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Friday, January 3 , 2025

Sermon for Sunday, January 5, 2025 is based on Matthew's story of the magi who came from the east to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews.


One of the remarkable things of this story is that the people who were looking for and expecting the Messiah were unaware of the momentous event that occurred. Instead it was a group of foreigners, non-Jews, who were paying attention and were motivated to seek out this baby king. Is there a lesson for us? What are we paying attention to? Are we paying attention? And, of course, there's more to the story....


Charlotte Phelps

It's not to late to be a part of the Christmas Offering 2024



This year, we have an opportunity to give an “above and beyond” gift to the Christmas Offering at Maplewood UMC. The Administrative Council has voted to designate this year’s Christmas Offering to support Freedom School 2025. Hosting Freedom School in the Summer weeks is a vital part of MUMC’s vision of a community that is being nourished - body, mind, heart, and spirit - through the love of Christ. Designate any gift above and beyond your tithe as “Christmas Offering,” and it will go to make a big impact in the lives of the Freedom School participants.

Pastor Andy and family will be on vacation from December 26th through January 6th.


The church office will be closed from Dec. 24th through January 6th. If you need to get in touch with Brittany, email her at: brittany.l@maplewoodumc.org. She will be working from home.

Worship while Pastor Andy is away:

Sunday, January 5th: Charlotte Phelps will be preaching and Rev. Jeff Carr will preside over communion.

January Small Group Studies


Beloved Community 



Rent, groceries, utilities, and other costs of living are high. War and natural disasters are wreaking havoc all over the world. Pain and fear dominate life. Does God care any more? Does God care about me? About us? Where is this abundant life that Jesus promises? But what if we are asking the wrong questions? Is there a more excellent way? Over six weeks, we will explore what it takes to build the life Jesus promises, the Beloved Community. Guided by scripture, we will explore the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community. and, leaning into the “building blocks” of a love-filled life, we will discover, develop, design, and build the Beloved Community together for such a time as this. Do not miss this life-changing series as we dive deeper into the ways to #BeLove.  

 

This small group will meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm for five weeks beginning January 21st. Please reach out to Colette Cummings at cumminco@webster.edu or 314-239-2015 if you have any questions. 

Healing the Heart of Democracy a book study by Parker Palmer


Beginning on Wednesday, January 26th, at 6:30 p.m. Andy Bryan will be leading a five-week studay on the book Healing the Heart of Democracy by James Palmer. The book calls us to reclaim our unity and work for the common good in a season of bitter polarization and deep devisions. A discussion guide will be provided for all participant. Purchasing the book itself is recommend but not required. Please register on line or on the Opportunity Board.

Are you a 20-29 year old? If so, there is a great opportunity for you to build a relationship with God as well as with each other through God. There will be a Young Adult Bible study held at Maplewood United Methodist Church, on the corner of Flora and Sutton, from 12-2 every Saturday afternoon starting January 4th. So many young people are looking to belong to something. Together, this group can bring growth within our own relationships with God and with one another. Come alone or bring a friend! As we like to say, “Come to the table!”

Bits and Pieces

Giving Tree 2024 Update


Thanks to the generosity of friends and members of Maplewood United Methodist Church, fourty-four $25 Walmart gift cards, wrapping paper, tape, and treats were distributed to five families this year in Maplewood and nearby communities. Your act of unconditional love for our neighbors is humbling! Not only did the twenty children and adults living in these five families have a brighter Christmas, but the belssings bestowed go much deeper than the tangible, bringing the true gift of Christmas to our nieghbors!  

What Goes Up Must Come Down

 

Well, it seems like yesterday that a number of us gathered for the Hanging of the Greens, getting the inside and outside of the church ready for Advent and Christmas. How time flies as we now need to "unhang" the greens, to undecorate the church: Pack away the Chrismons, take down the tree, box up the garlands and bows, put away the Advent wreath. If you have some time on your hands after worship on Sunday, January 12, please stay and help with putting away Christmas 2024. Thanks!

New Directory Coming

After the first of the year we will be updating the church directory. You will have a chance to add your name, picture, phone # and birthday to the new directory.

