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Fellowship
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Fellowship Groups
Fellowship is an important part of who we are as the body of Christ, learning to love our neighbors and extend hospitality to all we meet. Our new Gathering Space is ideally suited for meeting old or new friends each Sunday morning over a cup of delicious coffee and wonderful refreshments. Below you will see a list of some of our regularly scheduled fellowship activities––great ways to become a vital part of First Pres.
Sunday Morning
Each Sunday morning, people fill the new Gathering Space before and after Worship or Sunday School in order to spend time together. Coffee and light breakfast fair is available throughout the morning. The Gathering Space was designed specifically to accommodate smaller groups of people sitting together in conversation. Fellowship is the embodiment of our call to let everyone know: "All are welcome in this place."
Children and Youth Groups
Tweens is for children grades 3 through 5. From movie nights with parents and popcorn (First Pres. has the best popcorn popper in the community) to participating in the annual work camp talent show, Tweens provides a great opportunity for children and families to get connected.
Middle School Youth Group
Meeting from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays during the school year, Middle School Youth Group provides youth grades 6 through 8 with a great opportunity to get to know each other, themselves, and God's deepest desire for their lives.
High School Youth Group
Throughout the school year, youth in grades 9 through 12 gather on Sunday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. to grow in their faith and celebrate being together. Youth from a variety of schools and faith traditions gather together to learn and have fun in a respectful, welcoming environment. This is a great place to ask questions or make new friends.
Church Wide Events
There are a lot of wonderful events scheduled throughout the year. Rally Day kicks off the school year programs on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Every year, the youth of the church work on the float for the Greentree Parade. In early October, we celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday with one service in the Sanctuary. The Fall Choir Concert with orchestra highlights the amazing musical talent within the congregation. We get ready for Advent and Christmas with the Hanging of the Greens on a Saturday morning. The annual Christmas Concert and Dinner is a new tradition in the life of the church. Christmas Eve Services are filled with tradition and celebration. In January, we have our Congregational Meeting where new officers of the church are voted on and a summary of the prior year in ministry is provided. The Work Camp Auction and Talent Show ("talent" being a loosely defined term) celebrates the congregational involvement in the Senior High mission project. As Easter approaches, each Friday after Ash Wednesday features a noontime Lenten Concert in the Tree of Life Chapel. Holy week includes a Maundy Thursday Evening Service and a Good Friday Noon Concert. Our Easter Services are filled with joy and good news! In the Spring, we have an Art Show and a Potluck Brunch. The Spring Chancel Choir Concert with orchestra is a delight as we prepare for all the activities of summer. Besides Vacation Bible Camp, Music and Drama Camp, and Camp K for the children, the Church Picnic is a highlight of the summer.
40’S AND 50’S: This group of couples and singles meets for fun and fellowship at church, in homes, or at outside gatherings at different times throughout the year.
Presbyterian Women
CIRCLES OF FAITH AND SERVICE Our women's circles, which meet monthly, are part of Presbyterian Women (PW), a denominational organization that promotes mission, service, study and fellowship. Other PW opportunities in our congregation include crafting, quilting and the Resale Shop. If you are interested in being part of a circle, please contact one of the leaders listed below: Abigail Circle, 1st Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at church Hannah Circle, 4th Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. in homes Rachel Circle, 4th Monday, Noon at church Lydia Circle, 4th Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at church Elizabeth Circle, 4th Tuesday, Noon in homes Sarah Circle, 4th Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. in homes Contacts: Jane Paniello 314-965-4655; jgpaniello@charter.net and Janet Clawitter 314-650-5137
Contact: Melanie Bennett 314-962-6883; melaniekbennett@charter.net
Contact: Helen Sandifer 636-386-6655; helensandifer@charter.net
Contacts: Eleanor Johnson 314-821-3533 and Madge Swisher 314-821-0294
Contact: Mary Kay Menees 314-966-4045; mkmenees@aol.com
Contact: Pat Wynne 314-692-7509; pwynne01@earthlink.net
PRIME TIMERS: Welcome singles and couples "around" retirement age who enjoy active outings together. Past activities have included pool parties, winery tours, an afternoon at Union Station, Kirkwood Eatery Crawl, attending the Kirkwood High School musical, a tour of the zoo, and many other activities.
