Sunday, January 13

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

Lately, I've had a lot of people ask me about baptism: what does it mean, why do we do it, how is it different for Presbyterians, does it mean a person will go to heaven?  That sort of stuff.  Given that this Sunday is "Baptism of the Lord Sunday", we're going to look at baptism and what it means for Presbyterians.  I especially hope you'll gain an understanding of how baptism should affect your life and its importance in our daily lives.  

I also want to encourage you to attend the book study on Sunday at 9 am.  The Adult Discussion Group is reading Diana Butler Bass' latest book.  You can find more information here.  If you've ever wondered why more people don't attend church and how we can respond to this, this study is for you.  As we look at how to be a relevant church in the 21st century, this study is important.

I hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings,

Annie

Sunday, December 23

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday we'll celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent and the light the "love" candle on the Advent wreath. With the news of Newtown, CT still on my mind, I have been thinking all week about what it means to wait for the God of Love to be born anew in our hearts, minds, lives and communities.  As my children headed off to school this week, I hugged them a little tighter and made sure to tell them, "I love you."  

Unfortunately at times like these, the response by some religious leaders can be insensitive and cruel. It can really bring out the worst theology.  But, what is an appropriate response to tragedies such as Sandy Hook?  For better or worse, people do turn to religion at times like these for guidance and support.

On Sunday, we'll explore what an appropriate response might be by looking at Mary's Magnificat.  No one tells the Christmas story better than Luke.  So, if you're in the mood for miracles and angels and looking for hope and comfort, this is the place to be.

I hope to see you in Church on Sunday.  If you are away for the holidays, I pray for God to grant you safe and peaceful travels.

And, don't forget about our Christmas Eve service at 5:30 pm.  Sing the carols, hear the story, and welcome the Prince of Peace into your lives and hearts.

Blessings,

Annie

Sunday, December 2

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday we'll celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.  We'll light the Advent wreath, sing the carols, and begin preparing for Christ's birth.  I encourage you to read Luke 21:25-36 to prepare for Sunday.  And one word of warning: don't get scared off by the reading.  Yes, it's about Christ's Second Coming.  But before we can prepare for the first coming, we need to come to an understanding of the second one.  And believe me, it's nothing like the Left Behind books or movie "2012".  

This Sunday we'll also have communion, which means there will not be Sunday School for children and youth.  However, I have a special Time with Children planned for the children, especially the younger ones.  So, if your child normally goes to the nursery, have them come to church for the first few minutes to take part in the Time with Children.

I hope to see you Sunday.

Many Blessings,

Annie

Sunday, November 4

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday we will celebrate All Saints' Sunday.  This is the day we give thanks to God for our saints, the people in our lives who have nurtured and loved us, encouraged and guided us, and molded us into the people we are today.  This is always a special Sunday when we remember our saints and thank God for their faithfulness.

Speaking of faithfulness, we'll continue the sermon series "Counting Our Blessings" by counting as a blessing God's faithfulness.  God is faithful to us in so many ways that the blessings are too numerous to count.  But, we will do our best.  Don't forget to bring your spare change for the "blessing jars" that are gracing the sanctuary. At the end of the series we will donate this money to one of the many worthy organizations the church supports.

And last but certainly not least, we will celebrate communion this Sunday, which means there is no Sunday School for children or youth, and we will accept Matt and Helen Parsons as church members.  We have now been blessed to receive 12 new members this year.  God has been faithful to the church!

I hope to see you Sunday.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Annie

Sunday, October 21

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday during the Adult Discussion Group and worship we will address the issue of faith and politics. As many of you know, the intersection of faith and politics is not a subject I shy away from and, indeed, at this time in our country with a presidential election less than 20 days away, it is a subject that is on everyone's mind.

I find the intersection of faith and politics quite fascinating.  For me, as a Presbyterian, I believe we are called to get involved in government and the political process.  But I believe we should do so in a way that is thoughtful and faithful.  During worship at 10:30 am, I'll talk more about this and what this means for me.

During the Adult Discussion Group at 9 am, I'll lead a class titled "How Should Christians Vote?"  How do we apply religiously grounded judgments on the political process?  I hope you'll take time for this interesting discussion.  There is a short reading guide that you can download here to prepare for the class should you want to read it.

I pray that all of you have a safe weekend, and I hope to see you in church on Sunday.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Annie