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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

I’m really excited about this Sunday!  Pals meets Sunday at 9:30, and in honor of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Bernie Davis will be our special guest and talk about his experience walking in Selma, and how and why he got involved.  There will be time for Q and A, and we’ll also talk about how we can continue building the beloved community in 2016.  Even if you’re not in PALS, please come.  There will be coffee and doughnuts, and it would be awesome to have you join us.

During worship, we’ll hear the story of the wedding at Cana, and the entire service will revolve around a wedding theme.  It will be fun and festive!  We’ll celebrate communion, too, so don’t forget your food for Feeding the Flock.

Do you know anyone looking for a church, or more meaning in their life, or something to help ground them?  This is a great Sunday to invite them.  There will be something for everyone.

See you Sunday!

Annie

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Fun Stuff To Do

PALS this Sunday
This Sunday PALS meets at 9:30 in the Gathering Space. In honor of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Bernie Davis will be our special guest.  You may not know this, but Bernie was a part of the walk in Selma and will talk to us about that experience, and how and why he got involved.  After Bernie talks, there will be a time for Q and A, and then we’ll talk about how we can continue building the beloved community in 2016.  Even if you are not a part of PALS, you can come and be a part of this program. Everyone is invited to attend.

Believe It or Not….
The month of January is the time to call Trout Lodge (1-888-FUN-YMCA) to reserve your room for our annual Trout Lodge Weekend, April 22 – 24. Please pick up a price list and brochure on the table in the Gathering Space and let Yolanda in the office know you are coming. If you have not been to Trout Lodge and have questions, ask one of the 45 people that go each year or Terry Baker or Charlotte Ridley. Don’t miss this wonderful weekend with your church family!

FDP’s next GAME NIGHT is Friday evening, January 29th
Grab your favorite board games, and snacks/drinks to share and meet in the Gathering Space. Doors open at 6:30. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us. Guaranteed FUN for all ages.

Interested in being part of a Book Club?
Annie would like to start a book club – something informal that would meet once a quarter or so. Possible authors may include Anne Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor, or Nadia Bolz Weber, so nothing too heavy. If this is something that interests you, please let Annie know.

Walking to Jerusalem (a special Lent activity) –
Did you know that it is 6437 miles from St. Louis to Jerusalem? That’s 12,874,000 steps (2000 steps in a mile)!! Did you know that Pastor Annie has challenged us as a congregation to walk collectively that distance during Lent? Sound crazy?  Read on . . .

The Walk to Jerusalem is a walking program developed by St. John Providence Health System parish nursing and designed to increase the physical, spiritual and emotional health of participants.  This “imaginary” trip to Jerusalem is accomplished by individuals within the church and their friends (anyone can participate) logging their own walking miles and/or exercise each week. The idea behind the Walking to Jerusalem program is that physical health impacts our spiritual health and vice-versa, so as a church we should be concerned about our physical health.  After all, walking is good for the mind, spirit and the body.

You are asked to keep track of your steps during Lent. You can also keep track of any exercise – 20 minutes of activity equals 2000 steps.  We will give you the tools you need to track, and we’ll keep track of them and watch our progress with a visual in the Gathering Space. If you can’t walk long distances, don’t worry. Do what you are able to do and let’s see how we do as a congregation.

And if 12,874,000 steps sounds like a lot, if 40 people participate in this each person would need to log roughly 7000 steps a day.  That’s a lot, but keep in mind some will do more and some will do less, and doctors recommend people get in at least 10,000 steps/day.

Join the walk!

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Faith Formation

Sermon Series, “Now What?”
Coming out of the Christmas season and into Epiphany, we hear the prophet Isaiah tell us, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.”  Likewise, a new year is ripe with possibilities. What’s in store? Will this be the year you (you fill in the blank)? How can you shine this year? Join us as we explore these questions.

