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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

I want to extend a special invitation to our students and teachers to come with their backpacks this Sunday for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks.  For many of us, back to school signals a bigger beginning than January 1 does.  We want you to know that we care about you and what happens to you at school, and we want you to know that God is with you wherever you go.  I hope you'll be here for this special time in worship.

I also want to share the good news that we've hired an Interim Director of Music and Organist.  You'll read more about Jeffrey Carter in this email, but we want you to know that Jeffrey comes with a depth of experience and eagerness to be with us.  Jeff is currently the Chair of the Department of Music at Webster University and wears many other hats, too.  His work will begin on August 19 with choir rehearsal and his first Sunday is August 23.  If you've ever thought about joining the choir, now is a good time to start with Jeff.

This Sunday I'll continue my sermon series "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism" with the topic "Will the real Jesus please stand up?"  We'll take a look at how the different gospel writers portray Jesus and what this means for us as Christians as we try to follow Jesus.

I hope to see all of you Sunday.

Blessings,

Annie   

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Faith Formation at Faith Des Peres Fall 2015

Sacred Conversations on Race
Faith Des Peres will join other congregations in the presbytery for Sacred Conversations on Race.  Sacred Conversations on Race was designed by Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) to support congregations as they broach the difficult, but necessary conversations centered on racial tensions. These conversations will lead to ACTION led by better-informed and more self-aware people. With a community in need of understanding, healing and great systemic change, the conversation must begin. As the conversations begin, it is our hope that it will be easier to understand the plight of others, have your stories heard and begin to work together for an undivided community.

There will be two “mass congregation” gatherings on September 13 and November 8 (time and place TBD), and two with Faith Des Peres only.  Dianne Modrell and Terry Epling are serving as facilitators.

hope you’ll join us for these necessary conversation.

PALS Program – New this Fall

In July, Session approved implementing a new program called the “Pals Program”.  Pals is an opportunity for children, youth and adults in the congregation to develop meaningful relationships across generations. It is also an opportunity for children, youth and adults to live into our mission to “reflect and live God’s love, accept and affirm all and inspire passion to do God’s work.”  The Pals program is for children and youth who are entering Kindergarten-Senior in high school.  Any adult may be a Pal. 

Experiences the adult and child/youth may have include:

· Spending time together and talking together, particularly on “Pals    Sunday”.

· Sit together in a Sunday worship service on Pals Sunday.

· Participate in a mission project together, such as Food Outreach or Go  Sunday.

· Discuss aspects of your faith in your daily life.

Details:

· The Pals program follows the academic year: September-May.

· The Pals program will kick-off with an acknowledgement of the pairs in worship in September and conclude with a celebration in May.

What is Pals Sunday?

· Pals Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of the month and is set aside for you and your Pal to connect.  Pals will gather at 9:30 in the Gathering Space for informal conversation and doughnuts.   There will be a “table topic” to help get conversation started. 

· While Pals are meeting, there will be a roundtable conversation in the Adult Conference Room geared for parents, though anyone in the congregation is welcome to attend.  Nursery care will be provided for little ones. 

Pals is a product of Vision 20/20’s goal to focus on the development of an Intergenerational Faith Formation program at Faith Des Peres that centers on bringing generations together in learning, caring, praying, celebrating, serving faithfully and inspiring the passion to make Christ known.

In the next couple of weeks we’ll be asking children, youth and adults if they want to take part in Pals and then matching Pals for the school year. 

If you are interested in being a Pal or learning more about Pals, please email Annie at pastor@faithdesperes.org.  Thank you!

Blessing of the Packs, Sunday, August 16 during worship

The return to school, starting a new grade with new teachers and students, even new schools is huge for children and their families.  It sometimes feels more like the beginning of the new year than does January 1. 

We’ll recognize this important time in the life of children and families with a special blessing on August 16.  Children and teachers and students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to worship and get them blessed because God is with them at school and the church cares about what happens there!

Shared Ministry Fair and Ice Cream Social, September 13

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Shared Ministry Fair in the Gathering Space after worship. This will be a time for you to learn about what ministry opportunities exist and in return to let us know what you’re interested in doing this year at Faith Des Peres.  Want to take part in Buddy Packs, or help plan Advent?  How about serving as a liturgist, or assisting with communion?  These and many more opportunities are available.  Each of us is uniquely gifted by God to share our gifts, energy and passions with others to build the kingdom of God, and shared ministry helps us live out the affirmation that God calls all people to ministry. Hope to see you there!

