We’ve heard a slew of stories from Mark about people who reject Jesus and his message.  Today, we hear the ultimate story of rejection: the story of Herod ordering the execution of John the Baptist.  What does this have to do with Jesus, you might ask?  Well, John the Baptist, like Jesus, spoke truth to power, and it got him killed.  (Some people argue it got Jesus killed, too.)  But Herod is just one more example in a long line of examples of people who chose to bow to societal pressures instead of following Jesus.  Granted his example is extreme, but haven’t we all, at one time or another, succumbed to societal pressures instead of doing the right thing?  And, assuming we have, how do avoid making the same mistake twice?

Come on Sunday to listen and learn.  And invite someone to come with you!

See you in church!  Annie

Wednesdays, February 29-March 28, 5:30-7:00

Join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent for the study “Saving Jesus”.  We will have a simple potluck dinner from 5:30-6:00; the study will begin at 6:00 and last until 7:00 pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

This is a great study for anyone who has ever felt like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right and/or discarded by the Secular Left. “Saving Jesus” (produced by the same people who brought us the “Living the Questions” resource we studied in 2006 and 2007), is a DVD-based small group exploration of a credible Jesus for the third millennium. Contributors Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, and Robin Meyers join Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for today.

Please sign-up in the Gathering Space, or e-mail Pastor Annie at pastor@faithdesperes.org if you want to attend the study.  Reading materials will be e-mailed o participants and/or distributed at the weekly gathering.  This is sure to be a lively and interesting topic!

Room rates are $168/couple, per night; $99/night for single occupancy.  Senior rates (age 55 and older) are $159.60 per couple, per night; $94.05 night for single occupancy. 

Reservations are needed by February 27.  See the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space or contact Elizabeth Pribor at efpribor@gmail.com to reserve your room(s).  Some financial assistance is available.

In preparation for the launch of our Buddy Packs project, we are asking everyone to save their plastic grocery bags and bring them to the designated spot in the Gathering Space.  

We will be using these bags to pack the food for the children's weekend meals that will be delivered to our partner school every other Friday.   Stay tuned for your invitation to participate in this exciting project.

Faith Des Peres will again join thousands of other congregations across the country in transforming this day into a display of God’s grace and compassion to those in need.  Watch for the large kettles where you can deposit your gifts before or after worship.  All of the donations will be given to Food Outreach in St. Louis.  Your help is greatly appreciated.

Also this Sunday, special music will be provided by “A Mighty Wind”, Kathy Sherrick’s recorder ensemble. 

Join us this Sunday to nourish your spirit and to help nourish others.  See you in church!