Flat Jesus is making a comeback this summer via a special Facebook Group. A Flat Jesus template is available in the Gathering Space or as a PDF in the Facebook Group. Take Jesus with you this summer, snap a selfie with him, and then upload it to the group. It’s a fun way to stay connected over the summer, and the reminder that Jesus goes with us everywhere doesn’t hurt, either!
Dear Faith Des Peres Friends,
Are you enjoying your summer so far? At our house we're in summer mode with an easier schedule and no school lunches to make. I love that! Here at the church we are in summer mode too, but that doesn't mean things aren't happening!
I'm pleased to announce that after a yearlong search, we have hired a new (permanent) Director of Music and Organist. Gail Robins will start July 15. I think you'll really like Gail and know you'll give her a nice welcome. You can read more about her below.
This Wednesday Jim Gerst will start a new 3 week class based on the writings of Richard Rohr. I think you'll find Rohr's writings insightful and meaningful. On Sunday we'll celebrate communion so don't forget your food for Feeding the Flock. And of course, don't forget the 10 am start time!
If you are out of town, take Flat Jesus with you! It's fun to see his adventures and stay connected this way.
I hope to see you Sunday!
Annie
On behalf of the Session and Music Director Search committee, I’m pleased to announce that Gail Robins will begin on July 15 as our new Director of Music and Organist. Since 2005, Gail has served as the Minister of Music/Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Oakville, MO. Prior to that she was the Associate Pastor for Music Ministries at Kirkwood Baptist Church. She holds a Master’s in Church Music from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. While there she studied privately with Mark Hayes, a well-known composer of sacred music. Gail is married to Robin and between them they have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. In her “leisure” time she enjoys “grandkid time”, cooking, and digital/graphic Photoshop projects. They live in Kirkwood.
I want to thank Leslie Barnes, Danny Mortimer, Kathy Sherrick and Beth Willock for serving on the Music Director Search Committee. They’ve worked patiently and diligently over the past year! I also want to thank Peter Nettling, our Interim Director of Music and Organist, for serving Faith Des Peres since last September. I very much appreciate him sharing his musical gifts with all of us. Annie Epling
Women of all ages are invited to the home of Terry Baker, 1015 Barberry Lane, Kirkwood, MO 63122, on Saturday, June 4 from 1-3pm for a Women’s tea. Terry will provide chicken salad sandwiches, a fruit salad, a green salad, iced tea and hot tea. Call Terry at 314-313-8499, email her at terrylvb@live.com to let her know you are coming and if you are able to bring along a dessert. We hope to see you there for this fun annual event!
This June, Jim Gerst is leading a 3 week series based on Richard Rohr’s book “The Art of Letting Go: Living the Wisdom of St. Francis”. We often think of saints (like St. Francis) as rare individuals whose gifts far exceed our own. But for Fr. Richard Rohr, the life and teachings of this beloved figure offer an authentic spirituality we can all embody. On The Art of Letting Go, Fr. Rohr explores: the surprising richness we discover through simplifying our lives without taking a vow of poverty; liberation from our self-limiting biases and certitudes; and contemplation and action, two key steps toward communing more deeply with the Divine. Sign up in the Gathering Space.
Join us for worship on June 19 when we recognize the fathers and father-like figures in our lives and the congregation with a “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” theme. All men in the church will get a special gift, and after church there will be hot dogs, popcorn and nachos. Rev. Joe Marting is preaching, and you know Joe loves the Cardinals. So come dressed in your Cardinals gear and let’s have some fun!
Flat Jesus is making a comeback this summer via a special Facebook Group. A Flat Jesus template is available in the Gathering Space or as a PDF in the Facebook Group. Take Jesus with you this summer, snap a selfie with him, and then upload it to the group. It’s a fun way to stay connected over the summer, and the reminder that Jesus goes with us everywhere doesn’t hurt, either!
This month the lunch gathering will be at MacArthur’s on Kirkwood Rd. in Kirkwood. McArthur’s serves soup, sandwiches and salads with a “walk up” order bar. This should speed up the process for anyone coming on his/her lunch hour. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 11:30. Join us!
The annual meeting of the congregation will take place on Sunday, June 26 following worship. Thanks!
