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Thursday, February 15, 2024
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Tonight is the Community Unity Center Dinner | |
LAST Sunday to order Easter Flowers
To place an order for flowers to be displayed in honor or memory of a loved one on the altar on Easter Sunday, March 31, use the Communication Card on Sunday morning or click on this link 2024 Easter Flower Orders Orders are due by February 18. Payment for flowers can be made online or via a check in the offering plate. Be sure to note that the funds are for Easter flowers.
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Don't forget to pick up you "coins for Lent" Calendars
Last Sunday, “coins for Lent” calendars were made available to folks who attended worship. Following the daily prompts on the calendar can serve as motivator for collecting funds to be shared with the MUMC Easter Offering which will be for Kwasha Molye School in Zambia and Mosaic Services OR another organization of your choice. The “Coins for Lent” calendar can also be used as a means to count your blessings, as you follow the instructions to count the things in your house that we often take for granted: hats, light switches, boxes of cereal, pairs of shoes or t-shirts.
If you missed out on getting one, want to learn more, or would like to access the pdf to print your own, click on this link: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/coins-for-lent-2024
|  | You are invited to Coffee with Pastor Kim on Sunday, February 18 at 9:45 a.m. in the chapel room next to the office. Come for a breakfast treat, coffee or juice, and the chance to get better acquainted and ask any questions you might have about the church, the Christian faith, or whatever is on your mind. This is a great time to talk about baptism or church membership as well. You are welcome to drop in on Sunday, but if you have questions or know you plan to come, please email Pastor Kim at pastorkim@maplewoodumc.org | |  |
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Dear Friends,
What a gift it was last Sunday, to welcome our newest church baby, the young scouts (and their leaders) who prepared a delicious brunch for us, and the newest member of Maplewood UMC, Spencer Wilson! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
On Sunday the sermon series, Freed 2 Lead, ended, but I hope the impact of this series continues! If you received the handout “Opportunities for Spiritual Gift Practice,” last Sunday, I encourage you look at it and respond as you feel led. There are more forms available at the church if you need one. We are working toward providing the handout in digital format and hope to have that accomplished soon! Please know that this is a tool folks can use to discover possible next steps in growing and serving. It is NOT a signup sheet.
This coming Sunday, the first Sunday in Lent, we will begin a new series of sermons guided by our all-church study book, The Third Day: Living the Resurrection. Lent typically (and appropriately) is a season of self–examination, repentance and self-denial as we focus on Jesus’ suffering and death.
But Jesus’ story does not end with suffering and death. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. Author Tom Berlin writes, because of the resurrection “Jesus death is not an abrupt and wretched ending, but rather, the splendid light of a new beginning.” (p. ix, The Third Day)
Over the next six weeks leading up to Easter, we will talk about the ways we are invited to live into this new beginning, despite our struggles, sins, and doubt, with hope of forgiveness and new life that lasts forever.
This Sunday we will focus on Mary Magdalene, and the hope her story offers for us now. I encourage you to be part of worship this Sunday and every Sunday during Lent, as we reflect on what it means to be “Living the Resurrection.”
God’s grace and peace be with you,
Pastor Kim
p.s. I want to be sure to thank the members of the Nominations and Leadership Development Team who worked together to develop the additional resources for the Freed 2 Lead sermon series. These team members are available if you have questions or would like to discuss the “Opportunities for Spiritual Gift Practice” handout. Nominations and Leadership Development Team members include: Julia Schaffner, Colette Cummings, Lis Wall-Smith, Izzy Ward, Nancy Thompson, Maria Smith, Steve Findley, Barb Stanford, Cathy Vierse, Mike Plonka, and me, Pastor Kim.
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Lenten Study Groups begin this week and next week.
Lent, the approximately 6 weeks leading up to Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. This is a season during which some Christians choose to focus more intentionally on growing in their faith. Everyone is invited at Maplewood UMC to be part of an All Church Lenten focus which includes the invitation to commit to three things:
1. Spend time in prayer every day.
2. Attend worship every Sunday either in-person or online.
3. Commit to taking part in a weekly, 5 or 6-session small group discussion of the book “The Third Day.” And/or the learning sessions sponsored by LifewiseStL Urban Forum.
This year the worship services and small group discussions will be guided by the book, “The Third Day” which celebrates the power of the resurrection in the lives of people who knew Jesus during his ministry on earth and in our lives now! The book is available at the church as of this Sunday now at no cost. You are invited to sign up for the small group that best fits your schedule. The options are:
Tuesdays, 7 p.m., beginning February 20, led by Maverick Smith, ((662) 784-0043, maverick.smith1434@gmail.com) in person at the church. Sign up at this link: "The 3rd Day" Tuesday, 7 p.m. Discussion Group or at the easel at church
Thursdays, 2 p.m. beginning February 15 led by Pastor Kim, (314-651-9999, pastorkim@maplewoodumc.org) in person at the church; Sign up at this link: "The Third Day" Thursday, 2 p.m Discussion Group
or at the easel at church
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. beginning February 17, led by Mary Kunce, (314-283-6953, Mary.k@maplewoodumc.org) by zoom. Sign at this link "The 3rd Day" Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Discussion Group or at the easel at church. Here is the Zoom link for the group: Click Here
Sundays, 9:45 a.m. beginning February 18, in person with the Adult Conversation class, led by Rev. Steve Wall-Smith. 314) 369-7952, swallsmith@aol.com) Sign up at this link: "The 3rd Day" Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Discussion Group or at the easel at church.