 

Center Orientation, August 20, 6:30pm

As most of you know, we’re in the process of transitioning to a new structure for how we do ministry.  In short, committees are transitioning over to “centers” and “teams”.  This transition will take some time and may get a little messy, but the good news is we hope this will mean you’ll have fewer meetings and feel more like you’re doing ministry. 

In order to get everyone on the same page, the Session has set Thursday, August 20 at 6:30 as the orientation night.  This orientation is crucial!  Committee members, please mark your calendars and plan on attending.  This is the only orientation, but all centers will meet again the 3rd Thursday of October at 6:30.  
Childcare and food will be provided.

Sunday School for Grades K-5 starts August 23

In July, Session approved hiring Claire Dingus as the lead Sunday School teacher for grades K-5.  Claire, a member of Faith Des Peres, is a Junior at Webster University majoring in education.  Sunday School will take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month during worship.  It will kick-off on August 16 with a special Blessing of the Backpacks in worship followed by a “get to know you” Sunday School time with Claire, and August 23 is the first “official” day of Sunday School.  We will also be using the new PC(USA) curriculum “Growing in Grace and Gratitude”.  We hope to see everyone there!

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Welcome Jeffrey Carter, interim Music Director
We are very happy to welcome Dr. Jeffrey Carter to Faith Des Peres. Jeff has agreed to be our interim music director as we continue our search for a permanent director of music. He will begin August 23.

Jeffrey Richard Carter is Chair of the Department of Music at Webster University in Saint Louis, Missouri.  His performing and educational endeavors have taken him to the continents of Asia, South America, and Europe, in addition to the continental United States.

 As a choral conductor, Carter led Ball State University Singers from 2000 until 2008, where he was Associate Director of the School of Music.  He led the Missouri All-State Show Choir in July 2006, the Alabama All-State Show Choir in January 2007, and the Alabama All-State Men’s Choir in March 2008.  He was Artistic Director of the Gateway Men’s Chorus, the gay men’s chorus of Saint Louis, for three seasons ending in July 2011.  During that time the chorus experienced significant artistic renewal, audience growth, and community presence.

 Dr. Carter holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Kansas, and the Master of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Central Missouri.  UCMO named him Distinguished Music Alumnus in 2011. His return to the musical theatre stage in 2011 was recognized by the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch critic with a ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Musical’ award. The Saint Louis Theatre Critics Circle 2015 awarded him Outstanding Musical Director of a Musical for his work with New Line Theatre. Dr. Carter is especially proud that his students have gone on to prominent positions in such various places as the male ensemble Chanticleer, on Broadway and in national tours, and on various college and university faculties. 

 Dr. Carter’s recordings include Then and Now with Ball State University Singers (2005) and two discs with the Gateway Men’s Chorus: Love Changes Everything (2010) and I Want to Fly (2011).  Dr. Carter lives near Forest Park in Saint Louis with his feisty little dog Samson, a much-loved and overly-spoiled terrier.  He is a member of Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal).

Communion Table Flowers
A sign-up sheet for communion table flowers is now 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 so much!

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)

Aug 16: --- Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt and everyone will explore the community garden.

Aug 23: --- Jurgen Ermel will be back with his bees and hopefully some honey. If you missed his presentation the first time, you won’t want to miss this one!

Summer Sermon Series: “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism”
In this series we’ll continue to cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our
intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.

August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

After two weeks in New Hampshire (and some of the best weather we’ve ever had!), it’s good to be back with all of you.  With August here, we’re getting geared up for Fall at Faith Des Peres.  This year we’re trying some new things that you’ll read about in this email.  Please take the time to familiarize yourself with what is happening, much of which is an outgrowth of Vision 20/20.  Take note of what you’d like to be involved in and where the Spirit is calling.  I’m very excited about the Pals Program, and I’m looking forward to the Sacred Conversations on Race and the challenge that topic brings. 