Dear Faith Des Peres Community,
This Sunday we begin worship at 10 am! Don’t forget! We’re starting worship 30 minutes earlier this summer. We’re also at the Old Church this Sunday. If you’ve never been there, it’s located at 2250 North Geyer; park on the street and remember there are no bathrooms. It’s very informal!
I know many of you will probably be away this holiday weekend. Don’t forget your Flat Jesus! Join the Flat Jesus Facebook Group and show us where you are. It’s a great way to stay connected this summer and it’s fun, too. You can find a template of him here.
I hope to see you Sunday!
Annie
At its March meeting the Session approved moving worship to 10:00 am starting this Sunday and running through Labor Day weekend (September 4). The change was made so that we can finish a little earlier and enjoy the beautiful summer days.
To date, we have received pledges from about two-thirds of our members and friends who give regularly to support the mission of FDP. We are on track to meet or exceed the total pledges received from our stewardship drive for the current year. If you have not yet returned your pledge care, we encourage you to bring it to church this Sunday or mail it to the church office by June 1 so our Centers and Session can complete planning for the coming church year.
Women of all ages are invited to the home of Terry Baker, 1015 Barberry Lane, Kirkwood, MO 63122, on Saturday, June 4 from 1-3pm for a Women’s tea. Terry will provide chicken salad sandwiches, a fruit salad, a green salad, iced tea and hot tea. Call Terry at 314-313-8499, email her at terrylvb@live.com or sign up at the church to let her know you are coming and if you are able to bring along a dessert. We hope to see you there for this fun annual event!
Flat Jesus is making a comeback this summer via a special Facebook Group. A Flat Jesus template is available in the Gathering Space or as a PDF in the Facebook Group. Take Jesus with you this summer, snap a selfie with him, and then upload it to the group. It’s a fun way to stay connected over the summer, and the reminder that Jesus goes with us everywhere doesn’t hurt, either!
Dear Faith Des Peres Community,
This Sunday we’ll recognize our graduates. Graduation is a big deal no matter what age, which is why we are recognizing all of them. Just think about, no matter how old you, ending one chapter of life and beginning a new one brings on all sorts of feelings for both the graduates and his/her parents! So I hope you’ll be here Sunday when we recognize our graduates, ask God to be with them and bless them, and promise to keep them in our prayers. This is, after all, part of what we promise to do when we baptize.
And don’t forget, next Sunday we’ll start worship at 10am and we’ll be at the Old Church on Geyer.
See you Sunday!
Annie
As we continue to live into our vision “to challenge the present to change the future to make Christ known”, we hope you’ll prayerfully consider what your gift to the church will be this coming fiscal year. Every gift is needed and appreciated. If you have not already submitted your pledge card, please mail it to the church. Thank you!
At its March meeting the Session approved moving worship to 10:00 am starting May 29 and running through Labor Day weekend (September 4). The change was made so that we can finish a little earlier and enjoy the beautiful summer days.
May 29: It’s Memorial Day weekend, so we’ll be at the old church on Geyer .
Service will start at 10:00am.
Flat Jesus is making a comeback this summer via a special Facebook Group. A Flat Jesus template is available in the Gathering Space or as a PDF in the Facebook Group. Take Jesus with you this summer, snap a selfie with him, and then upload it to the group. It’s a fun way to stay connected over the summer, and the reminder that Jesus goes with us everywhere doesn’t hurt, either!
This year 28 adults, youth and children took part in the first year of PALS which concludes today. Thank you to Will Ridley, Tommy Epling, John Onken, Manning Asyre, Jim Baker, Mark Asyre, Henry Epling, Diane Asyre, Julia Epling, Eliot Asyre, Mathew Richter, Nancy Hope, Leslie Richter, Lindsay Marting, Kara Richter, Ashley Marting, Morgan Dolley, Randi Weber, Charlotte Epling, Charlotte Ridley, James Dolley, Barb Abbett, James Richter, Leslie Barnes, Cy Thornton, Erica Abbett and Mathew Willock for being a part of it. Once a month PALS meet to foster relationships across generations. Sometimes their conversations are sacred in nature, sometimes not; and the doughnuts are always good! If you have a child entering kindergarten next year, he/she is eligible for PALS. If you’d like to be an adult PAL, let Annie or Barb Abbett know. We’ll resume again in September. Thank you!
Tai Chi classes will be taking a summer break. The last class is May 23. Watch the bulletin for when classes will start again after Labor Day.