Looking for a way to find God more deeply in prayer this Lent and Easter?
At this workshop, you’ll learn about prayer as relationship, the simple method of Centering Prayer, how to deal with thoughts during prayer and how to deepen your relationship with God. Everyone is invited to come away for a half-day retreat here in our own beautiful Gathering Space at Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church.  Saturday February 6, 2016 — 9am-2pm (light breakfast & registration begin at 8:30am). Cost: $25 per person includes the workshop and an optional follow-up session to be held in April at Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood.  Lunch: Bring your own lunch; Refrigeration and coffee & water will be provided.  Please register at the COSTL website —pay online via PayPal by clicking the “Buy Now” button OR complete the online form and bring cash/check to the event, or send a check payable to Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis, 514 East Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122. This workshop is open to the public so please register early as we will try to limit the class size to thirty participants. Once you have registered please let Jim Gerst jimgerst46@gmail.com, 314-303-8674, or Charlotte or Will Ridley ridleywp@att.net  314-821-852 know so we can keep track of the number of Faith Des Peres family attending.

 

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Outreach Opportunities

Volunteers Needed!
The buddy packs program provides weekend meals for 12 students at Tillman Elementary school.  There are three different types of volunteer opportunities for this school year.  We need two volunteers to pack the food in bags every week after church.  We need one volunteer a week (on either Thursday or Friday) to deliver the food to Tillman Elementary School in Kirkwood.  Finally, we need one volunteer a month to unpack the food and stock it in the buddy packs closet. Please consider helping this important cause. See Clarissa with any questions. Sign up using the following links:

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

 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a5fd0-buddy1

 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a5fd0-buddy2

Old cell phones needed
Lydia’s House is looking for old cell phones that they can sell as a fund raiser. You will find a box in the Gathering Space where you can deposit your old cell phones. No smart phones please. Thank you!

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday we’ll welcome Rev. Jillian Embrey as our guest preacher.  Jillian is the Organizing Pastor of Southampton Presbyterian Church, a new church development in our presbytery. The Southampton project has been near and dear to my heart since I was a part of closing the old Southampton Church and helping to bring to birth the new church.  I couldn’t be more excited to have Jillian as the Organizing Pastor and to hear what she has to say about the church.  I hope you’ll be here with me on Sunday to hear Jillian and learn how we can be of help to her.

Coming out of the Christmas season and into Epiphany, we hear the prophet Isaiah tell us, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.”  Likewise, a new year is ripe with possibilities.  What’s in store?  Will this be the year you . . .(fill in the blank)?  How can you “shine” this year”?  These are the questions we’ll be exploring between now and February 7 in the current sermon series "Now What?", and I think Jillian will get us off on a good start. Do you know someone looking for a new church?  Do you know someone who could benefit from hearing this message?  An easy to email postcard is here for you to send. Just download it or save it to your desktop and attach it to the email.

I hope to see you Sunday,

Annie

PS: We’ll celebrate communion and have Feeding the Flock on January 17.  Bring your food!

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Fun Stuff To Do

FDP’s next GAME NIGHT is Friday evening, January 29th. 
Grab your favorite board games, and snacks/drinks to share and meet in the Gathering Space. Doors open at 6:30. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us. Guaranteed FUN for all ages.

Believe It or Not….
he month of January is the time to call Trout Lodge (1-888-FUN-YMCA) to reserve your room for our annual Trout Lodge Weekend, April 22 – 24. Please pick up a price list and brochure on the table in the Gathering Space and let Yolanda in the office know you are coming. If you have not been to Trout Lodge and have questions, ask one of the 45 people that go each year or Terry Baker or Charlotte Ridley. Don’t miss this wonderful weekend with your church family!

Interested in being part of a Book Club?
Annie would like to start a book club – something informal that would meet once a quarter or so. Possible authors may include Anne Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor, or Nadia Bolz Weber, so nothing too heavy. If this is something that interests you, please let Annie know.

 

SECOND ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF
Join us for our second annual chili Cook-off Friday evening February 26th in the Gathering Space. All varieties of chili welcome. Doors open at 6:30. Sign up to enter your signature pot of chili or sign up to let us know you’re coming to eat and judge. First, second and third prizes awarded to the winning chefs. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to this fun and tasty event!

