Newsletter, July 2008

Annual Conference Summary

The 2008 Session of the Missouri Annual Conference was held June 6-9 at the Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri. The Annual Conference was composed of approximately 1200 delegates; roughly ½ clergy and ½ laity. Rev. Jeff, Rev. Kim, Rev. Dr. Steve House, and Deb Spaulding were voting delegates. Ken Blackwood and Terri House were able to spend a few days at Conference with their spouses.

One of the major actions taken at this conference was the change in the way retired pastors and their surviving spouses are insured. Not so many years ago retired pastors and surviving spouses had their health insurance fully funded and provided by the Annual Conference. There were no premiums charged to them. When health costs began to skyrocket in the past 4-6 years, the conference began asking retirees/surviving spouses to voluntarily contribute $100 each month toward the cost of their health insurance. The conference Council on Finance and Administration announced this year that the cost of the conference continuing to provide health insurance free to retired pastors and surviving spouses had become a serious financial issue. They therefore offered a revised proposal to provide each retiree/surviving spouse $225 per month that they can apply toward the cost of their own purchased health insurance. The rationale: they reasoned that providing this amount for each retired person would still be considerably less expensive to the conference than the current system; and retirees could purchase health insurance that fit their own particular needs. A promise was also made and recorded in the conference minutes that the conference Council would assist in finding suitable insurance coverage for anyone who asked, and further, that the conference would pick up all or a portion of the monthly premium for those who could demonstrate financial hardship. There was considerable discussion of this issue on the floor of the Conference and in hallways between sessions, and many of the retirees who spoke expressed hurt that the conference had broken faith with them by reneging on all expense paid lifetime health insurance coverage.

This change in the funding of retiree health insurance resulted in a DECREASE in the 2009 Conference Budget of 5.2%

In other business:

All conference officers and committees were elected for the new 2008-2012 quadrennial.

The conference voted to ask that Bishop Robert Schnase be returned to Missouri for another 4 years.

Rev. Jimmy Cooper, son of Jim and Darlene Cooper, was commissioned as a Probationary Elder in the conference.

The conference health insurance program for active clergy and families will see a premium increase in 2009 that mirrors continued rising health care costs nationwide.

A Memorial Service of Remembrance for clergy who had died since last year’s conference was held, and included Rev. Moe Roney’s name. Norma and her three daughters were able to attend the beautiful memorial service.

Over $145,000 was raised by the conference to purchase over 500 PETS, which are specially designed three wheeled vehicles that are powered by hand in countries where many victims of landmines have lost legs or feet and been unable to get around to work or go to the market for basic essentials of life. This was the largest offering EVER received in the Missouri Annual Conference!

Additional funds were received for the Nothing But Nets program. For $10, an anti-malarial treated net can be purchased to be placed like a tent over a child’s bed in Africa. Malaria is the #1 cause of death to children on that continent, and can be so preventable with a simple $10 net!

Worship services were an awesome highlight of Conference, as were three special teaching sessions for the delegates.

Much more could be said, but at least you have a flavor of what occurred at YOUR Annual Conference. Feel free to speak to either of our pastors or Deb Spaulding to find out more.

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JULY’S OUTREACH FOCUS

is Our Lady’s Inn, a home for young women who need a place to stay during crisis pregnancies. It is located at 3607 Highway D in Defiance MO. Young women can escape abusive situations or other crises in their lives and stay there until they have their babies.

Upon entering Our Lady’s Inn, a woman must commit to a self-improvement program in which she agrees to have prenatal visits and practice good nutrition in which she’ll receive instruction. She must obtain a job or attend GED or other training which is available. She will receive career counseling, basic skills training, and parenting education. She will receive help in finding permanent housing which she will secure before leaving. Our Lady’s Inn also helps obtain and encourages adoption if that is what the mother desires. They also have a two year After-Care Program that allows families to be monitored to be sure they are getting the help they need to be a safe, happy, secure family.

