Notes From Pastor Steve

Fall 2025

O Lord, how manifold are thy works!  Psalms 104: 24a


Greetings from First Presbyterian Church in Ste. Genevieve, Mo! I am the Reverend Steve Matthews (aka Pastor Steve) and I greet you on behalf of the members and friends of this congregation. I have been blessed to serve as the pastor to this congregation since 2013 and the church itself has been a part of this community since 1902. Our worship service begins at 10:45 am on Sunday mornings with communion being celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to join us on any Sunday!


As I am writing these notes it is Fall and the weather is beginning to cool. This is a good time of year to get outside and enjoy God’s great creation! I would recommend the entirety of Psalm 104 for your reading pleasure as you enjoy the outdoors this Fall.


First Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is a member of the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery. More information about our denomination and our core beliefs can be found on their website.


One of the primary ministries of our church is the Helping Hands Food Pantry which is open to residents of Ste. Genevieve on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Our food pantry operates out of the Silversmith’s House, which is a historic home located just north of the church at 150 South Main Street. We also sponsor a “Blessing Box,” which contains food and clothing items that may be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is located between our church and the Silversmith’s House directly on Main Street.


The First Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School 2025 took place in July. This year’s VBS curriculum was entitled: “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.” This was a non-denominational curriculum whose purpose was “just sharing Jesus’ love with everyone.” It was hopefully an enriching experience for all who attended, as well as for those who worked to make this event a reality! Thanks to Joan Huck for once again acting as the Director of VBS!


August 6th was the date of our church float trip this past summer. We returned to the Current River for this experience, floating from Pulltite campground to Round Springs. The weather was perfect and everyone seemed to have a good time. We stopped to admire Pulltite Spring and made several eating and swimming stops along the way. There were no overturned canoes or kayaks on this particular trip, but everyone did get a little wet at times – mostly due to the pastor’s clumsiness (or something)!


We celebrated our Sunday School program with a Rally Day breakfast in early September. In addition to the good food, our Sunday School teachers were recognized and thanked with a special gift. We offer two Sunday School classes for children and one for adults at this time. The adult Sunday School class meets in the Silversmith’s House and the children’s classes meet in the main church building on the main floor, just down the hall from the sanctuary. All classes begin at 9:30 am on Sunday morning.


The First Presbyterian Church Fish Fry & Picnic took place on September 27th. Thirty-six members and friends of the church were able to attend. It was held at Pere Marquette Park this year which was a very nice setting for this event and it was a pleasant day for our picnic.


Our Hayride and Cookout took place on October 19th. This is always a great fall activity and, once again, it was a perfect day for a hot dog roast, the hayride, and topped off with making s’mores afterwards!


Upcoming church fellowship events include a Thank Offering Luncheon immediately after worship on November 9th and a Movie Night to watch The Best Christmas Pageant Ever complete with an always delicious hot chocolate bar on November 21st! !


Our traditional live nativity scene will once again be depicted on the evening of December 6th on the church lawn directly in front of our church building. Live music will also be performed from the porch of the Silversmith’s House on that evening.


Our children and youth will present a live performance of the Christmas Story during our worship service on December 14th.


We will conclude our Advent season with a Candlelight & Communion service at 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, December 24th.


All are welcome to any of our fellowship events or special worship services! I hope to see you there!


Yours in Christ,

Pastor Steve


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  3: 5 & 6 (RSV)