In this edition of the Messenger:
* Worship will again will be LIVE on Facebook at 11:00 a.m.
* What's happening at MUMC
* Ways to continue ministry
* Save food items for WOW to brought to church later
* What's happening in our family
* Can you name the people or the event?
* Kwasha School has something to celebrate
* What is UMCOR?
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Dear Friends,
We have never experienced anything quite like what is happening in our world right now, have we? The COVID-19 virus has changed so much about the way we are conducting daily life. It also, whether we want to admit it, or not, makes us nervous, probably even downright scared.
It would be easier if we could see it, wouldn’t it? But in our day to day life we don’t have that capability. So, in order to be safe, we need to act as if the virus could be just about anywhere we go outside our homes.
.
While we need to
suspect
this virus might be anywhere we go, our faith assures us that God’s love, mercy and care,
are with us
anywhere we go—at home or away, no matter how many twists and turns life’s journey takes us. I believe God was present with us last Sunday as we worshiped together from our own homes via Facebook Live. God will be with us when we worship together via Facebook Live. God will be with us all the time in between.
As you scroll down in this newsletter you will find some specific information about what to expect regarding life with Maplewood UMC for the time being. Although we won’t gather together at the church building for ministry events, there are still ways we can Gather as God’s people, Grow in faith, love and service, and Go into the world to do God’s work, but not necessarily leave our homes.
For now, I want to remind you of God’s promise expressed through a Psalm that will be familiar to many of you. It happens to be the Psalm that was selected for the lectionary for this coming Sunday. Often, we read it at funerals when a life has ended. But today, I hope you will allow it to remind you that God is actively caring for us every day.
God’s grace and peace be with you,
Pastor Kim
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The Lord is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
he leads me to restful waters;
he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
for the sake of his good name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
they protect me.
You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!
Yes, goodness and faithful love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the Lord’s house
as long as I live. Psalm 23 (CEB)
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Here's the latest on MUMC and Covid-19
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At Maplewood UMC, God’s command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, guides us to do all that we are able to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. We also are called to do all that we are can to support each other as we journey through this chaotic time together. What follows includes information about how MUMC will proceed in ministry over the next few weeks and ideas for how we might continue to live out our faith while we are keeping our distance from each other.
You will be pleased to know
that although hours and responsibilities may have changed the Maplewood UMC Staff Parish Relations Committee has determined that all Maplewood UMC employees will continue to receive their usual wages.
Until further notice…
..
.w
e will not
gather for worship in the church building.
...w
e WILL
gather for worship on Sundays at 11 a.m. by way of Facebook Live. The link to find the recording of the service will be posted on the website on Sunday afternoons.
... All in-person meetings and classes
scheduled at Maplewood UMC are cancelled. T
his includes the First Responders Meal preparation scheduled for March 21
.
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We are exploring ways we can have small group discussions via the internet. Watch for the invitations!
We still have many ways to be in ministry and to grow in our faith….
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I encourage you to reach out in whatever ways you are able through phone, internet, even the U.S. postal service, especially to people who are more vulnerable.
*
Children (and adults) who are staying at home from school can get out their art supplies and make pictures and cards to send to people who might need some encouragement. If you can’t find your church directory and need mailing addresses, reach out to Pastor Kim.
*
Every time you wash your hands…which needs to be often…say the Lord’s Prayer.
*
Take time to walk outside with your family.
*
Continue to give as you are able to the ministry of the church, to a local food pantry, or to helping agencies of any kind. (There is a notice in this newsletter from the MRH Weekend on Wheels food pantry.)
*
Read the story from the Bible for this Sunday’s worship service: John 9: 1 – 41. Other scriptures from this week’s lectionary readings are Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 16: 1 – 13; Ephesians 5: 8 – 14.
*
If your physical condition allows, consider offering shopping and/or delivery services for people who absolutely must stay at home.
*
Refrain from hoarding and encourage your friends to do the same so there are plenty of items for everyone else.
*
Pray again.
