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Together at Faith Des Peres

Easter Sunday, April 5
A brass quartet, beautiful flowers, and inspiring message – what’s not to love about Easter?  Whether you come to church every Sunday or only sporadically, we invite you to join us on Easter at 10:30 am.  Need a little hope and joy in your life?  Find it here!  We want to see you, your family and friends on Easter. All are welcome!

Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7:00 pm
Do you want to make your Easter more meaningful?  We encourage everyone to attend this year’s Maundy Thursday service.  Held in the Gathering Space, we’ll take part in what is known as an agape meal.  The service will begin with a simple dinner (provided for you), and then we’ll move into communion, the reading of the Passion story, and sing “Were You There”.  This service is appropriate for all ages.  We need to know if you’re coming, so please email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org, text Annie, post to Facebook, or do it the old-fashioned way by calling (432-8029), or by signing up in the Gathering Space.

We Want Candy!
About 100 kids and their families attend our annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Old Des Peres Church.  That’s a lot of kids which = lots of candy needed!  Please donate candy!  You can leave it in the wagon in the Gathering Space.  We also need egg stuffers after church on Palm Sunday (March 29).  Any help you can provide is much appreciated!  (Please donate small candy that fits in an egg.)  Thank you!

Easter Egg Hunt, April 4, 11:00 am
Kids, bring your baskets for the BIG HUNT on Saturday, April 4, 11:00 am at the Old Des Peres Church on Geyer Road.  This is for 5th graders and under.  See you there!

Glow In The Dark Easter Egg Hunt, April 4, 7:00pm
Glendale Presbyterian Church is hosting a Glow In The Dark Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 at 7:00pm. Popcorn and a movie after. This is for 6th grade and up. Glendale is located at 500 N Sappington. For more information call 314-822-2545.

One Great Hour of Sharing Next Week
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.
Our goal is to collect $1500. We will collect the OGHS offering on Easter Sunday, April 5th.

Go Sunday Update
As many of you heard Pastor Annie say the past two Sundays, the Mission and Ministry Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel Go Sunday this year. We anticipated being able to send at least 30 Faith Des Peres members to one major organization to participate in indoor and outdoor service work. However, just as we were about to announce the plans for Go Sunday 2015, our major organization fell through. Given the late notice, the Mission and Ministry Committee was not able to pull together another activity for a large group. We are working to schedule times for the smaller activities that had been planned. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the service work we do as Faith Des Peres Presbyterian.

Not So Churchy Church Sunday, April 12, 10:30 am
Join us the Sunday after Easter for a “not-so-churchy-church” worship service.  We’ll be in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat, worship, and focus on the new life that is ours at Easter.  It’s for all ages and will include some exercises to get us thinking about the areas of our lives that need some new life and how can we get it.  This is a potluck!  So please email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org, text Annie, post to Facebook, or do it the old-fashioned way by calling (432-8029) or signing up in the Gathering Space and let us know (roughly) what you’ll bring.  (There’s nursery care this Sunday if you want it, but there’s no Sunday School.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together.)  

Adult Discussion Group April 19, noon
The ADG meeting on April 19 will meet in the Gathering Space from 12 noon to 1:30 pm.  Dorcas Case will present Timely Topics for Table Talk for critique and discussion by those present.  All are welcome.  If you would like to order a "brown bag lunch" for April 19. please contact Barbara Abbett (314-721-3292) or (b.abbett@att.net) at least 4 days before this event.

 

 

 

 

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Friends

Dear Faith Des Peres Friends,

Do me a favor before you read any further, OK?  Click over to Facebook and “like” our page.  Thanks. 

(Waiting patiently for you to like our page.)

That didn’t take that long, did it?  Just a few seconds out of your day can make a big difference for Faith Des Peres.   But you already know that, don’t you?  You know that social media is everywhere these days and everyone is using it.  What you may not know is that using social media is a great evangelism tool in the 21st century.  You “like” something on our page and people in your friends list see it.  For example, your friends could see that you attend a church that cares about marriage equality (Wednesday post) or supports Food Outreach (Tuesday post).  You can also RSVP for things, such as the Maundy Thursday supper or Not-So-Churchy-Church worship on April 12.