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Faith Formation

New Sermon Series, “Now What?”
Coming out of the Christmas season and into Epiphany, we hear the prophet Isaiah tell us, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.”  Likewise, a new year is ripe with possibilities. What’s in store? Will this be the year you (you fill in the blank)? How can you shine this year? Join us as we explore these questions.

Adult Book Study begins January 10 at noon
For 20 years the annual Faith Des Peres book study has offered opportunities to read and discuss books featuring current scholarship on biblical, historical, or theological issues. This year’s book is, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, by Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish Studies Professor at Vanderbilt University. Books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble ($15.99 for paperback) or from Amazon ($13.40 for paperback, $9.99 for Kindle). A limited number of copies will be available from the church office; see Will Ridley for details.

The book study will be on three alternating Sundays beginning January 10, January 24 and February 7 from noon to 1:30 after church in the Gathering Space. Lunches will be made available for a nominal fee. This year’s study should be informative and fun. Plan to join us!

Looking for a way to find God more deeply in prayer this Lent and Easter?
At this workshop, you’ll learn about prayer as relationship, the simple method of Centering Prayer, how to deal with thoughts during prayer and how to deepen your relationship with God. Everyone is invited to come away for a half-day retreat here in our own beautiful Gathering Space at Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church.  Saturday February 6, 2016 — 9am-2pm (light breakfast & registration Begin at 8:30am). Cost: $25 per person includes the workshop and an optional follow-up session to be held in April at Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood.  Lunch: Bring your own lunch; Refrigeration and coffee & water will be provided.  Please register at the COSTL website and register/pay online via PayPal by clicking the “Buy Now” button OR complete the online form and bring cash/check to the event, or send a check payable to Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis, 514 East Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122. This workshop is open to the public so please register early as we will try to limit the class size to thirty participants. 
Once you have registered please let Jim Gerst jimgerst46@gmail.com, 314-303-8674, or Charlotte or Will Ridley  ridleywp@att.net or 314-821-852 know so we can keep track of the number of Faith Des Peres family attending.

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Flood Relief

Are you interested in helping organize volunteers and/or joining the effort to assist people afflicted by flooding within in bounds of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery? You are invited to a meeting with representatives from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on

Saturday, January 9, 2015 at 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Presbytery Office.

To let us know you plan to attend and/or for additional information, please contact the Presbytery Office. You may call Judy at 314/877-772-2395 or e-mail her at jpickett@glpby.org

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Thank you for your support

Dear Annie and the good folks of Faith Des Peres,
Thank you for your generous support of UKirk! Your mission grant is very much appreciated and will equip this ministry to kick off 2016 (as will your delicious Christmas cookies!) UKirk heads to the Montreat College Conference on January 1- we have 9 students going. The school will start up again mid-January; your prayers are very much appreciated as we continue to reach more students and have an impact on their faith. May you all have a very blessed and very Merry Christmas.

In the peace and love of Christ,
Pastor Miriam Foltz

 

Dear friend,

Jenny and I are so grateful for your prayerful support of this ministry we share with our partners in Peru.

We are sorry that we missed you on our recent visit to the St. Louis area. However, we return to the U.S. every March, so we look forward to seeing you again in the not so distant future.

Also, we hope you are receiving our e-newsletter, “Perspectives from Peru” in addition to our quarterly newsletters. The e-newsletters include more updates, photos and learning resources.

Again, we are so grateful for your partnering with us in God’s Mission in Peru.

Faithfully,
Jed and Jenny Koball

 

Dear Elizabeth,

On behalf of the residents and staff of Lydia’s House, we thank you for your generous donation. This has most certainly been a wonderful holiday season for our families.

The halls of Lydia’s House are filled with happiness and joy. Because of you, the women and children of Lydia’s House are able to celebrate the holidays in a safe and loving home.

Through your generous gift, our families take another step in their journey to independent and peaceful lives.

Lydia’s House will continue to work in faith to end domestic violence by being a place of healing and a voice of hope for abused women and their children. With the help of donations from supporters like you, we will continue to be a bridge to freedom for women and children who seek to escape violent homes. Your support truly changes lives.