Our Lady’s Inn is in need of financial support (specifically gas, supermarket, Wall Mart, and Target gift cards), volunteers, and prayers. To volunteer your time at Our Lady’s Inn, call 636-398-5375 and ask for Betsy Beaupalant. Friends of Our Lady’s Inn is a group of supporters who help financially and also set up fund-raising events. Our Lady’s Inn needs volunteers to:

Help keep storage rooms organized.

Help prepare meals.

Assist with childcare in its playroom.

Help with auction items and special events.

Assist with clerical and office work, including answering phones, filing, greeting visitors, and helping with bulk mail.

Make basic repairs in the building.

Help provide transportation, especially at Our Lady’s Inn-St. Charles.

Help pick up food donations (heavy lifting).

Other tasks which you might recognize as a need.

Most importantly — prayer!

You can check out Our Lady’s Inn at www.ourladysinn.org.

Remember when Jesus was confronted with a woman about to be stoned for immoral behavior, he asked those threatening violence to examine themselves and “let he who is without guilt cast the first stone.” In silence, they dropped their rocks and left. Jesus asked the woman to look around and see who was left to condemn her. When she answered that none were left, he said that he did not condemn her either. Let us follow his example of love, not judgment.

4TH ANNUAL CRAFTS AND COLLECTIBLES FAIR

We’ve begun to plan for Faith’s 4th Annual Crafts and Collectibles Fair! This year’s fair is set for November 1st. This is one of the biggest ways that Faith reaches out to the community each year. The craft fair brings in about 70 vendors, most of whom are not church members. Each vendor receives a packet with information about the fair, but also information about our church and a copy of the CD “The Invitation”, for the purpose of calling people to Christ. The fair also brings in shoppers, many of whom do not attend Faith. Each shopper receives information about and an invitation to our church. Other than the Thanksgiving Dinner, this is the largest outreach event that we have for our community.

Much of the organization has been done and documented from past fairs, but we will need team members to break down the fair into a series of manageable tasks. Some of the tasks that are needed include: contacting vendors; putting together information packets and contracts; design and distribution of fliers; publicity, publicity, and more publicity; food and bake sale planning; set up (which is a major activity!); and clean up.

If you are interested in being part of this team, opening our church to the community, and bringing people to Christ, contact Edith Grabbe (agrabbe1284@charter.net). Remember that the original disciples did not reach people until they left the Upper Room and went out to them. Our church needs to open its doors as well. You can make that happen!

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CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND ASPIRING ARTISTS

Help is needed for our Empty Bowl Dinner for OASIS Food Pantry. Faith is going to have an Empty Bowl Dinner in conjunction with the potato lunch for OASIS food pantry (see potato bake off). We need you budding artists out there to paint ceramic bowls that we will sell for $10 each at the dinner. Purchasers can use these bowls to eat with at the potato lunch and then take them home to treasure!

Those decorating will donate only the cost of the bowl and supplies (which we will find out shortly). You may donate and decorate as many bowls as you would like. Even if you are not interested in decorating, you can donate bowls for others to paint.

This is a great activity for families, youth, children, scout groups, seniors, and everyone in between! It’s just like a day at Painted Zebra except that you only have to go to our church, you are helping feed others, and you get the expert help of our resident artist, Laura Beth Gordon.

We’ll be decorating bowls on August 3rd after the 11 a.m. service in Rooms 206 and 210. Look for forms to buy bowls in church and donate your money before the 3rd so that we can purchase supplies. On the 3rd, bring a sack lunch and come ready to paint! If you wish to buy one or more of your bowls, you can do so at the dinner — we’ll reserve it/them. Remember the craftsmen and women who used their talents to outfit the tabernacle when the Israelites left Egypt. The Lord can use every talent you have and now it’s the artist’s turn to shine!

POTATO BAKE OFF LUNCH

On Sunday, August 24th, Faith will have a potato lunch to benefit OASIS food pantry, which is having to relocate or possibly buy the building it now rents. To do this, they need money. Most of the money they have now is used to purchase groceries that are lacking from their donations. They have asked churches to step up to the plate and help them with food donations so that they don’t have to spend so much on groceries.

