Lent Faith Formation - There's Something for Everyone or Just About

Book Club Book – “Pastrix” by Nadia Bolz-Weber
“Pastrix” is a great book that was recommended to me a couple years ago by Emma Dolley. It’s an easy read (i.e. I read it at the pool), but thoroughly engaging, too. Nadia is a heavily-tattooed, profanity-laden ELCA (Lutheran) pastor in Colorado.  She wrote this book “for people who hunger for a bit of hope that doesn't come from vapid consumerism or navel-gazing; for women who talk too loud, and guys who love chick flicks; for the gay man who loves Jesus, and won't allow himself to be shunned by the church. For people who listen to “This American Life” and have more education than money; for people who know the difference between American cheese and real cheese. In short, this book is for every thinking misfit suspicious of institutionalized religion, but who is still seeking transcendence and mystery.”

The plan is to read the book on our own and then get together to talk about it.  Here are some proposed dates for talking about it:

Tuesday, March 1 or Thursday, March 3, in the evening.  We can gather at the church or someplace a little more lively.

Saturday morning, March 5, definitely at a place where we can get a good cup of coffee or tea.

Let me know by all the usual ways which date works for you.

Also, this is for all ages and genders, and feel free to invite a friend – especially your cranky and beautiful friends who are both sinners and saints, because that’s how Nadia describes herself!

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A Photo-a-Day in Lent
Are you interested in taking on a spiritual discipline this Lent? How about a photo-a-day challenge, where we share with each other how we perceive each given word of the day? (Words provided by www.rethinkchurch.org, a United Methodist organization.) This is about the practice of paying attention and being intentional, not being a great photographer. All you need is your phone or camera, and we share with each other our photos on Instagram or a Facebook group. Would you like to join me in this spiritual exercise? If so, let me know in all the usual ways. For more information, click the link. Invite your friends to join you.

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Lent Study for Adults February 17-March 16 6:00-7:15 pm
We’re offering a special Lent study for adults on Wednesdays from 6-7:15 pm. It’s a DVD-based study on spiritual practices.. The series is an opportunity for all of us to learn about the rich history of spiritual practices and practice them ourselves.  Daily exercises are suggested between sessions. We’ll cover prayer, food, worship, sacraments, money, service, and community. The sessions are designed to raise questions, flip established answers on their heads, and stay with you for months and years to come. During the class time we’ll also practice the practice.

The sessions will include a light meal, so let us know you’re coming.  We’ll eat and talk and explore spiritual practices together.  Sign-up in the Gathering Space or email Annie or Yolanda to let us know you’re coming.  Also, let us know if you need childcare.  We can provide it.  Hope to see you there!

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Love Life/Live Lent
Be the Change
These are daily devotions for you to do on your own during Lent, similar to the Advent devotion book. Books for adults and children were distributed at PALS in January, but a few extra copies are available in the Gathering Space or can be ordered.  Just let us know if you want one and can’t find one.

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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!

Fun Things To Do

Come for Pancakes, Join Us for Worship! February 10, 6:30 pm
The Worship Arts Team is hosting a pancake supper on February 10 at 6:30 pm followed by an Ash Wednesday service. Dinner includes pancakes and worship includes burning last year’s palms outside in a fire pit. Sign-up in the Gathering Space if you plan to attend and if you can, lend a hand.  We need about 4 people or so to make pancakes before the service.  Thanks!

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Sunday, February 14 Chocolate Bar!
After church on Sunday, February 14 (you know, Valentine’s Day), we’ll have a chocolate bar.  Bring your sweetie and skip the fancy meal.  Hope to see you here!

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Let’s Have Lunch
Mark your calendar for February 16, 11:30am for lunch at J. Greene’s Pub on Manchester. in
Warson Woods.  We’re forming a new monthly lunch group for anyone who just wants to have lunch. We’ll reserve the private room there, so please let us know you’re coming. Thanks!

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 Chili Cook-Off Friday, February 26
FDP’s second annual Chili Cook-off is 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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Rockhaven Ecozoic Center Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, February 27
Rockhaven Ecozoic Center is holding its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, February 27 at Grace Episcopal Church 514 E. Argonne Drive in Kirkwood. Doors open at 5:30 and dinner is at 6:30. The cost is $20 per person ($24 at the door) and kids under 8 are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.rockhavencenter.org or you can call Sister Cheryl Kemner at 314-965-3700.

Don't Forget

Faith Formation Survey
Last week the Faith Formation Center sent all members and regular attenders a survey via email about faith formation at Faith Des Peres. Please complete this survey by February 10!  It will help the Center plan their work and meet its goal to develop 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.  Thank you!

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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!​

Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

I’m currently in Chicago at the Associations of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) conference.  It’s been a number of years since I attended this conference, but I’m excited to be here learning about what’s new in faith formation and how we can incorporate faith formation into our ministry at Faith Des Peres.  As you know, one of our Vision 20/20 goals is to develop 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. I know APCE will help with this!