 

Thank you.
Warmest wishes for the New Year,

Karen T. Kirk
Executive Director

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Happy New Year! 2016 is upon us, and we have some faith formation offerings coming up this year that I want to tell you about.

The first is the women's retreat on Saturday, January 9.  This year we're having it at the church and providing childcare.  Cost is only $25 which includes lunch, and the speaker is sure to please and will help you focus on what matters in your life this year. You can sign-up by emailing the office at adminasst@faithdesperes.org. We need your RSVP by January 6.

On January 10, the annual book study begins.  More information is below, but this is always a great class that will get you thinking.  I hope you can join us after church.

On Saturday, February 6, we're hosting an introductory workshop on centering prayer.  You can find more information here.  Jim Gerst attended this workshop last Fall and can tell you all about. We're excited about offering this for you just before Lent begins.

And last but not least, I've always been interested in starting a book group -- something informal that would meet once a quarter or so.  I'm thinking we'd read books by people like Anne Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor, or Nadia Bolz Weber, so nothing too heavy.  If this is something that interests you let me know (email or in person).  

On Sunday we'll celebrate Epiphany which concludes the Christmas season.  We'll focus on new beginnings and the new year.

I hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings,

Annie

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Women’s Retreat Saturday, January 9 9am – 4pm
Please join us on Saturday January 9, from 9am-4pm, for the 2016 Presbyterian Women's
Retreat.  Reverend Carolyn Berry Carnes will lead us in "Claiming Our Story."  Together- through discussions, inner reflection, and fellowship- we will explore how we can impact our world and how we can truly be a community that challenges the present, to change the future, to make Christ known. This year’s retreat will be held at Faith Des Peres (childcare will be available) and the cost is $25 which includes lunch. Sign-up in the Gathering Space.  Please see Clarissa Schuller-Meyer with any questions.

Coffee with the Pastor
The next “Coffee with the Pastor” is on Sunday, January 10, at 9:30 am in the Gathering Space. There, you will have the opportunity to discover more about Faith Des Peres and get answers to questions about what it means to be Presbyterian in a friendly and fun environment while also meeting some great people.   If you’ve already attended a “Coffee with the Pastor” and are interested in joining the church, please talk to Annie or Cat Trotter.  It would be an honor to be your church family.

Welcome New Member Rachel Neuner
Rachel Neuner was brought to Faith Des Peres through the choir and has been the soprano section leader since 2011.  Faith Des Peres has given her a sense of community which she has never previously experienced.  She is excited to be joining a church that is welcoming to all and offers everyone a chance to serve.

Staub/Davis Memorial Mission Fund    
Recently we announced the establishment of the Elliot and Bernice Staub and Katharyn and Bernard Davis Memorial Mission Fund.  This fund was established thanks to a generous gift from Leila and Bernie Davis.  This fund will help the church to do even more for mission in our local community and beyond.  We’re grateful to the Davises for supporting the church in this way.  Just like the Janet Boyer Music Fund, anyone may contribute to this fund in honor of or in memory of someone they know.  This is a great time of year to give a gift like this.  Thank you.   

Upcoming Book Study
For 20 years the annual Faith Des Peres book study has offered opportunities to read and discuss books featuring current scholarship on biblical, historical, or theological issues. This year’s book is, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, by Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish Studies Professor at Vanderbilt University. Books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble ($15.99 for paperback) or from Amazon ($13.40 for paperback, $9.99 for Kindle). A limited number of copies will be available from the church office; see Will Ridley for details.

The book study will be on three alternating Sundays beginning January 10, January 24 and February 7 from noon to 1:30 after church in the Gathering Space. Lunches will be made available for a nominal fee. This year’s study should be informative and fun. Plan to join us!