Speaking of race, this week I’ll continue my sermon series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” with the topic of violence.  While I didn’t plan it this way, the topic just happens to coincide with the one year anniversary of Michael’s Brown’s death.  We’ve had various reactions to the events that have unfolded this past year, and while some may wish the subject would go away, it won’t.  And if we’re faithful to the call of Jesus, we won’t let it go away . . .as difficult as that may be.  Violence is real and so is racism and the two often go hand-in-hand.  So, I hope you’ll be here to talk, listen and learn.

This Sunday the Living Creation series continues AFTER church with a trip to the zoo.  Haven’t been to the zoo in a while?  Want to see the new polar bear exhibit?  This is your opportunity.  We’ll gathering the Gathering Space after church to figure out carpooling, etc.

Last but not least, Feeding the Flock is also this Sunday, so don’t forget your food!

Blessings and see you in church,

Annie

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Feeding the Flock this Sunday
On communion Sundays we collect food for Circle of Concern food pantry.  The idea behind Feeding the Flock is that while we are spiritually fed at Christ’s table, we are called to physically feed others. The children of the congregation gather together and pull a wagon through the sanctuary, collecting food donations.  If you forgot your donation, the bin is always available in the Gathering Space. Thank you for your support.

Summer Sermon Series: “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism”
In this series we’ll continue to cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our
intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.

August 16         Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23         The Apostle Paul
August 30         Left Behind and Loving It
September 6      Now What?

 

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)

Join us after church this Sunday for a trip to the Zoo! Haven’t been in a while?  Want to see the new polar exhibit? This is your chance!

 

Aug 16: --- Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on
biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt and everyone will explore the community garden.

Aug 23: --- Jurgen Ermel will be back with his bees and hopefully some honey. If you missed his presentation the first time, you won’t want to miss this one!

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Faith Formation at Faith Des Peres Fall 2015

Sacred Conversations on Race

Faith Des Peres will join other congregations in the presbytery for Sacred Conversations on Race.  Sacred Conversations on Race was designed by Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) to support congregations as they broach the difficult, but necessary conversations centered on racial tensions. These conversations will lead to ACTION led by better-informed and more self-aware people. With a community in need of understanding, healing and great systemic change, the conversation must begin. As the conversations begin, it is our hope that it will be easier to understand the plight of others, have your stories heard and begin to work together for an undivided community.

There will be two “mass congregation” gatherings on September 13 and November 8 (time and place TBD), and two with Faith Des Peres only.  Dianne Modrell and Terry Epling are serving as facilitators.

I hope you’ll join us for these necessary conversation.

PALS Program – New this Fall

In July, Session approved implementing a new program called the “Pals Program”.  Pals is an opportunity for children, youth and adults in the congregation to develop meaningful relationships across generations. It is also an opportunity for children, youth and adults to live into our mission to “reflect and live God’s love, accept and affirm all and inspire passion to do God’s work.”  The Pals program is for children and youth who are entering Kindergarten-Senior in high school.  Any adult may be a Pal. 

Experiences the adult and child/youth may have include:

·         Spending time together and talking together, particularly on “Pals Sunday”.

·         Sit together in a Sunday worship service on Pals Sunday.

·         Participate in a mission project together, such as Food Outreach or Go Sunday.

·         Discuss aspects of your faith in your daily life.

Details:

·         The Pals program follows the academic year: September-May.

·         The Pals program will kick-off with an acknowledgement of the pairs in worship in September and conclude with a celebration in May.

What is Pals Sunday?

·         Pals Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of the month and is set aside for you and your Pal to connect.  Pals will gather at 9:30 in the Gathering Space for informal conversation and doughnuts.   There will be a “table topic” to help get conversation started. 

·         While Pals are meeting, there will be a roundtable conversation in the Adult Conference Room geared for parents, though anyone in the congregation is welcome to attend.  Nursery care will be provided for little ones. 

Pals is a product of Vision 20/20’s goal to focus on the development of an Intergenerational Faith Formation program at Faith Des Peres that centers on bringing generations together in learning, caring, praying, celebrating, serving faithfully and inspiring the passion to make Christ known.

In the next couple of weeks we’ll be asking children, youth and adults if they want to take part in Pals and then matching Pals for the school year. 

If you are interested in being a Pal or learning more about Pals, please email Annie at pastor@faithdesperes.org.  Thank you!

