Guest blog post by Rev. Ellie Stock, Honorably Retired On this day, we Christians find ourselves in the second week of Lent, the liturgical season, remembering Jesus’ journey to the Cross and reminding us of our own calling to be followers of the Jesus Way, even to the Cross—the Way of giving one’s self intentionally, radically, fully, and unconditionally. Today…
Guest blog post by Rev. Dr. Bill Smutz, Interim Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood What to write? What to write?? My Presbytery colleagues are a discerning audience, so I want my words to be worthwhile, even meaningful. We’re almost a week deep into Lent, which is certainly a worthy topic. Following Jesus and an inner examination of faithfulness are…
Blog Post by Commissioned Pastor, Donna Schiro Trinity Chapel Presbyterian Church, Cuba, Missouri Walking into my daughter’s kitchen last week, I couldn’t help but notice the jigsaw puzzle splayed over the island top. I thought to myself, “This must be what God’s world is like.” God the master puzzle builder, working the tiny odd-shaped puzzle pieces of our lives into…
I have always valued Lent as a season of holy disruption. A spiritual rallying point. A time to detach from habits that mire us in drudgery and reconnect with the practices that give us life. (click here for a video I made about this approach) But this year, what does a Lenten season embracing disruption look like when we are…
Guest blog post by Ruling Elder, Ramona Williams Third Presbyterian Church Member of DRAWP & History Teams It’s no coincidence that Janice contacted me to write this blog. I’m so thankful that God loves us and knows what we need and sends us what we need when we need it. Thank you, Janice, for being obedient to the Holy Spirit…
From Your Presbytery Leader Checking in Greetings in the name of our God and Savior Jesus Christ! It has been about three weeks since I began this wonderful ministry as your presbytery leader! I am so warmed by your hospitality and your helpfulness in making sure I have everything I need to find myself situated. I am impressed by the…
Guest blog post By Rev. Dr. Chris Keating Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church Around midnight the other evening, I stood on a frozen driveway in an isolated section of St. Louis County. Looking up the steep hillside, I wondered how I was supposed to get to the front door of the house. Inside, flashing moved around and strobe lights flashed as…
Video Blog By Rev. Rob Dyer Senior Pastor/Head of Staff First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, Illinois Rev. Rob Dyer gave the Charge to the Presbytery at the Installation of the Presbytery Leader, Rev. Ryan Landino. We pray you watch the video below and consider how we might all engage more in the life of the Presbytery and in support of…
Blog Post by Tony De La Rosa, Ruling Elder Transitional Synod Executive Synod of Mid-America Trigger warning: this is a sermon about blood. If you are at all sensitive about the subject, or if it makes you queasy, be aware that I will be talking about it… a lot. You can take comfort in the fact that I will not…
The Writing of an Overture to the 225th General Assembly of the PCUSA: An Apology to African Americans for the Sin of Slavery and Its Legacy Blog Post by Diane McCullough, co-chair DRAWP Apology/Overture task force, a Ruling Elder at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church Some define Epiphany as “a moment of Holiness.” As I write this, it is Epiphany, January…