Guest Preacher January 10
On January 10, we'll welcome Rev. Jillian Embrey to the pulpit.  Jillian is the organizing pastor of Southampton Presbyterian Church, a new church in an old building in the Southampton neighborhood of St. Louis.  As some of you know, I was involved in this project from the time of the old Southampton church closing to researching whether it was feasible to start a new church there, including helping to raise funds to make it possible to start a new church.  Jillian has been on-board as the organizing pastor since October and is already doing great things there.  I hope you'll join us on January 10 to learn more about this exciting initiative.  I'm eager to hear her, too! Annie

Year-end donations to the church
Contributions that you wish to include on 2015 tax documents must be in the church office or postmarked no later than Thursday, December 31.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Christmas Eve is one week away (I know it’s hard to believe). On Wednesday, we posted to our Facebook page our Christmas Eve service (if you missed it, you can find it here.)  We also have a simple PDF invitation you can send your friends and family here. We encourage you to share it on social media or forward it to family, friends, coworkers, etc.

This Sunday, we’ll celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent with a story we normally here on Christmas day from John’s gospel.  We’ll sing the carols, Clare Dingus is playing the oboe, the choir is singing, and joy and peace can be found here.  Take time out from the craziness of the season on Sunday at 10:30!  PALS also meet at 9:30 in the Gathering Space.

Before I leave you, I have to share a quick story. Back in November we conducted a focus group with members who have joined the church in the past 10 years.  Out of 10 “family units” there, 9 first came to Faith Des Peres because of an invitation. Our invitations to others matter and can change their perspective on God and life. So don’t forget to spread the word and intentionally invite someone you think will find the church meaningful.  This is a great time of year to come!

Have a great Friday, and I will see you Sunday.

Blessings,

Annie

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,
Thank you so much for remembering and recognizing my 15th anniversary.  It’s been an honor
and blessing to serve as your pastor all these years. Thank you for being patient with me, laughing and praying with me, and serving alongside me. But most of all, thank you for welcoming me and my family. Faith Des Peres is truly our second home and you our family.

The stole you gave me is beautiful and I’m looking forward to wearing it during Advent, my
favorite season of the church year. I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much.

Blessings,
Annie

Welcome New Member Rachel Neuner
Rachel Neuner was brought to Faith Des Peres through the choir and has been the soprano section leader since 2011.  Faith Des Peres has given her a sense of community which she has never previously experienced.  She is excited to be joining a church that is welcoming to all and offers everyone a chance to serve.

Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm
Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 pm Thursday, December 24. We’ll have a traditional candlelight service. Sing the carols, hear the stories and find hope here!

 

Christmas Brunch and Worship, December 27    
Join us for a special Christmas Brunch and worship service on Sunday, December 27 at 10:30.  This special service will take place in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat and worship and focus on the new year.  It’s for all ages and will include the Christmas carols we love and some exercises to get us thinking about things we want to leave behind or take on in the new year.  This is also a potluck!  So, please sign-up in the Gathering Space and let us know what dish you’ll bring.  Thank you!  (There is no nursery care or Sunday School this day.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together!)
 

Women’s Retreat Saturday, January 9 9am – 4pm
Please join us on Saturday January 9, from 9am-4pm, for the 2016 Presbyterian Women's Retreat.  Reverend Carolyn Berry Carnes will lead us in "Claiming Our Story."  Together- through discussions, inner reflection, and fellowship- we will explore how we can impact our world and how we can truly be a community that challenges the present, to change the future, to make Christ known. This year’s retreat will be held at Faith Des Peres (childcare will be available) and the cost is $25 which includes lunch. Sign-up in the Gathering Space.  Please see Clarissa Schuller-Meyer with any questions.

Coffee with the Pastor
The next “Coffee with the Pastor” is on Sunday, January 10, at 9:30 am in the Gathering Space. There, you will have the opportunity to discover more about Faith Des Peres and get answers to questions about what it means to be Presbyterian in a friendly and fun environment while also meeting some great people.   If you’ve already attended a “Coffee with the Pastor” and are interested in joining the church, please talk to Annie or Cat Trotter.  It would be an honor to be your church family.

 

Upcoming Book Study
For 20 years the annual Faith Des Peres book study has offered opportunities to read and discuss books featuring current scholarship on biblical, historical, or theological issues. This year’s book is, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, by Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish Studies Professor at Vanderbilt University. Books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble ($15.99 for paperback) or from Amazon ($13.40 for paperback, $9.99 for Kindle). A limited number of copies will be available from the church office; see Will Ridley for details.