Shared Ministry Fair and Ice Cream Social, September 13

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Shared Ministry Fair in the Gathering Space after worship. This will be a time for you to learn about what ministry opportunities exist and in return to let us know what you’re interested in doing this year at Faith Des Peres.  Want to take part in Buddy Packs, or help plan Advent?  How about serving as a liturgist, or assisting with communion?  These and many more opportunities are available.  Each of us is uniquely gifted by God to share our gifts, energy and passions with others to build the kingdom of God, and shared ministry helps us live out the affirmation that God calls all people to ministry.   Hope to see you there!

Blessing of the Packs, Sunday, August 16 during worship

The return to school, starting a new grade with new teachers and students, even new schools is huge for children and their families.  It sometimes feels more like the beginning of the new year than does January 1. 

We’ll recognize this important time in the life of children and families with a special blessing on August 16.  Children and teachers and students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to worship and get them blessed because God is with them at school and the church cares about what happens there!

Sunday School for Grades K-5 starts August 23

In July, Session approved hiring Claire Dingus as the lead Sunday School teacher for grades K-5.  Claire, a member of Faith Des Peres, is a Junior at Webster University majoring in education.  Sunday School will take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month during worship.  It will kick-off on August 16 with a special Blessing of the Backpacks in worship followed by a “get to know you” Sunday School time with Claire, and August 23 is the first “official” day of Sunday School.  We will also be using the new PC(USA) curriculum “Growing in Grace and Gratitude”.  We hope to see everyone there!

Center Orientation, August 20, 6:30pm

As most of you know, we’re in the process of transitioning to a new structure for how we do ministry.  In short, committees are transitioning over to “centers” and “teams”.  This transition will take some time and may get a little messy, but the good news is we hope this will mean you’ll have fewer meetings and feel more like you’re doing ministry. 

In order to get everyone on the same page, the Session has set Thursday, August 20 at 6:30 as the orientation night.  This orientation is crucial!  Committee members, please mark your calendars and plan on attending.  This is the only orientation, but all centers will meet again the 3rd Thursday of October at 6:30.   Childcare and food will be provided.

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What's Happening at Faith Des Peres

Pastor Annie is on vacation
Annie will be on vacation until August 2. Liz Kanerva, pastor of Glendale Presbyterian Church, will be on call for her if you have an emergency or hospitalization.

Sunday, August 2 Worship at the Old Des Peres Church
This Sunday we will worship at the Old Des Peres Church on Geyer Road. Rev. Joe Marting will be preaching. Note: We will celebrate communion and Feeding the Flock the following Sunday, August 9.

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)
Each of the following Sundays at 9:30am there will be a short reading from Genesis and Annie will give a few words about the theme.  After that, we’ll step into each creation day in a unique way.  This is an intergenerational, living Bible study, so there will be something for everyone.  And most of all, we hope it will give us all a chance to relax, learn and have fun together!!  

Aug 9/Day 5: Land, animals and humans—nothing before church, lunch/ zoo trip after church.

 

Aug 16/Day 6: — Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt and everyone will explore the community garden.

 

Aug 23/Day 7: — Jurgen Ermel will be back with his bees and hopefully some honey. If you missed his presentation the first time, you won’t want to miss this one!

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.
August 9          Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

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What's Happening at Faith Des Peres

Pastor Annie is on vacation
Annie will be on vacation until August 2. Liz Kanerva, pastor of Glendale Presbyterian Church, will be on call for her if you have an emergency or hospitalization.

Thank you Joe Marting
Rev Joe Marting will be leading us in worship this Sunday, July 26 and again on August 2 while Annie is on vacation.
On Sunday, August 2, we will worship at the Old Des Peres Church on Geyer Road.  
Note: We will celebrate communion and Feeding the Flock the following Sunday, August 9.