They have asked Faith if they could donate boxes of potatoes. Lots of potatoes! On August 24th we’ll have a potato lunch to benefit OASIS following the 11 a.m. service. Terry Rodewald from OASIS will be here to talk about the mission. The Mission Team will have a potato bar with all the fixin’s. Now here’s your part. First, you can make bowls that will be sold at the dinner (see Empty Bowl Dinner). Secondly, you can bake your favorite potato dish and bring it to be shared with the potato bar and be judged at the potato bake off. Please bring the recipe too. Third (and most importantly), you can mark this date on your calendar and bring a box (or two or three) of instant mashed potatoes as your donation for lunch. In addition, you can listen to Mr. Rodewald and see how you can help OASIS or you can buy one of the bowls that our resident artisans have created for $10. Donations to OASIS will also be accepted.

Come be a part of this spud-tacular day and learn how you can fight hunger in St. Charles.

A Word From The Pastor

A newly retired couple signed up for a religion-based world tour, as a reward to themselves for their many years of hard work.

They were traveling in Korea and saw a field by the side of the road. In the field, a crude plow was being pulled by two teenaged boys while an older man directed it through the rice paddy. The husband thought this was a quaint scene so he took a couple of pictures with his digital camera.

Later he showed the picture to their interpreter and guide, a missionary from the area. “This was a curious scene,” the husband said. “I suppose this family is very poor.” “Yes” was the reply, “That is the Chi Park family. When the church was being built they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money, so they sold their plow ox and gave the money to the church. This spring, they are pulling the plow themselves.”

The husband and wife were silent for some minutes, then the wife said, “That was a real sacrifice.” “They did not call it that,” the missionary said. “They thought it was fortunate that they had an ox to sell.”

The two tourists did not have much to say, but when they returned home, they took the photograph to their church and told their pastor of the incident. “We want to double our pledge to the church,” they said. “And give us some plow work to do. We never knew what real sacrifice to the Lord meant. We are ashamed to say that we have never given anything to the church, or to God, that has cost us anything of any significance.”

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FESTIVAL OF SHARING

“Gathering Resources, Sending Hope”

The Festival of Sharing is an interfaith celebration and ingathering of mission resources. It is a cooperative response to hunger, poverty, and injustice throughout our state, our country, and the world, and seeks to address and to raise awareness of their root causes and to offer solutions. YOU can be a part of the Festival of Sharing!

Shop for Others!!!

Individuals, families, small groups and/or Sunday School classes can participate by purchasing one or more of the following kits for distribution locally or globally. Please buy only what is listed in the kits in the amounts requested; note sizes and numbers. Buy no more or no less. On August 31st, we will bring our donations to the altar as an offering which will be later taken to the Festival of Sharing for distribution to those in need.

Save the Date!!!

This year, we plan to send a team to Sedalia, Missouri, for the Festival celebration to be held the weekend of October 18th. This will be an outstanding opportunity for members of our church family to participate in hands-on, local mission work. Watch upcoming newsletters for details and place this on your calendar.

MISSOURI KITS

Used by shelters, crisis centers, and other ministries in Missouri

Readin’ & Writin’ Pac

(for children in Missouri)

6 new pencils with erasers
2” eraser
1 package of notebook filler paper
12” ruler
2 ink pens (medium point)

3-ring binder
3-hole pencil holder that fits inside the binder
1 box of 24 crayons
1 pair of child-sized metal scissors
2 folders with pockets and prongs

Place smaller items inside the pencil holder and secure it in the 3-ring binder. Place remaining items inside the back cover of the binder. Tie the binder closed with string or yarn.

Student Dental Kit

4-6 soft toothbrushes (include 2 child sized)a
*unopened packages; extra brushes are for family members

1 dental floss — any size
1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz. or more

Place items inside a 1 gallon zip lock bag.

Emergency Clean-Up Bucket

These kits enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a disaster here in the United States.