The book study will be on three alternating Sundays beginning January 10, January 24 and February 7 from noon to 1:30 after church in the Gathering Space. Lunches will be made available for a nominal fee. This year’s study should be informative and fun. Plan to join us!

Staub/Davis Memorial Mission Fund      
Last Sunday we announced the establishment of the Elliot and Bernice Staub and Katharyn and Bernard Davis Memorial Mission Fund.  This fund was established thanks to a generous gift from Leila and Bernie Davis.  This fund will help the church to do even more for mission in our local community and beyond.  We’re grateful to the Davises for supporting the church in this way.  Just like the Janet Boyer Music Fund, anyone may contribute to this fund in honor of or in memory of someone they know.  This is a great time of year to give a gift like this.  Thank you.   

Year-end donations to the church
Contributions that you wish to include on 2015 tax documents must be in the church office or postmarked no later than Thursday, December 31.​

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

Thank you so much for remembering and recognizing my 15th anniversary.  It’s been an honor and blessing to serve as your pastor all these years.  Thank you for being patient with me, laughing and praying with me, and serving alongside me.  But most of all, thank you for welcoming me and my family.  Faith Des Peres is truly our second home and you our family.  The stole you gave me is beautiful and I’m looking forward to wearing it during Advent, my favorite season of the church year.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much. 

Speaking of Advent, I hope you’ll join us this Sunday for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.  This week we’ll hear from the Gospel according to Mark which doesn’t tell a birth story but instead opens with John the Baptist who tells us to “prepare the way of the Lord.”  How do we prepare for Christ’s arrival in our hearts and minds?  Spoiler alert: it might look similar to how you’re getting ready for Christmas at home.

I hope to see you Sunday.  If you haven’t been to church in a while, there’s no better time to come.  The church looks beautiful, the hymns are familiar, and peace, hope and joy abound.  I hope to see you here.

Blessings,

Annie

PS: If you haven’t looked at our Facebook page lately, please do.  We’ll start posting information about Christmas Eve that you can share with your friends.  It’s a great way to invite people to worship and make Christ known. 

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Presbyterian Women Cookie Exchange December 11, 9:30am
The annual Presbyterian Women’s brunch and cookie exchange will be Friday, December 11 at
9:30am. Charlotte Ridley will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange. Please RSVP to
Charlotte at 314-821-8524.

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,
Thank you so much for remembering and recognizing my 15th anniversary.  It’s been an honor and blessing to serve as your pastor all these years.  Thank you for being patient with me, laughing and praying with me, and serving alongside me.  But most of all, thank you for welcoming me and my family.  Faith Des Peres is truly our second home and you our family. 

The stole you gave me is beautiful and I’m looking forward to wearing it during Advent, my favorite season of the church year.  I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much.

Blessings,
Annie

Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm
Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 pm Thursday, December 24. We’ll have a traditional candlelight service. Sing the carols, hear the stories and find hope here!

Christmas Brunch and Worship, December 27    
Join us for a special Christmas Brunch and worship service on Sunday, December 27 at 10:30.  This special service will take place in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat and worship and focus on the new year.  It’s for all ages and will include the Christmas carols we love and some exercises to get us thinking about things we want to leave behind or take on in the new year.  This is also a potluck!  So, please sign-up in the Gathering Space and let us know what dish you’ll bring.  Thank you!  (There is no nursery care or Sunday School this day.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together!)

Upcoming Book Study
For 20 years the annual Faith Des Peres book study has offered opportunities to read and discuss books featuring current scholarship on biblical, historical, or theological issues. This year’s book is, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, by Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish Studies Professor at Vanderbilt University. Books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble ($15.99 for paperback) or from Amazon ($13.40 for paperback, $9.99 for Kindle). A limited number of copies will be available from the church office; see Will Ridley for details.

The book study will be on three alternating Sundays, January 10, January 24 and February 7 from noon to 1:30 after church in the Gathering Space. Lunches will be made available for a nominal fee. This year’s study should be informative and fun. Plan to join us!

