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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday we’ll kick-off our 2015-2016 stewardship campaign “Still Daring to Dream”.  Various church committees will talk about the mission and ministry they (you!) have been engaged in the past year and how your stewardship pledges have supported their (your!) ministry.  I hope you’ll be present to hear the good news they have to share.  We also will host a guest from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).  They’re in town for their annual meeting, and I was asked if we wanted someone from PDA to come and tell us about their ministry.  As many of you know, the One Great Hour of Sharing offering we collected on Easter supports the work of PDA. 

We will collect pledges for the “Still Daring to Dream” campaign on May 10, and we’ll celebrate the conclusion of the campaign and our program year on May 31 with a special church in the park worship service.  Church will be held at Kirkwood Park in the covered Lions Pavilion (where the Greentree Book Fair is held), and afterwards we’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch.  We’re looking for some grill masters!  Plus, the pavilion is just steps away from the park’s awesome playground and ample parking/bathrooms.  So definitely put this on your calendar.  It will be a great way to celebrate. 

See you in church.

Annie

April-May-June highlights

April 19 Stewardship campaign kick-off

April 21 California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser

April 24-26 Trout Lodge weekend; Rev. Joe Marting preaching and leading worship at FDP

April 30 St. Louis Storytelling Festival

May 2    Women’s Tea, 2-4

May 8    Game Night

May 24 Worship at the Old Meeting House

May 31 Church in the Park

June 7   Annual Meeting after church

June 12 River City Rascals baseball game 

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Let’s Still Dare to Dream
Last year around this time we were starting our Dare to Dream for Today and Dare to Dream for Tomorrow campaigns.  Because of our dreams and our successful stewardship and debt reduction campaigns, we have had a vibrant and exciting year at Faith Des Peres.   In the coming weeks, we’ll hear more about our joys during the past year and what we expect in the coming year.  Sunday, April 19 is the kick off for this year’s stewardship campaign, Still Daring to Dream.   Please join us for a special service of lesson and hymns, interspersed with messages from each of FDP’s committees to set the stage for pledge card Sunday on May 10 and celebration Sunday on May 31 with a first ever Church in the Park, 10:30 am at Lions Pavilion at Kirkwood Park followed by BBQ lunch.  More details will be forthcoming about these events and about how each of  us can share in life at Faith Des Peres and give what we have back to God who is faithful and generous to us.

Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen, Tuesday, April 21.
The Presbyterian Women’s group is hosting a fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen in Creve Coeur on Tuesday, April 21. All church members need to do is show up with flier in hand and we will raise funds for our group. Thank you!

St. Louis Storytelling Festival, Thursday, April 30, 6pm
Faith Des Peres is hosting the St. Louis Storytelling Festival on Thursday, April 30.  The evening kicks off at 6 pm with “Stories for the Young Listener”.  At 7 pm, the adults get their turn with “Later Tales”, featuring story tellers Lyn Ford, Tom Lee, Heather Forest, Sandi Sylver, and Gene Tagaban.  Also at 7 pm there are ghost stories and spiritual and faith-based stories.  All events are free and open to the public.  For more information visit www.stlstorytellingfestival.com or call 314-400-2115.  We hope to see you here!

 

It’s Tea Time!
The Presbyterian Women’s annual Tea will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 2 – 4 pm at Pastor Annie’s home. All women and girls are welcome. Please email the office at
adminasst@faithdesperes.org with your reservation by April 30. If you are able to provide finger sandwiches, tea breads or cookies, etc. for the tea, please let us know when you RSVP. There is also be a sign up sheet in the Gathering Space. Thank you!


Game Night Friday, May 8 6:30 pm
Join us for GAME NIGHT in the Gathering Space on Friday, May 8 at 6:30 pm. Bring your
favorite board games, drinks and a snack to share. Fun for the whole family! 

 

"LET'S PLAY BALL!" (or at least eat and watch a baseball game)
 FDP is going to the River City Rascals baseball game at the TR Hughes Stadium in O'Fallon, MO on Friday evening June 12th.  Our catered picnic dinner will be served in our box seat area from 5 - 6:30 pm when the game starts.  Guaranteed fun and FDP fellowship for $25.  Please sign up in the Gathering Space, or call Yolanda in the church office to reserve your spot.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the wonderful Easter service: Gay Spears, the choir, the Worship Arts Committee, Leslie Barnes for arranging the flowers and fellowship, and Tola and Yolanda for getting the bulletin and sanctuary ready!  I also want to thank all of you who invited friends and family to worship that day.  Wasn't it nice to have a full church?  It was the best attended Easter service I can remember in many years.  As I've said many times over the past few weeks, your invitation matters.  But your invitation goes deeper than having a full sanctuary for the sake of having a full sanctuary, it matters because people are looking for a connection with God and looking for meaning and hope in their lives from God, and this is something only a faith community can offer.  

This Sunday we'll have an opportunity to keep the momentum going with our first-ever Not So Churchy Church service.  We'll worship in the Gathering Space around tables and a potluck meal, and you'll have an opportunity to reflect on the Lent messages of giving up, taking up and lifting up.  We're doing this because it will give us an opportunity to reflect together on how to take what we heard on Sunday and incorporate it into our day-to-day life both individually and corporately.  There is still nursery care on Sunday, but there's no Sunday School.  

It's not too late to RSVP, and we'll have extra chairs ready for anyone who decides at the last minute to come.   Just leave your potluck dish on the counter and we'll take care of the rest.  If we have visitors, which I hope we do, give them a warm welcome and invite them to sit with you.  Let them know what we're doing and that this is something new for all of us!  It will help break the ice for what could be a rather unexpected worship experience.  