1 five-gallon bucket with resealable lid
5 scouring pads
7 sponges, assorted sizes
1 scrub brush
18 cleaning towels (reusable like Easy Wipes)
1 dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.
1 bottle liquid concentrated household cleaner (i.e. Lysol), 12 oz.
1 bottle liquid antibacterial dish soap (like Dawn), 25 oz.

Clothesline, two 50 ft or one 100 ft
50 clothes pins
5 dust masks
2 pairs latex gloves
1 pair work gloves
1 box heavy-duty trash bags, 22-27 count (33-45 gallon)
1 bottle insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol), 6-14 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials. Make sure lids on bottles are tightly closed. Put all items in the plastic bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Seal closed with lid.

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JULY COMMUNION OFFERING

- will go to the Hispanic Ministry. The Hispanic Ministry has challenged all congregations, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to become “centers of mission”. A process of congregational mobilization has been designed to assist local churches transform, renew, and formulate their vision, mission, and ministries. The process seeks to affect their whole being (life style, thought, structure, and programs) as people of God. The process of congregational mobilization includes these elements:

Training begins with the pastor at a retreat, then progresses with another retreat to orient and train local church leaders. Spiritual transformation is to be found in diverse activities and events, including worship, preaching, Bible studies, prayer, visitations, renewal, and evangelistic services.

NEVAEH?

Ever know anyone named Nevaeh? This increasingly popular name is “Heaven” spelled backward.

Nevaeh is a recent invention, appearing suddenly in 1999. That year, there were eight baby Nevaehs born in the United States. The next year, there were 86. Now the name is in the top 50 most popular baby girl names. Parents select Nevaeh because it has meaning, uniqueness, and star-connection.

Names during biblical times carried not just meaning but a hoped-for destiny. While the name “Jesus” was as common in that day as Michael, John, or David are today, the meaning was entirely uncommon for him. Jesus literally means “salvation” or “the Lord saves.”

No matter your given name, take pride in your label as a Christian. That name shows your true meaning and destiny.

—Adapted from Homiletics

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND

Noon
Bring a brown bag lunch
Paint a bowl for the
Empty Bowl Dinner

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH
Noon
EMPTY BOWL DINNER AND
POTATO BAKE OFF
(make your favorite potato dish)
Guest Speaker from OASIS

SHARING MAGAZINE

Extra copies of “Sharing” Magazine are on Jan Peery’s desk. “Sharing” is the official magazine of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician and is an interdenominational, international magazine of Christian healing, dedicated to the healing of body, soul, and spirit. Please stop by and take a copy. Bring the copy back and pick up another or share the magazine with someone else

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WORLD PREMIERE AT FAITH

On Sunday, July 6th, we will have a wonderful opportunity. The Sanctuary Choir will be performing the premiere of a song written by our own Rev. Steve House and arranged by Cheryl Purcell. The song was originally written following the September 11, 2001 tragedy and reminds us that our relationship with God as individuals and as a country is a two-way street. He is always there, but we have to make the effort to keep Him in our hearts and lives. Please come and hear, “America, Bless God” at the 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. services.

Housing Needed

We have made arrangements for the Ugandan Orphan’s Choir to perform a concert at Faith on Sunday, September 7th at 6:30 p.m. We are in need of housing for the children and their chaperones. If you would be able to open your heart and home to four or five people, please contact Cheryl Purcell as soon as possible. Hopefully everyone will be able to attend the concert to hear an exciting and energetic group of young people.

HYMN SING!

It’s not too late to choose your favorite hymns. Just fill out a form and drop it in the offering plate or take it to the office. We will try to sing everyone’s favorite this summer.

It is red for LOVE, and it is white for LAW, and it’s the blue for the HOPE that our forefathers saw of a larger liberty. Remember and be thankful for the freedom and liberties we cherish in America.