Volunteers Needed
Since we were unable to have our annual "GO" Sunday day of service this past spring, the mission and ministry committee would like to offer three separate volunteering events throughout the summer.  We will have events supporting three different organizations: Circle of Concern Food Pantry, Lydia's House, and NHC Healthcare Facility.  Instead of sign up sheets in the gathering space we've decided to make it easier for you and allow people to sign up online - at signupgenius.com  Signup genius will show you the dates and times that are available for each event.  Please sign up for the date/time that works best for your schedule.  We will then choose the date that has the most volunteers and "GO" on that day.  For our first event we will be collecting donations from customers at the Schnucks in Frontenac.  All that is needed from the volunteers is to greet the customers and collect any donations (in the form of food, cash, or gift cards) that we may receive.  As always, thank you for all of the support you give to us and our community.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a5fd0-food

Communion Table Flowers
A sign-up sheet for communion table flowers is now 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 so much!

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What's Happening at Faith Des Peres

Guest Preachers
Annie will be on vacation July 17 to August 2. Filling in for her will be:

July 19 – Barbara Willock
July 26– Joe Marting
August 2– Joe Marting at the Old Des Peres Church
Note: We will celebrate Communion and Feeding the Flock on Sunday, August 9.


Liz Kanerva, Pastor at Glendale Presbyterian Church will be on call for Annie in case of an emergency or hospitalization.  

Volunteers Needed
Since we were unable to have our annual "GO" Sunday day of service this past spring, the mission and ministry committee would like to offer three separate volunteering events throughout the summer.  We will have events supporting three different organizations: Circle of Concern Food Pantry, Lydia's House, and NHC Healthcare Facility.  Instead of sign up sheets in the gathering space we've decided to make it easier for you and allow people to sign up online- at signupgenius.com  Signup genius will show you the dates and times that are available for each event.  Please sign up for the date/time that works best for your schedule.  We will then choose the date that has the most volunteers and "GO" on that day.  For our first event we will be collecting donations from customers at the Schnucks in Frontenac.  All that is needed from the volunteers is to greet the customers and collect any donations (in the form of food, cash, or gift cards) that we may receive.  As always, thank you for all of the support you give to us and our community.

 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a5fd0-food

 

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)
Each of the following Sundays at 9:30am there will be a short reading from Genesis and Annie will give a few words about the theme.  After that, we’ll step into each creation day in a unique way.  This is an intergenerational, living Bible study, so there will be something for everyone.  And most of all, we hope it will give us all a chance to relax, learn and have fun together!!  

 

Aug 9/Day 5: Land, animal and humans— nothing before church, lunch/zoo trip after church

 

Aug 16/Day 6: — Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt and everyone will explore the community garden.

 

Aug 23/Day 7: — Jurgen Ermel will be back with his bees and hopefully some honey. If you missed his presentation the first time, you won’t want to miss this one!

 

 

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.


August 9          Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

                This Sunday I’ll continue my sermon series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” with a look at edited stories and cover-ups.  We’ll also celebrate communion, so don’t forget your food for Feeding the Flock.  Summer is a busy time for food pantries when so many children are home from school and not getting the benefit of free or reduced lunch and breakfast.  We will also install Cat Harper as a Ruling Elder.  So, there many things to celebrate this Sunday.

                On Saturday, we’ll gather for star-gazing at 9:30 pm behind the church.  This is the 4th installment in our Living Creation Bible study.  We have a telescope, a treasure map of stars, and suggest you install a stargazing app on your phone or tablet.  It will be fun!  If the hour is too late for you kids, bring them in their pjs!  If you need a ride, let me know.  Because we’re gathering on Saturday night, we won’t meet on Sunday at 9:30 am.

                If you’re in town, I hope to see you Sunday!

Blessings,

Annie  

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What's Happening at Faith Des Peres

Living Creation – Star Gazing!
Saturday, July 11, 9:30 pm

Join us for the 4th installment of Living Creation, our experiential, hands-on study of the creation story from Genesis.  On Saturday night we’ll gather outside, in the back of the church, for star gazing and a treasure hunt of stars.  We’ll have a telescope on hand, but you might want to download an app on your phone to track some constellations.  All ages are invited!   