Blessings to you all, and see you in church!

Annie        

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Church Events

Thank you Faith Des Peres!
Due to the generosity of everyone at Faith Des Peres, we have collected over $1400.00 for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. If you still would like to donate or forgot your “fish” boxes last week, there is still time to turn them in this week. Thank you again!

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.

Fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen, Tuesday, April 21
The Presbyterian Women’s group is hosting a fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen in Creve Coeur on Tuesday, April 21. All church members need to do is show up with flier in hand and we will raise funds for our group.   Thank you!

St. Louis Storytelling Festival, Thursday, April 30, 6pm
Faith Des Peres is hosting the St. Louis Storytelling Festival on Thursday, April 30.  The evening kicks off at 6 pm with “Stories for the Young Listener”.  At 7 pm, the adults get their turn with “Later Tales”, featuring story tellers Lyn Ford, Tom Lee, Heather Forest, Sandi Sylver, and Gene Tagaban.  Also at 7 pm there are ghost stories and spiritual and faith-based stories.  All events are free and open to the public.  For more information visit www.stlstorytellingfestival.com or call 314-400-2115.  We hope to see you here!

It’s Tea Time!
The Presbyterian Women’s annual tea will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 2 - 4 pm at Pastor Annie’s home. All women and girls are welcome. Please email the office at adminasst@faithdesperes.org with your reservation by April 30. If you are able to provide finger sandwiches, tea breads or cookies, etc. for the tea, please let us know when you RSVP. There will also be a sign up sheet in the Gathering Space. Thank you!

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Stewardship 2015-2016

Let’s Still Dare to Dream
Last year around this time we were starting our Dare to Dream for Today and Dare to Dream for Tomorrow campaigns.  Because of our dreams and our successful stewardship and debt reduction campaigns, we have had a vibrant and exciting year at Faith Des Peres.   In the coming weeks, we’ll hear more about our joys during the past year and what we expect in the coming year.  Sunday, April 19 is the kick off for this year’s stewardship campaign, Still Daring to Dream.   Please join us for a special service of lesson and hymns, interspersed with messages from each of FDP’s committees to set the stage for pledge card Sunday on May 10 and celebration Sunday on May 31 with a first ever Church in the Park, 10:30 am at Lions Pavilion at Kirkwood Park followed by BBQ lunch.  More details will be forthcoming about these events and about how each of  us can share in life at Faith Des Peres and give what we have back to God who is faithful and generous to us.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Sometimes, people think they need to have their beliefs all nailed down before they can come to church.  Sometimes, people think they need to have their beliefs all nailed down before they invite someone to church.  But nothing could be farther from the truth, especially on Easter.

Because Easter is only the beginning.  It's the starting point for our journeys of faith.  Whether you have little or no faith, are unsure of what you believe, or don't even understand what faith is all about, Easter is the day to come.  On Easter we join a long list of followers that include people who were scared, disloyal, unsure, have doubts, disappoint and betray the ones they love, and yet are still promised that the past is forgotten, because everything is new -- starting right here, right now.  

Does that sound like a message you need to hear?  Does it sound like a message someone you know needs to hear it?  (I'm guessing it does.)  If so, please take the time to invite someone.  It doesn't need to be anything fancy.  It can be as simple as, "If you don't have any where to go on Easter, you're welcome to come to my church."  I've said just that sentence a few times this week.  And guess what?  People appreciate the invitation even if they respectfully decline.  

So please, do a favor for someone you know who needs to hear a message of hope and invite them to Easter.  (And share this on Facebook, too.)

I'll see you on Easter!

Annie 

PS: There is Feeding the Flock this Sunday!  Because it's Easter, let's make the biggest collection of food yet!

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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 This 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.

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.

St. Louis Storytelling Festival, Thursday, April 30, 6pm
Faith Des Peres is hosting the St. Louis Storytelling Festival on Thursday, April 30.  The evening kicks off at 6 pm with “Stories for the Young Listener”.  At 7 pm, the adults get their turn with “Later Tales”, featuring story tellers Lyn Ford, Tom Lee, Heather Forest, Sandi Sylver, and Gene Tagaban.  Also at 7 pm there are ghost stories and spiritual and faith-based stories.  All events are free and open to the public.  For more information visit www.stlstorytellingfestival.com or call 314-400-2115.  We hope to see you here!

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

It's Palm Sunday!  If you've been around awhile, you know it's one of my favorite Sundays of the year.  We'll start outside, weather permitting, with our palms and process in -- always a fun activity for all ages!  This service will include poems and prayers,  an inspiring message about being the change we want to see, and music.  There's also a little something else I have up my sleeve, but that will remain a secret until you get here.  (Hint: it may be a little outside your comfort zone, but most people find it very moving if they're willing to take part.)

Also, don't forget to sign-up for Maundy Thursday meal and worship -- it will make your Easter more meaningful!  

And EASTER!   Do not be bashful about inviting people to Easter worship.  Lives can and do change because of the hope the Easter message offers.  But, no matter how meaningful and powerful the Easter story is, it begins with you.  Your invitation.   Your willingness to invite another person and invite them to come and see what you've found meaningful is where it begins and how the church will grow.  You're the one who first engages people.  Your enthusiasm, your energy, and your participation in the life of Faith Des Peres is what makes the church what it is.  You don't need to convince people of anything or force anything on them, and you don't need to have all the answers.  In fact, the less answers you have, the more they might will be willing to come to a place that allows them to ask questions!  All you need to do is extend an invitation.

If you have not been to church in a while, commit to making this Sunday the Sunday to come.  You have to start somewhere.  Be the change you want to see.

Blessings,

Annie 

 

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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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