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This and That

Summer has just started and the grass keeps growing, especially with all the rain we’ve had so far this year. That’s where YOU can help — we need volunteers to take a turn at cutting the grass. Just think of all the fun you’ll have driving around in circles on the lawn mower! Well maybe not exactly fun, but your efforts will make the church grounds look especially nice. If you can help, please add your name to the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the Education Hall. Your work will be greatly appreciated by everyone.

From the Trustees . . .
Thank you to Reg and Connie Anderson for helping to make our sanctuary more handicapped accessible. They did a fantastic job shortening two pews and reworking the cushions so that we now have space for wheelchairs and for individuals who require additional space for walkers, oxygen tanks, etc. Several of our worshippers and those attending weddings have commented what a nice change it is. Thank you so much Reg and Connie!

To all the Faith family,
We just can’t thank you enough for all the prayers and cards. Your care and concern warms our hearts and gets us through the days. We appreciate all of you.

Love,

Debbie & Joe Langenhorst

CALLING ALL GRADUATES

Do you have a child who recently graduated from high school or college? If so, would you please let the office know where they graduated from and their future plans, i.e., college, work, traveling, nothing! We want to recognize them at a worship service in August. You can either email the information to the office at office@faithumcstcharles.com or give Sue a call.

Excerpts from letter received from Null School Book Fair Committee:

“This letter is in reference to the donation of books to Null Elementary School Book Fair Fundraiser. We would like to Thank You for letting all the members of your church know about our request in asking for Book Donations. There were many calls from people wanting to donate their books to Null Elementary Book Fair.

We would like to thank all the people who donated their books and magazines. We greatly appreciate all your help in making this happen.”

When we all help and give a little, everybody benefits in the end, the giver and the receiver. God bless you all.

To all the Faith family,
We just can’t thank you enough for all the prayers and cards. Your care and concern warms our hearts and gets us through the days. We appreciate all of you.

Love,

Debbie & Joe Langenhorst

Thank You

To the Trustees for purchasing a new mail box and moving it so we don’t have to stand in the middle of Droste to retrieve our mail each day. Seriously, it is so great to have the mail box near the front entrance and to know we don’t have to battle the elements, at least not to the extent we did before. Well done Trustees! And while we’re at it, the new security system is a God send, not only to the staff but to those who desire entrance to our church building. Thank you again Trustees.

CAMP!

A big thank you to those of you who donated to the camp fund for the youth of Faith who are going to church camp this summer. Hannah Connor attended Blue Mountain, June 23-28. Samantha Wyman and Clayton and Andrea Newburry will be going to Camp Galilee, July 14-19. Faith UMC paid half of the expenses for each of these youth. Each of these campers has been to church camp before and really appreciate the help so they can return for more good memories. Thank you Faith!

CALLING ALL CROSS STITCHERS
OR
CROSS STITCHER “WANT-A-BE’S

It is time to start thinking about Christmas presents for our shut ins. Please come on Sunday, July 27th, after the 11:00 a.m. service and share your ideas of projects we can do. We will also have projects to do and to learn on — yes, we will teach you how to cross stitch! If you are willing to help but unable to attend, please call Sue Gurley, 947-0790, and let her know. We will get patterns to you.

MAY FOOD PANTRY RESULTS

Thanks to all of you for your generosity! We collected 54 food items for Loaves and Fishes food pantry during the month of May.

Adult Movie Night!

Saturday, July 12th 6:00 p.m.
Rev Kim’s Home

See Rev Kim or Ken for directions and movie information!

Babies are arriving at a fast pace to our members’ families.

On June 8, 2008, Georgie Sarantakis and her husband became great grandparents. McKinley Ann Collins was born to their granddaughter Jessica and her husband Brian. McKinley weighed 7 pounds even and was 19-1/2 inches tall. Georgie says she’s beautiful! Congratulations to the happy family.

The next day, June 9, 2008, Addison Elizabeth Long was born at 2:33 p.m., weighing in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces, 20 inches tall. Addison is named after her two Grandmas, one of which is our own Addie Helling. Addison’s parents are Diane and Greg Long who were married last September by Rev. Kim.