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Safe Sanctuary Volunteers Needed for Choir Practice Childcare | |
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Our newest member, Spencer Wilson is already contributing to our church in many ways. One is in the choir. We are looking for Safe Sanctuary trained volunteers who would be willing to volunteer for childcare on an an occasional ongoing basis on Thursday from 7-8pm whenever Spencer needs childcare during choir practice. Our regular childcare workers are not available Thursday evenings. We would love it if Spencer could continue to attend choir rehearsal. And perhaps we have other potential choir members who would come if we provided childcare. If you are willing to support this ministry please contact Mary Kunce at 314-283-6953 or marykunce@yahoo.com.
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Learning Opportunity
“HOPE FOR TOMORROW”
Facing Gen Z's Mental Health Crisis
Saturday, MARCH 16, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (register by March 11)
IN-PERSON attendance preferred. Online attendance option is available.
Community UMC, 3301 West Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203
Join us on March 16 for a mental health training designed for NextGen leaders and volunteers. Together we’ll learn to navigate the mental health challenges Gen Z is facing and learn practical strategies for providing support. You’ll leave feeling equipped to face the mental health challenges you encounter in your ministry. Learn more and register at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/nextgen-mental-health-event-17567608?utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=netnews
The session will be led by Dr. Chinwé Williams, PhD, a board-certified and licensed professional counselor (LPC) who has worked in the area of counseling and education for almost 20 years. She has served as a college and high school counselor, group facilitator, executive coach, university professor, and currently works as a therapist and consultant in schools, ministry, and corporate work settings. Her expertise lies in the areas of anxiety management, trauma recovery, child, adolescent and young adult development, and wellness.
If you are interested in taking part in this event, whether or not you are a youth worker, please reach out to Pastor Kim (pastorkim@maplewoodumc.org) for assistance with the cost and the possibility of ride sharing.
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We thank Scout troop 362 for a great brunch | |
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**NEW DATES TO THE CALENDAR ARE IN GREEN
**Thursday, February 15
9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Second Time Around Shop
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "The Third Day" Book Study
4:30-5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
5:00-6:30 p.m. Community Unity Dinner
6:00 p.m. Praise Band Practice
6:00 p.m. Women's AA Group
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
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** Saturday, February 17
8:30 a.m. "The Third Day" Book Study
MRH Summer Camp Fair
10:30 a.m. - Women's AA Meeting
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
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**Sunday, February 18
9:00 a.m. Prayer
9:45 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Adult Discussion Group "Third Day" Book Study
9:50 a.m. Coffee with Pastor Kim
11:00 a.m - Worship - In-Person and
online Link: maplewoodumc.org
5:00 p.m. Scouts
***Monday, February 19
President's Day
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Community Unity Team Meeting
**Tuesday, February 20
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. Witnessing Whiteness Study
7:00 p.m. "The Third Day" Book Study
** Wednesday, February 21`
6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts
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**Thursday, February 22
9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Second Time Around Shop
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Third Day" Book Study
6:00 p.m. Praise Band Practice
6:00 p.m. Women's AA Group
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
To see the entire calendar - click below https://73855810.view-events.com
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Prayers for...
...for Sharon and Bill Housewright, the Housewright and O’Brien families as they mourn the death of Bill’s 32-year-old cousin: Sharon’s niece, Jenny; and Sharon’s dear friend.
...Sharon Housewright as she recovers from COVID
...Karen Raborn healing of hip issues
...Zambian government to provide vaccinations for Kwasha School children so they can reopen school during cholera epidemic.
...Rob Chandler’s Father, recovering from knee surgery
...Skip Reynolds's comfort and peace
...Pastor Kim for continued recovery from shoulder surgery
... Continuing prayers for Brian, Peg Chulick’s grandson, for continued healing as doctors adjust medications
...All the strife in Israel, Gaza and Ukraine
...Linda Vawter's sister, Shari, Continued guidance and healing from spinal fractures and headaches due to fall.
...Linda Vawter's nephew: Grateful for Allen’s physical maintenance following cardiac event and ask for continued healing.
Continuing prayers for ...
...Shay Blackwell - for relief of nerve pain and dizziness
... Nina Berry - for Chad to be happy and healthy.
...Jerry Chulick, health concerns.
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Thank you...
Betty Rhodes sends thanks to everyone for the card and flowers she received on her 65th birthday. We are thankful for your light and service among us.
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Maplewood Public Library will be holding their book club meetings at MUMC on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, through the end of this year. | |
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MUMC Kids
We had a great time at our Valentine's Day party last Sunday.
This week we will learn about Mary Magdalene and how she was a faithful friend to Jesus, and how important it is to be a faithful friend.
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DEADLINE for the church newsletter is MIDNIGHT EVERY TUESDAY; send articles to jbrx10@yahoo.com.
The Sunday morning worship bulletin will be sent via email at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday
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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 1 p.m.
Office Phone: 314-781-5902. Pastor Kim Shirar: 314-651-9999 Email: pastorkim@maplewoodumc.org
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