Year-end donations to the church
Contributions that you wish to include on 2015 tax documents must be in the church office or postmarked no later than Thursday, December 31.

Save-the-Date Presbyterian Women's Retreat, Saturday, January 9
Plan on joining us on Saturday, January 9 9am – 4pm in the Gathering Space for a day of fellowship and spiritual renewal. Childcare will be available. More details to follow. 

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Gingerbread House Party Saturday, December 5, 10 am to noon
Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, December 5 from 10 am to noon in Fellowship Hall to decorate gingerbread houses. If you have not yet reserved your gingerbread house, please contact Leslie Barnes to see if there are any still available.

Coffee with the Pastor
You’re invited to “Coffee with the Pastor” this Sunday, December 6 at 9:30 am in the Gathering Space. There, you will have the opportunity to discover more about Faith Des Peres and get answers to questions about what it means to be Presbyterian in a friendly and fun environment while also meeting some great people.   If you’ve already attended a “Coffee with the Pastor” and are interested in joining the church, we plan on accepting new members during worship on December 20.  The next “Coffee with the Pastor” is January 10 at 9:30.  Questions?  Ask Pastor Annie or Cat Trotter.   
It would be an honor to be your church family. 

 

Christmas Giving Tree Return Celebration
Christmas Giving tree gifts are due this Sunday. Please bring your gifts or gift cards (with the ornament attached) to church by Sunday. Then stay after church for a light lunch Christmas party. We will have catered food from Daily Bread Café and plenty of sweets to enjoy as well.

Presbyterian Women Cookie Exchange December 11, 9:30am
The annual Presbyterian Women’s brunch and cookie exchange will be on Friday,December 11 at 9:30 am. Charlotte Ridley will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange. Please RSVP to Charlotte at 314-821-8524 or email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org

 Parents Day Out Saturday, December 12 11:00am to 3:00pm
Parents, for only $10.00 per child you can get 4 hours of babysitting by our teens here at the church. Sign up in the Gathering Space by December 10. If you have any questions speak to Annie or Beth Willock.

 

Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm
Join us for Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 pm Thursday, December 24. We’ll have a traditional candlelight service. Sing the carols, hear the stories and find hope here!

Christmas Brunch and Worship, December 27    
Join us for a special Christmas Brunch and worship service on Sunday, December 27 at 10:30.  This special service will take place in the Gathering Space where we’ll eat and worship and focus on the new year.  It’s for all ages and will include the Christmas carols we love and some exercises to get us thinking about things we want to leave behind or take on in the new year.  This is also a potluck!  So, please sign-up in the Gathering Space and let us know what dish you’ll bring.  Thank you!  (There is no nursery care or Sunday School this day.  Everyone is encouraged to worship together!)

Save-the-Date - Presbyterian Women's Retreat, Saturday, January 9
Plan on joining us on Saturday, January 9 9am – 4pm in the Gathering Space for a day of fellowship and spiritual renewal. Childcare will be available. More details to follow.

 

With Our Sympathy and Love
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joanna Gerst on Saturday, November 21. Joanna was a long time active member of Faith Des Peres. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim Gerst and family.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

Scratched onto a wall at Auschwitz are three lines of a poem:

I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.
I believe in love even when I don’t feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent.

In those dark, grim and deadly days, some prisoner – we don’t who -- a man or woman, girl or boy, was able to see in his or her heart that even though the current situation was unspeakably dark, hope remained possible, good could be redeemed from evil, and new life could emerge from death somehow, some way, some day. 

I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.
I believe in love even when I don’t feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent.

It’s an affirmation of faith to say that. 

But it sure isn’t easy to say that during our dark days when God is silent; when love is forsaken; and all is dark. 

How do we face difficulties – hardship, loss, unknowing, doubt, disgrace – and still hold onto our faith in God?  How do we believe “even when . . .”

That’s what we’re going to explore these next four Sundays.  During Advent, we’re going to take a look at the first chapter of each of the four gospels to see what they have to tell us about the birth of Jesus and how to believe “even when ...”

See you in church,

Annie

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Shopping on Amazon this Christmas?