Not to be outdone, Erin and Jimmy Cooper brought their son into the world on Thursday, June 19, 2008. Noah James weighed 7 lbs, 12 oz, and is 20 1/2 inches tall. Jimmy and Erin returned to the area just in time to give Jim and Darlene Cooper their new grandson. I think if you ask, Darlene just might have some pictures to share with you!

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FOCUS ON FAITH’S YOUTH

It’s hard to believe that June has slipped through our fingers and July is here! Last month, we had an awesome time on our trip to Florida. The beach was beautiful and the amusement parks were a ton of fun. We were entirely blessed to get this time away for renewal in ourselves, in one another, and most importantly in our walk with the Lord. Getting away allows us to take a new perspective and focus on things we may not always have the time to when we’re at home dealing with our day-to-day lives. What a gift this trip was.

We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate three seniors from our Youth Group on their graduations last month: Taylor Connor, Josh Whitmore, and Stephanie “City” Hall celebrated this wonderful accomplishment. We are so very proud of all of them and are confident that amazing things are waiting for them in their futures. They have all been a big part of our Youth Group and we will miss them a ton. Good luck in all your endeavors you guys — we love you and we’ll always be here cheering you on!

Also, on a sadder note, Kip and LuAnn Connor will be stepping down as Youth Counselors this year. After 10 plus years serving our youth here at Faith, they have made that tough decision to move on and serve in other ways. They are currently children’s Sunday School teaches and Small Group leaders. Wherever God uses them, rest assured they bless our church and His kingdom! There truly just aren’t words to tell them what they mean to us and how much they will be missed. Kip and Lu, just know that you are so very loved and your gifts to this group will always be remembered and cherished. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Coming up in August, we will again be working at the Festival of the Little Hills providing ice service. If you’d like to help, let us know.

Kyle and Jenni Dooley

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JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE COMING UP

Deb Spaulding is one of the Missouri Conference voting delegates to this year’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference to be held in July in Dallas TX.

The primary purpose of this conference is to elect and assign/reassign Bishops to the Annyual Conferences within the Jurisdiction which is composed of: Missouri, Kansas East and West, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Texas, Texas, Central Texas, Northwest Texas, Southwest Texas. Four new Bishops will be elected and assigned, some bishops will retire, some will move to new Areas, and others will be reassigned to the same Area they’ve been serving.

Rev Jeff will be traveling with Deb as an “observer”.

PRINCE CASPIAN”

July 20th
Church Trip to see the movie at a local theater.

See Jan Peery for more information.

Wednesdays - Family Activity

July 23rd—August 13th, 6:30 p.m.

Discussion of the book and movie, “Prince Caspian” and its religious significance.

BOOKWORMS

July 13th, Noon
“The Persian Pickle Club” See Nancy Laufer for

A letter a dad received from his college-age son:

Dear Dad,
School i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can’t think of anything I need. $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to her from you.

Love, Your $on

Dad’s reply:

Dear Son,

I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.

Love, Dad

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S CORNER

GETTING TO KNOW THE SUSANNAH WESLEY CIRCLE

Susannah Wesley Circle was founded in 1978. One of the founding members, Dorothy Miller, is still an active and vital member today. For nearly 30 years we have sponsored a foster child through Amer-Haitian BonZ’Ami and the House of Hope in Haiti. In fact we have sponsored several children from the age of 4 years to 18 years at which time they are prepared to enter the work force or higher education. With the money sent each month, the child is provided with housing, food and vitamins, immunizations, clothing, and education. We also provide extra money and/or gifts for birthdays and Christmas. We have actively supported the Festival of Sharing with the making of layettes each year have participated at Kingdom House with setting up their Christmas Store, and with White Gift Sunday for many years.

Susannah Wesley meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., either at the church or in members’ homes. The next meeting will be our summer potluck salad supper, July 28th, at the home of our president, Betsy Farmer. If you have any questions about the circle, please call Betsy Farmer, Dorothy Miller, or Sylvia Dollins.