*
Pray some more.
This is a serious time, and still, there is room for humor
and
for the joy that is established on God’s everlasting love. It’s OK to be anxious. It’s also OK to laugh—as long as you are at a safe social distance from others when you do
.
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HOLD IN PRAYER:
Pray for the people impacted by COVID-19
those who are ill;
caregivers who put their health at risk;
scientists who are working on finding vaccines and remedies
leaders who are making decisions about both protecting people and offering support to people;
for employers who know the pain of not being able to pay their employees;
for employees who will not get their usual paychecks;
for people whose lives are disrupted in ways we can’t always imagine by the response to this pandemic.
Pray for people in the church directory by name. Pray for the people in your school directory. Or pray for the people God brings to your mind to pray for.
Pray for your neighbors by name.
THANK YOU TO ...
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...to the people who planned and led our worship last Sunday: Pastor Kim & Steve Shirar, Mark, Jewell, Amelia, Blaise, George & Ruby Rae McGhee, Amy & Tom Cordeal, and Mike Plonka. It was, indeed, a joy!!
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WOW boxes include:
Meal Starters
1 box of plain pasta
2 cans of tuna, chicken, etc. 1 jar of peanut butter
1 box of cereal
OR
3-5 packets of oatmeal
Sides
3 packages of Ramen
OR
1 box of Mac & Cheese
2 cans of tomatoes or 1 jar of tomato sauce
2-4 cans of veggies
2-3 cans of beans
1 jar of jelly
Canned meals
2-3 cans of soup
2 cans spaghetti/sloppy Joes
Fruit
(add
1
of the following)
2 cans (peaches, pineapple, etc.) 3-4 applesauce
or
fruit cups
Snacks
(pick
2
of the following) 4-6 Granola Bars
2 packs of Poptarts
Package of trail mix
Popcorn
Dessert
(pick
1
if available) 1 box of mix
1-2 boxes of Jello
1 package of cookies
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EVERYONE
is a
responder in this crisis in one way or another.
Please continue to set aside items from the list; there will be some dates in April when volunteers will be needed to sort food and stock
pantry shelves. Dates later.
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MUMC pictures from 2011
CAN YOU NAME THE EVENT OR THE PEOPLE?
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UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief
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Our Work
UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters - be it famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and to be a source of help and hope for those left most vulnerable. We provide relief, response and long-term recovery grants when these events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on their own. UMCOR also provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery, and long-term health and development.
UMCOR Sunday is March 22
and this a reminder every year of the work that UMCOR does around the world. As a part of our church's mission giving $200 will be sent to help with UMCOR's work.
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Kwasha School's 7th graders CELEBRATE
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The Grade 7 Composite Examination is given annually by the Examination Council of Zambia to all 7
th
grade students in public, private grant aided and community schools. It is a high-stake and mandatory written test that, if passed, certifies completion of a student’s primary education, allowing students to continue into 8
th
grade. Students may also be selected for further education courses for which they have particular strength.
The test results also provide educator accountability by revealing the depth of teacher’s student training and material relevance. In addition, it helps monitor each school’s education goals and quality. Finally, it helps in the planning for national educational policy reforms.
48 students took the test and 48 students passed the test!
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Deadline
for newsletter copy: MIDNIGHT Tues.
each week
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It's happenin'
this coming week at MUMC
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Sunday, March 22 - 11:00 a.m.
Worship - online (Facebook)
You can go to Facebook by clicking the Facebook symbol below. It will take you right to the church's Facebook page.
(You will have to set up a Facebook account first if you have not already done so.)
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Maplewood United Methodist Church
7409 Flora Ave. (corner of Flora and Sutton)
St. Louis, MO 63143
Pastor's Cell: 314-651-9999
Church Phone Number - 314-781-5902
Website: maplewoodumc.org
(Church Office Open Tuesday + Thursdays - 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM)
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Every Sunday
9:45 AM Sunday School for all ages
11:00 AM Worship
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