Potluck Luncheon will be held after worship this Sunday, September 3. Bring a dish and some ideas to discuss.

Saving Grace continues to meet on Saturday mornings, 10 – 11:30 a.m. from through September 30. Register by calling the church office 314-781-5902, on the church website: www.maplewoodumc.org or sign up on the easel at the rear of the sanctuary.

Calling all 3rd and 4th Grade Sunday Schoolers

Maplewood UMC typically gives 3rd or 4th graders a new Bible (a 'grown up') Bible with notes that are appropriate for this age.) The Bibles will be presented on September 17, during worship. After receiving their new Bibles, the children are invited to spend time with Pastor Kim to learn more about this amazing book. Click on the link on church Website to let us know if you would like for your child to receive a new Bible and if you would like your child to spend time with Pastor Kim learning about this book.. Please reach out to Brittany.l@maplewoodumc.org with any questions.

Small group discussion of On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion to begin

This 4-week study, led by Pastor Kim,will meet weekly on Tuesday, September 19 at 7 p.m.

Sign up on the app or website. maplewoodumc.org

A little bit about the book: “We are hungry for a sense of purpose, direction, and calling in our lives. That’s as basic an ingredient to the human experience as they come. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to participate in something that has eternal merit and lasting impact. We do not want to live a shallow, hollow existence. We yearn for deeper meaning, for deeper purpose within our lives. We want to be more than we are.

In On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion (the authors) help us see God's purpose for our lives, how to open ourselves to God's voice, and how to take the first or next step to follow God's call. Reading this book and exploring life choices alongside others, individuals will learn how to channel their passions, hear God’s voice, and live the life they were meant to live.”

Confirmation Info/Planning Meeting

Youth 7^th Grade or Older are invited

Sunday, September 17, 6 p.m.

Fellowship Hall. Families are welcome for dinner.



Youth, please bring a parent or adult with you who will support you during confirmation, your schedules and calendars, and your friends who might be interested.

RSVP by Wednesday, September 13 on the church app or at www.maplewoodumc.org.

Steven Wall-Smith is our guest preacher this Sunday.

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Wall-Smith retired from the New York Annual Conference in 2016, after 39 years under appointment. He served as associate, sole, and senior pastor of primarily smaller churches in rural, suburban, and inner city locations while pursuing a career as a college teacher and administrator. He also served 25 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve, which made good on its promise to let him "see the world" by sending hi at various times to Europe, Japan, Okinawa, Kuwait, and shipboard on the U.S.S. Enterprise and other vessels. He also tried his hand at teaching middle-school English, and while he will never be a first-year teacher again, he won't be a second-year teacher, either. 

He presently teaches a rotation of three graduate courses for Harrisburg University in Harrisburg, PA. and is a consulting training specialist for a military human resources company, Zeiders Enterprises, his employer since 2011.

Dr. Wall-Smith and his wife, Elisabeth (Lis) came to Maplewood from Union United Methodist Church, when it closed and have been active in the Adult Conversations class, Thanksgiving boxes, Caring Casseroles, and other ministries.

Note from Pastor Kim:

I will be on Study Leave from now until Saturday, September 16. During this time I will be not be at the church and will not be available by phone, text, or email. If you are in need of pastoral care, please reach out to Rev. Steve Wall-Smith at 314) 369-7952 or swallsmith@aol.com;

Kathy Schmid (314) 503-1101;

Mary Kunce (314) 283-6953; or from September 1 – September 15, Rev. Sharon Kichline at (314) 566-0332.

For other church matters or if you are unable to reach a pastoral care provider, reach out to Brittany Link at the office 314-781-5902 or by email: Brittany.l@maplewoodumc.org.

I am excited to share who is coming to preach on the Sundays I am away:

** Sunday, September 3: Rev. Steve Wall-Smith

**  Sunday, September 10: Scott Walker, the President and CEO of LifewiseSt

I will be praying for you and ask that you pray for me while I am on study leave.

Blessings,

Pastor Kim

Above picture is what remains of the Lahaina United Methodist Church in Maui. ... the building, not the people.