July Circle Meetings: July 13th, Abigail Circle meets at 4:30 p.m. at the church.; July 27th, Board meeting after 11:00 a.m. service at church.; Agenda: Unit Meeting, budget for 2009, nominations
“Early Reminder”: August 3rd, Unit Meeting, 12:15, Fellowship Hall; Nadine Circle is Hostess and program; “Favorite Teacher Salute”; Bring school supplies for local children (Watch for Back-to-School sales)

Social Action: Continue to bring those reusable items from home and work. Leave them by the West Entrance. All items are taken to Leftovers, Etc. What do they take? Lists are in the ABC envelope on the front hall bulletin board. Stop by the Leftovers store on your way to a movie this summer. It is near Wehrenberg Theatres off highway 94. They sell single items or pay to fill a bag with all kind of items you can reuse!

On June 7th, Rev Kim was busy dodging tornadoes as she was making a mad dash from Springfield MO back to St. Charles for the wedding rehearsals of two of our members. But on June 8th it was all worth it when she performed the wedding of two of our members.

Susan Lyons and Brandon Selfridge were united in marriage by Rev. Kim at First UMC in St. Charles. The bride’s happy parents are Pat and Eileen Lyons. Susan and Brandon reside in State College PA.

Later in the day, Ashley McIntosh and Tim Kennedy were united in marriage at Faith UMC by Rev. Kim. Ashley’s parents are Tim and Lisa Wyman and her grandfather is Jim McIntosh. Tim and Lisa reside at 2106 Woodale Lane, St. Peters MO 63376-4347.

Congratulations to both couples and may you have many years of happiness together as husband and wife.

Golden 55'ers

Thanks to Mary and Howard Hauser for starting our summer off with great BBQ sandwiches at the June lunch. The 55ers will take a break in July. Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, August 7th. The lunch speakers will be Mary and Becky Crawford who will tell their experiences of living in Saudi Arabia.

Remember, no meeting in July.

Sylvia Gerdemann who has been a member of Faith UMC for 40 years went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. Her service was held on Sunday, June 22nd at Baue Funeral Home. Sylvia and her husband, Gene, were the first Stephen Ministers trained at Faith UMC. Also, both have been active in several organizations in the church. Her caring ways and smile will be missed. Please keep her family in your hearts and prayers.

Our Heart Felt Sympathy to the family of Pauline Boucher who passed away on June 17, 2008. Her service was held at the church on Saturday, June 21st. Pauline was a long time member of Faith, having joined in 1975. Please remember her family in your prayers.

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PRAYER REQUESTS

We believe we are called to pray for one another and in doing this we rely on the prayer requests completed and turned in at our Sunday morning services. However, we have noticed that more and more of these requests have not been signed by the individual making the request even though it is required by the form. In order to comply with HIPPA, you MUST sign any prayer request you make which signifies that you have the authority to make the request. Several years ago, Congress pass the HIPPA Act in order to protect everyone’s privacy. You may run into this at your doctor’s office when they have you sign a notice signifying who can have access to your medical information. Please remember to sign the prayer requests and to update them if you want them to remain on the prayer list longer than two weeks. Starting July 1st, unsigned requests cannot be announced or added to the staff prayer list for privacy reasons. They will, however, be included on the pastors’ prayer list. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please give the office a call.

Happy Birthday to . . . Those that have birthdays this month, all 29 of them.

METHODIST HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE

The foundation is in and the rest of the work continues. After a few “set-backs” with the weather, we are now starting on the walls and framing. We are working every other weekend and anyone that can work on the week days (Wednesday — Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.) is encouraged to come out, no sign up needed. The remaining schedule is as follows:

: July 12th — 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Lunch is being prepared by the Sojourners Sunday School class); July 19th — 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; July 26th — 7:45 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.

Four people are needed each day. There are several jobs to do — big, small, tool monitors, cleanup, etc., so ANYONE can come out to help. Even if you don’t know much about construction, there is still a lot you can do. If interested in working, please give Bill H. a call.

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Faith United Methodist Church

Newsletter: Issue 68, July 2008