Volunteers Needed
Since we were unable to have our annual "GO" Sunday day of service this past spring, the mission and ministry committee would like to offer three separate volunteering events throughout the summer.  We will have events supporting three different organizations: Circle of Concern Food Pantry, Lydia's House, and NHC Healthcare Facility.  Instead of sign up sheets in the gathering space we've decided to make it easier for you and allow people to sign up online - at signupgenius.com  Signup genius will show you the dates and times that are available for each event.  Please sign up for the date/time that works best for your schedule.  We will then choose the date that has the most volunteers and "GO" on that day.  For our first event we will be collecting donations from customers at the Schnucks in Frontenac.  All that is needed from the volunteers is to greet the customers and collect any donations (in the form of food, cash, or gift cards) that we may receive.  As always, thank you for all of the support you give to us and our community.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a5fd0-food

 

Congratulations, Tola!
On June 12, Tola became a US citizen at a Naturalization Ceremony at the Old Courthouse downtown. U.S. District Court Judge John A. Ross presided over the event.  Tola, a native of Nigeria, began his journey to citizenship in 2000 when he came to work in America on a Visa.  You can read more about his journey here in an article from the Riverfront Times.  When you see Tola, please congratulate him.  His journey has been a long one!

 

Upcoming Guest Preachers
Annie will be on vacation July 17 to August 2. Filling in for her will be:
July 19– Barbara Willock
July 26– Joe Marting
August 2– Joe Marting at the Old Des Peres Church

 

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)

Each of the following Sundays at 9:30am there will be a short reading from Genesis and Annie will give a few words about the theme.  After that, we’ll step into each creation day in a unique way.  This is an intergenerational, living Bible study, so there will be something for everyone.  And most of all, we hope it will give us all a chance to relax, learn and have fun together!!  

 Aug 9/Day 5: Land, animals and humans --- nothing before church, lunch/zoo trip after church

Aug 16/Day 6: ---  Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt and everyone will explore the community garden.

Aug 23/Day 7: ---  Jurgen Ermel will be back with his bees and hopefully some honey. If you missed his presentation the first time, you won’t want to miss this one!

 

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.

August 9          Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

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Upcoming at Faith Des Peres

Service on July 5 at Old Des Peres Church
Join us this Sunday, July 5 at the Old Des Peres Church on Geyer Road at 10:30 AM. Rev. Joe Marting will be leading worship while Annie is in New Hampshire at her niece’s wedding.

Living Creation Bible Study Saturday, July 11
The intergenerational, , experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1) will
continue on Saturday, July 11 as we look at Day 4, Sun/Star/Moon. We will be star gazing Saturday night . We will not meet on Sunday morning.

Communion and Feeding the Flock next Sunday, July 12
Please join us next week at our Clayton location where we will celebrate communion and collect food for Feeding the Flock.

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.
July 12             Edited Stories and Cover-Ups
August 9          Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

I'm looking forward to being back with you all this Sunday.  Julia, Charlotte and I have had a wonderful week at Montreat and we've experienced some incredible and deeply moving worship services where the Word has been proclaimed!  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to attend conferences like this one.

I'll continue my sermon series "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism" with a look at the role of women in the Bible.  Spoiler alert: it's as bad as you think it is.  BUT -- there's always hope and I plan on making sure of it!  (*Note this is earlier than I had planned on preaching this sermon.)  

There's been a change in the Living Creation schedule.  Connie McNutt cannot be with us this Sunday, so we'll look at some birds of the Bible and then make bird feeders for the church grounds AND have paper airplane races off the balcony.   You can jump in and out of this series at any time, so join the fun this Sunday if you can!  (Note the change in schedule below.)

See you Sunday!  And if you're travelling, may the peace of Christ be with you.

Blessings,

Annie

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Upcoming at Faith Des Peres

Church Office Closed July 3
The church office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Sunday, July 5 Worship at the Old Meeting House
Sunday, July 5 we will celebrate worship and communion at the Old Meeting House on Geyer Road. Please remember to bring your donations for Feeding the Flock. Rev. Joe Marting will be preaching while Annie is in New Hampshire celebrating her niece's wedding.

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.
July 12             Edited Stories and Cover-Ups
August 9          Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)
Each of the following Sundays at 9:30am there will be a short reading from Genesis and Annie will give a few words about the theme.  After that, we’ll step into each creation day in a unique way.  This is an intergenerational, living Bible study, so there will be something for everyone.  And most of all, we hope it will give us all a chance to relax, learn and have fun together!!  

July 11/Day 4: Stars/Sun/Moon --- star gazing on Saturday night. We won’t meet in the morning!