Get it?  When we talk about wanting to grow the church, it takes all of us in our different ways to make that happen.  And not because we want to get more seats in the pews (though that would be nice), but because ultimately we think that what we have here is special and we want to make Christ known to others.  After all, this isn’t a private club.  This is the church!  And at Faith Des Peres, we believe ALL are welcome ALL the time.  Don’t you want your friends to know you attend a church like that?  I do!

So if you didn’t “like” our FB page earlier, do it now!  You don’t want me to hound you and email you to do it, do you?  (Yes, I know who likes our page and who doesn’t.)

Thanks and see you Sunday!

Annie  

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Volunteers still needed for Food Outreach Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 am
We are still looking for more volunteers for food packing at Food Outreach this Saturday. We are hoping to have 15 to 20 people. The address for Food Outreach is 3117 Olive St. St. Louis 63103. Please contact Erica Abbett at eabbett@sbcglobal.net if you can help this Saturday. Thank you.

Easter! 
A brass quartet, beautiful flowers, and inspiring message – what’s not to love about Easter?  Whether you come to church every Sunday or only sporadically, we invite you to join us on Easter at 10:30 am.  Need a little hope and joy in your life?  Find it here!  We want to see you, your family and friends on Easter. All are welcome!

Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7:00 pm
Do you want to make your Easter more meaningful?  We encourage everyone to attend this year’s Maundy Thursday service.  Held in the Gathering Space, we’ll take part in what is known as an agape meal.  The service will begin with a simple dinner (provided for you), and then we’ll move into communion, the reading of the Passion story, and sing “Were You There”.  This service is appropriate for all ages.  We need to know if you’re coming, so please email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org, text Annie, post to Facebook, or do it the old-fashioned way by calling (432-8029) or signing up in the Gathering Space.

Not So Churchy Church
Sunday, April 12, 10:30 am
Join us the Sunday after Easter for a “not-so-churchy-church” worship service.  We’ll be in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat, worship, and focus on the new life that is ours at Easter.  It’s for all ages and will include some exercises to get us thinking about the areas of our lives that need some new life and how can we get it.  This is a potluck!  So please email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org, text Annie, post to Facebook, or do it the old-fashioned way by calling (432-8029) or signing up in the Gathering Space and let us know (roughly) what you’ll bring.  (There’s nursery care this Sunday if you want it, but there’s no Sunday School.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together.)  

We Want Candy!
About 100 kids and their families attend our annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Old Des Peres Church.  That’s a lot of kids which = lots of candy needed!  Please donate candy!  You can leave it in the wagon in the Gathering Space.  We also need egg stuffers after church on Palm Sunday (March 29).  Any help you can provide is much appreciated!  (Please donate small candy that fits in an egg.)  Thank you!

Easter Egg Hunt, April 4, 11:00 am
Kids, bring your baskets for the BIG HUNT on Saturday, April 4, 11:00 am at the Old Des Peres Church on Geyer Road.  This is for 5th graders and under.  See you there!

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

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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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Dear Members and Friends of Faith Des Peres,

In this issue of the Commonplace Blog you’ll read about our Maundy Thursday service, annual Easter egg hunt, and Easter worship.  Before you know it, all three will be here!

Easter is a great opportunity to invite people to church.  The music is great (we’ll have a brass quartet), the church looks beautiful, and everyone needs to hear a message about hope and new life.  And, your invitation matters more than all of the sign messages and postcards we can deliver.  Did you know that:

·         80% of people say they would respond to a friend’s invitation to attend church?

·         90% of people say they attended a church because a friend invited them? 

·         Visitors will decide in the first few minutes whether or not they will come back?

Gay and I talk regularly about how we can attract more people to worship; how can we make the music and sermon and service more appealable?  But growing the church rests on more shoulders than ours; you have a part to play, too.  In fact, your part may be more important in the long run than ours.  Your invitation matters more than any postcard or sign message we can display, and a visitor will be most impacted by how they are greeted, which will determine how they respond to the rest of the church. 

Bottom line: it rests on all of our shoulders to grow the church by intentionally welcoming people, inviting people, and making sure they have a reason to come back.

Who can you invite this week? 

Blessings,
Annie

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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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