The Prime Timers will gather for a light supper on Sunday, September 7 following the 4:00 p.m. “Genesis Connection” Con Spirito Concert here at the church. Bring a “finger food” to the home
of Susan and Al Hinton at 417 Elm in Glendale. Dessert will be provided. Sign up and get directions at the table near the Welcome Center, or you may contact the Hintons at susal@charter.net.
PRES CLUB: Meeting on the first Friday evening of every month, Pres Club involves a wonderfully catered meal followed by a program. Past programs have included a concert by Allusion, a group of young singers from Missouri Baptist University, a presentation by 'Rosie the Riveter' to honor Veteran's Day, the Moolah Shrine barbershop quartet, and travelogues about trips around the world. If you're a senior looking to meet other wonderful seniors, then Pres Club is for you.
Friday, September 5, Todd Plesko: The Chief of Planning and System Development will present a program on the Metro-link, Metrobus, and Call a Ride. An 11-year veteran of Metro, First Pres member Todd will bring lots of information crucial in this time of high gas prices. Join us for a very enlightening evening. For reservations, call Opal Otis at 314-965-0306 or
Spence and Millie Wolling at 314-962-0722 by NOON September 3.
Friday, October 3, Allusion: Back by popular demand, this outstanding vocal group of young people from Missouri Baptist University will present a program of song, jazz, and smiling faces. Don't miss this lovely evening. Call Vel Taggart at 314-822-0971 or Mary Knickmeyer and
Bill Allen at 314-822-6513 for reservations by NOON October 1.
Health Fair, Thursday, September 11:
St. Andrew’s Senior Solutions will sponsor a Health Fair at First Presbyterian Church on September 11 for all who are interested. From 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. vendors will be on hand to offer testing and provide information to improve your health.
Purina Farms Tour, Thursday, September 25:
At 9:45 a.m. we will meet in the church parking lot to car pool to Purina Farms near Gray Summit. Our entrance time is 10:30 a.m. There is a restaurant on the grounds of the Farm, and we will eat there together. Your only cost will be lunch, but you must make a reservation! See the sign up sheets on the table near the Welcome Center
St. Louis History through Bellefontaine and Calvary Cemeteries, Thursday, October 9: Join us for a unique look at these historic St Louis Cemeteries. Under the leadership of historian Bob Eastin, we will begin in Calvary, go to Bellefontaine, and then drive to Duff's in the Central West End for lunch. Car pools will leave First Pres at 9:00 a.m. Please sign up at the table near the Welcome Center. Contributions of $5.00 will be collected on the trip.
Christmas Concert:
We have booked 20 tickets for the Christmas Concert at Powell Hall on Friday, December 19.
The tickets for this 2:00 p.m. matinee are $24.50 per person. We will car pool to Powell Hall at 12:45 p.m., and passengers may share the parking expense with the driver. It is important to receive reservations early, so please make your check out to First Presbyterian Church when you sign up.
A DAY APART RETREAT
Thursday, October 23: Dr. David Holyan will lead a day of reflection, discussion and wonderful fellowship focusing on “ Jesus Unrecognized.” We will gather at 9:00 for coffee before beginning in the Tree of Life Chapel. All are invited to join in this special day. Lunch will be served at noon, and we will continue our reflections in the afternoon, closing in the Chapel with communion. A sign up sheet is on the table near the Welcome Center.
MEN'S BREAKFAST: OCTOBER 2, 8:00 A.M.
The 2008-2009 season begins with the Mayor! Art McDonnell has graciously accepted the invitation to join us at the opening breakfast in the Fireplace Room.
SENIOR EXERCISE CLASS BEGINS
Circle the date and join the class! Exercise with Opie returns on Monday, September 15 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. The fee for 24 sessions remains at $60.00 per person. Questions? Call Opal Otis, 314-965-0306.
PRESBYTERY TOUR
The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy will sponsor a bus tour of the Underground Railroad on Friday, November 7, departing from the First Pres parking lot at 9:00 a.m. The cost is $54.00 per person, including a box lunch. Call Carol Conner at 314-821-5955 for reservations.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Group will meet to knit and pray on Tuesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Shirley Smith, 120 West Essex, Apartment 2D. To learn more, call Fran Madson at 314-821-4588.