 Aug 9/Day 5: Land, animals and man ---  nothing before church, lunch/zoo trip after church

 Aug 16/Day 6: Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt, and everyone will explore the community garden

 Aug 23/Day 7: Jurgen Ermel will be back with his bees and hopefully some honey.  If you missed his presentation the first time, you won't want to miss this one!

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

                This Sunday Julia, Charlotte and I leave for the Worship and Music conference at Montreat.  This is my 3rd year going and I expect it to be as great as the first two were.  I’ll take part in workshops focused on preaching and worship, art and drama, Bible Study, and join the handbell choir.  Julia will be a part of the Middle School track which includes singing in a choir, learning handbells, and Bible Study and games.  Charlotte will be in the “kids club” which is like a day camp.  This conference is one of the few I go to where I learn something new and leave feeling rejuvenated.  

                Rev. Joe Marting is filling in for me this Sunday while I’m away, and when I return I’ll pick-up my sermon series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” with a look at women in the Bible.  If you’re looking for previous sermons in the series, you can find them on the church’s website www.faithdeperes, under the “worship” tab. 

                Last but not least, we are reviewing applicants for the Director of Music position.  We’re pleased with the resumes we’ve received thus far and expect to conduct interviews in late June/early July.  Please keep the Worship Arts Committee in your prayers as we discern the best fit for Faith Des Peres.  If you have any questions as we go through this process, or if you know of someone interested in the position, please let me know.  You can also find details about the position at our website under “job openings”.

Blessings,

Annie 

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What Vision 20/20 Means To Me

This summer, the Session members will each contribute a statement about what the church’s new Vision, Mission and Values mean to them.  They may write about all three, or they may write about the statement that most resonates with them and why.  This week, Will Ridley writes about the Values:

The Values that shape and guide our church life:

Accepting people for who they are and where they are on their faith journey

Growing in our faith by asking questions and wrestling with ambiguity

Serving others in the same way Christ served others

Welcoming young and old, singles and families respectful of race, nationality, sexual orientation and persons of differing abilities.

Implementing the Vision 20/20 program will ultimately determine its success. I believe the four words listed as values – accepting, growing, serving and welcoming – are the keys because they are specific, achievable and universal. Whether you are working on the church budget, volunteering at Food Outreach, handing out bulletins before worship or repairing a pew in the sanctuary these values apply and they have been and can continue to be our light for the community and beyond. 

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Church Office Closed July 3
The church office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Sunday, July 5 Worship at the Old Meeting House
Sunday, July 5 we will celebrate worship and communion at the Old Meeting House on Geyer Road. Please remember to bring your donations for Feeding the Flock. Rev. Joe Marting will be preaching while Annie is in New Hampshire celebrating her niece's wedding.

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.
July 12             Edited Stories and Cover-Ups
August 9          Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)
Each of the following Sundays at 9:30am there will be a short reading from Genesis and Annie will give a few words about the theme.  After that, we’ll step into each creation day in a unique way.  This is an intergenerational, living Bible study, so there will be something for everyone.  And most of all, we hope it will give us all a chance to relax, learn and have fun together!!  

July 11/Day 4: Stars/Sun/Moon --- star gazing on Saturday night. We won’t meet in the morning!

 Aug 9/Day 5: Land, animals and man ---  nothing before church, lunch/zoo trip after church

 Aug 16/Day 6: Connie McNutt, master gardener, will lead us in a discussion on biodiversity; the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt, and everyone will explore the community garden

 Aug 23/Day 7: Rest --- things that help us relax/rest, might be popcorn and cartoons  

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Last week we unveiled our new vision, mission and value statements and this week we’ll have a chance to live into them as we explore the topic of sexuality and the Bible with a particular look at Caitlyn Jenner.  This is the 3rd sermon in my series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism”.  For those of you who weren’t present last week, or haven’t yet memorized our values (!), they are:

 Accepting people for who they are and where they are on their faith journey.

Growing in our faith by asking questions and wrestling with ambiguity.

Serving others in the same Christ served others.

Welcoming young and old, singles and families, respectful of race, nationality, sexual orientation and persons of differing abilities.

 

The subject of transgendered persons is a timely and important subject, and as people of faith we need to be talking about it.  I hope you’ll be here Sunday with your inquiring and open minds.