This Sunday we’ll welcome Rev. John Welton to the pulpit since I’ve been at APCE.  John recently completed serving Steeleville Presbyterian Church as their designated pastor and is an alum of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary just like me (and Joe Marting!), so you know he’s a good guy.  I hope you’ll be here to welcome John.

And last but not least, in this blog you’ll read about Ash Wednesday and something special we have for February 14.  Mark your calendars!

Blessings,

Annie  

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.

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Don’t Miss Out!
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!

---

Come for Pancakes, Join Us for Worship! February 10, 6:30 pm
The Worship Arts Team is hosting a pancake supper on February 10 at 6:30 pm
followed by an Ash Wednesday service. Dinner includes pancakes and worship includes burning last year’s palms outside in a fire pit. Sign-up in the Gathering Space if you plan to attend and if you can, lend a hand.  We need about 4 people or so to make pancakes
before the service.  Thanks!

---

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!

---

Sunday, February 14 Chocolate Bar!
After church on Sunday, February 14 (you know, Valentine’s Day), we’ll have a
chocolate bar.  Bring your sweetie and skip the fancy meal.  Hope to see you here!

---

Let’s Have Lunch
Mark your calendar for February 16, 11:30 am for lunch at J. Greene’s Pub on
Manchester. in Warson Woods.  We’re forming a new monthly lunch group for anyone who just wants to have lunch. We’ll reserve the private room there, so please let us know you’re coming. Thanks!

---

Book Club at Faith Des Peres     
There’s been enough interest expressed in forming a book club at Faith Des Peres that we can give it a go. Look for an announcement next week about the book we’ll read and some possible dates to meet.  Thanks for your interest! Annie​

Faith Formation

Lent Study for Adults, February 17-March 16, 6:00-7:15 pm
We’re offering a special Lent study for adults on Wednesdays from 6-7:15 pm. It’s a DVD-based study on spiritual practices that includes a personal journal for you to use. The series is an opportunity for all of us to learn about the rich history of spiritual practices and practice them ourselves.  Daily exercises are suggested between sessions. We’ll cover prayer, food, worship, sacraments, money, service, and community. The sessions are designed to raise questions, flip established answers on their heads, and stay with you for months and years to come.

The sessions will include a light meal, so let us know you’re coming.  We’ll eat and talk and explore spiritual practices together.  Sign-up in the Gathering Space or email Annie or Yolanda to let us know you’re coming.  Also, let us know if you need childcare.  We can provide it.  Hope to see you there!

Can You Help?

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!

Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

This Sunday we have seven 3rd-5th graders who will receive their first Bible during worship. Giving Bibles to these young people is really a rite of passage in the Presbyterian church. I still have the Bible I received from my church when I was that age. In many ways it serves as the precursor to confirmation and is one more step in their journey of faith. I hope you’ll be here Sunday to support them.

Coincidentally, this Sunday we’ll hear the story from Luke about Jesus returning to the synagogue where he grew up to preach a sermon there.  Spoiler alert: it didn’t go so well. Can you imagine one of the young people here coming back in 20 years and preaching for you? What if they said something you didn’t like? How would you react? On Sunday we’ll explore that story and how to listen with open ears to messages we’d rather not hear.

Next week I’m headed to Chicago for the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Conference.  This is the mecca of conferences for educators, and I’m excited to see what’s new in faith formation, especially as we live into our Vision 20/20 goal of “bringing generations together in learning, caring, praying, celebrating, serving faithfully and inspiring the passion to make Christ known.”

See you Sunday,

Annie

Fun Stuff To Do

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.

---

Book Club at Faith Des Peres     
There’s been enough interest expressed in forming a book club at Faith Des Peres that we can give it a go.  Look for an announcement next week about the book we’ll read and some possible dates to meet.  Thanks for your interest! Annie

---

Let’s Have Lunch
Mark your calendar for February 16, 11:30am for lunch at J. Greene’s Pub on Manchester. in Warson Woods.  We’re forming a new monthly lunch group for anyone who just wants to have lunch. We’ll reserve the private room there, so please let us know you’re coming.  Thanks!

---

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!

Volunteer Opportunities

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!

---

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

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Want to feed hungry college students?
UKirk gathers weekly at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. for dinner and worship. If you would like to provide a home cooked meal or part of a meal  (UKirk students love baked goods!) during the spring semester, email Pastor Miriam at ukirkstl@gmail.com to coordinate a delivery time to Trinity Presbyterian.

 

Faith Formation

Adult Book Study continues Sunday, January 24.
The Adult Book Study will continue at noon this Sunday, January 24. Even if you have not read the book, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, by Amy-Jill Levine, you are welcome to join us.

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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: centeringprayerstl.org/category/centering-prayer-workshop —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.

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

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.

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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!

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.

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

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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!

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!

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!

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!

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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.

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

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

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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

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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