[Members] FW: MIdweek Messenger

Thu Aug 2 05:43:51 PDT 2007

From: Paul Reiter [mailto:preiter at glpby.org] 
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 6:53 AM
To: Paul T Reiter
Subject: MIdweek Messenger

Dear Colleagues in Ministry:

The month of July has flown by and summer is now Labor Day is only a month
away!  The last week I preached at Second Presbyterian Church (July 22), and
then shared in leadership at the National COM and CPM Conference – Healthy
Congregations, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It was a rich time with Bible study
lead by Frances Taylor Gench [from Union-PSCE], keynotes by Eugene
Peterson[author of The message], and worship led by Mary Paik]. My role was
to lead three workshops, one on the Missional Church, One on Endings or New
Beginnings for Congregations, and the last on Mergers, Assimilations, and
Yoking. I also served as one of the weavers for the conference [integrating
the experience] along with David Henderson and Vicki Curtiss. It was a rich
time and was enriched by the presence of colleagues in ministry, Susan
Niesen – Associate for Leadership, and Chris Keating (Moderator of COM) and
Carol DeVaughan (Moderator of CPM).Today I leave for a Board meeting at the
Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center (www.hermitageretreats.org
<http://www.hermitageretreats.org/> ) where I will be until Friday evening.

Earlier this week I met with my Spiritual Director, something I do monthly
and we share thoughts together on the necessity for us to have deep roots in
our faith if we are to thrive in our ministry.  That was the theme in Salt
Lake City, and it is one I would like to invite you to ponder. What are you
doing to root yourself in the spiritual walk with Jesus Christ? Do you find
rhythms in your day to simply be present to God? When and where do you go to
the Well that refreshes your spirit?

As you go through this next month of summer, may you find strength and joy
for your walk in life, and in your ministry.

Please remember there is still time to register for the Evangelism
Conference and Elder Conference. Learn more on our web page at www.glpby.org
<http://www.glpby.org/> .

PRAYER JOYS and CONCERNS:

Nathan Vits, son of Rev. Christi Vits, continues to need our prayer support.
Kristy shared the following on Nathan’s web site:

The special needs daycare has "no room at the inn." They are full, and we'd
have to pay to put him on their waiting list. I think we'd rather not do
that anyway. So, we continue to look for someone or "someones" to watch
Nathan at preschool. I was at home this morning and Logan took over so I
could go into work this afternoon. Tomorrow will be the same.

We are determined and hopeful. We just don't have enough time to sit on the
phone and call potential nurses. We are both trying so hard to be attentive
to our jobs but also do what we need to do for Nathan. Our life certainly
does feel like a train wreck right now. The wonderful thing is that we have
each other and our beautiful child. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Nate has a special need right now!  PLEASE NOTE this word from Kristy:

“We are looking for a nurse to attend preschool with our 22 month old son,
Nathan who has a trach. Nathan’s nurse attends to his trach needs
only—suctioning, making sure trach filter is changed as needed, emergency
care (if necessary). Preschool staff deal with all other issues—diapers,
food, play, etc. Nathan is trach dependent and communicates through ASL. You
can read more about us on Nathan’s website:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/natethegreat2005

Kristy Vits 636-346-3726”

Yolanda Merle, Rev. Lori Shafer’s stepmother, who has been battling cancer
for 5 years and has been bed ridden for 2 ½ years. She is in pain and needs
our prayers for relief of her suffering. 

Doris Michel was able to travel recently for a family reunion in Iowa.
Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Rev. Ann Pitman’s brother John and mother Lorraine continue to need our
prayers.

Lois Keating, mother of Rev. Chris Keating has come home from re-hab and
needs our prayers as a new chapter begins.

John W. Mason, Rev. Will Mason’s father who has recently had retina surgery.

Glen Houston, Elder from New Horizons who continues to cope with ALS.

Please let me know of other prayer concerns you might like to share.

CONGRATULATIONS AND HAPPENINGS

+ Paul Kabo from First Presbyterian in Cape Girardeau shares the following:

On Thursday, August 30, 2007, the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau will
hold its 2nd Annual Community Crusade for Children. The location for the
event is Grace United Methodist Church, 521 Caruthers at 7:00 - 8:30pm.

The message is God and Children, First. The event will include testimonies
from The Boys & Girls Club members, messages from ministers and music from
musicians.   