NEW DATES TO THE CALENDAR ARE IN GREEN


riday, January 3

4:30 p.m. Cub Scouts


Saturday, January 4

10:30 a.m. Women's AAGroup

12 Noon - 2:00 p.m. Young Adult Bible Study

Sunday, January 5

9:30 a.m. Prayer Time with Pastor Andy

9:45 a.m. Adult Discussion Group

9:45 a.m. Children and Youth Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Worship

12;15 p.m. Monthly Community Potluck

Monday, January 6

Epiphany

1:00 p.m. Overeaters Anonymous Meeting



Tuesday, January 7

9:00 a.m.- 12 Noon Church Office Open

9:30 a.m.- Noon - Quilters Group

11:00 a.m. - Worship Team Meeting

1:00 pm. Prayer time via Zoom.

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3745711178pwd=dktsaWkwNlNhVjRmOHpjTFNqR1dqQT09 Meeting ID: 374 571 1178

Passcode: 674257

6:30 p.m. Build A Gift Meeting

Wednesday, January 8

9:00 a.m.- 12 Noon Church Office Open


Thursday, January 9

9:00 a.m.- 12 Noon Church Office Open

9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Second Time Around Shop - 50% off Sale all month

6:00 p.m. Praise Band Practice

6:30 p.m.- Maplewood Public Library Book Club

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice


To see the entire calendar - click below https://73855810.view-events.com

Dear Church Family,


Thank you all for your prayers and calls and gifts of food! 

The meals have been especially welcome because I am dependent on my family for any movement. Thanks to you, the only job I am doing now is healing my bones. 


I miss being with you in church

Lis Wall-Smith

Prayers for...

...Comfort and peace be with the family of Sister Jane Hassett, 96, Tom Cordeal’s Aunt, who passed recently. Tom remembers her service as history teacher, professor, and president of Fontbonne and her great sense of humor. 


...Donna & Skip Reynold's son who has cancer

 

..Sharon and Bill Housewright

Healing for Paul Nolting and strength for his wife Jan as she cares for him.

 Sam Crawford, healing after stroke.

Pat & Butch Reid, health concerns.


...Lis Wall-Smith for healing after a fall at her home,

...Bret Morris' aunt Diana who passed away. She was a former member of MUMC


... Shelly McBurnett and family in the passing of their beloved Travis.

 

...Skip Reynolds  Skip continues maintaining in hospice care at Laclede Groves Lutheran Senior Services. Donna visits nearly every day around 11:00 a.m., and they welcome visits around that time. Donna and Skip celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Please send cards for Skip and Donna Reynolds to Donna’s address: 9400 Mackenzie Circle Ct., STL 63123-5476


... Linda Vawter .. Brother-in-law Jerry who is waiting to hear best treatment for cancer., also for Allen, guidance for mental health challenges. Sister-in-law Kathy, healing of vision issues.


..Peg Chulick: for Sister-in-law having long recovery from pneumonia, also for nephew, Randy, who is waiting for a call from Barnes for a lung transplant and continuing prayers for Jer’s vision and heart challenges.


...Denise Perry continuing strengthening and healing....


...for bringing people in the country and around the world together in peace.


...Tori Chandler, that her new medication regimen works.  


...Nancy Thompson- Please pray for my son, Peter Munshaw, to find appropriate employment. 

 

Continuing prayers for ....


...Karen Raborn healing of hip issues


...Amy Cordeal’s sister, Diana, for health concerns


If you have prayer concerns you wish to share with the congregation, let Kathy Schmid know: kschmid2005@sbcglobal.net

DEADLINE for the church newsletter is MIDNIGHT EVERY TUESDAY: send articles via email only to jbrx10@yahoo.com.

The Sunday morning worship bulletin will be sent via email at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday

For more information about Maplewood United Methodist Church, go to our website (maplewoodumc.org ) or Facebook page (facebook.com/mumcstl)

The church office is open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9 a.m. til 12 p.m.

Office Phone: 314-781-5902. Church email: maplewoodumc@maplewoodumc.org; Pastor Andy Bryan: 314-781-5902 Email: pastor@maplewoodumc.org

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