Coming Up Quickly

December 15th is Movie Night at the church.  All ages are invited to watch "A Christmas Story" from 5:30-8:00 in the Gathering Space. Bring a munchie to share.  Join us for a commercial-free viewing of this quintessential Christmas movie. You’ll shoot your eye out!

December 16 at 10:30am is the annual Presbyterian Women brunch and cookie exchange.  Leila Davis will be hosting. Bring 2-3 dozen cookies to exchange.  Please RSVP to Leila at 314-994-0039 or Marie in the church office at adminasst@faithdesperes.org or 314-432-8029.  

Advent Worship

3rd Sunday of Advent (12/15): 
Isaiah 35:1-10: "The desert shall rejoice and blossom." 
How do we sing the Good News in our day and age? 
Musical Offering: Christmas Cantata, “A Celebration of Carols,” by Joseph M. Martin, will be presented by the Faith Des Peres Choir.

4th Sunday of Advent (12/22): 
Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25: "The Lord himself will give you a sign..."  
What are the signs and promises of the Incarnation today?
How do we resist God's presence breaking into our world as Joseph tried to do? 
How do we know that Jesus is with us?
Musical Offering: A Fifth Above, a woodwind quintet, will play familiar Christmas carols.

Christmas Eve Worship, 5:30 pm

Join us for a candlelight service with trumpeter, choir, and carols.  Child care will be available for children 4 and under. 

Looking Ahead to Next Year!

Have You Thought About a New Year Resolution?

How about reading the entire Bible in one year?  If that sounds challenging, it is!  But, it’s doable . . .and more fun with a group of people.  It takes about 20 minutes a day.  Of course, it also requires some energy to plan reading time into your daily schedule.  If this is something you’d like to try, e-mail Annie at pastor@faithdesperes.org or sign-up in the Gathering Space.  Reading schedules are provided, and monthly get-togethers to touch base are optional (time to be decided by participants).  Readings begin January 1st. Together, we can do this!    

January 5, 2014
The Annual ADG Book Study will be on three consecutive Sunday afternoons (January 5^th, 12^th, and 19th) from 12:00 – 1:30 PM in the Gathering Space.  Lunch (sandwiches, salad and drinks) will be available for a small fee, and the discussion will be from 12:30 – 1:30.  This year’s book is Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, by Reza Aslan. 

Copies of the book can be obtained from the church office for $16.50 (there are only two books left).  The book can also be purchased at local bookstores ($27.00), or ordered from Amazon ($16.36 for a hardback copy, or $11.75 for a Kindle version). A sign-up sheet for lunch will soon be in the Gathering Space. 

March 26, 2014
Tour Churches of Soulard with the History Team and find out why St. Louis was once called the "Rome of the West."  Visit Trinity Lutheran, St. John Nepomuk, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Mary of Victories and St. Raymond's.  Have a Lebanese feast for lunch (at your expense) and see the "Who's Who" of St. Louis.  Cost is $49. Make reservations with Betsy Stoll or call 314-821-0533.

This Sunday at 10:30am

• December 1st is the 1st Sunday of Advent. Our focus scripture reading comes from Isaiah 2:1-5:  “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!”  What does it mean to walk in the light of the Lord?  Where are we going? How can we bring the Light to others?
• Pastor Annie will lead the Adult Discussion Group at 9:15am (note change in time). The topic will be "Christmas Is Not Your Birthday".
• Bring your food for Feeding the Flock this Sunday! Current critical needs are: peanut butter, jelly, canned meats (chili, canned stew, canned chicken, canned ham, etc.), canned fish, tomato products (diced tomatoes, sauce, and paste), toilet paper, bar soap.