First Presbyterian Church - St. Joseph, MO

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We believe that Jesus Christ came to reveal the fullness of God's love for us, and we continue to celebrate that love through praise, sacraments, service, and community.

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News, Events & Media

A Holy Week Reflection (April 8, 2020)

Dear friends,

In this Holy Week,the members of the Mission and Social Justice team send our heartfelt thoughts for healing and peace in whatever way you need it at this time. We also hope you are finding the Becoming a Beloved Community, a Matthew 25 journey to the cross, meaningful. Our 2020 Lenten journeys are certainly more singular and reflective ones, as we encounter times of necessary physical separation.

“Beloved Community” is a term that was first coined in the 20th-century...[and] the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King ... popularized it, using “beloved community” often in speeches and sermons to illustrate God’s kingdom as truly a kin-dom. For King, a beloved community was not an idealized utopia, but rather an attainable society based on justice, equal opportunity for all and selfless love of one another. In his eyes, a community became “beloved” when every human in that community had his or her basic needs met.
(From the PCUSA website)

The MSJ Team had previously planned a reflective gathering in the FPC Chapel about this study, but now share in spirit. One way to continue to gather ourselves in spirit and mind is to pray through our FPC directory or address book. Some members have found this a meaningful way to share prayerful thoughts, to a few persons a day. We hope you would consider adding these reflections to your current daily spiritual practice, extending your prayers to others in the community, region, and country, as well as around the globe and to our beautiful Earth.

Matthew 25: 37-40 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Towards the Peaceable Kin-dom,
The Mission and Social Justice Team

Hello First Pres Family!
Remember this Sunday (Palm Sunday April 5th) we will be celebrating “virtual” Communion during our video worship time. Please have your elements (bread and cup) ready before you watch the video. I will preside virtually, with the invitation, words of institution, and prayer. If you watch with someone, serve each other. If you are alone, partake with your church family in spirit!

Also, on Palm Sunday, Janet and I will be standing outside the church (on 7 th street) to hand out palms and small bottles of hand sanitizer to anyone who drives by between 10:00 and 10:30 am. We have been and will be overly cautious. The palms have been disinfected with an anti-viral and we will be wearing masks and gloves. I ask that no one park and exit your car! We will not be congregating at all, only drive by. If you are in any way uncomfortable going out, STAY HOME! This is not an organized church function, simply something Janet and I want to do.

If you get your Palm before you watch the video, you can parade around your home and wave your palm proclaiming, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

As always, stay safe and healthy. You are all in my prayers!

In the name of the King riding into Jerusalem,
Pastor Kemper

PRECAUTIONS RE: CORONA VIRUS- CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULES

3/17/2020 @2:00pm: Tonight the Session will talk about how First Pres will take precautions regarding COVID-19. We will keep you up to date and informed of events and gatherings here at the church. Always remember to follow your own instinct regarding your health. If you or any of your loved ones are not feeling well, sick or experiencing any symptoms outlined by the CDC, please stay home unless you are seeking medical care.

Session Meeting Results in Some Cancellations (3/17/2020 @ 9:15 pm)
Dear First Presbyterian Church Family,

After considerable discussion, your Session has decided to cancel all worship services, fellowship activities, and church meetings until further notice. The Session is complying with the city proclamation as well as the state and national suggestions concerning gatherings. The well-being and safety of our members was the driving force behind this decision. The Session will keep you informed moving forward.

I will be preparing and posting weekly messages with prayer and Scripture readings that you will be able to access so we can continue to be a community gathered around the Word. Look for more information as we move forward.

Please check on one another and let me know if you hear of a need or concern one of our church family has. We are a community grounded in the love of our Gracious God and let each one of us, in this time of uncertainty, share this love with others.

In His service,
Pastor Kemper

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Church Office & Building Closed (3/18/2020 @9:00 am)