Don't forget Faith Des Peres benefits from the Amazon Smile program.  All you need to do is enter into your browser www.smile.amazon.com and under "supporting" search for Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church.  You must go to smile.amazon.com but it's that simple.  You shop and the church receives a percentage of your sales!  Don't forget to use your Schnucks eScrip card, too.  Escrip cards are available at the church.  Thank you!

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Together at Faith Des Peres

Poinsettia Orders-Last Day to order- Sunday, November 29
Sunday is the last day to order poinsettias for Christmas. There is a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space. The cost is $10 per plant. Please note on your check that your payment is for poinsettias.

 

The Christmas Giving
Be sure and visit the Christmas Giving Tree in the Gathering Space on Sunday and pick up an ornament (or two or three). As in past years, each ornament will have the name and age of a person (child or mother) and a few ideas of what they would like for Christmas. We have 62 people we are buying for this year. There will also be some ornaments that just say food, Walmart or gas gift card. We ask that you gather as many ornaments as you want to, be sure to indicate to a volunteer which ornament you took, and purchase gifts cards or gifts, valuing no more than $25 per gift. Then bring your unwrapped gift, with the ornament attached, to church by Sunday, December 6. Separate wrapping paper and bows always appreciated. We will have a luncheon party after church and then we will deliver the gifts to the organizations in time for them to enjoy Christmas! Thanks for bringing joy to our community in a meaningful way. Have questions? Ask Elizabeth Pribor or Dianne Modrell.

 

Gingerbread House Party Saturday, December 5, 10 am to noon
Join us on Saturday, December 5 from 10 am to noon in Fellowship Hall to decorate gingerbread houses. The cost is $14.00 per gingerbread house. All children and adults are welcome. Please sign up in the Gathering Space no later than November 30.

Presbyterian Women Cookie Exchange December 11, 9:30am
The annual Presbyterian Women’s brunch and cookie exchange will be on Friday, December 11 at 9:30 am. Charlotte Ridley will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange. Please RSVP to Charlotte at 314-821-8524 or email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org .

 

Parents Day Out Saturday, December 12 11:00am to 3:00pm
 

Parents, for only $10.00 per child you can get 4 hours of babysitting by our teens here at the church. Sign up in the Gathering Space by December 10. If you have any
questions speak to Annie or Beth Willock.

 

Advent Sermon Series “I Believe Even When…”
A timeless story that is still relevant. The story of the birth of Jesus is filled with
common themes of human drama: unknowing, doubt, disgrace, fear, oppression, hardship. The words of an anonymous poet begin, “I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining…”

During Advent, we hear the affirmation that in spite of what feels like the absence of light, love and sometimes God, we can acknowledge the presence of hope through Christ “even when…”

 

With Our Sympathy and Love
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joanna Gerst on Saturday, November 21. Joanna was a long time active member of Faith Des Peres. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim Gerst and family. A celebration of Joanna’s life was held last Wednesday here at Faith Des Peres. 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This week I’ll conclude my sermon series on our vision: to be a faith community that challenges the present to change the future to make Christ known.  This week we’ll look at the last phrase, to make Christ known.  We make Christ known by welcoming people, connecting with them, and caring for them.  Or, as the Apostle Paul says, by serving as “ambassadors for Christ”.  How are you serving as Christ’s ambassador in your day to day life?  Wear your FDP t-shirt on Sunday as we close out the series! 

Don’t forget Game Night TONIGHT (November 20)! The fun begins at 7pm in the Gathering Space.  Bring a game, munchie or drink to share.  All ages are welcome!  And, Saturday at 9am there’s a church-wide clean-up.  There are tasks for all ages and abilities.

Finally, Advent begins one week from Sunday!  This year’s theme is “I Believe Even When . . .”  Look for more information below, but take some time to think about who you can invite to worship with us during Advent.  It’s one of our best attended times of the year, more so than even Lent and Easter.  During the short days, I think people are looking for some light, and in this crazy world, I think people are looking for hope.  You have it to offer!  Who can you invite to join you?

See you in Church.

Annie

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