Sunday, October 7

Dear Faith Des Peres Community,

This Sunday is going to be a great celebration and culmination to our series on "Here's the Church, Here's the Steeple, Look Inside and See All the . . .PEOPLE!"  We began this series 5 weeks ago with some very important questions about the future of the institutional church, and particularly progressive churches.  This Sunday, I couldn't be more proud to buck the trend and dispel Ross Douthat's article when we welcome 5 new members and celebrate 2 baptisms.  Did you know that this year alone we have accepted 10 people into membership, and that 4 of them have been young people?  This is impressive. Please be here for this great day to welcome all of these people as they begin their faith journey at Faith Des Peres.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Annie

Sunday, September 30

This Sunday we'll continue our series on "Here's the Church, here's the steeple, open the door and see all the people . . ."  I hope you will be here for worship.  Your presence makes a difference, and I hope you're being here makes a difference in your life.

On another note, don't forget the forum on "Health Care Reform and You" this Sunday.  It is a time to learn more about what is ahead as we move toward implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  There will be time for your questions following the presentation.  The program begins at 6:15.  You can find more information here.

This Sunday is also the last chance to reserve your spot in the women's retreat.  You can find more information about the retreat here.  It is a wonderful time away to reflect and retreat.  I encourage you to attend if you are able.

And last, if you are new to Faith Des Peres, you are invited to coffee this Sunday at 9:20 to learn more about Faith Des Peres, our history and values, and ways to get connected.  We'll begin in the Gathering Space.

See you Sunday.  Have a blessed weekend.

Pastor Annie

Plotting Kindness

This week we'll continue our series on "Here's the Church, Here's the Steeple, Look Inside and See All the . . ." with a special look at how we maintain a strong Christian identity that is also benevolent and supportive of people of other faiths.  My sermon is based upon Brian McLaren's new book Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?

(You can find some of his books on Amazon here, his blog here, and a write-up of the book on NPR here. 

I hope you'll be here Sunday for this very timely and pertinent discussion.  With increasing hostility in the world from people of all religions, including our own religion, a voice of reason and benevolence is needed now more than ever.  

The Adult Discussion Group will discuss McLaren's book at their class this coming Sunday, September 23, at 9 am.  

Also this Sunday, State Representative Jill Schupp will be here to present a resolution to the church on behalf of the Missouri Veterans History Project (MVHP).  MVHP is a non-profit organization working to preserve the first-hand recollections of our veterans’ service, recognizing that these stories add rich, personal context to our nation’s history.  For the past year, Faith Des Peres has provided space for MVHP to interview and videotape the veterans’ stories.  Rep. Schupp is chair of the Board of Directors; and Faith Des Peres’ member Phil Modrell is St. Louis Coordinator of MVHP.   

Try to make time to attend church. Our conversation is important, timely, and needed.  

Have a great weekend!  See you Sunday.

Pastor Annie

SHINE

This Sunday we'll continue our series titled, "Here's the church, here's the steeple, look inside and see all the  . . ."  If you missed last week's sermon you can find it here.  We looked at the article "Can Liberal Christianity Be Saved?", and I made the argument that it can be, but it's salvation hinges on whether we're willing to talk about our faith or not.  Indeed, it's time to evangelize!  Yes, the dreaded "E" word.  It's time to share our faith with other people.  

Last Sunday I asked you to think about the answer you would give to Jesus if he asked you, "Who do you say that I am?"  Evangelism begins here.  We need to know who Jesus is to us before we can share our faith with others.  I hope you've been thinking about your answer.

This Sunday, we'll go deeper with this story from Matthew and consider two questions: How is God calling you to shine, and where is God calling you to shine?  Friends, there's a lot of darkness in the world.  The world needs more light.  If you have it to share, you need to share it.  People need it.

I encourage you to listen to this wonderful story from NPR's Weekend Edition about a shoe-shiner in Charlotte, NC, who shares his light with others.  It's a feel-good story to start off your weekend.

Let your light shine!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Annie