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!
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.
This month the lunch gathering will be at McArthur’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 everyone coming on his/her lunch hour. Join us!
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.
Plan to join the PW Bible study on Wednesday, September 28 9:30 am in the Gathering Space as we begin our monthly bible study. The book, Who is Jesus?, is available at church in the Gathering Space. Please prepare Lesson 1 for our first meeting. All women are welcome to attend.
The buddy packs program provides weekend meals for 5 students at Robinson Elementary school. There are three different types of volunteer opportunities for this school year. We need one or 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 Robinson 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 links below.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a5fd0-buddy1
Want to know how you can make a difference in people’s lives in just a few short hours? Come join members of Faith Des Peres at Food Outreach on Saturday morning, October 8. There we will pack food into individual meals that will be given to those living with HIV/AIDS and cancer that are living at or below the poverty level. We start at 8 am and are done before 11 am. Food Outreach requests that volunteers be at least 11 years old and in 5th grade. Please sign up in the Gathering Space.
You are invited to share in the Worship of God and the Ordination of Jay Arthur Summerville Sunday, September 18 at 3 pm at Second Presbyterian Church 4501 Westminster Place, St. Louis, MO 63108 (complimentary valet parking). Rev. Mary Gene Boteler preaching. A reception will follow the service.
The 2016 Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery History Tour will be to Bellefontaine Cemetery on Thursday, October 13 8:45 am– 3 pm. The cost is $63.00 per person which includes a boxed lunch. The tour will depart from Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. Register by calling Betsy Stoll at 314-821-0533.
Everyday people say “I would like to be a part of helping someone”. Our patients would welcome your visits. Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sensitivity and support for people in the final phase of a terminal illness. Heartland Hospice’s goal is to provide palliative and supportive services to meet physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families in a health care facility or other residential settings. Volunteers can provide one-on-one attention to residents who are lonely or cut off from their families, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and contributing to their sense of belonging. The benefits are endless when one can make a “DIFFERENCE”.
Volunteers are the heart of the Hospice Team.
We depend on our Hospice volunteers to help us provide the extra love and care our clients and their families need at this time in their life. Heartland volunteers offer support, companionship and practical, caring help to this special group of people. Staying with the patient so family members can take a break, reading scripture to patients, or holding their hand. The help and support our volunteers give is returned to them in countless ways. You can make a DIFFERENCE. All assignments are in close proximity to your home, work or school. You can donate as little or as much of your time as you desire. Please contact Virginia at 314-453-0990 if you would like to bring something special into someone’s life. Be sure to inquire about our next Training Class.
Dear Faith Des Peres Community,
There is a lot happening this Sunday as we get back into the Fall routine.
First, we’re back to the 10:30 worship time!
On Sunday I’m kicking-off a new sermon series titled “Half Truths” where we are examining Christian clichés that don’t make sense once you start to really think about them. This week we’ll look at the saying “God won’t give you more than you can handle”. I hope you’ll join us as we look at popular sayings in light of Scripture to both discover the kernel of truth that is there while also seeing how they do not equate to God’s truth.
This sermon series is a great opportunity to invite someone to worship. Maybe you know someone who is going through a difficult period, asking the perennial question “Why”. Maybe you yourself are asking that question and haven’t been to church in a while. Come on Sunday, and invite someone to join you, to discover the whole truth that brings more comfort than the half truth.
Before church, Terry Epling and Dianne Modrell, who attended the General Assembly meeting in June, will give us a recap of what happened in the Presbyterian Church (USA) at the national level and how it affects us at the local level.
After church, we’ll have the Shared Ministry Faith and ice cream social. This is your chance to discover all the different volunteer opportunities at church and sign-up for something to do this year. From ongoing things to “one and done”, there’s something for every age and ability.
And last but not least, it’s communion Sunday and Feeding the Flock. Bring your food for Circle of Concern Food Pantry.
See you Sunday.
Annie
Remember, we return to our normal 10:30 am services starting Sunday, September 11.
We will celebrate communion and collect food for Feeding the Flock Sunday, September 11.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 an email 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!
You are invited to share in the Worship of God and the Ordination of Jay Arthur Summerville Sunday, September 18 at 3 pm at Second Presbyterian Church 4501 Westminster Place, St. Louis, MO 63108 (complimentary valet parking). Rev. Mary Gene Boteler preaching. A reception will follow the service.