Dear Faith Des Peres Community

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday, in keeping with tradition, we’ll worship at the Old Church at 10:00. I hope you’ll join us on this Labor Day weekend!

On September 11, we move back to the 10:30 am worship time. Also on September 11, I’m kicking off a new sermon series titled “Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say”. There’s a promo video on our Facebook page that you can find here. This is a great chance to invite someone to church as we explore those Christian clichés we’ve all said or heard but aren’t entirely true. Invite someone to join you as we try to find the whole truth.

Also on September 11, we’ll hear from Terry Epling and Dianne Modrell at 9:15 am about this summer’s General Assembly meeting, and after church we’ll have our Shared Ministry Fair and ice cream social. This is your chance to sign-up to volunteer at the church. There are ongoing opportunities and “one and done” opportunities. So please take a few minutes after church to have some ice cream and go to the fair!

See you in church,

Annie

Sunday Services return to 10:30 next Sunday, September 11

Remember, this Sunday is our last Sunday at 10:00 am and we return to our normal 10:30 am services starting next Sunday, September 11.

Communion and Feeding the Flock Sunday, September 11

We will celebrate communion and collect food for Feeding the Flock next Sunday, September 11 at our Clayton location.

General Assembly Recap

Join us Sunday, September 11 at 9:30 am to hear what happened at General Assembly in June. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meets bi-annually. Terry Epling and Dianne Modrell (commissioner) will lead the discussion.

Shared Ministry Fair and Ice Cream Social, September 11

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 Go Sunday?  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!

New Sermon Series, "Half-Truths" September 11-October 2

They are simple phrases. They sound Christian – like something you might even find in the Bible:
• God won’t give you more than you can handle
• God helps those who help themselves
• Love the sinner, hate the sin
• God said it, I believe it, that settles it
We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth – yet they also miss the point in very important ways. Join us as we search for the whole truth.

Tai Chi classes begin September 12

Tai Chi has proven benefits of improved balance, lowered blood pressure, improved
immune system, improved mood, and it's so good for your joints!   Classes will be held Monday evenings beginning on Sept. 12th at 5:30 in the Gathering Space.  Classes are just $5, pay as you go, and last one hour.  Dress comfortably.  Bring a friend or make a friend. You'll enjoy this soothing meditation in motion!

PALS 2016-2017

It’s not too early to start thinking about PALS for this year.  Any adult, and any child or youth in kindergarten through high school, can take part in PALS.   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.”  If you were in PALS last year, you can expect to get an email in the next couple of weeks asking if you want to be in PALS again. If you weren’t in PALS but want to be, or have a kindergartener who is now eligible, talk to Barb Abbett or Annie. PALS meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:30am, September-May. Thanks!

Coffee with the Pastor

You’re invited to “Coffee with the Pastor” on Sunday, September 25 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 in October.  Questions?  Ask Pastor Annie or Cat Trotter.  It would be an honor to be your church family. 

Columbarium Update

The session has approved the addition to the columbarium located at the Old Stone Church. While the addition is in process, we are offering the sale of the niches that hold 2 remains. The cost for members of Faith Des Peres is $1500 per niche and the cost for non members is $3000 per niche. Please speak to Annie or Barb Abbett if you are interested in purchasing a niche.

Dear Faith Des Peres Family

Dear Faith Des Peres Family,

With summer winding down and schools back in session, that also means that things are kicking back into gear here. Disciples Gathering, our Sunday School class for 5th grade and under, started last week. On September 11, our Fall programming for adults starts with a recap of what happened at the PC(USA) biennial meeting in June led by Terry Epling and Dianne Modrell. Also on September 11, we’ll have our Shared Ministry Fair and ice cream social after church. This is your chance to let us know what you’re interested in doing this year. Everything from volunteering for Buddy Packs to serving as a liturgist are up for grabs.

This Sunday, we’ll hear a story in which Jesus instructs people where to sit at a dinner party. Between now and Sunday, think about some of your most memorable family dinners. What happened around the table? What was said? What was served? What did you learn? We'll talk about the family dinner, and what's to be gained from taking part in it.

Don’t forget, we’re still worshiping at 10:00am. We’ll return to the 10:30 time on September 11.

See you in church.

Annie  

Worship at The Old Church, Sunday, September 4

We will worship at the Old Church Sunday, September 4 at 10:00 am. 

General Assembly Recap

Join us Sunday, September 11 at 9:30 am to hear what happened at General Assembly in June.  The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meets bi-annually. Terry Epling and Dianne Modrell (commissioner) will lead the discussion. 

Shared Ministry Fair and Ice Cream Social, September 11

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 Go Sunday?  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!

Tai Chi Classes Begin September 12

Tai Chi has proven benefits of improved balance, lowered blood pressure, improved
immune system, improved mood, and it's so good for your joints!   Classes will be held Monday evenings beginning on Sept. 12th at 5:30 in the Gathering Space.  Classes are just $5, pay as you go, and last one hour.  Dress comfortably.  Bring a friend or make a friend. You'll enjoy this soothing meditation in motion!

PALS 2016-2017

It’s not too early to start thinking about PALS for this year.  Any adult, and any child or youth in kindergarten through high school, can take part in PALS.   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.”  If you were in PALS last year, you can expect to get an email in the next couple of weeks asking if you want to be in PALS again. If you weren’t in PALS but want to be, or have a kindergartener who is now eligible, talk to Barb Abbett or Annie. PALS meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 9:30am, September-May. Thanks!

Columbarium Update

The session has approved the addition to the columbarium located at the Old Stone Church. While the addition is in process, we are offering the sale of the niches that hold 2 remains. The cost for members of Faith Des Peres is $1500 per niche and the cost for non-members is $3000 per niche. Please speak to Annie or Barb Abbett if you are interested in purchasing a niche.

Dear Faith Des Peres Friends

Dear Faith Des Peres Friends,

It may have rained last Sunday but it didn’t dampen the good time we had at Church in the Park! We still had a good crowd, blessed many backpacks, and enjoyed lunch afterwards. Thank you Terry Baker for organizing lunch, and thank you Keith Weber and Andy Richter for being our grill masters.  We appreciate your help very much.

This Sunday we’re back at Clayton Road and still at 10:00 am for worship. Disciples Gathering (aka Sunday School) begins this Sunday and will also meet August 28.  FYI, we’ll go back to the 10:30 worship time on September 11. Also this Sunday, our newest tenant, Nurturing Curiosity, is hosting an open house from 11-1.  Come check out the beautiful rooms downstairs and spread the word. You may also find a few parking spaces closest to the building are roped off; this is for the safety of any youngsters who attend the open house.

I hope to see you Sunday! Invite a friend to join you!

Blessings,

Annie

Centering Prayer Group Sunday August 21 5 pm.

The Centering Prayer Group, a small group of Faith Des Peres members and friends, meets every 3rd Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Gathering Space. Often referred to as Christian meditation, Centering Prayer is a method of contemplative prayer that places emphasis on inner silence. It offers a way to grow in intimacy with God, moving beyond conversation to communion. You are welcome to come!

Choir Rehearsal Begins Wednesday, August 24 7:15 pm

Choir practice will begin on Wednesday, August 24 at 7:15. We welcome all current choir members as well as anyone who has thought about giving choir a try. Join us as we praise the Lord with music. Everyone is welcome!