Presbyterians have faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

 The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours. Our goal is to collect $1500. We will collect the OGHS offering on Easter Sunday, April 5th. 

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, March 21 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 March 21.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. 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 up by emailing Erica Abbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net . There is also a signup sheet in the gathering space.

Older & Wiser Brunch Sunday March 22
The Older & Wiser brunch will be held Sunday, March 22 after worship. See Barbara Wright for more details.

Lunch Bunch Tuesday March 17

The Lunch Bunch will meet on Tuesday, March 17 at Miss Sheri’s on Manchester at 11:30am.

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In the Community

New Horizon’s Church Request
The Ritenour Co-Care  (www.ritenourcocare.org) food pantry at New Horizons Presbyterian Church is in desperate need of all kinds of canned food. They have seen an increase from 600 people per month in early Fall to almost 1000 this last month since they have changed to operating a grocery store in their entire basement and added 15 volunteers to host patrons who choose their own food. They are working on increasing their sources of food, but need immediate help now. The food can be dropped off at the basement entrance of New Horizons Presbyterian church at 9424 Everman Ave. in Overland. They welcome anyone to observe their operations or help host on Monday evening 5-7pm, or Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday fro 9am-12pm. Call Rev. Marsha Brown for more information or training. We will also pick up the food. Marsha's cell is 314-604-2696. Thank you for helping us help our neighbors!

Kirkwood Franciscan Sister’ Free Winter/Spring Eco-Film Series
The films begin promptly at 7pm. Complimentary Missouri-grown organic popcorn and organic hot apple cider served. To attend you must RSVP to www.fsolph.org or by calling the Sisiter’s office at 314-965-3700.

Showings: Just added 3/19 “Coal Ash Stories”, 4/7 Double Feature: “The trouble with Bread” and “Schools Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten”. For more information go to http://franciscansisters-olph.org/franciscans-for-earth/upcoming-earth-events.html

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

The winners!  Brooke Baker, Barb Abbett, and John Willock

The winners!  Brooke Baker, Barb Abbett, and John Willock

Last Friday about 20 of us gathered for the first ever Faith Des Peres Chili Cook-Off.  It was a great night!  The chili was excellent and so were the desserts.  A big thank you to Terry Baker and her Church Life team for organizing the event.

Last Saturday the Session met with our Vision 20/20 consultant to collate all of the information we’ve gathered thus far into some very rough draft goals.  I appreciate the time many of you have taken to attend the Vision 20/20 gatherings to share your thoughts with us. I continue to be invigorated by everyone’s input and feelings about the ministry we share at Faith Des Peres. If you haven’t been able to attend one of the gatherings but you want to share your thoughts about the church, please talk with me or any member of the Session.

And last, but certainly not least, Lent is traditionally a time when Christians remember Christ’s suffering and self-denial by either giving up something (like certain foods and drinks) or taking on a new spiritual practice (giving, fasting, prayer). It is easy in our Christian life to drift away from our commitments to God. Seasons like Lent help us redirect our focus, and in worship our sermons will help you do just that. It is easy for worship to become something we do when we aren’t busy with a trip, game, or event. This season, I invite you to make worship your priority as we study Jesus’ core teachings.
See you in church,
Annie

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Together At Faith Des Peres

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, 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!”

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 6:30 pm. 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 & 15
Planning to participate in the Adult Discussion Group study of Richard Rohr's Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life?  Barb Wright is leading the discussion and we will meet at 12 noon on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15. 

 If you'd like to order a "brown bag lunch"  from The Daily Bread for these two Sundays, please contact Barb Abbett (314-721-3292 or b.abbett@att.net).  She can let you know what is available and will place all orders on Friday, March 6.

Church Directory
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of our new church directory in the Gathering Space. Thanks to Terry Baker, Cat Trotter and Judy Sisson for all their work on this project. It looks great!

Our Deepest Sympathy
Our heartfelt sympathy to Diane Asyre and her family on the death of her mother, Virginia Holdereid, who passed away February 8.

Easter Flowers
Again this year, we will decorate the sanctuary with a variety of blooming flowers (6” pots). Cost per plant will be $10. See the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space to place your order or you can email Yolanda in the office (adminasst@faithdesperes.org). Please designate if the flowers are given in honor or in memory of loved ones. Make checks payable to Faith Des Peres and note that the funds are for Easter Flowers. Thank you.

 Going Green
During the discussion of our January bible study, PW members considered ways in which we could participate in caring for God's creation, especially in caring for our own planet Earth.  One idea which was shared was to avoid using styrofoam hot cups.  The PW group has committed to bringing sustainable hot cups to our meetings, or to bringing our own non-disposable cups each month.  The PWs now offer an invitation to the congregation to join us in this small effort to preserve our environment by bringing a portable coffee cup with you on Sunday mornings and for other church gatherings which include meals.   

 

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Mission News

Feeding the Flock This Sunday!
It’s a communion Sunday which means the kids will pull the wagon and collect food for Circle of Concern during the offering time.  The idea behind Feeding the Flock is that while we are spiritually fed at Christ’s table, we are called to physically feed others.  This is an important outreach ministry of Faith Des Peres, and is one that gets everyone involved.  Even if you forgot food today, you can always donate food to Circle of Concern by dropping it off at the church. Thank you.

Next food packing at Food Outreach is Saturday, March 21 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 March 21. 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.

One Great Hour of Sharing
By God’s grace, each day is a gift, an opportunity for a new beginning. Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), for many years Presbyterians have faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift to OGHS is a gift of hope. Your gift allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by natural and human-caused disasters. Your generosity helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally. Your sharing makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like ours.  We will collect the OGHS offering on Easter Sunday, April 5th. 

 

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In The Community

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”.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

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 

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In the Community

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”.

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Around the Church

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. 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

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

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Around the Church

 

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. 

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In The Community

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”.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family


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

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Around Church

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.

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

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

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AROUND CHURCH

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. 

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