            *Pastor Ron Webb is the keynote speaker.  

            *Jeffery McGoy a inspirational and motivational speaker will be
the MC.

            *Jo Ann Emerson will be there and supporting the Club.

            * Curtis Granderson, the Center Fielder for the Detroit Tigers
will be on the air of 960 KZIM with Club President, Tameka Randle to
advocate for the Crusade. The National Baseball League is big supporters of
the National Boys & Girls Club of America.

Everything has been of no cost. The only price to pay is time. 

Please attend, support the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau, and pray
for the children of Cape Girardeau.

+          A word from St. Charles Presbyterian Church

We learned that Lois Cannon Ash, who was married to the late Rev. Thomas
Cannon, died in Arizona.  The funeral service took place in Phoenix and a
graveside service was held in Cave Springs. Rev. Cannon had served as SCPC's
pastor from 1953 until his retirement in 1975.

+          1st annual Metro St. Louis CROP Walk - October 14th at Forrest
Park.  Registration begins at 1:00pm and the walk begins at 2:00p.m..
Congregations interested in participating need to contact Karen
Bradshaw-Miller at hunger at glpby.org or 314-772-2395 ext. 104.  We are
planning for a strong Presbyterian representation and every metro area
congregation is invited to participate!!!

+          PARTNERSHIP FOR JUST TRADE!  There is still time for all
Giddings-Lovejoy congregations to order their PJT Partnership Box for their
fall/Christmas sales and events!  Each congregation has been mailed an order
form and forms are due as soon as possible.  The deadline for orders has
been extended from June 10th to August 31st !  Help support our Peruvian
artisans. Any questions please contact Carrie Hawthorne at
mailto:partnersforjusttrade at yahoo.com or call 314-773-7358.

+          THE SHELTERING SPACE AT THE GOOD EARTH VILLAGE IN HOUMA,
LOUISIANA is COMPLETE.

Watch for information on Dedication Services which will be held in Houma, LA
in August and local Dedication Services which will be held in St. Louis.

+ + + +

A WORD ABOUT RESOURCES   from Cindy Corley, Resource Librarian

New Resources from the Alban Institute (July 2007)

Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry by Joy Skjegstad, foreword by Amy
L. Sherman.  Written by an experienced grant-proposal writer who has
successfully raised money for a variety of nonprofits over the past 20
years, this book provides detailed guidance on the practical aspects of
seeking grants from foundation and corporate funders.  Resource code
BKE14035. 

The Meandering Way, Leading by Following the Spirit, by Gary A Shockley,
foreword by N. Graham Standish.  A reflection of a new style of leadership
that is emerging in the mainline church that cares less about the church as
an organization and an institution and more about the church as a community
of people following God wherever God will lead.  Resource code BKE02068.

Humble Leadership, Being Radically Open to God’s Guidance and Grace, by N.
Graham Standish, foreword by Diana Butler Bass.  This book draws readers
into a deeper place to reflect upon their attitudes, motives, and practices
of religious leadership.  The six chapters are divided into:  Humble
Leadership, Self-Aware Leadership, Prayerful Leadership, Unifying
Leadership, Spirit-Led Leadership and Humbly Effective Leadership.  Resource
code BKE02069. 

The Honest to God Church, A Pathway to God’s Grace, by Doug Bixby, foreword
by Anthony B. Robinson.  “Come as You Are!”  Honest to God churches make
honest to God disciples.  How to be honest with God and each other.  Action
steps and discussion questions follow each chapter.  Resource code BKI07009.

Know and Be Known, Small Groups that Nourish and Connect, by Brooke B.
Collison,   This book answers the questions of why should we have small
groups, how to launch a small group program,  how to be a good group member,
what to talk about, problems in groups, and conflict and decision making.
There are session topics to explore, discussion starters, leader training,
and group health assessments.  Resource code BKC14033. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you engage in your
ministry!

Summer blessings, 

Paul

Paul T. Reiter, D. Min

Executive Presbyter

Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy

2236 Tower Grove Avenue

St, Louis, MO  63110

(314) 772-2395 x 110

"Serving the churches of the Greater St. Louis area, Southeast Missouri, and
West Central Illinois

This message is intended only for the individual or entity to which it is
addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential
and/or exampt from disclosure under applicable law.  If the reader of this
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