Also, don’t forget our Living Creation faith formation class at 9:30.  This week we have a beekeeper coming to talk about “Bee Keeping 101” and he’ll have his first batch of honey of the season for sale.  We’ll also get to sample it during class!  The kids will have fun with bubbles, too.  Last week about 15-20 people were here for tai chi; I hope you come back and I hope others join us.  But please know this is one of those series that you can jump in and out of depending on your interest and availability.

See you in church.

Annie

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Sermon Series
The series “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism” will cover some of the hot-button issues of the day with a look at what the Bible does and does not say about them.  This series allows us to take the Bible seriously but not literally, and assumes God and the Bible can handle our intellectual pursuits.  Don’t check your brain at the door.
June 14            The Birds and Bees
June 28            Violence, Vengeance and Victory Oh My!
July 12             Edited Stories and Cover-Ups
August 9          Uppity Women Unite
August 16        Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
August 23        The Apostle Paul
August 30        Left Behind and Loving It
September 6    Now What?

LIVING CREATION  -  Sundays, 9:30-10am
An intergenerational, experiential Bible study on the creation story (Genesis 1)
Each of the following Sundays at 9:30am there will be a short reading from Genesis and Annie will give a few words about the theme.  After that, we’ll step into each creation day in a unique way.  This is an intergenerational, living Bible study, so there will be something for everyone.  And most of all, we hope it will give us all a chance to relax, learn and have fun together!!  

June 14/ Day 2: Water from air- Bee-keeping 101/ Bubbles

June 28/Day 3:  Land and plants ---  plants, butterflies and the community garden

 July 12/Day 4: Stars/Sun/Moon --- star gazing on Saturday night and Sunday morning
different perspective – storytelling about constellations

 Aug 9/Day 5: Fish/Birds --- create bird feeders for home and church grounds to attract our fine feathered friends; paper airplane races

 Aug 16/Day 6: Land animals and man ---  nothing before church, lunch/zoo trip after church

 Aug 23/Day 7: Rest --- things that help us relax/rest, might be popcorn and cartoons 

 

Church Office Closed Week of June 21
The church office will be closed the week of June 21 while both Pastor Annie and Yolanda are out of town. Messages will be checked but if you have an emergency, please call Annie on her cell phone.

Joe Marting preaching Sunday, June 21
Thank you so much to Joe Marting who will be preaching next Sunday, June 21 while Annie is away at the Worship
and Music Conference at Montreat.

Living Creation - Sunday, June 28 9:30
On June 28, Connie McNutt, master gardener and community garden, will lead us in a
discussion of bio-diversity and the kids will have a chance to dig in the dirt and make pine cone bird feeders.  We'll be outside, so please dress for the weather!  Connie has also spruced up the church grounds and is interested in starting a Frontenac Garden Club.  You'll enjoy meeting her!

Flat Jesus Reminder
Don’t forget to take your Flat Jesus with you on vacation this summer. Email your Flat Jesus pictures to Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org. 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Please wear your blue Faith Des Peres shirts on Sunday!!

Over 60 of us had fun at our first-ever Church in the Park service last Sunday despite the cold weather!  I heard many favorable comments so plan on this becoming an annual tradition!  I want to thank Terry Baker and Leslie Barnes for hosting, and Phil Payne, John Willock and Andy Richter for serving as grill masters.  Yum!

This Sunday we’ll have our annual meeting after church.  I hope you’ll be here for the unveiling of our new vision and mission statements, the values that guide us, and goals for the next 3-5 years.  The Session is also asking you to adopt a change in the number of elders who serve on the Session.  Plan on the meeting lasting 20-30 minutes (depending on how many questions are asked).  While we’d like you to stay for all of it, stay for as much as you can.

Also, Feeding the Flock is Sunday.  Bring your food!

And last but not least, Living Creation Bible Study kicks off Sunday with a short overview of the creation story and then tai chi with Susan Marting.  Come dressed comfortably!  This is for all ages and abilities and is a great way to begin your day.  No experience necessary! 

Wow, that’s a lot happening in a short amount of time.  Don’t forget to wear your shirt!

See you Sunday.

Annie

PS: On June 14 for Living Creation, we’ll host a bee-keeper and there will be bubble mania for the youngsters.  Fresh honey for all!

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